In other works he branded other movements and classes with equal ineffaceableness.
His masterpiece (in his third and most developed period), the work which foreigners can comprehend almost equally well with Russians, is "Gospoda Golovlevy" ("The Messrs.

Golovleff"[39]).

It contains that element of the universal in humanity which his national satires lack, and it alone would suffice to render him immortal.

The type of Iudiushka (little Judas) has no superior in all European literature, for its cold, calculating, cynical hypocrisy, its miserly ferocity.

The book is a presentment of old ante-reform manners among the landed gentry at their worst.
The following favorite little story furnishes an excellent example of Saltykoff's (Shtchedrin's) caustic wit and satire: THE STORY OF HOW ONE PEASANT MAINTAINED TWO GENERALS.
Once upon a time there lived and flourished two Generals; and as both were giddy-pated, by jesting command, at my desire, they were speedily transported to an uninhabited island.
The Generals had served all their lives in some registry office or other; they had been born there, reared there, had grown old there, and consequently they understood nothing whatever.