The Cup of Life'' - is a fascinating short story by the famous Russian writer, playwright and theatrical personage Mikhail Afanasyevich Bulgakov (1891 - 1940). The protagonist - is a poor clerk. Once his rich friend Pawel Vasilievich comes to him and invites to go and have fun at his expense. They have fun in taverns, the drunk Vasilievich plays pranks, breaks the crockery, throws his money around, and the next morning both of them are called for the questioning.