The Human Stupidity, by Ion Creangă (1874)

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There was a time, when it was, that if it weren’t, it wouldn’t be told. We haven’t been since the stories, but we’ve been there for about two or three days, since the flea was shod with ninety-nine iron goats … Read More

Prince Charming from the Tear (Făt-Frumos din lacrimă), by Mihai Eminescu

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(Excerpt) In ancient times, when people, as they are today, were only in the germs of the future, when God was still treading with his holy feet the stony deserts of the earth, – in ancient times lived a thoughtful … Read More

XII. LAST FRIEND

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One day last summer, about the month of June, Claire and her mother were working in the living room, while I was perched in my usual place, on the shoulder of the girl, where I played with her coiffure and … Read More

XI. INGRATE AND COWARD

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The Blackbird, using his strength at my instigation, drove out this denatured father from our quarter: we were rid of this sad household and peace reigned again around us. Our children were visibly growing; their kindness was extreme; already they … Read More

X. HOUSEHOLDS ON HOUSEHOLDS

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I was never happier than in this blessed garden of heaven. Abundance of possessions, profound peace, charming relations with the highest sparrows of the capital, was it necessary more for my fate to be worthy of envy? Alas! yes, I … Read More

IX. TOO HAPPY

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Give! so that God who endows families, Give your sons strength and grace to your daughters; So that your vine always has a sweet fruit; So that a more mature wheat bends your barns; In order to be better; in … Read More

VIII. DISCOURAGEMENT

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I had gone heartbroken, despite the carelessness and proverbial gaiety of my character. I could not overcome my pain, for the sorrow I felt was of a different nature from all those who had overwhelmed me to this day. My … Read More

VII. O MISFORTUNE, BE WELCOME, IF YOU COME ALONE!

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When it’s snowing in the cold, When the wind whips the roofs; When under the feet the ice screams, The tree complains and the bird prays: “My God, do not leave us “During the winter and its frost!” (Regensburg). It … Read More

THE UNKNOWN PEOPLES

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Hello, crowned woods with rest of greenery! Yellowing foliage on scattered lawns! Hello! last beautiful days! The mourning of nature Suitable for my pain and pleases to my looks! (Lamartine.) I was eager to escape the theater of my irreparable … Read More

THE GREAT HEATHLANDS

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Everyone says he is a friend; but crazy who rests there. Nothing is more common than this name, Nothing is more rare than the thing. (La Fontaine.) Decidedly misfortune presided over my destiny. It was written that I had to … Read More

THE BIRD OF THE GOOD GOD

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From my hole, I had followed this scene, not without a secret satisfaction to see this misadventure melt on a persecutor of the little birds; but this first movement of vengeance passed, I began to think and realized that my … Read More

THE ELECTION OF THE KING OF BIRDS

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No animal, no being and no creature Who does not have its opposite: it is the law of nature. To look for the reason, they are superfluous care. God did well what he did, and I do not know more … Read More

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