And when you do not see your place, and are unable to appraise your own value, it seems that you are the only, the inimitable cucumber on the face of the earth, and that no one can measure, no one can fathom your worth, and that all are eager only to eat you up.
After a while you'll find out that the hearts in other people's breasts are no worse than a good part of your own heart, and you'll begin to feel better.

And somewhat ashamed, too! Why should you climb up to the belfry tower, when your bell is so small that it can't be heard in the great peal of the holiday bells?
Moreover, you'll see that in chorus the sound of your bell will be heard, too, but by itself the old church bells will drown it in their rumble as a fly is drowned in oil.
Do you understand what I am saying ?" "Maybe I understand," Nikolay said, nodding his head.

"Only I don't believe it." The Little Russian broke into a laugh, jumped to his feet, and began to run noisily up and down the room.
"I didn't believe it either.

Ah, you--wagonload!" "Why a wagonload ?" Nikolay asked with a sad smile, looking at the Little Russian.
"Because there's a resemblance!" Suddenly Nikolay broke into a loud guffaw, his mouth opening wide.
"What is it ?" the Little Russian asked in surprise, stopping in front of him.
"It struck me that he'd be a fool who'd want to insult you!" Nikolay declared, shaking his head.
"Why, how can you insult me ?" asked the Little Russian, shrugging his shoulders.
"I don't know," said Vyesovshchikov, grinning good-naturedly or perhaps condescendingly.

"I only wanted to say that a man must feel mighty ashamed of himself after he'd insulted you." "There now! See where you got to!" laughed the Little Russian.
"Andriusha!" the mother called from the kitchen.