If they wish to separate from you, they will take some land from you.

You must take at least four.

The old wives there who have little children cannot take shares according to the number of souls." "He is a rich muzhik!" says a voice in the crowd.

"Lay on him five souls!" (that is to say, give him five shares of the land and of the burdens).
"Five souls I cannot! By God, I cannot!" "Very well, you shall have four," says the leading spirit to Ivan; and then, turning to the crowd, inquires, "Shall it be so ?" "Four! four!" murmurs the crowd; and the question is settled.
Next comes one of the old wives just referred to.

Her husband is a permanent invalid, and she has three little boys, only one of whom is old enough for field labour.