It’s obvious a skirt’ll lead a man further than a dog after bacon, for the dog’s more likely to hang back! And an old man’s easier than a young’un. He’s greedier and it’s harder for him to seek his pleasures in other folk’s cottages. Go right ahead, you’ll soon be thanking me! And as for the tittle tattle about you and Antek, don’t you take it to heart. You could be pure as the first snowfall and they’d spy some soot! That’s the way the world’s disposed – if you give in they won’t let you even wag your finger, but if you don’t give two hoots what they’re saying, if you stand firm and proud, you can do whatever you please! You’ll not hear a squeak against you and they’ll fawn like puppies. The whole world belongs to the strong, to the tough and stubborn!
Władysław Reymont, “The Peasants”, 1909
Photo: R. Kennedy Stephen
