Easy as it was to mow the wet, soft grass, it was hard work going up and down the steep sides of the ravine.

But this did not trouble the old man.

Swinging his scythe just as ever, and moving his feet in their big, plaited shoes with firm, little steps, he climbed slowly up the steep place, and though his breeches hanging out below his smock, and his whole frame trembled with effort, he did not miss one blade of grass or one mushroom on his way, and kept making jokes with the peasants and Levin.