Love and Bread - Author - Auguste Strindberg
Love and Bread - Author - Auguste Strindberg
When Assistant Councilor Gustafu Fachne proposed his marriage to Louis's father, the old father's first question was - How much do you make?"
"Can't do more than a hundred kronor, but Louis..."
"But—weakin' nothing," said Louie's father, interrupting—"You don't have enough income!"
"Ahh! But how much she loves me! I love him more than my life too! How much we both trust each other!"
"It is possible. Anyway, is 200 kronor your entire annual income?"
“We were first acquainted in Lidingo!”
"Do you have any upper income other than the government salary?" Louis' father asked emphatically.
"Yes. .well...we think this is enough for both of us. And then see our love amongst ourselves…!”
"So that's all right, but tell me clearly some calculations." "Oh, is that so!" The eager lover said – “I can make a lot by doing some overhead work!”
"What what? And for how much?"
“I can teach French, and I can translate. And then I can generate something even from proof reading.'
"How many can you translate?" Taking the pencil in his hand, the old man asked! "I can't say for sure, but at the moment I'm translating a French book with ten kronor féurme."
"How many firms are there in the whole book?"
"That's what a few dozen should say."
"Absolutely right! Guess this total happened to be 250 kronor. What else is there other than that?"
"Oops! I can't say Something's not quite right."
"Isn't it all right? -And you want to get married? Oh baby!
Looks like you don't know what marriage is!
Got it!
Do you know that you will have children, they will have to be fed, clothed, taught... and don't know what else will have to be done for them?"
“But… but,” said Falke, protestingly, “children can be late – and… and we love that…!”
"That babies are sure to be born early, that's why!" Then after a pause, Louis' father began to say-
“I think both of you are bent on getting married – no doubt about that and that is fine – but tell me what do you like about each other? Because I feel that I will have to give permission for your marriage now, it is better to work on the time you spend sitting with Louis and create something."
With this approval of the old man, the young man was very happy and he kissed his hands with great respect and reverence! God only knows how happy he was at that time - and his lousy - oh she didn't even get puffed up.
In the evening when they went for a walk together hand in hand, what a beautiful pride they felt and a strange glow was blooming on their faces!
Now he started coming to meet her in the evening.
Along with him he used to bring printed papers, which he would have corrected the proof of.
This had a great effect on Papa, and Louis also thought she would kiss him considering how hard he worked for me! But one day in the evening, he went to the theater with the need of a little entertainment; When he returned from there, he was in a sikram.
The whole ten kronor was spent in all this. Similarly, for many more days in the evening, he did not go to tuition and went out for a walk with Louis.
As the wedding day drew near, the worry of decorating their home used to ride on them. So some essential things also had to be bought. He bought a nice bed, which also had springy cushions, nice sheets, pillows and mosquito nets. But Louis needs a blue silk cover. because his hair was yellowish-golden. So that too was bought. In addition, he bought a lamp with a red shade; He bought a Chinese statue of Venus*, and took a table, which included knives, knives, forks, and a fine set of glassware.
Louis took his mother's advice and help in buying utensils for the kitchen. So in this way the poor assistant councilor was in his nose - running from here to there looking for a house; looks after the work of the artisans; Whether all the furniture arrived or not, it would keep the news; Wrote the check - Oops, what did the poor thing not have to do!
And in the meantime it is only natural that Gustafu could not produce anything. He thought that once they get married, then everything will be fine. Will be very economical. First of all, you will take only a small house.
And then the truth is that the decoration of a small house is done well and easily in comparison to the big house; So so they rented a house on the first floor for 600 kronor, which had two rooms, a kitchen and a closet for commodities. At first Louis thought that three rooms with open ceilings would be fine! Then he thought, "Uh, what happens when we love each other so much?"
After all, the rooms were decorated properly. In the sleeping room, two beds were standing as if the wheels of a chariot were on the journey of Rathjivan! The blue-blue covers, the white milk-bed sheets, the pillowcases of pillows embroidered with vine-boots - all looked very happy lying scattered. Louis' pawns worth 200 kroner were kept in another room. The other room was also for sitting, eating and reading.
It had a large and fine writing table and a dining table with matching chairs; A large gilt-framed mirror, a sofa and a bookcase added to the beauty of the whole room as if it were filled with great pleasure and comfort.
The wedding took place on a Saturday night and on the second day on Sunday, the husband and wife were asleep for a long time! Gustafu got up first, although the bright sun was coming through the windows of the doors, yet he did not open the doors, but instead lit the red-shaded lamp, in whose light the Chinese image of Venus lit up with a mysterious aura The tax blossomed. Tript and Alsai brothers were also lying nearby. She had slept very sweetly, and since it was a Sunday, the street was not filled with the hustle and bustle of the upholstery carts that woke her up every day.
And after a while the sweet bell of the Church tones! Tons! It started ringing, as if congratulating on the auspicious occasion of creation of beauty arising out of soft union of man and woman.
Louis turned around. Gustafu went behind the scenes to get dressed, from where he then went on to order the preparation of food in the kitchen.
The new vessels of copper and tin, oh how dazzlingly, were sparkling! - and all this belonged to him - and of his beloved wife! He told the cook, “Go to the nearby restaurants and tell them to send food for two at the right time.”
The owner of the restaurant already knew about Gustaf and Louis's marriage and had already received the order the day before to prepare the food. Today he was just waiting to get the information.
Thereupon the bridegroom came back again to the entrance of the dormitory and slowly knocked on the doors and said - "Can I come in!"
A slight squeak was heard and then - "Hey dear, just wait a bit!"
Meanwhile, Gustaf picks up the table; Puts a white cloth tablecloth on it and decorates it with mirrors and Chinese utensils, knives, knives and forks-everything.
As soon as Louis entered the room, the silver rays of the sun greeted him with kisses on his cheeks and golden hair. But she was still tired; So Gustaf made him sit on the comfy chair with his arms folded and moved the comfy chair (it had wheels) to the table. Then Louis tasted a little wine, which made him conscious.
“Just imagine what if her mother came to know that my daughter is a drinker! Once married, it can be done - one of the advantages of getting married is that there are many things to do not to do. The new husband takes care of every little convenience, little bit of comfort of his new wife. What a pleasure it is! It is true that even in my young age, I ate great feasts, but did I get pleasure from them? - Nothing at all!” - This
All kinds of things Gustaf was thinking with his lips in the beer glass. - "And how these bachelors are also empty-minded - idiots! Oh don't want to get married - that's also a good thing. And how selfish are these people! These people should be taxed in my opinion, just like dogs are taxed.
But Louis is not so fanatical in his views. She conveniently and sweetly insists that those Vichare who do not marry are worthy of mercy. If he was able to marry, he would never have been a bachelor.
Gustaf has a slight tightness in his heart - yes - but happiness does not come from money. No-no, but-but-well, never mind, in a few days a lot of work will be done and then everything will work fine! And right now he is eating some fine food. - Nuts - sweets and wine!
Louis gets apprehensive and asks hesitantly, "Can we live like this forever?"
And in reply Gustaf would pour some more wine into her glass - "Oh you're so crazy Louis! Don't be afraid! Such a day does not come every day, my Louis - life is so beautiful - and if she gets the opportunity to enjoy this beauty - she should not be missed!”
It is six o'clock in the evening and a magnificent fitton with two horses stands at their door. In the matter of talk, they used to eat air on it! Louis and Gustaf sit comfortably on the seat.
He feels great happiness when acquaintances and friends find him on his way, and greet him with great surprise and envy! “This assistant councilor has got good things in his hands, one is Bibi Mili and the one who has money from above” – and he must have thought, “And we poor people have to walk on foot collecting dust! How much fun it must be to ride on a horse-drawn carriage, sit on the velvet padded seats and walk away without the slightest trouble-without any effort! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
This horse-cart is a symbol of a happy married life.
So in this way their first month was spent only in raas-rang, dance-tamashas and feasts; Yet the time they spent at home would have been the most enjoyable!
At night, Gesta would have found a strange kind of pleasure in bringing Louis from his father-in-law's house. After returning home, he used to sleep whatever he wanted. Cooking a little food, then eating and drinking for several nights, Gustaf was always in favor of spending less—at least he thought so, though in practice he was shown to have acted against it. There didn't seem to be any trouble. One day the new bride and the cook together made a vegetable by adding boiled potatoes to the roasted fish.
But she did not like Gustaf. When one day again Louis prepared the vegetables there, then he went to the market and bought a couple of half kronor and thought that I had struck a very cheap deal - but when he got home, Louis said the opposite thing. He said - "You have come thug" - and then eating prey is a waste of money. Then Louis wondered how it would be possible to oppose the husband for such a trivial matter? A few months later, Louis Falk's health deteriorated.
But what was the matter, no one could understand.
Did it get cold?
Could something sour in brass or copper vessels have been poisoned by mistake, and Louis may have eaten it. The doctor was called to see Louis, after a thorough examination he said "Nothing is sick!" - and laughed out loud. But Louis was so sick!
Perhaps there was a number in the paper of the wall and it was blown into the stomach by its breath in the air, so Gustafu took some of the paper off the wall and took it to a chemist and he said to analyze it properly! And the scientific analyst of Chemist declared that this paper does not contain any poisonous substance of any kind.
Louis' illness was not receding.
Started reading books and he found Louis' disease book and doctor. He just started treating himself; His waist was washed and within a month - his condition improved - oh all this did not happen suddenly - so soon it will happen - even papa and uncle would not have thought of this!
log what would make them not happy! And the child who will be there, that boy will definitely be there - there can be no doubt about that too!
Then it's important to think of her name from now on, too - Louis thought of all this and swelled with joy, but he also thought about what the expenses would be?
And said to the husband - "Look, you have not made any effort to increase your income so far, and whatever you are earning at the moment, your work is still not complete. It is okay that till now we have been living with a lot of fanfare, but I think now we have to reduce the expenses a little and then only the work can go well.”
The very next day the assistant councilor went to a friend of his barrister to borrow money on a promissory note, Gustafu explained to his friend how many important expenses were on his head!
"Yes," said the barrister, admitting, "that's right! Getting married and raising a family is a very expensive business! Gustaf's Haya did not like to be further pleased to hear that I could never enter this business. When he returned home empty handed, he got the news - "Some two unknown men used to ask you?"
"No, no; They were only a few tough soldiers like soldiers, they were quite mature people!”
"Oh then there will be my Uppsala's friends! Must have come after hearing about my marriage.
"Nowhere" - the servant interrupted in the middle - "" they were not upsala; Bey was here with sticks and sticks! We didn't understand anything! But they have said that we will come back now!!'
Gustaf again went to the market and this time bought raspberries. Coming home, he said bouncing - just think right Louis, so many raspberries in just one and a half kronor and then, when the weather is not there! What a great deal, isn't it?"
"Okay then! Even if a camel is sold, it is expensive, when there is no money nearby; Tell me, can we tolerate these wasteful expenses?
"Dear! Doesn't care. I've found some other work!"
"But what debt do we have on us?"
"Debt? So what? I am arranging to repay it by taking some more money!
"Hi!" Louis exclaimed compassionately, "'Then won't we have another new debt on our heads?"
"Even if it happens, what happened! One place will get rid of it. But why do you perpetuate these disturbing things? What wonderful raspberries, and how much fun would a glass of sherry* put on them!—you know?
And having said this, Gustaf ordered the servant "Go get a bottle of Sherry right away - the best one!"
When Louis woke up at the third o'clock that day, he again raised the question of debt. She thought that whatever she was going to say,
Gustafu would not be offended by that. He can't be angry! Then did she want some money for the house?
Louis understood - “The money of the grocer has not been given, the meat seller used to threaten, and that fitman also says that settle the account!”
"Bus !" The Assistant Councilor said - "That's all! Hey, I'll pay them off tomorrow only! But we should think about something else too. Will you go for a walk in the park tonight?
But will not walk on fiton. Only a tram can do the job!”
And evening came. They went to the park and ate at the Alhambra restaurant. Gustaf had a lot of fun there, because the other people sitting around were thinking of them as new thoughtless lovers! But the idea didn't appeal to Louis, and especially when he saw Bill! "Oh dear! That's when we could have great food at home!” - she even cried softly.
So one after the other eight months came to an end! The ninth month came - clothes were needed for the child - a hammock was needed, and many more things were needed!
Gustaf had to face great difficulties in managing the expenses. The grocer and the sis stopped lending - because they too have wives and children, who are as important to feed and to dress as it is necessary for Gustafu to meet the essential needs of his family. Oops what a charm this is!
At last that auspicious day also arrived.
Born girl.
A nurse was also necessary to raise him, and when he would feed that newborn daughter in his lap, he would likewise run and pacify the voices and screams of a creditor by pleading with glee!
New expenses kept arising every day, and that was their burden. It was being pitched down badly.
There is no doubt that he got the job of doing some translation, but how could he do that work successfully?
When he had to face different kinds of problems on every piece. In this predicament, Gustaf asks his father-in-law for help, but he answers him very rudely - "I will help you this time, but I will never again! Whatever little I have left is not enough for me! And then you are not alone for me."
Well, then somehow the work went on with the help of father-in-law. Good food was necessary for the mother, not only the chicks and fine wine; And the nurse hired for the child also had to pay a salary.
Well, luckily, Louis was fine again. When her first beauty and shape returned, then one day the father-in-law again said to the son-in-law - "If you do not want to be ruined, then don't try anymore for the children!"
Yet for a few days the small family of Gustafu Fach grew up on love and debt; But how long would it last? One day, bankruptcy came and grabbed my throat!
It was time to climb the attachment of the furnishings of the house. Then one day Louis's father came and went with both mother and daughter.
Sitting in the sikram, the old man did not fail to say - "I lent my daughter to a man who took her respect and returned her after a year!"
Louis lived happily with Gustaf, but there was not even a grain of pride for his stomach!
He was left alone.
One day, Kurkul Amin—the same people with sticks—came and took away even the kitchen utensils from his house! There was not a single penny left in the house, neither a glass of water to drink, nor a broken cot to lie on, nor a torn bed! Gustafu's real life had now begun.
He had somehow shifted the place of proofready in a daily newspaper, where he had to work for eight-eight ten-ten hours a night. He still had a government job, though progress had stalled - not because he had been declared bankrupt.
The father-in-law took such pity on him that he allowed him to visit his wife and daughter on Sunday, but not for a moment did he allow Louis to be alone with Gustaf!
When he used to go to his newspaper office in the evening, they would come to escort him to the door and he would leave with his trampled-dead self-esteem.
It is possible for Gustaf to take twenty years to take off the whole burden, and then - yes, then?
Will he then be able to feed his daughter-in-law and daughter? Probably not and if unfortunately his old father-in-law gets away in the meantime, then they will all be without a home! So he should also be grateful to his old father-in-law with a cruel heart who so ruthlessly took away all his human happiness from him!
Yes - and human life itself has become so harsh and ugly today.
Animals who plow in the field can easily survive, but man is the only creature in the whole creation, who needs to work hard to fill his stomach! What a shame!
And this shame is crying out and asking, why in this life every person does not get to eat nuts and sweets? - Oh why bread is not available?