 |
GUSLIN. What's the matter with you, Mitya? Whatever do you mean?
MITYA. Well, anyhow, it's a fact.
GUSLIN. You'd better put it out of your head, Mitya. Nothing can ever come of that, so there's no use thinking about it.
MITYA. Though I know all this, one cannot control one's heart. "To love is most easy, one cannot forget." [He speaks with violent gestures] "I love the beautiful girl more than family, more than race; but evil people forbid me, and they bid me cease."
GUSLIN. Yes, indeed; but you must stop it! Now Anna Ivanovna is my equal; she has no money, and I haven't a kopek—and even so uncle forbids me to marry. It's no use for you to think of doing so. You'll get it into your head and then it'll be still harder for you.
MITYA. [Declaiming] "What of all things is most cruel? The most cruel thing is love." [Walking about the room.] Yasha, have you read Koltsov?
GUSLIN. Yes, why?
MITYA. How he describes all these feelings!
GUSLIN. He does describe them exactly.
MITYA. Exactly, to perfection. [Walking about the room] Yasha!
GUSLIN. What?
MITYA. I myself have composed a song.
GUSLIN. You?
MITYA. Yes.
GUSLIN. Let's make up a tune for it, and we'll sing it.
MITYA. Good! Here, take this [gives him a paper] and I'll write a little—I have some work: most likely Gordey Karpych will be asking me about it. [Sits and writes.
GUSLIN takes the guitar and begins to pick out a tune. RAZLYULYAYEV comes in with an accordion.
SCENE VI
The same and RAZLYULYAYEV
RAZLYULYAYEV. Hello, boys! [Plays on the accordion and begins to dance.
GUSLIN. What a fool! What did you buy that accordion for?
RAZLYULYAYEV. Why, I bought it to play on, of course—this way. [Plays.
GUSLIN. Well, that's fine music, I must say! Stop, I tell you!
RAZLYULYAYEV. What! Do you think I'll stop? I'll stop when I want to.—What airs! Haven't I got any money? [Slapping his pocket] It chinks! If we go on a spree—then it's some spree!
"One mountain is high, And another is low; One darling is far, And another is near."
Mitya! [Strikes MITYA on the shoulder] Mitya, why are you sitting still?
MITYA. I have some work to do. [Continues to work.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Mitya! Say, Mitya, I'm on a spree, my boy! Really, I am. Oh, come on! [Sings, "One mountain is high," etc.] Mitya! Say, Mitya, I'm going on a spree for the whole holiday season—then I'll set to work, upon my word I will! Haven't I got any money? There it is! And I'm not drunk.—Oh, no, such a spree!—so jolly!
MITYA. Well, go on a spree as much as you like.
RAZLYULYAYEV. And after the holidays I shall marry!—Upon my word I shall marry! I'll get a rich girl.
GUSLIN. Now, then, listen; how does this sound?
RAZLYULYAYEV. Sing it, sing it! I'll listen.
GUSLIN. [Sings]
"Is naught so hard and evil As to be fatherless; Than slavery more grievous And sharper than distress.
All in the world make holiday, But lonely you must pine. Your mind is wild and drunken, But it came not from the wine.
Youth shall not do your pleasure, Beauty no healing bear. Your sweetheart does not comb your locks, But your harsh stepdame, Care."
During all this time RAZLYULYAYEV stands as if rooted to the ground, and listens with emotion; when the song is finished all are silent.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Good! Very good! It's awfully sad; it takes hold of one's heart. [Sighs] Ah, Yasha! play something cheerful; that's enough of this stuff—to-day's a holiday. [Sings.
"Who does not love a hussar! Life without love would be sad!"
Play the tune, Yasha.
GUSLIN plays the tune.
MITYA. That's enough of your fooling. Come, now, let's sit down in a circle and sing in a low tone.
RAZLYULYAYEV. All right. [They sit down.
GUSLIN. [Begins to sing; MITYA and RAZLYULYAYEV join in]
"Now my young, my young lads, You my friends...."
Enter GORDEY KARPYCH; all stand up and stop singing.
SCENE VII
The same and GORDEY KARPYCH
GORDEY KARPYCH. What's all this screeching! Bawling like so many peasants! [To MITYA] And you here! You're not living here in a peasant's hut! What a dram-shop! See that this sort of thing doesn't go on in the future! [Goes to the table and inspects the papers] Why are these papers all scattered about?
MITYA. I was looking over the accounts, sir. GORDEY KARPYCH. [Takes the book by Koltsov, and the copy-book with verses] And this, too, what's this rubbish?
MITYA. I was copying these poems of Koltsov's to pass the time away, since it's a holiday. GORDEY KARPYCH. You are sentimental for a poor lad!
MITYA. I just study for my own education, in order to understand things.
GORDEY KARPYCH. Education! Do you know what education is?—And yet you keep on talking! You ought to get yourself a new coat! For when you come up-stairs to us and there are guests, it's a disgrace! What do you do with your money?
MITYA. I send it to my mother because she is old and has nowhere to get any.
GORDEY KARPYCH. Send it to your mother! You ought to educate yourself first; God knows what your mother needs! She wasn't brought up in luxury; most likely she used to look after the cows herself.
MITYA. It's better that I should suffer than that my mother should be in any want at all.
GORDEY KARPYCH. This is simply disgusting! If you don't know yourself how to observe decency, then sit in your hovel! If you haven't anything to wear, then don't have any fancies! You write verses, you wish 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 MITYA] Fool! [Is silent] Don't you dare to show yourself in that suit up-stairs. Listen, I tell you! [To RAZLYULYAYEV] And you too! Your father, to all appearances, rakes up money with a shovel, and you go about in this Russian smock.
RAZLYULYAYEV. What do you say! It's new—French goods—I ordered it from Moscow—from an acquaintance—twenty rubles a yard! Do you think I ought to go about in a bob-tailed coat, like Franz Fedorych at the apothecary's! Why, they all tease him there!—the deuce of a coat! What's the use of making people laugh! GORDEY KARPYCH. Much you know! It's hopeless to expect anything of you! You yourself are an idiot, and your father hasn't much more sense—he always goes about in dirty old clothes. You live like ignorant fools, and like fools you will die.
RAZLYULYAYEV. That's enough!
GORDEY KARPYCH. What?
RAZLYULYAYEV. That's enough, I say!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Clown! You don't even know how to talk straight! It's simply waste of words to speak to you—like shooting peas against a wall—to waste words on such as you, fools! [Goes out.
SCENE VIII
The same without TORTSOV
RAZLYULYAYEV. Just look! How savage! What a rage he's in! Oh, we're awfully scared of you—you bet we are!
MITYA. [To GUSLIN] There, that's the sort of life I lead! That's the sort of thing I have to put up with!
RAZLYULYAYEV. It'll drive you to drink—upon my word, it'll drive you to drink! But you'd better stop thinking about it. [Sings.
"One mountain is high, And another is low; One darling is far, And another is near."
Enter LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, ANNA IVANOVNA, MASHA, and LIZA.
SCENE IX
The same and LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, ANNA IVANOVNA, MASHA, and LIZA.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Peace, honest company!
RAZLYULYAYEV. I welcome you to our shanty.
MITYA. Our respects! Please come in! What good wind brings you here?
ANNA IVANOVNA. No wind—we just took it into our heads and came. Gordey Karpych has gone out, and Pelageya Egorovna has gone to lie down, so now we are free! Be as jolly as you please!
MITYA. I humbly beg you to sit down.
They sit down; MITYA seats himself opposite LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA; RAZLYULYAYEV walks about.
ANNA IVANOVNA. It grew dull sitting silent cracking nuts. "Come on, girls," said I, "and see the boys," and that suited the girls.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What stories you do make up! We never thought of coming here—that was your idea.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Much you didn't! You were the first! Everybody knows, if a person wants a thing, then he thinks about it; the boys of the girls, and the girls of the boys.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Ha, ha, ha! Anna Ivanovna, you have said it exactly.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Not a bit of it!
MASHA. [To LIZA] Oh, how embarrassing!
LIZA. Anna Ivanovna, you are just saying what isn't true.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Oh, you modest thing! I'd like to say a word—but it wouldn't be nice before the boys!—I've been a girl myself. I know all about it.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. There are girls and girls!
MASHA. Oh, how embarrassing!
LIZA. What you say sounds very strange to us, and, I must say, it's disconcerting.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Ha, ha, ha!
ANNA IVANOVNA. What were we talking about just now up-stairs? Do you want me to tell? Shall I tell them? Well, have you calmed down now?
RAZLYULYAYEV. Ha, ha, ha!
ANNA IVANOVNA. What are you opening your mouth for? It wasn't about you—don't you worry.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Even if it wasn't about me, still it may be there is some one who thinks about me. I know what I know! [Dances to a tune.
"Who does not love a hussar! Life without love would be sad!"
ANNA IVANOVNA. [Walking towards GUSLIN] Well, guitar player, when will you marry me?
GUSLIN. [Playing on the guitar] When I can get permission from Gordey Karpych. What's the use of hurrying! It isn't raining on us! [Nods his head] Come along here, Anna Ivanovna; I've got something to say to you.
She goes to him, and sits near him; he whispers in her ear, looking towards LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA and MITYA.
ANNA IVANOVNA. What do you say!—Really?
GUSLIN. It's really true.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Well, then, all right; keep quiet! [They talk in a whisper.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. You, Mitya, will you come to us later on in the evening?
MITYA. I will.
RAZLYULYAYEV. And I'm coming; I'm good at dancing. [Stands with arms akimbo] Girls! do fall in love with me, one of you!
MASHA. You ought to be ashamed of yourself! What's that you're saying?
RAZLYULYAYEV. Why such airs! I say, fall in love with me, somebody—yes—for my simplicity.
LIZA. People don't talk like that to girls. You ought to wait till they do fall in love with you.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Yes, much I'll get from you by waiting! [Dances
"Who does not love a hussar!"
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Looking at MITYA] It may be somebody loves somebody and won't tell! He must guess himself.
LIZA. How can any girl in the world say that!
MASHA. I know it!
ANNA IVANOVNA. [Goes up to them and looks now at LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA and now at MITYA and sings:
"Already it is seen If somebody loves somebody— Opposite the beloved one she seats herself Heavily sighing."
MITYA. Who does that apply to?
ANNA IVANOVNA. We know to whom.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Stay, girls, I'll sing you a song.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Sing, sing!
RAZLYULYAYEV. [Sings slowly]
"A bear was flying through the sky."
ANNA IVANOVNA. Don't you know anything worse than that!
LIZA. We might think you were making fun of us.
RAZLYULYAYEV. If this isn't good enough I'll sing you another, for I'm a jolly fellow. [Sings.
"Beat! Beat! upon the board. Moscow! Moscow! that's the word. Moscow's got it in his head That Kolomna he will wed. Tula laughs with all his heart. But with the dowry will not part. Buckwheat is tuppence. It's twenty for oats. Millet is sixpence and barley three groats. [Turns towards the girls. If only oats would but come down! It's costly carting 'em to town."
See! What weather!
MASHA. This doesn't concern us.
LIZA. We don't trade in flour.
ANNA IVANOVNA. What are you interrupting for! Just guess this riddle. What's this: round—but not a girl; with a tail—but not a mouse?[1]
[Footnote 1: A turnip.]
RAZLYULYAYEV. That's a hard one!
ANNA IVANOVNA. Indeed it is!—You just think it over! Now, girls, come along! [The girls rise and get ready to go] Come along, boys!
GUSLIN and RAZLYULYAYEV get ready.
MITYA. But I'll come later. I'll put things to rights here first.
ANNA IVANOVNA. [Sings while they are getting ready]
"Our maids last night, Our pretties last night, They brewed us a brew of the beer last night. And there came to our maids, And there came to our pretties A guest, a guest whom they didn't invite."
ANNA IVANOVNA lets them all pass through the door, except LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA; she shuts the door and does not allow her to pass.
SCENE X
MITYA and LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [At the door] Stop, don't be silly! [Through the door the girls are heard laughing] They won't let me out! Oh, what girls! [Walks away from the door] They're always up to something.
MITYA. [Hands her a chair] Be seated, Lyubov Gordeyevna, and talk to me for just a moment. I'm very glad to see you in my room.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Why are you glad? I don't understand.
MITYA. Oh, why!—It is very pleasant for me to see on your side such consideration; it is above my deserts to receive it from you. This is the second time I have had the good fortune—
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. There's nothing in that! I came here, sat awhile, and went away again. That means nothing. Maybe I'll go away again at once.
MITYA. Oh, no! Don't go!—Why should you! [Takes the paper out of his pocket] Permit me to present to you my work, the best I can do—from my heart.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What is this?
MITYA. I made these verses just for you.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Trying to hide her joy] Still, it may be just some sort of foolishness—not worth reading.
MITYA. That I cannot judge, because I wrote it myself, and without studying besides.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Read it.
MITYA. Directly.
Seats himself at the table, and takes the paper: LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA approaches very near to him.
"In the meadow no grasses wither, And never a flower doth fade; However a fair lad fadeth That once was a lusty blade.
He loved a handsome damsel; For that his grief is great, And heavy his misfortune, For she came of high estate.
The lad's heart is breaking, But vain his grief must be, Because he loved a damsel Above his own degree.
When all the night is darkened The sun may not appear; And so the pretty maiden. She may not be his dear."
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Sitting and reflecting for some time] Give it here. [Takes the paper and hides it, then rises] Now I will write something for you.
MITYA. You!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Only I don't know how to do it in verse, but—just plain Russian.
MITYA. I shall regard such a kindness from you as a great happiness to myself. [Gives her paper and pen] Here they are.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. It's a great pity that I write so abominably. [She writes; MITYA tries to look] Only don't you look, or I'll stop writing and tear it up.
MITYA. I won't look. But kindly condescend to permit me to reply, in so far as I am able, and to write some verses for you on a second occasion.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Laying down the pen] Write if you wish—only I've inked all my fingers; if I'd only known, I'd better not have written.
MITYA. May I have it?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Well, take it; only don't dare to read it while I'm here, but after, when I've gone.
Folds together the paper and gives it to him; he conceals it in his pocket.
MITYA. It shall be as you wish.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Rises] Will you come up-stairs to us?
MITYA. I will—this minute.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Good-by.
MITYA. To our pleasant meeting!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA goes to the door; from the doorway LYUBIM KARPYCH comes in.
SCENE XI
The same and LYUBIM KARPYCH
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Ah!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. [Looking at LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] Wait! What sort of a creature is this? On what pretext? On what business? We must consider this matter.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Is it you, uncle!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Oh, it's I, niece! What? You got a fright? Clear out, never mind! I'm not the man to tell tales. I'll put it in a box, and think it over after, all in my spare time.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Good-by. [Goes out.
SCENE XII
MITYA and LYUBIM KARPYCH
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Mitya, receive unto thyself Lyubim Karpych TORTSOV, the brother of a wealthy merchant.
MITYA. You are welcome.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. [Sits down] My brother turned me out! And in the street, in a coat like this—one has to dance about a bit! The frost—at Christmas time—brrr!—My hands are frozen, and my feet nipped—brrr!
MITYA. Warm yourself up, Lyubim Karpych.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. You will not drive me away, Mitya? If you do, I'll freeze in the yard—I'll freeze like a dog.
MITYA. How could I? What are you saying?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. You see, Mitya, my brother turned me out. As long as I had a little money, I strolled about in warm places; now I have no money, and they won'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! What could one do with such a capital? Where put it? Not take it to a bank! So then I took this capital and drank it up!—squandered it!—That's the way of it!
MITYA. Why do you drink, Lyubim Karpych? That makes you your own enemy.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Why do I drink? From stupidity! Yes, from my own stupidity. Why did you think I drank?
MITYA. You'd better stop it.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. It's impossible to stop; I've got started on this track.
MITYA. What track?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Ah, well, listen—you're a kind soul—what this track was. Only, you listen, take note of it. I was left when my father died, just a kid, tall as a bean pole, a little fool of twenty. The wind whistled through my head like an empty garret! My brother and I divided up things: he took the factory himself, and gave me my share 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 night in a private house. I felt I must try everything! First thing, I got myself dressed like a dandy. "Know our people!" says I. That is, I played the fool to a rarity! Of course, I started to visit all the taverns: "Schpeelen sie polka! Give us a bottle off the ice!" I got together enough friends to fill a pond! I went to the theatres—
MITYA. Well, Lyubim Karpych, it must be very nice in the theatre.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. I kept going to see the tragedies; I liked them very much, only I didn't see anything decently, and I didn't understand anything because I was nearly always drunk. [Rises] "Drink beneath the dagger of Prokop Lyapunov." [Sits down] By this sort of life I soon squandered all my money; what was left I intrusted to my friend Afrikan Korshunov, 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 crab on a sand bank. I had nothing to drink, and I was thirsty—what was to be done? Where could I go to drown my misery? I sold my clothes, all my fashionable things; got pay in bank-notes, and changed them for silver, the silver for copper, and then everything went and all was over.
MITYA. How did you live, Lyubim Karpych?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. How did I live? May God never give such a life to a Tatar! I lived in roomy lodgings, between heaven and earth, with no walls and no ceiling. I was ashamed to see people. I hid from the world; and yet you have to go out into God's 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 shook their heads and away they went. Shame, shame, shame! [Sits and hangs his head] There is a good business—a trade which pays—to steal. But this business didn't suit me—I had a conscience, and again I was afraid: no one approves of this business.
MITYA. That's a last resort.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. They say in other countries they pay you thalers and thalers for this, but in our country good people punch your head for it. No, my boy, to steal is abominable! That's an old trick, we'll have to give it up! But, you see, hunger isn't a kind 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 streets; you hide somewhere behind the corner away from people, and wait for merchants. When one comes—especially if he is rather rich—you jump out and do some trick, and one gives you five kopeks, and another ten: with that you take breath for a day and so exist.
MITYA. It would have been better, Lyubim Karpych, to go to your brother, than to live like that.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. It was impossible; I'd been drawn in. Oh, Mitya, you get into this groove, and it isn't easy to get out again. Don't interrupt! You'll have a chance later. Well, then, listen! I caught cold in the town—it was winter; I stood in the cold, smartly dressed, in this coat! I was blowing on my fingers and jumping from foot to foot. Good people carried me to the hospital. When I began to get better and come to my senses, my drunken spell was over. Dread came over me! Horror seized me! How had I lived? What had I done? I began to feel melancholy; yes, such melancholy that it seemed better 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 feelings and intellect," says he, "I ought not to have been born in this family at all. See how I live," says he; "who'd ever guess that our father was a peasant! For me," says he, "this disgrace is enough, and then you must come and obtrude yourself again." He overwhelmed me as with thunder! After these words I went from bad to worse. "Oh, well," I thought, "deuce take him! He is very thick here. [Points to his forehead] He needs a lesson, the fool. Riches are no use to fools like us; they spoil us. You need to know how to manage money." [Dozes off] Mitya, I'll lie down here; I want to take a nap.
MITYA. Do lie down, Lyubim Karpych.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Mitya, don't give me any money—that is, don't give me much; just give me a little. I'll take a nap here, and then go and warm myself a little, you understand! I only need a little—no, no! Don't be foolish!
MITYA. [Taking out money] Here, take as much as you need.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. I need ten kopeks. This is all silver; I don't need silver. Give me two kopeks more, that will be just right. [MITYA gives them] That's enough. You have a good heart, Mitya! [Lies down] My brother doesn't 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 through a long course of study! You'd better not give money to a fool; he'll only go smash! Foh, foh, foh, brr! just like brother and like me, the brute! [In a voice half asleep] Mitya, I will come and spend the night with you.
MITYA. Come on. The office is empty now—it's a holiday.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Oh, but I'll play a funny joke on brother. [Falls asleep.
MITYA. [Walks towards the door and takes the letter out of his pocket] What can she have written? I'm frightened!—My hands tremble!—Well, what is to be will be! I'll read it. [Reads] "And I love you. Lyubov Tortsov." [Clutches his head and runs out.
ACT II
Guest-room in the house of TORTSOV. Against the rear wall a sofa, in front of the sofa a round table and six armchairs, three on each side; in the left corner a door; on each wall a mirror, and under them little tables. A door in each side wall, and a door in the rear wall in the corner. On the stage it is dark; from the left door comes a light.
SCENE I
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA and ANNA IVANOVNA enter through the lighted door.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Why don't they come, our fine lads? Shall we go and fetch them?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. No, you'd better not. Well, yes, if you like, fetch them. [Embraces her] Fetch them, Annushka.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Well, evidently you aren't happy without him!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Oh, Annushka, if you only knew how I love him!
ANNA IVANOVNA. Love him, then, my dear, but don't lose your wits. Don't let him go too far, or you may be sorry for it. Be sure you find out first what sort of a fellow he is.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. He's a good lad!—I love him very much; he's so quiet, and he's an orphan.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Well, if he's good, then love him; you ought to know best. I just said that! Many a girl comes to grief because of them. It's easy to get into trouble, if you don't use your sense.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What is our love? Like a blade of grass in the field; it blooms out of season—and it fades.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Wait a moment! Some one's coming, I think. Isn't it he? I'll go and you wait, perhaps it's he! Have a good talk with him. [She goes out.
MITYA enters.
SCENE II
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA and MITYA
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Who's there?
MITYA. It's I, Mitya.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Why were you so long in coming?
MITYA. I was detained. [Approaches] Lyubov Gordeyevna, are you alone?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Yes, what of it?
MITYA. Lyubov Gordeyevna, how do you wish me to understand your letter? Do you mean it, or is it a joke? [LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA is silent] Tell me, Lyubov Gordeyevna! I am now in such 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 Gordey Karpych. I've had only one feeling, that for you, and if I receive ridicule from you, then it would have been better for me never to have lived in this world. You may trust me! I am telling you the truth.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. No, Mitya dear, what I wrote to you was the truth, and not a joke. And you, do you love me?
MITYA. Indeed, Lyubov Gordeyevna, I do not know how to express to you what I feel. But at least let me assure you that I have a heart in my breast, and not a stone. You can see my love from everything.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. But I thought that you loved Anna Ivanovna.
MITYA. That is not true!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Really, they told me so.
MITYA. If this were true, then what sort of a man should I be after acting as I have? Could I declare with words what my heart does not feel! I think such a thing would be dishonorable! I may not be worth your regard, but I'm not the man to deceive you.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. It is impossible to believe you men; all men in the world are deceivers.
MITYA. Let them be deceivers, but I am not.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. How can one know! Perhaps you also are deceiving me and want to play a joke on me!
MITYA. It would be easier for me to die in this place than to hear such words from you! [Turns away.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. No, Mitya, I didn't mean it. I know that you love me. I only wanted to tease you. [MITYA is silent] Mitya dear! Mitya! Why are you silent? Are you angry with me? I tell you I was only joking! Mitya! Yes! Now, then, say something. [Takes his hand.
MITYA. Oh, Lyubov Gordeyevna, I'm not in a joking humor! I'm not that sort of man.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Don't be angry.
MITYA. If you love me, then stop these jokes! They are not in place. Oh, it's all the same to me now! [Embraces her] Maybe they can take you from me by force, but I won't give you up of my free will. I love you more than my life!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Returning his embrace] Mitya dear, what shall we do now?
MITYA. What shall we do? We didn't fall in love with each other just to say good-by!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Well, but what if they promise me to some one else?
MITYA. Look here, Lyubov, one word! To-morrow we must go together to Gordey Karpych, and throw ourselves at his feet. We'll say so and so—whatever you please, but we can't live without each other. Yes, if you love me, then forget your pride!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What pride, Mitya? Is this a time for pride! Mitya dear, don't be angry with me; don't remember my past words. It was only girlish foolishness; I'm sorry that I did it! I shouldn't have joked with you; I should have caressed you, my poor boy. [Throws her arms round his neck] Oh, but, if father doesn't consent to our happiness—what then?
MITYA. Who can tell beforehand? It will be as God wills. I don't know how it is with you, but for me life is not life without you! [Is silent.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Some one's coming! Go away quietly, dearest, and I'll come later.
MITYA goes out quietly. ARINA comes in with a candle; LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA goes to meet her.
SCENE III
ARINA, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, and afterwards EGORUSHKA
ARINA. Well, you! You frightened me enough! What are you doing here? Your mother is looking for you there, and here you are! Why are you wandering about in the dark! Oh, you modest maiden! Fairy princess. [LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA 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 trouble will be sure to come in my old age. [EGORUSHKA enters] Go along, Egorushka, and call the girls in from the neighbors; tell them Pelageya Egorovna told you to invite them to come and sing songs.
EGORUSHKA. Oh! how are you, Arina, my dear?
ARINA. What are you so happy about, silly?
EGORUSHKA. Why shouldn't I be happy? It's such fun! Ha, ha, ha! [Jumps about.
ARINA. And maybe the mummers are coming; the young people wanted to dress up.
EGORUSHKA. Oh, I shall die! Oh, Lord, I shall die!
ARINA. What's the matter with you, you scamp?
EGORUSHKA. Oh, I shall die of laughing! Oh, granny, I've got such giggles!
ARINA. Dress up yourself.
EGORUSHKA. I will, I will! Oh, Lord! Oh, Oh, Oh.
ARINA. Now you run along quickly and fetch the girls.
EGORUSHKA. In a second! [Goes out.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA comes in.
SCENE IV
ARINA and PELAGEYA EGOROVNA
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Arinushka, did you send for the girls?
ARINA. I did, my dear.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. That's right. Let them have a song with our folks, and cheer up Lyubov and the guests. This is the time for them to enjoy themselves—while they're young. You know what a girl's life is—behind bolts and bars, never seeing the world! Now's their holiday!—Yes, let 'em have a good time!
ARINA. Yes, to be sure, to be sure! Why shouldn't they?
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Bring in some Madeira, Arinushka, the oldest we have; and gingerbread for the young people, and sweets—whatever you choose! Attend to it yourself, but don't forget the Madeira.
ARINA. I understand, I understand; there'll be enough of everything. Directly, my dear, directly!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. And a snack for the young men.
ARINA. Everything, everything will be all right. Don't you worry yourself; you join the guests. I'll do everything with pleasure. [Goes out.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. [Going to the door] Girls, boys, come here! There's more room here and it's lighter.
Enter LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, MASHA, LIZA, ANNA IVANOVNA, RAZLYULYAYEV, MITYA, GUSLIN, and two GUESTS.
SCENE V
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, MASHA, LIZA, ANNA IVANOVNA, RAZLYULYAYEV, MITYA, GUSLIN, and two GUESTS (old women).
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. [To the old women] We'll sit here. [Seats herself on the sofa, with the old women near her; ANNA IVANOVNA and GUSLIN take chairs and talk quietly; MITYA stands near them; MASHA, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, and LIZA walk about the room with their arms round each other; RAZLYULYAYEV follows them] We'll watch them while they play.
LIZA. "Just imagine, mother!" I said, "he doesn't know how to talk properly, and he even uses such words that it's absolutely impolite."
RAZLYULYAYEV. Do you mean me?
LIZA. We aren't talking about you; it's no business of yours. [She continues] "But why, mother, must I love him?" [Speaks in a whisper.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, my friend, I love the good old ways. Yes, our good old Russian ways. But there! my husband doesn't 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 person a bite and to get them to sing songs to me! Yes, I take after my family. Our family are all jolly, and love singing.
FIRST GUEST. When I look round, my dear Pelageya Egorovna, there isn't the gayety that there used to be when we were young.
SECOND GUEST. No, no.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. In my young days I was the merriest sort of girl—always singing and dancing—-indeed I was. Yes, what songs I knew! They don't sing such songs now.
FIRST GUEST. No, they don't sing them; new songs have come in now.
SECOND GUEST. Yes, yes, one remembers the old times.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yasha dear! Sing us some good old songs.
GUSLIN takes the guitar.
RAZLYULYAYEV. [To the girls] So it's no use for me to wait; evidently I shan't get any sense out of you.
LIZA. What do you mean by sense? I don't understand.
MASHA. It's ridiculous to listen to you.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Yes, it's funny for you; but how is it for me? Really, why don't you love me?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Let's sit down.
They sit down.
GUSLIN. [Sings]
"Four huts beside the brook That swift doth run. There is a gossip In every one.
Dear gossips all four, My friends that be, Be friendly and kindly And nice to me.
When you're in the green garden, Take me with you; When you pluck flowers, Pluck me a few.
When you weave garlands, Weave me some too; When you go to the river, Take me with you.
When you throw in the garlands, Throw also my wreath; The others will float, When mine sinks beneath.
All of the sweethearts, They have come home; Mine, and mine only, He has not come."
ARINA. [Enters with bottles and glasses; and a servant-girl with relishes] Here, I've brought them!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. [To the servant] Pass it to the young ladies. [The servant carries wine round to the girls, places the tray on the table and goes out] Arina! Bring us some wine. Yes, pour it out, pour out the Madeira, the Madeira; it will cheer us up. That's all right! Let's have a glass; they won't condemn us—we're old folks! [They drink] Annushka! Come along and drink some wine. Won't you have some?
ANNA IVANOVNA. Well, why shouldn't I drink some! They say, don't drink when there's no one round, but when there's company, it's all right.
Goes to PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, drinks and talks in a whisper.
ARINA. Have you had a drop too much, my boys?
MITYA. I don't drink.
RAZLYULYAYEV. With pleasure! [He comes up with GUSLIN and drinks; then catches hold of ARINA] Now, then, let's start an old song. [Sings.
"Oh, I'll sing an old song, Of Erema, of Foma—"
ARINA. Stop, saucy; you've crumpled me all up!
RAZLYULYAYEV. [Sings]
"The reins were in Kaluga; In Tarus' the hames were hid. Grooved runners had the sleigh; All by itself it slid."
The girls laugh.
ARINA. Let me go, I say! Now that's enough! [Goes out.
ANNA IVANOVNA. What are you teasing the old woman for? Come and dance with me.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Come on, then! Play for us, Yasha!
YASHA plays; they dance.
FIRST GUEST. That's a lively little woman.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, very lively, very lively.
RAZLYULYAYEV. [Stamping his feet] That's the way we do it. [Stops dancing.
EGORUSHKA. [Enters] The girls have come.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Ask them in. [EGORUSHKA goes out; the girls come in. ARINA brings in a dish and covers it] Sit down and sing the dish songs; I'm so fond of them.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, MASHA, LIZA, and ANNA IVANOVNA take off their rings and put them into the dish; the girls sing.
"Sow the wheat, my mother, and bake the cake for me. Glory! Many guests are coming, my lovers for to be. Glory!
Your guests will wear bast slippers, but mine have boots of hide. Glory! The girl of whom the song is sung, much good it doth betide. Glory!
The girl whose ring is taken out, will find it so without a doubt. Glory!"
RAZLYULYAYEV rolls up his sleeves, takes out a ring and gives it to LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. High time, high time!
GIRLS. [Sing]
"In Belgorod a sparrow small, Glory! In Belgorod sits on a wall. Glory!
In a strange land he looks about. Glory! Her ring and fortune will come out. Glory!"
ARINA. [Enters] The mummers have come; shall I let them in?
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, let them in; let them have a dance. And you girls can sing afterwards.
SCENE VI
The same and mummers; an OLD MAN with a balalaika or guitar, a TRAINER with a bear and goat, EGORUSHKA with molasses.
OLD MAN. [Bowing] To all this honest company, greeting!
TRAINER. Make a bow, Mishka! [The bear bows.
OLD MAN. Do you wish me to sing and dance and amuse you, and to limber up my old bones?
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. That's all right; yes, dance! Give them some wine, Arinushka.
ARINA serves the wine; some of them drink.
OLD MAN. Thank you humbly for your kind words, and for the entertainment. [Sings.
"Our lads, though stripped unto the buff, Even so are bold enough. Their twelve hands go weaving on; Now the web of cloth is done. They made kaftans for us here; Kaftans do not cost you dear When you've grist within your hopper. In our purses silver bright Will not let us sleep at night. And the jingling coins of copper For the tavern raise the call. Tapster Andrew, quick undo The inn-door. We've a kaftan new Here to put in pawn with you; We won't take it home at all."
[Goes to one side.
EGORUSHKA. [Dances with the molasses]
"Molasses! Molasses! It simmers so sweet. Oh, winter is bitter, The frost and the sleet. Stormy and snowy, oh, ways choked with snow, Unto my darling there's no way to go.
Molasses! Molasses! It simmers so sweet. Like a little quail my wife Sits on her seat. And I love her for this, and her praises I tell, For she jaunts on so prettily, proudly and well."
[Bows.
FIRST GUEST. Oh, what a fine boy! Ah!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Why, yes, my friend, he's still a child; but he does the best he can. He's young yet. Come here, Egorushka. [EGORUSHKA comes] Here's some gingerbread for you. [Gives it to him; EGORUSHKA bows and goes out] Yes, he's still a child; you can't expect much from him!
The TRAINEE leads the bear; the goat dances.
OLD MAN. [Sings]
"We had a little billy-goat, And he was clever, too; He carried in the water, And set the mush to brew.
He fed Grandpa and Grandma; But when he went one day To the dark forest seven wolves In waiting for him lay.
And one of them was hungry, And many and many a year Had he roamed, forever asking For goat's meat far and near."
TRAINER. [To the bear] Ask for wine, in honor of the goat. [Bear bows.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Arinushka, bring some refreshments for the mummers.
ARINA brings them something to drink; they drink and bow.
TRAINER. Now, then, amuse the honorable company. Show how the fair young darlings, the fair young girls, pale and rosy ones, glance at the young men, and watch their suitors. [Bear shows off] And how the old woman goes to work, bending, shrivelled; old age has overcome her, the years have broken her down. [Bear shows off] Well, now bow to the honorable company.[1]
[Footnote 1: Ostrovsky is of course reproducing actual Christmas customs. Count Ilya Tolstoy, in his Reminiscences of Tolstoy, tells how his father played the part of the bear at the family Christmas party.]
They go out; the OLD MAN plays the guitar; the other mummers dance; all watch them. GUSLIN and MITYA stand near LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA; MITYA whispers something to her, and kisses her. RAZLYULYAYEV comes up.
RAZLYULYAYEV. What are you doing?
MITYA. What's that to you?
RAZLYULYAYEV. I'll tell Pelageya Egorovna; just see if I don't!
MITYA. You just dare to tell!
GUSLIN. [Approaching him] Look out for me! You see we'll go away from here together; it'll be dark and the alley is lonely—just remember that!
RAZLYULYAYEV. What are you meddling with me for? What's the use? I want to marry her, and I'm going to make proposals. What are you up to! Yes, I mean to marry her!
MITYA. We'll see about that.
RAZLYULYAYEV. Do you think they'll marry her to you? Not much! Not if I know it—I've got lots of money!
ARINA. What a racket! Stop! Some one seems to be knocking. [All listen] That's true! They are knocking.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Go and open the door.
ARINA. [Goes out, then returns] He's come back himself! All rise.
SCENE VII
The same with GORDEY KARPYCH and KORSHUNOV
GORDEY KARPYCH. [To the mummers] What's this rabble!—Get out! [To his wife] Wife! Pelageya Egorovna! Greet my guest. [Speaks in a low voice] You've ruined me!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. You are welcome, Afrikan Savvich, you are welcome.
KORSHUNOV. Good evening, Pelageya Egorovna. He, he, he! It's very cheerful here! We've struck it just at the right time.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, here I am with the girls. Yes, I'm always with the girls. It's holiday time; I want to give my daughter some fun.
GORDEY KARPYCH. You are welcome, Afrikan Savvich; make yourself at home. [AFRIKAN SAVVICH seats himself in the armchair at the table. To his wife] Turn the hussies out.
KORSHUNOV. Why turn them out! Who's going to turn the girls out. He, he, he! They'll sing a song, and we'll listen and watch them, and we'll give them some money, but not turn them out.
GORDEY KARPYCH. As you wish, Afrikan Savvich! Only I am abashed before you! But don't conclude from this that we are all uneducated—this is all the wife; nothing can knock anything into her head. [To his wife] How many times have I told you: if you want to have a party in the evening, call in the musicians, and have things in good form. You can't say I deny you anything.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Well, what's the use of musicians—for us old women? You can amuse yourself with them!
GORDEY KARPYCH. There, that's the idea of life she has! It makes you laugh to hear her.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. What do you mean? Idea, idea! It would be better for you to give your guest something to eat. Would you like something, Afrikan Savvich? Some wine with us old women? [Pours out Madeira.
GORDEY KARPYCH. [Severely] Wife! Have you really gone out of your mind! Hasn't Afrikan Savvich ever seen Madeira before! Order champagne—a half dozen—and be quick about it! Then order lighted candles in the reception-room where the new furniture is. That will give quite another effect.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. I will do it myself at once. [Rises Arinushka, come on. Excuse me, my dear neighbors.
FIRST GUEST. We will come with you, my dear; it's time we were going home.
SECOND GUEST. It's time, it's time! The nights are dark, and the dogs in the lanes are fierce.
FIRST GUEST. Yes, fierce; very fierce! [They bow and go out.
SCENE VIII
GORDEY KARPYCH, KORSHUNOV, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, ANNA IVANOVNA, MASHA, LIZA, girls, MITYA, GUSLIN, and RAZLYULYAYEV.
KORSHUNOV. Let's join the young ladies. Where did you pick up such beauties—he, he! [Walks towards LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] Good evening, Lyubov Gordeyevna, my beauty. [LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA bows] May I join your company?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. We don't drive any one away.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Be seated; you'll be our guest.
KORSHUNOV. You're pretty chilly to the old man! It's Christmas time now, and I suppose we may exchange kisses.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Why be so affectionate?
KORSHUNOV. Gordey Karpych, may I kiss your daughter? And I must confess—he, he—I'm fond of this sort of thing. Yes, well, who doesn't like it! He, he!
GORDEY KARPYCH. You're welcome to do so; don't stand on ceremony.
KORSHUNOV. Will you give me a kiss, young lady?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. If my father wants me to. [They exchange kisses.
KORSHUNOV. Well now, every one of them, right down the line.
ANNA IVANOVNA. I suppose so! I'm not proud.
MASHA. Oh, how embarrassing!
LIZA. Well, there's nothing to be said; I must say it's a treat!
GORDEY KARPYCH. [Going up to MITYA] Why are you here? Is this your place? "The crow has flown into the lofty palace!"
MITYA, GUSLIN and RAZLYULYAYEV go out.
SCENE IX
GORDEY KARPYCH, KORSHUNOV, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, ANNA IVANOVNA, MASHA, LIZA and girls.
KORSHUNOV. [Seats himself near LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] I'm not like you, Lyubov Gordeyevna; you didn't even want to kiss me, he, he, he! And I've brought you a little present.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. You needn't have taken the trouble.
KORSHUNOV. Here I've brought you some diamonds, he, he! [Gives them to her.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Oh, they're earrings! I thank you humbly.
ANNA IVANOVNA. Show them to us.
MASHA. But they are charming!
LIZA. And in such good taste!
KORSHUNOV. Give me your hand. [Takes it and kisses it] You see, I like you very much, he, he, he! I like you very much; well, but you don't like me, I suppose?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Why shouldn't I like you?
KORSHUNOV. Why? You like some one else, that's why. But you will come to love me! I'm a good man—a jolly man, he, he, he!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. I don't know what you are talking about.
KORSHUNOV. I say, you will come to love me. Why not? I'm not old yet. [Looks at her] Am I an old man? He, 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 money! I'm a poor man. I've only got about five hundred thousand, he, he, he! In silver! [Takes her hand.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Rising] I don't need your money.
GORDEY KARPYCH. Lyubov, where are you going?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. To mother!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Wait! She'll come here.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA sits down.
KORSHUNOV. You don't want to sit by the old man? Give me your hand, young lady; I will kiss it.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Gives her hand] Oh, good heavens!
KORSHUNOV. What a hand! He, he, he! Like velvet! [Strokes her hand, and then puts on a diamond ring.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Freeing her hand] Oh, let me go! I don't want it; I don't want it!
KORSHUNOV. That's all right; it's no loss to me—it won't ruin me.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. But I don't want it. Give it to whomever you like. [Takes it off and returns it.
KORSHUNOV. I gave it to you, and I won't take it back! He, he, he!
Enter PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, and after her, ARINA and EGORUSHKA with wine and glasses.
SCENE X
The same with PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, ARINA, and EGORUSHKA
GORDEY KARPYCH. Come now and have a drink.
KORSHUNOV. All right, Gordey Karpych, give me something to drink. And you girls, sing a song in my honor—I love to have respect shown me.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Girls, sing a song for him.
GORDEY KARPYCH. [Uncorks the bottle, pours out champagne, and offers it to him] To our dear friend Afrikan Savvich! Make a bow, wife!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. If you please, Afrikan Savvich, I humbly beg you.
KORSHUNOV takes the glass.
GORDEY KARPYCH. [Takes the glass] Wife, drink!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh, somehow I don't like this kind of wine! Well, yes! I'll take just a glass.
GIRLS. [Sing] "Ah, who is he, our bachelor, And who is still unwed? Afrikan's our bachelor And Savvich still unwed. He jumped on the horse, The horse skips to and fro; He rides through the meadows, And green the meadows grow, And flowers blow."
KORSHUNOV. [Seats himself near LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] That's nice. I like that. Now, then, come here some one. [A girl comes up, he pats her on the cheek] Oh, 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 on me, he, he, he! Hold out your apron! [He tosses her some small change; the girl bows and goes out] Now, then, Gordey Karpych, tell your wife why we came.
GORDEY KARPYCH. I told you, wife, long ago, that living in this town bored me, because you can't take a step here without seeing that the people are absolutely ignorant and uneducated. And so I want to move from this place to Moscow. But there will be a man there who is no stranger to us—our dear son-in-law, Afrikan Savvich.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh! Oh! What are you saying!
KORSHUNOV. Yes, we've shaken hands on it, Pelageya Egorovna. What are you afraid of? I'm not going to eat her!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh, Lord! [Seizes her daughter] She's my daughter! I won't give her up!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Wife!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. My dear Gordey Karpych! Don't trifle with a mother's heart! Stop! You've fairly staggered me!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Wife, you know me! And you, Afrikan Savvich, don't be uneasy: with me saying is doing!
KORSHUNOV. You have promised—then keep your word. [Rises, goes to the girls, and speaks to them in a low voice.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Goes to her father] Father, I will never take a step against your will. But have pity on me, poor girl that I am! Don't ruin my young life!
GORDEY KARPYCH. You're a fool, and don't understand your own happiness! You'll live in Moscow like a lady; you'll ride in a coach. In the first place, you'll live in the city—and not in a wilderness like this! In the second place, these are my orders!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. I dare not disobey your command. Father! [Bows down to his feet] Don't make me unhappy for my whole life! Relent, father! Make me do whatever you like, only don't compel me to marry a man I don't love!
GORDEY KARPYCH. I never take back my word. [Rises.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. As you wish, father! [Bows and goes to her mother.
KORSHUNOV. There, that business is over! Now, then, girls—a marriage song!
GIRLS. [Sing] "The flowers in the garden will wither all about me, The blue flower in the meadow will be faded and forlorn; And so will my darling of the red cheeks without me; So rise up early, mother, in the morn. You must water all the flowers In the dawn and evening hours With water very often and with bitter tears in showers."
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Not that, not that! Sing another!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Let's go into the reception-room, Afrikan Savvich. Wife, all of you, come there!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Where can I hide myself!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Arina, bring along the wine!
ARINA. Oh, wait, I can't attend to you now! My darling child! Girls, my dearies! Here's the song we'll sing. [She sings.
"Thou art my own, my mother, Who grievest day by day, And at night to God dost pray. Thou who art so downcast, Look but once on her here, Thy daughter who was so dear— For the last time—the last."
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. For the last time.
At the end of this song GORDEY KARPYCH and KORSHUNOV go out; LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA remains in the embrace of her mother, surrounded by her friends.
ACT III
A small room in the house of TORTSOV, furnished with cupboards of various sorts; chests and shelves with plates and silver. Furniture: sofas, armchairs, 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 her household, and where she receives her guests informally. One door leads into the room where the guests are dining, and the other into the inner rooms.
SCENE I
ARINA is seated on a chair near the door leading into the dining-room; near her are several girls and women.
ARINA. [Looking into the dining-room] I didn't expect this, my dear friends! I never thought to see it! He fell upon us like a hawk—like snow on the head; he seized our darling swan from the flock of her dear ones, from father, from mother, from kinsfolk, and from friends. We didn't realize what was happening. What things happen in this world of ours! Nowadays people are double-faced and sly, crafty, and cunning. He fairly befogged Gordey Karpych 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 talking it over together. "We won't give you up, my child," I said, "to a common man! Only if some prince comes from foreign lands, and blows his trumpet at our door." But things didn't turn out our way. Now there he sits—the man who is going to tear her away—fat and flabby! Staring and smirking at her! He likes it! Oh, confound you! Well, now they've finished eating and are getting up; I must set to work.
Rises from her chair; the women go out; PELAGEYA EGOROVNA comes in.
SCENE II
ARINA and PELAGEYA EGOROVNA
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Come along, Arinushka, and help me to get the table ready. Yes, I'll sit down and rest—I'm tired.
ARINA. Of course you are tired, my dear! Day in, day out, on your feet! You aren't as young as you were once!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. [Seating herself on the sofa] Oh! Tell them to send the big samovar to the maids' room—the very biggest; and find Annushka and send her to me.
ARINA. Certainly, certainly.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, go along! Go along! Oh, I can't stand it! [ARINA goes out] My head's fairly splitting! Nothing but sorrow—and here comes more trouble! Yes, yes, I'm worried to death! Oh, oh, oh! I'm tired out, absolutely tired out! I'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! Do you think she is hankering after his money? She is a girl now—in the bloom of youth—and I suppose her heart beats now and then! What she ought to have now is a man she can love—even if he's poor—that would be life! That would be paradise!
ANNA IVANOVNA comes in.
SCENE III
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA and ANNA IVANOVNA
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Here are the keys of the tea cupboard. Go along and pour it out for the guests, and do everything that is necessary—you know yourself! I've walked my legs off! But you don't mind it; you're young yet—yes, go and serve them.
ANNA IVANOVNA. I'd just as soon as not. It's no great work; my hands won't wear out!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. There—there's the tea in the cupboard, in the little red caddy.
ANNA IVANOVNA unlocks the door and takes out the caddy. MITYA comes in.
SCENE IV
The same and MITYA
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. What do you want, Mitya dear?
MITYA. [Keeping back his tears] I—I—Pelageya Egorovna, for all your kindness, and for all your consideration—even though it may be I am not worth it—seeing that while I was an orphan—you never deserted me—and like a mother—I will be thankful to you all my life, and will always pray to God for you. [Bows down to her feet.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. But what are you doing, Mitya?
MITYA. I thank you for everything. And now good-by, Pelageya Egorovna. [Rises.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Where are you going?
MITYA. I plan to go to my mother's.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Are you going for long?
MITYA. Yes, I asked the master for a vacation, and it's most likely that I'll stay there for good.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. But why do you wish to leave us, Mitya?
MITYA. [Hesitating] Why, I just!—You see—I've already decided.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. But when are you going?
MITYA. To-night. [Is silent] I thought to myself that I shouldn't see you before to-night, and so I came to say good-by.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Very well, Mitya, if you are needed there—we won't keep you; God be with you! Good-by!
MITYA. [Bows down to the feet of PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, exchanges kisses with her and with ANNA IVANOVNA; then bows again and waits] Might I be allowed to say good-by to Lyubov Gordeyevna? You see we have lived in the same house—maybe I shall die before I see her again!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, you must, you must. Say good-by to her, of course! Annushka, go and fetch Lyubov.
ANNA IVANOVNA. [Shaking her head] "One man leads her by one hand, another by the other, a third stands and sheds tears; he loved her, but did not get her."
SCENE V
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA and MITYA
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh, Mitya, my dear! What trouble we are in! How can we drive it away—get rid of it—I cannot think. It's as if a thunderbolt had struck me! I can't recover myself.
MITYA. You have no one to blame but yourself for your unhappiness, Pelageya Egorovna; you are marrying her off yourself, ma'am.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, we are doing it ourselves; we are marrying her off ourselves! Only it's not with my consent, Mitya! If I had my way, do you think I'd give her up? Do you think I'm her enemy?
MITYA. He's a man—from what I hear—not a very great catch! There's nothing good to be heard of him—except what's bad.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. I know, Mitya dear, I know.
MITYA. Well, from all accounts, I must say this, that most likely Lyubov Gordeyevna, married to such a man, and living far away from you, will absolutely perish—no doubt of it.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh, don't speak of it to me, don't speak of it! I'm distracted enough about it without your saying anything. I've worn my eyes out with gazing at her! If I could only look at her enough to last me forever! It's as if I were getting ready to bury her.
MITYA. [Nearly weeping] How can such things happen? How can people do such things? She's your own daughter, I suppose!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. If she weren't my own, then I shouldn't be weeping and wailing, and my heart wouldn't be breaking over her tears.
MITYA. Why weep? It would be better not to marry her. Why are you ruining the girl's life, and giving her into slavery? Isn't this a sin? You will have to answer for it to God.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. I know, I know it all, but I tell you, Mitya, it's not my doing. Why do you keep on blaming me? It's horrible enough for me without your talking about it, and you stir me up still more. Mitya, you should pity me!
MITYA. It's true, Pelageya Egorovna, but I can't endure this sorrow. Maybe it's worse for me than for you! I trust you so much, Pelageya Egorovna, that I will open my heart to you as if you were my own mother. [Dries his eyes with his handkerchief] Yesterday evening, when you were having the evening party. [Tears prevent him from speaking]
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Well, well, tell me, tell me!
MITYA. Well, then, she and I made a compact in the dark, that we would go together to you and to Gordey Karpych, and beg you humbly; we were going to say: "Give us your blessing; we cannot live without each other any longer." [Dries his tears] And now suddenly, this morning, I heard—and my arms just dropped by my side!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. What are you saying?
MITYA. I swear it, Pelageya Egorovna, in the name of the Lord!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh, my dear boy! What a luck-less lad you are, now that I know all!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA comes in.
SCENE VI
The same and LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Here, Lyubov dear! Mitya has come to say good-by; he is going away from here to his mother's.
MITYA. [Bows] Good-by, Lyubov Gordeyevna! Don't bear me any ill will!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Good-by, Mitya! [Bows]
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Kiss each other good-by; it may be that God will not let you see each other again. Well, never mind! [MITYA and LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA kiss each other; she seats herself on the sofa and weeps; MITYA also weeps] Stop, stop your weeping! you will drive me wild!
MITYA. Oh, I'll risk everything now; everything in the world! [Goes to PELAGEYA EGOROVNA] Pelageya Egorovna, are you sorry to marry your daughter to an old man, or not?
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. If I weren't sorry, I shouldn't be crying.
MITYA. Will you permit me to speak, Pelageya Egorovna?
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Speak!
MITYA. This is what I have to say: Get her ready and put on her warm clothes. Let her slip out quietly; I'll seat her in my fairy sleigh, and that's the 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 will get married. Oh, just give us a chance! I want some joy in life! At any rate, if I have to pay the price, at least I shall know that I've really lived.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. What do you mean? What do you mean, you scamp?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What an idea, Mitya!
MITYA. So you don't love me? Or have you ceased to love me?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. What you say is dreadful!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. What an idea, you scamp! Who would dare to take such a sin on his soul? Yes, come to your senses! What are you thinking of?
MITYA. Why, I said if you're sorry! But if you're not sorry—then give her to Afrikan Savvich; sell her into slavery forever and ever. You'll be miserable yourselves when you see her wretched life; you'll come to your senses, you and Gordey Karpych, but then it will be too late.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. But how could you, without her father's blessing? How could you? Judge for yourself!
MITYA. Certainly, how could we live without a blessing! Then you bless us, Pelageya Egorovna. [Kneels down] and Gordey Karpych, it may be—himself, in time—somehow—-
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. What can I say to you? I feel altogether distracted.—Yes, I'm going out of my mind! I don't know anything! I don't remember anything! Yes, yes, my head spins. Oh, my darlings, my heart is torn!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Goes to MITYA] No, Mitya, this can't be! Don't torture yourself for nothing; stop! [Raises him up] Don't tear my soul! Already my heart is all withered away within me! God be with you; good-by!
MITYA. Why did you deceive me and mock at me?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Don't, Mitya! Why should I deceive you? Why? I fell in love with you; so I told you, myself. But now we must not go against the will of our parents. For it is the will of my father that I 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 and make an example of me. Although it may be I have broken my heart because of this—at any rate I know that I am acting according to law; no one will dare to look me in the face and jeer. Good-by! [They kiss]
MITYA. Well, now I know my fate! [LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA seats herself on the sofa and weeps] Good-by! [Bows to PELAGEYA EGOROVNA] Good-by, Pelageya Egorovna, you have been my benefactress! So long as I live I shall not forget your goodness and kindness to me; you did not forget the orphan in a strange land.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Good-by, my dear; do not blame us in any way—that would be a sin for you. God grant that you may live happily; we shall not forget you. MITYA bows and goes out.
SCENE VII
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA and later KORSHUNOV.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. How I pity that boy, Lyubov dear! Oh, my child, oh, dear! It never entered my head that you loved him. How could I guess it, poor old woman that I am! What do I amount 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 honest fellow, with such a tender heart, and he would be fond of me in my old age. And as I look at you, my child, how can you help being sad? And I have no way to help you, my darling!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Well, mother, what's the use of thinking about what's impossible, and only torturing ourselves?
Seats herself and is silent; some one knocks; the voice of KORSHUNOV is heard, "May I come in?"
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Come in, sir. KORSHUNOV. [Entering] Ah, there she is, my bride! Where were you hiding yourself? He, he! I'll find you, I'll find you anywhere. If you please, Pelageya Egorovna, permit me to talk confidentially with your daughter about our own affairs.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Certainly. [Goes out. KORSHUNOV. [Seats himself near LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] What are you crying about, young lady? For shame, for shame! He, he, he! There! I'm older than 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] is just girlish folly. Now, just listen to what I'm going to tell you; I'll tell you the truth straight out. I don't like to deceive any one, and have no need to. Will you listen, eh?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Yes.
KORSHUNOV. Good! Now, we'll begin with this point. Will a young man appreciate your love? Any girl will love a young man; that is nothing unusual for him; but to an old man it is precious. An old man will reward you for your love with some little gift, this and that—with gold, and with velvet—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. You see they are a fickle lot! Before you know it he will be running after some one else, or some young lady will fall in love with him, and then his wife may pine away. Then come reproaches and jealousy. And what is this jealousy, eh? He, he, he! Do you know, young lady, what this jealousy is?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. No, I don't know.
KORSHUNOV. But I know! It isn't like a needle prick in the finger; it's far more painful than that. You see the cursed thing consumes a man. From jealousy people stab one another, and poison one another with arsenic! [Laughs spasmodically and coughs] But when any one falls 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 midnight. And they come home drunk, and bully their wives, and swagger. But an old man will just sit near his wife; he'll die before he'll leave her. And he would like to look into her eyes all the time and to caress her and to kiss her hands. [Kisses them] Just like that.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Did your deceased wife love you?
KORSHUNOV. [Looks at her attentively] And why do you ask this, young lady?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. I just wanted to know.
KORSHUNOV. You wanted to know? [Rises] No, she didn't love me, and I didn't love her either. She wasn't worth loving—I took her, poor, a beggar, just for her beauty; I took care of her whole family; I saved her father from prison; she went about in gold.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Love cannot be bought with gold.
KORSHUNOV. Whether you love a man or not, you ought to show him some regard. They needed money, they had nothing to live on; I gave it to them, I didn't refuse. And I needed their love. Had I a right to exact this or not? You see I paid money for it! It's a sin to make complaints about 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 the man room to breathe! I—[Stops and bursts out laughing] And you really thought that I was such a cross man? He, he! I said it in fun, for a joke! I'm a simple, kind old man! I'll dandle you in my arms [hums]; I'll rock you in a little cradle; I'll sing you to sleep. [Kisses her hands.
GORDEY KARPYCH comes in.
SCENE VIII
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, KORSHUNOV, and GORDEY KARPYCH
GORDEY KARPYCH. Ah, so that's where my son-in-law is! We've been looking for you. We've already started in on the champagne. Come along to the guests; at our house a feast isn't a feast without you.
KORSHUNOV. I like it here.
GORDEY KARPYCH. Then we'll order it to be served here, and we'll drink it with you. [Walks to the door] Hey, boy, serve the wine here! On a silver tray! [Sits down] Now, son-in-law, what do you say?
KORSHUNOV. Nothing.
GORDEY KARPYCH. How, nothing?
KORSHUNOV. Just nothing.
GORDEY KARPYCH. But don't you really? [Looks at him] Can you understand me now?
KORSHUNOV. Why shouldn't I understand you?
GORDEY KARPYCH. Now we've had this little spree! So now you tell me, what sort of a man I am. Can they appreciate me here?
KORSHUNOV. Why should they appreciate you?
GORDEY KARPYCH. No, tell me this: Isn't everything well done here? In other houses a young fellow waits at table in a Russian smock, or there's a peasant girl; but in my house there's a butler in cotton gloves. This butler is a trained man, from Moscow; he knows 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 style about it. And what do they drink in their boorishness? Home-made cordials, all sorts of cherry water! And they don't even know that champagne is the proper thing! Oh, if I could live in Moscow, or in Petersburg, I'd make a point of following every fashion.
KORSHUNOV. You don't mean every fashion?
GORDEY KARPYCH. Every one. As long as my money held out, I wouldn't stint myself. You just look out, Lyubov; you toe the mark! Or else your bridegroom—you see he's from Moscow—may be ashamed of you. I suppose you don't even know how to walk gracefully, and you don't understand how to talk as is proper in company.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. I say what I feel, father; I wasn't brought up in a boarding-school.
The butler enters, and gives wine to KORSHUNOV and GORDEY KARPYCH. He places the bottles on the table, and goes out.
GORDEY KARPYCH. That's it, son-in-law! Just let them know what sort of man Gordey Karpych Tortsov is!
EGORUSHKA comes in.
EGORUSHKA. Uncle Gordey Karpych, come here, if you please.
GORDEY KARPYCH. What's the matter with you?
EGORUSHKA. Come, please: there's such a scene! [Laughs]
GORDEY KARPYCH. [Approaching] What's the matter?
EGORUSHKA. Uncle Lyubim Karpych has come in.
GORDEY KARPYCH. Why did they let him in?
EGORUSHKA. It must be that he just took it into his head; we can't stop him, anyhow. [Bursts out laughing.]
GORDEY KARPYCH. What's he doing?
EGORUSHKA. He's turning out the guests. [Bursts out laughing] "You're glad to eat another man's bread," says he. "I'm also the host," says he. "I," says he—— [Bursts out laughing.]
GORDEY KARPYCH. Sh—he's ruined me!
[Goes out with EGORUSHKA.]
KORSHUNOV. What's all this about?
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. I don't know. It must be that uncle is—Sometimes he takes a notion.
Enter RAZLYULYAYEV, MASHA, and LIZA.
SCENE IX
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA, KORSHUNOV, RAZLYULYAYEV, MASHA, and LIZA.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. [At the door] Where is your brother? Where is Lyubim Karpych? What has he done? Oh, misery!
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. He isn't here, mother.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA goes out.
RAZLYULYAYEV. There you are! Lyubim Karpych is playing some famous tricks! Ha, ha, ha! He's cutting up such capers, it beats all!
LIZA. It isn't at all funny, it's just rude!
MASHA. I simply didn't know what to do from embarrassment.
They seat themselves on the sofa. LYUBIM KARPYCH comes in.
SCENE X
The same and LYUBIM KARPYCH
LIZA. Oh, good heavens, again!
MASHA. This is terrible!
RAZLYULYAYEV. Ha, ha, ha!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Gurr, gurr, gurr; bul, bul, bul! With the finger nine! With the cucumber fifteen! How do, friend! [Holds out his hand to KORSHUNOV] My respects! I haven't seen you for a thousand years and a day! How are you?
KORSHUNOV. Oh, is this you, Lyubim?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. [Covering his face with his hands] I'm not I, and the horse is not mine, and I'm not a coachman.
KORSHUNOV. I remember you, brother! You used to roam the town and pick up kopeks.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. You remember how I used to pick up kopeks, but do you remember how you and I used to go on sprees together? How we sat through the dark autumn nights, and how we skipped back and forth, from the tavern to the wine-shop? And don't you know who ruined me, and who turned me out with a beggar's wallet?
KORSHUNOV. Why didn't you look out for yourself? Nobody dragged you in by the collar, my dear fellow. It's your own fault.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. I was a fool! But, well, you haven't much to be proud of! You raised me to such heights, you promoted me to such a place—I've stolen nothing, and yet I'm ashamed to look men in the eyes!
KORSHUNOV. You're the same old joker as ever! [Turning to LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] You've got a jolly uncle! For old acquaintance sake, we'll surely have to give him a ruble.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Sh! It's not a question of rubles here! Pay up your old debts, and for my niece here a million three hundred thousand! I won't sell her cheaper.
KORSHUNOV. [Laughing] Won't you come down?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Not a kopek!
RAZLYULYAYEV. Aha, Lyubim Karpych! Don't you take any less!
GORDEY KARPYCH comes in.
SCENE XI
The same with GORDEY KARPYCH
GORDEY KARPYCH. So you are here! What are you doing in my house? Clear out!
KORSHUNOV. Wait a bit, Gordey Karpych; don't turn him out! Why turn him out? Let him show off and make jokes. He, he, he!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. It's my brother that's joking, in giving his daughter to you, but I'll play such a joke on you as won't suit your stomach!
GORDEY KARPYCH. This isn't the place for him. Get out!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Wait, brother, don't turn me out! Do you think Lyubim Tortsov has come to make jokes? Do you think Lyubim Tortsov is drunk? I have come to you to ask riddles. [To KORSHUNOV] Why has an ass long ears? Now, then, give us an answer?
RAZLYULYAYEV. That's a hard one!
KORSHUNOV. How do I know?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. So that all may know that he is an ass. [To his brother] Here's a riddle for you! To whom are you marrying your daughter?
GORDEY KARPYCH. That's not your affair! You've no business to ask me.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. And here's another question for you. Are you an honest merchant, or not? If you are honest, don't associate with a dishonest one. You can't touch soot and not be defiled.
KORSHUNOV. Joke away—but don't forget yourself, my dear fellow! Turn him out, or make him keep quiet.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. That meant you! One can see you are as clean as a chimney-sweep!
GORDEY KARPYCH. Brother, go away quietly, or it will be the worse for you.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. [Starting up in a fright] Uncle, stop!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. I won't be quiet! Now blood has begun to talk! All the domestics and guests enter.
SCENE XII
The same with PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, ANNA IVANOVNA, GUSLIN, guests, and servants.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Listen, good people! They are insulting Lyubim Tortsov, they are driving him away. But am I not a guest too? Why should they drive me away? My clothes are not clean, but I have a clean conscience! I'm not Korshunov; 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 most esteemed guest, and he's put in the place of honor. Well, never mind! They'll give him another wife. My brother is marrying his daughter to him! Ha, ha, ha! [Laughs tragically]
KORSHUNOV. [Jumps up] Don't believe him; he lies! He says this out of spite to me. He's drunk!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. How out of spite? I pardoned you long ago. I'm a man of small account, a crawling worm, the lowest of the low! But don't you do evil to others.
GORDEY KARPYCH. [To the servants] Take him away!
LYUBIM KARPYCH. [Holding up one finger] Sh, don't touch me! It's an easy life in this world for a man whose eyes are shameless! Oh, men, men! Lyubim Tortsov is a drunkard, but he's better than you! Here, now, I'll go away of my own accord. [Turning to the crowd] Make way—Lyubim Tortsov is going! [Goes, and suddenly turns round] Unnatural monster! [Goes out]
KORSHUNOV. [Laughing in a forced way] So that's the way you keep order in your house! That's how you follow the fashions! At your house drunkards insult the guests! 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-in-law!" He, he, he! "Dear father-in-law!" No, humbug, I won't let myself be insulted for nothing. No, you come along and bow down to me! Beg me to take your daughter!
GORDEY KARPYCH. You think I'll bow down to you?
KORSHUNOV. Yes, you will; I know you! You want a fine wedding. You'd hang yourself if only to astonish the town! But nobody wants her! How unlucky for you! He, he he!
GORDEY KARPYCH. After you've said such words as these I won't have anything more to do with you! I never bowed down to any one in my life! If it comes to this, I'll marry her to any man I choose. With the money that I shall give as her dowry any man will—— MITYA comes in, and stops in the doorway.
SCENE XIII
The same and MITYA
MITYA. [Turning towards the crowd] What's all this noise?
GORDEY KARPYCH. Here, I'll marry her to Mitya!
MITYA. What, sir?
GORDEY KARPYCH. Silence! Yes—I'll marry her to Mitya—to-morrow! And I'll give her such a wedding as you never saw! I'll get musicians from Moscow! I'll ride alone in four coaches!
KORSHUNOV. We'll see, we'll see! You'll come to ask my pardon, you will! [Goes out.
SCENE XIV
The same without KORSHUNOV
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. To whom, Gordey Karpych, did you say?
GORDEY KARPYCH. To Mitya—Yes! What airs he put on! As if I were worse than he! "You'll come and bow down!" He lies! I won't go and bow down! Just to spite him I'll marry her to Dmitry. [All are astonished. MITYA. [Takes LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA by the hand and goes to GORDEY KARPYCH] Why out of spite, Gordey Karpych? 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, then give us your blessing as is proper, in a fatherly fashion, with love. Because we love each other, and even before this happened, we wanted to confess our guilt to you. And now I'll be a true son to you forever, with all my heart.
GORDEY KARPYCH. What, what, "with all your heart"? You're glad of the chance! But how did you ever dare to think of it? Is she your equal? Remember to whom you're talking.
MITYA. I know very well that you are my master, and that I, because of my poverty, cannot be her equal; but however, think as you please. Here I am; I've fallen in love with your daughter with all my heart and soul.
LYUBIM KARPYCH comes in and takes his stand in the crowd.
SCENE XV
The same and LYUBIM KARPYCH
GORDEY KARPYCH. Well, how could you help loving her? Your taste isn't bad! And you'll get plenty of money with her, which is fine for a penniless fellow like you—without a rag to your back!
MITYA. It is so insulting for me to hear this from you, that I have no words. Better keep silent. [Walks away] If you please, Lyubov Gordeyevna, you speak.
LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA. Father, I have never gone against your will! If you wish for my happiness, then give me to Mitya.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Why, why, really, Gordey Karpych, why do you keep changing your mind so? Why do you? I was beginning to feel happy; my heart was just beginning to feel easy, and now you begin again. Do stick to something; otherwise what does all this mean? Really! First you say to one man, and then to the other! Was she born your daughter just to be a martyr?
LYUBIM KARPYCH. [From the crowd] Brother, give Lyubov to Mitya!
GORDEY KARPYCH. You here again! Do you understand what you've done to me to-day? You've put me to shame before the whole town! If you felt this you wouldn't dare to show yourself in my sight—and then you slink in and give me advice! If it were only a man talking and not you.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. You'd better bow down to Lyubim Tortsov's feet, just because he has put you to shame.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. That's it, dear Lyubim! We ought to bow down to your feet; that's just it! You have taken a great sin from our souls; all our prayers could never have freed us from this sin.
GORDEY KARPYCH. What, am I a monster to my own family?
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. You're no monster, but you would have ruined your daughter through your own folly; I tell you this straight out! They marry girls to old men who are a lot better than Afrikan Savvich, and even so they live miserable lives.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Permit me! [Sings] Tum-ty-tum, tum-ty-tum! [Dances] Look at me, here's an example for you! Lyubim Karpych stands 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 coaches, I played such pranks as would never come into your head; and then head over heels down. Just see what a dandy I am!
GORDEY KARPYCH. No matter what you say to me, I don't want to listen; you are my enemy for the rest of my life.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Are you a man, or a wild beast? Have pity on Lyubim Tortsov! [Kneels down] Brother, give Lyubov to Mitya—he will give me a corner. I was chilled and hungry. I was growing old, and it was hard 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 give me work, and then I'll have my kettle of soup. Then I'll thank God, brother; even my tears will reach to heaven. What if he is poor, eh? If I had been poor, I should have been a man. Poverty is no crime.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Gordey Karpych, haven't you any feelings?
GORDEY KARPYCH. [Wiping away a tear] And you really thought that I hadn't? [Lifts up his brother] Well, brother, thank you for 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 head. [Embraces MITYA and LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA] Now, children, say thank you to your Uncle Lyubim Karpych, and live in happiness.
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA embraces the children.
GUSLIN. Uncle, may I speak now?
GORDEY KARPYCH. You may, you may! Ask for whatever you want, every one of you! Now I have become another man.
GUSLIN. Well, Annushka, it's our turn now!
ANNA IVANOVNA. Well, now, we'll have a dance; only hold your hat on!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Yes, let's dance, let's dance!
RAZLYULYAYEV. [Goes to MITYA and slaps him on the shoulder] Mitya! For a friend I give up everything! I loved her myself, but for you—I give her up. Give me your hand. [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 away his tears with the lappet of his coat and kisses MITYA] He told the truth then; drunkenness is no crime—well, I mean—poverty is no crime. I always make slips!
PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. Oh, yes, here they all are! [To the girls] Now, then, girls, a jolly song! Yes, a jolly one! Now we'll celebrate the wedding with all our hearts! With all our hearts! [The girls begin to sing.
LYUBIM KARPYCH. Sh! Obey orders! He sings; the girls join in. "We have done the business; All the trade is driven. The betrothal we will plight, And upon the wedding night A fine feast shall be given."
SIN AND SORROW ARE COMMON TO ALL
A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS
CHARACTERS
VALENTIN PAVLYCH BABAYEV[1], a young landowner
[Footnote 1: womanish]
LEV RODIONYCH KRASNOV, a shopkeeper, about thirty years of age
TATYANA DANILOVNA (called TANYA), his wife
LUKERYA DANILOVNA ZHMIGULIN (called, LUSHA), her sister, an old maid and daughter of a government clerk now dead.
ARKHIP, blind old man, grandfather of KRASNOV
AFONYA (AFANASY), invalid boy about eighteen years of age, brother of KRASNOV
MANUYLO KALINYCH KURITSYN, flour dealer about forty-five years of age
ULYANA RODIONOVNA KURITSYNA, his wife, sister of KRASNOV
SHISHGALEV, government clerk
ZAYCHIKHA (called PROKOFYEVNA), landlady of the lodgings taken by BABAYEV
KARP, BABAYEV'_s attendant
The action takes place in a district town_.
SIN AND SORROW ARE COMMON TO ALL
ACT I
TABLEAU I
A room, cheaply papered, shabbily furnished; in the rear two doors, one opening on the street, the other leading into an adjoining room; the windows are hung with chintz curtains.
SCENE I
KARP is unfastening a valise, and ZAYCHIKHA (PROKOFYEVNA) is looking out of the window.
PROKOFYEVNA. Just look, dear sir, how many people have gathered.
KARP. What do they want? Why are they curious?
PROKOFYEVNA. Every one, dear sir, wishes to know who it is that has arrived.
KARP. They say you're provincials, and you certainly are provincials. Well, tell them that it's Babayev, Valentin Pavlich, a landowner.
PROKOFYEVNA. [Speaking through the window] Babayev, a landowner. [To KARP] They're asking why you came.
KARP. On business, of course. Did you think we came here for sport? Much chance there would be for that here.
PROKOFYEVNA. [Through the window] For business. [To KARP] Will you remain long?
KARP. We certainly haven't come to settle here. We may stay two days; not longer, you may be sure.
PROKOFYEVNA. [Through the window] For two days. [Withdraws from the window] Now I've satisfied them. In five minutes the entire city will know.
KARP. Your lodging is all right; it's clean.
PROKOFYEVNA. Certainly it's clean, sir. No great frills, but it's clean. Of course there's no great travelling to our town.
KARP. It isn't on the highway.
PROKOFYEVNA. Highway, not much! Yet the best people that do come here, lodge with me. I know a lot of the landowners who come here. They are used to me; very few of them ever go to the hotel.
KARP. Because it's so noisy.
PROKOFYEVNA. Yes, I should say so! Down-stairs is a bar-room; and on market days the noise is dreadful. Please tell me, wasn't your master's mother Sofya Pavlovna, the wife of General Babayev?
KARP. Exactly so.
PROKOFYEVNA. Is their estate called Zavetnoye?
KARP. Yes.
PROKOFYEVNA. So, so. I recognized him just now. I used to see him as a youngster. He often rode to town with his mother, and they would call on me. Does he live in the country?
KARP. No, we are most of the time in St. Petersburg; but now we have come to the country to arrange business matters.
PROKOFYEVNA. So, so. But is he a good man to deal with?
KARP. Pretty good.
PROKOFYEVNA. Well, thank the Lord! May He reward him! What business brought you to our town?
KARP. Oh, those endless legal matters. Petty business, something to bear witness to; but I suppose he'll waste five days over it.
PROKOFYEVNA. It wouldn't be surprising. Have you called on the judges?
KARP. Yes, we called on them all. Just now they sent us a clerk from court.
PROKOFYEVNA. They'll probably do it quicker for you than for us. If you need anything, knock on the wall, and I'll come. [Goes out.
BABAYEV and SHISHGALEV enter at the side door.
SCENE II
BABAYEV, SHISHGALEV, and KARP
BABAYEV. So you say, my dear sir, that it is absolutely impossible?
SHISHGALEV. [Bowing and continually blowing his nose and covering his mouth with his hand] But, believe me, sir, if it were at all possible we should have——
BABAYEV. Maybe it is possible?
SHISHGALEV. Judge for yourself, sir. Now the court session has ended, it is quite impossible to assemble the members; to-morrow is a holiday—then comes Saturday and then Sunday.
BABAYEV. Just think, my dear sir, how you are treating me!
SHISHGALEV. How am I to blame? I'm the humblest sort of man.
BABAYEV. But, my dear sir, what shall I do here for the next four days? It is dreadful!
SHISHGALEV. You can look around, sir, and take a glance at our city.
KARP. What's the use of looking at it? What is there to see here? I suppose you'll say that St. Petersburg is not as fine a city as yours.
BABAYEV. Have you any kind of social life?
SHISHGALEV. I beg pardon, sir?
BABAYEV. I said, have you any social life, any sort of club, entertainment with music, or parties?
SHISHGALEV. No, we haven't.
BABAYEV. But where do the members of the court and the rest of them spend their time?
SHISHGALEV. They usually spend it together.
BABAYEV. How together?
SHISHGALEV. Every day is assigned. For instance, to-day they are with the prefect, to-morrow with the judge, day after to-morrow with the attorney; then with the farmer of the spirit tax, and next with the retired police captain—and so all the week goes by.
BABAYEV. At what time do they meet?
SHISHGALEV. About six o'clock.
BABAYEV. What do they do then?
SHISHGALEV. They play preference.
BABAYEV. And what else, certainly not only preference?
SHISHGALEV. That's the truth, just preference. But usually they have tables with drinks and refreshments—just as it should be. They play, and then they take a bite, and so they pass the time.
BABAYEV. And do they all drink, from six o'clock on?
SHISHGALEV. Oh, no, by no means! Only the dealer, or some one who has to pay a fine.
BABAYEV. Then, my dear sir, I can't help it. I've got to wait.
SHISHGALEV. Just wait awhile, sir. On Monday you will please appear in court, and we'll arrange the matter without delay.
BABAYEV. Very well, I will be in court on Monday. But you'll have some writing to do for me. Then I'll give you—as is proper—I don't like any one to labor for me for nothing.
SHISHGALEV. My family is large, Your Honor——
BABAYEV. What's that?
SHISHGALEV. Do have the kindness to bestow a little something——
BABAYEV. Really, I don't know; how's that? How much do you want?
KARP. Give him one ruble, sir; that'll be enough for him.
BABAYEV. [Giving the money] Here you are—I'm really ashamed.
SHISHGALEV. [Depositing the coin in his pocket] Not at all. I thank you heartily; I wish you all good fortune. [Goes out.
SCENE III
BABAYEV and KARP
BABAYEV. How rude you are, Karp.
KARP. If you begin to be sentimental with 'em, sir, they'll get the habit of calling around here and bewailing their fate. No amount of money will suffice 'em. They're a godless crowd.
BABAYEV. Well, what'll I do? I'd like to go for a walk, but it's still hot. Karp, what shall I do?
KARP. I'll tell you what, go to sleep; after travelling it's a good thing.
BABAYEV. But what shall I do at night?
KARP. At night just the same. They say people sleep when they're bored.
BABAYEV. How stupid I was not to bring any books. If I only had some frivolous intrigue to amuse myself with for four days. [Goes out through the side door.]
KARP. So that's what you wish! An intrigue! That's his style! He was his mother's spoiled darling and he was raised with young ladies and 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 I have seen; it was shameful! I wonder if he's asleep? I'd like to have a nap. [He's about to lie down when the door opens] Who's that?
LUKERYA comes in.
SCENE IV
KARP and LUKERYA
KARP. What do you want?
LUKERYA. Valentin Pavlich.
KARP. What do you want of him?
LUKERYA. If I want to see him, of course it must be necessary.
KARP. Do you want help of some sort?
LUKERYA. How rude! Aren't you aware that the Zhmigulin ladies were always welcome at the home of your master's mother? I am also very intimately acquainted with Valentin Pavlich.
KARP. You are? I doubt it.
LUKERYA. Maybe you stupidly misunderstand my words in some way that's beyond me. [Sits down] Your business is to go right off and announce me.
KARP. I tell you he's asleep now.
LUKERYA. That can't be, because I've just seen him through the window.
KARP. Well, I see I can't do anything with you; I'll have to announce you. [Goes out.]
LUKERYA. In these modern times, these new changes have done a lot to spoil people. He ought to have found out first what my rank was, and then treated me accordingly. And it's not his 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 Pavlich has become so proud since he has lived in St. Petersburg that he will not wish to see me. But I'm so anxious to show every one here what acquaintances we have. I think he didn't disdain us formerly, especially sister Tanya.
BABAYEV comes in.
SCENE V
BABAYEV and LUKERYA
BABAYEV. Whom have I the honor of addressing?
LUKERYA. I hardly expected, Valentin Pavlich, that you would so soon forget old acquaintances.
BABAYEV. Be seated, please. [Both sit down] I somehow do not recall.
LUKERYA. Of course, nowadays feelings are not in vogue; now it's all a matter of calculation; but we provincials aren't like you in St. Petersburg; we remember our former acquaintances, and especially our benefactors.
BABAYEV. I agree with you—benefactors should always be remembered.
LUKERYA. We are so indebted to your mother that words fail me to express it. She did so much for the Zhmigulin family.
BABAYEV. The Zhmigulins?
LUKERYA. Especially for sister Tanya and me.
BABAYEV. [Rising] Tanya—Tatyana Danilovna?
LUKERYA. Do you remember, now?
BABAYEV. So you are her sister?
LUKERYA. Lukerya Danilovna Zhmigulin.
BABAYEV. Pardon me, I beg of you.
LUKERYA. I'm not in the least offended because you remember my sister more readily than you do me. She's so beautiful that it's impossible to forget her.
BABAYEV. Yes, yes, she was an exceedingly beautiful girl; we were great friends.
LUKERYA. I'm aware of that. Who should know it if not I? Being the elder sister I had to care for the younger. |
|
