The River Plays

Because of continuous rains, the Vetluga River overflowed and became wild. The local ferryman Tyulin—always hungover—stares at his boat and thinks about what might carry it away and that he ought to pull it out, but he doesn’t move from the spot. Across the river, people gather and start calling for the ferryman, but he doesn’t pay attention even with one ear. Finally, after some time, everyone loads up onto the wooden ferry. The raging river sweeps him up and carries him off. Tyulin, thrown back into his element, changes. Now he’s a sturdy, healthy man who knows his trade and, even in the most critical situation, doesn’t lose his self-control…