The Snowstorm
Yoel Chayim
Ha, ha! Was nodding a bit, so she fell into the sieve. (She hands the bottle to him.) That’s good, my child. Bring over a glass, too, the little one—that’s the one. Will you have a sip, too?
Pesele
I’m afraid it will make me drunk.
Yoel Chayim (saying the blessing over the brandy)
“Blessed art Thou, God, Lord of the Universe, who calleth everything into existence through Thy word.” Ha—another year and you’ll be a bride. In another year you will be sixteen. Did you know it?
Pesele
Give me a little bit.
Yoel Chayim
Say the grace.
Pesele
I did already. (She drinks.) Ah, I feel warmer.
Yoel Chayim
I’ll take another glassful. You’ve had enough.
Pesele
Oh, my head’s turning!
Yoel Chayim
Lively doings in the village tonight.
Pesele
But I wouldn’t leave you alone.
Yoel Chayim
You did quite right. It isn’t right to leave such an old grandfather all alone.
87
