The Foundling

"The Foundling" is a poignant short story by Leo Tolstoy that delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows the life of a young foundling, an abandoned child, who is taken in by a charitable couple. As the child grows, the story explores the impact of his upbringing on his identity and sense of belonging. Through a series of encounters and experiences, Tolstoy examines moral dilemmas and the nature of parental bonds, ultimately revealing the profound connections that shape our lives. The tale, with its rich emotional depth and keen social insights, exemplifies Tolstoy's mastery in portraying the human condition.

								
A poor woman had a daughter by the name of Másha. Másha went in the
morning to fetch water, and saw at the door something wrapped in rags.
When she touched the rags, there came from it the sound of "Ooah, ooah,
ooah!" Másha bent down and saw that it was a tiny, red-skinned baby. It
was crying aloud: "Ooah, ooah!"

Másha took it into her arms and carried it into the house, and gave it
milk with a spoon. Her mother said:

"What have you brought?"

"A baby. I found it at our door."

The mother said:

"We are poor as it is; we have nothing to feed the baby with; I will go
to the chief and tell him to take the baby."

Másha began to cry, and said:

"Mother, the child will not eat much; leave it here! See what red,
wrinkled little hands and fingers it has!"

Her mother looked at them, and she felt pity for the child. She did not
take the baby away. Másha fed and swathed the child, and sang songs to
it, when it went to sleep.
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