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Those windows, even though he had his back to the sunset.






But something made Woland turn away from the city here and focus his attention on the round tower on the roof behind him. Emerging from the tower wall was a somber, mud-stained, black-bearded man wearing a torn chiton and homemade sandals.

" Hah! " exclaimed Woland, looking mockingly at the man who had entered. " You're the last person one would have expected to see here! What brings you here, uninvited, but expected guest? "

" I've come to see you, Spirit of Evil and Sovereign of the Shadows, " replied the man, looking sullenly at Woland from under his furrowed brows.

" If you've come to see me, then why haven't you greeted me and wished me well, former tax collector? " said Woland in a stern voice.

" Because I don't want you to be well, " was the newcomer's impudent reply.

" Nevertheless, you'll have to reconcile yourself to the fact that I am, " retorted Woland with a twisted smile. " No sooner do you appear on the roof than you blab nonsense, and I'll tell you what it is—it's in your intonation. You pronounced your words as if you refuse to acknowledge the existence of either shadows or evil. But would you kindly ponder this question: What would your good do if evil didn't exist, and what would the earth look like if all the shadows disappeared? After all, shadows are cast by things and people. Here is the shadow of my sword. But shadows also come from trees and from living beings. Do you want to strip the earth of all trees and living things just because of your fantasy of enjoying naked light? You're stupid."

" I won't argue with you, old sophist, " replied Levi Matvei.

" You can't argue with me because of what I just said—you're stupid, " replied Woland, and asked, " Well, tell me briefly, without tiring me, why have you appeared? "

" He sent me."

" What did he order you to tell me, slave? "

" I am not a slave, " replied Levi Matvei, becoming more enraged, " I am his disciple."

" We are speaking different languages, as always, " rejoined Woland, " but that doesn't change the things we talk about. So?..."

" He has read the Master's work, " began Levi Matvei, " and asks that you take the Master with you and grant him peace. Is that so difficult for you to do, Spirit of Evil? "

" Nothing is difficult for me to do, " replied Woland, " as you well know." He was silent for a moment and then added, " But why aren't you taking him with you to the light? "

" He has not earned light, he has earned peace, " said Levi in a sad voice.

" Tell him that it shall be done, " replied Woland, and added, his eye suddenly flashing, " and leave me this instant."



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