Page:The Kobzar of the Ukraine.pdf/51

He's almost grown within a year,
But yet he'll need more care, I fear."

"Truly he'll need care,
And now, praise God, I've done my share.
My knees are failing, so now
You poor thing, tell us your wage,
It is by the year or how?"

"What ever you like to give."

"No, no, it's needful to know,
It's needful, my daughter,
to count one's wage.
This you must learn, count what you earn.
This is the proverb—
Who counts not his money
Hasn't got any.
But, child, how will this do?
You don't know us,
We don't know you.
You'll stay with us a few days.
Get acquainted with our ways;
We'll see you day by day,
Bye and bye we'll talk of pay.
Is it so, daughter?"

"Very good, uncle."

"We invite you into the house."

And so they to agreement came.
The young woman seemed always the same.