Part of the garden; to the rear, a pond, on the shore of which is a boat. Starry night. A choral song is heard in the far distance. For a while the stage is empty.
EnterNÁDYAandLÍZA
LÍZA. Oh, Nádya, what's this we're doing? When the mistress hears of this, it'll be your last day on earth.
NÁDYA. If you're afraid, take yourself home.
LÍZA. No, I'll wait for you. But all the same, my girl, it's awful, no matter what you say! Lord preserve us when she finds it out.
NÁDYA. Always singing the same tune! If you fear the wolf, keep out of the woods.
LÍZA. But what has happened to you? Before, you didn't talk like this. You used to hide yourself; and now you go to him of your own accord.
NÁDYA. Yes, before I ran away from him; now I don't want to. [She stands musing] Now I myself don't know what has suddenly happened within me! Just when the mistress said, a short while ago, that I shouldn't dare to argue, but marry the man she said to marry, just then my whole heart revolted. "Oh, Lord, what a life for me!" I thought. [She weeps] What's the use in my living purely, guarding myself not merely from every word, but even from every look? Even so, evil seized upon me. "Why," I thought, "should I guard myself?" I don't want to! I don't want to! It was just as if my heart died within me. It seemed that if she said another word, I should die on the spot.
LÍZA. What are you saying! Why, I really thought you were coming to the master as a joke.
NÁDYA. As a joke! I can't bear an insult! I cannot. [Silence] Oh, Líza, if life were better, I shouldn't have come into the garden at night. You know how it used to be, when I would think about myself—I suppose it must have come into your head, too—that here you are, an honest girl; you live like a bird, suddenly you're fascinated by some man, he makes love to you, comes to see you often, kisses you…. You're abashed before him, yet happy to see him. That's the way it always is. Although you may not be rich; although it may be you have to sit with your lover in the servants' room; yet it is as if you were a queen, just as if every day were a holiday for you. Then they marry you, and all congratulate you. Well, then, no matter how hard married life may be, perhaps there may be lots of work, in spite of that you live as if in paradise; just as if you were proud of something.
LÍZA. Naturally, my girl.
NÁDYA. But when they say to you: "Pack off to this drunkard, and don't you dare argue, and don't you dare cry over yourself!"…. Oh, Líza!…. And then you think how that horrid man will make fun of you, will bully you, show his authority, will begin to ruin your life, all for nothing! You grow old by his side without having a chance to live. [She weeps] It breaks your heart even to tell about it! [Waving her hand] And so, indeed, the young master is better.
LÍZA. Oh, Nádya; it would be better if you hadn't spoken, and I hadn't listened!
NÁDYA. Stop, Líza! Why are you playing the prude with me? What would you do yourself if the master fell in love with you?
LÍZA. [Stammering] Well, how should I know? Of course, what shall I say…. the old Nick is strong.
NÁDYA. There you are!…. [Silence] Here is what I wanted to say to you, Líza. What a strange inspiration has come over me! When such thoughts came into my head, and, Líza, when I began to think about the master—then how dear he became to me!…. so dear, that, really, I can't tell…. Before, when he ran after me, I didn't care; but now it's just as if something drew me to him.
LÍZA. Oh, my girl! Just think of it; surely this is fate!
NÁDYA. And such a spirit came into me, I am afraid of nothing! I feel as if you could cut me to pieces, and still I'd not change my mind. And why this is so, I don't know. [Silence] I could hardly wait till night! It seems as if I could fly to him on wings! The one thing that I have in mind is that, at any rate, I am not a pretty girl for nothing; I shall have something by which to remember my youth. [Musingly] I thought to myself: "What a young man, how handsome! Am I, silly girl that I am, worth his loving me?" May I be choked here, in this lonely spot, if he does not.
LÍZA. What's this, Nádya? You seem beside yourself.
NÁDYA. And I really am beside myself. While she spoiled me, caressed me, then I thought that I was a person like other people; and my thoughts about life were entirely different. But when she began to command me, like a doll; when I saw that I was to have no will of my own, and no protection, then, Líza, despair fell upon me. What became of my fear, of my shame—I don't know. "Only one day, but mine!" I thought; "then come what may, I don't care to inquire. Marry me off to a herdsman, lock me in a castle with thirty locks!…. it's all the same to me!"
LÍZA. I think the master's coming.
LEONÍDenters from the opposite side, in a cloak.
NÁDYA. Well, Líza, isn't he handsome, ha?
LÍZA. Oh, stop! You're either sick or half out of your head!
ThesameandLEONÍD
LEONÍD. [Approaching] I was thinking you would deceive me by not coming.
NÁDYA. Why did you think so?
LEONÍD. Well, you see, you said you didn't love me.
NÁDYA. No matter what girls say, don't you believe them. How could one help loving such a handsome fellow?
LEONÍD. [Surprised] Why, Nádya! He takes her hand, for a short time holds it, then kisses it.
NÁDYA. [In fright withdrawing her hand] Oh! why did you do that? Dear, kind master! Aren't you ashamed?
LEONÍD. I love you ever so much, Nádya!
NÁDYA. You love me? Well, then, you might give me a kiss!
LEONÍD. May I, Nádya? Will you let me?
NÁDYA. What's the harm in it?
LEONÍD. [Turning about] Oh, and you, Líza, here….
LÍZA. I'm going, I'm going … I shan't meddle.
LEONÍD. [Confused] I didn't mean that. Where did you get that idea?
LÍZA. Oh, don't dodge. We know, too….
[She goes out behind the shrubs.
LEONÍD. And so you will let me kiss you? [He kisses her timidly] No, no, let me kiss your hand.
NÁDYA. [Hides her hand] No, no, how could you! What do you mean….
LEONÍD. Why not? I'll tell you what, you are the most precious thing on earth to me.
NÁDYA. Is that really so?
LEONÍD. You see, no one ever loved me before.
NÁDYA. Aren't you fooling?
LEONÍD. No, truly!…. Truly, no one has ever loved me. Honest to God….
NÁDYA. Don't swear; I believe you without it.
LEONÍD. Let's go sit down on the bench.
NÁDYA. Yes, let's. [They sit down.
LEONÍD. Why do you tremble so?
NÁDYA. Am I trembling?
LEONÍD. You are.
NÁDYA. Then, it must be that I feel a bit chilly.
LEONÍD. Just let me wrap you up. He covers her with one side of his cloak, embracing her as he holds it around her. She takes his hand and holds it.
NÁDYA. And now let's sit this way and talk.
LEONÍD. What are we going to talk about? I shall say only one thing to you:I love you.
NÁDYA. You will say it, and I shall listen.
LEONÍD. You'll get tired of one and the same thing.
NÁDYA. Maybe you'll get tired of it; I never shall.
LEONÍD. Then let me speak. I love you, little Nádya. [He rises and kisses her.
NÁDYA. Why do you do that? Just sit quietly, as we said we would.
LEONÍD. Shall we sit like this, with our hands folded?
NÁDYA. [Laughing] Like that. Hear, a nightingale is singing in the thicket. Sit down and listen. How nice it is to listen!
LEONÍD. Like this?
NÁDYA. Yes, as we sit together. It seems as if I could sit here all my life and listen. What could be better, what more could one want?….
LEONÍD. Nádya, dear, that would really be a bore.
NÁDYA. What fellows you men are! You get sick of things in no time. But I, you see, am ready to sit out the whole night, to look at you, without lowering my eyes. It seems as if I should forget the whole world!
Tears start in her eyes, she bends her head, and then looks atLEONÍDfixedly and musingly.
LEONÍD. Now it would be nice to go rowing; it is warm, the moon is shining.
NÁDYA. [Absently and almost mechanically] What is it, sir?
LEONÍD. To go rowing; I should row you out to the little island. It is so pleasant there, on the island. Well, let's go. [He takes her by the hand.
NÁDYA. [In a revery] Where, sir?
LEONÍD. Where, where? I told you; didn't you hear me?
NÁDYA. Oh, forgive me, dearest master. I was thinking and didn't hear anything. Dearest master, forgive me!
[She lays her head upon his shoulder.
LEONÍD. I say, let's go to the island.
NÁDYA. [Nestling up to him] Oh, wherever you please! Even to the end of the world! If only with you…. Take me wherever you want.
LEONÍD. Nádya, you are so good, so sweet, that it seems as if I must burst out crying, just to look at you. [They approach the boat] Good-by, Líza.
LÍZA. [Coming from the bushes, she makes a warning gesture] Look out, you two! [LEONÍDandNÁDYAsit down in the boat and move away] There, they've gone! And I must wait here for them! This is awful, simply awful! At night, in the garden, and all alone, too! What a fix for me—afraid of everything, and…. [She glances about her] Heavens, this is deadly! If there were only somebody here, it would be all right, I'd have somebody to talk to. Holy Saints! Somebody's coming! [She looks] Oh, all right; just our old folks from the fair. [She hides herself.
EnterPOTÁPYCHin an overcoat and a broad-brimmed hat, and with a cane, somewhat tipsy;GAVRÍLOVNAin an old-fashioned bonnet. They sit down on the bench.
POTÁPYCH. No, Gavrílovna, not that … don't say that!… Our lady is so … such a kind mistress!… Here, we asked if we could go to the fair, and she said to go along…. But what they say about her … that I don't know: it's not my business, and so I don't know anything about it.
GAVRÍLOVNA. Whynotlet us go, Potápych? You and I are not youngsters; we shan't be spoiled!
POTÁPYCH. You can't let the young folks go, because you must have models for everything, Gavrílovna. Whatever models a person has in front of him, he may, very likely … most probably….
GAVRÍLOVNA. Well, why did she let Grísha go? She said she wouldn't; well, and then she ought not to have done it.
POTÁPYCH. Vasilísa Peregrínovna stirred me up a lot on Grísha's account a while ago … she stirred me up a lot, but I don't know. It's not my business, so I don't know anything about it.
GAVRÍLOVNA. What's this you were saying about models? It would be better for her to show a better example herself! As it is, she only keeps shouting: "Watch, I tell you, watch the girls!" But what's the use of watching them? Are they all babies? Every person has his own brains in his head. Let every one think for himself. All you need to do is to look out for the five-year-olds, that they don't spoil something or other. What a life for a girl! There's nothing worse on earth! But the mistress doesn't want to consider whether a girl gets much fun out of life. Well,doesshe get much? Say!
POTÁPYCH. [Sighs] A dog's life.
GAVRÍLOVNA. It surely is! Consequently one ought to pity them and not insult them at every step. As it is, it's simply awful! Nobody trusts them at all; it's just as if they weren't human beings. Just let a girl poke her nose out, and the guards are on the job!
POTÁPYCH. But you can't.
GAVRÍLOVNA. Can't what? You can do everything. That'll do, Potápych! You're used to saying over other people's words like a magpie; but just think for yourself.
POTÁPYCH. But I don't know … I don't know anything.
GAVRÍLOVNA. You won't gain anything through severity. You may tell 'em, if you please, that they'll be hung for such-and-such; they'll go and do it anyway. Where there's the greatest strictness, there's the most sin. You ought to reason like a human being. No matter if our masters pay money for their wits while we have only what we're born with, we have our own way of thinking, all the same. It's all right to lay down the law strictly; but don't always punish a fellow who makes a slip; let him off now and then. Some bad comes from spoiling people; but now and then you can't help going wrong.
POTÁPYCH. Now, if you ask me … what can I answer to that? How can I answer you?
GAVRÍLOVNA. Well, how?
POTÁPYCH. Just this: I don't know anything about it, because it isn't my business … it's the mistress's business.
GAVRÍLOVNA. Bah, you old idiot! You've lost your wits in your old age.
POTÁPYCH. Why should I … I, thanks to the lady's kindness, now in her employ … I carry out all her orders … but I don't know.
GAVRÍLOVNA. Well, let's go home. She may have thought up something or other about even you and me.
[They go out.]
LÍZA. [Enters] Alone again! Where are those precious darlings of mine? I suppose they've forgotten about me! But, then, why should they remember me? Saints alive, it'll soon be daylight. This night is shorter than a sparrow's beak. How can we go home then? How brave that Nádya is!
EnterVASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA.
LÍZAandVASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. What are you doing there, dearest?
LÍZA. Can't you see? I'm taking a stroll.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. I see! How can I help it? But what kind of a night-walk is this?
LÍZA. Well, when can we go walking? We work all day and wait on the gentry, and we go walking at night. But I am surprised at you! Don't you walk enough daytimes that you still want to wander around at night and scare people, just like….
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Just like what?… Well, say it, say it!
LÍZA. What? Oh, nothing.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. No, you said, "Just like" … well, say it now; just like who?
LÍZA. I said what I said.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. No, don't you dare sneak out of it! Come, speak up!
LÍZA. Why did you stick to it? All right, I'll tell you: like a spook.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. What, what! Like a spook!… How do you dare, you dirty hussy, ha? What's this! You want to push me alive into the grave! But I'll find your lover here, and take you to the mistress. Then we'll see what song you'll sing.
LÍZA. I haven't any lover! There's no use in your looking. Search the whole garden if you want to! And even if I had, it's none of your business! It's shameful for you even to speak of it. You ought not even to know about it: you're an old maid. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Sing on, sing on, my dear; you sing very finely on the wing; but you'll perch pretty soon! You're not going to roam about at night for nothing. I know your tricks. I'll show you all up! I'm so mad now, that even if you bow down to my feet, I'll not forgive you.
LÍZA. Just wait! I see myself bowing before you! Don't count on it!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. No, now I'm going to look around every bush.
LÍZA. Do it!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNAlooks about on both sides, then approaches the pond.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Ha, what's this? Do tell, what tricks they're up to! In the boat! Hugging each other! How tender that is! Just like a picture! You ought to have thought to take a guitar along and sing love-songs!… They're kissing each other! Very good! Delightful! Again! Excellent! What could be better? Phew, what an abomination! It's disgusting to look at! Well, my dears, you will remember me.NowI have nothing to say to you.To-morrowI shall! [She goes out.
LÍZA. What devil brought her here? You can't clear up the mess now!
LEONÍDandNÁDYAreach the shore and disembark from the boat.
LÍZA, NÁDYA,andLEONÍD
LÍZA. What have you done, what have you done!…
NÁDYA. [Not listening to her, softly toLEONÍD] You will come to-morrow?
LEONÍD. I will.
LÍZA. What's the matter, don't you hear?
NÁDYA. If I can't come, I'll send a note somehow or other.
LEONÍD. Good!
NÁDYA. Well, good-by. [They kiss.
LÍZA. [Loudly] Nádya!
NÁDYA. [Goes up toLÍZA. LEONÍDsits down upon the bench] What's the matter?
LÍZA. Vasilísa Peregrínovna saw you rowing on the pond.
NÁDYA. Well, deuce take her!
LÍZA. My dear girl, don't carry your head too high!
LEONÍD. Nádya! [NÁDYAgoes to him] Oh, Nádya, what a vile, good-for-nothing fellow I am!
NÁDYA. What do you mean?
LEONÍD. Little Nádya! [He whispers in her ear.
NÁDYA. [Shakes her head] Oh, my precious darling, why did that come into your head? I'm not sorry for this, but you are. How kind you are! Now, good-by! It's high time. I shouldn't leave you, but I can't help it; I'm not my own mistress.
LEONÍD. Good-by, then!
Slowly, as if unwillingly, they separate.NÁDYAreturns, overtakesLEONÍDand gazes into his eyes.
NÁDYA. Do you love me?
LEONÍD. I do love you, indeed I do!
[They kiss and go out in different directions.
Same room as in second picture
[Footnote 1: The whole scene in a whisper.]
POTÁPYCHis leaning against the door-jamb, his hand to his head.VASILÍSAPEREGRÍNOVNAenters quietly.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Result of yesterday evening, I suppose, my friend?
POTÁPYCH. Wha-a-t?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Your head aches.
POTÁPYCH. Did you put up the money?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. You haven't any money for anything else; but you have for such things.
POTÁPYCH. Well, anyhow, it ain't your business.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Of course, Potápych, you're an old man, why shouldn't you take a drink once in a while?
POTÁPYCH. Sure, I guess I work for it.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Just so, Potápych!
POTÁPYCH. I'm tired of being lectured by you!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. I wish you well, Potápych.
POTÁPYCH. No need for it! [Silence] But you keep upsetting the mistress so! If you'd only put in a word for us when she's in a good humor; but you just look for the wrong time, in order to complain of us.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. What do you say, Potápych? God preserve me!
POTÁPYCH. What's that! No matter how much you swear, I know you! For instance, why are you coming to the mistress now?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. To wish the benefactress good morning.
POTÁPYCH. You'd better not come.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Why so?
POTÁPYCH. It must be she got out the wrong side of bed; she's out of sorts. [VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNArubs her hands with pleasure] Here now, I see that you're happy; you're dying for some deviltry or other. Phew! Lord forgive us! What a disposition!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. You are saying insulting words to me, Potápych, insulting to my very heart. When did I ever say anything about you to the mistress?
POTÁPYCH. If not about me, then about somebody else.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. But that's my business.
POTÁPYCH. Your spite's always getting in its work.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Not spite, not spite, my friend! You're mistaken! I have just been so insulted that it's impossible to live in this world after it. I shall die, but I shall not forget.
MADAM ULANBÉKOVenters.POTÁPYCHgoes out.
MADAM ULANBÉKOVandVASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. [Kissing both ofMADAM ULANBÉKOV'Shands] You have risen early, benefactress. You must have an awful lot of things on your mind.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. [Sitting down] I didn't sleep much. I had a bad dream.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. What, a dream, benefactress? The dream may be terrible, but God is merciful. Not the dream, but what is going on in reality, disturbs you, benefactress. I see that; I've seen it a long time.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Bah, what is it to me what's going on?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Why, benefactress, don't we know that your son, dear little soul! is struck with every creature he meets?
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. You make me tired.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. I'm so sorry for you, benefactress! Don't look for any consolation in this life! You scatter benefactions upon every one; but how do they repay you? The world is full of lust.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Go away!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. [Weeping] I can't keep back my tears when I look at you! My heart bleeds that they don't respect you, that they don't respect you even in your own house! In your honorable house, in such pious premises as these, to do such things!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. [Frowning] You silly crow! You want to croak about something or other. Well, croak away!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Benefactress, I'm afraid it might upset you.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. You've upset me already. Talk!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. [Glances about in all directions and sits down on a stool at the feet ofMADAM ULANBÉKOV] Yesterday, benefactress, I was ending my evening prayer to the Heavenly Creator, and went out to stroll in the garden, and to occupy myself for the night with pious meditations.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Well!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. And what did I see there, benefactress! How my legs held me up, I don't know! That Líza of yours was running through the bushes with a depraved look; it must be she was seeking her lovers. Our master, the little angel! was rowing in the boat on the pond, and Nádya, also with a depraved expression, was clinging to him with her arms about his neck, and was kissing him. And it was easy to see that he, because of his purity, was trying to thrust her away; but she kept clasping him about the neck, kissing and tempting him.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Are you lying?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. You may quarter me, benefactress.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. It's enough if there is one grain of truth in your words.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. It's all true, benefactress.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Fiddlesticks! not all—it can't be! You always make up more than half. But where were the servants?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. All of them, benefactress, were more or less drunk. No sooner had you gone to bed, than they all went to the fair and got tipsy. Gavrílovna, Potápych, all were drunk. What an example to the young!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. This must be looked into thoroughly. Of course, I shouldn't have expected the least mischief of Leoníd. Quiet lads like him! Well, if he'd been a soldier, it would be pardonable; but as it is…. [She muses.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. And furthermore, benefactress, so far Grísha hasn't come back from the fair.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. How's that? He didn't sleep at home?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. He did not, benefactress!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. You lie, you lie, you lie! I'll drive you off the place!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. May I die in my tracks!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. [Sinking back in her chair] You want to kill me. [Raising herself from the chair] You simply want to kill me. [She rings. EnterPOTÁPYCH] Where's Grísha?
POTÁPYCH. Just came, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Send him here! [POTÁPYCHgoes out] This certainly beats all!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. You'll not find anybody more devoted than I, benefactress; only I am unhappy in one respect: that my disposition displeases you.
EnterGRÍSHA,his hair tousled and dishevelled.
The same, andGRÍSHA
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Where've you been?
GRÍSHA. [Now opens, now closes his eyes, not sure of his tongue, and unsteady on his legs] At the fair, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Just come from it? [GRÍSHAis silent] Why don't you talk? [Silence] Am I going to get a word out of you, or not?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Answer the mistress.
GRÍSHA. What's that to you?
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Answer me! Where have you been all this time?
GRÍSHA. I've done wrong, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. I'm not asking you whether you've done wrong or not; I'm asking you where you were!
GRÍSHA. [Looks at the ceiling with a vacant stare] Why, where should I be? The idea! The same place as usual!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Well, where's that?
GRÍSHA. I just informed you that I was there all the time, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. You'll drive me out of patience! Where's there?
GRÍSHA. But, really, ma'am! Your will in everything, ma'am. What did I, ma'am…. I've done wrong, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Good Lord! You're still drunk, I guess.
GRÍSHA. Not a bit, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Nonsense! I can see.
GRÍSHA. But, really, ma'am! One can say anything about a man.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Bah, you disgraceful scamp! He still denies it! This is awful! This is awful! Now, speak up, where've you been?
GRÍSHA. Why, really, ma'am! I just informed you, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Were you at the fair all night?
GRÍSHA. I just informed you so, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. How did you dare, when I let you go for only a short time?
GRÍSHA. Well, really, ma'am! I did want to go home, but they wouldn't let me, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Who wouldn't let you go?
GRÍSHA. My friends wouldn't, ma'am.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Who are these friends of yours?
GRÍSHA. Why, really, ma'am! Government office clerks.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Great heavens! Clerks! Do you understand what kind of people they are?
GRÍSHA. Who, ma'am, clerks? Understand what about them, ma'am?
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. And you prowled about with them all night! It would have been better if you hadn't told me, nasty scamp that you are! I know how they act! They'll teach you all sorts of things! What does this mean? Be-gone! And don't you dare show yourself before my eyes!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Ask forgiveness, you blockhead! Kiss the dear lady's hand!
GRÍSHAwaves his hand impatiently and goes out.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. What an affliction! It'll simply make me ill! Already I feel my spasms are beginning. What a worthless scamp! He went out just as if he had no responsibilities! And without a sign of repentance!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Ah, benefactress, you see he's still a child; he did it just out of stupidity.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. No, he needs a good….
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. What do you say, benefactress? He's still a regular booby! What can you expect of him! He'll get wiser, then it will be altogether different.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. What offends me most is ingratitude! It seems to me he ought to feel what I am doing for him. I'm positively sick. Go for the doctor!
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Calm yourself, benefactress; as if that rabble were worth your getting upset over!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Hand me the smelling-salts.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. [Hands her them] Snap your fingers at them, that's all. Now, if only those girls….
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Oh, here's another affliction! Now I certainly can't collect my thoughts; I'm completely distracted, and now she begins on the girls! I shall take to my bed at any moment.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Lust, benefactress, is beyond all endurance.
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. No, they needn't expect any mercy from me. As it is, I forgive one, then another, and so the whole crowd is spoiled. [She rings; enterPOTÁPYCH] Call Nadezhda, and come here yourself! [POTÁPYCHgoes out] That's what it is to be a woman. If I were a man, would they dare be so willful?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. They don't give a fig for you, benefactress, not a fig. They aren't a little bit afraid of you!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. They're going to find out pretty quick whether I amount to anything.
EnterPOTÁPYCHandNÁDYA. GAVRÍLOVNAandLÍZAlook through the door.
The same, POTÁPYCHandNÁDYA
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Nadezhda! Vasilísa PEREGRÍNOVNA says she saw you in the garden last night with the master. Is that so? [NÁDYAis silent] You're silent, that means it's true. Well, now, you can thank yourself. I'm not a conniver at loose conduct, and I won't endure it in my house. I can't turn you out as a vagabond, that would weigh upon my conscience. I am obliged to marry you off. [ToPOTÁPYCH] Send to town and tell NEGLIGÉNTOV that I shall marry Nádya to him; and let the wedding be just as soon as possible.
[She rises from her chair and is about to leave].
NÁDYA. [Falling at her feet] Whatever you wish, only not marriage with him!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Fiddlesticks! What I have once said is sacred. And what do you mean by this scene? Can't you see that I'm not well? To keep on plaguing me! Potápych! She has no father; you be a father to her instead; and impress upon her in fatherly fashion the baseness of her conduct, and the fact that she must obey my commands.
POTÁPYCH. You listen, Nadezhda, to what the mistress commands! Because when she intrusts you to me, it means that I must show my authority over you. If you command it, mistress, I can at once, in your presence, give her some moral instruction with my own hand! Here, if you dare to say one tiny word to the contrary, I'll drag you off by the hair, no matter what any one says.
[He raises his hand threateningly.]
NÁDYA. Oh!… [She crouches.]
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Don't strike her! What disgusting scenes!
POTÁPYCH. But, mistress! You can't get results by talking! Besides, if I'm her father, that's the regular thing! That's the law, and according to that, since she is rebelling against you now, I ought to give you that satisfaction.
NÁDYA. [Weeping] Mistress, don't ruin me!
MADAM ULANBÉKOV. Oh, my God! You don't spare me at all. Tears, squabblings! Send for the doctor at once! How many times have I got to say it? It's your own fault, you've nobody to blame for your tears. Potápych! get this business over with! I don't like to repeat the same thing ten times over.
She goes out,GAVRÍLOVNAafter her. Silence. GAVRÍLOVNAreturns.
GAVRÍLOVNA. She's gone to bed, and banged the door behind her.
POTÁPYCH. [At the window] Antoshka! Antoshka! Post boy! Saddle the horse and ride to town for the doctor. Oh, you! Lord!
NÁDYA. [Rising from her knees] Don't you think it's a sin for you to abuse me, Potápych? What have I ever done to you?
POTÁPYCH. What do I care? What do I care about you? When the mistress really wants something, I have to try to please her in every way; because I was born her servant.
NÁDYA. If she had commanded you to kill me, would you have done it?
POTÁPYCH. That's not my affair, I can't argue about that.
GAVRÍLOVNA. That's enough, Nádya, don't cry! God doesn't abandon orphans.
NÁDYAfalls uponGAVRÍLOVNA'Sbosom.
LÍZA. [ToVASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA] Well, is your heart content now?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Wait, my dear, your turn will come.
LEONÍDenters.
The same andLEONÍD
LEONÍD. What's this? What has happened?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. You made all the trouble yourself, and then ask what has happened.
LEONÍD. What trouble did I make? What are you continually thinking up?
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Now, don't pretend! The whole truth has come out. You've been having a little fun. What of it? At your age, why shouldn't you have?
LÍZA. She's reported the whole thing to the mistress. The mistress got so angry that it was awful! And now, sir, she is going to marry Nádya to that government clerk.
LEONÍD. Are you sure?
NÁDYA. The thing's settled, dearest master! I have to answer for last evening's sport.
LEONÍD. Is mamma very angry?
GAVRÍLOVNA. No one dares go near her.
LEONÍD. But how can that be? Isn't it possible to talk her over somehow or other?
GAVRÍLOVNA. Just go and try. No, she won't come out of her room now for five days; and she won't let any one at all see her there.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Do you want to talk your mamma over?
LEONÍD. Yes.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Do you want me to tell you how?
LEONÍD. Please be so kind, Vasilísa Peregrínovna.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Well, permit me. Our benefactress is very much hurt at Grísha, because he didn't spend the night at home: he came in drunk, and didn't even ask forgiveness nor kiss her hand. It was this vexation that made her sick. And then this Nadezhda happened to come her way when she was angry. Now our benefactress won't even come out of her room, and won't allow any one to go to her, so long as that stubborn Grísha doesn't beg forgiveness.
GAVRÍLOVNA. How contrarily everything happened! Grísha will keep up his character, too. Although he is a blockhead, he has some sense. Now he'll flop down on the hay and he'll lie there on his belly for four days.
POTÁPYCH. Somebody ought to take Uncle Gerasim's club and dress him down from top to toe.
VASILÍSA PEREGRÍNOVNA. Now, our dear master, wouldn't you like to go present your compliments to him, in order that he might hurry up and ask your mamma's forgiveness?
LEONÍD. [Upon reflection] That would be too great an honor for him. But see here, Gavrílovna, is mamma actually very angry?
GAVRÍLOVNA. So angry, sir, that it's terrible!
LEONÍD. Well, what's to be done now!
NÁDYA. Why are you bothering? You see, there's nothing you can do: better leave me! Now you'll soon go away to Petersburg; you will be happy: why should you think about such trifles, or disturb yourself?
LEONÍD. Why, you see, I'm sorry for you!
NÁDYA. Don't be sorry, if you please! I ran to my own destruction of my own free will, like a mad girl, without once stopping to think.
LEONÍD. What are you planning to do now?
NÁDYA. That's my business.
LEONÍD. But, you see, it's going to be very hard for you.
NÁDYA. What business is it of yours? It will be all the happier for you.
LEONÍD. But why do you talk like this?
NÁDYA. Because you're still a boy!… Leave me!
LEONÍD. But, you see, he's such a drunken, vile fellow.
NÁDYA. Oh, my God! It would be better for you to go off somewhere: out of my sight.
LEONÍD. Yes, really, it would be better for me to spend a week with our neighbors.
NÁDYA. For God's sake, do!
LEONÍD. But Nádya, if it should be awfully hard for you to live with your husband, what then?
NÁDYA. [Weeping] Oh, leave me alone! Be good enough to leave me alone! [Sobbing] I beg only one thing of you: leave me, for God's sake! [She sobs.
GAVRÍLOVNAandLÍZA. [Motioning with their hands] Go away! Go away!
LEONÍD. Why do you drive me out? I guess I'm sorry enough for her! I keep thinking somehow or other, that it may still be possible to help her in some way.
NÁDYA. [With desperation] I don't want any helpers or defenders! I don't want them! If my patience fails, that pond of ours isn't far off!
LEONÍD. [Timidly] Well, I'll go away if you wish…. Only what is she saying? You folks, look after her, please! Good-by! [He goes to the door.
NÁDYA. [After him in a loud voice] Good-by!
LEONÍDgoes out.
LÍZA. And so the old proverb is true: What's fun for the cat is tears for the mouse.
GORDÉY KÁRPYCH TORTSÓV,a rich merchant.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA,his wife.
LYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA,his daughter.
LYUBÍM KÁRPYCH TORTSÓV,his brother, a man who has squandered his property.
AFRIKÁN SÁVVICH KÓRSHUNOV[1],a manufacturer.
[Footnote 1: Vulture]
MÍTYA, TORTSÓV'Sclerk.
YÁSHA GÚSLIN,nephew ofTORTSÓV.
GRÍSHA RAZLYULYÁYEV,a young merchant, the son of a rich father.
ANNA IVÁNOVNA,a young widow.
MÁSHA } }friends ofLYUBÓV TORTSÓV. LÍZA }
EGÓRUSHKA,a boy, distant relative ofTORTSÓV.
ARÍNA,nurse ofLYUBÓV GORDÉYEVNA.
The action takes place in a district town in the house of the merchant TORTSÓV during the Christmas holidays.
A small office room; in the rear wall a door; in the corner on the left a bed, on the right a cupboard. In the left wall a window, and beside the window a table. Near the table a chair; near the right wall a desk and a wooden stool. Beside the bed a guitar; on the table and desk are books and papers.
MÍTYAis walking back and forth in the room. EGÓRUSHKAis seated on the stool reading"Bová Korolévich."
EGÓRUSHKA. [Reads] "My sovereign father, glorious and brave king, Kiribít Verzoúlovich, I do not possess the courage to marry him now. Because when I was young I was wooed by King Gvidón."
MÍTYA. Well, Egórushka, is any one at home?
EGÓRUSHKA. [Putting his finger on the place where he is reading in order not to make a mistake] Nobody; they've all gone driving. There's only Gordéy Kárpych at home. [Reads] "Whereupon Kiribít Verzoúlovich said to his daughter"—[Again marking the place]—only he's in such a rage, it's awful! I cleared out—he keeps on cursing. [Reads] "Then the beautiful Militrísa Kirbítyevna called her servant Licharda to her."
MÍTYA. With whom was he angry?
EGÓRUSHKA. With my uncle, with Lyubím KÁRPYCH. On the second day of the holidays Uncle Lyubím KÁRPYCH dined with us; at dinner he got drunk and began to play the fool; it was awfully funny. I always get the giggles. I couldn't stand it, and then I burst out laughing, and they were all looking at me. Uncle Gordéy KÁRPYCH took it as a great insult to himself and very bad manners, and he was furious with him and turned him out. Uncle Lyubím Kárpych made a great row, and out of revenge went and stood with the beggars by the church door. Uncle Gordéy Kárpych said: "He has put me to shame," he said, "in the eyes of the whole town." And now he gets angry with everybody who comes near him, no matter who they are. [Reads] "With the intention of advancing toward our town."
MÍTYA. [Looking out of the window] Here they come, I think. Yes, it's so.Pelagéya Egórovna, Lyubóv Gordéyevna, and guests with them.
EGÓRUSHKA. [Concealing his story in his pocket] I'll run up-stairs.[Goes out.
MÍTYA alone
MÍTYA. Oh, Lord, what misery! Everybody in the streets is having a holiday, and everybody in the houses too, and you have to sit between four walls! I am a stranger to all, no relations, no friends!—And then besides!—O well! I'd better get to work; perhaps this wretchedness will pass off. [Seats himself at the desk and muses, then begins to sing.
"Her beauty I cannot describe!Dark eyebrows, with languishing eyes."
Yes, with languishing eyes. And yesterday when she came from mass, in her sable coat, and her little handkerchief on her head, like this—ah!—I really think such beauty was never seen before! [Muses, then sings.
"Where, O where was this beauty born!"
My work all goes out of my head! I'm always thinking of her! My heart is tormented with sorrow. O misery most miserable!
Covers his face with his hands and sits silent. EnterPELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA,dressed in winter clothes; she stops in the doorway.
MÍTYA and PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Mítya, Mítya dear!
MÍTYA. What do you want?
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Come up to us later on in the evening, my dear, and play with the girls. We're going to sing songs.
MÍTYA. Thank you exceedingly, I shall make it my first duty.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Why are you always sitting alone in the office? It's not very cheerful! You'll come, won't you? Gordéy Kárpych won't be at home.
MÍTYA. Good, I shall come without fail.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. He's going off again, you see; he's going off there to that friend of his—what's his name?
MÍTYA. To Afrikán Savvich?
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Yes, yes! He's quite gone on him! Lord forgive him!
MÍTYA. Take a seat, Pelagéya Egórovna. [Fetches a chair.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Oh, I have no time. Well, yes, I'll sit down a bit. [Sits down] Now just think, what a misfortune! Really, they've become such friends that it beats everything! Yes, that's what it's come to! And why? What's the use of it all? Tell me that, pray. Isn't Afrikán Savvich a coarse, drunken fellow? Isn't he?
MÍTYA. Perhaps Gordéy Kárpych has some business with Afrikán Savvich.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. What sort of business! He has no business at all. You see Afrikán Savvich is always drinking with that Englishman. He has an Englishman as director of his factory, and they drink together! But he's no fit company for my husband. But can you reason with him? Just think how proud he is! He says to me: "There isn't a soul here to speak to; all," he says, "are rabble, all, you see, are just so many peasants, and they live like peasants. But that man, you see, is from Moscow—lives mostly in Moscow—and he's rich." And whatever has happened to him? Well, you see, it was all of a sudden, my dear boy, all of a sudden! He used to have so much sense. Well, we lived, of course not luxuriously, but all the same pretty fairly decently; and then last year he went for a trip, and he caught it from some one. He caught it, he caught it, they have told me so—caught all these tricks. Now he doesn't care for any of our Russian ways. He keeps harping on this: "I want to be up to date, I want to be in the fashion. Yes, yes! Put on a cap," he says! What an idea to get! Am I going to try to charm any one in my old age and make myself look lovely? Bah! You just try to do anything with him. He never drank before—really he didn't—but now he drinks with this Afrikán. It must be that drink has turned his brain [points to her head] and muddled him…. [Silence] I think now that the devil has got hold of him! Why can't he have some sense! If he were a young fellow! For a young fellow to dress up and all that is all right; but you see he's nearly sixty, my dear, nearly sixty! Really! "Your fashionable up-to-date things," says I, "change every day; our Russian things have lived from time immemorial! The old folks weren't any stupider than we." But can you reason with him, my dear, with his violent character?
MÍTYA. What is there to say? He's a harsh man.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Lyubóv is just at the right age now; we ought to be settling her, but he keeps dinning it in: "There's no one her equal, no! no!" But there is! But he says there isn't. How hard all this is for a mother's heart.
MÍTYA. Perhaps Gordéy Kárpych wishes to marry Lyubóv Gordéyevna in Moscow.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Who knows what he has in his mind? He looks like a wild beast, and never says a word, as if I were not a mother. Yes, truly, I never say anything to him; I don't dare; all you can do is to speak with some outsider about your grief, and weep, and relieve your heart; that's all. [Rises] You'll come, Mítya?
MÍTYA. I'll come, ma'am.
GÚSLINcomes in.
Thesame andGÚSLIN
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Here's another fine lad! Come up-stairs to us, Yasha, and sing songs with the girls; you're good at that; and bring along your guitar.
GÚSLIN. Thank you, ma'am: I don't think of that as work; I must say it's a pleasure.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Well, good-by! I'm going to take a nap for half an hour.
GÚSLINandMÍTYA. Good-by.
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNAgoes out; MÍTYAseats himself dejectedly at the table; GÚSLINseats himself on the bed and takes up the guitar.
MÍTYAandYÁSHA GÚSLIN
GÚSLIN. What a crowd there was at the fair! Your people were there. Why weren't you?
MÍTYA. Because I felt so awfully miserable.
GÚSLIN. What's the matter? What are you unhappy about?
MÍTYA. How can I help being unhappy? Thoughts like these keep coming into my head: what sort of man am I in the world? My mother is old and poor now, and I must keep her—and how? My salary is small; I get nothing but abuse and insults from Gordéy Kárpych; he keeps reproaching me with my poverty, as if I were to blame—and he doesn't increase my salary. I'd look for another place, but where can one find one without friends? And, yes, I will confess to you that I won't go to another place.
GOSLIN. Why won't you go? There at the Razlyulyáyevs' it's very nice—the people are rich and kind.
MÍTYA. No, Yasha, that doesn't suit me! I'll bear anything from GordéyKárpych, I'll stand poverty, but I won't go away. That's my destiny!
GÚSLIN. Why so?
MÍTYA. [Rises] Well, I have a reason for this. It is, Yasha, because I have another sorrow—but nobody knows about it. I haven't spoken to any one about my sorrow.
GÚSLIN. Tell me about it.
MÍTYA. [Waving his hand] What for?
GÚSLIN. Yes, tell me; don't put on airs!
MÍTYA. Whether I tell you or not, you can't help me!
GÚSLIN. How do you know?
MÍTYA. [Walking towardGÚSLIN] Nobody can help me—I am a lost man! I've fallen wildly in love with Lyubóv Gordéyevna.
GÚSLIN. What's the matter with you, Mítya? Whatever do you mean?
MÍTYA. Well, anyhow, it's a fact.
GÚSLIN. You'd better put it out of your head, Mítya. Nothing can ever come of that, so there's no use thinking about it.
MÍTYA. 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."
GÚSLIN. Yes, indeed; but you must stop it! Now Anna Ivánovna 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.
MÍTYA. [Declaiming] "What of all things is most cruel? The most cruel thing is love." [Walking about the room.] Yasha, have you read Koltsóv?
GÚSLIN. Yes, why?
MÍTYA. How he describes all these feelings!
GÚSLIN. He does describe them exactly.
MÍTYA. Exactly, to perfection. [Walking about the room] Yasha!
GÚSLIN. What?
MÍTYA. I myself have composed a song.
GÚSLIN. You?
MÍTYA. Yes.
GÚSLIN. Let's make up a tune for it, and we'll sing it.
MÍTYA. Good! Here, take this [gives him a paper] and I'll write a little—I have some work: most likely Gordéy Kárpych will be asking me about it. [Sits and writes.
GÚSLINtakes the guitar and begins to pick out a tune. RAZLYULYÁYEVcomes in with an accordion.
The same andRAZLYULYÁYEV
RAZLYULYÁYEV. Hello, boys! [Plays on the accordion and begins to dance.
GÚSLIN. What a fool! What did you buy that accordion for?
RAZLYULYÁYEV. Why, I bought it to play on, of course—this way. [Plays.
GÚSLIN. Well, that's fine music, I must say! Stop, I tell you!
RAZLYULYÁYEV. 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."
Mítya! [StrikesMÍTYAon the shoulder] Mítya, why are you sitting still?
MÍTYA. I have some work to do. [Continues to work.
RAZLYULYÁYEV. Mítya! Say, Mítya, I'm on a spree, my boy! Really, I am. Oh, come on! [Sings, "One mountain is high," etc.] Mítya! Say, Mítya, 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!
MÍTYA. Well, go on a spree as much as you like.
RAZLYULYÁYEV. And after the holidays I shall marry!—Upon my word I shall marry! I'll get a rich girl.
GÚSLIN. Now, then, listen; how does this sound?
RAZLYULYÁYEV. Sing it, sing it! I'll listen.
GÚSLIN. [Sings]
"Is naught so hard and evilAs to be fatherless;Than slavery more grievousAnd 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 timeRAZLYULYÁYEVstands as if rooted to the ground, and listens with emotion; when the song is finished all are silent.
RAZLYULYÁYEV. 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.
GÚSLINplays the tune.
MÍTYA. That's enough of your fooling. Come, now, let's sit down in a circle and sing in a low tone.
RAZLYULYÁYEV. All right. [They sit down.
GÚSLIN. [Begins to sing; MÍTYAandRAZLYULYÁYEVjoin in]
"Now my young, my young lads,You my friends…."
EnterGORDÉY KÁRPYCH;all stand up and stop singing.