5. Tramps--the Seated Figure is the Original of Luka 6. A Page from Gorki's Last Work 7. The Bare-footed Brigade on the Volga-Quay, at Nijni Novgorod 8. Love-Scene between Polja and Nil, Act 3 of "The Bezemenovs" 9. Gambling-Scene, Act 2 of "The Doss-house" 10. A Confabulation, Act 2 of "The Doss-house" 11. Concluding Scene, Act 3 of "The Doss-house" 12. The Actor, in "The Doss-house" 13. Vasilissa, the Keeper of "The Doss-house" 14. Nastja, servant in "The Doss-house" 15. The Baron, in "The Doss-house" 16. Letter to Herr Max Reinhardt Characterisation; Environment; Gorki's predecessors; Reaction and pessimism; Literature and society; Gorki's youth; Hard times; A vagrant life; Journalist days; Rapid success; The new heroes; Creatures once men; Vagabond philosophy; Accusing symbolism. Within the last few years a new and memorable note has been sounded among the familiar strains of Russian literature. It has produced a regeneration, penetrating and quickening the whole. The author who proclaimed the new voice from his very soul has not been rejected. He was welcomed on all sides with glad and ready attention. Nor was it his compatriots alone who gave ear to him. Other countries, Germany in particular, have not begrudged him a hearing; as has too often been the case for native genius. The young Russian was speedily accounted one of the most widely read in his own land and in adjacent countries. Success has rarely been achieved so promptly as by Maxim Gorki. The path has seldom been so smooth and free from obstacles. Not but that Gorki has had his struggles. But what are those few years, in comparison with the decades through which others have had, and still have, to strive and wrestle? His fight has rather been for the attainment of a social status, of intellectual self-mastery and freedom, than for artistic recognition. He was recognised, indeed, almost from the first moment when he came forward with his characteristic productions. Nay, he was more than recognised. He was extolled, and loved, and honoured. His works were devoured. [Illustration: Maxim Gorki (in 1900)] This startling success makes a closer consideration and appreciation of the author's works and personality incumbent on us. A black, sullen day in March. Rain and vapour. No movement in the air. The horizon is veiled in the grey mists that rise from the earth, and blend in the near distance with the dropping pall of the Heavens. And yet there is a general sense of coming Spring. The elder-bushes are bursting, the buds swelling. A topaz shimmer plays amid the shadowy fringes of the light birch stems, and on the budding tops of the lime-trees. The bushes are decked with catkins. The boughs of the chestnut glisten with pointed reddish buds. Fresh green patches are springing up amid the yellow matted grass of the road-side.