Plays

as in seco

NE

he whole scene

nst the door-jamb, his h

VNA enter

esult of yesterday eveni

CH. Wh

GRíNOVNA. You

id you put

n't any money for anything else

anyhow, it ain

tápych, you're an old man, why shoul

re, I guess

GRíNOVNA. Jus

ired of being l

NOVNA. I wish yo

ess so! If you'd only put in a word for us when she's in a good humo

What do you say, Potá

ch you swear, I know you! For instance,

A. To wish the benef

You'd bett

EREGRíNOVN

íSA PEREGRíNOVNA rubs her hands with pleasure] Here now, I see that you're happy;

ds to me, Potápych, insulting to my very heart. Whe

about me, then ab

íNOVNA. But tha

pite's always ge

mistaken! I have just been so insulted that it's impossible to

V enters. POTá

EN

OV and VASILí

BéKOV'S hands] You have risen early, benefactress.

ng down] I didn't sleep

rrible, but God is merciful. Not the dream, but what is going on in rea

ah, what is it to

don't we know that your son, dear little s

éKOV. You m

ook for any consolation in this life! You scatter benefactions upo

ANBéKOV.

eart bleeds that they don't respect you, that they don't respect you even in your ow

ly crow! You want to croak about so

Benefactress, I'm afr

. You've upset

MADAM ULANBéKOV] Yesterday, benefactress, I was ending my evening prayer to the Heavenly Creator

LANBéKO

e she was seeking her lovers. Our master, the little angel! was rowing in the boat on the pond, and Nádya, also with a depraved expression, was clinging to him with her arms about hi

BéKOV. Are

VNA. You may quart

ough if there is one gra

OVNA. It's all tr

-it can't be! You always make up more

. No sooner had you gone to bed, than they all went to the fair and got t

't have expected the least mischief of Leoníd. Quiet lads like him! Well,

rmore, benefactress, so far Grísh

How's that? He di

NOVNA. He did no

, you lie, you lie! I'll

íNOVNA. May I d

kill me. [Raising herself from the chair] You simply wa

Just cam

here! [POTáPYCH goes out

e devoted than I, benefactress; only I am unhappy

is hair tousled

NE

me, an

éKOV. Where

yes, not sure of his tongue, and uns

is silent] Why don't you talk? [Silence] A

RíNOVNA. Answe

hat's tha

wer me! Where have y

ve done wr

ou whether you've done wrong or n

vacant stare] Why, where should I b

KOV. Well, w

ed you that I was the

ll drive me out of pa

ll in everything, ma'am. What did I

ood Lord! You're s

Not a bi

KOV. Nonsens

ma'am! One can say

p! He still denies it! This is awful! This

y, ma'am! I just i

Were you at the

st informed

you dare, when I let you

I did want to go home, but

OV. Who would

friends wou

Who are these f

ly, ma'am! Govern

s! Clerks! Do you understand

clerks? Understand w

u hadn't told me, nasty scamp that you are! I know how they act! They'll teach you all sort

forgiveness, you blockhead!

s hand impatien

I feel my spasms are beginning. What a worthless scamp! He went out j

ctress, you see he's still a chil

OV. No, he ne

He's still a regular booby! What can you expect of him

de! It seems to me he ought to feel what I am doin

f, benefactress; as if that rabble

V. Hand me the

hem] Snap your fingers at them, tha

y can't collect my thoughts; I'm completely distracted, and no

Lust, benefactress, i

nd so the whole crowd is spoiled. [She rings; enter POTáPYCH] Call Nadezhda, and come here yourself!

a fig for you, benefactress, not a fig.

ng to find out pretty quick

YA. GAVRíLOVNA and LíZ

EN

POTáPYCH

ue. Well, now, you can thank yourself. I'm not a conniver at loose conduct, and I won't endure it in my house. I can't turn you out as a vagabond, that would weigh upon my

her chair and is

et] Whatever you wish, on

see that I'm not well? To keep on plaguing me! Potápych! She has no father; you be a father to her instead; an

my authority over you. If you command it, mistress, I can at once, in your presence, give her some moral instruction with my

his hand th

!... [She

n't strike her! Wha

er father, that's the regular thing! That's the law, and according to that,

ng] Mistress,

once! How many times have I got to say it? It's your own fault, you've nobody to blame for your t

VNA after her. Silenc

ne to bed, and bange

shka! Post boy! Saddle the horse and rid

u think it's a sin for you to abuse me,

n the mistress really wants something, I have to try to

anded you to kill me,

t my affair, I can'

h, Nádya, don't cry! God

upon GAVRíLO

REGRíNOVNA] Well, is

NA. Wait, my dear,

íD e

EN

me and

s this? What

de all the trouble yourself,

d I make? What are you

e truth has come out. You've been having a little f

he mistress got so angry that it was awful! And now, si

Are yo

dearest master! I have to an

s mamma v

No one dares

? Isn't it possible to talk

come out of her room now for five days; and

NA. Do you want to

íD.

VNA. Do you want m

e so kind, Vasil

didn't even ask forgiveness nor kiss her hand. It was this vexation that made her sick. And then this Nadezhda happened to come her way when she was an

character, too. Although he is a blockhead, he has some sense. Now he'

ake Uncle Gerasim's club and

ou like to go present your compliments to him, in order

oo great an honor for him. But see here,

angry, sir, tha

, what's to

better leave me! Now you'll soon go away to Petersburg; you will be

you see, I'm

o my own destruction of my own free will, lik

are you plann

hat's my

e, it's going to be

it of yours? It will be

why do you t

you're still a

ee, he's such a dr

be better for you to go of

ld be better for me to spen

or God's

be awfully hard for you to liv

ugh to leave me alone! [Sobbing] I beg only one

Motioning with their h

enough for her! I keep thinking somehow or other, t

pers or defenders! I don't want them! If my pa

h.... Only what is she saying? You folks, look

him in a loud

D goe

is true: What's fun for the

Y IS N

Y IN TH

RAC

H TORTSóV, a

EGóROVNA,

DéYEVNA, h

is brother, a man who has

KóRSHUNOV[1],

te 1: V

TORTSóV

IN, nephew

a young merchant, the

OVNA, a y

nds of LYUBóV

y, distant rela

e of LYUBóV

ANTS, MUMMER

town in the house of the merchant T

Y IS N

C

rd. In the left wall a window, and beside the window a table. Near the table a chair; near the right

EN

the room. EGóRUSHKA is seated on

ng, Kiribít Verzoúlovich, I do not possess the courage to marr

górushka, is a

only Gordéy Kárpych at home. [Reads] "Whereupon Kiribít Verzoúlovich said to his daughter"-[Again marking the place]-only he's in such a r

h whom was

laughing, and they were all looking at me. Uncle Gordéy KáRPYCH took it as a great insult to himself and very bad manners, and he was furious with him and turned him out. Uncle Lyubím Kárpych made a great row, and out of revenge went and stood with the beg

he window] Here they com

Lyubóv Gordéyevna,

his story in his pock

es

EN

YA

have to sit between four walls! I am a stranger to all, no relations, no friends!-And then besides!-O well! I'd bet

y I cannot

s, with lang

her sable coat, and her little handkerchief on her head, like this-ah!

ere was this

ays thinking of her! My heart is torment

ilent. Enter PELAGéYA EGóROVNA, dressed i

NE

PELAGéYA

ROVNA. Mítya

hat do y

on in the evening, my dear, and play wi

eedingly, I shall ma

ne in the office? It's not very cheerful! You'll

I shall come

ain, you see; he's going off there t

o Afriká

yes! He's quite gone o

, Pelagéya Egórovn

isfortune! Really, they've become such friends that it beats everything! Yes, that's what it's come to! And

árpych has some busines

dear boy, all of a sudden! He used to have so much sense. Well, we lived, of course not luxuriously, but all the same pretty fairly decently; and then last year he went for a trip, and he caught it from some one. He caught it, he caught it, they have told me so-caught all these tricks. Now he doesn't care for any of our Russian ways. He keeps harping on this: "I want to be up to date, I want to be in the fashion. Yes, yes! Put on a cap," he says! What an idea to get! Am I going to try to charm any one in my old age and make myself look lovely? Bah! You just try to do anything with him. He never drank

there to say? H

ing her, but he keeps dinning it in: "There's no one her equal, no! no!" But

rpych wishes to marry Ly

if I were not a mother. Yes, truly, I never say anything to him; I don't dare; all you can do is to speak wi

'll come

N com

EN

me and

-stairs to us, Yasha, and sing songs with the girls

don't think of that as work;

good-by! I'm going to tak

nd MíTYA

self dejectedly at the table; GúSLIN seats

EN

nd YáSH

as at the fair! Your people

I felt so awf

matter? What are

ep her-and how? My salary is small; I get nothing but abuse and insults from Gordéy Kárpych; he keeps reproaching me with my poverty, as if I were to blame-and he

at the Razlyulyáyevs' it's very

doesn't suit me! I'll b

verty, but I won't go

N. Wh

Yasha, because I have another sorrow-but nobody knows

Tell me

ing his han

tell me; don'

tell you or not,

How do y

an help me-I am a lost man! I've fallen

tter with you, Mítya?

, anyhow, i

head, Mítya. Nothing can ever come of th

y, one cannot forget." [He speaks with violent gestures] "I love the beautiful girl

ney, and I haven't a kopek-and even so uncle forbids me to marry. It's no use for you t

cruel? The most cruel thing is love." [Walking

N. Ye

describes all

oes describe

erfection. [Walking

IN.

elf have com

IN.

YA.

up a tune for it,

'll write a little-I have some work: most likely Gordé

ins to pick out a tune. RAZLYUL

EN

and RAZ

ys! [Plays on the accor

! What did you buy

ught it to play on, of

fine music, I must

want to.-What airs! Haven't I got any money? [Slapping his

untain

other

rling

ther is

the shoulder] Mítya, wh

me work to do. [

s high," etc.] Mítya! Say, Mítya, I'm going on a spree for the whole holiday season-then I'll set to work,

on a spree as

ays I shall marry!-Upon my word I

en, listen; how

Sing it, sing

N. [S

t so hard

be fat

very mor

per than

world mak

ly you m

is wild an

e not from

not do you

no heal

rt does not c

arsh stepd

f rooted to the ground, and listens with emot

old of one's heart. [Sighs] Ah, Yasha! play something cheer

not love

ut love wo

e tune,

plays t

ing. Come, now, let's sit down in

All right. [

sing; MíTYA and R

oung, my

frien

YCH; all stand up

NE

and GORDé

ou're not living here in a peasant's hut! What a dram-shop! See that this sort of thing doesn't go on

KáRPYCH. [Takes the book by Koltsóv, and the copy-

o pass the time away, since it's a holiday. GOR

my own education, in ord

n talking! You ought to get yourself a new coat! For when you come up-stairs

ther because she is old a

self first; God knows what your mother needs! She wasn't brought

uld suffer than that my mothe

to educate yourself-and you go about looking like a factory hand! Does education consist in this, in singing idiotic songs? You idiot! [Through his teeth and looking askance at MíTYA] Fool! [Is silent] Don

ranz Fédorych at the apothecary's! Why, they all tease him there!-the deuce of a coat! What's the use of making people laugh! GORDéY KáRPYCH. Much you know! It's hopeless to expect a

YEV. That

KáRPYCH

V. That's e

! It's simply waste of words to speak to you-like shooting peas

NE

without

! What a rage he's in! Oh, we're aw

e sort of life I lead! That's the s

n my word, it'll drive you to drink! But y

untain

other

rling

ther is

YEVNA, ANNA IVáNOV

EN

ORDéYEVNA, ANNA IVáNO

A. Peace, ho

I welcome you

lease come in! What go

e. Gordéy Kárpych has gone out, and Pelagéya Egórovna has gon

bly beg you

mself opposite LYUBóV GORDéYE

cracking nuts. "Come on, girls," said I, "a

ou do make up! We never thought o

ybody knows, if a person wants a thing, then he thinks a

ha! Anna Ivánovna, you

éYEVNA. Not

íZA] Oh, how

, you are just sayi

say a word-but it wouldn't be nice before the b

NA. There are g

, how emb

ery strange to us, and, I m

áYEV. Ha

t now up-stairs? Do you want me to tell? Shal

áYEV. Ha

pening your mouth for? It was

ll it may be there is some one who thinks abo

not love

ut love wo

rds GúSLIN] Well, guitar pla

Kárpych. What's the use of hurrying! It isn't raining on us! [Nods his

; he whispers in her ear, looking

. What do you

It's rea

n, all right; keep quiet

ítya, will you come to us

A. I

t dancing. [Stands with arms akimbo] Gir

ashamed of yourself! Wh

I say, fall in love with me,

t to girls. You ought to wait ti

uch I'll get from yo

not love

] It may be somebody loves somebody

ny girl in the

. I k

and looks now at LYUBóV GORDéY

dy it

dy loves

eloved one she

ly si

does that

VNA. We kn

ay, girls, I'll

NOVNA. S

YEV. [Sin

flying throu

't you know anythi

think you were

d enough I'll sing you another,

at! upon

scow! that

got it in

omna he

s with all

e dowry wil

uppence. It's

ence and barle

owards t

s would but

carting 'e

hat we

s doesn't

on't trade

you interrupting for!

not a girl; with a ta

te 1: A

EV. That's

it over! Now, girls, come along! [The girl

RAZLYULYáYE

later. I'll put thing

ings while they a

ids las

ties las

a brew of the b

came to

came to ou

st whom they d

em all pass through t

s the door and does

EN

LYUBóV G

e door the girls are heard laughing] They won't let me out! Oh, wh

óv Gordéyevna, and talk to me for just a m

Why are you glad?

de such consideration; it is above my deserts to receive it

ame here, sat awhile, and went away again. That

the paper out of his pocket] Permit me to presen

DéYEVNA. W

these verses

er joy] Still, it may be just some s

because I wrote it myself, a

RDéYEVNA.

. Dir

takes the paper: LYUBóV GORDéY

dow no gras

a flower

a fair l

was a lu

a handsom

his grief

y his mi

ame of hi

heart is

his grief

he loved

is own

he night i

may no

he prett

not be h

e time] Give it here. [Takes the paper and hides i

YA.

I don't know how to do i

ss

rom you as a great happiness to myself.

abominably. [She writes; MíTYA tries to look] Only

rmit me to reply, in so far as I am able, and to

if you wish-only I've inked all my fingers; i

May I h

only don't dare to read it while I

and gives it to him; he c

shall be a

[Rises] Will you co

will-th

RDéYEVNA.

our pleasa

the door; from the doorw

EN

and LYUBí

GORDéYE

t! What sort of a creature is this? On what pretex

YEVNA. Is it

lear out, never mind! I'm not the man to tell tales. I'll pu

YEVNA. Good-

NE

d LYUBíM

o thyself Lyubím Kárpych TORTSóV,

You are

reet, in a coat like this-one has to dance about a bit! The frost-a

ourself up, L

e away, Mítya? If you do, I'll freez

uld I? What a

't let me come in anywhere. All I had was two francs and some-odd centimes! Not a great capital! It wouldn't build a stone house! It wouldn't buy a village!

, Lyubím Kárpych? That

drink? From stupidity! Ye

you thin

u'd bette

ossible to stop; I've go

What

are in money, drafts and promissory notes. Well, now, how he divided with me is not our business-God be his judge! Well, then I went to Moscow to get money on the drafts. I had to go! One must see people and show oneself, and learn good manners. Then again, I was such a handsome young man, and I'd never seen the world, or spent the ni

árpych, it must be ve

dered all my money; what was left I intrusted to my friend Afrikán Kórshunov, on his oath and word of honor; with him I had drunk and gone on sprees, he was responsible for all my folly, he was the chief mixer of the mash! He fooled me and showed me up, and I was stuck like a cra

d you live, L

world, for you have nothing to eat. You go along the street, and everybody looks at you.-Every one had seen what a life I used to lead, how I rattled through the town in a first-class cab, and now went about tattered and torn and unshaven. They sh

at's a la

old aunty, and you have to do something! I began to go about the town as a buffoon, to get money, a kopek at a time, to make a fool of myself, to tell funny stories, and play all sorts of tricks. Often you shiver from early morn till night in the town stree

, Lyubím Kárpych, to go to your

to die. And so I decided that when I got quite well, I would go on a pilgrimage, then go to my brother, and let him take me as a porter. This I did. I threw myself plump at his feet! "Be a father to me!" says I, "I have lived abominably-now I wish to reform." And do you know how my brother received me! He was ashamed, you see, that he had such a brother. "But you help me out," I said to him, "correct me, be kind to me, and I will be a man." "Not at all," says he, "where can I put you when important guests, rich merchants, and gentry come to see me? You'll be the death of me," says he! "With my f

ie down, Ly

h; just give me a little. I'll take a nap here, and then go and warm myse

money] Here, take a

know how to appreciate you. Yes, I'll play a joke on him! For fools riches are an evil! Give money to a sensible man, and he'll do something with it. I walked about Moscow, I saw everything, everything!-I've been throug

e office is empty

I'll play a funny joke o

have written? I'm frightened!-My hands tremble!-Well, what is to be will be! I'll

T

irs, three on each side; in the left corner a door; on each wall a mirror, and under them little tables. A door in

EN

ANNA IVáNOVNA enter th

hey come, our fine lads? S

ot. Well, yes, if you like, fetch the

evidently you aren'

, Annushka, if you on

r wits. Don't let him go too far, or you may be sorry for

lad!-I love him very much; he

ow best. I just said that! Many a girl comes to grief because of

Like a blade of grass in the field;

think. Isn't it he? I'll go and you wait, perhaps

A en

EN

RDéYEVNA

DéYEVNA. W

It's I,

A. Why were you

[Approaches] Lyubóv Gor

éYEVNA. Yes

perplexity that I cannot express it to you. My position in your house is known to you; subordinate to everybody, and I may say utterly despised by Gordéy Kárpych. I've had only o

hat I wrote to you was the truth, an

ou what I feel. But at least let me assure you that I have a heart

ut I thought that yo

hat is n

VNA. Really, t

? Could I declare with words what my heart does not feel! I think such a thing would

sible to believe you men; all

m be deceivers

ow! Perhaps you also are deceivin

to die in this place than to hear

o tease you. [MíTYA is silent] Mítya dear! Mítya! Why are you silent? Are you angry with

a, I'm not in a joking humo

éYEVNA. Don

s all the same to me now! [Embraces her] Maybe they can take you from me by

ning his embrace] Mítya d

didn't fall in love with eac

, but what if they prom

ych, and throw ourselves at his feet. We'll say so and so-whatever you please, b

ast words. It was only girlish foolishness; I'm sorry that I did it! I shouldn't have joked with you; I should have car

od wills. I don't know how it is with you, but

s coming! Go away quietly, d

comes in with a candle; LYUB

NE

RDéYEVNA, and af

ncess. [LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA goes out] Well, really, wasn't some one there with her? [Looks into the corner] But I'm a silly old woman, I suspected some one! [Lights the candles] Oh, deary me, some tro

how are you,

e you so happy

I be happy? It's such fun

ers are coming; the young

shall die! Oh,

he matter with

ie of laughing! Oh, gran

ress up

l, I will! Oh, L

n along quickly a

In a second

EGóROVNA

EN

PELAGéYA

Arinushka, did you

I did,

ests. This is the time for them to enjoy themselves-while they're young. You know what a girl's life

sure, to be sure!

e have; and gingerbread for the young people, and sweets-whatever

understand; there'll

my dear,

A. And a snack f

t. Don't you worry yourself; you join the gues

oor] Girls, boys, come here! There

LíZA, ANNA IVáNOVNA, RAZLYULYáYE

EN

UBóV GORDéYEVNA, MáSH

A, GúSLIN, and two

NA IVáNOVNA and GúSLIN take chairs and talk quietly; MíTYA stands near them; MáSHA, LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA, and LíZA w

sn't know how to talk properly, and he even u

YEV. Do y

siness of yours. [She continues] "But why, mo

care for them! What can you do about it? That's his character. But I love them, I'm naturally jolly; yes, I love to give a

elagéya Egórovna, there isn't the gayety

GUEST.

sort of girl-always singing and dancing--indeed I was.

don't sing them; new s

, yes, one rememb

Yasha dear! Sing us

akes the

's no use for me to wait; evidentl

mean by sense? I

idiculous to

for you; but how is it for me?

éYEVNA. Let

sit

N. [S

s beside

wift d

is a

very

ssips a

ends t

ndly an

ice t

e in the g

me wi

u pluck

me a

weave g

me som

go to t

me wi

hrow in th

lso my

ers wil

e sinks

the swe

ave co

and mi

s not

lasses; and a servant-girl with r

able and goes out] Arína! Bring us some wine. Yes, pour it out, pour out the Madeira, the Madeira; it will cheer us up. That's all righ

e! They say, don't drink when there's no one r

óROVNA, drinks and

had a drop too

I don't

h GúSLIN and drinks; then catches hold of ARí

sing an

ma, of

ucy; you've cru

YáYEV.

ns were

the hame

nners had

itself

irls

I say! Now that's

u teasing the old woman fo

me on, then! Pla

ays; the

hat's a lively

A. Yes, very liv

his feet] That's the way

nters] The gi

them in. [EGóRUSHKA goe

and covers it] Sit down

fond

NA IVáNOVNA take off their rings and p

y mother, and bak

or

oming, my lovers

ear bast slippers,

de. G

song is sung, much

or

is taken out, will

t. G

his sleeves, takes out

GORDé

OVNA. High ti

S. [

a sparrow s

sits on a

land he looks

ortune will co

mummers have come;

m in; let them have a dance. An

EN

balalaika or guitar, a TRAINER with a

To all this honest

a bow, Mishka!

ng and dance and amuse you, a

's all right; yes, danc

nus

he wine; some

or your kind words, and for

ough stripped

are bold

e hands go

eb of clo

kaftans fo

o not cos

grist within

rses silv

et us slee

ngling coi

vern raise

Andrew,

or. We've

ut in paw

ake it hom

to one

Dances with

ses! M

mers s

ter is

t and th

wy, oh, ways c

ing there's

es! Mo

mers s

ttle quai

on he

or this, and her

n so prettily, p

ow

Oh, what a

young yet. Come here, Egórushka. [EGóRUSHKA comes] Here's some gingerbread for you. [Gives i

ads the bear;

AN. [

little b

was cle

ed in th

the mush

andpa and

he went

k forest s

ing for

f them wa

and man

amed, for

meat far

Ask for wine, in honor

ushka, bring some refre

omething to drink;

s, glance at the young men, and watch their suitors. [Bear shows off] And how the old woman goes to work, bending, shrivel

oms. Count Ilya Tolstoy, in his Reminiscences of Tolstoy, tells how h

all watch them. GúSLIN and MíTYA stand near LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA; MíT

V. What are

hat's th

ll Pelagéya Egórovna;

u just da

see we'll go away from here together; it'll be

s the use? I want to marry her, and I'm going to make

'll see a

marry her to you? Not much! Not i

top! Some one seems to

e! They ar

OVNA. Go and

n returns] He's come

NE

GORDéY KáRPYCH

-Get out! [To his wife] Wife! Pelagéya Egórovna! Gre

are welcome, Afrikán Sa

na. He, he, he! It's very cheerful here!

rls. Yes, I'm always with the girls. It's hol

welcome, Afrikán Savvich

imself in the armchair a

e hussi

ut. He, he, he! They'll sing a song, and we'll listen and wat

ducated-this is all the wife; nothing can knock anything into her head. [To his wife] How many times have I told you: if you

e use of musicians-for us old wome

the idea of life she has! It

for you to give your guest something to eat. Would you like somethin

ever seen Madeira before! Order champagne-a half dozen-and be quick about it! Then order lighte

self at once. [Rises Arinushka, co

e with you, my dear; it'

ime! The nights are dark, and t

erce; very fierce! [

NE

DéYEVNA, ANNA IVáNOVNA, MáSHA, LíZA,

uties-he, he! [Walks towards LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA] Good evening, Lyubóv G

NA. We don't dr

Be seated; you'

he old man! It's Christmas time now,

A. Why be so

r? And I must confess-he, he-I'm fond of this sort

e welcome to do so; d

you give me a

my father wants me to.

every one of them,

I suppose so!

, how emb

othing to be said; I

p to MíTYA] Why are you

flown into the

N and RAZLYU

EN

LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA, ANNA IVá

t like you, Lyubóv Gordéyevna; you didn't even want to k

You needn't have

ght you some diamonds, he

h, they're earrings!

VNA. Show

t they ar

in such

] You see, I like you very much, he, he, he! I like y

VNA. Why shoul

that's why. But you will come to love me

I don't know what y

he, he! Well, well, there's no harm in that. To make up for it you shall wear cloth of gold. I haven't any

. [Rising] I don'

. Lyubóv, wher

RDéYEVNA.

H. Wait! She'

RDéYEVNA

t by the old man? Give me your

. [Gives her hand

e! Like velvet! [Strokes her hand

her hand] Oh, let me go! I d

right; it's no loss

nt it. Give it to whomever you li

o you, and I won't tak

d after her, ARíNA and EGóR

EN

AGéYA EGóROVNA, A

. Come now and

something to drink. And you girls, sing a so

NA. Girls, sing

ut champagne, and offers it to him] To our d

you please, Afrikán Sa

V takes

[Takes the gla

omehow I don't like this

ke just

"Ah, who is he

is sti

's our

ich stil

ed on t

skips to

through t

the mead

owers

, you little bright eyes! You girls, I suppose, need a lot to set off your fair faces and rosy blushes; he, he, he! But I haven't any money! It will be o

here without seeing that the people are absolutely ignorant and uneducated. And so I want to move from this

NA. Oh! Oh! Wha

n it, Pelagéya Egórovna. What are yo

Seizes her daughter] She's my

KáRPYCH

pych! Don't trifle with a mother's he

And you, Afrikán Savvich, don't b

p your word. [Rises, goes to the girl

l never take a step against your will. But have pity

in Moscow like a lady; you'll ride in a coach. In the first place, you'll live in

his feet] Don't make me unhappy for my whole life! Relent, father! Make

I never take bac

ou wish, father! [Bows

usiness is over! Now, th

wers in the garden wil

the meadow will b

rling of the red

arly, mother

ater all t

wn and ev

ten and with bitte

. Not that, not t

e reception-room, Afrikán Savvic

VNA. Where can

. Arína, bring

ow! My darling child! Girls, my dearies!

my own,

vest day

ht to God

art so

once on

ter who w

ast time-

YEVNA. For t

HUNOV go out; LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA remains in the

T

and tables, all very expensive and crowded together. Usually this room is used as a sort of sitting-room for the mistress of the house, where she directs

EN

door leading into the dining-room; n

d cunning. He fairly befogged Gordéy Kárpych with this and that in his old age, and he began to hanker after his wealth. They have engaged our lovely beauty to a disgusting old man. Now she is sitting there, my darling, broken-hearted! Oh, I'm ready to die! After I have brought you up and nursed you, and carried you in my arms! I cared for you like a little bird-in cotton wool! Just now she and I were t

the women go out; PELA

EN

PELAGéYA

ka, and help me to get the table ready

ear! Day in, day out, on your feet!

Tell them to send the big samovar to the maids' room-

rtainly,

ve a lot to do, and my head's just spinning. I'm needed here, and I'm needed there, and I don't know what to begin on! Really-yes-[Sits and tries to think] What a husband for her! What a husband! Oh, oh, oh! How can you expect her to love him

áNOVNA

NE

óROVNA and

ut for the guests, and do everything that is necessary-you know yourself! I've w

oon as not. It's no great wo

ere's the tea in the cupboa

he door and takes out t

EN

me and

A. What do you w

n-even though it may be I am not worth it-seeing that while I was an orphan-you never deserted me-and like

A. But what are

rything. And now good-by,

OVNA. Where a

an to go to

VNA. Are you g

master for a vacation, a

y there

But why do you wish

Why, I just!-You see

VNA. But when

o myself that I shouldn't see you before

, if you are needed there-we won't

ANNA IVáNOVNA; then bows again and waits] Might I be allowed to say good-by to Lyubóv Gor

you must, you must. Say

go and fet

r by one hand, another by the other, a third stands

EN

EGóROVNA

n! How can we drive it away-get rid of it-I cannot think. It

blame but yourself for y

marrying her off

her off ourselves! Only it's not with my consent, Mítya! If I had

a very great catch! There's nothing goo

NA. I know, Mít

likely Lyubóv Gordéyevna, married to such a man, and livi

about it without your saying anything. I've worn my eyes out with gazing at her! If I cou

ings happen? How can people do such thi

en I shouldn't be weeping and wailing, and m

are you ruining the girl's life, and giving her into slave

doing. Why do you keep on blaming me? It's horrible enough for me without you

t you so much, Pelagéya Egórovna, that I will open my heart to you as if you were my own mother. [Dries his eyes

A. Well, well, t

rpych, and beg you humbly; we were going to say: "Give us your blessing; we cannot live without each other

OVNA. What ar

elagéya Egórovna, in

y dear boy! What a luck-

now

RDéYEVNA

EN

nd LYUBóV

Mítya has come to say good-by; he is

Lyubóv Gordéyevna! Don'

EVNA. Good-by

her again. Well, never mind! [MíTYA and LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA kiss each other; she seats hersel

orld! [Goes to PELAGéYA EGóROVNA] Pelagéya Egórovna, are

f I weren't sorry, I

rmit me to speak,

EGóROVN

last of us. Then the old man will never see her any more than his own ears! And no matter if I do go to ruin! I will take her to my mother and there we w

at do you mean? What

EVNA. What an

love me? Or have y

VNA. What you

would dare to take such a sin on his soul? Yes

; sell her into slavery forever and ever. You'll be miserable yourselves when you see her wr

ou, without her father's blessing?

! Then you bless us, Pelagéya Egórovna. [Kneels down]

.-Yes, I'm going out of my mind! I don't know anything! I don't rememb

ure yourself for nothing; stop! [Raises him up] Don't tear my soul! Al

you deceive me

should marry; I must submit to him-that is a girl's lot. It must be that that's the right thing since it was so ordained of old. I don't want to go against my father; I don't wish people to talk about me a

ws to PELAGéYA EGóROVNA] Good-by, Pelagéya Egórovna, you have been my benefactress! So long as I live

way-that would be a sin for you. God grant that you may li

NE

LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA a

mount to? There, crying is our business, and I haven't any authority over my daughter! But it would be a good idea! I'd enjoy the sight of you in my old age. The boy is such an hone

s the use of thinking about what's imp

me one knocks; the voice of KóR

ere you hiding yourself? He, he! I'll find you, I'll find you anywhere. If you please, Pel

n you, and I don't cry. [Looks at her searchingly] Oh, well, I know what it's about! I suppose you want to marry a young fellow? Now, this, my pretty one [takes her hand and kisses it]

GORDéYE

t-and there's nothing he won't give you. [Kisses her hand] And in Moscow there are lots of nice things in the shops; there are things worth giving! So it's nice to fall in love with an old man. That's number one for you! And then this is what happens with a young and good-looking husband. Yo

YEVNA. No, I

in love with an old man, then all is peaceful for his wife. And here's something else I will tell you, my dear young lady: Young men like to go on sprees; they like gayety and distraction, and all sorts of dissipations, and their wives may sit at home and wait for them till

. Did your deceas

attentively] And why do

EVNA. I just

either. She wasn't worth loving-I took her, poor, a beggar, just for her beauty; I

. Love cannot be

ut me. Whoever I love has a good living in the world, and if I don't love any one, then he need not reproach me. [He becomes excited and walks about] Yes, I'm that man's enemy; he'd better keep out of my sight! My words and looks, more than my deeds, shall pursue him! I won't give th

áRPYCH c

NE

A, KóRSHUNOV, an

ooking for you. We've already started in on the champagne. Come al

V. I lik

rink it with you. [Walks to the door] Hey, boy, serve the wine her

NOV. N

RPYCH. Ho

V. Just

you really? [Looks at him]

shouldn't I u

e spree! So now you tell me, what sort o

should they a

ws all the ways of society-where each man should be seated, and what's to be done. But how is it at other people's houses? They collect in one room, they sit down in a ring, and sing peasant songs. Of course it's jolly, but I consider it's vulgar; there's no s

u don't mean

bóv; you toe the mark! Or else your bridegroom-you see he's from Moscow-may be ashamed of you. I suppose

I feel, father; I wasn't bro

óRSHUNOV and GORDéY KáRPYCH. He places

t, son-in-law! Just let

árpych T

HKA co

rdéy Kárpych, come

. What's the m

lease: there's suc

[Approaching] Wh

le Lyubím Kárp

H. Why did th

took it into his head; we can't sto

PYCH. What

] "You're glad to eat another man's bread," says he. "I'm al

YCH. Sh-he'

t with E

What's all

now. It must be that uncle i

LYáYEV, MáSH

EN

óRSHUNOV, RAZLYULYáY

the door] Where is your

t has he don

EVNA. He isn'

EGóROVNA

are! Lyubím Kárpych is p

utting up such cap

at all funny,

n't know what to do

s on the sofa. LYUB

EN

and LYUBí

good heave

his is t

áYEV. Ha

h the cucumber fifteen! How do, friend! [Holds out his hand to KóRSHUNOV]

Oh, is this

th his hands] I'm not I, and the hors

brother! You used to roam t

n sprees together? How we sat through the dark autumn nights, and how we skipped back and forth, from the

ourself? Nobody dragged you in by the co

ud of! You raised me to such heights, you promoted me to such a pla

o LYUBóV GORDéYEVNA] You've got a jolly uncle! For old a

e! Pay up your old debts, and for my niece here a mil

ughing] Won't

RPYCH. No

Lyubím Kárpych! Don

áRPYCH c

EN

with GORD

e here! What are you doin

on't turn him out! Why turn him out? Let

in giving his daughter to you, but I'll play

is isn't the place

rother, don't turn me o

e jokes? Do you think L

riddles. [To KóRSHUNOV]

, give us

EV. That's

V. How d

all may know that he is

ou! To whom are you m

not your affair! You've

n honest merchant, or not? If you are honest, don't associate

rget yourself, my dear fellow! Tu

you! One can see you are

go away quietly, or it

[Starting up in a f

! Now blood has begun to talk! A

NE

óROVNA, ANNA IVáNOVNA, Gú

, but I have a clean conscience! I'm not Kórshunov; I didn't rob the poor, I didn't ruin another's life, I didn't torment my wife with jealousy. Me they drive away, but he's their

ieve him; he lies! He says this

ago. I'm a man of small account, a crawling worm, th

[To the servants

ameless! Oh, men, men! Lyubím Tortsóv is a drunkard, but he's better than you! Here, now, I'll go away of my own accord

He, he, he! "I," says he, "shall go to Moscow; here they don't understand me!" Such fools are almost extinct in Moscow! They laugh at 'em there! "Son-in-law, son-i

You think I'll

edding. You'd hang yourself if only to astonish the tow

never bowed down to any one in my life! If it comes to this, I'll marry her to any man I choose. Wi

NE

me and

ards the crowd] Wha

Here, I'll mar

. Wha

row! And I'll give her such a wedding as you never saw! I'l

see! You'll come to ask my

NE

without

To whom, Gordéy K

DéYEVNA by the hand and goes to GORDéY KáRPYCH] Why out of spite, Gordéy Kárpych? One does not do such things out of spite. I don't want you to do it out of spite. I'd rather suffer torment all my life. If you are kind enough, the

glad of the chance! But how did you ever dare to think o

my poverty, cannot be her equal; but however, think as you please. Here

s in and takes his

EN

and LYUBí

isn't bad! And you'll get plenty of money with her, which is f

you, that I have no words. Better keep silent. [Wal

r gone against your will! If you wish

o feel happy; my heart was just beginning to feel easy, and now you begin again. Do stick to something; otherwise what do

the crowd] Brother,

me to shame before the whole town! If you felt this you wouldn't dare to show yourself in

down to Lyubím Tortsóv's feet, ju

to your feet; that's just it! You have taken a great sin from ou

at, am I a monster

rough your own folly; I tell you this straight out! They marry girls to old men

ands before you large as life! He went along that road, he knows what it is! And I was rich and respected, I drove about in

y to me, I don't want to listen; you

for me to play the fool in the cold for a piece of bread; at least in one's old age one wants to live decently. You see I've been cheating people, I've been begging alms, and have spent it in drink. They'll

ordéy Kárpych, haven

or bringing me back to reason; I almost went out of my mind completely. I don't know how such a rotten notion got into my he

OVNA embraces

cle, may I

k for whatever you want, every one o

Annushka, it's

ow, we'll have a dance

A. Yes, let's da

and. [Clasps his hand] That's all-take her; I give her up to you! For a friend I don't regret anything! That's the way we do it when it comes to the point! [Wipes

n, girls, a jolly song! Yes, a jolly one! Now we'll celebrate the wedd

Obey orders! He sing

done the

trade is

thal we w

the wed

ast shall

RROW ARE C

A IN F

RAC

H BABáYEV[1], a

te 1: w

V, a shopkeeper, abo

VNA (called Tá

LúSHA), her sister, an old maid and d

ld man, grandfa

id boy about eighteen y

AS

YN, flour dealer about

KúRITSYNA, his wif

V, govern

KóFYEVNA), landlady o

Bá

BáYEV'_s

es place in a

RROW ARE C

C

LEA

o doors, one opening on the street, the other leading into

EN

and ZáYCHIKHA (PROKóFYEVNA)

k, dear sir, how many

hey want? Why a

ear sir, wishes to know w

rtainly are provincials. Well, tell them that

through the window] B

re asking w

u think we came here for sport? Much

window] For business. [To

to settle here. We may stay two

[Withdraws from the window] Now I've satisfied

ging is all ri

o great frills, but it's clean. Of course

sn't on th

e here, lodge with me. I know a lot of the landowners who come

ause it's

d on market days the noise is dreadful. Please tell me, wasn't y

Exac

their estate c

P.

see him as a youngster. He often rode to town with his mot

. Petersburg; but now we have come to t

o. But is he a goo

Pretty

ord! May He reward him! What b

y business, something to bear witness to; b

t be surprising. Have y

hem all. Just now they se

for you than for us. If you need anything,

SHGáLEV enter a

EN

SHISHGáLE

y dear sir, that it is

and covering his mouth with his hand] But, believe

aybe it is

has ended, it is quite impossible to assemble the members;

, my dear sir, how

to blame? I'm the h

at shall I do here for the ne

ok around, sir, and ta

there to see here? I suppose you'll say that

you any kind o

. I beg pa

cial life, any sort of club, ent

V. No, we

mbers of the court and the r

ey usually spe

. How t

-morrow with the judge, day after to-morrow with the attorney; then with the farmer o

what time

. About si

hat do the

They play

else, certainly no

have tables with drinks and refreshments-just as it should be.

hey all drink, fr

ans! Only the dealer, or som

ar sir, I can't help

nday you will please appear in court, an

ll have some writing to do for me. Then I'll give you-as i

family is lar

. What'

he kindness to bestow

n't know; how's that?

ruble, sir; that'll

money] Here you are

pocket] Not at all. I thank you heartily

NE

EV an

ow rude yo

et the habit of calling around here and bewailing their fate.

do? I'd like to go for a

hat sha

, go to sleep; after tra

what shall

same. They say people

I only had some frivolous intrigue to amuse myself

nd in the housemaids' room, and he has a hankering for that kind of thing now. Since I've lived in St. Petersburg with him, what things

YA co

EN

and L

hat do

Valenti

do you wa

o see him, of course

want help o

es were always welcome at the home of your master's mother?

u are? I

rds in some way that's beyond me. [Sits down] Y

l you he's

because I've just seen

anything with you; I'll hav

business whether I came to ask for aid or not. To be sure, people of our station are often engaged in that, but not all. Maybe Valentin Pávlich has become so proud since he has lived

EV co

EN

V and

ave I the honor

entin Pávlich, that you would s

ease. [Both sit down]

atter of calculation; but we provincials aren't like you in St. Petersbu

you-benefactors should

her that words fail me to express it. S

The Zhm

ially for sist

ng] Tánya-Taty

o you reme

o you are

érya Danílov

rdon me, I

remember my sister more readily than you do me. She

an exceedingly beautiful

ld know it if not I? Being the elder

sure. Tell me, if you p

s she

s here in the

ied? Does she

adise! Your mother was the kindest of ladies, and liked to have everybody happy at her house. There were always lots of young ladies in her house, and likewise

t time ago. It's no more than three

r guests to be moody or to read books. She would say: "Why, you're spoiling everybody's spirits." Every one was

and young ladies continually together-of

lly strong in that line.

left her, so they c

, Lukérya Danílovna. Even you your

emanly way to me. But fate has punished him for his lack of courtesy towar

me how it happened th

l. Our father was a clerk in the Chancery Office, and he received a salary of thirty rubles a year. How could we live on such a sum? And yet we saw something of society. At first we were

, what are y

, and your interest in my sister makes me f

elped. Probably it was a

you to

t this relationship causes me. In a word, our circumstance

hopkeeper? What ki

p. You can see it from h

snó

noticed it. Is

credit for taking good care of his house. He doesn't give himself any rest day or night; he toils hard all the time. As for my sister, he's willing to give her whatever her heart desires, even his last kopek, just to please her, so that she does absolutely nothing, and lives like a lady. But his manners are boorish, and his conve

na Danílovna has

't feel sorry. She

? I'm very much pleased that you have called on me. If it hadn't been for you I don't know what I should have done with myself. Now, just imagine, if

s keeping you

d; being married, what will her hu

to have different opinions on such things. You weren't so

entirely different social circle.

now whether my sister

furnishing me with diversion when I was bored. Don't you want something? Be good eno

t hurry home now. I have to attend to some matte

Please be

r] Why don't you invite si

ly I really don't know how to arrange it. I s

? She isn't a princess imprisoned behind ten locks. You'll

to go, but I hardly k

beauty of nature. It's a quiet, secluded place; few people ever go there. It's a most delightful walk for sentim

'll go mad with joy. She was so charming, so delicate. Some people said that she didn't have much sense, but is that a

LEA

gate, at the other a corner of a barn; beyond

EN

RKHíP a

t here awhile. I feel ill to-d

down here. You and I are unfortunate:

born so. Grandfather, I shan't

ld wives' tales. No one k

ty appetites after working. They eat a whole lot and want more. There's brother Lev, when he's tired-just keep giving

That hel

ks of living things, but I don't have any interest in anything. Some people like nice clothes, but for me it's all the same-whatever rag is near at hand-just so I'm warm. For insta

t know temptation, so your sins are less. That is your good fortune. Just listen to me. I, Afónya, have known temptation and have not always turned aside from it, and most often I sought temptation of my own free will. You say everything seems the same to you, that nothing in the world delights you; but to me God's world was good and bright. Everything beckoned and charmed me. An unsated eye and f

d do not remember evil. They are abused and mocked, but they laugh at it, while I am rough and harsh, just like m

d you be angry, my ch

y heart aches for every one-for

ieving for us? We have

of, grandfather, before brother married. Gra

e marry her? You should be happy because he

Formerly brother used to love

e jealous! Probab

servile in the presence of her and her kin? His servility offends me. Is he inferior to her and her sister? One marries

his own choice. He works and doesn't forc

ll me, grandfather, is she an

r not, she is of

work for them, feed and clothe them, while they give themselves airs. There is

? Your brother himself

stay at home and play the lady, but if she marries, then she should know that there is one master in the house-her husband. You see, grandfather, I see and hear everything, since they are so shameless as not to pay any heed to me. Brother gives her kerchiefs and silk dresses, while she and her sister laugh at him and call him a fool. I hear it all; it is bitter to me, g

ng. God knows the reason of all this. What a man I am! I never see the fair sun or the bright moon, and likewise I shall never s

that you cannot see; but I'm tired

s world longer and more often, and less at men and women, and you will become lighter of

grandfather, beside

the bridge

Yes, gra

the sun a

andfather, but

. In a

he twilight is so brillian

a, beautiful is God's world. Now the dew will fall and fragrance will rise from every flower; and yonder the stars will come out; and abo

[BABáYEV comes in] Let us go. Some strange gentleman

FóNYA] My soul magni

EN

YEV

; I believe she's very, very glad that I have arrived. I speak of women of our own sort. I think they torment, because-how shall I express it-the idea is entirely original-in order to compensate themselves in advance for the rights which they lose later. That's the result of being in a lovely landscape face to face with nature! What brilliant thoughts come to one!

nd LUKéRY

NE

TATYáNA,

hand to BABáYEV] How do

sister told me tha

do you stil

s, sister and I, very frequently speak of y

my darling Tatyána Danílovna, which are not readily forgott

opping her e

ay from St. Petersburg, and come to the country, I continually so

und such an occasion befor

. I ass

Tánya, do not believe the ge

Why speak

y just to you, but to all

you remain lo

pend upon the clerks who have my affair in hand, but now I s

y too much. No, tell me, shall

irs in three days, but maybe I'll stay th

Certain

anílovna: your city is dreadfully lonesome. I will remain

l on us. We shall be delighted t

all on you often, as gossip and talk s

n him. You are my acquaintan

will return your call. Besides, we often visit your landlady,

ne side with TATYáNA] Does

use] I don't know; w

be perfectly frank with me. You know wh

with you? What good can come of it

yána Danílovna, you can sweeten your existence for a time, so tha

V. Do you know, I want to move to the country; then we could be near

k to me like that! I didn't expect to he

etting in pretty deep there. I

coming. Take a look out on the bank there. I'm a

're a sly gentle

ave tea with us to-mor

ally don't kn

, how shall I invite you? [Takes BABáYEV by t

me that you have chan

tly I haven't. Not a bit.

member Zavetnoye,

hy? I reme

n walk? Do you remember how, after supper, while mother slept,

a low voice

h which you

, what of that? Yes, I reme

cious, are now entirely differ

was a girl and could love any one I

onging to any one else. Do what you will, I can hard

ntrol yourself?

he use, my dear! You

hat? I love you as much

her] Is it possible, Tanec

h, if you don't wish me unhappiness for the rest of my life, we must love one another as we are d

mind at rest, da

r to me! Swear, so th

How fooli

ng. According to the old law, I must love no one other than my husband. But since I can't love him-and loved you before my

. Calm

ans that we shall now have a very pleasant love-affair,

yes, that'll

ou a kiss because you're

come to-mo

d then you'

! Then we'll visit you.

ou are! You're even love

be a secret. Good-

g roses, of watering jasmine! [Going] But what a man you are! Oh, oh,

el is beginning; I w

T

LEA

curtains; to the left a stove-couch and a door into the kitchen; in the foreground a plain board table and several cha

EN

kerchief; AFóNYA is lying on the stove-couch

from the neighbor to cover our table. Ours

e you starte

ld you; that kerchief is much more becoming to you. But why did you

ing up to go to? Why are yo

e; we're going

f yours? Do you think we ought

sband? He loves you more than you deserve even wit

ol! yet he understands that she

usband? He knows me anyway. When I d

lirt with? Who are you going t

a fool! All he has to do is to chatter.

ay? My husband never says anything to me,

by you, blinded. You've give

de you a sick man. Tend to your own busines

her is a fool! He

ouldn't I bring th

[Puts cups on the table. LUKéRYA goes

'm all ri

are coming and yo

. I wo

fool." Our guest is no cheap shopkeeper like your brother. A

of a gentleman?

n as all the rest. He's our acquaintanc

not going to him, but he's coming here. I'm in my own house, and

's my busines

ings in th

r on the table] Lev Rodionyc

of his relatives; wh

hy did you ever int

NóV, KúRIT

EN

LUKéRYA, AFóNYA, K

wife] How are y

How aff

. We've just received fresh grapes. [Gives her a bunch] Here I ha

d you never call on us! But we're common folks

emptuous of your relatives? You might run over once

e to go visiting? She ha

ning to get used

ousehold. That's our woman's duty. You didn't m

you'd better

Ah, Afónya, are you still sic

l get well. If you don't want to, then force yourself to ea

at have you done! What sort

poiled everything. How embarra

d coming? What's the odds! Nothing to ge

uch he's i

n't set eyes on him yet, I don't know what he's like; these, at any rate, are our own. And, beside

óNYA seat themse

asion, so it is customary before tea to-

married Tatyána Danílo

reat brother and sis

the table decanter, glasses, and refreshments] Hav

invitation, you don'

My wife doesn't know your common ways, and there

spoils even a good wife. You ought to take example from me, and teach her common sense;

barbarian, and a blood-sucker! You spend your whole

you say? [Looking around] Is any stranger here? Seems to

. Because, sister, women like us can't live without strict discipline.

ou, sister, like such treatment, while

's conduct is discarded everywh

Ulyana. We used to have disputes among ourselves, among acquaintances or relatives, whose wife was more attentive; I'd bring 'em to my house, sit on the ben

used to happen. I can say tha

nothing good in t

r overcoat and it will be warme

elf to be beaten, and the one that allo

sudden, sister? Am I worse than you? You just wait awhi

Yes, but

ing? Married a beggar an

married the daughter of a

s, and you can't understand it with

eresting conversatio

but from government clerks. Not a very great lady!

eep still! I shouldn't h

o understan

alone. I like it when

But I don

r own wife, not me; I'm not under your orders; you aren't my boss. I have a good husband who can boss me, not you

umping up]

ave told you, Lev Rodionych, that I met Valentin Pá

, I was ther

, you're th

I sweated blood, and I thought of marriage only when I'd provided for the whole family. For thirty years I haven't known any pleasures. That's why I have to be thankful to my wife, who has beauty and education, for loving me, a peasant. Formerly I worked for you; now I will work fo

f understands that she

ers! Your foolish words have entered my ears and wrenched my heart. If I believed you, then-God keep me from it-I should soon do some violence! One can't vouch for himself as to what may happen. Maybe the devil will jog my elbow. God save us! This is not a joking ma

of separation. It's she th

door; but if it's the husband's kin-then shut the door. You visit

mber! And you, brother, just wait; we'l

NE

YáNA, LUKéRY

a Danílovna, I hope you won't take tha

! I lived better beyond comparison as a girl;

able] We didn't associat

r, and drove her out of my house; but if it had been a stranger, he wouldn't hav

o you become dre

hot-tempered. I'm beside myself,

idn't you tell me about your characte

hat means that he's eager in all things, even in his work, an

I shall be

ar me. But I should like to kno

of love do you wa

, perhaps it'll come later. Everything can happen in this world! There have been cases where lov

Keep on

your love; but we're of en

ger, I'd take up and study for Tatyána Danílovna. I know, myself, what I l

indow] He's coming, Tánya; he's

suddenly? What are

ect yourself. We must be courteou

ther right or not, let God judge you! But I

his? You hiss like a snake. You want to wound me.

to me, and I haven't long to live, anyway.

joy-he's seizing it, and draining your heart. You will ruin your whole life! You will perish for no cause. All those are slanderous words. They're spiteful because my wife is good, and we get along together-so they begin to stir up trouble. That's clearly seen. It's so in every

V, TATYáNA,

EN

SNóV, TATYáN

ere you live! Is this

own. This i

ted. I've known you

That's yo

You're in

That's

e seated? [BABáYEV a

you like

nk you; I don't

in St. Petersburg they have different tastes.

e already had some. Let us rather sit and talk.

sort of amusements

your time? Is it possibl

NA. M

us. Our Russian way is: husband and dog

ce to KRASNóV] Can't y

I know my

hould think it must have been hard fo

usband] Yes; of course I ca

g, but I don't really know myse

your noble birth, that'

e's nothing v

y, what is the

uite coarse, and they aren't usually

I'm a man of no breeding.

ar those words, all right! The kitchen and other common things belong to

igh or low, if you put the soup in

ht spare your wi

at sort of a housekeeper you are for your husband, right before him, then I should think you'd answer, that y

RASNóV] You're disturbing our

oice to TATYáNA] Is

ce] I don't know what'

ness here. You'd better come to me to-day, and I'll go home now.

ertainly,

most grateful

-by to you! Are you go

now. Whenever my a

ut when, d

me, at court, the d

that's over you'

k so. What is t

An unbidden guest is worse than a Tatar. What do we want with him? What use is he to us? I won't h

TYáNA an

EN

TATYáNA,

u doing? Why did you

n't quarrelled once since our wedding, and I hope t

ine love,

ooks at he

ust serve your relatives and friends like a cook; but when o

ve him away, only in

ur love. What do I want with your lov

cussing. We probably won't ever see him again, and we have no need of him; he went with wh

a disgrace! I wonder wh

to St. Petersburg; a fine opini

opinions from your mind. The whole affair isn't worth a kopek.

but not so for us. Sister and I have prom

There's

ed? I tell you that

'm not anxious. Ought you t

all of a sudden. You certainly don't imagi

ell you something, then that has to go. I'm talking sense and what's good

g] What tyranny

, what a fearful, oh, what

t? I'll fire you out so fast that y

We don't want to show him we're boors. We surely have to th

lovna, please underst

to fight? That'll be just like

along, but never set your foot there again. Only one more thing, Tatyána Danílovna: you see this clock! [Points to the wall

usha, let's dres

hat's to be done? I can't cut her off sharp-that'd entirely turn her away from me. Whatever I try to think of, horrid things come into my head. But he certainly isn't a bandit. And then my wife, a little while ago-I'm just an enemy to myself! There surely can't be anything bad; but I think of all sorts of nonsense! I'd better g

LEA

om as i

EN

PROKóFYEV

VNA. Is

t isn't time yet, anyway. What do you think? In St. Pe

What's that,

t's already dusk and the lights are lit e

is. I just came in to see if anything was needed. [Glancing out of the wi

fy. At least we'd now be home, at business. I wonder how it is he isn't bored! I wonder if he hasn't found some prey here! He surely

EVNA co

tell him that he is

hy is h

You tell him;

door] Please, sir

[From the

out, sir, for a mi

EV en

EN

OKóFYEVN

wife of the shopkeeper, has come with her si

me again, so you'll please say that she comes to see you. If any one asks you, you know; the city is small, a

o me! I looked but I didn't see. Yo

I, dear landlady, are old frie

ed we are, sir, f

tient wave of his h

nd LUKéRY

NE

TATYáNA

u do, again! Were

ect you so soon. Be seated; why ar

over here. We had suc

t's enough,

it. Valentin Pávlich has seen our local gentry to-day, hi

n every family; there's no need telling e

alentin Pávlich, what a peasan

concerned. You might spare me! He's my husband, and

in your marriage, Tatyána D

re you when we had nothing to eat? But now there is no going back. Al

hy are you

rrow, while I have to remain with him. You only made matters worse by coming; until you came he didn't seem so bad, and suddenly he has changed entirely. Before he saw you he fu

top! Why do you grieve

go to the landlady, I c

t, but don't be t

EN

V and

áNA] Darling, Tanechka, now stop! Why do you weep s

no use thinking

But what if I take yo

Which o

er lived: the same lanes, ponds, and arbors; everything is familiar t

How could you get such a foolish notion into your head! Do you think my hu

de you so that he won't find you; and m

at's a bright idea! Sto

how to live with my hus

so! Much I

ove me a little bit! You

that'

a sin for you to talk s

áNA.

't it a sin

an't tell whether you'r

Don't worry about me! Just ask your ow

what does y

you say that I'm making believe, and yet you a

a bit interested!

I do you. It's all the same whether you believe me or not. But I will prove that it is the truth, and you yourself will agree with me. Why, I don't tell you that I've never seen women more beautiful tha

] Artless-Ah, you

old you what I feel.

ay? I don't know how. I

nything-you k

is, possibly,

ut"? There's no

I get no good from it. [Pause] Tell me yourse

What do

love me? [Pause]

pping her eye

se] Why are you silent?

áNA.

you go to the

Ah, stop

't go to the village the

in the city, and will c

agree t

áNA.

darling Tanechka, I'm rea

NA. I

u? [Pause] Why

But our

. What

ay's. You rememb

e to remember? There

you're shameless! Ca

know of any compacts. [

ising] Oh!

op"? What do you

. I mea

V. Wha

all, only please move

then I'll go away. I'll drop the business f

. Very

arp! [KARP comes in] Pack

Yes,

way? Well, good luck to

r, do you want

ere? You make me tired,

f they've

hey won

none of your b

out; LUKéR

EN

V and

siting the landlady; so you'll understand that it's awkward for her to come to you. B

KéRYA. I can't believe my ears! Is it possible t

T

LEA

om as i

EN

g on the bed; L

ánya, are

áNA.

er get up! What are you

d all the morning

use of getting up?

lie in bed and cry just rends your hea

[Sits down] How unfortunate I am! What have I done to myself?

s meek as the grass; now I don't know what has happened to him. Why, yes

how terrible he's become. He looked daggers all the morning, left

ay to you when you wer

didn't he do! "For all my love for you," he said, "I ask you only one thing

What an a

asn't jealous of any

eing jealous of every one!

you like, and go anywhere, but because you didn't heed my command,

at did you

ulgar, peasant's way. He doesn't care that he has insulted me, but I've been crying all day. I couldn't love him if he killed me. If he gave me freedom, then I might have some affection for him; but now

ied that you married him; and now he's go

to fear him so. You won't believe me

do you think

atter how you look at it. I sold my very youth to one I cannot love, just for

s repulsive. Especially when you compare him with others. T

I do? If I could break

ld be very glad. But I s

nded to the matter earli

ond my s

e loves you ve

t enough sense, then I have to cry over it. My mother used to say to m

see him, I suppose?

rse. If it depended o

to rack our brains h

I rack my brain, I ca

, Tánya! You'll have

áNA.

thout cunning, because we're the w

t what cunn

s and dogs, he can't help getting the notion into hi

How shall

e believe that you're in love with him; give him all sorts of humbug and he'll prick up

have to say wh

rstand that your action is make-believe, and not sincere. You'll see, after such actions, he'll b

make such a sudde

must be sudden. What

e now; how can I approach

hat you'd like to make up with your husband, so that you'd have no misunderstan

Well, I

same to me! I'm talk

t it is for a woman to have wits! Even if she takes a fancy to a man she won't let anybody g

mes in lea

EN

LUKéRYA

What do you want me fo

Yes, gr

s: "Grandfather Arkhíp, we need you!" What

father, sister is displ

is the judge between husband and

there in living so? It is

matter? Live in harmon

s a very crude manner,

ur word. She has a tongue of

and doesn't even look at me; he thinks I

TATYáNA to talk] She'

of me, I don't deserve it. Does he think I could betray hi

splendid man! Does

and be done with it. But if he'll only be kind to me, then I'll

s told me: "I love my husban

king each other up for? Have

r me to see that my sister, whom I adore, lives in

p, I want to ask you to ha

e me off my feet! You say that your husban

Much I am

blame. You don't want to humble yourself;

s, grandfat

speaking sincere

incerely,

, then you'll answer to God! But I will speak to him. Why not?

ou talk to

o him when he comes

NE

éRYA, ARKHíP

. Who

Grandfath

ónya. Tatyána wishes to make peace w

't believe her, Grandfather

at's enoug

ould I fool you

e it long ago. If you're in earnest, then drop your proud ways. You ought to bow down to yo

ice] That would be en

ould I bow down

u. I saw myself how he kneeled before you! I

t of it, if

ow down to him. Make up to him for his humiliation. It won't hurt y

husband has some sense in i

nt. On account of you our family has been broken up. You

his fit of anger! We want to make peace

at awful things he says! If you gave him h

the head] What do you exp

óV co

EN

A, LUKéRYA, ARK

voice to ARKHíP] Le

u haven't had a

. I had

u wish, we'll

he table] Certainly. I can'

ister! [Goes to the kitch

re you going b

, I'm all t

ll you sta

our, then I have to go across

n the table, and goes out with LUKéRYA. KRASNóV,

ee you, but it seems a

's there to b

you so sad? Wh

ndfather, mine. My very own.

anything, you know I'm not your enemy; if you scold me, there's no harm in it. I've l

fair, grandfather, that needs ad

ish! How do you know? Are yo

u want? Strikes the spoon against the bowl angrily. LUKéRY

e is wiser than

were wise she'd

n't you hold anger for every little thing. One wrong-is no wrong; and

gs aren't the same. For some w

ce? Nowadays, they don't hang

can't even

[KRASNóV listens] "Grandfather Arkhíp," says she, "put in a word for me to my husband! I love him," says she, "but I'm afraid of his temper. He seems to thin

. Is th

iar in my old age? She'd have told you herself; she wants to bo

othing; but what was there to do? I'm consumed with a fire, absolutely consumed, I wronged her, I admit; but was it easy for me? If you'd told me that she'd just died-I don't know what I'd do with myself, but it would be easier; then no one could take her from me. [Weeps] Some want money or reputation, but I need nothing except her love. Give me the choice: Here, Krasnóv, you can have gold-mines and royal castles, if you'll only give up your wife; or here, you can have a roofless mud hut, all sorts of hard work, but you may live with your wife. I won't utter a sound. I'll carry water on my back, just to be with her always.

What!

preserve me from such torment in the f

d better cal

gripping your heart with his hand and you can think only of misfortune and sin. You walk about as if half crazed, and see nothing all around you. But now whe

's there, in

he doing there? The kitchen is no plac

YA go

ndfather, will she bow down to brother

please, that's n

TYáNA an

EN

A, LUKéRYA, ARK

Did you

the kitchen is no fit

to him, Tatyána; now d

any wrong whatever, please pardon me. I

ur doing that. I could never allow you to do that-to

o do anything, only do

word. You gave your word-that's e

you're not a

nners; in my excitement I stormed-but don't take

p! Who could tak

our words didn't hurt me so much as t

e of thrashing over old scandals! Now kiss, as y

I'll be very glad to. I wanted to long ago, but

to you, it's a double one fo

elled, Lev Rodionych, to

at's there

She's of a quiet temperament and can't tell you everythi

makes it more

tell you how much she loved you;

y are you timid with me?

We are so

not to be afraid of me in the future. Tha

aid of you any more, Lev

sorts of promises that they didn't mea

ere times when I didn't know just how to a

ou always

ather Arkhíp, let's

good when there's agreement in the house! It's good, children, good! [Going out

here and now I must go s

EN

V and

a Danílovna, if God would only grant that we mi

ing down besid

fairly twist me round your finger. You can do a

need anything from you; I'm satisfied with everythin

else has such a one? You're the envy of the whole city-don't I see that? Who would want to lose such a wife? In the first place, it's just like tearing a piece out of his heart; and secondly with their ta

Don't h

That's al

Don't you insult

rd kiss! [They kiss each other] That's right! Now tell

ust love you

ant to know what there is in me that could make such a beauty fal

ld say anything bad of you? Eve

. And w

kind, and you don't

ses her] Well, love me still more and then I'll be still

're holding

ze you the way I love you. It's right from the heart, no humbug

That's

What's there to complain of! No need to

know yourse

cream! Simply lovely! Nothing on earth is better! W

. I don

're attached to your wife, that's enough. If you're once attached, then that's all. Now that we're friends, the house mi

t for? You d

uy it, then that's my af

usiness; comfort your hu

atch] Oh, there's lots

n't have t

A. Don

collection to-day, I can't get my money for a whole week. It's so far to go, too! I wish he'd-Why, it's on

. Of co

t wait for me an hour, you'll live through it! [Kisses her] Good-by! Otherwise I'd really be b

Come ba

ount ten! Speaking seriously, I can't

NE

áNA

a bear would! Sits there-and swaggers like a peasant; and I have to pretend to love him, to humor him; how disgusting! I'd give anything on earth not to have to do that. But how can I help it! I have to submit to o

ther I

my

t is ca

wn and

oved k

eart is

NE

A and

What, i

áNA.

RYA.

Across

Will he

id, not sooner

over. I was just there-he's

n that be, Lusha, my dear? He didn

yourself all up with it. It's so dar

think it'll

go into the woods. It isn't far, you can r

course I shan't. [

first. What should I do then! Shall I say that you went for some thread to a neig

don't know; and what I'm d

l, run along

NA go

EN

and late

erything; she has to be looked after as though she were a small child. If I hadn't advised her to make up with her husband, what would have happened? Quarrel and abuse. She probably wouldn't h

Tatyána? Where is

at do you w

r. Tell me, where

robably in

r once in your life tell the truth

Maybe she

e just slip ou

or thread she went? She's been wanting to

. For

ell, yes,

You li

hy are you worrying me? Wh

You're devils. You've deceived brother. I saw it long ago i

but you're a

wait! You'll get sick of dec

hreaten! We're n

at's all this? What a man it is they're

T

LEA

PROKóFYEVNA's

EN

KóFYEVNA come

is it possible! Don't think of such a thing! You

k her out of a thousand by her dress. We have only one style for our clothes; on holidays we don't wear the cl

ere's a woman here who comes to him, and looks like her, but it isn't she. What

re just help

wrong stories, Ulyana; d

eedom. I wouldn't have thought of saying such a thing of another, but it isn't a sin to say it of her. If not to-day then to-mor

VNA. Is

at now he fairly growls at me. "I won't have anything to do with you," sa

ugh for you! What's the

in her house, and

ith her. But it hurts me, Prokófyevna, that she ups

s your business; you'll

going

. My boss is probably storming and pac

EVNA. G

. PROKóFYEVNA goes o

EN

and lat

he's now with the gentleman or not. Will it hurt to wait? If she stays long, my husband will make such a fuss that I won't forget it for

leave me alone!

s Tatyána

No, sh

here at the gentlem

an's? Heavens! Have pe

n I'll call at your house. [Going away] Wait, brother,

ave her fine clothes bought with hard-earned money! Brother denies himself, denies his family, and gives her cash to buy rags, and now she and a stranger are cursing us for the shelter we gave her. It make

e out of the gate; AFóN

NE

ABáYEV, a

a soul on the street. Why are you in such a

no! Somehow I

you are so afraid. Well, your hu

acted; I thought he'd kill me. He makes me afraid,

week, in ten

hat we wanted: you'd go to the country-and I'd go the

sked you to

ile I'm no better than a captive. That's my trouble. I

. That'

my character. If my husband guessed that I didn't love him, then he'd kill me with scolding and reproaches. I very well understand that I can't be a real wife to him, and that I'm not wanted by his fami

tright that you don't want to live with him. You and

he'd let me go? He doesn't care if I die-so long as I'm with

ry well, le

hen it comes to action, then you lose your reason, especially such as I. Do as yo

. Of co

cording to my vows; but I'm drawn to you, and want to escape from my home. It's all your fault, Valentin Pávlich; home has become dis

life! You have

worry about! Yours is a man's affair, and no one will condemn you; but we have to suffer for every single thing. But what's to be done!

hat do you mean! Cer

time for me to go! My, how I'm shiv

, I'll walk along the bank with you;

ith their whole soul. I'm burning up like a candle, I'm wasting away because of love and pity for you, and yet I haven't once heard a

LEA

om as i

EN

dle and places it on a ta

d needles. When I hear any one at the door my heart almost stops. Every minute seems a year. Afónya torments me too. I wonder where he went. Isn't he spying on her? Of course I can find ten replies to every word

Never

k, it won't h

n't want to

ngly] Don't you f

on't touch me, don't t

t in the least

't fool me. No, no! LUKéRYA. I don't un

ed! Go away: out of my

rse because you don'

need it! I don

want anything from you? I only spoke out of sympathy. [Sile

óV co

EN

me and

" I said, and here I am in half an hour, so she'd be surprised. I was invited to tea, but I didn't stay. "D

. Somewhere around. I

way, I want to give her a pr

away, right a

en rubles, six and three, nine to Peter Ananyev. [Pause] Has she disappea

t know. Oh,

r] Tatyána Danílovna! Lukérya Danílovna! They don't even

he'll come, don't be afraid. No matter

the door] Tat

A com

NE

me and

s that? Is th

Yes, b

What do

l on you, brother,

n no great nee

ferent from yours; I can't help remem

en lost somewhere here. I keep

r away from here, so s

mean by "far"? I te

? Wasn't it her siste

es, maybe

lieved her. Oh, yo

y, sister! Keep

e you shouting for? I saw with my ow

throats. You're a barbarian, you jealous woman. To kill you would be

couch] Quieter, you; quieter!

ang you both on

uch her, don't lay a finger on her! She

I tell you; it isn't an hour since we sat here, kissing and embra

d! You've lost your mind! Go and see

the door] Luk

she ran over there,

EN

e and K

you teaching your wife? That's good fo

Where is she? Spare me; y

e back; she doesn't

er calm yourself,

l all wait for

, fondled me, pressed

s quietly and

EN

me and

time? Speak, don't hide it! Why are you silent? Sp

ure! You think you can get out of it by silence

er, brother, trample o

lying? Then I'll turn 'em out, head over heels! Or maybe they're telling the truth?

of lying, since you've a

f] There, good people,

t can I-pardon me, a sin

ehave, I don't know; bu

mi

u show yourself among people now, shameless wom

Viper,

looking at her! She ought

P com

EN

me and

sent us? Why so much noise? Is t

to mischief! If I were in brother'

ush into sin of your own free will? How about you now? Do you repent or not? Or maybe you think that was the right thing to do? Speak! Why are you silent? Are you abashed before people, or are you happy? Are you ashamed, or are you glad of what you've done? Are you made of stone? Roll at eve

u. I never loved you, and don't love you now. You'd better lea

l I take revenge for this insult? Go in the kitchen! You can't be a wife, so be a cook! You couldn't walk hand in hand with your husband, so fetch water for him. You have aged me in a day, and now I'll ma

NA ru

rother! She's goin

She won't

entleman. I heard them plann

? Who in the whole world is strong enough to take her fr

oor] Brother, she's getting r

nd only for the grave, for nowhere else! [Goes out. The cry of TAT

Serves h

ear! What will h

towards you? First of all, she is guilty before God; and you, a proud and willful man, have taken it upon yourself

oresee it, but he fell into sorrow! Sorrow

FFAIR-WE'LL SET

Y IN FO

RAC

H BOLSHóV[1]

Samsón Streng

ONDRáTYEVN

NOVNA (LíPOCHKA

CH PODKHALYúZ

te 2: S

NA, a professi

RISPOLóZHENSK

e 3: Unf

per } } in BOLSHóV'S

A nickname

C

om in BOLS

EN

ting near the w

t's strange, plague take it! The soldiers themselves don't understand how much more fascinatingly they'd shine! If they were to take a look at the spurs, the way they tinkle, especially if a uhlan or some colonel or other is showing off-wonderful! It's just splendid to look at them-lovely! And if he'd just fasten on a sabre, you'd simply never see anything more delightful, you'd just hear rolling thunder instead of the music. Now, what comparison can there be between a soldier and a civilian? A soldier! Why, you can see right off his cleverness and everything. But what does a civilian amount to? Just a dummy. [Silence] I wonder why it is that so many ladies sit down with their feet under their chairs. There's positively no difficulty in learning how! Although I was a little bashful before the teacher, I learned how to do it perfect

EN

d AGRAFéNA

e! My heart told me so; before it's fairly daylight, before

and eaten some curd-cakes. Look here, is

if you have had something to eat? I suppose I'll have to keep watc

the sin in that! Every

, t

e, but don't fiddle around with your feet. [She runs after her] Wh

bey? Don't meddle; let me finish

ng, old woman as I am? Ouf! You've worn me out, you bar

s the last time around! God created you express

ly into the bargain! Stop it this minute! It'll be so much the wors

n, and that's all there is to it! [She sits down] Phew! phew! my, I'm soaked through! as i

dy were making you do it. Since you don't respect your mother, you might at least respect these walls. Your f

get sick? That would be all right if I were a doctor's wife. Ouf! What disgusting ideas you h

r! Ah, you stupid chatterbox! Is it right to dishonor your parents with such words? Was it for thi

child-what was I then?-a child without understanding, I didn't understand the ways of society. But I grew up, I looked upon society manners, and I s

me out of patience; I'll go straight to your father, throw myself at his

ny chance to live? Why did you send away my suitor? Could there have been a

oduce Lipochka's illiterate pro

a grinning booby. He came swaggering around, s

ey always do like that in his circle-But how do you dare to censure such people, of whom you ha

rry you to some circus clown. Shame on you; there's some kind of folly

on't desire my happiness. You and pa are on

or her child that the mother who bore her does! Here you're always posing and kicking up all kinds of nonsen

lk; but just let me ask, what goo

Have a mite of patience, even if you have been waiting a few years. It's impossibl

Wouldn't it make anybody sick? All my friends were married long ago, and here I am like a kind of orphan! We found one man, and turned him down. Now, look here: find me a husband, and find him quick!... I tell yo

ss into your head? Merciful Lord, I can't get my breath! Ah, you dirty hussy!

her!" You have a lot to say when he's arou

ll me, you shameless-eyed girl, where did you get that spiteful look? What, you want to be sharper than your mother! It won't take me long, I tell you, to send you into the kitchen to boil th

ill I allow anybody to

ord and I'll stop your mouth with a potato. A beautiful consolation the Lord has sent me in you! Impudent slut! You're a miserab

ly brought up. I'm absolutely vile; but what are you, after all? Do you want to send me to the other world before

[Stands and looks at

ps louder an

tell you, that'll do! I'm

ult; only do sto

HKA w

ly] Now, don't get angry at me-[She weeps] A silly old woman-ignoran

d earrings; I have a drawer full already

. I will, I will, onl

s] I won't stop crying till

! [They kiss] There, Christ be with you! Now let me wipe away the tears for you. [Sh

ll rather trembly] Oh, de

NE

e and F

dear Agraféna Kondrátyevn

can't say. Do you think

íni

ou ask me? Am I stupi

there! I asked you, and asked you, to give me just a handkerchief-nothing expensive: two heaps of stuff are lying around o

, now, Fomínishna, I'll neve

ink of beer after breakfast, and s

ing at? How's it coming out, Agraféna Kondrátyev

ing from you! As soon as you begin to talk, we have

A man or

the world did one ever see a man wearing a widow's bonn

y, a woman without

right? And it comes o

seless creature! Wel

clever, but no guesser; it couldn't

Ah, mamma,

as she been all this time? Bri

She stopped in the yard, quarrelling with the

EN

and USTíN

you have such a steep staircase, my jewels? You

she is! How are you

get in a hurry! There'

your mamma a bit first.

w are you, Agraféna Kondr

id you pass the night?

I'm alive, able to chew; I've been jo

KA] Well, your turn has come. What's this! It seems as if you had grown stoute

you, temptress! You'l

punier; first it's stomachache, then palpitation of the heart-just like the beating of a pe

's have a kiss now. To be sure, we've already exchanged greet

ady of a household. I don't amount to much; all

, Ustinya Naúmovna! Why do you stand up as stiff as a be

t, my jewel; may I perish on the spot if I ha

u loafing about for, Fomínishna? R

ma, I'll go quicker;

y part, my dear Agraféna Kondrátyevna, this is what I thin

movar's all right. Or are you stingy with other people

ainly! All right

EN

without

ou any news, Ustinya Naúmovna? This gi

aúmovna, you keep coming, and c

boy provided he has money and asks a small enough settlement. And your mamma also, Agraféna Kondrátyevna, is always wanting her own taste suited; you must be sure to giv

EN

ho enters and places vodka

s brought up for that, and learned French[1], and to play the piano, and

chants, belonged to the sect of the Old Believers, one of whose dearest tenets is

TYEVNA. Here, y

even grow beards like Christians; they don't go to the public baths, and don't make pasties on

ur toes a peasant. What's your merchant to me? What use would he be?

but the hair that God g

d codger your dad is; he doesn't trim his

mma? I have already said that I won't marry a merchant, and I won't! I'd rather

Don't you think of it!-What fun do you ge

A. Who's teasing her

mind set on a nobleman, we'll find you one. Wha

little runt! And most of all, Ustinya Naúmovna, he mustn't be snub-nosed, and he absolutely must be dark-complexioned. It's understood, of c

usband for you of the very sort you describ

movna! Not brown-complect

your lingo. What I said, goes. He has peasants, and wears a norder about his

movna, come up to my room a bit later; I

what a fidgety

y go

NE

áTYEVNA and US

Won't you have a sip of

ya Na

A. Don't care i

EVNA. [Pouring] W

You ought to dri

ri

YEVNA. I'll look

a! Phoo! Where d'yo

YEVNA. At the wi

NA. Buy it in

t should you want to buy in small quantit

ng about, bustling about for you, Agraféna Kondrátyevna; trudging, trudging over the paveme

EVNA. At last you

h and of standing; such a grand

'll have to ask Samsón Sílych

t mind! And he has peasants, wears a norder on his n

movna, you ought to have informed him th

ut he doesn't know

at would be good, and jol

t consider it yourself, m

r a son-in-law? I shan't

e all

you'll get used to things, you'll manage somehow or other. But, here, we

NE

and RISPO

alk with Samsón Sílych, but he was busy, I saw, so I thought: now, I'll go to Agraféna Kondrátyevna

ments, my dear sir. Please sit down,

Kondrátyevna; you know yourself, my family's large, business is dul

at's the last thing in th

grumbles, I think, offen

This is the wa

are your front names, my d

y Psoich, my dear Ag

oes Psoich mean, my jewe

s itself to the interpreta

t tell you positively:

urally, that m

ke that, Psoich! However, that's

, Sysóy Psoich, what was it

: it isn't as if it were a proverb, in a kind of fable, but a real oc

. Help yourself, my d

as very old, the children were still small; and one has to eat and drink. What they had was used up by the time they were old, and there was no one to give them food and drink. Where could they find refuge with their little children? Then he set to thinking this way, then that way.

NDRáTYEVNA.

no extortioner, I'm no usurer-it would be

RáTYEVNA. Mer

dear madam, there came a

EN

me and

e, sir? What's this

ws] I hope you're w

You seem to be growing thin. Or

be I've caught cold, or per

ell, Sysóy Psoich, and w

vna, some other time I'll finish telling; I'll run

ou; trying to be sanctimonious? H

you're beginning! You won't let us

you just ask him how his case was lost from

ontrary, it was not lost

ly

hat did they tu

e wine-shop, so to speak. I left it there, and when I was rather tipsy, I suppose, I forgot it. What of that? It might happen to anybody. Afterwards, my dear lady, they missed that case in court; we looked and looked, and I went h

hat may happen to a sober man as we

they didn't send yo

why, permit me to ask you, why sho

derly. Do they have to show you any indulgen

and little children!" "Well," he said, "deuce take you; they won't strike a man when he's down: tender your resignation, so I shan't see you here." So he spared me. What now! God bless him! He doesn't forget me even now; sometimes I run in to see him on a h

Naúmovna, let's you and me go out; the samovar is ready, I suppos

pose, my jewel, you hav

new materials have come, and it seems as

my pearl! You have your own shop, and it's

EN

and RISP

ose you've wasted a good deal of in

ch, cheap goods! But I came to inqu

e! You bloodsuckers! Just let you scent out something or other,

e ten times wiser than I am? I shall do what I'm asked to do. How can I help it? I'd be a hog if I didn't; because I, it may be said, am loaded

blockheads, understand nothing; and this just serves the turn of such lee

I didn't love you I wouldn't haunt you. Haven'

t of you. Here I'm worrying, worrying with this business so that I'm worn out, if you b

ych, you aren't the first, nor t

rs, in which he's ashamed to show his ugly phiz; and that's the end of him, and you can't get anything out of him. These carriages will roll away, Lord knows where; all his houses are mortgaged, and all the creditors will get out of it'll be

y. Why, Samsón Sílych, a

ng this affair? You see, you lawyers are a rum lot. Oh, I know you!

me! As though I didn't know that already! He, he, he! Yes, I've done such things before; and they've

t kind of a schem

a thimbleful, Samsón Sílych. [Drinks] Now, the first thing, Samsón Sílych,

done right away. But on whom shall w

such sales are not valid. It's an easy thing to do, but you'll have to see that there'

it: there must b

there's nothing they can cavil at. Let 'em try to ma

ake over your house to an outsider, maybe i

ílych, you must look for a man

ys? Everybody's watching his chance these days to g

lych, whether you want to listen to me or

ch one? Do y

KY. Yes; Láz

ver to him; he's a young man with un

want, Samsón Sílych, a mortg

'll suit me. But do the thing up brown and I'll give you s

own business. But have you talked to Lázar Elizárych about this

k at him, and he understands. And he'll do the business up so tight that

itors. If anybody is especially stubborn, you can add a bit, and if a man gets real angry, pay him the whole bill. You'll pay him on the condition that he writes

they'll grab for it with both hands at seventy kopeks. We'll profit, anyhow. There, you can say what you please, but I have a marriageable daughter; I want to pass her on, a

EN

PODKHALYúZI

Lázar? Just come from to

e getting on so-so; than

Psoich

do you do, my dear L

try, and the rest of that sort of thing. You see, we're trading and trading, my boy, but there's not a kopek of profit in it. Maybe the clerks are going wrong and are carrying off stuff to their

nowing, Samsón Sílych? It seems as if I were a

But what

" I say, "look sharp, now. Maybe there's a chance for a sale; some idiot of a purchaser may turn up, or a colo

swindle the gentlemen. Even if we're not Germans, but orthodox Ch

ZHENSKY

t enough, God save us, not to tear the cloth: you see," I say, "we don't have to wear it afterwards. Well,

suppose the tailor'd st

upp

ón Sílych, certainly that rascal wo

hole lot of them are rasc

t, Samsón Sílych, you're c

days: it's not as it used to be. [After a mom

his pocket and handing it over

l take a look. [He puts on his s

mbleful. He drinks, then puts on his spectacles, si

g here! [He reads] "The Moscow City Council of Six hereby announces: Would not some one care to take in his charge the collection of taxes as named below?" That's not our line, you have to give security. "The Office of the Widows' Home hereby invites-" Let it invite, we won't go. "From the Orphans' Court." I haven't any father or mother, myself. [Examines farther] Aha! Here something's slipped up! Listen her

sir. They took somewhere between six a

ar. Well, he'll pay me back

N. It's dou

rchant of the first guild, Antíp Sysóyev Enótov, dec

il, sir; just before Lent the

you trust their sedate ways! Those people cross themselves with one hand, and slip the other into your pocket. Here's the thi

e 1: Hal

. We have hi

V. Pro

, sir. He himself

there, Samopálov. Why! have th

Such an underh

One couldn't get through reading t

aper. What a moral lesson for the w

ílych, I'll run home now; I have

ght sit a littl

Sílych, I haven't time. I'll come to you

Well, as

by! Good-by, Lázar El

NE

and PODK

about a hundred thousand rubles' worth of 'em lying around, and with protests. You don't do anything but add to the heap each year. If you want, I'll sell you the whole pile for half a ruble in silver. You'll never catch the men who signed 'em even with bloodhounds. Some ha

st so, that's th

ck small change-you look, and there's neither head nor tail to the coins, and the denomination's rubbed off long ago. But do as you please here! You'd better not show your goods to the tradesman of this place; any one of 'em'll go into any warehouse and sniff and peck, and peck, and then clear out. It'd be all right if there were no goods, but what do you expect a man to trade in? I'v

eems I ought to

s for you, and that's th

r, what do

sir? That's just as you please. M

dinate? Just speak out freely. I

Samsón Sílych, it's j

e thing: "As you please

. That I can

you love me? [Silence] Do you love me or not? Why are you silent? [Sil

Sílych! What's the use

ut me! Only one word: I'm

at do you m

ody or anything whatsoever, you can

until some merchant just like yourself, the dirty cur, will strip you bare, and then, you'll see, he'll make an agreement at ten kopeks on the ruble, and he'll wallow in his millions, and won't think you're worth spitting at. But

lych, if you're going to pay at the rate of twenty-f

to settle the affair on the quiet. Then wait for the Lord to judge you at the Second

ll have to get rid of the notes for something, sir; have the mer

old man, I'm going to get bu

s, Samsón Sílych, I'll go

ly God give us the nerve! Thanks, Lázar. You've treated me like a friend. [He rises] Now, get busy! [He goes up to him and taps hi

s to th

ith you since my earliest years, and I've received countless favors from you; it may be said, si

T

ar centre a door; on the left a st

EN

front of the sta

on the stove with the kittens, or he hangs around with the cook; but you're in demand. At other people's it's easy-going; if you get into mischief now and then, they make allowances for your youth. But at our house-if it isn't he, then it's somebody else; either the old man or the old woman will give you a hiding; otherwise there's the clerk Lázar, or there's Fomínishna, or there's-any old rascal can lord it over you. What a cursed life it is! But if

ts out l

EN

N, who steals in and s

are you doing the

know what! I was

uld find any dust on the mirror! I'll show you some dust! You're sh

what? Now wha

have you done? Say another word and you

going to tell the boss,

u're just a kid that has to be taught; what were you thinking of? If we didn't wallop you imps there'd be no good com

I know

-you little devil!

t! I'll sure tell, hon

e you going to tell,

l I say? Why,

make! You're quite a gentleman! Come

. He s

e, you little devil! Wa

. He w

Well, you can

you want

e gives money] Buy a bottle, but you keep the change for gin

short-haired girl can twist he

NE

LYúZIN

t in this business-then there can't be any sin in it; because he himself is acting dishonorably, and going against the law. And why should I pity him? The course is clear; well, don't slip up on it: he follows his politics, and you look out for your interest. I'd have seen the thing through with him, but I don't feel like it. Hm!-What day-dreams will come into a man's head! Of course, Olimpiáda Samsónovna is a cultivated young lady; and it must be said, there're none on earth like her; but of course that suitor won't take her now; he'll say, "Give me money!" But where are you going to get money? And now she can't marry a nobleman because she hasn't any money. Sooner or later they'll have to marry her to a merchant. [He walks on in silence] I'll raise the dough, and bow to Samsón Sílych. "Samsón Sílych," says I, "I'm at an age when I must think about the continuance of posterity; and I, now, Samsón Sílych, haven't grudged my sweat and blood for your tranquillity. To be sure, now, Olimpiáda Samsónovna is a cultivated young lady; but I, Samsón

HKA with

EN

YúZIN a

with the bottle] He

en, Tishka, is Ust

s there. And the

the vodka on the table,

vodka and brings re

EN

IN and RIS

Ah, my respect

near you? I'll just take a thimbleful, Lázar Elizárych. My hands have begun to shake mornings, especially the right one. When I go to wr

. Why do you

he table] From anxiety, Lázar E

because you're plundering people overmuch. G

uld I plunder anybody? My business is of a small so

deal in small quan

y all want to eat, the little dears. One says, "Daddy, give me!" Another says, "Daddy, give me!" And I'm a man who feels strongly for his family. Here I entered one boy in the high schoo

IN. That's

ss. Some days you'll not bring home half a ruble in silver. I vow, I'm not lying! Then what're you going to live on? Lázar Elizárych

For what sort

Lázar Elizárych! Don't I serve you? I'm your servant till the gra

n paid! And it's not your business

, Lázar Elizárych, I've

ch, poverty h

oaches and sits down by the table] Well, sir, I have a little extr

Lázar Elizárych? Extra mone

. All joking

little extra money, why not help a

N. But d'yo

. Give me just

IN. Is tha

SKY. Well,

ZIN. Oh,

, then, if you'll be

Ten, sir! What

work it off, Lázar Elizárych; w

e she'll get there! But here's the little business I want to put up to

thousand rubles and an old coon-skin overcoat. No one will

sóy Psoich; I'll give you two thous

ych, my benefactor! I and my wif

pot cash; but the rest later upon the

people like you! Only a kind of ignorant swine could fai

run about like a chicken with its head cut off, but go in for accur

ding? Why, Lázar Elizárych, do you think

came to town, and we brought along the list as was proper. Then he went to the creditors: this one didn't agree, that

ou say, Lázar Elizárych? Oh!

make a good thing out of this busine

t is, the insolvenc

ill take care of itself; but I

hat is, the house and the sho

. What's the

; that's just my foolis

e is nothing; I have such a dream in my head now about that subject, that

EN

me and

this in order! Well, l

ut to carry a

ellow wants to drink, just wait a bit. You just wait a bit. You're young yet, but

rself, only hurry up;

h, right away! [Drinks and smacks his lips] But it

; from above descend USTíNYA NAúMO

kettle, and they say it gets empty. I can say that from my own experience. I got married when I was thirteen; but in another month she'll have pass

e thing isn't held up on my account; I have a whole pack of suitors,

ing is that they should be fresh-complexioned people, not bal

e, a girl a husband; give it to them if you have to rob the cradle; then here and there there's a genuine wedding. And who fixes them up? Why, I do. Ustinya Naúmovna has to bear the burden for all of them. And why does she have to? Because that's the way things are; from the beginning of the world, that's the way

se of talking, my dear;

own, Fomínishna; your l

e doesn't come home we're all scared to death: he may come home drunk at a

y; a rich peasant is worse

e home drunk. He tore around, and what a row! It was simply awful; he sma

AúMOVNA.

ing-Agraféna Kondrátyevna is alone in my room. When you're going home, c

I'll follow, my

LYúZIN

NE

MOVNA and P

Naúmovna! It's been ages s

ow are you, dear so

Oh, able to be

sits

pture a little mamzelle f

nk you kindly-I d

my jewel, I'll do a good turn for your friends. I

I have quite

If you know of a marriageable man, whether he's a bac

Will you fin

hy shouldn't I find him a w

t now I ask you, Ustinya Naúmovna, why do

ouldn't I come? I'm no thief, no sheep witho

ally, aren't you wast

idea, my jewel? Just see here, what sort of a husband I've

has the thing come

e wanted to come to-morrow to get acquainted.

him up, try it-he'

the matter, are you in

úZIN. Yo

ght, but you're either drunk, my jewel,

uble yourself about that; you look out

VNA. Well, wh

No matter what

mething, tell me what it is: I s

the point of the thin

n't you? Why do you hesi

-it doesn't ma

of conscience. But if I tell y

urst if I do! You m

it, ma'am; a promise

Of course. Well,

aúmovna: isn't it possible to throw

t's the matter with y

sort of thing it is, ma'am: at my house there's a certain Russian merchant I know, who is very much in love with Olimpiáda

idn't you tell me about

tell for the good reason that I onl

A. But it's lat

na! He'll shower you with gold from head to foot, ma'

it's impossible! I'd be tickled

troth her to the other fellow, you'll bring such bad l

to him hot and heavy: that the fellow is rich, and handsome, and so much in love that he is half dead; and now what'

Pull your cap

up. Twice a day she sends to me and asks: "What's

sable cloak for merely arranging this wedding, ma'am? But let our understanding about the match be private. I tell you, m

Sílych, dealt in leather mittens on the Balchug; respectable people called him Sammy, and fed him with thumps behind the ears. And her mother, Agraféna Kondrátyevna, was little more than a peasant girl, and he got her from Preobrazhénskoye. They got together some capital, climbed into the merchant class-so the daughter has her eye peeled for the title

ere-it'd be more proper f

t Olimpiáda Samsónovna is such a beauty, that she's the real ticket for him; "and educated," I sai

beauty, and cultivated in a good many ways; only they'

y jewel! But, no, wait! You see I told hi

But how do you know how much money Samsón S

nybody you please; ever

richest sort

ou can cheat me out of the dowry!" Furthermore, like a man of standing he'll file a complaint at court, because a man of standing has his own way everywhere, ma'am; then Samsón Sílych and I'll be ruined, and th

ugh trying to scare me! You'

ed rubles in silver as earnest-money

say, my jewel, two thousan

you'll put on that sable cloak, Ustinya Naúmovna, and you'll

with my hands by my sides; then your bearded friends will stare with their mouths wide open. They'll get to s

ZIN. Just

Give me the earnes

ovna, you're doing this of your

hat for? Just look: two thous

l make it out of live sables.

I'll run off now to the suitor. We'll see eac

just take a drink of vodka, ma'am. Tishka! Tishka! [Enter TISHKA] You

y go

NE

KA a

ty-five kopeks at heads and tails; and day before yesterday the boss forgot and left one whole ruble on the counter. Gee, here's money for you! [He counts to himself. The voice of FOMíNISHNA is heard behind the scene: "Tishka, oh, Tis

comes down

msón Sílych has come,

hew! We'r

Lázar, Tishka; there

Appearing at the head of

ear, where's

close the doors, good heavens, I'll close them;

or, and the voice

p; who's the

EVNA dis

oney, come in and go t

s the matter with you, you old c

ut, you see, I was fool enough, somehow, to think you'd co

SíLYCH

EN

HNA and

yster been cooking u

ed cabbage soup with cor

you gone daft

r! I gave the order

et out! [H

he door; PODKHALYúZI

Don't punish me for my bad memory. The cold roas

EN

N, BOLSHóV,

NISHNA goes out. To TISHKA] What are yo

SHKA] You've been sp

A goe

s the shyst

úZIN. He

id you tal

ing? Isn't his soul naturally nothing but ink, sir? He

myself bankrupt, I'll do it

amsón Sílych, what'

hing in the fire, before I'll give them a kopek. Transfer the merchandise, sell the no

had the business all going fine; and now

yours? It ain't yours. You just

ole soul for you, and by no means to do anything tricky. You're getting on in years; Agraféna Kondrátyevna is a very gentle lady; Olimpiáda Samsónovna is an accompli

uld come of it? I'm th

oung lady whose like can't be found on earth. I'm speaking to you conscientiously, Samsón Sílych; that is, absolutely according to my feelings. If I'm exerting myse

Come, r

re be money, and suitors'll be found, sir. Well, but what a sin, Lord save us! if they object, and begin to hound you through the courts; and such a stigma falls upon the family, and if, furthermore, t

at are you

nstance-talk at the right time, keep still at the wrong time; words

boy? Evidently such is the will

Samsónovna in good time upon a good man; and then she will be, at any rate, as if behind a stone wall, sir. But the chief thing is

ail how? What gav

notion, Samsón Sílych.

ho knows him heard

affairs are going now there

I know no rest by day or by night, my very heart is all withered. But they're marrying to him the young lady who, it may be said, is an

want her he needn't have he

ithout tears. Just understand that, Samsón Sílych! Nobody else would care enough about it to pine away because of another man's business, si

ope now is you. I'm old, and my affairs have gotten into a tight fix. Just wai

I can't do that way, sir. Kindly see yourself, sir, whether I'm hustling or not. I'm simply wasting away now like some poor devil, on account of your business, sir; because I'm not that kind of a man, sir. I'm doing all th

k here, brother, aren't yo

ting, sir? No, I

u'd better speak more ope

da Sams

amsón Sílych, must b

dlesticks! I'm ask

Samsón Sílych, could I dar

ou dare? Is she a prince

benefactor and taken the place of my own father-But no, Samsó

hen, I suppose y

cious, it seems as if I loved her more than anything o

aid: "I love her, you see, m

k, and all night, I think-Oh, dear me, of course Olimpiáda Samsónovna is a young lady w

cannot be, you

I do, like my own father, and Olimpiáda Samsónovna, sir; and again, know

don't have to borrow any; because God has endowed you in that way. Well, Lázar, suppose I t

cious, would I dare? I

n't look kind

e'll marry the man I tell her to. She's my child: if I want, I can eat h

ych, talk about it with you, sir! I do

you, you foolish youngst

ike this? Do you unders

can simply make

love you, Samsón Sílych,

l!-what a

, but you lov

entirely, sir. My whole soul

soul has turned over,

he boy for

I'm not worth it. I'm not worth it! My p

erty to you; so that afterwards the creditors will be sor

u can bet they'l

w, and after a while come back to the

ry good, daddy,

T

g as i

EN

n the armchair; for some time he

If I were to take a snack of something, I'd spoil my dinner, and if I sit still I'll go crazy. Perhaps I might kill a little time drink

d looks into

EN

mes in with LíPOCHKA, wh

ear lord and master, and admire how I've rigged up our daughter! Phew! go away! What a peony-rose she is now! [To her] Ah, you little ang

wo-horse carriage-she's n

aughter, but, all the same, she's a beauty! Well, pet t

lick her hands, or bow down to her feet? Fine circus,

seen? No matter what; but this is your da

Thank God she has shoes, dresses, and

she is well fed! According to the Christian law we should feed everybody; people look after strangers, to say

ant? What are you telling me all these yarns for? You don't

t seems to me, that you came to your senses. You'll soon have to part with her, and you don't grind out one kin

at a pity; must be

ith you? It seems to me God made her, too, didn't he? She's not a

r? A goose is no playmate fo

something. A man, a total stranger, is coming-no matter how much you try, a man

I said,

le girl, you're just like a little orphan with drooping head! He turns away from you, and won't recogni

it, mamma! You've

ll right, then, I'll loo

e! Fudge, mamma, one can't dress up properly

o, my dear! But when I look

so? It had to

ed us by your foolish childishness, and by your sweet behavior. Here, we'll pack you out of the house, like an enemy from the town; then we'll come to, and look around, and you'll be gone forever. Consider, good people, what it'll be lik

onestly, aren't you ashamed, mamm

ing] The words came out of t

this bawling? If anybody asks

't know, my dear, I don't kn

ust foolishness. Tear

hey do! They do! I know myself that th

ou act! Stop it! Now, he'll c

'll stop, child, I'll st

NE

and USTíNY

are you, my jewels! What are you

are ex

TYEVNA. We'd ab

stinya Naúmovna,

p at once; it's my fault! But our affair

! What do you

VNA. Now what new

hy, my pearls, our

a great go-between! How ar

horse, he won't whoa nor giddup. You

is, Ustinya Naúmovna? W

YEVNA. Holy sain

ave you jus

ckers-simply piles of them. "Eat away!" says he, "Ustinya Naúmovna." I had come on business, you know, so it was necessary to find out something definite. So I said: "You wanted to go to-day and

arms and sentimentalize? Why, it's d

y, now, why is he showing of

gue take him; can't w

for another, or the same

nother for

you get down off the stove and hustle. You've actu

V. We'

'll see nothing! Bah-don't talk to me, pl

lks off with LíPOCHKA to the other side of the s

p-that dress certainly makes you look bet

aking it! Why, do you think we're

o foolish to you? They can tell from your house-keeping that

Have you lost your wits? Where are you

at are you getting o

ll stand such rubbish? What,

body will say it's a dress. But it isn't becoming to you; it's absolutely not the right thing for your style of beauty-blot out my soul if I lie. For y

e to ask whether he, says he, can come

! Call him in

A goe

or nothing: we'll take a snack. Now, Ustinya Naúmovna, I s

e thing-it's one o'clock,

ílych, move out of that place; what

e; they're coming up.

ma, I'll go c

EVNA. Run along,

e before changing-the

at sort of a suitor can t

it, Lipa, there's

it, daddy? Do I

n a minute; and then, per

ng to him for? What sort of a clown is comi

was coming; and I usually

'd be talking sense; but you keep saying he's coming, he's comin

mamma. [She goes to the mirror and loo

What do

ashamed to t

d of what, you little fool? S

me isn't smoke-it won

, by heavens

ide your face if

NA. Do you want a n

you didn't guess

hen what d

To marry

Just list

Wake up, you shameles

ou see, others

'em; you just sit by the se

u dare give me any of your lip! I w

EN

SPOLóZHENSKY, and FOMí

Sílych! How do you do, my dear Agraféna Kond

d man, how are you! Do u

down, to

t you have a snack? I have

I, dear lady? I'd just like

er pretty soon; but now, meanwh

heard-it must have been printed in the newspaper, whether it's true o

right, but we'll trust mo

t a question

What is it a que

alone can foresee what is ahead. So we have proposed, while we're still living, to give in marriage our only daughter; and in regard

t hear how sweetly he

orable conduct and the sufficient means of our future son-in-law, which for us is a matter of extreme concern,

hat do you

shan't eat you, never fear.

Been ready a l

, Lipa, give

sense is this? Where di

t that I don't h

Now you're catch

EVNA. Lord! What

I don't want to! I won't ma

power of the c

or me to see happiness in this world! Evid

'S hand] Why can't it, if I want it to be? What am I your f

t're you doing! What're yo

side of the fence! This

future husband! I ask yo

d talk nice; and then we

ut the

nk I want to sit down with

, I'll sit you down, and put a

ducated young ladies being ma

If I say so, you'll mar

ow, Agraféna Kondrátyevn

as much in the dark as a clothes-closet. And I c

how many weddings I've seen; but I've

o you mean, you murderers; do

a clerk, and I'll have my way, and don't you dare argue; I don't give a hang for anybody. Come now, w

thimbleful. Yes, yes, Agraféna Kondrátyevna, that's the first duty, that children sh

cept LíPOCHKA, PODKHALYúZIN

his mean? Does he want to ma

s will respect you and, naturally, make your ol

A. How are you going

s reason, ma'am, because the other fellow, mamma, will turn you down flat

A. Ah, saints alive!

ugh the door]

TYEVNA. Coming,

, you remember the

ONDRáTYEVN

EN

and POD

le

a Samsónovna! I suppose you abominate me? Say only

blockhead, you

impiáda Samsónovna, do yo

once, now and forever, t

wo

ma'am! Love can't be forced. Only here'

were an educated gentleman! You see that I wouldn't marry yo

were pleased to say "break off." Only, if I s

at would happen would be th

ma'am! But an aristocrat wo

you talking about? Just take a look and see what kin

m? A nobleman won't take dish-rags.

t of it? Dad

hasn't any to give? You don't know about your papa's affair

u mean, bankrupt? An

e house and shop

u trying to make a fool of me? L

e here some legal docum

you bought

ZIN. I di

ere'd you ge

ory to God, I have more

to me? They've been bringing me up all th

le team ain't worth one merchant's horse. By heaven, it ain't, ma'am! And they don't dress so blamed superbly either, ma'am! But if, Olimpiáda Samsónovna, you should marry me, ma'am-here's the first word: you'll wear silk gowns even at home, and visiting, and to the theatre, ma'am-and we shan't dress you in anything but velvets. In respect to hats

t way before the wedding;

ónovna? D'you think we'll live in a house like this? We'll buy one in the Karetny, ma'am; and how we'll decorate it!

nly words that Podkhalyúzin misp

n't paint Coopids

ly agree on your side, then I don't want anything more in life. [Sil

't you talk Frenc

Silence] Make me happy, Olimpiáda Samsónovna; grant me th

KHALYúZIN kneels] What a ho

I'll get myself one on the Kuznetsky Bridge, only don

A. Let

. Think abou

ow can I he

Why, you don't

tell you what,

What're your

rry me off o

e quiet, ma'am, when your p

do. Well, if you don't want to car

me kiss your little hand! [He kisses it; then

izárych! Lázar Eli

. What do yo

n't drunk, has nothing to say; but when he's drunk he's apt to beat you at any moment. How's a cultivated young lady going to endure such a

e've celebrated the wedding, we'll move into our own house, ma'am. And then we won't let 'em boss us. N

rselves at our house, and they by themselves at their house. W

. That's the

Well, call

d prinks befo

. Papa! Papa

EN

HóV, and AGRAF

and throws his arms about him in an embr

VNA. I'm coming, m

st the thing! I know what I'm doi

A KONDRáTYEVNA] Mamma, ma

child, has it been long since you decided? Ah? Good heavens! What's this? I a

rych was such a well-educated gentleman! But now I see at

er would wish you any harm! Ah, mamma's little dove! What a little story,

coming, my dear, c

t down side by side, and we'll have a look at y

N and LíPOC

ay, my dear, right a

NE

YA NAúMOVNA, an

groom to be, Ustinya Naúmovna! God has brought us

congratulate you with, my jewels? My

now, we'll we

NE

and TISHKA, who is b

grant you live long, keep young, grow fat, and be rich! [She drinks] I

ink their health. [He t

ve as you think best-y

ind life a bore, the ho

owry, and I'll throw

dy; I'm well satisfied with wh

se. Pour me another! [TISHKA pours another glass] But what's the good of talking! Kindness is no crime!

king about, sir! Don't I know what feeling is?

re's an end to it! And nobody can boss me

please, dad, that's

'em much. As it is, I suppose you'll

it later, daddy, somehow. If yo

give 'em more than ten kopeks. That'

and LáZ

, my little doves! How in

've quite l

YA NA

ard or saw

learning to f

door-knob ins

dancing a j

to RISPOLóZHENSKY; RISPOLóZHE

o their happines

an't, Samsón Sílych

with you! Drink

NA. He's alway

s my stomach, Samsón Sí

ful of vodka. But my nat

h a weak c

ense-much your nature won't stand it! Give it here

ckhead am I, that I should do anything so rude? I've seen high society, I know how to live. Now, I never refuse vodka; if you don't mind, I'll just take a thimbl

hot and heavy, Ustinya

SKY runs aw

han't get away from me, you old son of a sea-cook! [She

ZHENSKY

st out

T

chamber in the ho

EN

bonnet of the latest fashion. PODKHALYúZIN, in a stylish frock coat, stands before the mi

e now, it fi

do I look like a Frenchman?

Like as

he room] There now, Olimpiáda Samsónovna! And you wanted to marry an officer, ma'

ut you don't know how t

t ever! In the winter we're going to attend the Merchants' Asse

, Lázar Elizárych, you bu

ats

limpiáda Samsónovna, ma'am

y've brought me a new clo

to So

a thousand rubles, and the horses a thousand, and the harness mounted with silver-just let 'em look! Tishka! My pipe. [TISHKA

len

Well, why don't you ki

you please, your little hand, ma'am! [He kisses it. Silence] Olim

NOVNA. What sha

g-any little thing, ma'am. It

SóNOVNA. Kom

What does th

SóNOVNA. How

re's a wife for you, ma'am! Hooray, Olimpiáda Samsóno

HKA with

inya Naúmov

hat the devil i

A goe

EN

and USTíN

ow are you managing

ur prayers, Ustinya Naúmov

MSóNOVNA] Why, I believe you've grown b

Bah, what nonsense you

what struck y

If you like to slide down-hill you've got to pull up your sled.-Now, why have you forgotten me completely, m

that failing, Ustiny

me now: just see what a ni

satisfied, Ustinya Naúmov

e matter with you! I suppose you're all the time bustling around ov

o far, and that mostly because t

let 'em be of poor goods, so long's they're blue! But what

woollens and silks; not long ago I

ow much have you, a

rain-that's thirteen; gros de Naples and gros d'Afrique, seven-that's twenty; three marceline, two mousseline de ligne, two Chine royale-how many's that?-three and four's seven, and twenty-twenty-seven; fou

s you've got! But you go and pick out for

I have only three myself; besides, it wouldn't suit your

achel. Evidently there's nothing to be done with you; I

ballroom style, very low-you understand? But I'll look up a crape Rachel ja

your tripe Rachel! You win, my

VNA. Right away;

have a little talk with your husband. [OLIMPIáDA SAMSóNOVNA goes out]

ma'am? I remember. [He takes out h

A. Why, what's

One hundred

ne hundred? Why, you pro

ZIN. Wha-

. You promised m

at a bit steep? Won't

ard cockerel; are you trying to joke wit

give you money? I'd do it if

omething or for nothing, give i

did promise! I promised

d I married Olimpiáda S

that you're a merchant of the second guild; I'm in the fourteenth class

t's all the same to me; I won't have anythi

lie, it ain't! You pro

úZIN. Wh

sable cloak! Have yo

Sable, ma'am

e! What are you laughing an

ut for a stroll with your mug in

e useful to remember, have broad collars

ngs in a dress and hands

NE

d OLIMPIáDA

world is the matter with you

hing! You just go to the d

out? And I, senseless idiot, agreed to wo

at, ma'am! Speak

twenty miles out of my way, but I won't go by you! I'll sooner shut my eyes and bump into a horse, than stand and look at your dirty den! Even if I wan

. Easy now,

Moscow that you won't dare show your face in public!-Oh! I'm a fool, a fool to have anything

official she is! There's a proverb that says: "The thunderbolt strikes, not fro

a of yours, Lázar Elizárych, eve

Really, a very

the window] I believe they've let daddy

; most likely they ordered him to the meeting of the creditors, and then he got

EN

HóV, and AGRAF

Where is he? My own children, my l

ddy, how do you

ve, Samsón Sílych, my treasure! You

hat'll do,

th you, ma? you're crying over him as if h

ter; God only knows; but all t

addy, there are better peopl

et with a soldier? Oh, daughter! You see they've known me here in this city for forty years; for forty

ven't any color at all, my da

rough places are smoothed over it'll all be pleas

use," they say, "of dragging it out? Maybe it'll do good, maybe

omething, sir! By all means do,

y ask twenty

That's a goo

that it's a good deal; but what'

be all right sir. Seven and a half for satisfaction

way I talked; but th

lamed high! But won't they ta

we'll have to give twenty-five;

enty-five kopeks, that's a lot of money. Daddy, wouldn't you like to take a snack of something, sir? Mamma! order them to bring some vo

Right away, my dear, ri

pen for a year and a half; they'll have a soldier lead you through the streets every week, and if you don't watch out, they'll

s with vodka; TISHKA brings

tle dove! Eat, my dear, eat! I su

on't be particular; we're o

, thanks! [He drinks]

h! [He drinks] Mamma, wo

ase

m I to do now? Such is the will of God! O

merciful; we'll get out of it

t we may! As it is, it makes me

l, what abou

ks, if you please, I'l

g to get fifteen more? I can

an't raise 'em, sir! God

ázar? What's the matter? What

-have fixed up a house. But do have something to eat, daddy! You can

ón Sílych, dear! Eat! I'll pour

Rescue me, my ch

ing to do business; of course, without capital it's impossible, sir; there's nothing to begin on. Here, I've bought a house; we've ordered

we can't strip ourselves bare! We'

to-day, without capital, sir, withou

, daddy, and was a regular stay-at-home. What, would you have me gi

ng? Recollect! You see I'm not asking any kindn

of course, daddy, we're hum

and drink as if I were your own father, and set you up in the world. But did I ever see any sort of gratitude in you? Did I? Recollect, Lázar, how many times have I noticed that you were light-fingered! What of it? I didn't drive you away as if you

ease, daddy, I feel all

yourself nothing but your shirt, just to rescue your benefactor. But I don

I pay, sir? Only they ask a pr

our kopeks I could; I begged, and bowed down to their feet;

dy, that we can't pay more than ten kopeks-

ou out by your tongue, and put you in prison. [All are silent; BOLSHóV drinks] But you just think a bit: what kind of a walk am I going to have to the pen now? How am I going to shut my eyes? Now the Ilyínka will seem to me a hundred miles long. Just think, how it will seem to walk along the Ilyínka! It's just as if the devils were dragging my sinful soul through torment; Lord, forgive me for saying so! And then past the Iver Chapel[1]: how am I goin

here is a miracle-worki

y? There, there, now! God is merciful! What's the matter

ázar, money. There's not

oney or

ney, sir, if you'll only let up. A

e you any Christian feeling in you

hat's a good deal, sir; by

You nest

h his head up

re! You shan't have my blessing! You'll dry up, money and all; you

u cursing me when you haven't looked into the business? You can

seem to enjoy sending people to the third hell. I know: you'll catch it f

self, shameless creature! You were eno

ood person. But you ought to take a good look at yourself: all you can do is fas

you! Shame on you! Oh! Oh! Oh!-I

OVNA. Curse away

Yes, that's it! You'l

AMSóNOVNA.

ng] Well, good

still! We've got to settle t

l make a mistake if you don't do me up brown! Don't you pay anything

dy! God is merciful--you'l

. Good-

Samsón Sílych, dear! When'll the

V. Don

ll inquire, otherwise you'll d

princess. That means assemblies and balls-devil's own amusements! But don't you forget, Olimpiáda Samsónovna

with AGRAFéNA

I pity him, ma'am! Hadn't I better go myself and compound with his creditors? Don't you think I'd

Do just as you pleas

worst one there is. [TISHKA goes out] As I am, they'd think I

EN

óZHENSKY and AGR

féna Kondrátyevna, haven't y

ucumbers now, indeed! What do I care

ry dear; they say the frost got them. My dear Lázar Elizárych, how d

NA goes out with OL

you've favored us with

at a joker you are, Lázar Eliz

t may that be, I shou

for money! Anybody else might come for somet

come mighty blam

Elizárych, when you give me only five r

n't expect me to give y

ve it to me all at once, I

ss as a pig does about pineapples; and what's mor

y, indeed!-You you

iven you money-you've made your profit, and t

"time to turn over a new leaf"? You

we you! As if you had so

ur ras

mean by "rascality"? For m

úZIN. Yo

r it may be for, just give me

ote! Not much, you come agai

want to swindle me wi

eed! Here, take five ruble

wait! You'll not get

KA e

hat are you goi

My tongue isn'

perhaps you want t

you, but to tell the whole th

o talk about, you son of a sea-coo

. Who's going

going to believe you? Jus

oing to believe me? Who

ee! Holy saints, but what

bber, swindling me! No, y

he law to

IN. But wh

ou just wait, just wait, just wait! You t

t is, I've waited long enough. Quit

me? Won't believe me? Well, let 'em insult me!

e you doing? What're

ou; you're just ru

rable public! I have a wife, four chi

n, gentlemen! That'll do for you, that'll do!-You'd bette

his father-in-law! And he's swindling m

can have 'em

e you talking about? Y

at all, sir;

But what are you

wait! I'll remember you!

norable man himself, gentlemen; he isn't worth your notice! Bah, my boy, what a lout you are!

that, you dog! Well, may you be strangled wit

-that's all lies. None of that ever happened. He must have seen all that in a dream. But now we're just op