The Dreams

Dream 200

My friend “S” told me that the agricultural reform laws had hurt his father so gravely that he might collapse mentally — and he wanted to meet the Minister of Finance. “I have chosen you,” my friend confided, “to impersonate the minister, because you are my dearest chum.”

I found the great estate owner in a mournful state. “Your Excellency the Pasha,” he welcomed me, “are you really going to confiscate our lands?”

I denied every word, saying these were but rumors meant to win the hearts of the masses. As we left the man’s mansion, my friend thanked me profusely, drying his tears.

“All society’s progress comes at a price,” I said consolingly. “And don’t forget that you were one of those who called for socialism,” I added.

“Writing is one thing,” he protested sharply, “but actually applying it is something else completely.”