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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/26661-0.txt b/26661-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0f8b892 --- /dev/null +++ b/26661-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4435 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Power of Darkness, by Leo Tolstoy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you +will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before +using this eBook. + +Title: The Power of Darkness + +Author: Leo Tolstoy + +Translators: Louise Maude and Aylmer Maude + +Release Date: September 22, 2008 [eBook #26661] +[Most recently updated: January 18, 2022] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +Produced by: Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POWER OF DARKNESS *** + + + + + [ Transcriber's Note: + This e-book belongs to Tolstoy's Plays (Complete Edition). The + front matter, including the table of contents, can be found in + e-book #26660; it lists the other plays in the collection. + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible; changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to + the original text are listed at the end of this file. + ] + + + + + THE POWER OF DARKNESS + + OR + + IF A CLAW IS CAUGHT THE BIRD IS LOST + + A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS + + (1886) + + + + +CHARACTERS + + +PETER IGNÁTITCH. A well-to-do peasant, 42 years old, married for the +second time, and sickly. + +ANÍSYA. His wife, 32 years old, fond of dress. + +AKOULÍNA. Peter's daughter by his first marriage, 16 years old, hard of +hearing, mentally undeveloped. + +NAN (ANNA PETRÓVNA). His daughter by his second marriage, 10 years old. + +NIKÍTA. Their labourer, 25 years old, fond of dress. + +AKÍM. Nikíta's father, 50 years old, a plain-looking, God-fearing +peasant. + +MATRYÓNA. His wife and Nikíta's mother, 50 years old. + +MARÍNA. An orphan girl, 22 years old. + +MARTHA. Peter's sister. + +MÍTRITCH. An old labourer, ex-soldier. + +SIMON. Marína's husband. + +BRIDEGROOM. Engaged to Akoulína. + +IVÁN. His father. + +A NEIGHBOUR. + +FIRST GIRL. + +SECOND GIRL. + +POLICE OFFICER. + +DRIVER. + +BEST-MAN. + +MATCHMAKER. + +VILLAGE ELDER. + +VISITORS, WOMEN, GIRLS, AND PEOPLE come to see the wedding. + +N.B.--The 'oven' mentioned is the usual large, brick, Russian +baking-oven. The top of it outside is flat, so that more than one +person can lie on it. + + + + + THE POWER OF DARKNESS + + + + +ACT I + + The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The Scene + represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench, + mending a horse-collar. Anísya and Akoulína are spinning, and + singing a part-song. + + +PETER [looking out of the window] The horses have got loose again. If we +don't look out they'll be killing the colt. Nikíta! Hey, Nikíta! Is the +fellow deaf? [Listens. To the women] Shut up, one can't hear anything. + +NIKÍTA [from outside] What? + +PETER. Drive the horses in. + +NIKÍTA. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time. + +PETER [shaking his head] Ah, these labourers! If I were well, I'd not +keep one on no account. There's nothing but bother with 'em. [Rises and +sits down again] Nikíta!... It's no good shouting. One of you'd better +go. Go, Akoúl, drive 'em in. + +AKOULÍNA. What? The horses? + +PETER. What else? + +AKOULÍNA. All right. [Exit]. + +PETER. Ah, but he's a loafer, that lad ... no good at all. Won't stir a +finger if he can help it. + +ANÍSYA. You're so mighty brisk yourself. When you're not sprawling on +the top of the oven you're squatting on the bench. To goad others to +work is all you're fit for. + +PETER. If one weren't to goad you on a bit, one'd have no roof left +over one's head before the year's out. Oh what people! + +ANÍSYA. You go shoving a dozen jobs on to one's shoulders, and then do +nothing but scold. It's easy to lie on the oven and give orders. + +PETER [sighing] Oh, if 'twere not for this sickness that's got hold of +me, I'd not keep him on another day. + +AKOULÍNA [off the scene] Gee up, gee, woo. [A colt neighs, the stamping +of horses' feet and the creaking of the gate are heard]. + +PETER. Bragging, that's what he's good at. I'd like to sack him, I would +indeed. + +ANÍSYA [mimicking him] "Like to sack him." You buckle to yourself, and +then talk. + +AKOULÍNA [enters] It's all I could do to drive 'em in. That piebald +always will ... + +PETER. And where's Nikíta? + +AKOULÍNA. Where's Nikíta? Why, standing out there in the street. + +PETER. What's he standing there for? + +AKOULÍNA. What's he standing there for? He stands there jabbering. + +PETER. One can't get any sense out of her! Who's he jabbering with? + +AKOULÍNA [does not hear] Eh, what? + + Peter waves her off. She sits down to her spinning. + +NAN [running in to her mother] Nikíta's father and mother have come. +They're going to take him away. It's true! + +ANÍSYA. Nonsense! + +NAN. Yes. Blest if they're not! [Laughing] I was just going by, and +Nikíta, he says, "Good-bye, Anna Petróvna," he says, "you must come and +dance at my wedding. I'm leaving you," he says, and laughs. + +ANÍSYA [to her husband] There now. Much he cares. You see, he wants to +leave of himself. "Sack him" indeed! + +PETER. Well, let him go. Just as if I couldn't find somebody else. + +ANÍSYA. And what about the money he's had in advance? + + Nan stands listening at the door for awhile, and then exit. + +PETER [frowning] The money? Well, he can work it off in summer, anyhow. + +ANÍSYA. Well, of course you'll be glad if he goes and you've not got to +feed him. It's only me as'll have to work like a horse all the winter. +That lass of yours isn't over fond of work either. And you'll be lying +up on the oven. I know you. + +PETER. What's the good of wearing out one's tongue before one has the +hang of the matter? + +ANÍSYA. The yard's full of cattle. You've not sold the cow, and have +kept all the sheep for the winter: feeding and watering 'em alone takes +all one's time, and you want to sack the labourer. But I tell you +straight, I'm not going to do a man's work! I'll go and lie on the top +of the oven same as you, and let everything go to pot! You may do what +you like. + +PETER [to Akoulína] Go and see about the feeding, will you? it's time. + +AKOULÍNA. The feeding? All right. [Puts on a coat and takes a rope]. + +ANÍSYA. I'm not going to work for you. You go and work yourself. I've +had enough of it, so there! + +PETER. That'll do. What are you raving about? Like a sheep with the +staggers! + +ANÍSYA. You're a crazy cur, you are! One gets neither work nor pleasure +from you. Eating your fill, that's all you do, you palsied cur, you! + +PETER [spits and puts on coat] Faugh! The Lord have mercy! I'd better go +myself and see what's up. [Exit]. + +ANÍSYA [after him] Scurvy long-nosed devil! + +AKOULÍNA. What are you swearing at dad for? + +ANÍSYA. Hold your noise, you idiot! + +AKOULÍNA [going to the door] I know why you're swearing at him. You're +an idiot yourself, you bitch. I'm not afraid of you. + +ANÍSYA. What do you mean? [Jumps up and looks round for something to hit +her with] Mind, or I'll give you one with the poker. + +AKOULÍNA [opening the door] Bitch! devil! that's what you are! Devil! +bitch! bitch! devil! [Runs off]. + +ANÍSYA [ponders] "Come and dance at my wedding!" What new plan is this? +Marry? Mind, Nikíta, if that's your intention, I'll go and ... No, I +can't live without him. I won't let him go. + +NIKÍTA [enters, looks round, and seeing Anísya alone approaches quickly. +In a low tone] Here's a go; I'm in a regular fix! That governor of mine +wants to take me away,--tells me I'm to come home. Says quite straight +I'm to marry and live at home. + +ANÍSYA. Well, go and marry! What's that to me? + +NIKÍTA. Is that it? Why, here am I reckoning how best to consider +matters, and just hear her! She tells me to go and marry. Why's that? +[Winking] Has she forgotten? + +ANÍSYA. Yes, go and marry! What do I care? + +NIKÍTA. What are you spitting for? Just see, she won't even let me +stroke her.... What's the matter? + +ANÍSYA. This! That you want to play me false.... If you do,--why, I +don't want you either. So now you know! + +NIKÍTA. That'll do, Anísya. Do you think I'll forget you? Never while I +live! I'll not play you false, that's flat. I've been thinking that +supposing they do go and make me marry, I'd still come back to you. If +only he don't make me live at home. + +ANÍSYA. Much need I'll have of you, once you're married. + +NIKÍTA. There's a go now. How is it possible to go against one's +father's will? + +ANÍSYA. Yes, I daresay, shove it all on your father. You know it's your +own doing. You've long been plotting with that slut of yours, Marína. +It's she has put you up to it. She didn't come here for nothing t'other +day. + +NIKÍTA. Marína? What's she to me? Much I care about her!... Plenty of +them buzzing around. + +ANÍSYA. Then what has made your father come here? It's you have told him +to. You've gone and deceived me. [Cries]. + +NIKÍTA. Anísya, do you believe in a God or not? I never so much as +dreamt of it. I know nothing at all about it. I never even dreamt of +it--that's flat! My old dad has got it all out of his own pate. + +ANÍSYA. If you don't wish it yourself who can force you? He can't drive +you like an ass. + +NIKÍTA. Well, I reckon it's not possible to go against one's parent. But +it's not by my wish. + +ANÍSYA. Don't you budge, that's all about it! + +NIKÍTA. There was a fellow wouldn't budge, and the village elder gave +him such a hiding.... That's what it might come to! I've no great wish +for that sort of thing. They say it touches one up.... + +ANÍSYA. Shut up with your nonsense. Nikíta, listen to me: if you marry +that Marína I don't know what I won't do to myself.... I shall lay hands +on myself! I have sinned, I have gone against the law, but I can't go +back now. If you go away I'll ... + +NIKÍTA. Why should I go? Had I wanted to go--I should have gone long +ago. There was Iván Semyónitch t'other day--offered me a place as his +coachman.... Only fancy what a life that would have been! But I did not +go. Because, I reckon, I am good enough for any one. Now if you did not +love me it would be a different matter. + +ANÍSYA. Yes, and that's what you should remember. My old man will die +one of these fine days, I'm thinking; then we could cover our sin, make +it all right and lawful, and then you'll be master here. + +NIKÍTA. Where's the good of making plans? What do I care? I work as hard +as if I were doing it for myself. My master loves me, and his missus +loves me. And if the wenches run after me, it's not my fault, that's +flat. + +ANÍSYA. And you'll love me? + +NIKÍTA [embracing her] There, as you have ever been in my heart ... + +MATRYÓNA [enters, and crosses herself a long time before the icón. +Nikíta and Anísya step apart] What I saw I didn't perceive, what I heard +I didn't hearken to. Playing with the lass, eh? Well,--even a calf will +play. Why shouldn't one have some fun when one's young? But your master +is out in the yard a-calling you, sonnie. + +NIKÍTA. I only came to get the axe. + +MATRYÓNA. I know, sonnie, I know; them sort of axes are mostly to be +found where the women are. + +NIKÍTA [stooping to pick up axe] I say, mother, is it true you want me +to marry? As I reckon, that's quite unnecessary. Besides, I've got no +wish that way. + +MATRYÓNA. Eh, honey! why should you marry? Go on as you are. It's all +the old man. You'd better go, sonnie, we can talk these matters over +without you. + +NIKÍTA. It's a queer go! One moment I'm to be married, the next, not. I +can't make head or tail of it. [Exit]. + +ANÍSYA. What's it all about then? Do you really wish him to get married? + +MATRYÓNA. Eh, why should he marry, my jewel? It's all nonsense, all my +old man's drivel. "Marry, marry." But he's reckoning without his host. +You know the saying, "From oats and hay, why should horses stray?" When +you've enough and to spare, why look elsewhere? And so in this case. +[Winks] Don't I see which way the wind blows? + +ANÍSYA. Where's the good of my pretending to you, Mother Matryóna? You +know all about it. I have sinned. I love your son. + +MATRYÓNA. Dear me, here's news! D'you think Mother Matryóna didn't know? +Eh, lassie,--Mother Matryóna's been ground, and ground again, ground +fine! This much I can tell you, my jewel: Mother Matryóna can see +through a brick wall three feet thick. I know it all, my jewel! I know +what young wives need sleeping draughts for, so I've brought some along. +[Unties a knot in her handkerchief and brings out paper-packets] As much +as is wanted, I see, and what's not wanted I neither see nor perceive! +There! Mother Matryóna has also been young. I had to know a thing or two +to live with my old fool. I know seventy-and-seven dodges. But I see +your old man's quite seedy, quite seedy! How's one to live with such as +him? Why, if you pricked him with a hay-fork it wouldn't fetch blood. +See if you don't bury him before the spring. Then you'll need some one +in the house. Well, what's wrong with my son? He'll do as well as +another. Then where's the advantage of my taking him away from a good +place? Am I my child's enemy? + +ANÍSYA. Oh, if only he does not go away. + +MATRYÓNA. He won't go away, birdie. It's all nonsense. You know my old +man. His wits are always wool-gathering; yet sometimes he takes a thing +into his pate, and it's as if it were wedged in, you can't knock it out +with a hammer. + +ANÍSYA. And what started this business? + +MATRYÓNA. Well, you see, my jewel, you yourself know what a fellow with +women the lad is,--and he's handsome too, though I say it as shouldn't. +Well, you know, he was living at the railway, and they had an orphan +wench there to cook for them. Well, that same wench took to running +after him. + +ANÍSYA. Marína? + +MATRYÓNA. Yes, the plague seize her! Whether anything happened or not, +anyhow something got to my old man's ears. Maybe he heard from the +neighbours, maybe she's been and blabbed ... + +ANÍSYA. Well, she is a bold hussy! + +MATRYÓNA. So my old man--the old blockhead--off he goes: "Marry, marry," +he says, "he must marry her and cover the sin," he says. "We must take +the lad home," he says, "and he shall marry," he says. Well, I did my +best to make him change his mind, but, dear me, no. So, all right, +thinks I,--I'll try another dodge. One always has to entice them fools +in this way, just pretend to be of their mind, and when it comes to the +point one goes and turns it all one's own way. You know, a woman has +time to think seventy-and-seven thoughts while falling off the oven, so +how's such as he to see through it? "Well, yes," says I, "it would be a +good job,--only we must consider well beforehand. Why not go and see our +son, and talk it over with Peter Ignátitch and hear what he has to say?" +So here we are. + +ANÍSYA. Oh dear, oh dear, how will it all end? Supposing his father just +orders him to marry her? + +MATRYÓNA. Orders, indeed. Chuck his orders to the dogs! Don't you worry; +that affair will never come off. I'll go to your old man myself, and +sift and strain this matter clear--there will be none of it left. I have +come here only for the look of the thing. A very likely thing! Here's my +son living in happiness and expecting happiness, and I'll go and match +him with a slut! No fear, I'm not a fool! + +ANÍSYA. And she--this Marína--came dangling after him here! Mother, +would you believe, when they said he was going to marry, it was as if a +knife had gone right through my heart. I thought he cared for her. + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, my jewel! Why, you don't think him such a fool, that he +should go and care for a homeless baggage like that? Nikíta is a +sensible fellow, you see. He knows whom to love. So don't you go and +fret, my jewel. We'll not take him away, and we won't marry him. No, +we'll let him stay on, if you'll only oblige us with a little money. + +ANÍSYA. All I know is, that I could not live if Nikíta went away. + +MATRYÓNA. Naturally, when one's young it's no easy matter! You, a wench +in full bloom, to be living with the dregs of a man like that husband of +yours. + +ANÍSYA. Mother Matryóna, would you believe it? I'm that sick of him, +that sick of this long-nosed cur of mine, I can hardly bear to look at +him. + +MATRYÓNA. Yes, I see, it's one of them cases. Just look here, [looks +round and whispers] I've been to see that old man, you know--he's given +me simples of two kinds. This, you see, is a sleeping draught. "Just +give him one of these powders," he says, "and he'll sleep so sound you +might jump on him!" And this here, "This is that kind of simple," he +says, "that if you give one some of it to drink it has no smell +whatever, but its strength is very great. There are seven doses here, a +pinch at a time. Give him seven pinches," he says, "and she won't have +far to look for freedom," he says. + +ANÍSYA. O-o-oh! What's that? + +MATRYÓNA. "No sign whatever," he says. He's taken a rouble for it. +"Can't sell it for less," he says. Because it's no easy matter to get +'em, you know. I paid him, dearie, out of my own money. If she takes +them, thinks I, it's all right; if she don't, I can let old Michael's +daughter have them. + +ANÍSYA. O-o-oh! But mayn't some evil come of them? I'm frightened! + +MATRYÓNA. What evil, my jewel? If your old man was hale and hearty, +'twould be a different matter, but he's neither alive nor dead as it is. +He's not for this world. Such things often happen. + +ANÍSYA. O-o-oh, my poor head! I'm afeared, Mother Matryóna, lest some +evil come of them. No. That won't do. + +MATRYÓNA. Just as you like. I might even return them to him. + +ANÍSYA. And are they to be used in the same way as the others? Mixed in +water? + +MATRYÓNA. Better in tea, he says. "You can't notice anything," he says, +"no smell nor nothing." He's a cute old fellow too. + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT I. + + MATRYÓNA GIVES ANÍSYA THE POWDERS.] + +ANÍSYA. [taking the powder] O-oh, my poor head! Could I have ever +thought of such a thing if my life were not a very hell? + +MATRYÓNA. You'll not forget that rouble? I promised to take it to the +old man. He's had some trouble, too. + +ANÍSYA. Of course? [Goes to her box and hides the powders]. + +MATRYÓNA. And now, my jewel, keep it as close as you can, so that no one +should find it out. Heaven defend that it should happen, but _if_ any +one notices it, tell 'em it's for the black-beetles. [Takes the rouble] +It's also used for beetles. [Stops short]. + + Enter Akím, who crosses himself in front of the icón, and then + Peter, who sits down. + +PETER. Well then, how's it to be, Daddy Akím? + +AKÍM. As it's best, Peter Ignátitch, as it's best ... I mean--as it's +best. 'Cos why? I'm afeared of what d'you call 'ems, some tomfoolery, +you know. I'd like to, what d'you call it ... to start, you know, start +the lad honest, I mean. But supposing you'd rather, what d'you call it, +we might, I mean, what's name? As it's best ... + +PETER. All right. All right. Sit down and let's talk it over. [Akím sits +down] Well then, what's it all about? You want him to marry? + +MATRYÓNA. As to marrying, he might bide a while, Peter Ignátitch. You +know our poverty, Peter Ignátitch. What's he to marry on? We've hardly +enough to eat ourselves. How can he marry then?... + +PETER. You must consider what will be best. + +MATRYÓNA. Where's the hurry for him to get married? Marriage is not that +sort of thing, it's not like ripe raspberries that drop off if not +picked in time. + +PETER. If he were to get married, 'twould be a good thing in a way. + +AKÍM. We'd like to ... what d'you call it? 'Cos why, you see. I've what +d'you call it ... a job. I mean, I've found a paying job in town, you +know. + +MATRYÓNA. And a fine job too--cleaning out cesspools. The other day when +he came home, I could do nothing but spew and spew. Faugh! + +AKÍM. It's true, at first it does seem what d'you call it ... knocks one +clean over, you know,--the smell, I mean. But one gets used to it, and +then it's nothing, no worse than malt grain, and then it's, what d'you +call it, ... pays, pays, I mean. And as to the smell being, what d'you +call it, it's not for the likes of us to complain. And one changes one's +clothes. So we'd like to take what's his name ... Nikíta I mean, home. +Let him manage things at home while I, what d'you call it,--earn +something in town. + +PETER. You want to keep your son at home? Yes, that would be well: but +how about the money he has had in advance? + +AKÍM. That's it, that's it! It's just as you say, Ignátitch, it's just +what d'you call it. 'Cos why? If you go into service, it's as good as if +you had sold yourself, they say. That will be all right. I mean he may +stay and serve his time, only he must, what d'you call it, get married. +I mean--so: you let him off for a little while, that he may, what d'you +call it? + +PETER. Yes, we could manage that. + +MATRYÓNA. Ah, but it's not yet settled between ourselves, Peter +Ignátitch. I'll speak to you as I would before God, and you may judge +between my old man and me. He goes on harping on that marriage. But just +ask--who it is he wants him to marry. If it were a girl of the right +sort now-- I am not my child's enemy, but the wench is not honest. + +AKÍM. No, that's wrong! Wrong, I say. 'Cos why? She, that same +girl--it's my son as has offended, offended the girl I mean. + +PETER. How offended? + +AKÍM. That's how. She's what d'you call it, with him, with my son, +Nikíta. With Nikíta, what d'you call it, I mean. + +MATRYÓNA. You wait a bit, my tongue runs smoother--let me tell it. You +know, this lad of ours lived at the railway before he came to you. There +was a girl there as kept dangling after him. A girl of no account, you +know, her name's Marína. She used to cook for the men. So now this same +girl accuses our son, Nikíta, that he, so to say, deceived her. + +PETER. Well, there's nothing good in that. + +MATRYÓNA. But she's no honest girl herself; she runs after the fellows +like a common slut. + +AKÍM. There you are again, old woman, and it's not at all what d'you +call it, it's all not what d'you call it, I mean ... + +MATRYÓNA. There now, that's all the sense one gets from my old +owl--"what d'you call it, what d'you call it," and he doesn't know +himself what he means. Peter Ignátitch, don't listen to me, but go +yourself and ask any one you like about the girl, everybody will say the +same. She's just a homeless good-for-nothing. + +PETER. You know, Daddy Akím, if that's how things are, there's no reason +for him to marry her. A daughter-in-law's not like a shoe, you can't +kick her off. + +AKÍM [excitedly] It's false, old woman, it's what d'you call it, false; +I mean, about the girl; false! 'Cos why? The lass is a good lass, a very +good lass, you know. I'm sorry, sorry for the lassie, I mean. + +MATRYÓNA. It's an old saying: "For the wide world old Miriam grieves, +and at home without bread her children she leaves." He's sorry for the +girl, but not sorry for his own son! Sling her round your neck and carry +her about with you! That's enough of such empty cackle! + +AKÍM. No, it's not empty. + +MATRYÓNA. There, don't interrupt, let me have my say. + +AKÍM [interrupts] No, not empty! I mean, you twist things your own way, +about the lass or about yourself. Twist them, I mean, to make it better +for yourself; but God, what d'you call it, turns them His way. That's +how it is. + +MATRYÓNA. Eh! One only wears out one's tongue with you. + +AKÍM. The lass is hard-working and spruce, and keeps everything round +herself ... what d'you call it. And in our poverty, you know, it's a +pair of hands, I mean; and the wedding needn't cost much. But the chief +thing's the offence, the offence to the lass, and she's a what d'you +call it, an orphan, you know; that's what she is, and there's the +offence. + +MATRYÓNA. Eh! they'll all tell you a tale of that sort ... + +ANÍSYA. Daddy Akím, you'd better listen to us women; we can tell you a +thing or two. + +AKÍM. And God, how about God? Isn't she a human being, the lass? A what +d'you call it,--also a human being I mean, before God. And how do you +look at it? + +MATRYÓNA. Eh!... started off again?... + +PETER. Wait a bit, Daddy Akím. One can't believe all these girls say, +either. The lad's alive, and not far away; send for him, and find out +straight from him if it's true. He won't wish to lose his soul. Go and +call the fellow, [Anísya rises] and tell him his father wants him. [Exit +Anísya]. + +MATRYÓNA. That's right, dear friend; you've cleared the way clean, as +with water. Yes, let the lad speak for himself. Nowadays, you know, +they'll not let you force a son to marry; one must first of all ask the +lad. He'll never consent to marry her and disgrace himself, not for all +the world. To my thinking, it's best he should go on living with you and +serving you as his master. And we need not take him home for the summer +either; we can hire a help. If you would only give us ten roubles now, +we'll let him stay on. + +PETER. All in good time. First let us settle one thing before we start +another. + +AKÍM. You see, Peter Ignátitch, I speak. 'Cos why? you know how it +happens. We try to fix things up as seems best for ourselves, you know; +and as to God, we what d'you call it, we forget Him. We think it's best +so, turn it our own way, and lo! we've got into a fix, you know. We +think it will be best, I mean; and lo! it turns out much worse--without +God, I mean. + +PETER. Of course one must not forget God. + +AKÍM. It turns out worse! But when it's the right way--God's way--it +what d'you call it, it gives one joy; seems pleasant, I mean. So I +reckon, you see, get him, the lad, I mean, get him to marry her, to keep +him from sin, I mean, and let him what d'you call it at home, as it's +lawful, I mean, while I go and get the job in town. The work is of the +right sort--it's payin', I mean. And in God's sight it's what d'you call +it--it's best, I mean. Ain't she an orphan? Here, for example, a year +ago some fellows went and took timber from the steward,--thought they'd +do the steward, you know. Yes, they did the steward, but they couldn't +what d'you call it--do God, I mean. Well, and so ... + + Enter Nikíta and Nan. + +NIKÍTA. You called me? [Sits down and takes out his tobacco-pouch]. + +PETER [in a low, reproachful voice] What are you thinking about--have +you no manners? Your father is going to speak to you, and you sit down +and fool about with tobacco. Come, get up! + + Nikíta rises, leans carelessly with his elbow on the table, and + smiles. + +AKÍM. It seems there's a complaint, you know, about you, Nikíta--a +complaint, I mean, a complaint. + +NIKÍTA. Who's been complaining? + +AKÍM. Complaining? It's a maid, an orphan maid, complaining, I mean. +It's her, you know--a complaint against you, from Marína, I mean. + +NIKÍTA [laughs] Well, that's a good one. What's the complaint? And who's +told you--she herself? + +AKÍM. It's I am asking you, and you must now, what d'you call it, give +me an answer. Have you got mixed up with the lass, I mean--mixed up, you +know? + +NIKÍTA. I don't know what you mean. What's up? + +AKÍM. Foolin', I mean, what d'you call it? foolin'. Have you been +foolin' with her, I mean? + +NIKÍTA. Never mind what's been! Of course one does have some fun with a +cook now and then to while away the time. One plays the concertina and +gets her to dance. What of that? + +PETER. Don't shuffle, Nikíta, but answer your father straight out. + +AKÍM [solemnly] You can hide it from men but not from God, Nikíta. You, +what d'you call it--think, I mean, and don't tell lies. She's an orphan; +so, you see, any one is free to insult her. An orphan, you see. So you +should say what's rightest. + +NIKÍTA. But what if I have nothing to say? I have told you +everything--because there isn't anything to tell, that's flat! [Getting +excited] She can go and say anything about me, same as if she was +speaking of one as is dead. Why don't she say anything about Fédka +Mikíshin? Besides, how's this, that one mayn't even have a bit of fun +nowadays? And as for her, well, she's free to say anything she likes. + +AKÍM. Ah, Nikíta, mind! A lie will out. Did anything happen? + +NIKÍTA [aside] How he sticks to it; it's too bad. [To Akím] I tell you, +I know nothing more. There's been nothing between us. [Angrily] By God! +and may I never leave this spot [crosses himself] if I know anything +about it. [Silence. Then still more excitedly] Why! have you been +thinking of getting me to marry her? What do you mean by it?--it's a +confounded shame. Besides, nowadays you've got no such rights as to +force a fellow to marry. That's plain enough. Besides, haven't I sworn I +know nothing about it? + +MATRYÓNA [to her husband] There now, that's just like your silly pate, +to believe all they tell you. He's gone and put the lad to shame all for +nothing. The best thing is to let him live as he is living, with his +master. His master will help us in our present need, and give us ten +roubles, and when the time comes ... + +PETER. Well, Daddy Akím, how's it to be? + +AKÍM [looks at his son, clicking his tongue disapprovingly] Mind, +Nikíta, the tears of one that's been wronged never, what d'you call +it--never fall beside the mark but always on, what's name--the head of +the man as did the wrong. So mind, don't what d'you call it. + +NIKÍTA [sits down] What's there to mind? mind yourself. + +NAN [aside] I must run and tell mother. [Exit]. + +MATRYÓNA [to Peter] That's always the way with this old mumbler of mine, +Peter Ignátitch. Once he's got anything wedged in his pate there's no +knocking it out. We've gone and troubled you all for nothing. The lad +can go on living as he has been. Keep him; he's your servant. + +PETER. Well, Daddy Akím, what do you say? + +AKÍM. Why, the lad's his own master, if only he what d'you call it.... I +only wish that, what d'you call it, I mean. + +MATRYÓNA. You don't know yourself what you're jawing about. The lad +himself has no wish to leave. Besides, what do we want with him at home? +We can manage without him. + +PETER. Only one thing, Daddy Akím--if you are thinking of taking him +back in summer, I don't want him here for the winter. If he is to stay +at all, it must be for the whole year. + +MATRYÓNA. And it's for a year he'll bind himself. If we want help when +the press of work comes, we can hire help, and the lad shall remain with +you. Only give us ten roubles now.... + +PETER. Well then, is it to be for another year? + +AKÍM. [sighing] Yes, it seems, it what d'you call it ... if it's so, I +mean, it seems that it must be what d'you call it. + +MATRYÓNA. For a year, counting from St. Dimítry's day. We know you'll +pay him fair wages. But give us ten roubles now. Help us out of our +difficulties. [Gets up and bows to Peter]. + + Enter Nan and Anísya. The latter sits down at one side. + +PETER. Well, if that's settled we might step across to the inn and have +a drink. Come, Daddy Akím, what do you say to a glass of vódka? + +AKÍM. No, I never drink that sort of thing. + +PETER. Well, you'll have some tea? + +AKÍM. Ah, tea! yes, I do sin that way. Yes, tea's the thing. + +PETER. And the women will also have some tea. Come. And you, Nikíta, go +and drive the sheep in and clear away the straw. + +NIKÍTA. All right. [Exeunt all but Nikíta. Nikíta lights a cigarette. It +grows darker] Just see how they bother one. Want a fellow to tell 'em +how he larks about with the wenches! It would take long to tell 'em all +those stories--"Marry her," he says. Marry them all! One would have a +good lot of wives! And what need have I to marry? Am as good as married +now! There's many a chap as envies me. Yet how strange it felt when I +crossed myself before the icón. It was just as if some one shoved me. +The whole web fell to pieces at once. They say it's frightening to swear +what's not true. That's all humbug. It's all talk, that is. It's simple +enough. + +AKOULÍNA [enters with a rope, which she puts down. She takes off her +outdoor things and goes into closet] You might at least have got a +light. + +NIKÍTA. What, to look at you? I can see you well enough without. + +AKOULÍNA. Oh, bother you! + + Nan enters and whispers to Nikíta. + +NAN. Nikíta, there's a person wants you. There is! + +NIKÍTA. What person? + +NAN. Marína from the railway; she's out there, round the corner. + +NIKÍTA. Nonsense! + +NAN. Blest if she isn't! + +NIKÍTA. What does she want? + +NAN. She wants you to come out. She says, "I only want to say a word to +Nikíta." I began asking, but she won't tell, but only says, "Is it true +he's leaving you?" And I say, "No, only his father wanted to take him +away and get him to marry, but he won't, and is going to stay with us +another year." And she says, "For goodness' sake send him out to me. I +must see him," she says, "I must say a word to him somehow." She's been +waiting a long time. Why don't you go? + +NIKÍTA. Bother her! What should I go for? + +NAN. She says, "If he don't come, I'll go into the hut to him." Blest if +she didn't say she'd come in! + +NIKÍTA. Not likely. She'll wait a bit and then go away. + +NAN. "Or is it," she says, "that they want him to marry Akoulína?" + + Re-enter Akoulína, passing near Nikíta to take her distaff. + +AKOULÍNA. Marry whom to Akoulína? + +NAN. Why, Nikíta. + +AKOULÍNA. A likely thing! Who says it? + +NIKÍTA [looks at her and laughs] It seems people do say it. Would you +marry me, Akoulína? + +AKOULÍNA. Who, you? Perhaps I might have afore, but I won't now. + +NIKÍTA. And why not now? + +AKOULÍNA. 'Cos you wouldn't love me. + +NIKÍTA. Why not? + +AKOULÍNA. 'Cos you'd be forbidden to. [Laughs]. + +NIKÍTA. Who'd forbid it? + +AKOULÍNA. Who? My step-mother. She does nothing but grumble, and is +always staring at you. + +NIKÍTA [laughing] Just hear her! Ain't she cute? + +AKOULÍNA. Who? Me? What's there to be cute about? Am I blind? She's been +rowing and rowing at dad all day. The fat-muzzled witch! [Goes into +closet]. + +NAN [looking out of the window] Look, Nikíta, she's coming! I'm blest if +she isn't! I'll go away. [Exit]. + +MARÍNA [enters] What are you doing with me? + +NIKÍTA. Doing? I'm not doing anything. + +MARÍNA. You mean to desert me. + +NIKÍTA [gets up angrily] What does this look like, your coming here? + +MARÍNA. Oh, Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA. Well, you are strange! What have you come for? + +MARÍNA. Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA. That's my name. What do you want with Nikíta? Well, what next? +Go away, I tell you! + +MARÍNA. I see, you do want to throw me over. + +NIKÍTA. Well, and what's there to remember? You yourself don't know. +When you stood out there round the corner and sent Nan for me, and I +didn't come, wasn't it plain enough that you're not wanted? It seems +pretty simple. So there--go! + +MARÍNA. Not wanted! So now I'm not wanted! I believed you when you said +you would love me. And now that you've ruined me, I'm not wanted. + +NIKÍTA. Where's the good of talking? This is quite improper. You've been +telling tales to father. Now, do go away, will you? + +MARÍNA. You know yourself I never loved any one but you. Whether you +married me or not, I'd not have been angry. I've done you no wrong, then +why have you left off caring for me? Why? + +NIKÍTA. Where's the use of baying at the moon? You go away. Goodness me! +what a duffer! + +MARÍNA. It's not that you deceived me when you promised to marry me that +hurts, but that you've left off loving. No, it's not that you've stopped +loving me either, but that you've changed me for another, that's what +hurts. I know who it is! + +NIKÍTA [comes up to her viciously] Eh! what's the good of talking to the +likes of you, that won't listen to reason? Be off, or you'll drive me to +do something you'll be sorry for. + +MARÍNA. What, will you strike me, then? Well then, strike me! What are +you turning away for? Ah, Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA. Supposing some one came in. Of course, it's quite improper. And +what's the good of talking? + +MARÍNA. So this is the end of it! What has been has flown. You want me +to forget it? Well then, Nikíta, listen. I kept my maiden honour as the +apple of my eye. You have ruined me for nothing, you have deceived me. +You have no pity on a fatherless and motherless girl! [Weeping] You have +deserted, you have killed me, but I bear you no malice. God forgive you! +If you find a better one you'll forget me, if a worse one you'll remember +me. Yes, you will remember, Nikíta! Good-bye, then, if it is to be. Oh, +how I loved you! Good-bye for the last time. [Takes his head in her +hands and tries to kiss him]. + +NIKÍTA [tossing his head back] I'm not going to talk with the likes of +you. If you won't go away I will, and you may stay here by yourself. + +MARÍNA [screams] You are a brute. [In the doorway] God will give you no +joy. [Exit, crying]. + +AKOULÍNA [comes out of closet] You're a dog, Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA. What's up? + +AKOULÍNA. What a cry she gave! [Cries]. + +NIKÍTA. What's up with you? + +AKOULÍNA. What's up? You've hurt her so. That's the way you'll hurt me +also. You're a dog. [Exit into closet]. + + Silence. + +NIKÍTA. Here's a fine muddle. I'm as sweet as honey on the lasses, but +when a fellow's sinned with 'em it's a bad look-out! + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT II + + The scene represents the village street. To the left the outside of + Peter's hut, built of logs, with a porch in the middle; to the right + of the hut the gates and a corner of the yard buildings. Anísya is + beating hemp in the street near the corner of the yard. Six months + have elapsed since the First Act. + + +ANÍSYA [stops and listens] Mumbling something again. He's probably got +off the stove. + + Akoulína enters, carrying two pails on a yoke. + +ANÍSYA. He's calling. You go and see what he wants, kicking up such a +row. + +AKOULÍNA. Why don't you go? + +ANÍSYA. Go, I tell you! [Exit Akoulína into hut] He's bothering me to +death. Won't let out where the money is, and that's all about it. He was +out in the passage the other day. He must have been hiding it there. +Now, I don't know myself where it is. Thank goodness he's afraid of +parting with it, so that at least it will stay in the house. If only I +could manage to find it. He hadn't it on him yesterday. Now I don't know +where it can be. He has quite worn the life out of me. + + Enter Akoulína, tying her kerchief over her head. + +ANÍSYA. Where are you off to? + +AKOULÍNA. Where? Why, he's told me to go for Aunt Martha. "Fetch my +sister," he says. "I am going to die," he says. "I have a word to say to +her." + +ANÍSYA [aside] Asking for his sister? Oh my poor head! Sure he wants to +give it her. What shall I do? Oh! [To Akoulína] Don't go! Where are you +off to? + +AKOULÍNA. To call Aunt. + +ANÍSYA. Don't go I tell you, I'll go myself. You go and take the clothes +to the river to rinse. Else you'll not have finished by the evening. + +AKOULÍNA. But he told me to go. + +ANÍSYA. You go and do as you're bid. I tell you I'll fetch Martha +myself. Take the shirts off the fence. + +AKOULÍNA. The shirts? But maybe you'll not go. He's given the order. + +ANÍSYA. Didn't I say I'd go? Where's Nan? + +AKOULÍNA. Nan? Minding the calves. + +ANÍSYA. Send her here. I dare say they'll not run away. [Akoulína +collects the clothes, and exit]. + +ANÍSYA. If one doesn't go he'll scold. If one goes he'll give the money +to his sister. All my trouble will be wasted. I don't myself know what +I'm to do. My poor head's splitting. [Continues to work]. + + Enter Matryóna, with a stick and a bundle, in outdoor clothes. + +MATRYÓNA. May the Lord help you, honey. + +ANÍSYA [looks round, stops working, and claps her hands with joy] Well, +I never expected this! Mother Matryóna, God has sent the right guest at +the right time. + +MATRYÓNA. Well, how are things? + +ANÍSYA. Ah, I'm driven well-nigh crazy. It's awful! + +MATRYÓNA. Well, still alive, I hear? + +ANÍSYA. Oh, don't talk about it. He doesn't live and doesn't die! + +MATRYÓNA. But the money--has he given it to anybody? + +ANÍSYA. He's just sending for his sister Martha--probably about the +money. + +MATRYÓNA. Well, naturally! But hasn't he given it to any one else? + +ANÍSYA. To no one. I watch like a hawk. + +MATRYÓNA. And where is it? + +ANÍSYA. He doesn't let out. And I can't find out in any way. He hides it +now here, now there, and I can't do anything because of Akoulína. Idiot +though she is, she keeps watch, and is always about. Oh my poor head! +I'm bothered to death. + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, my jewel, if he gives the money to any one but you, you'll +never cease regretting it as long as you live! They'll turn you out of +house and home without anything. You've been worriting, and worriting +all your life with one you don't love, and will have to go a-begging +when you are a widow. + +ANÍSYA. No need to tell me, mother. My heart's that weary, and I don't +know what to do. No one to get a bit of advice from. I told Nikíta, but +he's frightened of the job. The only thing he did was to tell me +yesterday it was hidden under the floor. + +MATRYÓNA. Well, and did you look there? + +ANÍSYA. I couldn't. The old man himself was in the room. I notice that +sometimes he carries it about on him, and sometimes he hides it. + +MATRYÓNA. But you, my lass, must remember that if once he gives you the +slip there's no getting it right again! [Whispering] Well, and did you +give him the strong tea? + +ANÍSYA. Oh! oh!... [About to answer, but sees neighbour and stops]. + + The neighbour (a woman) passes the hut, and listens to a call from + within. + +NEIGHBOUR [to Anísya] I say, Anísya! Eh, Anísya! There's your old man +calling, I think. + +ANÍSYA. That's the way he always coughs,--just as if he were screaming. +He's getting very bad. + +NEIGHBOUR [approaches Matryóna] How do you do, granny? Have you come +far? + +MATRYÓNA. Straight from home, dear. Come to see my son. Brought him +some shirts--can't help thinking of these things, you see, when it's +one's own child. + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, that's always so. [To Anísya] And I was thinking of +beginning to bleach the linen, but it is a bit early, no one has begun +yet. + +ANÍSYA. Where's the hurry? + +MATRYÓNA. Well, and has he had communion? + +ANÍSYA. Oh dear yes, the priest was here yesterday. + +NEIGHBOUR. I had a look at him yesterday. Dearie me! one wonders his +body and soul keep together. And, O Lord, the other day he seemed just +at his last gasp, so that they laid him under the holy icóns.[1] They +started lamenting and got ready to lay him out. + + [1] It is customary to place a dying person under the icón. One or + more icóns hang in the hut of each Orthodox peasant. + +ANÍSYA. He came to, and creeps about again. + +MATRYÓNA. Well, and is he to have extreme unction? + +ANÍSYA. The neighbours advise it. If he lives till to-morrow we'll send +for the priest. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh, Anísya dear, I should think your heart must be heavy. As +the saying goes, "Not he is sick that's ill in bed, but he that sits and +waits in dread." + +ANÍSYA. Yes, if it were only over one way or other! + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, that's true, dying for a year, it's no joke. You're +bound hand and foot like that. + +MATRYÓNA. Ah, but a widow's lot is also bitter. It's all right as long +as one's young, but who'll care for you when you're old? Oh yes, old age +is not pleasure. Just look at me. I've not walked very far, and yet am +so footsore I don't know how to stand. Where's my son? + +ANÍSYA. Ploughing. But you come in and we'll get the samovár ready; the +tea'll set you up again. + +MATRYÓNA [sitting down] Yes, it's true, I'm quite done up, my dears. As +to extreme unction, that's absolutely necessary. Besides, they say it's +good for the soul. + +ANÍSYA. Yes, we'll send to-morrow. + +MATRYÓNA. Yes, you had better. And we've had a wedding down in our +parts. + +NEIGHBOUR. What, in spring?[2] + + [2] Peasant weddings are usually in autumn. They are forbidden in + Lent, and soon after Easter the peasants become too busy to marry till + harvest is over. + +MATRYÓNA. Ah, now if it were a poor man, then, as the saying is, it's +always unseasonable for a poor man to marry. But it's Simon Matvéyitch, +he's married that Marína. + +ANÍSYA. What luck for her! + +NEIGHBOUR. He's a widower. I suppose there are children? + +MATRYÓNA. Four of 'em. What decent girl would have him! Well, so he's +taken her, and she's glad. You see, the vessel was not sound, so the +wine trickled out. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh my! And what do people say to it? And he, a rich peasant! + +MATRYÓNA. They are living well enough so far. + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, it's true enough. Who wants to marry where there are +children? There now, there's our Michael. He's such a fellow, dear me ... + +PEASANT'S VOICE. Hullo, Mávra. Where the devil are you? Go and drive the +cow in. + + Exit Neighbour. + +MATRYÓNA [while the Neighbour is within hearing speaks in her ordinary +voice] Yes, lass, thank goodness, she's married. At any rate my old fool +won't go bothering about Nikíta. Now [suddenly changing her tone], she's +gone! [Whispers] I say, did you give him the tea? + +ANÍSYA. Don't speak about it. He'd better die of himself. It's no +use--he doesn't die, and I have only taken a sin on my soul. O-oh, my +head, my head! Oh, why did you give me those powders? + +MATRYÓNA. What of the powders? The sleeping powders, lass,--why not give +them? No evil can come of them. + +ANÍSYA. I am not talking of the sleeping ones, but the others, the white +ones. + +MATRYÓNA. Well, honey, those powders are medicinal. + +ANÍSYA [sighs] I know, yet it's frightening. Though he's worried me to +death. + +MATRYÓNA. Well, and did you use many? + +ANÍSYA. I gave two doses. + +MATRYÓNA. Was anything noticeable? + +ANÍSYA. I had a taste of the tea myself--just a little bitter. And he +drank them with the tea and says, "Even tea disgusts me," and I say, +"Everything tastes bitter when one's sick." But I felt that scared, +mother. + +MATRYÓNA. Don't go thinking about it. The more one thinks the worse it +is. + +ANÍSYA. I wish you'd never given them to me and led me into sin. When I +think of it something seems to tear my heart. Oh dear, why did you give +them to me? + +MATRYÓNA. What do you mean, honey? Lord help you! Why are you turning it +on to me? Mind, lass, don't go twisting matters from the sick on to the +healthy. If anything were to happen, I stand aside! I know nothing! I'm +aware of nothing! I'll kiss the cross on it; I never gave you any kind +of powders, never saw any, never heard of any, and never knew there were +such powders. You think about yourself, lass. Why, we were talking about +you the other day. "Poor thing, what torture she endures. The +step-daughter an idiot; the old man rotten, sucking her life-blood. What +wouldn't one be ready to do in such a case!" + +ANÍSYA. I'm not going to deny it. A life such as mine could make one do +worse than that. It could make you hang yourself or throttle him. Is +this a life? + +MATRYÓNA. That's just it. There's no time to stand gaping; the money +must be found one way or other, and then he must have his tea. + +ANÍSYA. O-oh, my head, my head! I can't think what to do. I am so +frightened; he'd better die of himself. I don't want to have it on my +soul. + +MATRYÓNA [viciously] And why doesn't he show the money? Does he mean to +take it along with him? Is no one to have it? Is that right? God forbid +such a sum should be lost all for nothing. Isn't that a sin? What's he +doing? Is he worth considering? + +ANÍSYA. I don't know anything. He's worried me to death. + +MATRYÓNA. What is it you don't know? The business is clear. If you make +a slip now, you'll repent it all your life. He'll give the money to his +sister and you'll be left without. + +ANÍSYA. O-oh dear! Yes, and he did send for her--I must go. + +MATRYÓNA. You wait a bit and light the samovár first. We'll give him +some tea and search him together--we'll find it, no fear. + +ANÍSYA. Oh dear, oh dear; supposing something were to happen. + +MATRYÓNA. What now? What's the good of waiting? Do you want the money to +slip from your hand when it's just in sight? You go and do as I say. + +ANÍSYA. Well, I'll go and light the samovár. + +MATRYÓNA. Go, honey, do the business so as not to regret it afterwards. +That's right! [Anísya turns to go. Matryóna calls her back]. + +MATRYÓNA. Just a word. Don't tell Nikíta about the business. He's silly. +God forbid he should find out about the powders. The Lord only knows +what he would do. He's so tender-hearted. D'you know, he usen't to be +able to kill a chicken. Don't tell him. 'Twould be a fine go, he +wouldn't understand things. [Stops horror-struck as Peter appears in the +doorway]. + +PETER [holding on to the wall, creeps out into the porch and calls with +a faint voice] How's it one can't make you hear? Oh, oh, Anísya! Who's +there? [Drops on the bench]. + +ANÍSYA [steps from behind the corner] Why have you come out? You should +have stayed where you were lying. + +PETER. Has the girl gone for Martha? It's very hard.... Oh, if only +death would come quicker! + +ANÍSYA. She had no time. I sent her to the river. Wait a bit, I'll go +myself when I'm ready. + +PETER. Send Nan. Where's she? Oh, I'm that bad! Oh, death's at hand! + +ANÍSYA. I've sent for her already. + +PETER. Oh dear! Then where is she? + +ANÍSYA. Where's she got to, the plague seize her! + +PETER. Oh, dear! I can't bear it. All my inside's on fire. It's as if a +gimlet were boring me. Why have you left me as if I were a dog?... no +one to give me a drink.... Oh ... send Nan to me. + +ANÍSYA. Here she is. Nan, go to father. + + Nan runs in. Anísya goes behind the corner of the house. + +PETER. Go you. Oh ... to Aunt Martha, tell her father wants her; say +she's to come, I want her. + +NAN. All right. + +PETER. Wait a bit. Tell her she's to come quick. Tell her I'm dying. +O-oh! + +NAN. I'll just get my shawl and be off. [Runs off]. + +MATRYÓNA [winking] Now then, mind and look sharp, lass. Go into the hut, +hunt about everywhere, like a dog that's hunting for fleas: look under +everything, and I'll search him. + +ANÍSYA [to Matryóna] I feel a bit bolder, somehow, now you're here. +[Goes up to porch. To Peter] Hadn't I better light the samovár? Here's +Mother Matryóna come to see her son; you'll have a cup of tea with her? + +PETER. Well then, light it. [Anísya goes into the house. Matryóna comes +up to the porch]. + +PETER. How do you do? + +MATRYÓNA [bowing] How d'you do, my benefactor; how d'you do, my precious +... still ill, I see. And my old man, he's that sorry! "Go," says he, +"see how he's getting on." He sends his respects to you. [Bows again]. + +PETER. I'm dying. + +MATRYÓNA. Ah yes, Peter Ignátitch, now I look at you I see, as the +saying has it, "Sickness lives where men live." You've shrivelled, +shrivelled, all to nothing, poor dear, now I come to look at you. Seems +illness does not add to good looks. + +PETER. My last hour has come. + +MATRYÓNA. Oh well, Peter Ignátitch, it's God's will you know, you've had +communion, and you'll have unction, God willing. Your missus is a wise +woman, the Lord be thanked; she'll give you a good burial, and have +prayers said for your soul, all most respectable! And my son, he'll look +after things meanwhile. + +PETER. There'll be no one to manage things! She's not steady. Has her +head full of folly--why, I know all about it, I know. And my girl is +silly and young. I've got the homestead together, and there's no one to +attend to things. One can't help feeling it. [Whimpers]. + +MATRYÓNA. Why, if it's money, or something, you can leave orders. + +PETER [to Anísya inside the house] Has Nan gone? + +MATRYÓNA [aside] There now, he's remembered! + +ANÍSYA [from inside] She went then and there. Come inside, won't you? +I'll help you in. + +PETER. Let me sit here a bit for the last time. The air's so stuffy +inside. Oh, how bad I feel! Oh, my heart's burning.... Oh, if death +would only come. + +MATRYÓNA. If God don't take a soul, the soul can't go out. Death and +life are in God's will, Peter Ignátitch. You can't be sure of death +either. Maybe you'll recover yet. There was a man in our village just +like that, at the very point of death ... + +PETER. No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel it. [Leans back and shuts +his eyes]. + +ANÍSYA [enters] Well now, are you coming in or not? You do keep one +waiting. Peter! eh, Peter! + +MATRYÓNA [steps aside and beckons to Anísya with her finger] Well? + +ANÍSYA [comes down the porch steps] Not there. + +MATRYÓNA. But have you searched everywhere? Under the floor? + +ANÍSYA. No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; he was rummaging +there yesterday. + +MATRYÓNA. Go, search, search for all you're worth. Go all over +everywhere, as if you licked with your tongue! But I see he'll die this +very day, his nails are turning blue and his face looks earthy. Is the +samovár ready? + +ANÍSYA. Just on the boil. + +NIKÍTA [comes from the other side, if possible on horseback, up to the +gate, and does not see Peter. To Matryóna] How d'you do, mother, is all +well at home? + +MATRYÓNA. The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and have a crust to bite. + +NIKÍTA. Well, and how's master? + +MATRYÓNA. Hush, there he sits. [Points to porch]. + +NIKÍTA. Well, let him sit. What's it to me? + +PETER [opens his eyes] Nikíta, I say, Nikíta, come here! [Nikíta +approaches. Anísya and Matryóna whisper together]. + +PETER. Why have you come back so early? + +NIKÍTA. I've finished ploughing. + +PETER. Have you done the strip beyond the bridge? + +NIKÍTA. It's too far to go there. + +PETER. Too far? From here it's still farther. You'll have to go on +purpose now. You might have made one job of it. [Anísya, without showing +herself, stands and listens]. + +MATRYÓNA [approaches] Oh, sonnie, why don't you take more pains for your +master? Your master is ill and depends on you; you should serve him as +you would your own father, straining every muscle just as I always tell +you to. + +PETER. Well then--o-oh!... Get out the seed potatoes, and the women will +go and sort them. + +ANÍSYA [aside] No fear, I'm not going. He's again sending every one +away; he must have the money on him now, and wants to hide it somewhere. + +PETER. Else ... o-oh! when the time comes for planting, they'll all be +rotten. Oh, I can't stand it! [Rises]. + +MATRYÓNA [runs up into the porch and holds Peter up] Shall I help you +into the hut? + +PETER. Help me in. [Stops] Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA [angrily] What now? + +PETER. I shan't see you again ... I'll die to-day.... Forgive me,[3] for +Christ's sake, forgive me if I have ever sinned against you ... If I +have sinned in word or deed ... There's been all sorts of things. +Forgive me! + + [3] A formal request for forgiveness is customary among Russians, but + it is often no mere formality. Nikíta's first reply is evasive; his + second reply, "God will forgive you," is the correct one sanctioned by + custom. + +NIKÍTA. What's there to forgive? I'm a sinner myself. + +MATRYÓNA. Ah, sonnie, have some feeling. + +PETER. Forgive me, for Christ's sake. [Weeps]. + +NIKÍTA [snivels] God will forgive you, Daddy Peter. I have no cause to +complain of you. You've never done me any wrong. You forgive me; maybe +I've sinned worse against you. [Weeps]. + + Peter goes in whimpering, Matryóna supporting him. + +ANÍSYA. Oh, my poor head! It's not without some reason he's hit on that. +[Approaches Nikíta] Why did you say the money was under the floor? It's +not there. + +NIKÍTA [does not answer, but cries] I have never had anything bad from +him, nothing but good, and what have I gone and done! + +ANÍSYA. Enough now! Where's the money? + +NIKÍTA [angrily] How should I know? Go and look for it yourself! + +ANÍSYA. What's made you so tender? + +NIKÍTA. I am sorry for him,--that sorry. How he cried! Oh dear! + +ANÍSYA. Look at him,--seized with pity! He has found someone to pity +too! He's been treating you like a dog, and even just now was giving +orders to have you turned out of the house. You'd better show me some +pity! + +NIKÍTA. What are you to be pitied for? + +ANÍSYA. If he dies, and the money's been hidden away ... + +NIKÍTA. No fear, he'll not hide it ... + +ANÍSYA. Oh, Nikíta darling! he's sent for his sister, and wants to give +it to her. It will be a bad lookout for us. How are we going to live, if +he gives her the money? They'll turn me out of the house! You try and +manage somehow! You said he went to the shed last night. + +NIKÍTA. I saw him coming from there, but where he's shoved it to, who +can tell? + +ANÍSYA. Oh, my poor head! I'll go and have a look there. [Nikíta steps +aside]. + +MATRYÓNA [comes out of the hut and down the steps of the porch to Anísya +and Nikíta] Don't go anywhere. He's got the money on him. I felt it on a +string round his neck. + +ANÍSYA. Oh my head, my head! + +MATRYÓNA. If you don't keep wide awake now, then you may whistle for it. +If his sister comes--then good-bye to it! + +ANÍSYA. That's true. She'll come and he'll give it her. What's to be +done? Oh my poor head! + +MATRYÓNA. What is to be done? Why, look here; the samovár is boiling, go +and make the tea and pour him out a cup, and then [whispers] put in all +that's left in the paper. When he's drunk the cup, then just take it. +He'll not tell, no fear. + +ANÍSYA. Oh! I'm afeared! + +MATRYÓNA. Don't be talking now, but look alive, and I'll keep his sister +off if need be. Mind, don't make a blunder! Get hold of the money and +bring it here, and Nikíta will hide it. + +ANÍSYA. Oh my head, my head! I don't know how I'm going to ... + +MATRYÓNA. Don't talk about it I tell you, do as I bid you. Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA. What is it? + +MATRYÓNA. You stay here--sit down--in case something is wanted. + +NIKÍTA [waves his hand] Oh these women, what won't they be up to? Muddle +one up completely. Bother them! I'll really go and fetch out the +potatoes. + +MATRYÓNA [catches him by the arm] Stay here, I tell you. + + Nan enters. + +ANÍSYA. Well? + +NAN. She was down in her daughter's vegetable plot--she's coming. + +ANÍSYA. Coming! What shall we do? + +MATRYÓNA. There's plenty of time if you do as I tell you. + +ANÍSYA. I don't know what to do; I know nothing, my brain's all in a +whirl. Nan! Go, daughter, and see to the calves, they'll have run away, +I'm afraid.... Oh dear, I haven't the courage. + +MATRYÓNA. Go on! I should think the samovár's boiling over. + +ANÍSYA. Oh my head, my poor head! [Exit]. + +MATRYÓNA [approaches Nikíta] Now then, sonnie. [Sits down beside him] +Your affairs must also be thought about, and not left anyhow. + +NIKÍTA. What affairs? + +MATRYÓNA. Why, this affair--how you're to live your life. + +NIKÍTA. How to live my life? Others live, and I shall live! + +MATRYÓNA. The old man will probably die to-day. + +NIKÍTA. Well, if he dies, God give him rest! What's that to me? + +MATRYÓNA [keeps looking towards the porch while she speaks] Eh, sonnie! +Those that are alive have to think about living. One needs plenty of +sense in these matters, honey. What do you think? I've tramped all over +the place after your affairs, I've got quite footsore bothering about +matters. And you must not forget me when the time comes. + +NIKÍTA. And what's it you've been bothering about? + +MATRYÓNA. About your affairs, about your future. If you don't take +trouble in good time you'll get nothing. You know Iván Moséitch? Well, +I've been to him too. I went there the other day. I had something else +to settle, you know. Well, so I sat and chatted awhile and then came to +the point. "Tell me, Iván Moséitch," says I, "how's one to manage an +affair of this kind? Supposing," says I, "a peasant as is a widower +married a second wife, and supposing all the children he has is a +daughter by the first wife, and a daughter by the second. Then," says I, +"when that peasant dies, could an outsider get hold of the homestead by +marrying the widow? Could he," says I, "give both the daughters in +marriage and remain master of the house himself?" "Yes, he could," says +he, "but," says he, "it would mean a deal of trouble; still the thing +could be managed by means of money, but if there's no money it's no good +trying." + +NIKÍTA [laughs] That goes without saying, only fork out the money. Who +does not want money? + +MATRYÓNA. Well then, honey, so I spoke out plainly about the affair. And +he says, "First and foremost, your son will have to get himself on the +register of that village--that will cost something. The elders will have +to be treated. And they, you see, they'll sign. Everything," says he, +"must be done sensibly." Look, [unwraps her kerchief and takes out a +paper] he's written out this paper; just read it, you're a scholar, you +know. [Nikíta reads]. + +NIKÍTA. This paper's only a decision for the elders to sign. There's no +great wisdom needed for that. + +MATRYÓNA. But you just hear what Iván Moséitch bids us do. "Above all," +he says, "mind and don't let the money slip away, dame. If she don't get +hold of the money," he says, "they'll not let her do it. Money's the +great thing!" So look out, sonnie, things are coming to a head. + +NIKÍTA. What's that to me? The money's hers--so let her look out. + +MATRYÓNA. Ah, sonnie, how you look at it! How can a woman manage such +affairs? Even if she does get the money, is she capable of arranging it +all? One knows what a woman is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide it, +and all that. You see, you've after all got more sense, in case of +anything happening. + +NIKÍTA. Oh, your woman's notions are all so inexpedient! + +MATRYÓNA. Why inexpedient? You just collar the money, and the woman's in +your hands. And then should she ever turn snappish you'd be able to +tighten the reins! + +NIKÍTA. Bother you all,--I'm going. + +ANÍSYA [quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner to +Matryóna] So it was, it was on him! Here it is! [Shows that she has +something under her apron]. + +MATRYÓNA. Give it to Nikíta, he'll hide it. Nikíta, take it and hide it +somewhere. + +NIKÍTA. All right, give here! + +ANÍSYA. O-oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it myself. [Goes towards +the gate]. + +MATRYÓNA [seizing her by the arm] Where are you going to? You'll be +missed. There's the sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, +you blockhead! + +ANÍSYA [stops irresolutely] Oh, my head, my head! + +NIKÍTA. Well, give it here. I'll shove it away somewhere. + +ANÍSYA. Where will you shove it to? + +NIKÍTA [laughing] Why, are you afraid? + + Enter Akoulína, carrying clothes from the wash. + +ANÍSYA. O-oh, my poor head! [Gives the money] Mind, Nikíta. + +NIKÍTA. What are you afraid of? I'll hide it so that I'll not be able to +find it myself. [Exit]. + +ANÍSYA [stands in terror] Oh dear, and supposing he ... + +MATRYÓNA. Well, is he dead? + +ANÍSYA. Yes, he seems dead. He did not move when I took it. + +MATRYÓNA. Go in, there's Akoulína. + +ANÍSYA. Well there, I've done the sin and he has the money.... + +MATRYÓNA. Have done and go in! There's Martha coming! + +ANÍSYA. There now, I've trusted him. What's going to happen now? [Exit]. + +MARTHA [enters from one side, Akoulína enters from the other. To +Akoulína] I should have come before, but I was at my daughter's. Well, +how's the old man? Is he dying? + +AKOULÍNA [puts down the clothes] Don't know, I've been to the river. + +MARTHA [pointing to Matryóna] Who's that? + +MATRYÓNA. I'm from Zoúevo. I'm Nikíta's mother from Zoúevo, my dearie. +Good afternoon to you. He's withering, withering away, poor dear--your +brother, I mean. He came out himself. "Send for my sister," he said, +"because," said he ... Dear me, why, I do believe, he's dead! + +ANÍSYA [runs out screaming. Clings to a post, and begins wailing][4] Oh, +oh, ah! who-o-o-m have you left me to, why-y-y have you dese-e-e-e-rted +me--a miserable widow ... to live my life alone ... Why have you closed +your bright eyes ... + + [4] Loud public wailing of this kind is customary, and considered + indispensable, among the peasants. + + Enter Neighbour. Matryóna and Neighbour catch hold of Anísya under + the arms to support her. Akoulína and Martha go into the hut. A + crowd assembles. + +A VOICE IN THE CROWD. Send for the old women to lay out the body. + +MATRYÓNA [rolls up her sleeves] Is there any water in the copper? But I +daresay the samovár is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit. + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT III + + The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since Act II. Anísya, + plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. Nan is on the oven. + + +MÍTRITCH [an old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his outdoor +things] Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the master come home yet? + +ANÍSYA. What? + +MÍTRITCH. Nikíta isn't back from town, is he? + +ANÍSYA. No. + +MÍTRITCH. Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord! + +ANÍSYA. Have you finished in the stackyard? + +MÍTRITCH. What d'you think? Got it all as it should be, and covered +everything with straw! I don't like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! +holy Nicholas! [Picks at the corns on his hands] But it's time he was +back. + +ANÍSYA. What need has he to hurry? He's got money. Merry-making with +that girl, I daresay ... + +MÍTRITCH. Why shouldn't one make merry if one has the money? And why did +Akoulína go to town? + +ANÍSYA. You'd better ask her. How do I know what the devil took her +there! + +MÍTRITCH. What! to town? There's all sorts of things to be got in town +if one's got the means. Oh Lord! + +NAN. Mother, I heard myself. "I'll get you a little shawl," he says, +blest if he didn't; "you shall choose it yourself," he says. And she got +herself up so fine; she put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl. + +ANÍSYA. Really, a girl's modesty reaches only to the door. Step over the +threshold and it's forgotten. She is a shameless creature. + +MÍTRITCH. Oh my! What's the use of being ashamed? While there's plenty +of money make merry. Oh Lord! It is too soon to have supper, eh? [Anísya +does not answer] I'll go and get warm meanwhile. [Climbs on the stove] +Oh Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! holy Nicholas! + +NEIGHBOUR [enters] Seems your goodman's not back yet? + +ANÍSYA. No. + +NEIGHBOUR. It's time he was. Hasn't he perhaps stopped at our inn? My +sister, Thekla, says there's heaps of sledges standing there as have +come from the town. + +ANÍSYA. Nan! Nan, I say! + +NAN. Yes? + +ANÍSYA. You run to the inn and see! Mayhap, being drunk, he's gone +there. + +NAN [jumps down from the oven and dresses] All right. + +NEIGHBOUR. And he's taken Akoulína with him? + +ANÍSYA. Else he'd not have had any need of going. It's because of her +he's unearthed all the business there. "Must go to the bank," he says; +"it's time to receive the payments," he says. But it's all her fooling. + +NEIGHBOUR [shakes her head] It's a bad look-out. [Silence]. + +NAN [at the door] And if he's there, what am I to say? + +ANÍSYA. You only see if he's there. + +NAN. All right. I'll be back in a winking. [Long silence]. + +MÍTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas! + +NEIGHBOUR [starting] Oh, how he scared me? Who is it? + +ANÍSYA. Why, Mítritch, our labourer. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he did give me! I had quite +forgotten. But tell me, dear, I've heard someone's been wooing +Akoulína? + +ANÍSYA [gets up from the loom and sits down by the table] There was some +one from Dédlovo; but it seems the affair's got wind there too. They +made a start, and then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of course, +who'd care to? + +NEIGHBOUR. And the Lizounófs from Zoúevo? + +ANÍSYA. They made some steps too, but it didn't come off either. They +won't even see us. + +NEIGHBOUR. Yet it's time she was married. + +ANÍSYA. Time and more than time! Ah, my dear, I'm that impatient to get +her out of the house; but the matter does not come off. He does not wish +it, nor she either. He's not yet had enough of his beauty, you see. + +NEIGHBOUR. Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only think of it. Why, he's her +step-father! + +ANÍSYA. Ah, friend, they've taken me in completely. They've done me so +fine it's beyond saying. I, fool that I was, noticed nothing, suspected +nothing, and so I married him. I guessed nothing, but they already +understood one another. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, what goings on! + +ANÍSYA. So it went on from bad to worse, and I see they begin hiding +from me. Ah, friend, I was that sick--that sick of my life! It's not as +if I didn't love him. + +NEIGHBOUR. That goes without saying. + +ANÍSYA. Ah, how hard it is to bear such treatment from him! Oh, how it +hurts! + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, and I've heard say he's becoming too free with his +fists? + +ANÍSYA. And that too! There was a time when he was gentle when he'd had +a drop. He used to hit out before, but of me he was always fond! But now +when he's in a temper he goes for me and is ready to trample me under +his feet. The other day he got both hands entangled in my hair so that I +could hardly get away. And the girl's worse than a serpent; it's a +wonder the earth bears such furies. + +NEIGHBOUR. Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at you, you are a sufferer! To +suffer like that is no joke. To have given shelter to a beggar, and he +to lead you such a dance! Why don't you pull in the reins? + +ANÍSYA. Ah, but my dear, if it weren't for my heart! Him as is gone was +stern enough, still I could twist him about any way I liked; but with +this one I can do nothing. As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I +haven't a grain of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen. + +NEIGHBOUR. Ah, neighbour, you must be under a spell. I've heard that +Matryóna goes in for that sort of thing. It must be her. + +ANÍSYA. Yes, dear; I think so myself sometimes. Gracious me, how hurt I +feel at times! I'd like to tear him to pieces. But when I set eyes on +him, my heart won't go against him. + +NEIGHBOUR. It's plain you're bewitched. It don't take long to blight a +body. There now, when I look at you, what you have dwindled to! + +ANÍSYA. Growing a regular spindle-shanks. And just look at that fool +Akoulína. Wasn't the girl a regular untidy slattern, and just look at +her now! Where has it all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out. She's +grown so smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that's ready to burst. +And, though she's a fool, she's got it into her head, "I'm the +mistress," she says; "the house is mine; it's me father wanted him to +marry." And she's that vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into a rage +she's ready to tear the thatch off the house. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, what a life yours is, now I come to look at you. And +yet there's people envying you: "They're rich," they say; but it seems +that gold don't keep tears from falling. + +ANÍSYA. Much reason for envy indeed! And the riches, too, will soon be +made ducks and drakes of. Dear me, how he squanders money! + +NEIGHBOUR. But how's it, dear, you've been so simple to give up the +money? It's yours. + +ANÍSYA. Ah, if you knew all! The thing is that I've made one little +mistake. + +NEIGHBOUR. Well, if I were you, I'd go straight and have the law of him. +The money's yours; how dare he squander it? There's no such rights. + +ANÍSYA. They don't pay heed to that nowadays. + +NEIGHBOUR. Ah, my dear, now I come to look at you, you've got that weak. + +ANÍSYA. Yes, quite weak, dear, quite weak. He's got me into a regular +fix. I don't myself know anything. Oh, my poor head! + +NEIGHBOUR [listening] There's someone coming, I think. [The door opens +and Akím enters]. + +AKÍM [crosses himself, knocks the snow off his feet, and takes off his +coat] Peace be to this house! How do you do? Are you well, daughter? + +ANÍSYA. How d'you do, father? Do you come straight from home? + +AKÍM. I've been a-thinking, I'll go and see what's name, go to see my +son, I mean,--my son. I didn't start early--had my dinner, I mean; I +went, and it's so what d'you call it--so snowy, hard walking, and so +there I'm what d'you call it--late, I mean. And my son--is he at home? +At home? My son, I mean. + +ANÍSYA. No; he's gone to the town. + +AKÍM [sits down on a bench] I've some business with him, d'you see, some +business, I mean. I told him t'other day, told him I was in need--told +him, I mean, that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must +what d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So +there, I've come, you see. + +ANÍSYA. Nikíta told me. When he comes back you'll have a talk. [Goes to +the oven] Have some supper now, and he'll soon come. Mítritch, eh +Mítritch, come have your supper. + +MÍTRITCH. Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas! + +ANÍSYA. Come to supper. + +NEIGHBOUR. I shall go now. Good-night. [Exit]. + +MÍTRITCH [gets down from the oven] I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh +Lord! gracious Nicholas! How d'you do, Daddy Akím? + +AKÍM. Ah, Mítritch! What are you, what d'ye call it, I mean?... + +MÍTRITCH. Why, I'm working for your son, Nikíta. + +AKÍM. Dear me! What d'ye call ... working for my son, I mean. Dear me! + +MÍTRITCH. I was living with a tradesman in town, but drank all I had +there. Now I've come back to the village. I've no home, so I've gone +into service. [Gapes] Oh Lord! + +AKÍM. But how's that, what d'you call it, or what's name, Nikíta, what +does he do? Has he some business, I mean besides, that he should hire a +labourer, a labourer I mean, hire a labourer? + +ANÍSYA. What business should he have? He used to manage, but now he's +other things on his mind, so he's hired a labourer. + +MÍTRITCH. Why shouldn't he, seeing he has money? + +AKÍM. Now that's what d'you call it, that's wrong, I mean, quite wrong, +I mean. That's spoiling oneself. + +ANÍSYA. Oh, he has got spoilt, that spoilt, it's just awful. + +AKÍM. There now, what d'you call it, one thinks how to make things +better, and it gets worse I mean. Riches spoil a man, spoil, I mean. + +MÍTRITCH. Fatness makes even a dog go mad; how's one not to get spoilt +by fat living? Myself now; how I went on with fat living. I drank for +three weeks without being sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had +nothing left, I gave it up. Now I've determined not to. Bother it! + +AKÍM. And where's what d'you call, your old woman? + +MÍTRITCH. My old woman has found her right place, old fellow. She's +hanging about the gin-shops in town. She's a swell too; one eye knocked +out, and the other black, and her muzzle twisted to one side. And she's +never sober; drat her! + +AKÍM. Oh, oh, oh, how's that? + +MÍTRITCH. And where's a soldier's wife to go? She has found her right +place. [Silence]. + +AKÍM [to Anísya] And Nikíta,--has he what d'you call it, taken anything +up to town? I mean, anything to sell? + +ANÍSYA [laying the table and serving up] No, he's taken nothing. He's +gone to get money from the bank. + +AKÍM [sitting down to supper] Why? D'you wish to put it to another use, +the money I mean? + +ANÍSYA. No, we don't touch it. Only some twenty or thirty roubles as +have come due; they must be taken. + +AKÍM. Must be taken. Why take it, the money I mean? You'll take some +to-day I mean, and some to-morrow; and so you'll what d'you call it, +take it all, I mean. + +ANÍSYA. We get this besides. The money is all safe. + +AKÍM. All safe? How's that, safe? You take it, and it what d'you call +it, it's all safe. How's that? You put a heap of meal into a bin, or a +barn, I mean, and go on taking meal, will it remain there what d'you +call it, all safe I mean? That's, what d'you call it, it's cheating. +You'd better find out, or else they'll cheat you. Safe indeed! I mean +you what d'ye call ... you take it and it remains all safe there? + +ANÍSYA. I know nothing about it. Iván Moséitch advised us at the time. +"Put the money in the bank," he said, "the money will be safe, and +you'll get interest," he said. + +MÍTRITCH [having finished his supper] That's so. I've lived with a +tradesman. They all do like that. Put the money in the bank, then lie +down on the oven and it will keep coming in. + +AKÍM. That's queer talk. How's that--what d'ye call, coming in, how's +that coming in, and they, who do they get it from I mean, the money I +mean? + +ANÍSYA. They take the money out of the bank. + +MÍTRITCH. Get along! 'Tain't a thing a woman can understand! You look +here, I'll make it all clear to you. Mind and remember. You see, suppose +you've got some money, and I, for instance, have spring coming on, my +land's idle, I've got no seeds, or I have to pay taxes. So, you see, I +go to you. "Akím," I say, "give us a ten-rouble note, and when I've +harvested in autumn I'll return it, and till two acres for you besides, +for having obliged me!" And you, seeing I've something to fall back +on--a horse say, or a cow--you say, "No, give two or three roubles for +the obligation," and there's an end of it. I'm stuck in the mud, and +can't do without. So I say, "All right!" and take a tenner. In the +autumn, when I've made my turnover, I bring it back, and you squeeze the +extra three roubles out of me. + +AKÍM. Yes, but that's what peasants do when they what d'ye call it, when +they forget God. It's not honest, I mean, it's no good, I mean. + +MÍTRITCH. You wait. You'll see it comes just to the same thing. Now +don't forget how you've skinned me. And Anísya, say, has got some money +lying idle. She does not know what to do with it, besides, she's a +woman, and does not know how to use it. She comes to you. "Couldn't you +make some profit with my money too?" she says. "Why not?" say you, and +you wait. Before the summer I come again and say, "Give me another +tenner, and I'll be obliged." Then you find out if my hide isn't all +gone, and if I can be skinned again you give me Anísya's money. But +supposing I'm clean shorn,--have nothing to eat,--then you see I can't +be fleeced any more, and you say, "Go your way, friend," and you look +out for another, and lend him your own and Anísya's money and skin him. +That's what the bank is. So it goes round and round. It's a cute thing, +old fellow! + +AKÍM [excitedly] Gracious me, whatever is that like? It's what d'ye call +it, it's filthy! The peasants--what d'ye call it, the peasants do so I +mean, and know it's, what d'ye call it, a sin! It's what d'you call, not +right, not right, I mean. It's filthy! How can people as have learnt ... +what d'ye call it ... + +MÍTRITCH. That, old fellow, is just what they're fond of! And remember, +them that are stupid, or the women folk, as can't put their money into +use themselves, they take it to the bank, and they there, deuce take +'em, clutch hold of it, and with this money they fleece the people. It's +a cute thing! + +AKÍM [sighing] Oh dear, I see, what d'ye call it, without money it's +bad, and with money it's worse! How's that? God told us to work, but +you, what d'ye call ... I mean you put money into the bank and go to +sleep, and the money will what d'ye call it, will feed you while you +sleep. It's filthy, that's what I call it; it's not right. + +MÍTRITCH. Not right? Eh, old fellow, who cares about that nowadays? And +how clean they pluck you, too! That's the fact of the matter. + +AKÍM [sighs] Ah yes, seems the time's what d'ye call it, the time's +growing ripe. There, I've had a look at the closets in town. What +they've come to! It's all polished and polished I mean, it's fine, it's +what d'ye call it, it's like inside an inn. And what's it all for? +What's the good of it? Oh, they've forgotten God. Forgotten, I mean. +We've forgotten, forgotten God, God I mean! Thank you, my dear, I've +had enough. I'm quite satisfied. [Rises. Mítritch climbs on to the +oven]. + +ANÍSYA [eats, and collects the dishes] If his father would only take him +to task! But I'm ashamed to tell him. + +AKÍM. What d'you say? + +ANÍSYA. Oh! it's nothing. + + Enter Nan. + +AKÍM. Here's a good girl, always busy! You're cold, I should think? + +NAN. Yes, I am, terribly. How d'you do, grandfather? + +ANÍSYA. Well? Is he there? + +NAN. No. But Andriyán is there. He's been to town, and he says he saw +them at an inn in town. He says Dad's as drunk as drunk can be! + +ANÍSYA. Do you want anything to eat? Here you are. + +NAN [goes to the oven] Well, it _is_ cold. My hands are quite numb. +[Akím takes off his leg-bands and bast-shoes. Anísya washes up]. + +ANÍSYA. Father! + +AKÍM. Well, what is it? + +ANÍSYA. And is Marína living well? + +AKÍM. Yes, she's living all right. The little woman is what d'ye call +it, clever and steady; she's living, and what d'ye call it, doing her +best. She's all right; the little woman's of the right sort I mean; +painstaking and what d'ye call it, submissive; the little woman's all +right I mean, all right, you know. + +ANÍSYA. And is there no talk in your village that a relative of Marína's +husband thinks of marrying our Akoulína? Have you heard nothing of it? + +AKÍM. Ah; that's Mirónof. Yes, the women did chatter something. But I +didn't pay heed, you know. It don't interest me I mean, I don't know +anything. Yes, the old women did say something, but I've a bad memory, +bad memory, I mean. But the Mirónofs are what d'ye call it, they're +all right, I mean they're all right. + +ANÍSYA. I'm that impatient to get her settled. + +AKÍM. And why? + +NAN [listens] They've come! + +ANÍSYA. Well, don't you go bothering them. [Goes on washing the spoons +without turning her head]. + +NIKÍTA [enters] Anísya! Wife! who has come? [Anísya looks up and turns +away in silence]. + +NIKÍTA [severely] Who has come? Have you forgotten? + +ANÍSYA. Now don't humbug. Come in! + +NIKÍTA [still more severely] Who's come? + +ANÍSYA [goes up and takes him by the arm] Well then, husband has come. +Now then, come in! + +NIKÍTA [holds back] Ah, that's it! Husband! And what's husband called? +Speak properly. + +ANÍSYA. Oh bother you! Nikíta! + +NIKÍTA. Where have you learnt manners? The full name. + +ANÍSYA. Nikíta Akímitch! Now then! + +NIKÍTA [still in the doorway] Ah, that's it! But now--the surname? + +ANÍSYA [laughs and pulls him by the arm] Tchilíkin. Dear me, what airs! + +NIKÍTA. Ah, that's it. [Holds on to the door-post] No, now say with +which foot Tchilíkin steps into this house! + +ANÍSYA. That's enough! You're letting the cold in! + +NIKÍTA. Say with which foot he steps? You've got to say it,--that's +flat. + +ANÍSYA [aside] He'll go on worrying. [To Nikíta] Well then, with the +left. Come in! + +NIKÍTA. Ah, that's it. + +ANÍSYA. You look who's in the hut! + +NIKÍTA. Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my +parent. I can pay my respects to my parent. How d'you do, father? [Bows +and puts out his hand] My respects to you. + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT III. + + ANÍSYA. Come in! + + NIKÍTA. Ah, that's it. + + ANÍSYA. You look who's in the hut! + + NIKÍTA. Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my + parent.] + +AKÍM [does not answer] Drink, I mean drink, what it does! It's filthy! + +NIKÍTA. Drink, what's that? I've been drinking? I'm to blame, that's +flat! I've had a glass with a friend, drank his health. + +ANÍSYA. Go and lie down, I say. + +NIKÍTA. Wife, say where am I standing? + +ANÍSYA. Now then, it's all right, lie down! + +NIKÍTA. No, I'll first drink a samovár with my parent. Go and light the +samovár. Akoulína, I say, come here! + + Enter Akoulína, smartly dressed and carrying their purchases. + +AKOULÍNA. Why have you thrown everything about? Where's the yarn? + +NIKÍTA. The yarn? The yarn's there. Hullo, Mítritch, where are you? +Asleep? Asleep? Go and put the horse up. + +AKÍM [not seeing Akoulína but looking at his son] Dear me, what is he +doing? The old man's what d'ye call it, quite done up, I mean,--been +thrashing,--and look at him, what d'ye call it, putting on airs! Put up +the horse! Faugh, what filth! + +MÍTRITCH [climbs down from the oven, and puts on felt boots] Oh, +merciful Lord! Is the horse in the yard? Done it to death, I dare say. +Just see how he's been swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very +throat. Oh Lord, holy Nicholas! [Puts on sheepskin, and exit]. + +NIKÍTA [sits down] You must forgive me, father. It's true I've had a +drop; well, what of that? Even a hen will drink. Ain't it true? So you +must forgive me. Never mind Mítritch, he doesn't mind, he'll put it up. + +ANÍSYA. Shall I really light the samovár? + +NIKÍTA. Light it! My parent has come. I wish to talk to him, and shall +drink tea with him. [To Akoulína] Have you brought all the parcels? + +AKOULÍNA. The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge. Hi, +take this, this isn't mine! + + Throws a parcel on the table and puts the others into her box. Nan + watches her while she puts them away. Akím does not look at his son, + but puts his leg-bands and bast-shoes on the oven. + +ANÍSYA [going out with the samovár] Her box is full as it is, and still +he's bought more! + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT III. + + NIKÍTA. Have you brought all the parcels? + + AKOULÍNA. The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge. + + ANÍSYA. Her box is full as it is, and still he's bought more!] + +NIKÍTA [pretending to be sober] You must not be cross with me, father. +You think I'm drunk? I am all there, that's flat! As they say, "Drink, +but keep your wits about you." I can talk with you at once, father. I +can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is +worn-out,--I remember! That can all be managed. That's all in our hands. +If it was an enormous sum that's wanted, then we might wait; but as it +is I can do everything. That's the case. + +AKÍM [goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands] Eh, lad, "It's ill sledging +when the thaw has set in." + +NIKÍTA. What d'you mean by that? "And it's ill talking with one who is +drunk"? But don't you worry, let's have some tea. And I can do anything; +that's flat! I can put everything to rights. + +AKÍM [shakes his head] Eh, eh, eh! + +NIKÍTA. The money, here it is. [Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out +pocket-book, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note] +Take this to get a horse; I can't forget my parent. I shan't forsake +him, that's flat. Because he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really +now, I don't grudge it. [Comes up and pushes the note towards Akím who +won't take it. Nikíta catches hold of his father's hand] Take it, I tell +you. I don't grudge it. + +AKÍM. I can't, what d'you call it, I mean, can't take it! And can't what +d'ye call it, talk to you, because you're not yourself, I mean. + +NIKÍTA. I'll not let you go! Take it! [Puts the money into Akím's hand]. + +ANÍSYA [enters, and stops] You'd better take it, he'll give you no +peace! + +AKÍM [takes it, and shakes his head] Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I +mean! + +NIKÍTA. That's better! If you repay it you'll repay it, if not I'll make +no bother. That's what I am! [Sees Akoulína] Akoulína, show your +presents. + +AKOULÍNA. What? + +NIKÍTA. Show your presents. + +AKOULÍNA. The presents, what's the use of showing 'em? I've put 'em +away. + +NIKÍTA. Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see 'em. Undo the shawl. +Give it here. + +AKÍM. Oh, oh! It's sickening! [Climbs on the oven]. + +AKOULÍNA [gets out the parcels and puts them on the table] Well, there +you are,--what's the good of looking at 'em? + +NAN. Oh how lovely! It's as good as Stepanída's. + +AKOULÍNA. Stepanída's? What's Stepanída's compared to this? [Brightening +up and undoing the parcels] Just look here,--see the quality! It's a +French one. + +NAN. The print _is_ fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a +blue ground. This _is_ pretty. + +NIKÍTA. Ah, that's it! + + Anísya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and + the chimney of the samovár, and goes up to the table. + +ANÍSYA. Drat you, littering the table! + +NIKÍTA. You look here! + +ANÍSYA. What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! +[Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm]. + +AKOULÍNA. What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own +things about! [Picks up the shawl]. + +NIKÍTA. Anísya! Look here! + +ANÍSYA. Why am I to look? + +NIKÍTA. You think I have forgotten you? Look here! [Shows her a parcel +and sits down on it] It's a present for you. Only you must earn it! +Wife, where am I sitting? + +ANÍSYA. Enough of your humbug. I'm not afraid of you. Whose money are +you spreeing on and buying your fat wench presents with? Mine! + +AKOULÍNA. Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal it, but it did not +come off! Get out of the way! [Pushes her while trying to pass]. + +ANÍSYA. What are you shoving for? I'll teach you to shove! + +AKOULÍNA. Shove me? You try! [Presses against Anísya]. + +NIKÍTA. Now then, now then, you women. Have done now! [Steps between +them]. + +AKOULÍNA. Comes shoving herself in! You ought to keep quiet and remember +your doings! You think no one knows! + +ANÍSYA. Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What do they know? + +AKOULÍNA. I know something about you! + +ANÍSYA. You're a slut who goes with another's husband! + +AKOULÍNA. And you did yours to death! + +ANÍSYA [throwing herself on Akoulína] You're raving! + +NIKÍTA [holding her back] Anísya, you seem to have forgotten! + +ANÍSYA. Want to frighten me! I'm not afraid of you! + +NIKÍTA [turns Anísya round and pushes her out] Be off! + +ANÍSYA. Where am I to go? I'll not go out of my own house! + +NIKÍTA. Be off, I tell you, and don't dare to come in here! + +ANÍSYA. I won't go! [Nikíta pushes her, Anísya cries and screams and +clings to the door] What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the +scruff of the neck? What are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think +there's no law for you? You wait a bit! + +NIKÍTA. Now then! + +ANÍSYA. I'll go to the Elder! To the policeman! + +NIKÍTA. Off, I tell you! [Pushes her out]. + +ANÍSYA [behind the door] I'll hang myself! + +NIKÍTA. No fear! + +NAN. Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! [Cries]. + +NIKÍTA. Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What are you crying for? +She'll come back, no fear. Go and see to the samovár. [Exit Nan]. + +AKOULÍNA [collects and folds her presents] The mean wretch, how she's +messed it up. But wait a bit, I'll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I +will! + +NIKÍTA. I've turned her out, what more do you want? + +AKOULÍNA. She's dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch hadn't gone away, +I'd have torn her eyes out! + +NIKÍTA. That's enough. Why should you be angry? Now if I loved her ... + +AKOULÍNA. Loved her? She's worth loving, with her fat mug! If you'd have +given her up, then nothing would have happened. You should have sent her +to the devil. And the house was mine all the same, and the money was +mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her +husband? She's a murderess, that's what she is! She'll serve you the +same way! + +NIKÍTA. Oh dear, how's one to stop a woman's jaw? You don't yourself +know what you're jabbering about! + +AKOULÍNA. Yes, I do. I'll not live with her! I'll turn her out of the +house! She can't live here with me. The mistress indeed! She's not the +mistress,--that jailbird! + +NIKÍTA. That's enough! What have you to do with her? Don't mind her. You +look at me! I am the master! I do as I like. I've ceased to love her, +and now I love you. I love who I like! The power is mine, she's under +me. That's where I keep her. [Points to his feet] A pity we've no +concertina. [Sings]. + + "We have loaves on the stoves, + We have porridge on the shelf. + So we'll live and be gay, + Making merry every day, + And when death comes, + Then we'll die! + We have loaves on the stoves, + We have porridge on the shelf ..." + + Enter Mítritch. He takes off his outdoor things and climbs on the + oven. + +MÍTRITCH. Seems the women have been fighting again! Tearing each other's +hair. Oh Lord, gracious Nicholas! + +AKÍM [sitting on the edge of the oven, takes his leg-bands and shoes and +begins putting them on] Get in, get into the corner. + +MÍTRITCH. Seems they can't settle matters between them. Oh Lord! + +NIKÍTA. Get out the liquor, we'll have some with our tea. + +NAN [to Akoulína] Sister, the samovár is just boiling over. + +NIKÍTA. And where's your mother? + +NAN. She's standing and crying out there in the passage. + +NIKÍTA. Oh, that's it! Call her, and tell her to bring the samovár. And +you, Akoulína, get the tea things. + +AKOULÍNA. The tea things? All right. [Brings the things]. + +NIKÍTA [unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings] That's for myself. +This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and +here's the money. Wait a bit, [takes a counting-frame] I'll add it up. +[Adds] Wheat-flour, 80 kopéykas, oil ... Father, 10 roubles.... Father, +come let's have some tea! + + Silence. Akím sits on the oven and winds the bands round his legs. + Enter Anísya with samovár. + +ANÍSYA. Where shall I put it? + +NIKÍTA. Here on the table. Well! have you been to the Elder? Ah, that's +it! Have your say and then eat your words. Now then, that's enough. +Don't be cross, sit down and drink this. [Fills a wine-glass for her] +And here's your present. [Gives her the parcel he had been sitting on. +Anísya takes it silently and shakes her head]. + +AKÍM [gets down and puts on his sheepskin, then comes up to the table +and puts down the money] Here, take your money back! Put it away. + +NIKÍTA [does not see the money] Why have you put on your things? + +AKÍM. I'm going, going I mean; forgive me for the Lord's sake. [Takes up +his cap and belt]. + +NIKÍTA. My gracious! Where are you going to at this time of night? + +AKÍM. I can't, I mean what d'ye call 'em, in your house, what d'ye call +'em, can't stay I mean, stay, can't stay, forgive me. + +NIKÍTA. But are you going without having any tea? + +AKÍM [fastens his belt] Going, because, I mean, it's not right in your +house, I mean, what d'you call it, not right, Nikíta, in the house, what +d'ye call it, not right! I mean, you are living a bad life, Nikíta, +bad,--I'll go. + +NIKÍTA. Eh now! Have done talking! Sit down and drink your tea! + +ANÍSYA. Why, father, you'll shame us before the neighbours. What has +offended you? + +AKÍM. Nothing what d'ye call it, nothing has offended me, nothing at +all! I mean only, I see, what d'you call it, I mean, I see my son, to +ruin I mean, to ruin, I mean my son's on the road to ruin, I mean. + +NIKÍTA. What ruin? Just prove it! + +AKÍM. Ruin, ruin; you're in the midst of it! What did I tell you that +time? + +NIKÍTA. You said all sorts of things! + +AKÍM. I told you, what d'ye call it, I told you about the orphan lass. +That you had wronged an orphan--Marína, I mean, wronged her! + +NIKÍTA. Eh! he's at it again. Let bygones be bygones ... All that's +past! + +AKÍM [excited] Past! No, lad, it's not past. Sin, I mean, fastens on to +sin--drags sin after it, and you've stuck fast, Nikíta, fast in sin! +Stuck fast in sin! I see you're fast in sin. Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I +mean! + +NIKÍTA. Sit down and drink your tea, and have done with it! + +AKÍM. I can't, I mean can't what d'ye call it, can't drink tea. Because +of your filth, I mean; I feel what d'ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! +I can't what d'ye call it, I can't drink tea with you. + +NIKÍTA. Eh! There he goes rambling! Come to the table. + +AKÍM. You're in your riches same as in a net--you're in a net, I mean. +Ah, Nikíta, it's the soul that God needs! + +NIKÍTA. Now really, what right have you to reprove me in my own house? +Why do you keep on at me? Am I a child that you can pull by the hair? +Nowadays those things have been dropped! + +AKÍM. That's true. I have heard that nowadays, what d'ye call it, that +nowadays children pull their fathers' beards, I mean! But that's ruin, +that's ruin, I mean! + +NIKÍTA [angrily] We are living without help from you, and it's you who +came to us with your wants! + +AKÍM. The money? There's your money! I'll go begging, begging I mean, +before I'll take it, I mean. + +NIKÍTA. That's enough! Why be angry and upset the whole company! [Holds +him by the arm]. + +AKÍM [shrieks] Let go! I'll not stay. I'd rather sleep under some fence +than in the midst of your filth! Faugh! God forgive me! [Exit]. + +NIKÍTA. Here's a go! + +AKÍM [reopens the door] Come to your senses, Nikíta! It's the soul that +God wants! [Exit]. + +AKOULÍNA [takes cups] Well, shall I pour out the tea? [Takes a cup. All +are silent]. + +MÍTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord, be merciful to me a sinner! [All start]. + +NIKÍTA [lies down on the bench] Oh, it's dull, it's dull! [To Akoulína] +Where's the concertina? + +AKOULÍNA. The concertina? He's bethought himself of it. Why, you took it +to be mended. I've poured out your tea. Drink it! + +NIKÍTA. I don't want it! Put out the light ... Oh, how dull I feel, how +dull! [Sobs]. + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT IV + + Autumn. Evening. The moon is shining. The stage represents the + interior of courtyard. The scenery at the back shows, in the middle, + the back porch of the hut. To the right the winter half of the hut + and the gate; to the left the summer half and the cellar. To the + right of the stage is a shed. The sound of tipsy voices and shouts + are heard from the hut.[5] Second Neighbour Woman comes out of the + hut and beckons to First Neighbour Woman. + + [5] Where not otherwise mentioned in the stage directions, it is + always the winter half of the hut that is referred to as "the hut." + The summer half is not heated, and not used in winter under ordinary + circumstances. + + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. How's it Akoulína has not shown herself? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. Why hasn't she shown herself? She'd have been glad to; +but she's too ill, you know. The suitor's relatives have come, and want +to see the girl; and she, my dear, she's lying in the cold hut and can't +come out, poor thing! + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. But how's that? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. They say she's been bewitched by an evil eye! She's got +pains in the stomach! + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. You don't say so? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. What else could it be? [Whispers]. + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. Dear me! There's a go! But his relatives will surely +find it out? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. They find it out! They're all drunk! Besides, they are +chiefly after her dowry. Just think what they give with the girl! Two +furs, my dear, six dresses, a French shawl, and I don't know how many +pieces of linen, and money as well,--two hundred roubles, it's said! + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. That's all very well, but even money can't give much +pleasure in the face of such a disgrace. + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. Hush!... There's his father, I think. + + They cease talking, and go into the hut. + + The Suitor's Father comes out of the hut hiccoughing. + +THE FATHER. Oh, I'm all in a sweat. It's awfully hot! Will just cool +myself a bit. [Stands puffing] The Lord only knows what--something is +not right. I can't feel happy.--Well, it's the old woman's affair. + + Enter Matryóna from hut. + +MATRYÓNA. And I was just thinking, where's the father? Where's the +father? And here you are, dear friend.... Well, dear friend, the Lord be +thanked! Everything is as honourable as can be! When one's arranging a +match one should not boast. And I have never learnt to boast. But as +you've come about the right business, so with the Lord's help, you'll be +grateful to me all your life! She's a wonderful girl! There's no other +like her in all the district! + +THE FATHER. That's true enough, but how about the money? + +MATRYÓNA. Don't you trouble about the money! All she had from her father +goes with her. And it's more than one gets easily, as things are +nowadays. Three times fifty roubles! + +THE FATHER. We don't complain, but it's for our own child. Naturally we +want to get the best we can. + +MATRYÓNA. I'll tell you straight, friend: if it hadn't been for me, +you'd never have found anything like her! They've had an offer from the +Karmílins, but I stood out against it. And as for the money, I'll tell +you truly: when her father, God be merciful to his soul, was dying, he +gave orders that the widow should take Nikíta into the homestead--of +course I know all about it from my son,--and the money was to go to +Akoulína. Why, another one might have thought of his own interests, but +Nikíta gives everything clean! It's no trifle. Fancy what a sum it is! + +THE FATHER. People are saying, that more money was left her? The lad's +sharp too! + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, dear soul alive! A slice in another's hand always looks +big; all she had will be handed over. I tell you, throw doubts to the +wind and make all sure! What a girl she is! as fresh as a daisy! + +THE FATHER. That's so. But my old woman and I were only wondering about +the girl; why has she not come out? We've been thinking, suppose she's +sickly? + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, ah.... Who? She? Sickly? Why, there's none to compare with +her in the district. The girl's as sound as a bell; you can't pinch her. +But you saw her the other day! And as for work, she's wonderful! She's a +bit deaf, that's true, but there are spots on the sun, you know. And her +not coming out, you see, it's from an evil eye! A spell's been cast on +her! And I know the bitch who's done the business! They know of the +betrothal and they bewitched her. But I know a counter-spell. The girl +will get up to-morrow. Don't you worry about the girl! + +THE FATHER. Well, of course, the thing's settled. + +MATRYÓNA. Yes, of course! Don't you turn back. And don't forget me, I've +had a lot of trouble. Don't forget ... + + A woman's voice from the hut. + +VOICE. If we are to go, let's go. Come along, Iván! + +THE FATHER. I'm coming. [Exeunt. Guests crowd together in the passage +and prepare to go away]. + +NAN [runs out of the hut and calls to Anísya] Mother! + +ANÍSYA [from inside] What d'you want? + +NAN. Mother, come here, or they'll hear. + + Anísya enters and they go together to the shed. + +ANÍSYA. Well? What is it? Where's Akoulína? + +NAN. She's gone into the barn. It's awful what's she's doing there! I'm +blest! "I can't bear it," she says. "I'll scream," she says, "I'll +scream out loud." Blest if she didn't. + +ANÍSYA. She'll have to wait. We'll see our visitors off first. + +NAN. Oh mother! She's so bad! And she's angry too. "What's the good of +their drinking my health?" she says. "I shan't marry," she says. "I +shall die," she says. Mother, supposing she does die! It's awful. I'm so +frightened! + +ANÍSYA. No fear, she'll not die. But don't you go near her. Come along. +[Exit Anísya and Nan]. + +MÍTRITCH [comes in at the gate and begins collecting the scattered hay] +Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! What a lot of liquor they've been and +swilled, and the smell they've made! It smells even out here! But no, I +don't want any, drat it! See how they've scattered the hay about. They +don't eat it, but only trample it under foot. A truss gone before you +know it. Oh, that smell, it seems to be just under my nose! Drat it! +[Yawns] It's time to go to sleep! But I don't care to go into the hut. +It seems to float just round my nose! It has a strong scent, the damned +stuff! [The guests are heard driving off] They're off at last. Oh Lord! +Merciful Nicholas! There they go, binding themselves and gulling one +another. And it's all gammon! + + Enter Nikíta. + +NIKÍTA. Mítritch, you get off to sleep and I'll put this straight. + +MÍTRITCH. All right, you throw it to the sheep. Well, have you seen 'em +all off? + +NIKÍTA. Yes, they're off! But things are not right! I don't know what to +do! + +MÍTRITCH. It's a fine mess. But there's the Foundlings'[6] for that sort +of thing. Whoever likes may drop one there; they'll take 'em all. Give +'em as many as you like, they ask no questions, and even pay--if the +mother goes in as a wet-nurse. It's easy enough nowadays. + + [6] The Foundlings' Hospital in Moscow, where 80 to 90 per cent. of + the children die. + +NIKÍTA. But mind, Mítritch, don't go blabbing. + +MÍTRITCH. It's no concern of mine. Cover the tracks as you think best. +Dear me, how you smell of liquor! I'll go in. Oh Lord! [Exit, yawning]. + + Nikíta is long silent. Sits down on a sledge. + +NIKÍTA. Here's a go! + + Enter Anísya. + +ANÍSYA. Where are you? + +NIKÍTA. Here. + +ANÍSYA. What are you doing there? There's no time to be lost! We must +take it out directly! + +NIKÍTA. What are we to do? + +ANÍSYA. I'll tell you what you are to do. And you'll have to do it! + +NIKÍTA. You'd better take it to the Foundlings'--if anything. + +ANÍSYA. Then you'd better take it there yourself if you like! You've a +hankering for smut, but you're weak when it comes to settling up, I see! + +NIKÍTA. What's to be done? + +ANÍSYA. Go down into the cellar, I tell you, and dig a hole! + +NIKÍTA. Couldn't you manage, somehow, some other way? + +ANÍSYA [imitating him] "Some other way?" Seems we can't "some other +way!" You should have thought about it a year ago. Do what you're told +to! + +NIKÍTA. Oh dear, what a go! + + Enter Nan. + +NAN. Mother! Grandmother's calling! I think sister's got a baby! I'm +blest if it didn't scream! + +ANÍSYA. What are you babbling about? Plague take you! It's kittens +whining there. Go into the hut and sleep, or I'll give it you! + +NAN. Mammy dear, truly, I swear ... + +ANÍSYA [raising her arm as if to strike] I'll give it you! You be off +and don't let me catch sight of you! [Nan runs into hut. To Nikíta] Do +as you're told, or else mind! [Exit]. + +NIKÍTA [alone. After a long silence] Here's a go! Oh these women! What a +fix! Says you should have thought of it a year ago. When's one to think +beforehand? When's one to think? Why, last year this Anísya dangled +after me. What was I to do? Am I a monk? The master died; and I covered +my sin as was proper, so I was not to blame there. Aren't there lots of +such cases? And then those powders. Did I put her up to that? Why, had I +known what the bitch was up to, I'd have killed her! I'm sure I should +have killed her! She's made me her partner in these horrors--that jade! +And she became loathsome to me from that day! She became loathsome, +loathsome to me as soon as mother told me about it. I can't bear the +sight of her! Well then, how could I live with her? And then it +begun.... That wench began hanging round. Well, what was I to do! If I +had not done it, someone else would. And this is what comes of it! Still +I'm not to blame in this either. Oh, what a go! [Sits thinking] They are +bold, these women! What a plan to think of! But I won't have a hand in +it! + + Enter Matryóna with a lantern and spade, panting. + +MATRYÓNA. Why are you sitting there like a hen on a perch? What did your +wife tell you to do? You just get things ready! + +NIKÍTA. What do you mean to do? + +MATRYÓNA. We know what to do. You do your share! + +NIKÍTA. You'll be getting me into a mess! + +MATRYÓNA. What? You're not thinking of backing out, are you? Now it's +come to this, and you back out! + +NIKÍTA. Think what a thing it would be! It's a living soul. + +MATRYÓNA. A living soul indeed! Why, it's more dead than alive. And +what's one to do with it? Go and take it to the Foundlings'--it will die +just the same, and the rumour will get about, and people will talk, and +the girl be left on our hands. + +NIKÍTA. And supposing it's found out? + +MATRYÓNA. Not manage to do it in one's own house? We'll manage it so +that no one will have an inkling. Only do as I tell you. We women can't +do it without a man. There, take the spade, and get it done there,--I'll +hold the light. + +NIKÍTA. What am I to get done? + +MATRYÓNA [in a low voice] Dig a hole; then we'll bring it out and get it +out of the way in a trice! There, she's calling again. Now then, get in, +and I'll go. + +NIKÍTA. Is it dead then? + +MATRYÓNA. Of course it is. Only you must be quick, or else people will +notice! They'll see or they'll hear! The rascals must needs know +everything. And the policeman went by this evening. Well then, you see +[gives him the spade], you get down into the cellar and dig a hole right +in the corner; the earth is soft there, and you'll smooth it over. +Mother earth will not blab to any one; she'll keep it close. Go then; +go, dear. + +NIKÍTA. You'll get me into a mess, bother you! I'll go away! You do it +alone as best you can! + +ANÍSYA [through the doorway] Well? Has he dug it? + +MATRYÓNA. Why have you come away? What have you done with it? + +ANÍSYA. I've covered it with rags. No one can hear it. Well, has he dug +it? + +MATRYÓNA. He doesn't want to! + +ANÍSYA [springs out enraged] Doesn't want to! How will he like feeding +vermin in prison! I'll go straight away and tell everything to the +police! It's all the same if one must perish. I'll go straight and tell! + +NIKÍTA [taken aback] What will you tell? + +ANÍSYA. What? Everything! Who took the money? You! [Nikíta is silent] +And who gave the poison? I did! But you knew! You knew! You knew! We +were in agreement! + +MATRYÓNA. That's enough now. Nikíta dear, why are you obstinate? What's +to be done now? One must take some trouble. Go, honey. + +ANÍSYA. See the fine gentleman! He doesn't like it! You've put upon me +long enough! You've trampled me under foot! Now it's my turn! Go, I tell +you, or else I'll do what I said.... There, take the spade; there, now +go! + +NIKÍTA. Drat you! Can't you leave a fellow alone! [Takes the spade, but +shrinks] If I don't choose to, I'll not go! + +ANÍSYA. Not go? [Begins to shout] Neighbours! Heh! heh! + +MATRYÓNA [closes her mouth] What are you about? You're mad! He'll go.... +Go, sonnie; go, my own. + +ANÍSYA. I'll cry murder! + +NIKÍTA. Now stop! Oh what people! You'd better be quick.... As well be +hung for a sheep as a lamb! [Goes towards the cellar]. + +MATRYÓNA. Yes, that's just it, honey. If you know how to amuse yourself, +you must know how to hide the consequences. + +ANÍSYA [still excited] He's trampled on me ... he and his slut! But it's +enough! I'm not going to be the only one! Let him also be a murderer! +Then he'll know how it feels! + +MATRYÓNA. There, there! How she flares up! Don't you be cross, lass, but +do things quietly little by little, as it's best. You go to the girl, +and he'll do the work. [Follows Nikíta to the cellar with a lantern. He +descends into the cellar]. + +ANÍSYA. And I'll make him strangle his dirty brat! [Still excited] I've +worried myself to death all alone, with Peter's bones weighing on my +mind! Let him feel it too! I'll not spare myself; I've said I'll not +spare myself! + +NIKÍTA [from the cellar] Show a light! + +MATRYÓNA [holds up the lantern to him. To Anísya] He's digging. Go and +bring it. + +ANÍSYA. You stay with him, or he'll go away, the wretch! And I'll go and +bring it. + +MATRYÓNA. Mind, don't forget to baptize it, or I will if you like. Have +you a cross? + +ANÍSYA. I'll find one. I know how to do it. [Exit]. + + See at end of Act, Variation, which may be used instead of the + following. + +MATRYÓNA. How the woman bristled up! But one must allow she's been put +upon. Well, but with the Lord's help, when we've covered this business, +there'll be an end of it. We'll shove the girl off without any trouble. +My son will live in comfort. The house, thank God, is as full as an egg. +They'll not forget me either. Where would they have been without +Matryóna? They'd not have known how to contrive things. [Peering into +the cellar] Is it ready, sonnie? + +NIKÍTA [puts out his head] What are you about there? Bring it quick! +What are you dawdling for? If it is to be done, let it be done. + +MATRYÓNA [goes towards door of the hut and meets Anísya. Anísya comes +out with a baby wrapped in rags] Well, have you baptized it? + +ANÍSYA. Why, of course! It was all I could do to take it away--she +wouldn't give it up! [Comes forward and hands it to Nikíta]. + +NIKÍTA [does not take it] You bring it yourself! + +ANÍSYA. Take it, I tell you! [Throws the baby to him]. + +NIKÍTA [catches it] It's alive! Gracious me, it's moving! It's alive! +What am I to ... + +ANÍSYA [snatches the baby from him and throws it into the cellar] Be +quick and smother it, and then it won't be alive! [Pushes Nikíta down] +It's your doing, and you must finish it. + +MATRYÓNA [sits on the doorstep of the hut] He's tender-hearted. It's +hard on him, poor dear. Well, what of that? Isn't it also his sin? + + Anísya stands by the cellar. + +MATRYÓNA [sits looking at her and discourses] Oh, oh, oh! How frightened +he was: well, but what of that? If it _is_ hard, it's the only thing to +be done. Where was one to put it? And just think, how often it happens +that people pray to God to have children! But no, God gives them none; +or they are all still-born. Look at our priest's wife now.... And here, +where it's not wanted, here it lives. [Looks towards the cellar] I +suppose he's finished. [To Anísya] Well? + +ANÍSYA [looking into the cellar] He's put a board on it and is sitting +on it. It must be finished! + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, oh! One would be glad not to sin, but what's one to do? + + Re-enter Nikíta from cellar, trembling all over. + +NIKÍTA. It's still alive! I can't! It's alive! + +ANÍSYA. If it's alive, where are you off to? [Tries to stop him]. + +NIKÍTA [rushes at her] Go away! I'll kill you! [Catches hold of her +arms; she escapes, he runs after her with the spade. Matryóna runs +towards him and stops him. Anísya runs into the porch. Matryóna tries to +wrench the spade from him. To his mother] I'll kill you! I'll kill you! +Go away! [Matryóna runs to Anísya in the porch. Nikíta stops] I'll kill +you! I'll kill you all! + +MATRYÓNA. That's because he's so frightened! Never mind, it will pass! + +NIKÍTA. What have they made me do? What have they made me do? How it +whimpered.... How it crunched under me! What have they done with me?... +And it's really alive, still alive! [Listens in silence] It's whimpering +... There, it's whimpering. [Runs to the cellar]. + +MATRYÓNA [to Anísya] He's going; it seems he means to bury it. Nikíta, +you'd better take the lantern! + +NIKÍTA [does not heed her, but listens by the cellar door] I can hear +nothing! I suppose it was fancy! [Moves away, then stops] How the little +bones crunched under me. Krr ... kr ... What have they made me do? +[Listens again] Again whimpering! It's really whimpering! What can it +be? Mother! Mother, I say! [Goes up to her]. + +MATRYÓNA. What is it, sonnie? + +NIKÍTA. Mother, my own mother, I can't do any more! Can't do any more! +My own mother, have some pity on me! + +MATRYÓNA. Oh dear, how frightened you are, my darling! Come, come, drink +a drop to give you courage! + +NIKÍTA. Mother, mother! It seems my time has come! What have you done +with me? How the little bones crunched, and how it whimpered! My own +mother! What have you done with me? [Steps aside and sits down on the +sledge]. + +MATRYÓNA. Come, my own, have a drink! It certainly does seem uncanny at +night-time. But wait a bit. When the day breaks, you know, and one day +and another passes, you'll forget even to think of it. Wait a bit; when +the girl's married we'll even forget to think of it. But you go and have +a drink; have a drink! I'll go and put things straight in the cellar +myself. + +NIKÍTA [rouses himself] Is there any drink left? Perhaps I can drink it +off! [Exit]. + + Anísya, who has stood all the time by the door, silently makes way + for him. + +MATRYÓNA. Go, go, honey, and I'll set to work! I'll go down myself and +dig! Where has he thrown the spade to? [Finds the spade, and goes down +into the cellar] Anísya, come here! Hold the light, will you? + +ANÍSYA. And what of him? + +MATRYÓNA. He's so frightened! You've been too hard with him. Leave him +alone, he'll come to his senses. God help him! I'll set to work myself. +Put the lantern down here. I can see. + + Matryóna disappears into the cellar. + +ANÍSYA [looking towards the door by which Nikíta entered the hut] Well, +have you had enough spree? You've been puffing yourself up, but now +you'll know how it feels! You'll lose some of your bluster! + +NIKÍTA [rushes out of the hut towards the cellar] Mother! mother, I say! + +MATRYÓNA [puts out her head] What is it, sonnie? + +NIKÍTA [listening] Don't bury it, it's alive! Don't you hear? Alive! +There--it's whimpering! There ... quite plain! + +MATRYÓNA. How can it whimper? Why, you've flattened it into a pancake! +The whole head is smashed to bits! + +NIKÍTA. What is it then? [Stops his ears] It's still whimpering! I am +lost! Lost! What have they done with me?... Where shall I go? [Sits down +on the step]. + + + Curtain. + + +VARIATION + + Instead of the end of Act IV. (from the words, "ANÍSYA. I'll find + one. I know how to do it. [Exit]") the following variation may be + read, and is the one usually acted. + + +SCENE 2. + + The interior of the hut as in Act I. + + Nan lies on the bench, and is covered with a coat. Mítritch is + sitting on the oven smoking. + +MÍTRITCH. Dear me! How they've made the place smell! Drat 'em! They've +been spilling the fine stuff. Even tobacco don't get rid of the smell! +It keeps tickling one's nose so. Oh Lord! But it's bedtime, I guess. +[Approaches the lamp to put it out]. + +NAN [jumps up, and remains sitting up] Daddy dear,[7] don't put it out! + + [7] Nan calls Mítritch "daddy" merely as a term of endearment. + +MÍTRITCH. Not put it out? Why? + +NAN. Didn't you hear them making a row in the yard? [Listens] D'you +hear, there in the barn again now? + +MÍTRITCH. What's that to you? I guess no one's asked you to mind! Lie +down and sleep! And I'll turn down the light. [Turns down lamp]. + +NAN. Daddy darling! Don't put it right out; leave a little bit if only +as big as a mouse's eye, else it's so frightening! + +MÍTRITCH [laughs] All right, all right. [Sits down by her] What's there +to be afraid of? + +NAN. How can one help being frightened, daddy! Sister did go on so! She +was beating her head against the box! [Whispers] You know, I know ... a +little baby is going to be born.... It's already born, I think.... + +MÍTRITCH. Eh, what a little busybody it is! May the frogs kick her! Must +needs know everything. Lie down and sleep! [Nan lies down] That's right! +[Tucks her up] That's right! There now, if you know too much you'll grow +old too soon. + +NAN. And you are going to lie on the oven? + +MÍTRITCH. Well, of course! What a little silly you are, now I come to +look at you! Must needs know everything. [Tucks her up again, then +stands up to go] There now, lie still and sleep! [Goes up to the oven]. + +NAN. It gave just one cry, and now there's nothing to be heard. + +MÍTRITCH. Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! What is it you can't hear? + +NAN. The baby. + +MÍTRITCH. There is none, that's why you can't hear it. + +NAN. But I heard it! Blest if I didn't hear it! Such a thin voice! + +MÍTRITCH. Heard indeed! Much you heard! Well, if you know,--why then it +was just such a little girl as you that the bogey popped into his bag +and made off with. + +NAN. What bogey? + +MÍTRITCH. Why, just his very self! [Climbs up on to the oven] The oven +is beautifully warm to-night. Quite a treat! Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! + +NAN. Daddy! are you going to sleep? + +MÍTRITCH. What else? Do you think I'm going to sing songs? + + Silence. + +NAN. Daddy! Daddy, I say! They are digging! they're digging--don't you +hear? Blest if they're not, they're digging! + +MÍTRITCH. What are you dreaming about? Digging! Digging in the night! +Who's digging? The cow's rubbing herself, that's all. Digging indeed! Go +to sleep I tell you, else I'll just put out the light! + +NAN. Daddy darling, don't put it out! I won't ... truly, truly, I won't. +It's so frightful! + +MÍTRITCH. Frightful? Don't be afraid and then it won't be frightful. +Look at her, she's afraid, and then says it's frightful. How can it help +being frightful if you are afraid? Eh, what a stupid little girl! + + Silence. The cricket chirps. + +NAN [whispers] Daddy! I say, daddy! Are you asleep? + +MÍTRITCH. Now then, what d'you want? + +NAN. What's the bogey like? + +MÍTRITCH. Why, like this! When he finds such a one as you, who won't +sleep, he comes with a sack and pops the girl into it, then in he gets +himself, head and all, lifts her dress, and gives her a fine whipping! + +NAN. What with? + +MÍTRITCH. He takes a birch-broom with him. + +NAN. But he can't see there--inside the sack! + +MÍTRITCH. He'll see, no fear! + +NAN. But I'll bite him. + +MÍTRITCH. No, friend, him you can't bite! + +NAN. Daddy, there's some one coming! Who is it? Oh gracious goodness! +Who can it be? + +MÍTRITCH. Well, if some one's coming, let them come! What's the matter +with you? I suppose it's your mother! + + Enter Anísya. + +ANÍSYA. Nan! [Nan pretends to be asleep] Mítritch! + +MÍTRITCH. What? + +ANÍSYA. What's the lamp burning for? We are going to sleep in the +summer-hut. + +MÍTRITCH. Why, you see I've only just got straight. I'll put the light +out all right. + +ANÍSYA [rummages in her box and grumbles] When a thing's wanted one +never can find it! + +MÍTRITCH. Why, what is it you are looking for? + +ANÍSYA. I'm looking for a cross. Suppose it were to die unbaptized! It +would be a sin, you know! + +MÍTRITCH. Of course it would! Everything in due order.... Have you found +it? + +ANÍSYA. Yes, I've found it. [Exit]. + +MÍTRITCH. That's right, else I'd have lent her mine. Oh Lord! + +NAN [jumps up trembling] Oh, oh, daddy! Don't go to sleep; for goodness' +sake, don't! It's so frightful! + +MÍTRITCH. What's frightful? + +NAN. It will die--the little baby will! At Aunt Irene's the old woman +also baptized the baby, and it died! + +MÍTRITCH. If it dies, they'll bury it! + +NAN. But maybe it wouldn't have died, only old Granny Matryóna's there! +Didn't I hear what granny was saying? I heard her! Blest if I didn't! + +MÍTRITCH. What did you hear? Go to sleep, I tell you. Cover yourself up, +head and all, and let's have an end of it! + +NAN. If it lived, I'd nurse it! + +MÍTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord! + +NAN. Where will they put it? + +MÍTRITCH. In the right place! It's no business of yours! Go to sleep I +tell you, else mother will come; she'll give it you! [Silence]. + +NAN. Daddy! Eh, daddy! That girl, you know, you were telling about--they +didn't kill her? + +MÍTRITCH. That girl? Oh yes. That girl turned out all right! + +NAN. How was it? You were saying you found her? + +MÍTRITCH. Well, we just found her! + +NAN. But where did you find her? Do tell! + +MÍTRITCH. Why, in their own house; that's where! We came to a village, +the soldiers began hunting about in the house, when suddenly there's +that same little girl lying on the floor, flat on her stomach. We were +going to give her a knock on the head, but all at once I felt that +sorry, that I took her up in my arms; but no, she wouldn't let me! Made +herself so heavy, quite a hundredweight, and caught hold where she could +with her hands, so that one couldn't get them off! Well, so I began +stroking her head. It was so bristly,--just like a hedgehog! So I +stroked and stroked, and she quieted down at last. I soaked a bit of +rusk and gave it her. She understood that, and began nibbling. What were +we to do with her? We took her; took her, and began feeding and feeding +her, and she got so used to us that we took her with us on the march, +and so she went about with us. Ah, she was a fine girl! + +NAN. Yes, and not baptized? + +MÍTRITCH. Who can tell! They used to say, not altogether. 'Cos why, +those people weren't our own. + +NAN. Germans? + +MÍTRITCH. What an idea! Germans! Not Germans, but Asiatics. They are +just the same as Jews, but still not Jews. Polish, yet Asiatics. Curls +... or, Curdlys is their name.... I've forgotten what it is![8] We +called the girl Sáshka. She was a fine girl, Sáshka was! There now, I've +forgotten everything I used to know! But that girl--the deuce take +her--seems to be before my eyes now! Out of all my time of service, I +remember how they flogged me, and I remember that girl. That's all I +remember! She'd hang round one's neck, and one 'ud carry her so. That +was a girl,--if you wanted a better you'd not find one! We gave her away +afterwards. The captain's wife took her to bring up as her daughter. +So--she was all right! How sorry the soldiers were to let her go! + + [8] Probably Kurds. + +NAN. There now, daddy, and I remember when father was dying,--you were +not living with us then. Well, he called Nikíta and says, "Forgive me, +Nikíta!" he says, and begins to cry. [Sighs] That also felt very sad! + +MÍTRITCH. Yes; there now, so it is ... + +NAN. Daddy! Daddy, I say! There they are again, making a noise in the +cellar! Oh gracious heavens! Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh, daddy! They'll do +something to it! They'll make away with it, and it's so little! Oh, oh! +[Covers up her head and cries]. + +MÍTRITCH [listening] Really they're up to some villainy, blow them to +shivers! Oh, these women are vile creatures! One can't say much for men +either; but women!... They are like wild beasts, and stick at nothing! + +NAN [rising] Daddy; I say, daddy! + +MÍTRITCH. Well, what now? + +NAN. The other day a traveller stayed the night; he said that when an +infant died its soul goes up straight to heaven. Is that true? + +MÍTRITCH. Who can tell. I suppose so. Well? + +NAN. Oh, it would be best if I died too. [Whimpers]. + +MÍTRITCH. Then you'd be off the list! + +NAN. Up to ten one's an infant, and maybe one's soul would go to God. +Else one's sure to go to the bad! + +MÍTRITCH. And how to the bad? How should the likes of you not go to the +bad? Who teaches you? What do you see? What do you hear? Only vileness! +I, though I've not been taught much, still know a thing or two. I'm not +quite like a peasant woman. A peasant woman, what is she? Just mud! +There are many millions of the likes of you in Russia, and all as blind +as moles--knowing nothing! All sorts of spells: how to stop the +cattle-plague with a plough, and how to cure children by putting them +under the perches in the hen-house! That's what they know! + +NAN. Yes, mother also did that! + +MÍTRITCH. Yes,--there it is,--just so! So many millions of girls and +women, and all like beasts in a forest! As she grows up, so she dies! +Never sees anything; never hears anything. A peasant,--he may learn +something at the pub, or maybe in prison, or in the army,--as I did. But +a woman? Let alone about God, she doesn't even know rightly what Friday +it is! Friday! Friday! But ask her what's Friday? She don't know! +They're like blind puppies, creeping about and poking their noses into +the dung-heap.... All they know are their silly songs. Ho, ho, ho, ho! +But what they mean by ho-ho, they don't know themselves! + +NAN. But I, daddy, I do know half the Lord's Prayer! + +MÍTRITCH. A lot you know! But what can one expect of you? Who teaches +you? Only a tipsy peasant--with the strap perhaps! That's all the +teaching you get! I don't know who'll have to answer for you. For a +recruit, the drill-sergeant or the corporal has to answer; but for the +likes of you there's no one responsible! Just as the cattle that have no +herdsman are the most mischievous, so with you women--you are the +stupidest class! The most foolish class is yours! + +NAN. Then what's one to do? + +MÍTRITCH. That's what one has to do.... You just cover up your head and +sleep! Oh Lord! + + Silence. The cricket chirps. + +NAN [jumps up] Daddy! Some one's screaming awfully! Blest if some one +isn't screaming! Daddy darling, it's coming here! + +MÍTRITCH. Cover up your head, I tell you! + + Enter Nikíta, followed by Matryóna. + +NIKÍTA. What have they done with me? What have they done with me? + +MATRYÓNA. Have a drop, honey; have a drop of drink! What's the matter? +[Fetches the spirits and sets the bottle before him]. + +NIKÍTA. Give it here! Perhaps the drink will help me! + +MATRYÓNA. Mind! They're not asleep! Here you are, have a drop! + +NIKÍTA. What does it all mean? Why did you plan it? You might have taken +it somewhere! + +MATRYÓNA [whispers] Sit still a bit and drink a little more, or have a +smoke. It will ease your thoughts! + +NIKÍTA. My own mother! My turn seems to have come! How it began to +whimper, and how the little bones crunched ... krr ... I'm not a man +now! + +MATRYÓNA. Eh, now, what's the use of talking so silly! Of course it does +seem fearsome at night, but wait till the daylight comes, and a day or +two passes, and you'll forget to think of it! [Goes up to Nikíta and +puts her hand on his shoulder]. + +NIKÍTA. Go away from me! What have you done with me? + +MATRYÓNA. Come, come, sonnie! Now really, what's the matter with you? +[Takes his hand]. + +NIKÍTA. Go away from me! I'll kill you! It's all one to me now! I'll +kill you! + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, oh, how frightened he's got! You should go and have a +sleep now! + +NIKÍTA. I have nowhere to go; I'm lost! + +MATRYÓNA [shaking her head] Oh, oh, I'd better go and tidy things up. +He'll sit and rest a bit, and it will pass! [Exit]. + + Nikíta sits with his face in his hands. Mítritch and Nan seem + stunned. + +NIKÍTA. It's whining! It's whining! It is really--there, there, quite +plain! She'll bury it, really she will! [Runs to the door] Mother, don't +bury it, it's alive.... + + Enter Matryóna. + +MATRYÓNA [whispers] Now then, what is it? Heaven help you! Why won't you +get to rest? How can it be alive? All its bones are crushed! + +NIKÍTA. Give me more drink! [Drinks]. + +MATRYÓNA. Now go, sonnie. You'll fall asleep now all right. + +NIKÍTA [stands listening] Still alive ... there ... it's whining! Don't +you hear?... There! + +MATRYÓNA [whispers] No! I tell you! + +NIKÍTA. Mother! My own mother! I've ruined my life! What have you done +with me? Where am I to go? [Runs out of the hut; Matryóna follows him]. + +NAN. Daddy dear, darling, they've smothered it! + +MÍTRITCH [angrily] Go to sleep, I tell you! Oh dear, may the frogs kick +you! I'll give it to you with the broom! Go to sleep, I tell you! + +NAN. Daddy, my treasure! Something is catching hold of my shoulders, +something is catching hold with its paws! Daddy dear ... really, really +... I must go! Daddy, darling! let me get up on the oven with you! Let +me, for Heaven's sake! Catching hold ... catching hold! Oh! [Runs to the +stove]. + +MÍTRITCH. See how they've frightened the girl.... What vile creatures +they are! May the frogs kick them! Well then, climb up. + +NAN [climbs on oven] But don't you go away! + +MÍTRITCH. Where should I go to? Climb up, climb up! Oh Lord! Gracious +Nicholas! Holy Mother!... How they have frighted the girl. [Covers her +up] There's a little fool--really a little fool! How they've frighted +her; really, they are vile creatures! The deuce take 'em! + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT V + + +SCENE 1. + + In front of scene a stack-stand, to the left a thrashing ground, to + the right a barn. The barn doors are open. Straw is strewn about in + the doorway. The hut with yard and out-buildings is seen in the + background, whence proceed sounds of singing and of a tambourine. + Two Girls are walking past the barn towards the hut. + +FIRST GIRL. There, you see we've managed to pass without so much as +getting our boots dirty! But to come by the street is terribly muddy! +[Stop and wipe their boots on the straw. First Girl looks at the straw +and sees something] What's that? + +SECOND GIRL [looks where the straw lies and sees some one] It's +Mítritch, their labourer. Just look how drunk he is! + +FIRST GIRL. Why, I thought he didn't drink. + +SECOND GIRL. It seems he didn't, until it was going around. + +FIRST GIRL. Just see! He must have come to fetch some straw. Look! he's +got a rope in his hand, and he's fallen asleep. + +SECOND GIRL [listening] They're still singing the praises.[9] So I +s'pose the bride and bridegroom have not yet been blessed! They say +Akoulína didn't even lament![10] + + [9] This refers to the songs customary at the wedding of Russian + peasants, praising the bride and bridegroom. + + [10] It is etiquette for a bride to bewail the approaching loss of her + maidenhood. + +FIRST GIRL. Mammie says she is marrying against her will. Her +stepfather threatened her, or else she'd not have done it for the world! +Why, you know what they've been saying about her? + +MARÍNA [catching up the Girls] How d'you do, lassies? + +GIRLS. How d'you do? + +MARÍNA. Going to the wedding, my dears? + +FIRST GIRL. It's nearly over! We've come just to have a look. + +MARÍNA. Would you call my old man for me? Simon, from Zoúevo; but surely +you know him? + +FIRST GIRL. To be sure we do; he's a relative of the bridegroom's, I +think? + +MARÍNA. Of course; he's my old man's nephew, the bridegroom is. + +SECOND GIRL. Why don't you go yourself? Fancy not going to a wedding! + +MARÍNA. I have no mind for it, and no time either. It's time for us to +be going home. We didn't mean to come to the wedding. We were taking +oats to town. We only stopped to feed the horse, and they made my old +man go in. + +FIRST GIRL. Where did you put up then? At Fyódoritch's? + +MARÍNA. Yes. Well then, I'll stay here and you go and call him, my +dear--my old man. Call him, my pet, and say "Your missis, Marína, says +you must go now!" His mates are harnessing. + +FIRST GIRL. Well, all right--if you won't go in yourself. + + The Girls go away towards the house along a footpath. Sounds of + songs and tambourine. + +MARÍNA [alone, stands thinking] I might go in, but I don't like to, +because I have not met him since that day he threw me over. It's more +than a year now. But I'd have liked to have a peep and see how he lives +with his Anísya. People say they don't get on. She's a coarse woman, and +with a character of her own. I should think he's remembered me more +than once. He's been caught by the idea of a comfortable life and has +changed me for it. But, God help him, I don't cherish ill-will! Then it +hurt! Oh dear, it was pain! But now it's worn away and been forgotten. +But I'd like to have seen him. [Looks towards hut and sees Nikíta] Look +there! Why, he is coming here! Have the girls told him? How's it he has +left his guests? I'll go away! [Nikíta approaches, hanging his head +down, swinging his arms, and muttering] And how sullen he looks! + +NIKÍTA [sees and recognises Marína] Marína, dearest friend, little +Marína, what do you want? + +MARÍNA. I have come for my old man. + +NIKÍTA. Why didn't you come to the wedding? You might have had a look +round, and a laugh at my expense! + +MARÍNA. What have I to laugh at? I've come for my husband. + +NIKÍTA. Ah, Marína dear! [Tries to embrace her]. + +MARÍNA [steps angrily aside] You'd better drop that sort of thing, +Nikíta! What has been, is past! I've come for my husband. Is he in your +house? + +NIKÍTA. So I must not remember the past? You won't let me? + +MARÍNA. It's no use recalling the past! What used to be is over now! + +NIKÍTA. And can never come back, you mean? + +MARÍNA. And will never come back! But why have you gone away? You, the +master,--and to go away from the feast! + +NIKÍTA [sits down on the straw] Why have I gone away? Eh, if you knew, +if you had any idea ... I'm dull, Marína, so dull that I wish my eyes +would not see! I rose from the table and left them, to get away from the +people. If I could only avoid seeing any one! + +MARÍNA [coming nearer to him] How's that? + +NIKÍTA. This is how it is: when I eat, it's there! When I drink, it's +there! When I sleep, it's there! I'm so sick of it--so sick! But it's +chiefly because I'm all alone that I'm so sick, little Marína. I have no +one to share my trouble. + +MARÍNA. You can't live your life without trouble, Nikíta. However, I've +wept over mine and wept it away. + +NIKÍTA. The former, the old trouble! Ah, dear friend, you've wept yours +away, and I've got mine up to there! [Puts his hand to his throat]. + +MARÍNA. But why? + +NIKÍTA. Why, I'm sick of my whole life! I am sick of myself! Ah, Marína, +why did you not know how to keep me? You've ruined me, and yourself too! +Is this life? + +MARÍNA [stands by the barn crying, but restrains herself] I do not +complain of my life, Nikíta! God grant every one a life like mine. I do +not complain. I confessed to my old man at the time, and he forgave me. +And he does not reproach me. I'm not discontented with my life. The old +man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children clothed and +washed! He is really kind to me. Why should I complain? It seems God +willed it so. And what's the matter with your life? You are rich ... + +NIKÍTA. My life!... It's only that I don't wish to disturb the wedding +feast, or I'd take this rope here [takes hold of the rope on the straw] +and throw it across that rafter there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch +it out, and I'd climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in +the noose! That's what my life is! + +MARÍNA. That's enough! Lord help you! + +NIKÍTA. You think I'm joking? You think I'm drunk? I'm not drunk! To-day +even drink takes no hold on me! I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating +me up completely, so that I care for nothing! Oh, little Marína, it's +only with you I ever lived! Do you remember how we used to while away +the nights together at the railway? + +MARÍNA. Don't you rub the sores, Nikíta! I'm bound legally now, and you +too. My sin has been forgiven, don't disturb ... + +NIKÍTA. What shall I do with my heart? Where am I to turn to? + +MARÍNA. What's there to be done? You've got a wife. Don't go looking at +others, but keep to your own! You loved Anísya, then go on loving her! + +NIKÍTA. Oh, that Anísya, she's gall and wormwood to me, but she's round +my feet like rank weeds! + +MARÍNA. Whatever she is, still she's your wife.... But what's the use of +talking; you'd better go to your visitors, and send my husband to me. + +NIKÍTA. Oh dear, if you knew the whole business ... but there's no good +talking! + + Enter Marína's husband, red and tipsy, and Nan. + +MARÍNA'S HUSBAND. Marína! Missis! My old woman! are you here? + +NIKÍTA. There's your husband calling you. Go! + +MARÍNA. And you? + +NIKÍTA. I? I'll lie down here for a bit! [Lies down on the straw]. + +HUSBAND. Where is she then? + +NAN. There she is, near the barn. + +HUSBAND. What are you standing there for? Come to the feast! The hosts +want you to come and do them honour! The wedding party is just going to +start, and then we can go too. + +MARÍNA [going towards her husband] I didn't want to go in. + +HUSBAND. Come on, I tell you! You'll drink a glass to our nephew Peter's +health, the rascal! Else the hosts might take offence! There's plenty of +time for our business. [Marína's husband puts his arm around her, and +goes reeling out with her]. + +NIKÍTA [rises and sits down on the straw] Ah, now that I've seen her, +life seems more sickening than ever! It was only with her that I ever +really lived! I've ruined my life for nothing! I've done for myself! +[Lies down] Where can I go? If mother earth would but open and swallow +me! + +NAN [sees Nikíta, and runs towards him] Daddy, I say, daddy! They're +looking for you! Her godfather and all of them have already blessed her. +Truly they have, they're getting cross! + +NIKÍTA [aside] Where can I go to? + +NAN. What? What are you saying? + +NIKÍTA. I'm not saying anything! Don't bother! + +NAN. Daddy! Come, I say! [Nikíta is silent, Nan pulls him by the hand] +Dad, go and bless them! My word, they're angry, they're grumbling! + +NIKÍTA [drags away his hand] Leave me alone! + +NAN. Now then! + +NIKÍTA [threatens her with the rope] Go, I say! I'll give it you! + +NAN. Then I'll send mother! [Runs away]. + +NIKÍTA [rises] How can I go? How can I take the holy icón in my hands? +How am I to look her in the face! [Lies down again] Oh, if there were a +hole in the ground, I'd jump in! No one should see me, and I should see +no one! [Rises again] No, I shan't go ... May they all go to the devil, +I shan't go! [Takes the rope and makes a noose, and tries it on his +neck] That's the way! + + Enter Matryóna. Nikíta sees his mother, takes the rope off his neck, + and again lies down in the straw. + +MATRYÓNA [comes in hurriedly] Nikíta! Nikíta, I say! He don't even +answer! Nikíta, what's the matter? Have you had a drop too much? Come, +Nikíta dear; come, honey! The people are tired of waiting. + +NIKÍTA. Oh dear, what have you done with me? I'm a lost man! + +MATRYÓNA. But what is the matter then? Come, my own; come, give them +your blessing, as is proper and honourable, and then it'll all be over! +Why, the people are waiting! + +NIKÍTA. How can I give blessings? + +MATRYÓNA. Why, in the usual way! Don't you know? + +NIKÍTA. I know, I know! But who is it I am to bless? What have I done to +her? + +MATRYÓNA. What have you done? Eh, now he's going to remember it! Why, +who knows anything about it? Not a soul! And the girl is going of her +own accord. + +NIKÍTA. Yes, but how? + +MATRYÓNA. Because she's afraid, of course. But still she's going. +Besides, what's to be done now? She should have thought sooner! Now she +can't refuse. And his kinsfolk can't take offence either. They saw the +girl twice, and get money with her too! It's all safe and sound! + +NIKÍTA. Yes, but what's in the cellar? + +MATRYÓNA [laughs] In the cellar? Why, cabbages, mushrooms, potatoes, I +suppose! Why remember the past? + +NIKÍTA. I'd be only too glad to forget it; but I can't! When I let my +mind go, it's just as if I heard.... Oh, what have you done with me? + +MATRYÓNA. Now, what are you humbugging for? + +NIKÍTA [turns face downward] Mother! Don't torment me! I've got it up to +there! [Puts his hand to his throat]. + +MATRYÓNA. Still it has to be done! As it is, people are talking. "The +master's gone away and won't come; he can't make up his mind to give his +blessing." They'll be putting two and two together. As soon as they see +you're frightened they'll begin guessing. "The thief none suspect who +walks bold and erect!" But you'll be getting out of the frying-pan into +the fire! Above all, lad, don't show it; don't lose courage, else +they'll find out all the more! + +NIKÍTA. Oh dear! You have snared me into a trap! + +MATRYÓNA. That'll do, I tell you; come along! Come in and give your +blessing, as is right and honourable;--and there's an end of the matter! + +NIKÍTA [lies face down] I can't! + +MATRYÓNA [aside] What has come over him? He seemed all right, and +suddenly this comes over him! It seems he's bewitched! Get up, Nikíta! +See! There's Anísya coming; she's left her guests! + + Anísya enters, dressed up, red and tipsy. + +ANÍSYA. Oh, how nice it is, mother! So nice, so respectable! And how the +people are pleased.... But where is he? + +MATRYÓNA. Here, honey, he's here; he's laid down on the straw and there +he lies! He won't come! + +NIKÍTA [looking at his wife] Just see, she's tipsy too! When I look at +her my heart seems to turn! How can one live with her? [Turns on his +face] I'll kill her some day! It'll be worse then! + +ANÍSYA. Only look, how he's got all among the straw! Is it the drink? +[Laughs] I'd not mind lying down there with you, but I've no time! Come, +I'll lead you! It is so nice in the house! It's a treat to look on! A +concertina! And the women singing so well! All tipsy! Everything so +respectable, so nice! + +NIKÍTA. What's nice? + +ANÍSYA. The wedding--such a jolly wedding! They all say it's quite an +uncommon fine wedding! All so respectable, so nice! Come along! We'll go +together! I have had a drop, but I can give you a hand yet! [Takes his +hand]. + +NIKÍTA [pulls it back with disgust] Go alone! I'll come! + +ANÍSYA. What are you humbugging for? We've got rid of all the bother, +we've got rid of her as came between us; now we have nothing to do but +to live and be merry! And all so respectable, and quite legal! I'm so +pleased! I have no words for it! It's just as if I were going to marry +you over again! And oh, the people, they _are_ pleased! They're all +thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Iván Moséitch is there, +and the Police Officer; they've also been singing songs of praise! + +NIKÍTA. Then you should have stayed with them! What have you come for? + +ANÍSYA. True enough, I must go back! Else what does it look like! The +hosts both go and leave the visitors! And the guests are all of the +best! + +NIKÍTA [gets up and brushes the straw off himself] Go, and I'll come at +once! + +MATRYÓNA. Just see! He listens to the young bird, but wouldn't listen to +the old one! He would not hear me, but he follows his wife at once! +[Matryóna and Anísya turn to go] Well, are you coming? + +NIKÍTA. I'll come directly! You go and I'll follow! I'll come and give +my blessing! [The women stop] Go on! I'll follow! Now then, go! [Exit +women. Sits down and takes his boots off] Yes, I'm going! A likely +thing! No, you'd better look at the rafter for me! I'll fix the noose +and jump with it from the rafter, then you can look for me! And the rope +is here just handy. [Ponders] I'd have got over it, over any sorrow--I'd +have got over that. But this now--here it is, deep in my heart, and I +can't get over it! [Looks towards the yard] Surely she's not coming +back? [Imitates Anísya] "So nice, so nice. I'd lie down here with you." +Oh, the baggage! Well then, here I am! Come and cuddle when they've +taken me down from the rafter! There's only one way! [Takes the rope and +pulls it]. + + Mítritch, who is tipsy, sits up and won't let go of the rope. + +MÍTRITCH. Shan't give it up! Shan't give it to no one! I'll bring it +myself! I said I'd bring the straw--and so I will! Nikíta, is that you? +[Laughs] Oh, the devil! Have you come to get the straw? + +NIKÍTA. Give me the rope! + +MÍTRITCH. No, you wait a bit! The peasants sent me! I'll bring it ... +[Rises to his feet and begins getting the straw together, but reels +for a time, then falls] It has beaten me. It's stronger ... + +NIKÍTA. Give me the rope! + +MÍTRITCH. Didn't I say I won't! Oh, Nikíta, you're as stupid as a hog! +[Laughs] I love you, but you're a fool! You see that I'm drunk ... devil +take you! You think I need you?... You just look at me; I'm a Non ... +fool, can't say it--Non-commissioned Officer of Her Majesty's very First +Regiment of Grenadier Guards! I've served Tsar and country, loyal and +true! But who am I? You think I'm a warrior? No, I'm not a warrior; I'm +the very least of men, a poor lost orphan! I swore not to drink, and now +I had a smoke, and ... Well then, do you think I'm afraid of you? No +fear; I'm afraid of no man! I've taken to drink, and I'll drink! Now +I'll go it for a fortnight; I'll go it hard! I'll drink my last shirt; +I'll drink my cap; I'll pawn my passport; and I'm afraid of no one! They +flogged me in the army to stop me drinking! They switched and switched! +"Well," they say, "will you leave off?" "No," says I! Why should I be +afraid of them? Here I am! Such as I am, God made me! I swore off +drinking, and didn't drink. Now I've took to drink, and I'll drink! And +I fear no man! 'Cos I don't lie; but just as ... Why should one mind +them--such muck as they are! "Here you are," I say; that's me. A priest +told me, the devil's the biggest bragger! "As soon," says he, "as you +begin to brag, you get frightened; and as soon as you fear men, then the +hoofed one just collars you and pushes you where he likes!" But as I +don't fear men, I'm easy! I can spit in the devil's beard, and at the +sow his mother! He can't do me no harm! There, put that in your pipe! + +NIKÍTA [crossing himself] True enough! What was I about? [Throws down +the rope]. + +MÍTRITCH. What? + +NIKÍTA [rises] You tell me not to fear men? + +MÍTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the +bath-house! All made of one paste! One has a bigger belly, another a +smaller; that's all the difference there is! Fancy being afraid of 'em! +Deuce take 'em! + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT V. + + NIKÍTA. True enough! What was I about? + + MÍTRITCH. What? + + NIKÍTA. You tell me not to fear men? + + MÍTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the + bath-house!] + +MATRYÓNA [from the yard] Well, are you coming? + +NIKÍTA. Ah! Better so! I'm coming! [Goes towards yard]. + + +SCENE 2. + + Interior of hut, full of people, some sitting round tables and + others standing. In the front corner Akoulína and the Bridegroom. On + one of the tables an Icón and a loaf of rye-bread. Among the + visitors are Marína, her husband, and a Police Officer, also a Hired + Driver, the Matchmaker, and the Best Man. The women are singing. + Anísya carries round the drink. The singing stops. + +THE DRIVER. If we are to go, let's go! The church ain't so near. + +THE BEST MAN. All right; you wait a bit till the step-father has given +his blessing. But where is he? + +ANÍSYA. He is coming--coming at once, dear friends! Have another glass +all of you; don't refuse! + +THE MATCHMAKER. Why is he so long? We've been waiting such a time! + +ANÍSYA. He's coming; coming directly, coming in no time! He'll be here +before one could plait a girl's hair who's had her hair cropped! Drink, +friends! [Offers the drink] Coming at once! Sing again, my pets, +meanwhile! + +THE DRIVER. They've sung all their songs, waiting here! + + The women sing. Nikíta and Akím enter during the singing. + +NIKÍTA [holds his father's arm and pushes him in before him] Go, father; +I can't do without you! + +AKÍM. I don't like--I mean what d'ye call it ... + +NIKÍTA [to the women] Enough! Be quiet! [Looks round the hut] Marína, +are you there? + +THE MATCHMAKER. Go, take the icón, and give them your blessing! + +NIKÍTA. Wait a while! [Looks round] Akoulína, are you there? + +MATCHMAKER. What are you calling everybody for? Where should she be? How +queer he seems! + +ANÍSYA. Gracious goodness! Why, he's barefoot! + +NIKÍTA. Father, you are here! Look at me! Christian Commune, you are all +here, and I am here! I am ... [Falls on his knees]. + +ANÍSYA. Nikíta darling, what's the matter with you? Oh my head, my head! + +MATCHMAKER. Here's a go! + +MATRYÓNA. I did say he was taking too much of that French wine! Come to +your senses; what are you about? + + They try to lift him; he takes no heed of them, but looks in front + of him. + +NIKÍTA. Christian Commune! I have sinned, and I wish to confess! + +MATRYÓNA [shakes him by the shoulder] Are you mad? Dear friends, he's +gone crazy! He must be taken away! + +NIKÍTA [shakes her off] Leave me alone! And you, father, hear me! And +first, Marína, look here! [Bows to the ground to her and rises] I have +sinned towards you! I promised to marry you, I tempted you, and forsook +you! Forgive me, in Christ's name! [Again bows to the ground before +her]. + +ANÍSYA. And what are you drivelling about? It's not becoming! No one +wants to know! Get up! It's like your impudence! + +MATRYÓNA. Oh, oh, he's bewitched! And however did it happen? It's a +spell! Get up! what nonsense are you jabbering? [Pulls him]. + +NIKÍTA [shakes his head] Don't touch me! Forgive me my sin towards you, +Marína! Forgive me, for Christ's sake! + + Marína covers her face with her hands in silence. + +ANÍSYA. Get up, I tell you! Don't be so impudent! What are you thinking +about--to recall it? Enough humbug! It's shameful! Oh my poor head! He's +quite crazy! + +NIKÍTA [pushes his wife away and turns to Akoulína] Akoulína, now I'll +speak to you! Listen, Christian Commune! I'm a fiend, Akoulína! I have +sinned against you! Your father died no natural death! He was poisoned! + +ANÍSYA [screams] Oh my head! What's he about? + +MATRYÓNA. The man's beside himself! Lead him away! + + The folk come up and try to seize him. + +AKÍM [motions them back with his arms] Wait! You lads, what d'ye call +it, wait, I mean! + +NIKÍTA. Akoulína, I poisoned him! Forgive me, in Christ's name! + +AKOULÍNA [jumps up] He's telling lies! I know who did it! + +MATCHMAKER. What are you about? You sit still! + +AKÍM. Oh Lord, what sins, what sins! + +POLICE OFFICER. Seize him, and send for the Elder! We must draw up an +indictment and have witnesses to it! Get up and come here! + +AKÍM [to Police Officer] Now you--with the bright buttons--I mean, you +wait! Let him, what d'ye call it, speak out, I mean! + +POLICE OFFICER. Mind, old man, and don't interfere! I have to draw up an +indictment! + +AKÍM. Eh, what a fellow you are; wait, I say! Don't talk, I mean, about, +what d'ye call it, 'ditements! Here God's work is being done.... A man +is confessing, I mean! And you, what d'ye call it ... 'ditements! + +POLICE OFFICER. The Elder! + +AKÍM. Let God's work be done, I mean, and then you, I mean, you do your +business! + +NIKÍTA. And, Akoulína, my sin is great towards you; I seduced you; +forgive me in Christ's name! [Bows to the ground before her]. + +AKOULÍNA [leaves the table] Let me go! I shan't be married! He told me +to, but I shan't now! + +POLICE OFFICER. Repeat what you have said. + +NIKÍTA. Wait, sir, let me finish! + +AKÍM [with rapture] Speak, my son! Tell everything--you'll feel better! +Confess to God, don't fear men! God--God! It is He! + +NIKÍTA. I poisoned the father, dog that I am, and I ruined the daughter! +She was in my power, and I ruined her, and her baby! + +AKOULÍNA. True, that's true! + +NIKÍTA. I smothered the baby in the cellar with a board! I sat on it and +smothered it--and its bones crunched! [Weeps] And I buried it! I did it, +all alone! + +AKOULÍNA. He raves! I told him to! + +NIKÍTA. Don't shield me! I fear no one now! Forgive me, Christian +Commune! [Bows to the ground]. + + Silence. + +POLICE OFFICER. Bind him! The marriage is evidently off! + + Men come up with their belts. + +NIKÍTA. Wait, there's plenty of time! [Bows to the ground before his +father] Father, dear father, forgive me too,--fiend that I am! You told +me from the first, when I took to bad ways, you said then, "If a claw is +caught, the bird is lost!" I would not listen to your words, dog that I +was, and it has turned out as you said! Forgive me, for Christ's sake! + +AKÍM [rapturously] God will forgive you, my own son! [Embraces him] You +have had no mercy on yourself, He will show mercy on you! God--God! It +is He! + + Enter Elder. + +ELDER. There are witnesses enough here. + +POLICE OFFICER. We will have the examination at once. + + Nikíta is bound. + +AKOULÍNA [goes and stands by his side] I shall tell the truth! Ask me! + +NIKÍTA [bound] No need to ask! I did it all myself. The design was mine, +and the deed was mine. Take me where you like. I will say no more! + + + Curtain. + + + END OF "THE POWER OF DARKNESS." + + + + +[ Transcriber's Note: + + The following is a list of corrections made to the original. The first + line is the original line, the second the corrected one. + +about the lass or about yourself Twist them, I mean, to make it better +about the lass or about yourself. Twist them, I mean, to make it better + +daresay the samovár is still hot I'll also go and help a bit. +daresay the samovár is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit. + +NIKÍTA. I don't want it! Put out the light . . Oh, how dull I feel, how +NIKÍTA. I don't want it! Put out the light ... Oh, how dull I feel, how + +SCENE 1 +SCENE 1. + +thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Ivan Moséitch is there, +thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Iván Moséitch is there, + + MÍTRICH. What? + MÍTRITCH. What? + + NIKÍTA. You tell me not to fear men. + NIKÍTA. You tell me not to fear men? + + MÍTRICH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the + MÍTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the + +ANÍSYA. Nikíta darling, what's the matter with you. Oh my head, my head! +ANÍSYA. Nikíta darling, what's the matter with you? Oh my head, my head! +] + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POWER OF DARKNESS *** + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the +United States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Power of Darkness</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Leo Tolstoy</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Translators: Louise Maude and Aylmer Maude</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: September 22, 2008 [eBook #26661]<br /> +[Most recently updated: January 18, 2022]</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> +<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team</div> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POWER OF DARKNESS ***</div> + +<div id="tnote"><p class="center" style="font-weight: bold;">Transcriber's Note:</p> +<p>This e-book belongs to Tolstoy's <cite>Plays (Complete Edition)</cite>. +The front matter, including the table of contents, can be found in a +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/files/26660/26660-h/26660-h.htm">separate e-book</a>; +it links to the other plays in the collection.</p> +<hr/> +<p>Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as +possible; changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to +the original text are marked <ins title="transcriber's note">like this</ins>. +The original text appears when hovering the cursor over the marked text.</p></div> + +<h1 style="line-height: 2em; font-size: large; font-weight: normal; margin-top: 120px;"><big style="font-size: 1.3em;">THE POWER OF DARKNESS</big><br/> + +<small style="font-size: 0.7em;">OR</small><br/> + +IF A CLAW IS CAUGHT THE BIRD IS LOST<br/> + +<i>A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS</i></h1> + +<p class="center">(1886)</p> + + + +<div style="margin-top: 10em;"> </div> + +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER IGNÁTITCH.</span> <i>A well-to-do peasant, 42 years old, married +for the second time, and sickly.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> <i>His wife, 32 years old, fond of dress.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> <i>Peter's daughter by his first marriage, 16 years old, +hard of hearing, mentally undeveloped.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN (ANNA PETRÓVNA).</span> <i>His daughter by his second marriage, 10 +years old.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> <i>Their labourer, 25 years old, fond of dress.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> <i>Nikíta's father, 50 years old, a plain-looking, God-fearing +peasant.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> <i>His wife and Nikíta's mother, 50 years old.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> <i>An orphan girl, 22 years old.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARTHA.</span> <i>Peter's sister.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> <i>An old labourer, ex-soldier.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SIMON.</span> <i>Marína's husband.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BRIDEGROOM.</span> <i>Engaged to Akoulína.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN.</span> <i>His father.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">A NEIGHBOUR.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND GIRL.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">DRIVER.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BEST-MAN.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATCHMAKER.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VILLAGE ELDER.</span></p> + +<p><i><span class="speaker">VISITORS, WOMEN, GIRLS, AND PEOPLE</span> come to see the wedding.</i></p> + +<p><i>N.B.</i>—The ‘oven’ mentioned is the usual large, brick, Russian +baking-oven. The top of it outside is flat, so that more than +one person can lie on it.</p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </div> + +<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large; margin-top: 0em;">THE POWER OF DARKNESS</p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </div> +<h2><a name="act1">ACT I</a></h2> + +<p class="scene">The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The +Scene represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden +bench, mending a horse-collar. Anísya and Akoulína are +spinning, and singing a part-song.</p> + + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>looking out of the window</i>] The horses have +got loose again. If we don't look out they'll be killing +the colt. Nikíta! Hey, Nikíta! Is the fellow deaf? +[<i>Listens. To the women</i>] Shut up, one can't hear anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>from outside</i>] What?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Drive the horses in.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span>. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>shaking his head</i>] Ah, these labourers! If I +were well, I'd not keep one on no account. There's +nothing but bother with 'em. [<i>Rises and sits down again</i>] +Nikíta!… It's no good shouting. One of you'd better +go. Go, Akoúl, drive 'em in.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What? The horses?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> What else?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> All right. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Ah, but he's a loafer, that lad … no good at +all. Won't stir a finger if he can help it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You're so mighty brisk yourself. When you're +not sprawling on the top of the oven you're squatting on +the bench. To goad others to work is all you're fit for.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> If one weren't to goad you on a bit, one'd +have no roof left over one's head before the year's out. +Oh what people!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You go shoving a dozen jobs on to one's +shoulders, and then do nothing but scold. It's easy to +lie on the oven and give orders.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>sighing</i>] Oh, if 'twere not for this sickness that's +got hold of me, I'd not keep him on another day.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>off the scene</i>] Gee up, gee, woo. [<i>A colt +neighs, the stamping of horses' feet and the creaking of the gate +are heard</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Bragging, that's what he's good at. I'd like to +sack him, I would indeed.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>mimicking him</i>] “Like to sack him.” You buckle +to yourself, and then talk.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>enters</i>] It's all I could do to drive 'em in. +That piebald always will …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> And where's Nikíta?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Where's Nikíta? Why, standing out there +in the street.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> What's he standing there for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What's he standing there for? He stands +there jabbering.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> One can't get any sense out of her! Who's he +jabbering with?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>does not hear</i>] Eh, what?</p> + +<p><i>Peter waves her off. She sits down to her spinning.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>running in to her mother</i>] Nikíta's father and +mother have come. They're going to take him away. +It's true!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Nonsense!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Yes. Blest if they're not! [<i>Laughing</i>] I was +just going by, and Nikíta, he says, “Good-bye, Anna +Petróvna,” he says, “you must come and dance at my +wedding. I'm leaving you,” he says, and laughs.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>to her husband</i>] There now. Much he cares. You +see, he wants to leave of himself. “Sack him” indeed!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well, let him go. Just as if I couldn't find +somebody else.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And what about the money he's had in advance?</p> + +<p><i>Nan stands listening at the door for awhile, and then exit.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>frowning</i>] The money? Well, he can work it +off in summer, anyhow.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well, of course you'll be glad if he goes and +you've not got to feed him. It's only me as'll have to +work like a horse all the winter. That lass of yours +isn't over fond of work either. And you'll be lying up on +the oven. I know you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> What's the good of wearing out one's tongue +before one has the hang of the matter?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> The yard's full of cattle. You've not sold the +cow, and have kept all the sheep for the winter: feeding +and watering 'em alone takes all one's time, and you +want to sack the labourer. But I tell you straight, I'm not +going to do a man's work! I'll go and lie on the top of +the oven same as you, and let everything go to pot! +You may do what you like.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>to Akoulína</i>] Go and see about the feeding, +will you? it's time.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> The feeding? All right. [<i>Puts on a coat +and takes a rope</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'm not going to work for you. You go and +work yourself. I've had enough of it, so there!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> That'll do. What are you raving about? Like +a sheep with the staggers!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You're a crazy cur, you are! One gets neither +work nor pleasure from you. Eating your fill, that's all +you do, you palsied cur, you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>spits and puts on coat</i>] Faugh! The Lord have +mercy! I'd better go myself and see what's up. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>after him</i>] Scurvy long-nosed devil!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What are you swearing at dad for?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Hold your noise, you idiot!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>going to the door</i>] I know why you're swearing +at him. You're an idiot yourself, you bitch. I'm not +afraid of you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What do you mean? [<i>Jumps up and looks round +for something to hit her with</i>] Mind, or I'll give you one +with the poker.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>opening the door</i>] Bitch! devil! that's what +you are! Devil! bitch! bitch! devil! [<i>Runs off</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>ponders</i>] “Come and dance at my wedding!” +What new plan is this? Marry? Mind, Nikíta, if that's +your intention, I'll go and … No, I can't live without +him. I won't let him go.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>enters, looks round, and seeing Anísya alone +approaches quickly. In a low tone</i>] Here's a go; I'm in a +regular fix! That governor of mine wants to take me +away,—tells me I'm to come home. Says quite straight +I'm to marry and live at home.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well, go and marry! What's that to me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Is that it? Why, here am I reckoning how +best to consider matters, and just hear her! She tells +me to go and marry. Why's that? [<i>Winking</i>] Has she +forgotten?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, go and marry! What do I care?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What are you spitting for? Just see, she won't +even let me stroke her.… What's the matter?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> This! That you want to play me false.… If +you do,—why, I don't want you either. So now you know!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> That'll do, Anísya. Do you think I'll forget +you? Never while I live! I'll not play you false, that's +flat. I've been thinking that supposing they do go and +make me marry, I'd still come back to you. If only he +don't make me live at home.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Much need I'll have of you, once you're married.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> There's a go now. How is it possible to go +against one's father's will?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, I daresay, shove it all on your father. +You know it's your own doing. You've long been plotting +with that slut of yours, Marína. It's she has put you up +to it. She didn't come here for nothing t'other day.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Marína? What's she to me? Much I care +about her!… Plenty of them buzzing around.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Then what has made your father come here? +It's you have told him to. You've gone and deceived me. +[<i>Cries</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Anísya, do you believe in a God or not? I +never so much as dreamt of it. I know nothing at all +about it. I never even dreamt of it—that's flat! My old +dad has got it all out of his own pate.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> If you don't wish it yourself who can force you? +He can't drive you like an ass.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, I reckon it's not possible to go against +one's parent. But it's not by my wish.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Don't you budge, that's all about it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> There was a fellow wouldn't budge, and the +village elder gave him such a hiding.… That's what +it might come to! I've no great wish for that sort of +thing. They say it touches one up.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Shut up with your nonsense. Nikíta, listen to +me: if you marry that Marína I don't know what I won't +do to myself.… I shall lay hands on myself! I have +sinned, I have gone against the law, but I can't go back +now. If you go away I'll …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Why should I go? Had I wanted to go—I +should have gone long ago. There was Iván Semyónitch +t'other day—offered me a place as his coachman.… +Only fancy what a life that would have been! +But I did not go. Because, I reckon, I am good enough +for any one. Now if you did not love me it would be a +different matter.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, and that's what you should remember. +My old man will die one of these fine days, I'm thinking; +then we could cover our sin, make it all right and lawful, +and then you'll be master here.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Where's the good of making plans? What do +I care? I work as hard as if I were doing it for myself. +My master loves me, and his missus loves me. And if +the wenches run after me, it's not my fault, that's flat.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And you'll love me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>embracing her</i>] There, as you have ever been +in my heart …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>enters, and crosses herself a long time before the +icón. Nikíta and Anísya step apart</i>] What I saw I didn't +perceive, what I heard I didn't hearken to. Playing with +the lass, eh? Well,—even a calf will play. Why shouldn't +one have some fun when one's young? But your master +is out in the yard a-calling you, sonnie.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I only came to get the axe.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> I know, sonnie, I know; them sort of axes +are mostly to be found where the women are.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>stooping to pick up axe</i>] I say, mother, is it true +you want me to marry? As I reckon, that's quite unnecessary. +Besides, I've got no wish that way.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Eh, honey! why should you marry? Go on +as you are. It's all the old man. You'd better go, sonnie, +we can talk these matters over without you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> It's a queer go! One moment I'm to be married, +the next, not. I can't make head or tail of it. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What's it all about then? Do you really wish +him to get married?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Eh, why should he marry, my jewel? It's +all nonsense, all my old man's drivel. “Marry, marry.” +But he's reckoning without his host. You know the +saying, “From oats and hay, why should horses stray?” +When you've enough and to spare, why look elsewhere? +And so in this case. [<i>Winks</i>] Don't I see which way the +wind blows?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where's the good of my pretending to you, +Mother Matryóna? You know all about it. I have +sinned. I love your son.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Dear me, here's news! D'you think Mother +Matryóna didn't know? Eh, lassie,—Mother Matryóna's +been ground, and ground again, ground fine! This much +I can tell you, my jewel: Mother Matryóna can see +through a brick wall three feet thick. I know it all, my +jewel! I know what young wives need sleeping draughts +for, so I've brought some along. [<i>Unties a knot in her +handkerchief and brings out paper-packets</i>] As much as is +wanted, I see, and what's not wanted I neither see nor +perceive! There! Mother Matryóna has also been young. +I had to know a thing or two to live with my old fool. I +know seventy-and-seven dodges. But I see your old +man's quite seedy, quite seedy! How's one to live with +such as him? Why, if you pricked him with a hay-fork +it wouldn't fetch blood. See if you don't bury him before +the spring. Then you'll need some one in the house. +Well, what's wrong with my son? He'll do as well as +another. Then where's the advantage of my taking him +away from a good place? Am I my child's enemy?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, if only he does not go away.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> He won't go away, birdie. It's all nonsense. +You know my old man. His wits are always +wool-gathering; yet sometimes he takes a thing into his +pate, and it's as if it were wedged in, you can't knock +it out with a hammer.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And what started this business?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, you see, my jewel, you yourself know +what a fellow with women the lad is,—and he's handsome +too, though I say it as shouldn't. Well, you know, he +was living at the railway, and they had an orphan wench +there to cook for them. Well, that same wench took to +running after him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Marína?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Yes, the plague seize her! Whether anything +happened or not, anyhow something got to my old +man's ears. Maybe he heard from the neighbours, maybe +she's been and blabbed …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well, she is a bold hussy!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> So my old man—the old blockhead—off he +goes: “Marry, marry,” he says, “he must marry her and +cover the sin,” he says. “We must take the lad home,” +he says, “and he shall marry,” he says. Well, I did my +best to make him change his mind, but, dear me, no. +So, all right, thinks I,—I'll try another dodge. One always +has to entice them fools in this way, just pretend to be +of their mind, and when it comes to the point one goes +and turns it all one's own way. You know, a woman has +time to think seventy-and-seven thoughts while falling +off the oven, so how's such as he to see through it? +“Well, yes,” says I, “it would be a good job,—only we +must consider well beforehand. Why not go and see our +son, and talk it over with Peter Ignátitch and hear what +he has to say?” So here we are.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh dear, oh dear, how will it all end? Supposing +his father just orders him to marry her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Orders, indeed. Chuck his orders to the +dogs! Don't you worry; that affair will never come off. +I'll go to your old man myself, and sift and strain this +matter clear—there will be none of it left. I have come +here only for the look of the thing. A very likely thing! +Here's my son living in happiness and expecting happiness, +and I'll go and match him with a slut! No fear, +I'm not a fool!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And she—this Marína—came dangling after him +here! Mother, would you believe, when they said he was +going to marry, it was as if a knife had gone right through +my heart. I thought he cared for her.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, my jewel! Why, you don't think him +such a fool, that he should go and care for a homeless baggage +like that? Nikíta is a sensible fellow, you see. He +knows whom to love. So don't you go and fret, my +jewel. We'll not take him away, and we won't marry +him. No, we'll let him stay on, if you'll only oblige us +with a little money.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> All I know is, that I could not live if Nikíta +went away.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Naturally, when one's young it's no easy +matter! You, a wench in full bloom, to be living with the +dregs of a man like that husband of yours.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Mother Matryóna, would you believe it? I'm +that sick of him, that sick of this long-nosed cur of mine, +I can hardly bear to look at him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Yes, I see, it's one of them cases. Just +look here, [<i>looks round and whispers</i>] I've been to see that +old man, you know—he's given me simples of two kinds. +This, you see, is a sleeping draught. “Just give him one +of these powders,” he says, “and he'll sleep so sound you +might jump on him!” And this here, “This is that kind +of simple,” he says, “that if you give one some of it to +drink it has no smell whatever, but its strength is very +great. There are seven doses here, a pinch at a time. +Give him seven pinches,” he says, “and she won't have +far to look for freedom,” he says.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-o-oh! What's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> “No sign whatever,” he says. He's taken +a rouble for it. “Can't sell it for less,” he says. Because +it's no easy matter to get 'em, you know. I +paid him, dearie, out of my own money. If she takes +them, thinks I, it's all right; if she don't, I can let old +Michael's daughter have them.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-o-oh! But mayn't some evil come of them? +I'm frightened!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What evil, my jewel? If your old man was +hale and hearty, 'twould be a different matter, but he's +neither alive nor dead as it is. He's not for this world. +Such things often happen.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-o-oh, my poor head! I'm afeared, Mother +Matryóna, lest some evil come of them. No. That +won't do.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Just as you like. I might even return +them to him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And are they to be used in the same way as +the others? Mixed in water?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Better in tea, he says. “You can't notice +anything,” he says, “no smell nor nothing.” He's a cute +old fellow too.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="powders"></a> +<img src="images/p012-insert.png" width="600" height="393" alt="" title="" /> +<div class="caption smcap">THE POWER OF DARKNESS. Act I.<br/> +Matryóna gives Anísya the powders.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> [<i>taking the powder</i>] O-oh, my poor head! Could +I have ever thought of such a thing if my life were not a +very hell?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> You'll not forget that rouble? I promised +to take it to the old man. He's had some trouble, too.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Of course? [<i>Goes to her box and hides the +powders</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> And now, my jewel, keep it as close as you +can, so that no one should find it out. Heaven defend +that it should happen, but <em>if</em> any one notices it, tell 'em +it's for the black-beetles. [<i>Takes the rouble</i>] It's also +used for beetles. [<i>Stops short</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Enter Akím, who crosses himself in front of the icón, and +then Peter, who sits down.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well then, how's it to be, Daddy Akím?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> As it's best, Peter Ignátitch, as it's best … +I mean—as it's best. 'Cos why? I'm afeared of what +d'you call 'ems, some tomfoolery, you know. I'd like +to, what d'you call it … to start, you know, start +the lad honest, I mean. But supposing you'd rather, +what d'you call it, we might, I mean, what's name? As +it's best …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> All right. All right. Sit down and let's talk it +over. [<i>Akím sits down</i>] Well then, what's it all about? +You want him to marry?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> As to marrying, he might bide a while, +Peter Ignátitch. You know our poverty, Peter Ignátitch. +What's he to marry on? We've hardly enough to eat +ourselves. How can he marry then?…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> You must consider what will be best.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Where's the hurry for him to get married? +Marriage is not that sort of thing, it's not like ripe raspberries +that drop off if not picked in time.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> If he were to get married, 'twould be a good +thing in a way.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> We'd like to … what d'you call it? 'Cos why, +you see. I've what d'you call it … a job. I mean, I've +found a paying job in town, you know.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> And a fine job too—cleaning out cesspools. +The other day when he came home, I could do nothing +but spew and spew. Faugh!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> It's true, at first it does seem what d'you call it +… knocks one clean over, you know,—the smell, I +mean. But one gets used to it, and then it's nothing, +no worse than malt grain, and then it's, what d'you call it, +… pays, pays, I mean. And as to the smell being, what +d'you call it, it's not for the likes of us to complain. And +one changes one's clothes. So we'd like to take what's +his name … Nikíta I mean, home. Let him manage +things at home while I, what d'you call it,—earn something +in town.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> You want to keep your son at home? Yes, that +would be well: but how about the money he has had in +advance?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> That's it, that's it! It's just as you say, Ignátitch, +it's just what d'you call it. 'Cos why? If you go into +service, it's as good as if you had sold yourself, they say. +That will be all right. I mean he may stay and serve +his time, only he must, what d'you call it, get married. +I mean—so: you let him off for a little while, that he +may, what d'you call it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Yes, we could manage that.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Ah, but it's not yet settled between ourselves, +Peter Ignátitch. I'll speak to you as I would +before God, and you may judge between my old man and +me. He goes on harping on that marriage. But just +ask—who it is he wants him to marry. If it were a girl +of the right sort now— I am not my child's enemy, but +the wench is not honest.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> No, that's wrong! Wrong, I say. 'Cos why? +She, that same girl—it's my son as has offended, offended +the girl I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> How offended?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> That's how. She's what d'you call it, with him, +with my son, Nikíta. With Nikíta, what d'you call it, I +mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> You wait a bit, my tongue runs smoother—let +me tell it. You know, this lad of ours lived at the +railway before he came to you. There was a girl there as +kept dangling after him. A girl of no account, you know, +her name's Marína. She used to cook for the men. So +now this same girl accuses our son, Nikíta, that he, so to +say, deceived her.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well, there's nothing good in that.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> But she's no honest girl herself; she runs +after the fellows like a common slut.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> There you are again, old woman, and it's not at +all what d'you call it, it's all not what d'you call it, I +mean …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> There now, that's all the sense one gets +from my old owl—“what d'you call it, what d'you call +it,” and he doesn't know himself what he means. Peter +Ignátitch, don't listen to me, but go yourself and ask any +one you like about the girl, everybody will say the same. +She's just a homeless good-for-nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> You know, Daddy Akím, if that's how things +are, there's no reason for him to marry her. A daughter-in-law's +not like a shoe, you can't kick her off.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>excitedly</i>] It's false, old woman, it's what d'you +call it, false; I mean, about the girl; false! 'Cos why? +The lass is a good lass, a very good lass, you know. I'm +sorry, sorry for the lassie, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> It's an old saying: “For the wide world +old Miriam grieves, and at home without bread her +children she leaves.” He's sorry for the girl, but not +sorry for his own son! Sling her round your neck and +carry her about with you! That's enough of such empty +cackle!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> No, it's not empty.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> There, don't interrupt, let me have my say.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>interrupts</i>] No, not empty! I mean, you twist +things your own way, about the lass or about <ins title="yourself">yourself.</ins> +Twist them, I mean, to make it better for yourself; but +God, what d'you call it, turns them His way. That's how +it is.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Eh! One only wears out one's tongue with +you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> The lass is hard-working and spruce, and keeps +everything round herself … what d'you call it. And +in our poverty, you know, it's a pair of hands, I mean; +and the wedding needn't cost much. But the chief +thing's the offence, the offence to the lass, and she's a what +d'you call it, an orphan, you know; that's what she is, +and there's the offence.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Eh! they'll all tell you a tale of that sort …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Daddy Akím, you'd better listen to us women; +we can tell you a thing or two.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> And God, how about God? Isn't she a human +being, the lass? A what d'you call it,—also a human being +I mean, before God. And how do you look at it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Eh!… started off again?…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Wait a bit, Daddy Akím. One can't believe all +these girls say, either. The lad's alive, and not far away; +send for him, and find out straight from him if it's true. +He won't wish to lose his soul. Go and call the fellow, +[<i>Anísya rises</i>] and tell him his father wants him. [<i>Exit +Anísya</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> That's right, dear friend; you've cleared +the way clean, as with water. Yes, let the lad speak for +himself. Nowadays, you know, they'll not let you force a +son to marry; one must first of all ask the lad. He'll +never consent to marry her and disgrace himself, not for +all the world. To my thinking, it's best he should go on +living with you and serving you as his master. And we +need not take him home for the summer either; we can +hire a help. If you would only give us ten roubles now, +we'll let him stay on.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> All in good time. First let us settle one thing +before we start another.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> You see, Peter Ignátitch, I speak. 'Cos why? +you know how it happens. We try to fix things up as +seems best for ourselves, you know; and as to God, we +what d'you call it, we forget Him. We think it's best +so, turn it our own way, and lo! we've got into a fix, you +know. We think it will be best, I mean; and lo! it turns +out much worse—without God, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Of course one must not forget God.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> It turns out worse! But when it's the right +way—God's way—it what d'you call it, it gives one joy; +seems pleasant, I mean. So I reckon, you see, get him, +the lad, I mean, get him to marry her, to keep him from +sin, I mean, and let him what d'you call it at home, +as it's lawful, I mean, while I go and get the job in town. +The work is of the right sort—it's payin', I mean. And +in God's sight it's what d'you call it—it's best, I mean. +Ain't she an orphan? Here, for example, a year ago +some fellows went and took timber from the steward,—thought +they'd do the steward, you know. Yes, they +did the steward, but they couldn't what d'you call it—do +God, I mean. Well, and so …</p> + +<p> +<i>Enter Nikíta and Nan.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You called me? [<i>Sits down and takes out his +tobacco-pouch</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>in a low, reproachful voice</i>] What are you thinking +about—have you no manners? Your father is going +to speak to you, and you sit down and fool about with +tobacco. Come, get up!</p> + +<p><i>Nikíta rises, leans carelessly with his elbow on the table, and +smiles.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> It seems there's a complaint, you know, about +you, Nikíta—a complaint, I mean, a complaint.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Who's been complaining?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Complaining? It's a maid, an orphan maid, complaining, +I mean. It's her, you know—a complaint against +you, from Marína, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>laughs</i>] Well, that's a good one. What's the +complaint? And who's told you—she herself?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> It's I am asking you, and you must now, what +d'you call it, give me an answer. Have you got mixed +up with the lass, I mean—mixed up, you know?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I don't know what you mean. What's up?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Foolin', I mean, what d'you call it? foolin'. +Have you been foolin' with her, I mean?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Never mind what's been! Of course one does +have some fun with a cook now and then to while away +the time. One plays the concertina and gets her to +dance. What of that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Don't shuffle, Nikíta, but answer your father +straight out.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>solemnly</i>] You can hide it from men but not +from God, Nikíta. You, what d'you call it—think, I +mean, and don't tell lies. She's an orphan; so, you see, +any one is free to insult her. An orphan, you see. So +you should say what's rightest.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> But what if I have nothing to say? I have +told you everything—because there isn't anything to tell, +that's flat! [<i>Getting excited</i>] She can go and say anything +about me, same as if she was speaking of one as is dead. +Why don't she say anything about Fédka Mikíshin? Besides, +how's this, that one mayn't even have a bit of fun +nowadays? And as for her, well, she's free to say anything +she likes.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Ah, Nikíta, mind! A lie will out. Did anything +happen?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>aside</i>] How he sticks to it; it's too bad. [<i>To +Akím</i>] I tell you, I know nothing more. There's been +nothing between us. [<i>Angrily</i>] By God! and may I never +leave this spot [<i>crosses himself</i>] if I know anything about +it. [<i>Silence. Then still more excitedly</i>] Why! have you +been thinking of getting me to marry her? What do +you mean by it?—it's a confounded shame. Besides, +nowadays you've got no such rights as to force a fellow to +marry. That's plain enough. Besides, haven't I sworn I +know nothing about it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>to her husband</i>] There now, that's just like +your silly pate, to believe all they tell you. He's gone +and put the lad to shame all for nothing. The best thing +is to let him live as he is living, with his master. His +master will help us in our present need, and give us ten +roubles, and when the time comes …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well, Daddy Akím, how's it to be?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>looks at his son, clicking his tongue disapprovingly</i>] +Mind, Nikíta, the tears of one that's been wronged +never, what d'you call it—never fall beside the mark but +always on, what's name—the head of the man as did the +wrong. So mind, don't what d'you call it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>sits down</i>] What's there to mind? mind yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>aside</i>] I must run and tell mother. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>to Peter</i>] That's always the way with this +old mumbler of mine, Peter Ignátitch. Once he's got +anything wedged in his pate there's no knocking it out. +We've gone and troubled you all for nothing. The lad +can go on living as he has been. Keep him; he's your +servant.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well, Daddy Akím, what do you say?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Why, the lad's his own master, if only he what +d'you call it.… I only wish that, what d'you call it, I +mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> You don't know yourself what you're jawing +about. The lad himself has no wish to leave. Besides, +what do we want with him at home? We can manage +without him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Only one thing, Daddy Akím—if you are thinking +of taking him back in summer, I don't want him here +for the winter. If he is to stay at all, it must be for the +whole year.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> And it's for a year he'll bind himself. If +we want help when the press of work comes, we can hire +help, and the lad shall remain with you. Only give us +ten roubles now.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well then, is it to be for another year?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> [<i>sighing</i>] Yes, it seems, it what d'you call it … if +it's so, I mean, it seems that it must be what d'you +call it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> For a year, counting from St. Dimítry's +day. We know you'll pay him fair wages. But give us +ten roubles now. Help us out of our difficulties. [<i>Gets +up and bows to Peter</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nan and Anísya. The latter sits down at one side.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well, if that's settled we might step across to +the inn and have a drink. Come, Daddy Akím, what do +you say to a glass of vódka?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> No, I never drink that sort of thing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well, you'll have some tea?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Ah, tea! yes, I do sin that way. Yes, tea's the +thing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> And the women will also have some tea. Come. +And you, Nikíta, go and drive the sheep in and clear +away the straw.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> All right. [<i>Exeunt all but Nikíta. Nikíta lights +a cigarette. It grows darker</i>] Just see how they bother +one. Want a fellow to tell 'em how he larks about +with the wenches! It would take long to tell 'em all +those stories—“Marry her,” he says. Marry them all! +One would have a good lot of wives! And what need +have I to marry? Am as good as married now! There's +many a chap as envies me. Yet how strange it felt when +I crossed myself before the icón. It was just as if +some one shoved me. The whole web fell to pieces at +once. They say it's frightening to swear what's not +true. That's all humbug. It's all talk, that is. It's +simple enough.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>enters with a rope, which she puts down. She +takes off her outdoor things and goes into closet</i>] You might +at least have got a light.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What, to look at you? I can see you well +enough without.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Oh, bother you!</p> + +<p><i>Nan enters and whispers to Nikíta.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Nikíta, there's a person wants you. There is!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What person?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Marína from the railway; she's out there, round +the corner.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Nonsense!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Blest if she isn't!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What does she want?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> She wants you to come out. She says, “I only +want to say a word to Nikíta.” I began asking, but she +won't tell, but only says, “Is it true he's leaving you?” +And I say, “No, only his father wanted to take him away +and get him to marry, but he won't, and is going to stay +with us another year.” And she says, “For goodness' +sake send him out to me. I must see him,” she says, “I +must say a word to him somehow.” She's been waiting a +long time. Why don't you go?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Bother her! What should I go for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> She says, “If he don't come, I'll go into the hut +to him.” Blest if she didn't say she'd come in!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Not likely. She'll wait a bit and then go +away.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> “Or is it,” she says, “that they want him to marry +Akoulína?”</p> + +<p><i>Re-enter Akoulína, passing near Nikíta to take her distaff.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Marry whom to Akoulína?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Why, Nikíta.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> A likely thing! Who says it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>looks at her and laughs</i>] It seems people do say it. +Would you marry me, Akoulína?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Who, you? Perhaps I might have afore, +but I won't now.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> And why not now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> 'Cos you wouldn't love me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Why not?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> 'Cos you'd be forbidden to. [<i>Laughs</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Who'd forbid it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Who? My step-mother. She does nothing +but grumble, and is always staring at you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Just hear her! Ain't she cute?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Who? Me? What's there to be cute about? +Am I blind? She's been rowing and rowing at dad all +day. The fat-muzzled witch! [<i>Goes into closet</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>looking out of the window</i>] Look, Nikíta, she's coming! +I'm blest if she isn't! I'll go away. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>enters</i>] What are you doing with me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Doing? I'm not doing anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> You mean to desert me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>gets up angrily</i>] What does this look like, your +coming here?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Oh, Nikíta!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, you are strange! What have you come for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Nikíta!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> That's my name. What do you want with +Nikíta? Well, what next? Go away, I tell you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> I see, you do want to throw me over.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, and what's there to remember? You +yourself don't know. When you stood out there round +the corner and sent Nan for me, and I didn't come, +wasn't it plain enough that you're not wanted? It seems +pretty simple. So there—go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Not wanted! So now I'm not wanted! I +believed you when you said you would love me. And +now that you've ruined me, I'm not wanted.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Where's the good of talking? This is quite +improper. You've been telling tales to father. Now, do +go away, will you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> You know yourself I never loved any one but +you. Whether you married me or not, I'd not have been +angry. I've done you no wrong, then why have you +left off caring for me? Why?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Where's the use of baying at the moon? You +go away. Goodness me! what a duffer!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> It's not that you deceived me when you promised +to marry me that hurts, but that you've left off loving. +No, it's not that you've stopped loving me either, but +that you've changed me for another, that's what hurts. +I know who it is!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>comes up to her viciously</i>] Eh! what's the good +of talking to the likes of you, that won't listen to reason? +Be off, or you'll drive me to do something you'll be +sorry for.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> What, will you strike me, then? Well then, +strike me! What are you turning away for? Ah, +Nikíta!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Supposing some one came in. Of course, it's +quite improper. And what's the good of talking?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> So this is the end of it! What has been has +flown. You want me to forget it? Well then, Nikíta, +listen. I kept my maiden honour as the apple of my eye. +You have ruined me for nothing, you have deceived me. +You have no pity on a fatherless and motherless girl! +[<i>Weeping</i>] You have deserted, you have killed me, but I +bear you no malice. God forgive you! If you find a +better one you'll forget me, if a worse one you'll +remember me. Yes, you will remember, Nikíta! Good-bye, +then, if it is to be. Oh, how I loved you! Good-bye +for the last time. [<i>Takes his head in her hands and tries +to kiss him</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>tossing his head back</i>] I'm not going to talk with +the likes of you. If you won't go away I will, and you +may stay here by yourself.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>screams</i>] You are a brute. [<i>In the doorway</i>] +God will give you no joy. [<i>Exit, crying</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>comes out of closet</i>] You're a dog, Nikíta!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What's up?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What a cry she gave! [<i>Cries</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What's up with you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What's up? You've hurt her so. That's +the way you'll hurt me also. You're a dog. [<i>Exit into +closet</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Silence.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Here's a fine muddle. I'm as sweet as honey +on the lasses, but when a fellow's sinned with 'em it's a +bad look-out!</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </div> + +<h2><a name="act2">ACT II</a></h2> + +<p class="scene">The scene represents the village street. To the left the +outside of Peter's hut, built of logs, with a porch in the +middle; to the right of the hut the gates and a corner +of the yard buildings. Anísya is beating hemp in the street +near the corner of the yard. Six months have elapsed since +the <a href="#act1">First Act</a>.</p> + + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>stops and listens</i>] Mumbling something again. +He's probably got off the stove.</p> + +<p><i>Akoulína enters, carrying two pails on a yoke.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> He's calling. You go and see what he wants, +kicking up such a row.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Why don't you go?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Go, I tell you! [<i>Exit Akoulína into hut</i>] He's +bothering me to death. Won't let out where the money +is, and that's all about it. He was out in the passage the +other day. He must have been hiding it there. Now, I +don't know myself where it is. Thank goodness he's +afraid of parting with it, so that at least it will stay in +the house. If only I could manage to find it. He hadn't +it on him yesterday. Now I don't know where it can be. +He has quite worn the life out of me.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Akoulína, tying her kerchief over her head.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where are you off to?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Where? Why, he's told me to go for Aunt +Martha. “Fetch my sister,” he says. “I am going to +die,” he says. “I have a word to say to her.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>aside</i>] Asking for his sister? Oh my poor head! +Sure he wants to give it her. What shall I do? Oh! +[<i>To Akoulína</i>] Don't go! Where are you off to?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> To call Aunt.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Don't go I tell you, I'll go myself. You go +and take the clothes to the river to rinse. Else you'll not +have finished by the evening.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> But he told me to go.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You go and do as you're bid. I tell you I'll +fetch Martha myself. Take the shirts off the fence.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> The shirts? But maybe you'll not go. He's +given the order.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Didn't I say I'd go? Where's Nan?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Nan? Minding the calves.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Send her here. I dare say they'll not run away. +[<i>Akoulína collects the clothes, and exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> If one doesn't go he'll scold. If one goes he'll +give the money to his sister. All my trouble will be +wasted. I don't myself know what I'm to do. My poor +head's splitting. [<i>Continues to work</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Enter Matryóna, with a stick and a bundle, in outdoor +clothes.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> May the Lord help you, honey.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>looks round, stops working, and claps her hands with +joy</i>] Well, I never expected this! Mother Matryóna, God +has sent the right guest at the right time.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, how are things?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Ah, I'm driven well-nigh crazy. It's awful!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, still alive, I hear?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, don't talk about it. He doesn't live and +doesn't die!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> But the money—has he given it to anybody?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> He's just sending for his sister Martha—probably +about the money.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, naturally! But hasn't he given it to +any one else?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> To no one. I watch like a hawk.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> And where is it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> He doesn't let out. And I can't find out in +any way. He hides it now here, now there, and I can't +do anything because of Akoulína. Idiot though she is, +she keeps watch, and is always about. Oh my poor head! +I'm bothered to death.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, my jewel, if he gives the money to any +one but you, you'll never cease regretting it as long as you +live! They'll turn you out of house and home without +anything. You've been worriting, and worriting all your +life with one you don't love, and will have to go a-begging +when you are a widow.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No need to tell me, mother. My heart's that +weary, and I don't know what to do. No one to get a bit +of advice from. I told Nikíta, but he's frightened of the +job. The only thing he did was to tell me yesterday it +was hidden under the floor.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, and did you look there?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I couldn't. The old man himself was in the +room. I notice that sometimes he carries it about on +him, and sometimes he hides it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> But you, my lass, must remember that if +once he gives you the slip there's no getting it right +again! [<i>Whispering</i>] Well, and did you give him the +strong tea?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh! oh!… [<i>About to answer, but sees neighbour +and stops</i>].</p> + +<p><i>The neighbour (a woman) passes the hut, and listens to a +call from within.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR</span> [<i>to Anísya</i>] I say, Anísya! Eh, Anísya! +There's your old man calling, I think.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> That's the way he always coughs,—just as if he +were screaming. He's getting very bad.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR</span> [<i>approaches Matryóna</i>] How do you do, +granny? Have you come far?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Straight from home, dear. Come to see my +son. Brought him some shirts—can't help thinking of +these things, you see, when it's one's own child.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Yes, that's always so. [<i>To Anísya</i>] And I was +thinking of beginning to bleach the linen, but it is a bit +early, no one has begun yet.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where's the hurry?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, and has he had communion?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh dear yes, the priest was here yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> I had a look at him yesterday. Dearie me! +one wonders his body and soul keep together. And, O +Lord, the other day he seemed just at his last gasp, so +that they laid him under the holy icóns.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> They started +lamenting and got ready to lay him out.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> He came to, and creeps about again.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, and is he to have extreme unction?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> The neighbours advise it. If he lives till to-morrow +we'll send for the priest.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Oh, Anísya dear, I should think your heart +must be heavy. As the saying goes, “Not he is sick that's +ill in bed, but he that sits and waits in dread.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, if it were only over one way or other!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Yes, that's true, dying for a year, it's no +joke. You're bound hand and foot like that.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Ah, but a widow's lot is also bitter. It's all +right as long as one's young, but who'll care for you when +you're old? Oh yes, old age is not pleasure. Just look +at me. I've not walked very far, and yet am so footsore I +don't know how to stand. Where's my son?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Ploughing. But you come in and we'll get the +samovár ready; the tea'll set you up again.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>sitting down</i>] Yes, it's true, I'm quite done up, +my dears. As to extreme unction, that's absolutely necessary. +Besides, they say it's good for the soul.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, we'll send to-morrow.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Yes, you had better. And we've had a +wedding down in our parts.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> What, in spring?<a name="FNanchor_2_2" href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Ah, now if it were a poor man, then, as the +saying is, it's always unseasonable for a poor man to marry. +But it's Simon Matvéyitch, he's married that Marína.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What luck for her!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> He's a widower. I suppose there are children?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Four of 'em. What decent girl would have +him! Well, so he's taken her, and she's glad. You see, +the vessel was not sound, so the wine trickled out.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Oh my! And what do people say to it? +And he, a rich peasant!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> They are living well enough so far.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Yes, it's true enough. Who wants to marry +where there are children? There now, there's our +Michael. He's such a fellow, dear me …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PEASANT'S VOICE.</span> Hullo, Mávra. Where the devil are +you? Go and drive the cow in.</p> + +<p><i>Exit Neighbour.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>while the Neighbour is within hearing speaks +in her ordinary voice</i>] Yes, lass, thank goodness, she's +married. At any rate my old fool won't go bothering +about Nikíta. Now [<i>suddenly changing her tone</i>], she's +gone! [<i>Whispers</i>] I say, did you give him the tea?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Don't speak about it. He'd better die of +himself. It's no use—he doesn't die, and I have only +taken a sin on my soul. O-oh, my head, my head! Oh, +why did you give me those powders?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What of the powders? The sleeping powders, +lass,—why not give them? No evil can come of them.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I am not talking of the sleeping ones, but the +others, the white ones.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, honey, those powders are medicinal.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>sighs</i>] I know, yet it's frightening. Though +he's worried me to death.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, and did you use many?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I gave two doses.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Was anything noticeable?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I had a taste of the tea myself—just a little +bitter. And he drank them with the tea and says, “Even +tea disgusts me,” and I say, “Everything tastes bitter +when one's sick.” But I felt that scared, mother.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Don't go thinking about it. The more one +thinks the worse it is.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I wish you'd never given them to me and led +me into sin. When I think of it something seems to tear +my heart. Oh dear, why did you give them to me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What do you mean, honey? Lord help you! +Why are you turning it on to me? Mind, lass, don't go +twisting matters from the sick on to the healthy. If +anything were to happen, I stand aside! I know nothing! +I'm aware of nothing! I'll kiss the cross on it; I never +gave you any kind of powders, never saw any, never +heard of any, and never knew there were such powders. +You think about yourself, lass. Why, we were talking +about you the other day. “Poor thing, what torture she +endures. The step-daughter an idiot; the old man rotten, +sucking her life-blood. What wouldn't one be ready to +do in such a case!”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'm not going to deny it. A life such as mine +could make one do worse than that. It could make you +hang yourself or throttle him. Is this a life?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> That's just it. There's no time to stand +gaping; the money must be found one way or other, and +then he must have his tea.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-oh, my head, my head! I can't think what +to do. I am so frightened; he'd better die of himself. +I don't want to have it on my soul.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>viciously</i>] And why doesn't he show the +money? Does he mean to take it along with him? Is +no one to have it? Is that right? God forbid such a +sum should be lost all for nothing. Isn't that a sin? +What's he doing? Is he worth considering?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I don't know anything. He's worried me to +death.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What is it you don't know? The business +is clear. If you make a slip now, you'll repent it all your +life. He'll give the money to his sister and you'll be +left without.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-oh dear! Yes, and he did send for her—I +must go.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> You wait a bit and light the samovár first. +We'll give him some tea and search him together—we'll +find it, no fear.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh dear, oh dear; supposing something were +to happen.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What now? What's the good of waiting? +Do you want the money to slip from your hand when it's +just in sight? You go and do as I say.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well, I'll go and light the samovár.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Go, honey, do the business so as not to +regret it afterwards. That's right! [<i>Anísya turns to go. +Matryóna calls her back</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Just a word. Don't tell Nikíta about the +business. He's silly. God forbid he should find out +about the powders. The Lord only knows what he would +do. He's so tender-hearted. D'you know, he usen't to +be able to kill a chicken. Don't tell him. 'Twould be a +fine go, he wouldn't understand things. [<i>Stops horror-struck +as Peter appears in the doorway</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>holding on to the wall, creeps out into the porch +and calls with a faint voice</i>] How's it one can't make you +hear? Oh, oh, Anísya! Who's there? [<i>Drops on the +bench</i>].</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>steps from behind the corner</i>] Why have you +come out? You should have stayed where you were lying.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Has the girl gone for Martha? It's very hard.… +Oh, if only death would come quicker!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> She had no time. I sent her to the river. +Wait a bit, I'll go myself when I'm ready.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Send Nan. Where's she? Oh, I'm that bad! +Oh, death's at hand!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I've sent for her already.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Oh dear! Then where is she?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where's she got to, the plague seize her!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Oh, dear! I can't bear it. All my inside's on +fire. It's as if a gimlet were boring me. Why have you +left me as if I were a dog?… no one to give me a drink.… +Oh … send Nan to me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Here she is. Nan, go to father.</p> + +<p><i>Nan runs in. Anísya goes behind the corner of the house.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Go you. Oh … to Aunt Martha, tell her +father wants her; say she's to come, I want her.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> All right.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Wait a bit. Tell her she's to come quick. Tell +her I'm dying. O-oh!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> I'll just get my shawl and be off. [<i>Runs off</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>winking</i>] Now then, mind and look sharp, +lass. Go into the hut, hunt about everywhere, like a dog +that's hunting for fleas: look under everything, and I'll +search him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>to Matryóna</i>] I feel a bit bolder, somehow, +now you're here. [<i>Goes up to porch. To Peter</i>] Hadn't +I better light the samovár? Here's Mother Matryóna +come to see her son; you'll have a cup of tea with her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well then, light it. [<i>Anísya goes into the house. +Matryóna comes up to the porch</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> How do you do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>bowing</i>] How d'you do, my benefactor; +how d'you do, my precious … still ill, I see. And my +old man, he's that sorry! “Go,” says he, “see how he's +getting on.” He sends his respects to you. [<i>Bows again</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> I'm dying.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Ah yes, Peter Ignátitch, now I look at you +I see, as the saying has it, “Sickness lives where men +live.” You've shrivelled, shrivelled, all to nothing, poor +dear, now I come to look at you. Seems illness does not +add to good looks.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> My last hour has come.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh well, Peter Ignátitch, it's God's will you +know, you've had communion, and you'll have unction, +God willing. Your missus is a wise woman, the Lord be +thanked; she'll give you a good burial, and have prayers +said for your soul, all most respectable! And my son, +he'll look after things meanwhile.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> There'll be no one to manage things! She's +not steady. Has her head full of folly—why, I know all +about it, I know. And my girl is silly and young. I've +got the homestead together, and there's no one to attend +to things. One can't help feeling it. [<i>Whimpers</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Why, if it's money, or something, you can +leave orders.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>to Anísya inside the house</i>] Has Nan gone?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>aside</i>] There now, he's remembered!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>from inside</i>] She went then and there. Come +inside, won't you? I'll help you in.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Let me sit here a bit for the last time. The +air's so stuffy inside. Oh, how bad I feel! Oh, my +heart's burning.… Oh, if death would only come.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> If God don't take a soul, the soul can't go +out. Death and life are in God's will, Peter Ignátitch. +You can't be sure of death either. Maybe you'll recover +yet. There was a man in our village just like that, at +the very point of death …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel it. [<i>Leans +back and shuts his eyes</i>].</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>enters</i>] Well now, are you coming in or not? +You do keep one waiting. Peter! eh, Peter!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>steps aside and beckons to Anísya with her finger</i>] +Well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>comes down the porch steps</i>] Not there.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> But have you searched everywhere? Under +the floor?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; +he was rummaging there yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Go, search, search for all you're worth. Go +all over everywhere, as if you licked with your tongue! +But I see he'll die this very day, his nails are turning +blue and his face looks earthy. Is the samovár ready?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Just on the boil.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>comes from the other side, if possible on horseback, +up to the gate, and does not see Peter. To Matryóna</i>] How +d'you do, mother, is all well at home?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and +have a crust to bite.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, and how's master?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Hush, there he sits. [<i>Points to porch</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, let him sit. What's it to me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>opens his eyes</i>] Nikíta, I say, Nikíta, come here! +[<i>Nikíta approaches. Anísya and Matryóna whisper together</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Why have you come back so early?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I've finished ploughing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Have you done the strip beyond the bridge?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> It's too far to go there.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Too far? From here it's still farther. You'll +have to go on purpose now. You might have made one +job of it. [<i>Anísya, without showing herself, stands and listens</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>approaches</i>] Oh, sonnie, why don't you take +more pains for your master? Your master is ill and +depends on you; you should serve him as you would your +own father, straining every muscle just as I always tell +you to.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Well then—o-oh!… Get out the seed potatoes, +and the women will go and sort them.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>aside</i>] No fear, I'm not going. He's again +sending every one away; he must have the money on him +now, and wants to hide it somewhere.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Else … o-oh! when the time comes for planting, +they'll all be rotten. Oh, I can't stand it! [<i>Rises</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>runs up into the porch and holds Peter up</i>] +Shall I help you into the hut?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Help me in. [<i>Stops</i>] Nikíta!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>angrily</i>] What now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> I shan't see you again … I'll die to-day.… +Forgive me,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> for Christ's sake, forgive me if I have ever +sinned against you … If I have sinned in word or +deed … There's been all sorts of things. Forgive me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What's there to forgive? I'm a sinner myself.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Ah, sonnie, have some feeling.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> Forgive me, for Christ's sake. [<i>Weeps</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>snivels</i>] God will forgive you, Daddy Peter. I +have no cause to complain of you. You've never done +me any wrong. You forgive me; maybe I've sinned +worse against you. [<i>Weeps</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Peter goes in whimpering, Matryóna supporting him.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, my poor head! It's not without some +reason he's hit on that. [<i>Approaches Nikíta</i>] Why did +you say the money was under the floor? It's not there.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>does not answer, but cries</i>] I have never had +anything bad from him, nothing but good, and what have +I gone and done!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Enough now! Where's the money?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>angrily</i>] How should I know? Go and look +for it yourself!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What's made you so tender?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I am sorry for him,—that sorry. How he cried! +Oh dear!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Look at him,—seized with pity! He has found +someone to pity too! He's been treating you like a dog, +and even just now was giving orders to have you turned +out of the house. You'd better show me some pity!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What are you to be pitied for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> If he dies, and the money's been hidden +away …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> No fear, he'll not hide it …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, Nikíta darling! he's sent for his sister, and +wants to give it to her. It will be a bad lookout for us. +How are we going to live, if he gives her the money? +They'll turn me out of the house! You try and manage +somehow! You said he went to the shed last night.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I saw him coming from there, but where he's +shoved it to, who can tell?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, my poor head! I'll go and have a look +there. [<i>Nikíta steps aside</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>comes out of the hut and down the steps of the +porch to Anísya and Nikíta</i>] Don't go anywhere. He's +got the money on him. I felt it on a string round his +neck.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh my head, my head!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> If you don't keep wide awake now, then +you may whistle for it. If his sister comes—then good-bye +to it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> That's true. She'll come and he'll give it her. +What's to be done? Oh my poor head!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What is to be done? Why, look here; +the samovár is boiling, go and make the tea and pour +him out a cup, and then [<i>whispers</i>] put in all that's left in +the paper. When he's drunk the cup, then just take it. +He'll not tell, no fear.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh! I'm afeared!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Don't be talking now, but look alive, and +I'll keep his sister off if need be. Mind, don't make a +blunder! Get hold of the money and bring it here, and +Nikíta will hide it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh my head, my head! I don't know how I'm +going to …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Don't talk about it I tell you, do as I bid +you. Nikíta!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What is it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> You stay here—sit down—in case something +is wanted.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>waves his hand</i>] Oh these women, what won't they +be up to? Muddle one up completely. Bother them! +I'll really go and fetch out the potatoes.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>catches him by the arm</i>] Stay here, I tell +you.</p> + +<p><i>Nan enters.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> She was down in her daughter's vegetable plot—she's +coming.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Coming! What shall we do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> There's plenty of time if you do as I tell +you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I don't know what to do; I know nothing, my +brain's all in a whirl. Nan! Go, daughter, and see to +the calves, they'll have run away, I'm afraid.… Oh +dear, I haven't the courage.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Go on! I should think the samovár's boiling +over.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh my head, my poor head! [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>approaches Nikíta</i>] Now then, sonnie. [<i>Sits +down beside him</i>] Your affairs must also be thought about, +and not left anyhow.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What affairs?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Why, this affair—how you're to live your +life.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> How to live my life? Others live, and I shall +live!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> The old man will probably die to-day.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, if he dies, God give him rest! What's +that to me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>keeps looking towards the porch while she +speaks</i>] Eh, sonnie! Those that are alive have to think +about living. One needs plenty of sense in these matters, +honey. What do you think? I've tramped all over the +place after your affairs, I've got quite footsore bothering +about matters. And you must not forget me when the +time comes.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> And what's it you've been bothering about?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> About your affairs, about your future. If you +don't take trouble in good time you'll get nothing. You +know Iván Moséitch? Well, I've been to him too. I +went there the other day. I had something else to settle, +you know. Well, so I sat and chatted awhile and then +came to the point. “Tell me, Iván Moséitch,” says I, +“how's one to manage an affair of this kind? Supposing,” +says I, “a peasant as is a widower married a +second wife, and supposing all the children he has is a +daughter by the first wife, and a daughter by the second. +Then,” says I, “when that peasant dies, could an outsider +get hold of the homestead by marrying the widow? +Could he,” says I, “give both the daughters in marriage +and remain master of the house himself?” “Yes, he +could,” says he, “but,” says he, “it would mean a deal +of trouble; still the thing could be managed by means of +money, but if there's no money it's no good trying.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>laughs</i>] That goes without saying, only fork out +the money. Who does not want money?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well then, honey, so I spoke out plainly +about the affair. And he says, “First and foremost, your +son will have to get himself on the register of that village—that +will cost something. The elders will have to be +treated. And they, you see, they'll sign. Everything,” +says he, “must be done sensibly.” Look, [<i>unwraps her +kerchief and takes out a paper</i>] he's written out this paper; +just read it, you're a scholar, you know. [<i>Nikíta reads</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> This paper's only a decision for the elders to +sign. There's no great wisdom needed for that.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> But you just hear what Iván Moséitch bids +us do. “Above all,” he says, “mind and don't let the +money slip away, dame. If she don't get hold of the +money,” he says, “they'll not let her do it. Money's the +great thing!” So look out, sonnie, things are coming to +a head.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What's that to me? The money's hers—so let +her look out.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Ah, sonnie, how you look at it! How can +a woman manage such affairs? Even if she does get +the money, is she capable of arranging it all? One knows +what a woman is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide +it, and all that. You see, you've after all got more sense, +in case of anything happening.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh, your woman's notions are all so inexpedient!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Why inexpedient? You just collar the +money, and the woman's in your hands. And then should +she ever turn snappish you'd be able to tighten the reins!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Bother you all,—I'm going.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner +to Matryóna</i>] So it was, it was on him! Here it is! +[<i>Shows that she has something under her apron</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Give it to Nikíta, he'll hide it. Nikíta, take +it and hide it somewhere.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> All right, give here!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it +myself. [<i>Goes towards the gate</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>seizing her by the arm</i>] Where are you going +to? You'll be missed. There's the sister coming; give +it him; he knows what to do. Eh, you blockhead!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>stops irresolutely</i>] Oh, my head, my head!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Well, give it here. I'll shove it away somewhere.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where will you shove it to?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>laughing</i>] Why, are you afraid?</p> + +<p><i>Enter Akoulína, carrying clothes from the wash.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> O-oh, my poor head! [<i>Gives the money</i>] Mind, +Nikíta.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What are you afraid of? I'll hide it so that +I'll not be able to find it myself. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>stands in terror</i>] Oh dear, and supposing he …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Well, is he dead?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, he seems dead. He did not move when I +took it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Go in, there's Akoulína.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well there, I've done the sin and he has the +money.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Have done and go in! There's Martha coming!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> There now, I've trusted him. What's going +to happen now? [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARTHA</span> [<i>enters from one side, Akoulína enters from the +other. To Akoulína</i>] I should have come before, but I was +at my daughter's. Well, how's the old man? Is he +dying?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>puts down the clothes</i>] Don't know, I've been +to the river.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARTHA</span> [<i>pointing to Matryóna</i>] Who's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> I'm from Zoúevo. I'm Nikíta's mother from +Zoúevo, my dearie. Good afternoon to you. He's +withering, withering away, poor dear—your brother, I +mean. He came out himself. “Send for my sister,” he +said, “because,” said he … Dear me, why, I do believe, +he's dead!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>runs out screaming. Clings to a post, and begins +wailing</i>]<a name="FNanchor_4_4" href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> Oh, oh, ah! who-o-o-m have you left me +to, why-y-y have you dese-e-e-e-rted me—a miserable +widow … to live my life alone … Why have you +closed your bright eyes …</p> + +<p><i>Enter Neighbour. Matryóna and Neighbour catch hold of +Anísya under the arms to support her. Akoulína and Martha +go into the hut. A crowd assembles.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">A VOICE IN THE CROWD.</span> Send for the old women to lay +out the body.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>rolls up her sleeves</i>] Is there any water in +the copper? But I daresay the samovár is still <ins title="hot">hot.</ins> +I'll also go and help a bit.</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </div> + +<h2>ACT III</h2> + +<p class="scene">The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since +<a href="#act2">Act II</a>. Anísya, plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. +Nan is on the oven.</p> + + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>an old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his +outdoor things</i>] Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the +master come home yet?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Nikíta isn't back from town, is he?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Have you finished in the stackyard?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What d'you think? Got it all as it should +be, and covered everything with straw! I don't like +doing things by halves! Oh Lord! holy Nicholas! [<i>Picks +at the corns on his hands</i>] But it's time he was back.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What need has he to hurry? He's got money. +Merry-making with that girl, I daresay …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why shouldn't one make merry if one has +the money? And why did Akoulína go to town?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You'd better ask her. How do I know what +the devil took her there!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What! to town? There's all sorts of things +to be got in town if one's got the means. Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Mother, I heard myself. “I'll get you a little +shawl,” he says, blest if he didn't; “you shall choose it +yourself,” he says. And she got herself up so fine; she +put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Really, a girl's modesty reaches only to the +door. Step over the threshold and it's forgotten. She +is a shameless creature.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Oh my! What's the use of being ashamed? +While there's plenty of money make merry. Oh Lord! +It is too soon to have supper, eh? [<i>Anísya does not answer</i>] +I'll go and get warm meanwhile. [<i>Climbs on the stove</i>] +Oh Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! holy Nicholas!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR</span> [<i>enters</i>] Seems your goodman's not back yet?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> It's time he was. Hasn't he perhaps +stopped at our inn? My sister, Thekla, says there's heaps +of sledges standing there as have come from the town.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Nan! Nan, I say!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Yes?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You run to the inn and see! Mayhap, being +drunk, he's gone there.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>jumps down from the oven and dresses</i>] All right.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> And he's taken Akoulína with him?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Else he'd not have had any need of going. It's +because of her he's unearthed all the business there. +“Must go to the bank,” he says; “it's time to receive +the payments,” he says. But it's all her fooling.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR</span> [<i>shakes her head</i>] It's a bad look-out. +[<i>Silence</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>at the door</i>] And if he's there, what am I to say?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You only see if he's there.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> All right. I'll be back in a winking. [<i>Long +silence</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>roars</i>] Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR</span> [<i>starting</i>] Oh, how he scared me? Who +is it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Why, Mítritch, our labourer.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he did +give me! I had quite forgotten. But tell me, dear, +I've heard someone's been wooing Akoulína?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>gets up from the loom and sits down by the table</i>] +There was some one from Dédlovo; but it seems the +affair's got wind there too. They made a start, and +then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of course, +who'd care to?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> And the Lizounófs from Zoúevo?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> They made some steps too, but it didn't come +off either. They won't even see us.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Yet it's time she was married.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Time and more than time! Ah, my dear, I'm +that impatient to get her out of the house; but the +matter does not come off. He does not wish it, nor she +either. He's not yet had enough of his beauty, you +see.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only think of it. +Why, he's her step-father!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Ah, friend, they've taken me in completely. +They've done me so fine it's beyond saying. I, fool that +I was, noticed nothing, suspected nothing, and so I married +him. I guessed nothing, but they already understood +one another.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Oh dear, what goings on!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> So it went on from bad to worse, and I see they +begin hiding from me. Ah, friend, I was that sick—that +sick of my life! It's not as if I didn't love him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> That goes without saying.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Ah, how hard it is to bear such treatment from +him! Oh, how it hurts!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Yes, and I've heard say he's becoming too +free with his fists?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And that too! There was a time when he was +gentle when he'd had a drop. He used to hit out before, +but of me he was always fond! But now when he's in a +temper he goes for me and is ready to trample me under +his feet. The other day he got both hands entangled in +my hair so that I could hardly get away. And the girl's +worse than a serpent; it's a wonder the earth bears such +furies.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at you, you +are a sufferer! To suffer like that is no joke. To have +given shelter to a beggar, and he to lead you such a +dance! Why don't you pull in the reins?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Ah, but my dear, if it weren't for my heart! +Him as is gone was stern enough, still I could twist him +about any way I liked; but with this one I can do nothing. +As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I haven't a grain +of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Ah, neighbour, you must be under a spell. +I've heard that Matryóna goes in for that sort of thing. +It must be her.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, dear; I think so myself sometimes. +Gracious me, how hurt I feel at times! I'd like to +tear him to pieces. But when I set eyes on him, my +heart won't go against him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> It's plain you're bewitched. It don't take +long to blight a body. There now, when I look at you, +what you have dwindled to!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Growing a regular spindle-shanks. And just +look at that fool Akoulína. Wasn't the girl a regular +untidy slattern, and just look at her now! Where has it +all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out. She's grown +so smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that's ready to +burst. And, though she's a fool, she's got it into her +head, “I'm the mistress,” she says; “the house is mine; +it's me father wanted him to marry.” And she's that +vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into a rage she's +ready to tear the thatch off the house.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Oh dear, what a life yours is, now I come +to look at you. And yet there's people envying you: +“They're rich,” they say; but it seems that gold don't +keep tears from falling.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Much reason for envy indeed! And the riches, +too, will soon be made ducks and drakes of. Dear me, +how he squanders money!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> But how's it, dear, you've been so simple +to give up the money? It's yours.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Ah, if you knew all! The thing is that I've +made one little mistake.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Well, if I were you, I'd go straight and +have the law of him. The money's yours; how dare he +squander it? There's no such rights.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> They don't pay heed to that nowadays.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> Ah, my dear, now I come to look at you, +you've got that weak.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, quite weak, dear, quite weak. He's got +me into a regular fix. I don't myself know anything. +Oh, my poor head!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR</span> [<i>listening</i>] There's someone coming, I think. +[<i>The door opens and Akím enters</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>crosses himself, knocks the snow off his feet, and takes +off his coat</i>] Peace be to this house! How do you do? +Are you well, daughter?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> How d'you do, father? Do you come straight +from home?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I've been a-thinking, I'll go and see what's name, +go to see my son, I mean,—my son. I didn't start +early—had my dinner, I mean; I went, and it's so what +d'you call it—so snowy, hard walking, and so there I'm +what d'you call it—late, I mean. And my son—is he at +home? At home? My son, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No; he's gone to the town.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>sits down on a bench</i>] I've some business with +him, d'you see, some business, I mean. I told him t'other +day, told him I was in need—told him, I mean, that our +horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must what +d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I +mean. So there, I've come, you see.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Nikíta told me. When he comes back you'll +have a talk. [<i>Goes to the oven</i>] Have some supper now, +and he'll soon come. Mítritch, eh Mítritch, come have +your supper.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Come to supper.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NEIGHBOUR.</span> I shall go now. Good-night. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>gets down from the oven</i>] I never noticed +how I fell asleep. Oh Lord! gracious Nicholas! How +d'you do, Daddy Akím?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Ah, Mítritch! What are you, what d'ye call it, I +mean?…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why, I'm working for your son, Nikíta.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Dear me! What d'ye call … working for my +son, I mean. Dear me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> I was living with a tradesman in town, but +drank all I had there. Now I've come back to the +village. I've no home, so I've gone into service. [<i>Gapes</i>] +Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> But how's that, what d'you call it, or what's +name, Nikíta, what does he do? Has he some business, +I mean besides, that he should hire a labourer, a labourer +I mean, hire a labourer?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What business should he have? He used to +manage, but now he's other things on his mind, so he's +hired a labourer.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why shouldn't he, seeing he has money?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Now that's what d'you call it, that's wrong, I +mean, quite wrong, I mean. That's spoiling oneself.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, he has got spoilt, that spoilt, it's just +awful.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> There now, what d'you call it, one thinks how +to make things better, and it gets worse I mean. Riches +spoil a man, spoil, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Fatness makes even a dog go mad; how's one +not to get spoilt by fat living? Myself now; how I went +on with fat living. I drank for three weeks without being +sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had nothing +left, I gave it up. Now I've determined not to. Bother +it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> And where's what d'you call, your old woman?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> My old woman has found her right place, +old fellow. She's hanging about the gin-shops in town. +She's a swell too; one eye knocked out, and the other +black, and her muzzle twisted to one side. And she's +never sober; drat her!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Oh, oh, oh, how's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> And where's a soldier's wife to go? She has +found her right place. [<i>Silence</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>to Anísya</i>] And Nikíta,—has he what d'you call +it, taken anything up to town? I mean, anything to +sell?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>laying the table and serving up</i>] No, he's taken +nothing. He's gone to get money from the bank.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>sitting down to supper</i>] Why? D'you wish to put +it to another use, the money I mean?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No, we don't touch it. Only some twenty or +thirty roubles as have come due; they must be taken.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Must be taken. Why take it, the money I +mean? You'll take some to-day I mean, and some to-morrow; +and so you'll what d'you call it, take it all, I +mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> We get this besides. The money is all safe.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> All safe? How's that, safe? You take it, and +it what d'you call it, it's all safe. How's that? You put +a heap of meal into a bin, or a barn, I mean, and go on +taking meal, will it remain there what d'you call it, all +safe I mean? That's, what d'you call it, it's cheating. +You'd better find out, or else they'll cheat you. Safe +indeed! I mean you what d'ye call … you take it and +it remains all safe there?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I know nothing about it. Iván Moséitch advised +us at the time. “Put the money in the bank,” he +said, “the money will be safe, and you'll get interest,” +he said.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>having finished his supper</i>] That's so. I've +lived with a tradesman. They all do like that. Put the +money in the bank, then lie down on the oven and it +will keep coming in.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> That's queer talk. How's that—what d'ye call, +coming in, how's that coming in, and they, who do they +get it from I mean, the money I mean?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> They take the money out of the bank.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Get along! 'Tain't a thing a woman can +understand! You look here, I'll make it all clear to you. +Mind and remember. You see, suppose you've got some +money, and I, for instance, have spring coming on, my +land's idle, I've got no seeds, or I have to pay taxes. +So, you see, I go to you. “Akím,” I say, “give us a +ten-rouble note, and when I've harvested in autumn I'll +return it, and till two acres for you besides, for having +obliged me!” And you, seeing I've something to fall +back on—a horse say, or a cow—you say, “No, give two +or three roubles for the obligation,” and there's an end of +it. I'm stuck in the mud, and can't do without. So I +say, “All right!” and take a tenner. In the autumn, +when I've made my turnover, I bring it back, and you +squeeze the extra three roubles out of me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Yes, but that's what peasants do when they what +d'ye call it, when they forget God. It's not honest, I +mean, it's no good, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> You wait. You'll see it comes just to the +same thing. Now don't forget how you've skinned me. +And Anísya, say, has got some money lying idle. She +does not know what to do with it, besides, she's a +woman, and does not know how to use it. She comes to +you. “Couldn't you make some profit with my money +too?” she says. “Why not?” say you, and you wait. +Before the summer I come again and say, “Give me +another tenner, and I'll be obliged.” Then you find out +if my hide isn't all gone, and if I can be skinned again +you give me Anísya's money. But supposing I'm clean +shorn,—have nothing to eat,—then you see I can't be +fleeced any more, and you say, “Go your way, friend,” +and you look out for another, and lend him your own and +Anísya's money and skin him. That's what the bank is. +So it goes round and round. It's a cute thing, old fellow!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>excitedly</i>] Gracious me, whatever is that like? +It's what d'ye call it, it's filthy! The peasants—what +d'ye call it, the peasants do so I mean, and know it's, +what d'ye call it, a sin! It's what d'you call, not right, +not right, I mean. It's filthy! How can people as have +learnt … what d'ye call it …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> That, old fellow, is just what they're fond of! +And remember, them that are stupid, or the women folk, +as can't put their money into use themselves, they take +it to the bank, and they there, deuce take 'em, clutch +hold of it, and with this money they fleece the people. +It's a cute thing!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>sighing</i>] Oh dear, I see, what d'ye call it, without +money it's bad, and with money it's worse! How's +that? God told us to work, but you, what d'ye call … +I mean you put money into the bank and go to sleep, and +the money will what d'ye call it, will feed you while you +sleep. It's filthy, that's what I call it; it's not right.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Not right? Eh, old fellow, who cares about +that nowadays? And how clean they pluck you, too! +That's the fact of the matter.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>sighs</i>] Ah yes, seems the time's what d'ye call +it, the time's growing ripe. There, I've had a look at the +closets in town. What they've come to! It's all polished +and polished I mean, it's fine, it's what d'ye call it, it's +like inside an inn. And what's it all for? What's the +good of it? Oh, they've forgotten God. Forgotten, I +mean. We've forgotten, forgotten God, God I mean! +Thank you, my dear, I've had enough. I'm quite satisfied. +[<i>Rises. Mítritch climbs on to the oven</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>eats, and collects the dishes</i>] If his father would +only take him to task! But I'm ashamed to tell him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> What d'you say?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh! it's nothing.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nan.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Here's a good girl, always busy! You're cold, I +should think?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Yes, I am, terribly. How d'you do, grandfather?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well? Is he there?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> No. But Andriyán is there. He's been to town, +and he says he saw them at an inn in town. He says +Dad's as drunk as drunk can be!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Do you want anything to eat? Here you are.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>goes to the oven</i>] Well, it <em>is</em> cold. My hands are +quite numb. [<i>Akím takes off his leg-bands and bast-shoes. +Anísya washes up</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Father!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Well, what is it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And is Marína living well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Yes, she's living all right. The little woman is +what d'ye call it, clever and steady; she's living, and what +d'ye call it, doing her best. She's all right; the little +woman's of the right sort I mean; painstaking and what +d'ye call it, submissive; the little woman's all right I +mean, all right, you know.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And is there no talk in your village that a +relative of Marína's husband thinks of marrying our +Akoulína? Have you heard nothing of it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Ah; that's Mirónof. Yes, the women did chatter +something. But I didn't pay heed, you know. +It don't interest me I mean, I don't know anything. +Yes, the old women did say something, but I've a bad +memory, bad memory, I mean. But the Mirónofs are +what d'ye call it, they're all right, I mean they're all +right.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'm that impatient to get her settled.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> And why?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>listens</i>] They've come!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well, don't you go bothering them. [<i>Goes on +washing the spoons without turning her head</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>enters</i>] Anísya! Wife! who has come? [<i>Anísya +looks up and turns away in silence</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>severely</i>] Who has come? Have you forgotten?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Now don't humbug. Come in!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>still more severely</i>] Who's come?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>goes up and takes him by the arm</i>] Well then, +husband has come. Now then, come in!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>holds back</i>] Ah, that's it! Husband! And +what's husband called? Speak properly.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh bother you! Nikíta!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Where have you learnt manners? The full +name.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Nikíta Akímitch! Now then!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>still in the doorway</i>] Ah, that's it! But now—the +surname?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>laughs and pulls him by the arm</i>] Tchilíkin. +Dear me, what airs!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Ah, that's it. [<i>Holds on to the door-post</i>] No, +now say with which foot Tchilíkin steps into this +house!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> That's enough! You're letting the cold in!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Say with which foot he steps? You've got to +say it,—that's flat.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>aside</i>] He'll go on worrying. [<i>To Nikíta</i>] Well +then, with the left. Come in!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Ah, that's it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You look who's in the hut!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not +ashamed of my parent. I can pay my respects to my +parent. How d'you do, father? [<i>Bows and puts out his +hand</i>] My respects to you.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="parent"></a> +<img src="images/p050-insert.png" width="600" height="397" alt="" title="" /> +<div class="caption smcap">THE POWER OF DARKNESS. Act III.</div> +<div class="caption" style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Anísya.</span> Come in!<br/> +<span class="smcap">Nikíta.</span> Ah, that's it.<br/> +<span class="smcap">Anísya.</span> You look who's in the hut!<br/> +<span class="smcap">Nikíta.</span> Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my parent.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>does not answer</i>] Drink, I mean drink, what it +does! It's filthy!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Drink, what's that? I've been drinking? I'm +to blame, that's flat! I've had a glass with a friend, +drank his health.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Go and lie down, I say.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Wife, say where am I standing?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Now then, it's all right, lie down!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> No, I'll first drink a samovár with my parent. +Go and light the samovár. Akoulína, I say, come here!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Akoulína, smartly dressed and carrying their purchases.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Why have you thrown everything about? +Where's the yarn?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> The yarn? The yarn's there. Hullo, Mítritch, +where are you? Asleep? Asleep? Go and put the +horse up.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>not seeing Akoulína but looking at his son</i>] Dear +me, what is he doing? The old man's what d'ye call it, +quite done up, I mean,—been thrashing,—and look at +him, what d'ye call it, putting on airs! Put up the +horse! Faugh, what filth!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>climbs down from the oven, and puts on felt +boots</i>] Oh, merciful Lord! Is the horse in the yard? +Done it to death, I dare say. Just see how he's been +swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very throat. Oh +Lord, holy Nicholas! [<i>Puts on sheepskin, and exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>sits down</i>] You must forgive me, father. It's +true I've had a drop; well, what of that? Even a hen +will drink. Ain't it true? So you must forgive me. +Never mind Mítritch, he doesn't mind, he'll put it up.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Shall I really light the samovár?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Light it! My parent has come. I wish to talk +to him, and shall drink tea with him. [<i>To Akoulína</i>] +Have you brought all the parcels?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's +in the sledge. Hi, take this, this isn't mine!</p> + +<p><i>Throws a parcel on the table and puts the others into her box. +Nan watches her while she puts them away. Akím does not look +at his son, but puts his leg-bands and bast-shoes on the oven.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>going out with the samovár</i>] Her box is full as +it is, and still he's bought more!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="box"></a> +<img src="images/p052-insert.png" width="600" height="398" alt="" title="" /> +<div class="caption smcap">THE POWER OF DARKNESS. Act III.</div> +<div class="caption" style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Nikíta.</span> Have you brought all the parcels?<br/> +<span class="smcap">Akoulína.</span> The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge.<br/> +<span class="smcap">Anísya.</span> Her box is full as it is, and still he's bought more!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>pretending to be sober</i>] You must not be cross +with me, father. You think I'm drunk? I am all there, +that's flat! As they say, “Drink, but keep your wits about +you.” I can talk with you at once, father. I can attend +to any business. You told me about the money; your +horse is worn-out,—I remember! That can all be managed. +That's all in our hands. If it was an enormous sum that's +wanted, then we might wait; but as it is I can do everything. +That's the case.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands</i>] Eh, lad, “It's +ill sledging when the thaw has set in.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What d'you mean by that? “And it's ill talking +with one who is drunk”? But don't you worry, let's have +some tea. And I can do anything; that's flat! I can put +everything to rights.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>shakes his head</i>] Eh, eh, eh!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> The money, here it is. [<i>Puts his hand in his +pocket, pulls out pocket-book, handles the notes in it and +takes out a ten-rouble note</i>] Take this to get a horse; I can't +forget my parent. I shan't forsake him, that's flat. Because +he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, +I don't grudge it. [<i>Comes up and pushes the note towards +Akím who won't take it. Nikíta catches hold of his father's +hand</i>] Take it, I tell you. I don't grudge it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I can't, what d'you call it, I mean, can't take it! +And can't what d'ye call it, talk to you, because you're +not yourself, I mean.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I'll not let you go! Take it! [<i>Puts the money +into Akím's hand</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>enters, and stops</i>] You'd better take it, he'll give +you no peace!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>takes it, and shakes his head</i>] Oh! that liquor. +Not like a man, I mean!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> That's better! If you repay it you'll repay it, +if not I'll make no bother. That's what I am! [<i>Sees +Akoulína</i>] Akoulína, show your presents.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Show your presents.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> The presents, what's the use of showing +'em? I've put 'em away.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see 'em. +Undo the shawl. Give it here.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Oh, oh! It's sickening! [<i>Climbs on the oven</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>gets out the parcels and puts them on the table</i>] +Well, there you are,—what's the good of looking at 'em?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Oh how lovely! It's as good as Stepanída's.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Stepanída's? What's Stepanída's compared +to this? [<i>Brightening up and undoing the parcels</i>] Just look +here,—see the quality! It's a French one.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> The print <em>is</em> fine! Mary has a dress like it, only +lighter on a blue ground. This <em>is</em> pretty.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Ah, that's it!</p> + +<p><i>Anísya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth +and the chimney of the samovár, and goes up to the +table.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Drat you, littering the table!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You look here!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What am I to look at? Have I never seen +anything? Put it away! [<i>Sweeps the shawl on to the floor +with her arm</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> What are you pitching things down for? +You pitch your own things about! [<i>Picks up the shawl</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Anísya! Look here!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Why am I to look?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You think I have forgotten you? Look here! +[<i>Shows her a parcel and sits down on it</i>] It's a present +for you. Only you must earn it! Wife, where am I +sitting?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Enough of your humbug. I'm not afraid of +you. Whose money are you spreeing on and buying your +fat wench presents with? Mine!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal +it, but it did not come off! Get out of the way! [<i>Pushes +her while trying to pass</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What are you shoving for? I'll teach you to +shove!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Shove me? You try! [<i>Presses against Anísya</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Now then, now then, you women. Have done +now! [<i>Steps between them</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Comes shoving herself in! You ought to +keep quiet and remember your doings! You think no +one knows!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What +do they know?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> I know something about you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You're a slut who goes with another's husband!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> And you did yours to death!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>throwing herself on Akoulína</i>] You're raving!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>holding her back</i>] Anísya, you seem to have forgotten!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Want to frighten me! I'm not afraid of you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>turns Anísya round and pushes her out</i>] Be off!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where am I to go? I'll not go out of my own +house!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Be off, I tell you, and don't dare to come in +here!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I won't go! [<i>Nikíta pushes her, Anísya cries and +screams and clings to the door</i>] What! am I to be turned +out of my own house by the scruff of the neck? What +are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think there's no +law for you? You wait a bit!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Now then!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'll go to the Elder! To the policeman!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Off, I tell you! [<i>Pushes her out</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>behind the door</i>] I'll hang myself!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> No fear!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! [<i>Cries</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What +are you crying for? She'll come back, no fear. Go and +see to the samovár. [<i>Exit Nan</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>collects and folds her presents</i>] The mean +wretch, how she's messed it up. But wait a bit, I'll cut +up her jacket for her! Sure I will!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I've turned her out, what more do you want?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> She's dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch +hadn't gone away, I'd have torn her eyes out!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> That's enough. Why should you be angry? +Now if I loved her …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Loved her? She's worth loving, with her fat +mug! If you'd have given her up, then nothing would +have happened. You should have sent her to the devil. +And the house was mine all the same, and the money was +mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress +is she to her husband? She's a murderess, that's +what she is! She'll serve you the same way!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh dear, how's one to stop a woman's jaw? +You don't yourself know what you're jabbering about!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> Yes, I do. I'll not live with her! I'll turn +her out of the house! She can't live here with me. +The mistress indeed! She's not the mistress,—that jailbird!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> That's enough! What have you to do with +her? Don't mind her. You look at me! I am the +master! I do as I like. I've ceased to love her, and +now I love you. I love who I like! The power is mine, +she's under me. That's where I keep her. [<i>Points to his +feet</i>] A pity we've no concertina. [<i>Sings</i>].</p> + +<div class="poem" style="width: 16em;"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">“We have loaves on the stoves,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">We have porridge on the shelf.<br /></span> +<span class="i1">So we'll live and be gay,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Making merry every day,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">And when death comes,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">Then we'll die!<br /></span> +<span class="i1">We have loaves on the stoves,<br /></span> +<span class="i1">We have porridge on the shelf …”</span> +</div></div> + +<p><i>Enter Mítritch. He takes off his outdoor things and climbs +on the oven.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Seems the women have been fighting again! +Tearing each other's hair. Oh Lord, gracious Nicholas!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>sitting on the edge of the oven, takes his leg-bands +and shoes and begins putting them on</i>] Get in, get into the +corner.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Seems they can't settle matters between +them. Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Get out the liquor, we'll have some with our +tea.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>to Akoulína</i>] Sister, the samovár is just boiling +over.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> And where's your mother?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> She's standing and crying out there in the passage.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh, that's it! Call her, and tell her to bring +the samovár. And you, Akoulína, get the tea things.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> The tea things? All right. [<i>Brings the things</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings</i>] That's for +myself. This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out +there in the passage, and here's the money. Wait a bit, +[<i>takes a counting-frame</i>] I'll add it up. [<i>Adds</i>] Wheat-flour, +80 kopéykas, oil … Father, 10 roubles.… Father, +come let's have some tea!</p> + +<p><i>Silence. Akím sits on the oven and winds the bands round +his legs. Enter Anísya with samovár.</i></p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where shall I put it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Here on the table. Well! have you been to +the Elder? Ah, that's it! Have your say and then eat +your words. Now then, that's enough. Don't be cross, +sit down and drink this. [<i>Fills a wine-glass for her</i>] And +here's your present. [<i>Gives her the parcel he had been sitting +on. Anísya takes it silently and shakes her head</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>gets down and puts on his sheepskin, then comes up to +the table and puts down the money</i>] Here, take your money +back! Put it away.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>does not see the money</i>] Why have you put on +your things?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I'm going, going I mean; forgive me for the +Lord's sake. [<i>Takes up his cap and belt</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> My gracious! Where are you going to at this +time of night?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I can't, I mean what d'ye call 'em, in your house, +what d'ye call 'em, can't stay I mean, stay, can't stay, +forgive me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> But are you going without having any tea?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>fastens his belt</i>] Going, because, I mean, it's not +right in your house, I mean, what d'you call it, not right, +Nikíta, in the house, what d'ye call it, not right! I mean, +you are living a bad life, Nikíta, bad,—I'll go.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Eh now! Have done talking! Sit down and +drink your tea!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Why, father, you'll shame us before the neighbours. +What has offended you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Nothing what d'ye call it, nothing has offended +me, nothing at all! I mean only, I see, what d'you call +it, I mean, I see my son, to ruin I mean, to ruin, I mean +my son's on the road to ruin, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What ruin? Just prove it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Ruin, ruin; you're in the midst of it! What did +I tell you that time?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You said all sorts of things!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I told you, what d'ye call it, I told you about the +orphan lass. That you had wronged an orphan—Marína, +I mean, wronged her!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Eh! he's at it again. Let bygones be bygones +… All that's past!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>excited</i>] Past! No, lad, it's not past. Sin, I +mean, fastens on to sin—drags sin after it, and you've +stuck fast, Nikíta, fast in sin! Stuck fast in sin! I see +you're fast in sin. Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I mean!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Sit down and drink your tea, and have done +with it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I can't, I mean can't what d'ye call it, can't +drink tea. Because of your filth, I mean; I feel what +d'ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! I can't what d'ye call +it, I can't drink tea with you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Eh! There he goes rambling! Come to the +table.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> You're in your riches same as in a net—you're +in a net, I mean. Ah, Nikíta, it's the soul that God +needs!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Now really, what right have you to reprove me +in my own house? Why do you keep on at me? Am I +a child that you can pull by the hair? Nowadays those +things have been dropped!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> That's true. I have heard that nowadays, what +d'ye call it, that nowadays children pull their fathers' +beards, I mean! But that's ruin, that's ruin, I mean!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>angrily</i>] We are living without help from you, +and it's you who came to us with your wants!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> The money? There's your money! I'll go begging, +begging I mean, before I'll take it, I mean.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> That's enough! Why be angry and upset the +whole company! [<i>Holds him by the arm</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>shrieks</i>] Let go! I'll not stay. I'd rather sleep +under some fence than in the midst of your filth! Faugh! +God forgive me! [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Here's a go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>reopens the door</i>] Come to your senses, Nikíta! +It's the soul that God wants! [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>takes cups</i>] Well, shall I pour out the tea? +[<i>Takes a cup. All are silent</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>roars</i>] Oh Lord, be merciful to me a sinner! +[<i>All start</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>lies down on the bench</i>] Oh, it's dull, it's dull! +[<i>To Akoulína</i>] Where's the concertina?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> The concertina? He's bethought himself of +it. Why, you took it to be mended. I've poured out +your tea. Drink it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I don't want it! Put out the light <ins title=". .">…</ins> Oh, +how dull I feel, how dull! [<i>Sobs</i>].</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </div> + +<h2>ACT IV</h2> + +<p class="scene">Autumn. Evening. The moon is shining. The stage represents +the interior of courtyard. The scenery at the back +shows, in the middle, the back porch of the hut. To the right +the winter half of the hut and the gate; to the left the summer +half and the cellar. To the right of the stage is a shed. The +sound of tipsy voices and shouts are heard from the hut.<a name="FNanchor_5_5" href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> +Second Neighbour Woman comes out of the hut and beckons to +First Neighbour Woman.</p> + + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND NEIGHBOUR.</span> How's it Akoulína has not shown +herself?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST NEIGHBOUR.</span> Why hasn't she shown herself? She'd +have been glad to; but she's too ill, you know. The +suitor's relatives have come, and want to see the girl; and +she, my dear, she's lying in the cold hut and can't come +out, poor thing!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND NEIGHBOUR.</span> But how's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST NEIGHBOUR.</span> They say she's been bewitched by an +evil eye! She's got pains in the stomach!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND NEIGHBOUR.</span> You don't say so?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST NEIGHBOUR.</span> What else could it be? [<i>Whispers</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND NEIGHBOUR.</span> Dear me! There's a go! But his +relatives will surely find it out?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST NEIGHBOUR.</span> They find it out! They're all drunk! +Besides, they are chiefly after her dowry. Just think what +they give with the girl! Two furs, my dear, six dresses, +a French shawl, and I don't know how many pieces +of linen, and money as well,—two hundred roubles, it's +said!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND NEIGHBOUR.</span> That's all very well, but even money +can't give much pleasure in the face of such a disgrace.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST NEIGHBOUR.</span> Hush!… There's his father, I think.</p> + +<p><i>They cease talking, and go into the hut.</i></p> + +<p><i>The Suitor's Father comes out of the hut hiccoughing.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> Oh, I'm all in a sweat. It's awfully hot! +Will just cool myself a bit. [<i>Stands puffing</i>] The Lord only +knows what—something is not right. I can't feel happy.—Well, +it's the old woman's affair.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Matryóna from hut.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> And I was just thinking, where's the father? +Where's the father? And here you are, dear friend.… +Well, dear friend, the Lord be thanked! Everything is +as honourable as can be! When one's arranging a match +one should not boast. And I have never learnt to boast. +But as you've come about the right business, so with the +Lord's help, you'll be grateful to me all your life! She's +a wonderful girl! There's no other like her in all the +district!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> That's true enough, but how about the +money?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Don't you trouble about the money! All +she had from her father goes with her. And it's more +than one gets easily, as things are nowadays. Three +times fifty roubles!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> We don't complain, but it's for our own +child. Naturally we want to get the best we can.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> I'll tell you straight, friend: if it hadn't +been for me, you'd never have found anything like her! +They've had an offer from the Karmílins, but I stood out +against it. And as for the money, I'll tell you truly: +when her father, God be merciful to his soul, was dying, +he gave orders that the widow should take Nikíta into +the homestead—of course I know all about it from my +son,—and the money was to go to Akoulína. Why, another +one might have thought of his own interests, but Nikíta +gives everything clean! It's no trifle. Fancy what a sum +it is!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> People are saying, that more money was +left her? The lad's sharp too!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, dear soul alive! A slice in another's +hand always looks big; all she had will be handed over. +I tell you, throw doubts to the wind and make all sure! +What a girl she is! as fresh as a daisy!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> That's so. But my old woman and I +were only wondering about the girl; why has she not +come out? We've been thinking, suppose she's sickly?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, ah.… Who? She? Sickly? Why, +there's none to compare with her in the district. The +girl's as sound as a bell; you can't pinch her. But you +saw her the other day! And as for work, she's wonderful! +She's a bit deaf, that's true, but there are spots on the +sun, you know. And her not coming out, you see, it's +from an evil eye! A spell's been cast on her! And I +know the bitch who's done the business! They know of +the betrothal and they bewitched her. But I know a +counter-spell. The girl will get up to-morrow. Don't +you worry about the girl!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> Well, of course, the thing's settled.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Yes, of course! Don't you turn back. And +don't forget me, I've had a lot of trouble. Don't forget …</p> + +<p><i>A woman's voice from the hut.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VOICE.</span> If we are to go, let's go. Come along, Iván!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE FATHER.</span> I'm coming. [<i>Exeunt. Guests crowd together +in the passage and prepare to go away</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>runs out of the hut and calls to Anísya</i>] Mother!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>from inside</i>] What d'you want?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Mother, come here, or they'll hear.</p> + +<p><i>Anísya enters and they go together to the shed.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Well? What is it? Where's Akoulína?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> She's gone into the barn. It's awful what's she's +doing there! I'm blest! “I can't bear it,” she says. +“I'll scream,” she says, “I'll scream out loud.” Blest +if she didn't.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> She'll have to wait. We'll see our visitors off +first.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Oh mother! She's so bad! And she's angry +too. “What's the good of their drinking my health?” +she says. “I shan't marry,” she says. “I shall die,” +she says. Mother, supposing she does die! It's awful. +I'm so frightened!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> No fear, she'll not die. But don't you go near +her. Come along. [<i>Exit Anísya and Nan</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>comes in at the gate and begins collecting the +scattered hay</i>] Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! What a lot +of liquor they've been and swilled, and the smell they've +made! It smells even out here! But no, I don't want +any, drat it! See how they've scattered the hay about. +They don't eat it, but only trample it under foot. A truss +gone before you know it. Oh, that smell, it seems to be +just under my nose! Drat it! [<i>Yawns</i>] It's time to go to +sleep! But I don't care to go into the hut. It seems +to float just round my nose! It has a strong scent, the +damned stuff! [<i>The guests are heard driving off</i>] They're +off at last. Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! There they +go, binding themselves and gulling one another. And it's +all gammon!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nikíta.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Mítritch, you get off to sleep and I'll put this +straight.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> All right, you throw it to the sheep. Well, +have you seen 'em all off?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Yes, they're off! But things are not right! I +don't know what to do!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> It's a fine mess. But there's the Foundlings'<a name="FNanchor_6_6" href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> +for that sort of thing. Whoever likes may drop one +there; they'll take 'em all. Give 'em as many as you +like, they ask no questions, and even pay—if the mother +goes in as a wet-nurse. It's easy enough nowadays.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> But mind, Mítritch, don't go blabbing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> It's no concern of mine. Cover the tracks as +you think best. Dear me, how you smell of liquor! I'll +go in. Oh Lord! [<i>Exit, yawning</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Nikíta is long silent. Sits down on a sledge.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Here's a go!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Anísya.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Where are you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Here.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What are you doing there? There's no time to +be lost! We must take it out directly!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What are we to do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'll tell you what you are to do. And you'll +have to do it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You'd better take it to the Foundlings'—if anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Then you'd better take it there yourself if you +like! You've a hankering for smut, but you're weak +when it comes to settling up, I see!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What's to be done?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Go down into the cellar, I tell you, and dig a +hole!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Couldn't you manage, somehow, some other way?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>imitating him</i>] “Some other way?” Seems we +can't “some other way!” You should have thought about +it a year ago. Do what you're told to!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh dear, what a go!</p> + +<p> +<i>Enter Nan.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Mother! Grandmother's calling! I think sister's +got a baby! I'm blest if it didn't scream!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What are you babbling about? Plague take +you! It's kittens whining there. Go into the hut and +sleep, or I'll give it you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Mammy dear, truly, I swear …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>raising her arm as if to strike</i>] I'll give it you! +You be off and don't let me catch sight of you! [<i>Nan +runs into hut. To Nikíta</i>] Do as you're told, or else mind! +[<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>alone. After a long silence</i>] Here's a go! Oh +these women! What a fix! Says you should have thought +of it a year ago. When's one to think beforehand? +When's one to think? Why, last year this Anísya dangled +after me. What was I to do? Am I a monk? The +master died; and I covered my sin as was proper, so I was +not to blame there. Aren't there lots of such cases? +And then those powders. Did I put her up to that? +Why, had I known what the bitch was up to, I'd have +killed her! I'm sure I should have killed her! She's +made me her partner in these horrors—that jade! And +she became loathsome to me from that day! She became +loathsome, loathsome to me as soon as mother told me +about it. I can't bear the sight of her! Well then, how +could I live with her? And then it begun.… That +wench began hanging round. Well, what was I to +do! If I had not done it, someone else would. And +this is what comes of it! Still I'm not to blame in this +either. Oh, what a go! [<i>Sits thinking</i>] They are bold, +these women! What a plan to think of! But I won't +have a hand in it!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Matryóna with a lantern and spade, panting.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Why are you sitting there like a hen on +a perch? What did your wife tell you to do? You just +get things ready!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What do you mean to do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> We know what to do. You do your share!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You'll be getting me into a mess!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What? You're not thinking of backing out, +are you? Now it's come to this, and you back out!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Think what a thing it would be! It's a living +soul.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> A living soul indeed! Why, it's more dead +than alive. And what's one to do with it? Go and take +it to the Foundlings'—it will die just the same, and the +rumour will get about, and people will talk, and the girl be +left on our hands.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> And supposing it's found out?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Not manage to do it in one's own house? +We'll manage it so that no one will have an inkling. Only +do as I tell you. We women can't do it without a man. +There, take the spade, and get it done there,—I'll hold +the light.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What am I to get done?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>in a low voice</i>] Dig a hole; then we'll bring +it out and get it out of the way in a trice! There, she's +calling again. Now then, get in, and I'll go.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Is it dead then?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Of course it is. Only you must be quick, or +else people will notice! They'll see or they'll hear! The +rascals must needs know everything. And the policeman +went by this evening. Well then, you see [<i>gives him the +spade</i>], you get down into the cellar and dig a hole right +in the corner; the earth is soft there, and you'll smooth +it over. Mother earth will not blab to any one; she'll +keep it close. Go then; go, dear.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You'll get me into a mess, bother you! I'll go +away! You do it alone as best you can!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>through the doorway</i>] Well? Has he dug it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Why have you come away? What have +you done with it?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I've covered it with rags. No one can hear it. +Well, has he dug it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> He doesn't want to!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>springs out enraged</i>] Doesn't want to! How +will he like feeding vermin in prison! I'll go straight +away and tell everything to the police! It's all the same +if one must perish. I'll go straight and tell!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>taken aback</i>] What will you tell?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What? Everything! Who took the money? +You! [<i>Nikíta is silent</i>] And who gave the poison? I did! +But you knew! You knew! You knew! We were in +agreement!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> That's enough now. Nikíta dear, why are +you obstinate? What's to be done now? One must take +some trouble. Go, honey.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> See the fine gentleman! He doesn't like it! +You've put upon me long enough! You've trampled me +under foot! Now it's my turn! Go, I tell you, or else I'll +do what I said.… There, take the spade; there, now go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Drat you! Can't you leave a fellow alone! [<i>Takes +the spade, but shrinks</i>] If I don't choose to, I'll not go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Not go? [<i>Begins to shout</i>] Neighbours! Heh! +heh!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>closes her mouth</i>] What are you about? You're +mad! He'll go.… Go, sonnie; go, my own.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'll cry murder!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Now stop! Oh what people! You'd better be +quick.… As well be hung for a sheep as a lamb! [<i>Goes +towards the cellar</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Yes, that's just it, honey. If you know how +to amuse yourself, you must know how to hide the consequences.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>still excited</i>] He's trampled on me … he and +his slut! But it's enough! I'm not going to be the +only one! Let him also be a murderer! Then he'll +know how it feels!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> There, there! How she flares up! Don't +you be cross, lass, but do things quietly little by little, as +it's best. You go to the girl, and he'll do the work. +[<i>Follows Nikíta to the cellar with a lantern. He descends +into the cellar</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And I'll make him strangle his dirty brat! [<i>Still +excited</i>] I've worried myself to death all alone, with Peter's +bones weighing on my mind! Let him feel it too! I'll +not spare myself; I've said I'll not spare myself!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>from the cellar</i>] Show a light!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>holds up the lantern to him. To Anísya</i>] He's +digging. Go and bring it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> You stay with him, or he'll go away, the wretch! +And I'll go and bring it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Mind, don't forget to baptize it, or I will +if you like. Have you a cross?</p> + +<p><a name="end-act4"><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span></a> I'll find one. I know how to do it. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p class="variation">See at end of Act, <a href="#variation">Variation</a>, which may be used instead +of the following.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> How the woman bristled up! But one +must allow she's been put upon. Well, but with the Lord's +help, when we've covered this business, there'll be an +end of it. We'll shove the girl off without any trouble. +My son will live in comfort. The house, thank God, is +as full as an egg. They'll not forget me either. Where +would they have been without Matryóna? They'd not +have known how to contrive things. [<i>Peering into the +cellar</i>] Is it ready, sonnie?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>puts out his head</i>] What are you about there? +Bring it quick! What are you dawdling for? If it is to +be done, let it be done.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>goes towards door of the hut and meets Anísya. +Anísya comes out with a baby wrapped in rags</i>] Well, have +you baptized it?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Why, of course! It was all I could do to take +it away—she wouldn't give it up! [<i>Comes forward and hands +it to Nikíta</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>does not take it</i>] You bring it yourself!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Take it, I tell you! [<i>Throws the baby to him</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>catches it</i>] It's alive! Gracious me, it's moving! +It's alive! What am I to …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>snatches the baby from him and throws it into the +cellar</i>] Be quick and smother it, and then it won't be +alive! [<i>Pushes Nikíta down</i>] It's your doing, and you must +finish it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>sits on the doorstep of the hut</i>] He's tender-hearted. +It's hard on him, poor dear. Well, what of +that? Isn't it also his sin?</p> + +<p><i>Anísya stands by the cellar.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>sits looking at her and discourses</i>] Oh, oh, oh! +How frightened he was: well, but what of that? If it <em>is</em> +hard, it's the only thing to be done. Where was one to put +it? And just think, how often it happens that people pray +to God to have children! But no, God gives them none; or +they are all still-born. Look at our priest's wife now.… +And here, where it's not wanted, here it lives. [<i>Looks towards +the cellar</i>] I suppose he's finished. [<i>To Anísya</i>] Well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>looking into the cellar</i>] He's put a board on it +and is sitting on it. It must be finished!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, oh! One would be glad not to sin, +but what's one to do?</p> + +<p><i>Re-enter Nikíta from cellar, trembling all over.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> It's still alive! I can't! It's alive!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> If it's alive, where are you off to? [<i>Tries to +stop him</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>rushes at her</i>] Go away! I'll kill you! [<i>Catches +hold of her arms; she escapes, he runs after her with the spade. +Matryóna runs towards him and stops him. Anísya runs into +the porch. Matryóna tries to wrench the spade from him. +To his mother</i>] I'll kill you! I'll kill you! Go away! +[<i>Matryóna runs to Anísya in the porch. Nikíta stops</i>] I'll +kill you! I'll kill you all!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> That's because he's so frightened! Never +mind, it will pass!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What have they made me do? What have +they made me do? How it whimpered.… How it +crunched under me! What have they done with me?… +And it's really alive, still alive! [<i>Listens in silence</i>] +It's whimpering … There, it's whimpering. [<i>Runs to the +cellar</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>to Anísya</i>] He's going; it seems he means +to bury it. Nikíta, you'd better take the lantern!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>does not heed her, but listens by the cellar door</i>] +I can hear nothing! I suppose it was fancy! [<i>Moves away, +then stops</i>] How the little bones crunched under me. +Krr … kr … What have they made me do? [<i>Listens +again</i>] Again whimpering! It's really whimpering! What +can it be? Mother! Mother, I say! [<i>Goes up to her</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What is it, sonnie?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Mother, my own mother, I can't do any more! +Can't do any more! My own mother, have some pity on +me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh dear, how frightened you are, my darling! +Come, come, drink a drop to give you courage!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Mother, mother! It seems my time has come! +What have you done with me? How the little bones +crunched, and how it whimpered! My own mother! What +have you done with me? [<i>Steps aside and sits down on the +sledge</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Come, my own, have a drink! It certainly +does seem uncanny at night-time. But wait a bit. When +the day breaks, you know, and one day and another +passes, you'll forget even to think of it. Wait a bit; when +the girl's married we'll even forget to think of it. But +you go and have a drink; have a drink! I'll go and put +things straight in the cellar myself.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>rouses himself</i>] Is there any drink left? Perhaps +I can drink it off! [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Anísya, who has stood all the time by the door, silently makes +way for him.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Go, go, honey, and I'll set to work! I'll go +down myself and dig! Where has he thrown the spade +to? [<i>Finds the spade, and goes down into the cellar</i>] Anísya, +come here! Hold the light, will you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And what of him?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> He's so frightened! You've been too hard +with him. Leave him alone, he'll come to his senses. +God help him! I'll set to work myself. Put the lantern +down here. I can see.</p> + +<p><i>Matryóna disappears into the cellar.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>looking towards the door by which Nikíta entered +the hut</i>] Well, have you had enough spree? You've been +puffing yourself up, but now you'll know how it feels! +You'll lose some of your bluster!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>rushes out of the hut towards the cellar</i>] Mother! +mother, I say!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>puts out her head</i>] What is it, sonnie?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>listening</i>] Don't bury it, it's alive! Don't you +hear? Alive! There—it's whimpering! There … quite +plain!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> How can it whimper? Why, you've flattened +it into a pancake! The whole head is smashed to +bits!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What is it then? [<i>Stops his ears</i>] It's still +whimpering! I am lost! Lost! What have they done +with me?… Where shall I go? [<i>Sits down on the step</i>].</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> + +<h3><a name="variation">VARIATION</a></h3> + +<p><i>Instead of the <a href="#end-act4">end of Act IV.</a></i> (from the words, +“<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'll find one. I know how to do it. [<i>Exit</i>]”) <i>the +following variation may be read, and is the one usually acted.</i></p> + + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> +<h4 class="smcap">Scene 2.</h4> + +<p class="scene">The interior of the hut as in <a href="#act1">Act I</a>.</p> + +<p class="scene">Nan lies on the bench, and is covered with a coat. Mítritch +is sitting on the oven smoking.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Dear me! How they've made the place +smell! Drat 'em! They've been spilling the fine stuff. +Even tobacco don't get rid of the smell! It keeps tickling +one's nose so. Oh Lord! But it's bedtime, I guess. +[<i>Approaches the lamp to put it out</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>jumps up, and remains sitting up</i>] Daddy dear,<a name="FNanchor_7_7" href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> +don't put it out!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Not put it out? Why?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Didn't you hear them making a row in the yard? +[<i>Listens</i>] D'you hear, there in the barn again now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What's that to you? I guess no one's asked +you to mind! Lie down and sleep! And I'll turn down +the light. [<i>Turns down lamp</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy darling! Don't put it right out; leave a +little bit if only as big as a mouse's eye, else it's so +frightening!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>laughs</i>] All right, all right. [<i>Sits down by her</i>] +What's there to be afraid of?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NAN.</span> How can one help being frightened, daddy! +Sister did go on so! She was beating her head against +the box! [<i>Whispers</i>] You know, I know … a little baby +is going to be born.… It's already born, I think.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Eh, what a little busybody it is! May the +frogs kick her! Must needs know everything. Lie down +and sleep! [<i>Nan lies down</i>] That's right! [<i>Tucks her up</i>] +That's right! There now, if you know too much you'll +grow old too soon.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> And you are going to lie on the oven?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Well, of course! What a little silly you are, +now I come to look at you! Must needs know everything. +[<i>Tucks her up again, then stands up to go</i>] There now, lie +still and sleep! [<i>Goes up to the oven</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> It gave just one cry, and now there's nothing to +be heard.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! What is it +you can't hear?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> The baby.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> There is none, that's why you can't hear it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> But I heard it! Blest if I didn't hear it! Such +a thin voice!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Heard indeed! Much you heard! Well, if +you know,—why then it was just such a little girl as you +that the bogey popped into his bag and made off with.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> What bogey?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why, just his very self! [<i>Climbs up on to the +oven</i>] The oven is beautifully warm to-night. Quite a +treat! Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy! are you going to sleep?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What else? Do you think I'm going to sing +songs?</p> + +<p><i>Silence.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy! Daddy, I say! They are digging! they're +digging—don't you hear? Blest if they're not, they're +digging!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What are you dreaming about? Digging! +Digging in the night! Who's digging? The cow's rubbing +herself, that's all. Digging indeed! Go to sleep +I tell you, else I'll just put out the light!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy darling, don't put it out! I won't … +truly, truly, I won't. It's so frightful!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Frightful? Don't be afraid and then it won't +be frightful. Look at her, she's afraid, and then says it's +frightful. How can it help being frightful if you are +afraid? Eh, what a stupid little girl!</p> + +<p><i>Silence. The cricket chirps.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>whispers</i>] Daddy! I say, daddy! Are you +asleep?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Now then, what d'you want?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> What's the bogey like?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why, like this! When he finds such a one +as you, who won't sleep, he comes with a sack and pops +the girl into it, then in he gets himself, head and all, +lifts her dress, and gives her a fine whipping!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> What with?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> He takes a birch-broom with him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> But he can't see there—inside the sack!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> He'll see, no fear!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> But I'll bite him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> No, friend, him you can't bite!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy, there's some one coming! Who is it? Oh +gracious goodness! Who can it be?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Well, if some one's coming, let them come! +What's the matter with you? I suppose it's your mother!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Anísya.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Nan! [<i>Nan pretends to be asleep</i>] Mítritch!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What's the lamp burning for? We are going +to sleep in the summer-hut.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why, you see I've only just got straight. I'll +put the light out all right.</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>rummages in her box and grumbles</i>] When a thing's +wanted one never can find it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why, what is it you are looking for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> I'm looking for a cross. Suppose it were to die +unbaptized! It would be a sin, you know!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Of course it would! Everything in due +order.… Have you found it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Yes, I've found it. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> That's right, else I'd have lent her mine. +Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>jumps up trembling</i>] Oh, oh, daddy! Don't go to +sleep; for goodness' sake, don't! It's so frightful!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What's frightful?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> It will die—the little baby will! At Aunt Irene's +the old woman also baptized the baby, and it died!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> If it dies, they'll bury it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> But maybe it wouldn't have died, only old Granny +Matryóna's there! Didn't I hear what granny was saying? +I heard her! Blest if I didn't!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What did you hear? Go to sleep, I tell +you. Cover yourself up, head and all, and let's have an +end of it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> If it lived, I'd nurse it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>roars</i>] Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Where will they put it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> In the right place! It's no business of yours! +Go to sleep I tell you, else mother will come; she'll give +it you! [<i>Silence</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy! Eh, daddy! That girl, you know, you +were telling about—they didn't kill her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> That girl? Oh yes. That girl turned out all +right!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> How was it? You were saying you found her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Well, we just found her!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> But where did you find her? Do tell!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why, in their own house; that's where! We +came to a village, the soldiers began hunting about in the +house, when suddenly there's that same little girl lying +on the floor, flat on her stomach. We were going to give +her a knock on the head, but all at once I felt that sorry, +that I took her up in my arms; but no, she wouldn't let +me! Made herself so heavy, quite a hundredweight, +and caught hold where she could with her hands, so that +one couldn't get them off! Well, so I began stroking her +head. It was so bristly,—just like a hedgehog! So I +stroked and stroked, and she quieted down at last. I +soaked a bit of rusk and gave it her. She understood +that, and began nibbling. What were we to do with her? +We took her; took her, and began feeding and feeding +her, and she got so used to us that we took her with us on +the march, and so she went about with us. Ah, she was +a fine girl!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Yes, and not baptized?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Who can tell! They used to say, not altogether. +'Cos why, those people weren't our own.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Germans?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What an idea! Germans! Not Germans, +but Asiatics. They are just the same as Jews, but still +not Jews. Polish, yet Asiatics. Curls … or, Curdlys +is their name.… I've forgotten what it is!<a name="FNanchor_8_8" href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> We +called the girl Sáshka. She was a fine girl, Sáshka was! +There now, I've forgotten everything I used to know! +But that girl—the deuce take her—seems to be before +my eyes now! Out of all my time of service, I remember +how they flogged me, and I remember that girl. That's all +I remember! She'd hang round one's neck, and one +'ud carry her so. That was a girl,—if you wanted a +better you'd not find one! We gave her away afterwards. +The captain's wife took her to bring up as her +daughter. So—she was all right! How sorry the soldiers +were to let her go!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NAN.</span> There now, daddy, and I remember when father +was dying,—you were not living with us then. Well, he +called Nikíta and says, “Forgive me, Nikíta!” he says, +and begins to cry. [<i>Sighs</i>] That also felt very sad!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Yes; there now, so it is …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy! Daddy, I say! There they are again, +making a noise in the cellar! Oh gracious heavens! Oh +dear! Oh dear! Oh, daddy! They'll do something to it! +They'll make away with it, and it's so little! Oh, oh! +[<i>Covers up her head and cries</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>listening</i>] Really they're up to some villainy, +blow them to shivers! Oh, these women are vile creatures! +One can't say much for men either; but women!… +They are like wild beasts, and stick at nothing!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>rising</i>] Daddy; I say, daddy!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Well, what now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> The other day a traveller stayed the night; he +said that when an infant died its soul goes up straight to +heaven. Is that true?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Who can tell. I suppose so. Well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Oh, it would be best if I died too. [<i>Whimpers</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Then you'd be off the list!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Up to ten one's an infant, and maybe one's soul +would go to God. Else one's sure to go to the bad!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> And how to the bad? How should the likes +of you not go to the bad? Who teaches you? What do +you see? What do you hear? Only vileness! I, though +I've not been taught much, still know a thing or two. +I'm not quite like a peasant woman. A peasant woman, +what is she? Just mud! There are many millions of the +likes of you in Russia, and all as blind as moles—knowing +nothing! All sorts of spells: how to stop the cattle-plague +with a plough, and how to cure children by putting +them under the perches in the hen-house! That's +what they know!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Yes, mother also did that!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Yes,—there it is,—just so! So many millions +of girls and women, and all like beasts in a forest! As she +grows up, so she dies! Never sees anything; never hears +anything. A peasant,—he may learn something at the +pub, or maybe in prison, or in the army,—as I did. But a +woman? Let alone about God, she doesn't even know +rightly what Friday it is! Friday! Friday! But ask her +what's Friday? She don't know! They're like blind +puppies, creeping about and poking their noses into +the dung-heap.… All they know are their silly songs. +Ho, ho, ho, ho! But what they mean by ho-ho, they +don't know themselves!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> But I, daddy, I do know half the Lord's Prayer!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> A lot you know! But what can one expect +of you? Who teaches you? Only a tipsy peasant—with +the strap perhaps! That's all the teaching you get! I +don't know who'll have to answer for you. For a recruit, +the drill-sergeant or the corporal has to answer; but for +the likes of you there's no one responsible! Just as the +cattle that have no herdsman are the most mischievous, so +with you women—you are the stupidest class! The most +foolish class is yours!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Then what's one to do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> That's what one has to do.… You just +cover up your head and sleep! Oh Lord!</p> + +<p><i>Silence. The cricket chirps.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>jumps up</i>] Daddy! Some one's screaming awfully! +Blest if some one isn't screaming! Daddy darling, it's +coming here!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Cover up your head, I tell you!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nikíta, followed by Matryóna.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What have they done with me? What have +they done with me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Have a drop, honey; have a drop of drink! +What's the matter? [<i>Fetches the spirits and sets the bottle +before him</i>].</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Give it here! Perhaps the drink will help me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Mind! They're not asleep! Here you are, +have a drop!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What does it all mean? Why did you plan +it? You might have taken it somewhere!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>whispers</i>] Sit still a bit and drink a little +more, or have a smoke. It will ease your thoughts!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> My own mother! My turn seems to have come! +How it began to whimper, and how the little bones +crunched … krr … I'm not a man now!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Eh, now, what's the use of talking so silly! +Of course it does seem fearsome at night, but wait till the +daylight comes, and a day or two passes, and you'll forget +to think of it! [<i>Goes up to Nikíta and puts her hand on his +shoulder</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Go away from me! What have you done with +me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Come, come, sonnie! Now really, what's +the matter with you? [<i>Takes his hand</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Go away from me! I'll kill you! It's all one +to me now! I'll kill you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, oh, how frightened he's got! You +should go and have a sleep now!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I have nowhere to go; I'm lost!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>shaking her head</i>] Oh, oh, I'd better go and +tidy things up. He'll sit and rest a bit, and it will pass! +[<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Nikíta sits with his face in his hands. Mítritch and Nan +seem stunned.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> It's whining! It's whining! It is really—there, +there, quite plain! She'll bury it, really she will! [<i>Runs +to the door</i>] Mother, don't bury it, it's alive.…</p> + +<p><i>Enter Matryóna.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>whispers</i>] Now then, what is it? Heaven +help you! Why won't you get to rest? How can it be +alive? All its bones are crushed!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Give me more drink! [<i>Drinks</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Now go, sonnie. You'll fall asleep now all +right.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>stands listening</i>] Still alive … there … it's +whining! Don't you hear?… There!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>whispers</i>] No! I tell you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Mother! My own mother! I've ruined my +life! What have you done with me? Where am I to go? +[<i>Runs out of the hut; Matryóna follows him</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy dear, darling, they've smothered it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH</span> [<i>angrily</i>] Go to sleep, I tell you! Oh dear, +may the frogs kick you! I'll give it to you with the broom! +Go to sleep, I tell you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy, my treasure! Something is catching hold +of my shoulders, something is catching hold with its paws! +Daddy dear … really, really … I must go! Daddy, +darling! let me get up on the oven with you! Let me, +for Heaven's sake! Catching hold … catching hold! +Oh! [<i>Runs to the stove</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> See how they've frightened the girl.… +What vile creatures they are! May the frogs kick them! +Well then, climb up.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>climbs on oven</i>] But don't you go away!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Where should I go to? Climb up, climb +up! Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! Holy Mother!… +How they have frighted the girl. [<i>Covers her up</i>] There's +a little fool—really a little fool! How they've frighted +her; really, they are vile creatures! The deuce take +'em!</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </div> + +<h2>ACT V</h2> + + +<h3 class="smcap"><ins title="Scene 1">Scene 1.</ins></h3> + +<p class="scene">In front of scene a stack-stand, to the left a thrashing ground, +to the right a barn. The barn doors are open. Straw is +strewn about in the doorway. The hut with yard and out-buildings +is seen in the background, whence proceed sounds of +singing and of a tambourine. Two Girls are walking past the +barn towards the hut.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> There, you see we've managed to pass without +so much as getting our boots dirty! But to come by +the street is terribly muddy! [<i>Stop and wipe their boots on +the straw. First Girl looks at the straw and sees something</i>] +What's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND GIRL</span> [<i>looks where the straw lies and sees some one</i>] +It's Mítritch, their labourer. Just look how drunk he is!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> Why, I thought he didn't drink.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND GIRL.</span> It seems he didn't, until it was going +around.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> Just see! He must have come to fetch +some straw. Look! he's got a rope in his hand, and he's +fallen asleep.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND GIRL</span> [<i>listening</i>] They're still singing the praises.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> +So I s'pose the bride and bridegroom have not yet been +blessed! They say Akoulína didn't even lament!<a name="FNanchor_10_10" href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> Mammie says she is marrying against her +will. Her stepfather threatened her, or else she'd not +have done it for the world! Why, you know what they've +been saying about her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>catching up the Girls</i>] How d'you do, lassies?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">GIRLS.</span> How d'you do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Going to the wedding, my dears?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> It's nearly over! We've come just to have +a look.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Would you call my old man for me? Simon, +from Zoúevo; but surely you know him?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> To be sure we do; he's a relative of the +bridegroom's, I think?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Of course; he's my old man's nephew, the +bridegroom is.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">SECOND GIRL.</span> Why don't you go yourself? Fancy not +going to a wedding!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> I have no mind for it, and no time either. It's +time for us to be going home. We didn't mean to come +to the wedding. We were taking oats to town. We only +stopped to feed the horse, and they made my old man +go in.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> Where did you put up then? At Fyódoritch's?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Yes. Well then, I'll stay here and you go and +call him, my dear—my old man. Call him, my pet, and +say “Your missis, Marína, says you must go now!” His +mates are harnessing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FIRST GIRL.</span> Well, all right—if you won't go in yourself.</p> + +<p><i>The Girls go away towards the house along a footpath. +Sounds of songs and tambourine.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>alone, stands thinking</i>] I might go in, but I don't +like to, because I have not met him since that day he +threw me over. It's more than a year now. But I'd +have liked to have a peep and see how he lives with his +Anísya. People say they don't get on. She's a coarse +woman, and with a character of her own. I should think +he's remembered me more than once. He's been caught +by the idea of a comfortable life and has changed me for +it. But, God help him, I don't cherish ill-will! Then +it hurt! Oh dear, it was pain! But now it's worn +away and been forgotten. But I'd like to have seen him. +[<i>Looks towards hut and sees Nikíta</i>] Look there! Why, he +is coming here! Have the girls told him? How's it he +has left his guests? I'll go away! [<i>Nikíta approaches, +hanging his head down, swinging his arms, and muttering</i>] +And how sullen he looks!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>sees and recognises Marína</i>] Marína, dearest +friend, little Marína, what do you want?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> I have come for my old man.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Why didn't you come to the wedding? You +might have had a look round, and a laugh at my expense!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> What have I to laugh at? I've come for my +husband.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Ah, Marína dear! [<i>Tries to embrace her</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>steps angrily aside</i>] You'd better drop that sort +of thing, Nikíta! What has been, is past! I've come for +my husband. Is he in your house?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> So I must not remember the past? You won't +let me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> It's no use recalling the past! What used to +be is over now!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> And can never come back, you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> And will never come back! But why have +you gone away? You, the master,—and to go away from +the feast!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>sits down on the straw</i>] Why have I gone away? +Eh, if you knew, if you had any idea … I'm dull, +Marína, so dull that I wish my eyes would not see! I +rose from the table and left them, to get away from the +people. If I could only avoid seeing any one!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>coming nearer to him</i>] How's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> This is how it is: when I eat, it's there! When +I drink, it's there! When I sleep, it's there! I'm so sick of +it—so sick! But it's chiefly because I'm all alone that I'm +so sick, little Marína. I have no one to share my trouble.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> You can't live your life without trouble, Nikíta. +However, I've wept over mine and wept it away.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> The former, the old trouble! Ah, dear friend, +you've wept yours away, and I've got mine up to there! +[<i>Puts his hand to his throat</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> But why?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Why, I'm sick of my whole life! I am sick of +myself! Ah, Marína, why did you not know how to +keep me? You've ruined me, and yourself too! Is this +life?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>stands by the barn crying, but restrains herself</i>] I +do not complain of my life, Nikíta! God grant every one +a life like mine. I do not complain. I confessed to my +old man at the time, and he forgave me. And he does +not reproach me. I'm not discontented with my life. The +old man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children +clothed and washed! He is really kind to me. Why +should I complain? It seems God willed it so. And +what's the matter with your life? You are rich …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> My life!… It's only that I don't wish to disturb +the wedding feast, or I'd take this rope here [<i>takes +hold of the rope on the straw</i>] and throw it across that rafter +there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch it out, and I'd +climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in +the noose! That's what my life is!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> That's enough! Lord help you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> You think I'm joking? You think I'm drunk? +I'm not drunk! To-day even drink takes no hold on me! +I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating me up completely, +so that I care for nothing! Oh, little Marína, it's +only with you I ever lived! Do you remember how we +used to while away the nights together at the railway?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Don't you rub the sores, Nikíta! I'm bound +legally now, and you too. My sin has been forgiven, don't +disturb …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What shall I do with my heart? Where am I +to turn to?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> What's there to be done? You've got a wife. +Don't go looking at others, but keep to your own! You +loved Anísya, then go on loving her!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh, that Anísya, she's gall and wormwood to +me, but she's round my feet like rank weeds!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> Whatever she is, still she's your wife.… +But what's the use of talking; you'd better go to your +visitors, and send my husband to me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh dear, if you knew the whole business … +but there's no good talking!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Marína's husband, red and tipsy, and Nan.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA'S HUSBAND.</span> Marína! Missis! My old woman! +are you here?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> There's your husband calling you. Go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA.</span> And you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I? I'll lie down here for a bit! [<i>Lies down on +the straw</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">HUSBAND.</span> Where is she then?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> There she is, near the barn.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">HUSBAND.</span> What are you standing there for? Come to +the feast! The hosts want you to come and do them +honour! The wedding party is just going to start, and +then we can go too.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARÍNA</span> [<i>going towards her husband</i>] I didn't want to +go in.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">HUSBAND.</span> Come on, I tell you! You'll drink a glass to +our nephew Peter's health, the rascal! Else the hosts +might take offence! There's plenty of time for our +business. [<i>Marína's husband puts his arm around her, and +goes reeling out with her</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>rises and sits down on the straw</i>] Ah, now that I've +seen her, life seems more sickening than ever! It was +only with her that I ever really lived! I've ruined my +life for nothing! I've done for myself! [<i>Lies down</i>] Where +can I go? If mother earth would but open and swallow +me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN</span> [<i>sees Nikíta, and runs towards him</i>] Daddy, I say, +daddy! They're looking for you! Her godfather and +all of them have already blessed her. Truly they have, +they're getting cross!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>aside</i>] Where can I go to?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> What? What are you saying?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I'm not saying anything! Don't bother!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Daddy! Come, I say! [<i>Nikíta is silent, Nan pulls him +by the hand</i>] Dad, go and bless them! My word, they're +angry, they're grumbling!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>drags away his hand</i>] Leave me alone!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Now then!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>threatens her with the rope</i>] Go, I say! I'll give +it you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NAN.</span> Then I'll send mother! [<i>Runs away</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>rises</i>] How can I go? How can I take the +holy icón in my hands? How am I to look her in +the face! [<i>Lies down again</i>] Oh, if there were a hole in the +ground, I'd jump in! No one should see me, and I should +see no one! [<i>Rises again</i>] No, I shan't go … May they +all go to the devil, I shan't go! [<i>Takes the rope and makes +a noose, and tries it on his neck</i>] That's the way!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Matryóna. Nikíta sees his mother, takes the rope +off his neck, and again lies down in the straw.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>comes in hurriedly</i>] Nikíta! Nikíta, I say! +He don't even answer! Nikíta, what's the matter? Have +you had a drop too much? Come, Nikíta dear; come, +honey! The people are tired of waiting.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh dear, what have you done with me? I'm a +lost man!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> But what is the matter then? Come, my +own; come, give them your blessing, as is proper and +honourable, and then it'll all be over! Why, the people +are waiting!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> How can I give blessings?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Why, in the usual way! Don't you know?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I know, I know! But who is it I am to bless? +What have I done to her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> What have you done? Eh, now he's going +to remember it! Why, who knows anything about it? +Not a soul! And the girl is going of her own accord.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Yes, but how?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Because she's afraid, of course. But still +she's going. Besides, what's to be done now? She should +have thought sooner! Now she can't refuse. And his +kinsfolk can't take offence either. They saw the girl +twice, and get money with her too! It's all safe and +sound!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Yes, but what's in the cellar?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>laughs</i>] In the cellar? Why, cabbages, mushrooms, +potatoes, I suppose! Why remember the past?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I'd be only too glad to forget it; but I can't! +When I let my mind go, it's just as if I heard.… Oh, +what have you done with me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Now, what are you humbugging for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>turns face downward</i>] Mother! Don't torment me! +I've got it up to there! [<i>Puts his hand to his throat</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Still it has to be done! As it is, people are +talking. “The master's gone away and won't come; he +can't make up his mind to give his blessing.” They'll be +putting two and two together. As soon as they see you're +frightened they'll begin guessing. “The thief none suspect +who walks bold and erect!” But you'll be getting out of +the frying-pan into the fire! Above all, lad, don't show +it; don't lose courage, else they'll find out all the +more!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Oh dear! You have snared me into a trap!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> That'll do, I tell you; come along! Come in +and give your blessing, as is right and honourable;—and +there's an end of the matter!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>lies face down</i>] I can't!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>aside</i>] What has come over him? He seemed +all right, and suddenly this comes over him! It seems +he's bewitched! Get up, Nikíta! See! There's Anísya +coming; she's left her guests!</p> + +<p><i>Anísya enters, dressed up, red and tipsy.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Oh, how nice it is, mother! So nice, so respectable! +And how the people are pleased.… But where +is he?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Here, honey, he's here; he's laid down on +the straw and there he lies! He won't come!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>looking at his wife</i>] Just see, she's tipsy too! +When I look at her my heart seems to turn! How can +one live with her? [<i>Turns on his face</i>] I'll kill her some +day! It'll be worse then!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Only look, how he's got all among the straw! +Is it the drink? [<i>Laughs</i>] I'd not mind lying down there +with you, but I've no time! Come, I'll lead you! It is +so nice in the house! It's a treat to look on! A concertina! +And the women singing so well! All tipsy! +Everything so respectable, so nice!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> What's nice?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> The wedding—such a jolly wedding! They all +say it's quite an uncommon fine wedding! All so respectable, +so nice! Come along! We'll go together! I have +had a drop, but I can give you a hand yet! [<i>Takes his +hand</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>pulls it back with disgust</i>] Go alone! I'll come!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> What are you humbugging for? We've got rid +of all the bother, we've got rid of her as came between +us; now we have nothing to do but to live and be merry! +And all so respectable, and quite legal! I'm so pleased! +I have no words for it! It's just as if I were going to +marry you over again! And oh, the people, they <em>are</em> +pleased! They're all thanking us! And the guests are +all of the best: <ins title="Ivan">Iván</ins> Moséitch is there, and the Police +Officer; they've also been singing songs of praise!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Then you should have stayed with them! What +have you come for?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> True enough, I must go back! Else what does +it look like! The hosts both go and leave the visitors! +And the guests are all of the best!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>gets up and brushes the straw off himself</i>] Go, and +I'll come at once!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Just see! He listens to the young bird, but +wouldn't listen to the old one! He would not hear me, +but he follows his wife at once! [<i>Matryóna and Anísya +turn to go</i>] Well, are you coming?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I'll come directly! You go and I'll follow! I'll +come and give my blessing! [<i>The women stop</i>] Go on! I'll +follow! Now then, go! [<i>Exit women. Sits down and takes +his boots off</i>] Yes, I'm going! A likely thing! No, you'd +better look at the rafter for me! I'll fix the noose and +jump with it from the rafter, then you can look for me! +And the rope is here just handy. [<i>Ponders</i>] I'd have got +over it, over any sorrow—I'd have got over that. But this +now—here it is, deep in my heart, and I can't get over it! +[<i>Looks towards the yard</i>] Surely she's not coming back? +[<i>Imitates Anísya</i>] “So nice, so nice. I'd lie down here with +you.” Oh, the baggage! Well then, here I am! Come +and cuddle when they've taken me down from the rafter! +There's only one way! [<i>Takes the rope and pulls it</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Mítritch, who is tipsy, sits up and won't let go of the rope.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Shan't give it up! Shan't give it to no +one! I'll bring it myself! I said I'd bring the straw—and +so I will! Nikíta, is that you? [<i>Laughs</i>] Oh, the +devil! Have you come to get the straw?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Give me the rope!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> No, you wait a bit! The peasants sent me! +I'll bring it … [<i>Rises to his feet and begins getting the straw +together, but reels for a time, then falls</i>] It has beaten me. +It's stronger …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Give me the rope!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Didn't I say I won't! Oh, Nikíta, you're as +stupid as a hog! [<i>Laughs</i>] I love you, but you're a fool! +You see that I'm drunk … devil take you! You think +I need you?… You just look at me; I'm a Non … fool, +can't say it—Non-commissioned Officer of Her Majesty's +very First Regiment of Grenadier Guards! I've served +Tsar and country, loyal and true! But who am I? You +think I'm a warrior? No, I'm not a warrior; I'm the +very least of men, a poor lost orphan! I swore not to +drink, and now I had a smoke, and … Well then, do you +think I'm afraid of you? No fear; I'm afraid of no man! +I've taken to drink, and I'll drink! Now I'll go it for a +fortnight; I'll go it hard! I'll drink my last shirt; I'll +drink my cap; I'll pawn my passport; and I'm afraid of +no one! They flogged me in the army to stop me drinking! +They switched and switched! “Well,” they say, +“will you leave off?” “No,” says I! Why should I be +afraid of them? Here I am! Such as I am, God made me! +I swore off drinking, and didn't drink. Now I've took to +drink, and I'll drink! And I fear no man! 'Cos I don't +lie; but just as … Why should one mind them—such +muck as they are! “Here you are,” I say; that's me. +A priest told me, the devil's the biggest bragger! “As +soon,” says he, “as you begin to brag, you get frightened; +and as soon as you fear men, then the hoofed one +just collars you and pushes you where he likes!” But +as I don't fear men, I'm easy! I can spit in the devil's +beard, and at the sow his mother! He can't do me no +harm! There, put that in your pipe!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>crossing himself</i>] True enough! What was I +about? [<i>Throws down the rope</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>rises</i>] You tell me not to fear men?</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">MÍTRITCH.</span> Why fear such muck as they are? You look +at 'em in the bath-house! All made of one paste! One +has a bigger belly, another a smaller; that's all the difference +there is! Fancy being afraid of 'em! Deuce take +'em!</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="fear"></a> +<img src="images/p090-insert.png" width="600" height="396" alt="" title="" /> +<div class="caption smcap">THE POWER OF DARKNESS. Act V.</div> +<div class="caption" style="text-align: justify; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Nikíta.</span> True enough! What was I about?<br/> +<span class="smcap"><ins title="Mítrich.">Mítritch.</ins></span> What?<br/> +<span class="smcap">Nikíta.</span> You tell me not to fear <ins title="men.">men?</ins><br/> +<span class="smcap"><ins title="Mítrich.">Mítritch.</ins></span> Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the bath-house!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>from the yard</i>] Well, are you coming?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Ah! Better so! I'm coming! [<i>Goes towards +yard</i>].</p> + + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> +<h3 class="smcap">Scene 2.</h3> + +<p class="scene">Interior of hut, full of people, some sitting round tables and +others standing. In the front corner Akoulína and the Bridegroom. +On one of the tables an Icón and a loaf of rye-bread. +Among the visitors are Marína, her husband, and a Police +Officer, also a Hired Driver, the Matchmaker, and the Best +Man. The women are singing. Anísya carries round the drink. +The singing stops.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE DRIVER.</span> If we are to go, let's go! The church ain't +so near.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE BEST MAN.</span> All right; you wait a bit till the step-father +has given his blessing. But where is he?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> He is coming—coming at once, dear friends! +Have another glass all of you; don't refuse!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE MATCHMAKER.</span> Why is he so long? We've been +waiting such a time!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> He's coming; coming directly, coming in no +time! He'll be here before one could plait a girl's hair +who's had her hair cropped! Drink, friends! [<i>Offers the +drink</i>] Coming at once! Sing again, my pets, meanwhile!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE DRIVER.</span> They've sung all their songs, waiting here!</p> + +<p><i>The women sing. Nikíta and Akím enter during the singing.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>holds his father's arm and pushes him in before him</i>] +Go, father; I can't do without you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> I don't like—I mean what d'ye call it …</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>to the women</i>] Enough! Be quiet! [<i>Looks round +the hut</i>] Marína, are you there?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE MATCHMAKER.</span> Go, take the icón, and give them your +blessing!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Wait a while! [<i>Looks round</i>] Akoulína, are you +there?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATCHMAKER.</span> What are you calling everybody for? +Where should she be? How queer he seems!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Gracious goodness! Why, he's barefoot!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Father, you are here! Look at me! Christian +Commune, you are all here, and I am here! I am … +[<i>Falls on his knees</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Nikíta darling, what's the matter with <ins title="you.">you?</ins> +Oh my head, my head!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATCHMAKER.</span> Here's a go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> I did say he was taking too much of that +French wine! Come to your senses; what are you about?</p> + +<p><i>They try to lift him; he takes no heed of them, but looks in +front of him.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Christian Commune! I have sinned, and I wish +to confess!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA</span> [<i>shakes him by the shoulder</i>] Are you mad? +Dear friends, he's gone crazy! He must be taken away!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>shakes her off</i>] Leave me alone! And you, +father, hear me! And first, Marína, look here! [<i>Bows +to the ground to her and rises</i>] I have sinned towards you! +I promised to marry you, I tempted you, and forsook +you! Forgive me, in Christ's name! [<i>Again bows to the +ground before her</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> And what are you drivelling about? It's not +becoming! No one wants to know! Get up! It's like +your impudence!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> Oh, oh, he's bewitched! And however did +it happen? It's a spell! Get up! what nonsense are +you jabbering? [<i>Pulls him</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>shakes his head</i>] Don't touch me! Forgive me +my sin towards you, Marína! Forgive me, for Christ's +sake!</p> + +<p><i>Marína covers her face with her hands in silence.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA.</span> Get up, I tell you! Don't be so impudent! +What are you thinking about—to recall it? Enough +humbug! It's shameful! Oh my poor head! He's +quite crazy!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>pushes his wife away and turns to Akoulína</i>] +Akoulína, now I'll speak to you! Listen, Christian Commune! +I'm a fiend, Akoulína! I have sinned against +you! Your father died no natural death! He was +poisoned!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ANÍSYA</span> [<i>screams</i>] Oh my head! What's he about?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATRYÓNA.</span> The man's beside himself! Lead him away!</p> + +<p><i>The folk come up and try to seize him.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>motions them back with his arms</i>] Wait! You lads, +what d'ye call it, wait, I mean!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Akoulína, I poisoned him! Forgive me, in +Christ's name!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>jumps up</i>] He's telling lies! I know who +did it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MATCHMAKER.</span> What are you about? You sit still!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Oh Lord, what sins, what sins!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span> Seize him, and send for the Elder! We +must draw up an indictment and have witnesses to it! +Get up and come here!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>to Police Officer</i>] Now you—with the bright buttons—I +mean, you wait! Let him, what d'ye call it, +speak out, I mean!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span> Mind, old man, and don't interfere! I +have to draw up an indictment!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Eh, what a fellow you are; wait, I say! Don't +talk, I mean, about, what d'ye call it, 'ditements! Here +God's work is being done.… A man is confessing, I +mean! And you, what d'ye call it … 'ditements!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span> The Elder!</p> + +<p> +<span class="speaker">AKÍM.</span> Let God's work be done, I mean, and then you, +I mean, you do your business!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> And, Akoulína, my sin is great towards you; I +seduced you; forgive me in Christ's name! [<i>Bows to the +ground before her</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>leaves the table</i>] Let me go! I shan't be +married! He told me to, but I shan't now!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span> Repeat what you have said.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Wait, sir, let me finish!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>with rapture</i>] Speak, my son! Tell everything—you'll +feel better! Confess to God, don't fear men! God—God! +It is He!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I poisoned the father, dog that I am, and I +ruined the daughter! She was in my power, and I +ruined her, and her baby!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> True, that's true!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> I smothered the baby in the cellar with a board! +I sat on it and smothered it—and its bones crunched! +[<i>Weeps</i>] And I buried it! I did it, all alone!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA.</span> He raves! I told him to!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Don't shield me! I fear no one now! Forgive +me, Christian Commune! [<i>Bows to the ground</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Silence.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span> Bind him! The marriage is evidently +off!</p> + +<p><i>Men come up with their belts.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA.</span> Wait, there's plenty of time! [<i>Bows to the ground +before his father</i>] Father, dear father, forgive me too,—fiend +that I am! You told me from the first, when I +took to bad ways, you said then, “If a claw is caught, +the bird is lost!” I would not listen to your words, dog +that I was, and it has turned out as you said! Forgive me, +for Christ's sake!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKÍM</span> [<i>rapturously</i>] God will forgive you, my own son! +[<i>Embraces him</i>] You have had no mercy on yourself, He +will show mercy on you! God—God! It is He!</p> + +<p> +<i>Enter Elder.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ELDER.</span> There are witnesses enough here.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">POLICE OFFICER.</span> We will have the examination at once.</p> + +<p><i>Nikíta is bound.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">AKOULÍNA</span> [<i>goes and stands by his side</i>] I shall tell the +truth! Ask me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NIKÍTA</span> [<i>bound</i>] No need to ask! I did it all myself. +The design was mine, and the deed was mine. Take me +where you like. I will say no more!</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + +<p class="center" style="margin-top: 8em; font-size: 0.85em;">END OF “THE POWER OF DARKNESS.”</p> + +<div class="footnotes"> +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1" class="label">[1]</a> It is customary to place a dying person under the icón. One or +more icóns hang in the hut of each Orthodox peasant.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" href="#FNanchor_2_2" class="label">[2]</a> Peasant weddings are usually in autumn. They are forbidden +in Lent, and soon after Easter the peasants become too busy to +marry till harvest is over.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" href="#FNanchor_3_3" class="label">[3]</a> A formal request for forgiveness is customary among Russians, +but it is often no mere formality. Nikíta's first reply is evasive; +his second reply, “God will forgive you,” is the correct one sanctioned +by custom.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" href="#FNanchor_4_4" class="label">[4]</a> Loud public wailing of this kind is customary, and considered +indispensable, among the peasants.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" href="#FNanchor_5_5" class="label">[5]</a> Where not otherwise mentioned in the stage directions, it is +always the winter half of the hut that is referred to as “the hut.” +The summer half is not heated, and not used in winter under ordinary +circumstances.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" href="#FNanchor_6_6" class="label">[6]</a> The Foundlings' Hospital in Moscow, where 80 to 90 per cent. +of the children die.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" href="#FNanchor_7_7" class="label">[7]</a> Nan calls Mítritch “daddy” merely as a term of endearment.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" href="#FNanchor_8_8" class="label">[8]</a> Probably Kurds.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" href="#FNanchor_9_9" class="label">[9]</a> This refers to the songs customary at the wedding of Russian +peasants, praising the bride and bridegroom.</p></div> + +<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" href="#FNanchor_10_10" class="label">[10]</a> It is etiquette for a bride to bewail the approaching loss of her +maidenhood.</p></div> +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POWER OF DARKNESS ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c296925 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #26661 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26661) diff --git a/old/26661-8.txt b/old/26661-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..96df745 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/26661-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4455 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Power of Darkness, by Leo Tolstoy + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Power of Darkness + +Author: Leo Tolstoy + +Translator: Louise Maude + Aylmer Maude + +Release Date: September 22, 2008 [EBook #26661] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POWER OF DARKNESS *** + + + + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + [ Transcriber's Note: + This e-book belongs to Tolstoy's Plays (Complete Edition). The + front matter, including the table of contents, can be found in + e-book#26660; it lists the other plays in the collection. + + Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as + possible; changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to + the original text are listed at the end of this file. + ] + + + + + THE POWER OF DARKNESS + + OR + + IF A CLAW IS CAUGHT THE BIRD IS LOST + + A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS + + (1886) + + + + +CHARACTERS + + +PETER IGNTITCH. A well-to-do peasant, 42 years old, married for the +second time, and sickly. + +ANSYA. His wife, 32 years old, fond of dress. + +AKOULNA. Peter's daughter by his first marriage, 16 years old, hard of +hearing, mentally undeveloped. + +NAN (ANNA PETRVNA). His daughter by his second marriage, 10 years old. + +NIKTA. Their labourer, 26 years old, fond of dress. + +AKM. Nikta's father, 50 years old, a plain-looking, God-fearing +peasant. + +MATRYNA. His wife and Nikta's mother, 50 years old. + +MARNA. An orphan girl, 22 years old. + +MARTHA. Peter's sister. + +MTRITCH. An old labourer, ex-soldier. + +SIMON. Marna's husband. + +BRIDEGROOM. Engaged to Akoulna. + +IVN. His father. + +A NEIGHBOUR. + +FIRST GIRL. + +SECOND GIRL. + +POLICE OFFICER. + +DRIVER. + +BEST-MAN. + +MATCHMAKER. + +VILLAGE ELDER. + +VISITORS, WOMEN, GIRLS, AND PEOPLE come to see the wedding. + +N.B.--The 'oven' mentioned is the usual large, brick, Russian +baking-oven. The top of it outside is flat, so that more than one +person can lie on it. + + + + + THE POWER OF DARKNESS + + + + +ACT I + + The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The Scene + represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench, + mending a horse-collar. Ansya and Akoulna are spinning, and + singing a part-song. + + +PETER [looking out of the window] The horses have got loose again. If we +don't look out they'll be killing the colt. Nikta! Hey, Nikta! Is the +fellow deaf? [Listens. To the women] Shut up, one can't hear anything. + +NIKTA [from outside] What? + +PETER. Drive the horses in. + +NIKTA. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time. + +PETER [shaking his head] Ah, these labourers! If I were well, I'd not +keep one on no account. There's nothing but bother with 'em. [Rises and +sits down again] Nikta!... It's no good shouting. One of you'd better +go. Go, Akol, drive 'em in. + +AKOULNA. What? The horses? + +PETER. What else? + +AKOULNA. All right. [Exit]. + +PETER. Ah, but he's a loafer, that lad ... no good at all. Won't stir a +finger if he can help it. + +ANSYA. You're so mighty brisk yourself. When you're not sprawling on +the top of the oven you're squatting on the bench. To goad others to +work is all you're fit for. + +PETER. If one weren't to goad you on a bit, one'd have no roof left +over one's head before the year's out. Oh what people! + +ANSYA. You go shoving a dozen jobs on to one's shoulders, and then do +nothing but scold. It's easy to lie on the oven and give orders. + +PETER [sighing] Oh, if 'twere not for this sickness that's got hold of +me, I'd not keep him on another day. + +AKOULNA [off the scene] Gee up, gee, woo. [A colt neighs, the stamping +of horses' feet and the creaking of the gate are heard]. + +PETER. Bragging, that's what he's good at. I'd like to sack him, I would +indeed. + +ANSYA [mimicking him] "Like to sack him." You buckle to yourself, and +then talk. + +AKOULNA [enters] It's all I could do to drive 'em in. That piebald +always will... + +PETER. And where's Nikta? + +AKOULNA. Where's Nikta? Why, standing out there in the street. + +PETER. What's he standing there for? + +AKOULNA. What's he standing there for? He stands there jabbering. + +PETER. One can't get any sense out of her! Who's he jabbering with? + +AKOULNA [does not hear] Eh, what? + + Peter waves her off. She sits down to her spinning. + +NAN [running in to her mother] Nikta's father and mother have come. +They're going to take him away. It's true! + +ANSYA. Nonsense! + +NAN. Yes. Blest if they're not! [Laughing] I was just going by, and +Nikta, he says, "Good-bye, Anna Petrvna," he says, "you must come and +dance at my wedding. I'm leaving you," he says, and laughs. + +ANSYA [to her husband] There now. Much he cares. You see, he wants to +leave of himself. "Sack him" indeed! + +PETER. Well, let him go. Just as if I couldn't find somebody else. + +ANSYA. And what about the money he's had in advance? + + Nan stands listening at the door for awhile, and then exit. + +PETER [frowning] The money? Well, he can work it off in summer, anyhow. + +ANSYA. Well, of course you'll be glad if he goes and you've not got to +feed him. It's only me as'll have to work like a horse all the winter. +That lass of yours isn't over fond of work either. And you'll be lying +up on the oven. I know you. + +PETER. What's the good of wearing out one's tongue before one has the +hang of the matter? + +ANSYA. The yard's full of cattle. You've not sold the cow, and have +kept all the sheep for the winter: feeding and watering 'em alone takes +all one's time, and you want to sack the labourer. But I tell you +straight, I'm not going to do a man's work! I'll go and lie on the top +of the oven same as you, and let everything go to pot! You may do what +you like. + +PETER [to Akoulna] Go and see about the feeding, will you? it's time. + +AKOULNA. The feeding? All right. [Puts on a coat and takes a rope]. + +ANSYA. I'm not going to work for you. You go and work yourself. I've +had enough of it, so there! + +PETER. That'll do. What are you raving about? Like a sheep with the +staggers! + +ANSYA. You're a crazy cur, you are! One gets neither work nor pleasure +from you. Eating your fill, that's all you do, you palsied cur, you! + +PETER [spits and puts on coat] Faugh! The Lord have mercy! I'd better go +myself and see what's up. [Exit]. + +ANSYA [after him] Scurvy long-nosed devil! + +AKOULNA. What are you swearing at dad for? + +ANSYA. Hold your noise, you idiot! + +AKOULNA [going to the door] I know why you're swearing at him. You're +an idiot yourself, you bitch. I'm not afraid of you. + +ANSYA. What do you mean? [Jumps up and looks round for something to hit +her with] Mind, or I'll give you one with the poker. + +AKOULNA [opening the door] Bitch! devil! that's what you are! Devil! +bitch! bitch! devil! [Runs off]. + +ANSYA [ponders] "Come and dance at my wedding!" What new plan is this? +Marry? Mind, Nikta, if that's your intention, I'll go and ... No, I +can't live without him. I won't let him go. + +NIKTA [enters, looks round, and seeing Ansya alone approaches quickly. +In a low tone] Here's a go; I'm in a regular fix! That governor of mine +wants to take me away,--tells me I'm to come home. Says quite straight +I'm to marry and live at home. + +ANSYA. Well, go and marry! What's that to me? + +NIKTA. Is that it? Why, here am I reckoning how best to consider +matters, and just hear her! She tells me to go and marry. Why's that? +[Winking] Has she forgotten? + +ANSYA. Yes, go and marry! What do I care? + +NIKTA. What are you spitting for? Just see, she won't even let me +stroke her.... What's the matter? + +ANSYA. This! That you want to play me false.... If you do,--why, I +don't want you either. So now you know! + +NIKTA. That'll do, Ansya. Do you think I'll forget you? Never while I +live! I'll not play you false, that's flat. I've been thinking that +supposing they do go and make me marry, I'd still come back to you. If +only he don't make me live at home. + +ANSYA. Much need I'll have of you, once you're married. + +NIKTA. There's a go now. How is it possible to go against one's +father's will? + +ANSYA. Yes, I daresay, shove it all on your father. You know it's your +own doing. You've long been plotting with that slut of yours, Marna. +It's she has put you up to it. She didn't come here for nothing t'other +day. + +NIKTA. Marna? What's she to me? Much I care about her!... Plenty of +them buzzing around. + +ANSYA. Then what has made your father come here? It's you have told him +to. You've gone and deceived me. [Cries]. + +NIKTA. Ansya, do you believe in a God or not? I never so much as +dreamt of it. I know nothing at all about it. I never even dreamt of +it--that's flat! My old dad has got it all out of his own pate. + +ANSYA. If you don't wish it yourself who can force you? He can't drive +you like an ass. + +NIKTA. Well, I reckon it's not possible to go against one's parent. But +it's not by my wish. + +ANSYA. Don't you budge, that's all about it! + +NIKTA. There was a fellow wouldn't budge, and the village elder gave +him such a hiding.... That's what it might come to! I've no great wish +for that sort of thing. They say it touches one up.... + +ANSYA. Shut up with your nonsense. Nikta, listen to me: if you marry +that Marna I don't know what I won't do to myself.... I shall lay hands +on myself! I have sinned, I have gone against the law, but I can't go +back now. If you go away I'll... + +NIKTA. Why should I go? Had I wanted to go--I should have gone long +ago. There was Ivn Semynitch t'other day--offered me a place as his +coachman.... Only fancy what a life that would have been! But I did not +go. Because, I reckon, I am good enough for any one. Now if you did not +love me it would be a different matter. + +ANSYA. Yes, and that's what you should remember. My old man will die +one of these fine days, I'm thinking; then we could cover our sin, make +it all right and lawful, and then you'll be master here. + +NIKTA. Where's the good of making plans? What do I care? I work as hard +as if I were doing it for myself. My master loves me, and his missus +loves me. And if the wenches run after me, it's not my fault, that's +flat. + +ANSYA. And you'll love me? + +NIKTA [embracing her] There, as you have ever been in my heart... + +MATRYNA [enters, and crosses herself a long time before the icn. +Nikta and Ansya step apart] What I saw I didn't perceive, what I heard +I didn't hearken to. Playing with the lass, eh? Well,--even a calf will +play. Why shouldn't one have some fun when one's young? But your master +is out in the yard a-calling you, sonnie. + +NIKTA. I only came to get the axe. + +MATRYNA. I know, sonnie, I know; them sort of axes are mostly to be +found where the women are. + +NIKTA [stooping to pick up axe] I say, mother, is it true you want me +to marry? As I reckon, that's quite unnecessary. Besides, I've got no +wish that way. + +MATRYNA. Eh, honey! why should you marry? Go on as you are. It's all +the old man. You'd better go, sonnie, we can talk these matters over +without you. + +NIKTA. It's a queer go! One moment I'm to be married, the next, not. I +can't make head or tail of it. [Exit]. + +ANSYA. What's it all about then? Do you really wish him to get married? + +MATRYNA. Eh, why should he marry, my jewel? It's all nonsense, all my +old man's drivel. "Marry, marry." But he's reckoning without his host. +You know the saying, "From oats and hay, why should horses stray?" When +you've enough and to spare, why look elsewhere? And so in this case. +[Winks] Don't I see which way the wind blows? + +ANSYA. Where's the good of my pretending to you, Mother Matryna? You +know all about it. I have sinned. I love your son. + +MATRYNA. Dear me, here's news! D'you think Mother Matryna didn't know? +Eh, lassie,--Mother Matryna's been ground, and ground again, ground +fine! This much I can tell you, my jewel: Mother Matryna can see +through a brick wall three feet thick. I know it all, my jewel! I know +what young wives need sleeping draughts for, so I've brought some along. +[Unties a knot in her handkerchief and brings out paper-packets] As much +as is wanted, I see, and what's not wanted I neither see nor perceive! +There! Mother Matryna has also been young. I had to know a thing or two +to live with my old fool. I know seventy-and-seven dodges. But I see +your old man's quite seedy, quite seedy! How's one to live with such as +him? Why, if you pricked him with a hay-fork it wouldn't fetch blood. +See if you don't bury him before the spring. Then you'll need some one +in the house. Well, what's wrong with my son? He'll do as well as +another. Then where's the advantage of my taking him away from a good +place? Am I my child's enemy? + +ANSYA. Oh, if only he does not go away. + +MATRYNA. He won't go away, birdie. It's all nonsense. You know my old +man. His wits are always wool-gathering; yet sometimes he takes a thing +into his pate, and it's as if it were wedged in, you can't knock it out +with a hammer. + +ANSYA. And what started this business? + +MATRYNA. Well, you see, my jewel, you yourself know what a fellow with +women the lad is,--and he's handsome too, though I say it as shouldn't. +Well, you know, he was living at the railway, and they had an orphan +wench there to cook for them. Well, that same wench took to running +after him. + +ANSYA. Marna? + +MATRYNA. Yes, the plague seize her! Whether anything happened or not, +anyhow something got to my old man's ears. Maybe he heard from the +neighbours, maybe she's been and blabbed... + +ANSYA. Well, she is a bold hussy! + +MATRYNA. So my old man--the old blockhead--off he goes: "Marry, marry," +he says, "he must marry her and cover the sin," he says. "We must take +the lad home," he says, "and he shall marry," he says. Well, I did my +best to make him change his mind, but, dear me, no. So, all right, +thinks I,--I'll try another dodge. One always has to entice them fools +in this way, just pretend to be of their mind, and when it comes to the +point one goes and turns it all one's own way. You know, a woman has +time to think seventy-and-seven thoughts while falling off the oven, so +how's such as he to see through it? "Well, yes," says I, "it would be a +good job,--only we must consider well beforehand. Why not go and see our +son, and talk it over with Peter Igntitch and hear what he has to say?" +So here we are. + +ANSYA. Oh dear, oh dear, how will it all end? Supposing his father just +orders him to marry her? + +MATRYNA. Orders, indeed. Chuck his orders to the dogs! Don't you worry; +that affair will never come off. I'll go to your old man myself, and +sift and strain this matter clear--there will be none of it left. I have +come here only for the look of the thing. A very likely thing! Here's my +son living in happiness and expecting happiness, and I'll go and match +him with a slut! No fear, I'm not a fool! + +ANSYA. And she--this Marna--came dangling after him here! Mother, +would you believe, when they said he was going to marry, it was as if a +knife had gone right through my heart. I thought he cared for her. + +MATRYNA. Oh, my jewel! Why, you don't think him such a fool, that he +should go and care for a homeless baggage like that? Nikta is a +sensible fellow, you see. He knows whom to love. So don't you go and +fret, my jewel. We'll not take him away, and we won't marry him. No, +we'll let him stay on, if you'll only oblige us with a little money. + +ANSYA. All I know is, that I could not live if Nikta went away. + +MATRYNA. Naturally, when one's young it's no easy matter! You, a wench +in full bloom, to be living with the dregs of a man like that husband of +yours. + +ANSYA. Mother Matryna, would you believe it? I'm that sick of him, +that sick of this long-nosed cur of mine, I can hardly bear to look at +him. + +MATRYNA. Yes, I see, it's one of them cases. Just look here, [looks +round and whispers] I've been to see that old man, you know--he's given +me simples of two kinds. This, you see, is a sleeping draught. "Just +give him one of these powders," he says, "and he'll sleep so sound you +might jump on him!" And this here, "This is that kind of simple," he +says, "that if you give one some of it to drink it has no smell +whatever, but its strength is very great. There are seven doses here, a +pinch at a time. Give him seven pinches," he says, "and she won't have +far to look for freedom," he says. + +ANSYA. O-o-oh! What's that? + +MATRYNA. "No sign whatever," he says. He's taken a rouble for it. +"Can't sell it for less," he says. Because it's no easy matter to get +'em, you know. I paid him, dearie, out of my own money. If she takes +them, thinks I, it's all right; if she don't, I can let old Michael's +daughter have them. + +ANSYA. O-o-oh! But mayn't some evil come of them? I'm frightened! + +MATRYNA. What evil, my jewel? If your old man was hale and hearty, +'twould be a different matter, but he's neither alive nor dead as it is. +He's not for this world. Such things often happen. + +ANSYA. O-o-oh, my poor head! I'm afeared, Mother Matryna, lest some +evil come of them. No. That won't do. + +MATRYNA. Just as you like. I might even return them to him. + +ANSYA. And are they to be used in the same way as the others? Mixed in +water? + +MATRYNA. Better in tea, he says. "You can't notice anything," he says, +"no smell nor nothing." He's a cute old fellow too. + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT I. + + MATRYNA GIVES ANSYA THE POWDERS.] + +ANSYA. [taking the powder] O-oh, my poor head! Could I have ever +thought of such a thing if my life were not a very hell? + +MATRYNA. You'll not forget that rouble? I promised to take it to the +old man. He's had some trouble, too. + +ANSYA. Of course? [Goes to her box and hides the powders]. + +MATRYNA. And now, my jewel, keep it as close as you can, so that no one +should find it out. Heaven defend that it should happen, but _if_ any +one notices it, tell 'em it's for the black-beetles. [Takes the rouble] +It's also used for beetles. [Stops short]. + + Enter Akm, who crosses himself in front of the icn, and then + Peter, who sits down. + +PETER. Well then, how's it to be, Daddy Akm? + +AKM. As it's best, Peter Igntitch, as it's best ... I mean--as it's +best. 'Cos why? I'm afeared of what d'you call 'ems, some tomfoolery, +you know. I'd like to, what d'you call it ... to start, you know, start +the lad honest, I mean. But supposing you'd rather, what d'you call it, +we might, I mean, what's name? As it's best... + +PETER. All right. All right. Sit down and let's talk it over. [Akm sits +down] Well then, what's it all about? You want him to marry? + +MATRYNA. As to marrying, he might bide a while, Peter Igntitch. You +know our poverty, Peter Igntitch. What's he to marry on? We've hardly +enough to eat ourselves. How can he marry then?... + +PETER. You must consider what will be best. + +MATRYNA. Where's the hurry for him to get married? Marriage is not that +sort of thing, it's not like ripe raspberries that drop off if not +picked in time. + +PETER. If he were to get married, 'twould be a good thing in a way. + +AKM. We'd like to ... what d'you call it? 'Cos why, you see. I've what +d'you call it ... a job. I mean, I've found a paying job in town, you +know. + +MATRYNA. And a fine job too--cleaning out cesspools. The other day when +he came home, I could do nothing but spew and spew. Faugh! + +AKM. It's true, at first it does seem what d'you call it ... knocks one +clean over, you know,--the smell, I mean. But one gets used to it, and +then it's nothing, no worse than malt grain, and then it's, what d'you +call it, ... pays, pays, I mean. And as to the smell being, what d'you +call it, it's not for the likes of us to complain. And one changes one's +clothes. So we'd like to take what's his name ... Nikta I mean, home. +Let him manage things at home while I, what d'you call it,--earn +something in town. + +PETER. You want to keep your son at home? Yes, that would be well: but +how about the money he has had in advance? + +AKM. That's it, that's it! It's just as you say, Igntitch, it's just +what d'you call it. 'Cos why? If you go into service, it's as good as if +you had sold yourself, they say. That will be all right. I mean he may +stay and serve his time, only he must, what d'you call it, get married. +I mean--so: you let him off for a little while, that he may, what d'you +call it? + +PETER. Yes, we could manage that. + +MATRYNA. Ah, but it's not yet settled between ourselves, Peter +Igntitch. I'll speak to you as I would before God, and you may judge +between my old man and me. He goes on harping on that marriage. But just +ask--who it is he wants him to marry. If it were a girl of the right +sort now-- I am not my child's enemy, but the wench is not honest. + +AKM. No, that's wrong! Wrong, I say. 'Cos why? She, that same +girl--it's my son as has offended, offended the girl I mean. + +PETER. How offended? + +AKM. That's how. She's what d'you call it, with him, with my son, +Nikta. With Nikta, what d'you call it, I mean. + +MATRYNA. You wait a bit, my tongue runs smoother--let me tell it. You +know, this lad of ours lived at the railway before he came to you. There +was a girl there as kept dangling after him. A girl of no account, you +know, her name's Marna. She used to cook for the men. So now this same +girl accuses our son, Nikta, that he, so to say, deceived her. + +PETER. Well, there's nothing good in that. + +MATRYNA. But she's no honest girl herself; she runs after the fellows +like a common slut. + +AKM. There you are again, old woman, and it's not at all what d'you +call it, it's all not what d'you call it, I mean... + +MATRYNA. There now, that's all the sense one gets from my old +owl--"what d'you call it, what d'you call it," and he doesn't know +himself what he means. Peter Igntitch, don't listen to me, but go +yourself and ask any one you like about the girl, everybody will say the +same. She's just a homeless good-for-nothing. + +PETER. You know, Daddy Akm, if that's how things are, there's no reason +for him to marry her. A daughter-in-law's not like a shoe, you can't +kick her off. + +AKM [excitedly] It's false, old woman, it's what d'you call it, false; +I mean, about the girl; false! 'Cos why? The lass is a good lass, a very +good lass, you know. I'm sorry, sorry for the lassie, I mean. + +MATRYNA. It's an old saying: "For the wide world old Miriam grieves, +and at home without bread her children she leaves." He's sorry for the +girl, but not sorry for his own son! Sling her round your neck and carry +her about with you! That's enough of such empty cackle! + +AKM. No, it's not empty. + +MATRYNA. There, don't interrupt, let me have my say. + +AKM [interrupts] No, not empty! I mean, you twist things your own way, +about the lass or about yourself. Twist them, I mean, to make it better +for yourself; but God, what d'you call it, turns them His way. That's +how it is. + +MATRYNA. Eh! One only wears out one's tongue with you. + +AKM. The lass is hard-working and spruce, and keeps everything round +herself ... what d'you call it. And in our poverty, you know, it's a +pair of hands, I mean; and the wedding needn't cost much. But the chief +thing's the offence, the offence to the lass, and she's a what d'you +call it, an orphan, you know; that's what she is, and there's the +offence. + +MATRYNA. Eh! they'll all tell you a tale of that sort... + +ANSYA. Daddy Akm, you'd better listen to us women; we can tell you a +thing or two. + +AKM. And God, how about God? Isn't she a human being, the lass? A what +d'you call it,--also a human being I mean, before God. And how do you +look at it? + +MATRYNA. Eh!... started off again?... + +PETER. Wait a bit, Daddy Akm. One can't believe all these girls say, +either. The lad's alive, and not far away; send for him, and find out +straight from him if it's true. He won't wish to lose his soul. Go and +call the fellow, [Ansya rises] and tell him his father wants him. [Exit +Ansya]. + +MATRYNA. That's right, dear friend; you've cleared the way clean, as +with water. Yes, let the lad speak for himself. Nowadays, you know, +they'll not let you force a son to marry; one must first of all ask the +lad. He'll never consent to marry her and disgrace himself, not for all +the world. To my thinking, it's best he should go on living with you and +serving you as his master. And we need not take him home for the summer +either; we can hire a help. If you would only give us ten roubles now, +we'll let him stay on. + +PETER. All in good time. First let us settle one thing before we start +another. + +AKM. You see, Peter Igntitch, I speak. 'Cos why? you know how it +happens. We try to fix things up as seems best for ourselves, you know; +and as to God, we what d'you call it, we forget Him. We think it's best +so, turn it our own way, and lo! we've got into a fix, you know. We +think it will be best, I mean; and lo! it turns out much worse--without +God, I mean. + +PETER. Of course one must not forget God. + +AKM. It turns out worse! But when it's the right way--God's way--it +what d'you call it, it gives one joy; seems pleasant, I mean. So I +reckon, you see, get him, the lad, I mean, get him to marry her, to keep +him from sin, I mean, and let him what d'you call it at home, as it's +lawful, I mean, while I go and get the job in town. The work is of the +right sort--it's payin', I mean. And in God's sight it's what d'you call +it--it's best, I mean. Ain't she an orphan? Here, for example, a year +ago some fellows went and took timber from the steward,--thought they'd +do the steward, you know. Yes, they did the steward, but they couldn't +what d'you call it--do God, I mean. Well, and so... + + Enter Nikta and Nan. + +NIKTA. You called me? [Sits down and takes out his tobacco-pouch]. + +PETER [in a low, reproachful voice] What are you thinking about--have +you no manners? Your father is going to speak to you, and you sit down +and fool about with tobacco. Come, get up! + + Nikta rises, leans carelessly with his elbow on the table, and + smiles. + +AKM. It seems there's a complaint, you know, about you, Nikta--a +complaint, I mean, a complaint. + +NIKTA. Who's been complaining? + +AKM. Complaining? It's a maid, an orphan maid, complaining, I mean. +It's her, you know--a complaint against you, from Marna, I mean. + +NIKTA [laughs] Well, that's a good one. What's the complaint? And who's +told you--she herself? + +AKM. It's I am asking you, and you must now, what d'you call it, give +me an answer. Have you got mixed up with the lass, I mean--mixed up, you +know? + +NIKTA. I don't know what you mean. What's up? + +AKM. Foolin', I mean, what d'you call it? foolin'. Have you been +foolin' with her, I mean? + +NIKTA. Never mind what's been! Of course one does have some fun with a +cook now and then to while away the time. One plays the concertina and +gets her to dance. What of that? + +PETER. Don't shuffle, Nikta, but answer your father straight out. + +AKM [solemnly] You can hide it from men but not from God, Nikta. You, +what d'you call it--think, I mean, and don't tell lies. She's an orphan; +so, you see, any one is free to insult her. An orphan, you see. So you +should say what's rightest. + +NIKTA. But what if I have nothing to say? I have told you +everything--because there isn't anything to tell, that's flat! [Getting +excited] She can go and say anything about me, same as if she was +speaking of one as is dead. Why don't she say anything about Fdka +Mikshin? Besides, how's this, that one mayn't even have a bit of fun +nowadays? And as for her, well, she's free to say anything she likes. + +AKM. Ah, Nikta, mind! A lie will out. Did anything happen? + +NIKTA [aside] How he sticks to it; it's too bad. [To Akm] I tell you, +I know nothing more. There's been nothing between us. [Angrily] By God! +and may I never leave this spot [crosses himself] if I know anything +about it. [Silence. Then still more excitedly] Why! have you been +thinking of getting me to marry her? What do you mean by it?--it's a +confounded shame. Besides, nowadays you've got no such rights as to +force a fellow to marry. That's plain enough. Besides, haven't I sworn I +know nothing about it? + +MATRYNA [to her husband] There now, that's just like your silly pate, +to believe all they tell you. He's gone and put the lad to shame all for +nothing. The best thing is to let him live as he is living, with his +master. His master will help us in our present need, and give us ten +roubles, and when the time comes... + +PETER. Well, Daddy Akm, how's it to be? + +AKM [looks at his son, clicking his tongue disapprovingly] Mind, +Nikta, the tears of one that's been wronged never, what d'you call +it--never fall beside the mark but always on, what's name--the head of +the man as did the wrong. So mind, don't what d'you call it. + +NIKTA [sits down] What's there to mind? mind yourself. + +NAN [aside] I must run and tell mother. [Exit]. + +MATRYNA [to Peter] That's always the way with this old mumbler of mine, +Peter Igntitch. Once he's got anything wedged in his pate there's no +knocking it out. We've gone and troubled you all for nothing. The lad +can go on living as he has been. Keep him; he's your servant. + +PETER. Well, Daddy Akm, what do you say? + +AKM. Why, the lad's his own master, if only he what d'you call it.... I +only wish that, what d'you call it, I mean. + +MATRYNA. You don't know yourself what you're jawing about. The lad +himself has no wish to leave. Besides, what do we want with him at home? +We can manage without him. + +PETER. Only one thing, Daddy Akm--if you are thinking of taking him +back in summer, I don't want him here for the winter. If he is to stay +at all, it must be for the whole year. + +MATRYNA. And it's for a year he'll bind himself. If we want help when +the press of work comes, we can hire help, and the lad shall remain with +you. Only give us ten roubles now.... + +PETER. Well then, is it to be for another year? + +AKM. [sighing] Yes, it seems, it what d'you call it ... if it's so, I +mean, it seems that it must be what d'you call it. + +MATRYNA. For a year, counting from St. Dimtry's day. We know you'll +pay him fair wages. But give us ten roubles now. Help us out of our +difficulties. [Gets up and bows to Peter]. + + Enter Nan and Ansya. The latter sits down at one side. + +PETER. Well, if that's settled we might step across to the inn and have +a drink. Come, Daddy Akm, what do you say to a glass of vdka? + +AKM. No, I never drink that sort of thing. + +PETER. Well, you'll have some tea? + +AKM. Ah, tea! yes, I do sin that way. Yes, tea's the thing. + +PETER. And the women will also have some tea. Come. And you, Nikta, go +and drive the sheep in and clear away the straw. + +NIKTA. All right. [Exeunt all but Nikta. Nikta lights a cigarette. It +grows darker] Just see how they bother one. Want a fellow to tell 'em +how he larks about with the wenches! It would take long to tell 'em all +those stories--"Marry her," he says. Marry them all! One would have a +good lot of wives! And what need have I to marry? Am as good as married +now! There's many a chap as envies me. Yet how strange it felt when I +crossed myself before the icn. It was just as if some one shoved me. +The whole web fell to pieces at once. They say it's frightening to swear +what's not true. That's all humbug. It's all talk, that is. It's simple +enough. + +AKOULNA [enters with a rope, which she puts down. She takes off her +outdoor things and goes into closet] You might at least have got a +light. + +NIKTA. What, to look at you? I can see you well enough without. + +AKOULNA. Oh, bother you! + + Nan enters and whispers to Nikta. + +NAN. Nikta, there's a person wants you. There is! + +NIKTA. What person? + +NAN. Marna from the railway; she's out there, round the corner. + +NIKTA. Nonsense! + +NAN. Blest if she isn't! + +NIKTA. What does she want? + +NAN. She wants you to come out. She says, "I only want to say a word to +Nikta." I began asking, but she won't tell, but only says, "Is it true +he's leaving you?" And I say, "No, only his father wanted to take him +away and get him to marry, but he won't, and is going to stay with us +another year." And she says, "For goodness' sake send him out to me. I +must see him," she says, "I must say a word to him somehow." She's been +waiting a long time. Why don't you go? + +NIKTA. Bother her! What should I go for? + +NAN. She says, "If he don't come, I'll go into the hut to him." Blest if +she didn't say she'd come in! + +NIKTA. Not likely. She'll wait a bit and then go away. + +NAN. "Or is it," she says, "that they want him to marry Akoulna?" + + Re-enter Akoulna, passing near Nikta to take her distaff. + +AKOULNA. Marry whom to Akoulna? + +NAN. Why, Nikta. + +AKOULNA. A likely thing! Who says it? + +NIKTA [looks at her and laughs] It seems people do say it. Would you +marry me, Akoulna? + +AKOULNA. Who, you? Perhaps I might have afore, but I won't now. + +NIKTA. And why not now? + +AKOULNA. 'Cos you wouldn't love me. + +NIKTA. Why not? + +AKOULNA. 'Cos you'd be forbidden to. [Laughs]. + +NIKTA. Who'd forbid it? + +AKOULNA. Who? My step-mother. She does nothing but grumble, and is +always staring at you. + +NIKTA [laughing] Just hear her! Ain't she cute? + +AKOULNA. Who? Me? What's there to be cute about? Am I blind? She's been +rowing and rowing at dad all day. The fat-muzzled witch! [Goes into +closet]. + +NAN [looking out of the window] Look, Nikta, she's coming! I'm blest if +she isn't! I'll go away. [Exit]. + +MARNA [enters] What are you doing with me? + +NIKTA. Doing? I'm not doing anything. + +MARNA. You mean to desert me. + +NIKTA [gets up angrily] What does this look like, your coming here? + +MARNA. Oh, Nikta! + +NIKTA. Well, you are strange! What have you come for? + +MARNA. Nikta! + +NIKTA. That's my name. What do you want with Nikta? Well, what next? +Go away, I tell you! + +MARNA. I see, you do want to throw me over. + +NIKTA. Well, and what's there to remember? You yourself don't know. +When you stood out there round the corner and sent Nan for me, and I +didn't come, wasn't it plain enough that you're not wanted? It seems +pretty simple. So there--go! + +MARNA. Not wanted! So now I'm not wanted! I believed you when you said +you would love me. And now that you've ruined me, I'm not wanted. + +NIKTA. Where's the good of talking? This is quite improper. You've been +telling tales to father. Now, do go away, will you? + +MARNA. You know yourself I never loved any one but you. Whether you +married me or not, I'd not have been angry. I've done you no wrong, then +why have you left off caring for me? Why? + +NIKTA. Where's the use of baying at the moon? You go away. Goodness me! +what a duffer! + +MARNA. It's not that you deceived me when you promised to marry me that +hurts, but that you've left off loving. No, it's not that you've stopped +loving me either, but that you've changed me for another, that's what +hurts. I know who it is! + +NIKTA [comes up to her viciously] Eh! what's the good of talking to the +likes of you, that won't listen to reason? Be off, or you'll drive me to +do something you'll be sorry for. + +MARNA. What, will you strike me, then? Well then, strike me! What are +you turning away for? Ah, Nikta! + +NIKTA. Supposing some one came in. Of course, it's quite improper. And +what's the good of talking? + +MARNA. So this is the end of it! What has been has flown. You want me +to forget it? Well then, Nikta, listen. I kept my maiden honour as the +apple of my eye. You have ruined me for nothing, you have deceived me. +You have no pity on a fatherless and motherless girl! [Weeping] You have +deserted, you have killed me, but I bear you no malice. God forgive you! +If you find a better one you'll forget me, if a worse one you'll remember +me. Yes, you will remember, Nikta! Good-bye, then, if it is to be. Oh, +how I loved you! Good-bye for the last time. [Takes his head in her +hands and tries to kiss him]. + +NIKTA [tossing his head back] I'm not going to talk with the likes of +you. If you won't go away I will, and you may stay here by yourself. + +MARNA [screams] You are a brute. [In the doorway] God will give you no +joy. [Exit, crying]. + +AKOULNA [comes out of closet] You're a dog, Nikta! + +NIKTA. What's up? + +AKOULNA. What a cry she gave! [Cries]. + +NIKTA. What's up with you? + +AKOULNA. What's up? You've hurt her so. That's the way you'll hurt me +also. You're a dog. [Exit into closet]. + + Silence. + +NIKTA. Here's a fine muddle. I'm as sweet as honey on the lasses, but +when a fellow's sinned with 'em it's a bad look-out! + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT II + + The scene represents the village street. To the left the outside of + Peter's hut, built of logs, with a porch in the middle; to the right + of the hut the gates and a corner of the yard buildings. Ansya is + beating hemp in the street near the corner of the yard. Six months + have elapsed since the First Act. + + +ANSYA [stops and listens] Mumbling something again. He's probably got +off the stove. + + Akoulna enters, carrying two pails on a yoke. + +ANSYA. He's calling. You go and see what he wants, kicking up such a +row. + +AKOULNA. Why don't you go? + +ANSYA. Go, I tell you! [Exit Akoulna into hut] He's bothering me to +death. Won't let out where the money is, and that's all about it. He was +out in the passage the other day. He must have been hiding it there. +Now, I don't know myself where it is. Thank goodness he's afraid of +parting with it, so that at least it will stay in the house. If only I +could manage to find it. He hadn't it on him yesterday. Now I don't know +where it can be. He has quite worn the life out of me. + + Enter Akoulna, tying her kerchief over her head. + +ANSYA. Where are you off to? + +AKOULNA. Where? Why, he's told me to go for Aunt Martha. "Fetch my +sister," he says. "I am going to die," he says. "I have a word to say to +her." + +ANSYA [aside] Asking for his sister? Oh my poor head! Sure he wants to +give it her. What shall I do? Oh! [To Akoulna] Don't go! Where are you +off to? + +AKOULNA. To call Aunt. + +ANSYA. Don't go I tell you, I'll go myself. You go and take the clothes +to the river to rinse. Else you'll not have finished by the evening. + +AKOULNA. But he told me to go. + +ANSYA. You go and do as you're bid. I tell you I'll fetch Martha +myself. Take the shirts off the fence. + +AKOULNA. The shirts? But maybe you'll not go. He's given the order. + +ANSYA. Didn't I say I'd go? Where's Nan? + +AKOULNA. Nan? Minding the calves. + +ANSYA. Send her here. I dare say they'll not run away. [Akoulna +collects the clothes, and exit]. + +ANSYA. If one doesn't go he'll scold. If one goes he'll give the money +to his sister. All my trouble will be wasted. I don't myself know what +I'm to do. My poor head's splitting. [Continues to work]. + + Enter Matryna, with a stick and a bundle, in outdoor clothes. + +MATRYNA. May the Lord help you, honey. + +ANSYA [looks round, stops working, and claps her hands with joy] Well, +I never expected this! Mother Matryna, God has sent the right guest at +the right time. + +MATRYNA. Well, how are things? + +ANSYA. Ah, I'm driven well-nigh crazy. It's awful! + +MATRYNA. Well, still alive, I hear? + +ANSYA. Oh, don't talk about it. He doesn't live and doesn't die! + +MATRYNA. But the money--has he given it to anybody? + +ANSYA. He's just sending for his sister Martha--probably about the +money. + +MATRYNA. Well, naturally! But hasn't he given it to any one else? + +ANSYA. To no one. I watch like a hawk. + +MATRYNA. And where is it? + +ANSYA. He doesn't let out. And I can't find out in any way. He hides it +now here, now there, and I can't do anything because of Akoulna. Idiot +though she is, she keeps watch, and is always about. Oh my poor head! +I'm bothered to death. + +MATRYNA. Oh, my jewel, if he gives the money to any one but you, you'll +never cease regretting it as long as you live! They'll turn you out of +house and home without anything. You've been worriting, and worriting +all your life with one you don't love, and will have to go a-begging +when you are a widow. + +ANSYA. No need to tell me, mother. My heart's that weary, and I don't +know what to do. No one to get a bit of advice from. I told Nikta, but +he's frightened of the job. The only thing he did was to tell me +yesterday it was hidden under the floor. + +MATRYNA. Well, and did you look there? + +ANSYA. I couldn't. The old man himself was in the room. I notice that +sometimes he carries it about on him, and sometimes he hides it. + +MATRYNA. But you, my lass, must remember that if once he gives you the +slip there's no getting it right again! [Whispering] Well, and did you +give him the strong tea? + +ANSYA. Oh! oh!... [About to answer, but sees neighbour and stops]. + + The neighbour (a woman) passes the hut, and listens to a call from + within. + +NEIGHBOUR [to Ansya] I say, Ansya! Eh, Ansya! There's your old man +calling, I think. + +ANSYA. That's the way he always coughs,--just as if he were screaming. +He's getting very bad. + +NEIGHBOUR [approaches Matryna] How do you do, granny? Have you come +far? + +MATRYNA. Straight from home, dear. Come to see my son. Brought him +some shirts--can't help thinking of these things, you see, when it's +one's own child. + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, that's always so. [To Ansya] And I was thinking of +beginning to bleach the linen, but it is a bit early, no one has begun +yet. + +ANSYA. Where's the hurry? + +MATRYNA. Well, and has he had communion? + +ANSYA. Oh dear yes, the priest was here yesterday. + +NEIGHBOUR. I had a look at him yesterday. Dearie me! one wonders his +body and soul keep together. And, O Lord, the other day he seemed just +at his last gasp, so that they laid him under the holy icns.[1] They +started lamenting and got ready to lay him out. + + [1] It is customary to place a dying person under the icn. One or + more icns hang in the hut of each Orthodox peasant. + +ANSYA. He came to, and creeps about again. + +MATRYNA. Well, and is he to have extreme unction? + +ANSYA. The neighbours advise it. If he lives till to-morrow we'll send +for the priest. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh, Ansya dear, I should think your heart must be heavy. As +the saying goes, "Not he is sick that's ill in bed, but he that sits and +waits in dread." + +ANSYA. Yes, if it were only over one way or other! + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, that's true, dying for a year, it's no joke. You're +bound hand and foot like that. + +MATRYNA. Ah, but a widow's lot is also bitter. It's all right as long +as one's young, but who'll care for you when you're old? Oh yes, old age +is not pleasure. Just look at me. I've not walked very far, and yet am +so footsore I don't know how to stand. Where's my son? + +ANSYA. Ploughing. But you come in and we'll get the samovr ready; the +tea'll set you up again. + +MATRYNA [sitting down] Yes, it's true, I'm quite done up, my dears. As +to extreme unction, that's absolutely necessary. Besides, they say it's +good for the soul. + +ANSYA. Yes, we'll send to-morrow. + +MATRYNA. Yes, you had better. And we've had a wedding down in our +parts. + +NEIGHBOUR. What, in spring?[2] + + [2] Peasant weddings are usually in autumn. They are forbidden in + Lent, and soon after Easter the peasants become too busy to marry till + harvest is over. + +MATRYNA. Ah, now if it were a poor man, then, as the saying is, it's +always unseasonable for a poor man to marry. But it's Simon Matvyitch, +he's married that Marna. + +ANSYA. What luck for her! + +NEIGHBOUR. He's a widower. I suppose there are children? + +MATRYNA. Four of 'em. What decent girl would have him! Well, so he's +taken her, and she's glad. You see, the vessel was not sound, so the +wine trickled out. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh my! And what do people say to it? And he, a rich peasant! + +MATRYNA. They are living well enough so far. + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, it's true enough. Who wants to marry where there are +children? There now, there's our Michael. He's such a fellow, dear me... + +PEASANT'S VOICE. Hullo, Mvra. Where the devil are you? Go and drive the +cow in. + + Exit Neighbour. + +MATRYNA [while the Neighbour is within hearing speaks in her ordinary +voice] Yes, lass, thank goodness, she's married. At any rate my old fool +won't go bothering about Nikta. Now [suddenly changing her tone], she's +gone! [Whispers] I say, did you give him the tea? + +ANSYA. Don't speak about it. He'd better die of himself. It's no +use--he doesn't die, and I have only taken a sin on my soul. O-oh, my +head, my head! Oh, why did you give me those powders? + +MATRYNA. What of the powders? The sleeping powders, lass,--why not give +them? No evil can come of them. + +ANSYA. I am not talking of the sleeping ones, but the others, the white +ones. + +MATRYNA. Well, honey, those powders are medicinal. + +ANSYA [sighs] I know, yet it's frightening. Though he's worried me to +death. + +MATRYNA. Well, and did you use many? + +ANSYA. I gave two doses. + +MATRYNA. Was anything noticeable? + +ANSYA. I had a taste of the tea myself--just a little bitter. And he +drank them with the tea and says, "Even tea disgusts me," and I say, +"Everything tastes bitter when one's sick." But I felt that scared, +mother. + +MATRYNA. Don't go thinking about it. The more one thinks the worse it +is. + +ANSYA. I wish you'd never given them to me and led me into sin. When I +think of it something seems to tear my heart. Oh dear, why did you give +them to me? + +MATRYNA. What do you mean, honey? Lord help you! Why are you turning it +on to me? Mind, lass, don't go twisting matters from the sick on to the +healthy. If anything were to happen, I stand aside! I know nothing! I'm +aware of nothing! I'll kiss the cross on it; I never gave you any kind +of powders, never saw any, never heard of any, and never knew there were +such powders. You think about yourself, lass. Why, we were talking about +you the other day. "Poor thing, what torture she endures. The +step-daughter an idiot; the old man rotten, sucking her life-blood. What +wouldn't one be ready to do in such a case!" + +ANSYA. I'm not going to deny it. A life such as mine could make one do +worse than that. It could make you hang yourself or throttle him. Is +this a life? + +MATRYNA. That's just it. There's no time to stand gaping; the money +must be found one way or other, and then he must have his tea. + +ANSYA. O-oh, my head, my head! I can't think what to do. I am so +frightened; he'd better die of himself. I don't want to have it on my +soul. + +MATRYNA [viciously] And why doesn't he show the money? Does he mean to +take it along with him? Is no one to have it? Is that right? God forbid +such a sum should be lost all for nothing. Isn't that a sin? What's he +doing? Is he worth considering? + +ANSYA. I don't know anything. He's worried me to death. + +MATRYNA. What is it you don't know? The business is clear. If you make +a slip now, you'll repent it all your life. He'll give the money to his +sister and you'll be left without. + +ANSYA. O-oh dear! Yes, and he did send for her--I must go. + +MATRYNA. You wait a bit and light the samovr first. We'll give him +some tea and search him together--we'll find it, no fear. + +ANSYA. Oh dear, oh dear; supposing something were to happen. + +MATRYNA. What now? What's the good of waiting? Do you want the money to +slip from your hand when it's just in sight? You go and do as I say. + +ANSYA. Well, I'll go and light the samovr. + +MATRYNA. Go, honey, do the business so as not to regret it afterwards. +That's right! [Ansya turns to go. Matryna calls her back]. + +MATRYNA. Just a word. Don't tell Nikta about the business. He's silly. +God forbid he should find out about the powders. The Lord only knows +what he would do. He's so tender-hearted. D'you know, he usen't to be +able to kill a chicken. Don't tell him. 'Twould be a fine go, he +wouldn't understand things. [Stops horror-struck as Peter appears in the +doorway]. + +PETER [holding on to the wall, creeps out into the porch and calls with +a faint voice] How's it one can't make you hear? Oh, oh, Ansya! Who's +there? [Drops on the bench]. + +ANSYA [steps from behind the corner] Why have you come out? You should +have stayed where you were lying. + +PETER. Has the girl gone for Martha? It's very hard.... Oh, if only +death would come quicker! + +ANSYA. She had no time. I sent her to the river. Wait a bit, I'll go +myself when I'm ready. + +PETER. Send Nan. Where's she? Oh, I'm that bad! Oh, death's at hand! + +ANSYA. I've sent for her already. + +PETER. Oh dear! Then where is she? + +ANSYA. Where's she got to, the plague seize her! + +PETER. Oh, dear! I can't bear it. All my inside's on fire. It's as if a +gimlet were boring me. Why have you left me as if I were a dog?... no +one to give me a drink.... Oh ... send Nan to me. + +ANSYA. Here she is. Nan, go to father. + + Nan runs in. Ansya goes behind the corner of the house. + +PETER. Go you. Oh ... to Aunt Martha, tell her father wants her; say +she's to come, I want her. + +NAN. All right. + +PETER. Wait a bit. Tell her she's to come quick. Tell her I'm dying. +O-oh! + +NAN. I'll just get my shawl and be off. [Runs off]. + +MATRYNA [winking] Now then, mind and look sharp, lass. Go into the hut, +hunt about everywhere, like a dog that's hunting for fleas: look under +everything, and I'll search him. + +ANSYA [to Matryna] I feel a bit bolder, somehow, now you're here. +[Goes up to porch. To Peter] Hadn't I better light the samovr? Here's +Mother Matryna come to see her son; you'll have a cup of tea with her? + +PETER. Well then, light it. [Ansya goes into the house. Matryna comes +up to the porch]. + +PETER. How do you do? + +MATRYNA [bowing] How d'you do, my benefactor; how d'you do, my precious +... still ill, I see. And my old man, he's that sorry! "Go," says he, +"see how he's getting on." He sends his respects to you. [Bows again]. + +PETER. I'm dying. + +MATRYNA. Ah yes, Peter Igntitch, now I look at you I see, as the +saying has it, "Sickness lives where men live." You've shrivelled, +shrivelled, all to nothing, poor dear, now I come to look at you. Seems +illness does not add to good looks. + +PETER. My last hour has come. + +MATRYNA. Oh well, Peter Igntitch, it's God's will you know, you've had +communion, and you'll have unction, God willing. Your missus is a wise +woman, the Lord be thanked; she'll give you a good burial, and have +prayers said for your soul, all most respectable! And my son, he'll look +after things meanwhile. + +PETER. There'll be no one to manage things! She's not steady. Has her +head full of folly--why, I know all about it, I know. And my girl is +silly and young. I've got the homestead together, and there's no one to +attend to things. One can't help feeling it. [Whimpers]. + +MATRYNA. Why, if it's money, or something, you can leave orders. + +PETER [to Ansya inside the house] Has Nan gone? + +MATRYNA [aside] There now, he's remembered! + +ANSYA [from inside] She went then and there. Come inside, won't you? +I'll help you in. + +PETER. Let me sit here a bit for the last time. The air's so stuffy +inside. Oh, how bad I feel! Oh, my heart's burning.... Oh, if death +would only come. + +MATRYNA. If God don't take a soul, the soul can't go out. Death and +life are in God's will, Peter Igntitch. You can't be sure of death +either. Maybe you'll recover yet. There was a man in our village just +like that, at the very point of death... + +PETER. No, I feel I shall die to-day, I feel it. [Leans back and shuts +his eyes]. + +ANSYA [enters] Well now, are you coming in or not? You do keep one +waiting. Peter! eh, Peter! + +MATRYNA [steps aside and beckons to Ansya with her finger] Well? + +ANSYA [comes down the porch steps] Not there. + +MATRYNA. But have you searched everywhere? Under the floor? + +ANSYA. No, it's not there either. In the shed perhaps; he was rummaging +there yesterday. + +MATRYNA. Go, search, search for all you're worth. Go all over +everywhere, as if you licked with your tongue! But I see he'll die this +very day, his nails are turning blue and his face looks earthy. Is the +samovr ready? + +ANSYA. Just on the boil. + +NIKTA [comes from the other side, if possible on horseback, up to the +gate, and does not see Peter. To Matryna] How d'you do, mother, is all +well at home? + +MATRYNA. The Lord be thanked, we're all alive and have a crust to bite. + +NIKTA. Well, and how's master? + +MATRYNA. Hush, there he sits. [Points to porch]. + +NIKTA. Well, let him sit. What's it to me? + +PETER [opens his eyes] Nikta, I say, Nikta, come here! [Nikta +approaches. Ansya and Matryna whisper together]. + +PETER. Why have you come back so early? + +NIKTA. I've finished ploughing. + +PETER. Have you done the strip beyond the bridge? + +NIKTA. It's too far to go there. + +PETER. Too far? From here it's still farther. You'll have to go on +purpose now. You might have made one job of it. [Ansya, without showing +herself, stands and listens]. + +MATRYNA [approaches] Oh, sonnie, why don't you take more pains for your +master? Your master is ill and depends on you; you should serve him as +you would your own father, straining every muscle just as I always tell +you to. + +PETER. Well then--o-oh!... Get out the seed potatoes, and the women will +go and sort them. + +ANSYA [aside] No fear, I'm not going. He's again sending every one +away; he must have the money on him now, and wants to hide it somewhere. + +PETER. Else ... o-oh! when the time comes for planting, they'll all be +rotten. Oh, I can't stand it! [Rises]. + +MATRYNA [runs up into the porch and holds Peter up] Shall I help you +into the hut? + +PETER. Help me in. [Stops] Nikta! + +NIKTA [angrily] What now? + +PETER. I shan't see you again ... I'll die to-day.... Forgive me,[3] for +Christ's sake, forgive me if I have ever sinned against you ... If I +have sinned in word or deed ... There's been all sorts of things. +Forgive me! + + [3] A formal request for forgiveness is customary among Russians, but + it is often no mere formality. Nikta's first reply is evasive; his + second reply, "God will forgive you," is the correct one sanctioned by + custom. + +NIKTA. What's there to forgive? I'm a sinner myself. + +MATRYNA. Ah, sonnie, have some feeling. + +PETER. Forgive me, for Christ's sake. [Weeps]. + +NIKTA [snivels] God will forgive you, Daddy Peter. I have no cause to +complain of you. You've never done me any wrong. You forgive me; maybe +I've sinned worse against you. [Weeps]. + + Peter goes in whimpering, Matryna supporting him. + +ANSYA. Oh, my poor head! It's not without some reason he's hit on that. +[Approaches Nikta] Why did you say the money was under the floor? It's +not there. + +NIKTA [does not answer, but cries] I have never had anything bad from +him, nothing but good, and what have I gone and done! + +ANSYA. Enough now! Where's the money? + +NIKTA [angrily] How should I know? Go and look for it yourself! + +ANSYA. What's made you so tender? + +NIKTA. I am sorry for him,--that sorry. How he cried! Oh dear! + +ANSYA. Look at him,--seized with pity! He has found someone to pity +too! He's been treating you like a dog, and even just now was giving +orders to have you turned out of the house. You'd better show me some +pity! + +NIKTA. What are you to be pitied for? + +ANSYA. If he dies, and the money's been hidden away... + +NIKTA. No fear, he'll not hide it... + +ANSYA. Oh, Nikta darling! he's sent for his sister, and wants to give +it to her. It will be a bad lookout for us. How are we going to live, if +he gives her the money? They'll turn me out of the house! You try and +manage somehow! You said he went to the shed last night. + +NIKTA. I saw him coming from there, but where he's shoved it to, who +can tell? + +ANSYA. Oh, my poor head! I'll go and have a look there. [Nikta steps +aside]. + +MATRYNA [comes out of the hut and down the steps of the porch to Ansya +and Nikta] Don't go anywhere. He's got the money on him. I felt it on a +string round his neck. + +ANSYA. Oh my head, my head! + +MATRYNA. If you don't keep wide awake now, then you may whistle for it. +If his sister comes--then good-bye to it! + +ANSYA. That's true. She'll come and he'll give it her. What's to be +done? Oh my poor head! + +MATRYNA. What is to be done? Why, look here; the samovr is boiling, go +and make the tea and pour him out a cup, and then [whispers] put in all +that's left in the paper. When he's drunk the cup, then just take it. +He'll not tell, no fear. + +ANSYA. Oh! I'm afeared! + +MATRYNA. Don't be talking now, but look alive, and I'll keep his sister +off if need be. Mind, don't make a blunder! Get hold of the money and +bring it here, and Nikta will hide it. + +ANSYA. Oh my head, my head! I don't know how I'm going to... + +MATRYNA. Don't talk about it I tell you, do as I bid you. Nikta! + +NIKTA. What is it? + +MATRYNA. You stay here--sit down--in case something is wanted. + +NIKTA [waves his hand] Oh these women, what won't they be up to? Muddle +one up completely. Bother them! I'll really go and fetch out the +potatoes. + +MATRYNA [catches him by the arm] Stay here, I tell you. + + Nan enters. + +ANSYA. Well? + +NAN. She was down in her daughter's vegetable plot--she's coming. + +ANSYA. Coming! What shall we do? + +MATRYNA. There's plenty of time if you do as I tell you. + +ANSYA. I don't know what to do; I know nothing, my brain's all in a +whirl. Nan! Go, daughter, and see to the calves, they'll have run away, +I'm afraid.... Oh dear, I haven't the courage. + +MATRYNA. Go on! I should think the samovr's boiling over. + +ANSYA. Oh my head, my poor head! [Exit]. + +MATRYNA [approaches Nikta] Now then, sonnie. [Sits down beside him] +Your affairs must also be thought about, and not left anyhow. + +NIKTA. What affairs? + +MATRYNA. Why, this affair--how you're to live your life. + +NIKTA. How to live my life? Others live, and I shall live! + +MATRYNA. The old man will probably die to-day. + +NIKTA. Well, if he dies, God give him rest! What's that to me? + +MATRYNA [keeps looking towards the porch while she speaks] Eh, sonnie! +Those that are alive have to think about living. One needs plenty of +sense in these matters, honey. What do you think? I've tramped all over +the place after your affairs, I've got quite footsore bothering about +matters. And you must not forget me when the time comes. + +NIKTA. And what's it you've been bothering about? + +MATRYNA. About your affairs, about your future. If you don't take +trouble in good time you'll get nothing. You know Ivn Mositch? Well, +I've been to him too. I went there the other day. I had something else +to settle, you know. Well, so I sat and chatted awhile and then came to +the point. "Tell me, Ivn Mositch," says I, "how's one to manage an +affair of this kind? Supposing," says I, "a peasant as is a widower +married a second wife, and supposing all the children he has is a +daughter by the first wife, and a daughter by the second. Then," says I, +"when that peasant dies, could an outsider get hold of the homestead by +marrying the widow? Could he," says I, "give both the daughters in +marriage and remain master of the house himself?" "Yes, he could," says +he, "but," says he, "it would mean a deal of trouble; still the thing +could be managed by means of money, but if there's no money it's no good +trying." + +NIKTA [laughs] That goes without saying, only fork out the money. Who +does not want money? + +MATRYNA. Well then, honey, so I spoke out plainly about the affair. And +he says, "First and foremost, your son will have to get himself on the +register of that village--that will cost something. The elders will have +to be treated. And they, you see, they'll sign. Everything," says he, +"must be done sensibly." Look, [unwraps her kerchief and takes out a +paper] he's written out this paper; just read it, you're a scholar, you +know. [Nikta reads]. + +NIKTA. This paper's only a decision for the elders to sign. There's no +great wisdom needed for that. + +MATRYNA. But you just hear what Ivn Mositch bids us do. "Above all," +he says, "mind and don't let the money slip away, dame. If she don't get +hold of the money," he says, "they'll not let her do it. Money's the +great thing!" So look out, sonnie, things are coming to a head. + +NIKTA. What's that to me? The money's hers--so let her look out. + +MATRYNA. Ah, sonnie, how you look at it! How can a woman manage such +affairs? Even if she does get the money, is she capable of arranging it +all? One knows what a woman is! You're a man anyhow. You can hide it, +and all that. You see, you've after all got more sense, in case of +anything happening. + +NIKTA. Oh, your woman's notions are all so inexpedient! + +MATRYNA. Why inexpedient? You just collar the money, and the woman's in +your hands. And then should she ever turn snappish you'd be able to +tighten the reins! + +NIKTA. Bother you all,--I'm going. + +ANSYA [quite pale, runs out of the hut and round the corner to +Matryna] So it was, it was on him! Here it is! [Shows that she has +something under her apron]. + +MATRYNA. Give it to Nikta, he'll hide it. Nikta, take it and hide it +somewhere. + +NIKTA. All right, give here! + +ANSYA. O-oh, my poor head! No, I'd better do it myself. [Goes towards +the gate]. + +MATRYNA [seizing her by the arm] Where are you going to? You'll be +missed. There's the sister coming; give it him; he knows what to do. Eh, +you blockhead! + +ANSYA [stops irresolutely] Oh, my head, my head! + +NIKTA. Well, give it here. I'll shove it away somewhere. + +ANSYA. Where will you shove it to? + +NIKTA [laughing] Why, are you afraid? + + Enter Akoulna, carrying clothes from the wash. + +ANSYA. O-oh, my poor head! [Gives the money] Mind, Nikta. + +NIKTA. What are you afraid of? I'll hide it so that I'll not be able to +find it myself. [Exit]. + +ANSYA [stands in terror] Oh dear, and supposing he... + +MATRYNA. Well, is he dead? + +ANSYA. Yes, he seems dead. He did not move when I took it. + +MATRYNA. Go in, there's Akoulna. + +ANSYA. Well there, I've done the sin and he has the money.... + +MATRYNA. Have done and go in! There's Martha coming! + +ANSYA. There now, I've trusted him. What's going to happen now? [Exit]. + +MARTHA [enters from one side, Akoulna enters from the other. To +Akoulna] I should have come before, but I was at my daughter's. Well, +how's the old man? Is he dying? + +AKOULNA [puts down the clothes] Don't know, I've been to the river. + +MARTHA [pointing to Matryna] Who's that? + +MATRYNA. I'm from Zoevo. I'm Nikta's mother from Zoevo, my dearie. +Good afternoon to you. He's withering, withering away, poor dear--your +brother, I mean. He came out himself. "Send for my sister," he said, +"because," said he ... Dear me, why, I do believe, he's dead! + +ANSYA [runs out screaming. Clings to a post, and begins wailing][4] Oh, +oh, ah! who-o-o-m have you left me to, why-y-y have you dese-e-e-e-rted +me--a miserable widow ... to live my life alone ... Why have you closed +your bright eyes... + + [4] Loud public wailing of this kind is customary, and considered + indispensable, among the peasants. + + Enter Neighbour. Matryna and Neighbour catch hold of Ansya under + the arms to support her. Akoulna and Martha go into the hut. A + crowd assembles. + +A VOICE IN THE CROWD. Send for the old women to lay out the body. + +MATRYNA [rolls up her sleeves] Is there any water in the copper? But I +daresay the samovr is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit. + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT III + + The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since Act II. Ansya, + plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. Nan is on the oven. + + +MTRITCH [an old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his outdoor +things] Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn't the master come home yet? + +ANSYA. What? + +MTRITCH. Nikta isn't back from town, is he? + +ANSYA. No. + +MTRITCH. Must have been on the spree. Oh Lord! + +ANSYA. Have you finished in the stackyard? + +MTRITCH. What d'you think? Got it all as it should be, and covered +everything with straw! I don't like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! +holy Nicholas! [Picks at the corns on his hands] But it's time he was +back. + +ANSYA. What need has he to hurry? He's got money. Merry-making with +that girl, I daresay... + +MTRITCH. Why shouldn't one make merry if one has the money? And why did +Akoulna go to town? + +ANSYA. You'd better ask her. How do I know what the devil took her +there! + +MTRITCH. What! to town? There's all sorts of things to be got in town +if one's got the means. Oh Lord! + +NAN. Mother, I heard myself. "I'll get you a little shawl," he says, +blest if he didn't; "you shall choose it yourself," he says. And she got +herself up so fine; she put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl. + +ANSYA. Really, a girl's modesty reaches only to the door. Step over the +threshold and it's forgotten. She is a shameless creature. + +MTRITCH. Oh my! What's the use of being ashamed? While there's plenty +of money make merry. Oh Lord! It is too soon to have supper, eh? [Ansya +does not answer] I'll go and get warm meanwhile. [Climbs on the stove] +Oh Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! holy Nicholas! + +NEIGHBOUR [enters] Seems your goodman's not back yet? + +ANSYA. No. + +NEIGHBOUR. It's time he was. Hasn't he perhaps stopped at our inn? My +sister, Thekla, says there's heaps of sledges standing there as have +come from the town. + +ANSYA. Nan! Nan, I say! + +NAN. Yes? + +ANSYA. You run to the inn and see! Mayhap, being drunk, he's gone +there. + +NAN [jumps down from the oven and dresses] All right. + +NEIGHBOUR. And he's taken Akoulna with him? + +ANSYA. Else he'd not have had any need of going. It's because of her +he's unearthed all the business there. "Must go to the bank," he says; +"it's time to receive the payments," he says. But it's all her fooling. + +NEIGHBOUR [shakes her head] It's a bad look-out. [Silence]. + +NAN [at the door] And if he's there, what am I to say? + +ANSYA. You only see if he's there. + +NAN. All right. I'll be back in a winking. [Long silence]. + +MTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas! + +NEIGHBOUR [starting] Oh, how he scared me? Who is it? + +ANSYA. Why, Mtritch, our labourer. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he did give me! I had quite +forgotten. But tell me, dear, I've heard someone's been wooing +Akoulna? + +ANSYA [gets up from the loom and sits down by the table] There was some +one from Ddlovo; but it seems the affair's got wind there too. They +made a start, and then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of course, +who'd care to? + +NEIGHBOUR. And the Lizounfs from Zoevo? + +ANSYA. They made some steps too, but it didn't come off either. They +won't even see us. + +NEIGHBOUR. Yet it's time she was married. + +ANSYA. Time and more than time! Ah, my dear, I'm that impatient to get +her out of the house; but the matter does not come off. He does not wish +it, nor she either. He's not yet had enough of his beauty, you see. + +NEIGHBOUR. Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only think of it. Why, he's her +step-father! + +ANSYA. Ah, friend, they've taken me in completely. They've done me so +fine it's beyond saying. I, fool that I was, noticed nothing, suspected +nothing, and so I married him. I guessed nothing, but they already +understood one another. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, what goings on! + +ANSYA. So it went on from bad to worse, and I see they begin hiding +from me. Ah, friend, I was that sick--that sick of my life! It's not as +if I didn't love him. + +NEIGHBOUR. That goes without saying. + +ANSYA. Ah, how hard it is to bear such treatment from him! Oh, how it +hurts! + +NEIGHBOUR. Yes, and I've heard say he's becoming too free with his +fists? + +ANSYA. And that too! There was a time when he was gentle when he'd had +a drop. He used to hit out before, but of me he was always fond! But now +when he's in a temper he goes for me and is ready to trample me under +his feet. The other day he got both hands entangled in my hair so that I +could hardly get away. And the girl's worse than a serpent; it's a +wonder the earth bears such furies. + +NEIGHBOUR. Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at you, you are a sufferer! To +suffer like that is no joke. To have given shelter to a beggar, and he +to lead you such a dance! Why don't you pull in the reins? + +ANSYA. Ah, but my dear, if it weren't for my heart! Him as is gone was +stern enough, still I could twist him about any way I liked; but with +this one I can do nothing. As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I +haven't a grain of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen. + +NEIGHBOUR. Ah, neighbour, you must be under a spell. I've heard that +Matryna goes in for that sort of thing. It must be her. + +ANSYA. Yes, dear; I think so myself sometimes. Gracious me, how hurt I +feel at times! I'd like to tear him to pieces. But when I set eyes on +him, my heart won't go against him. + +NEIGHBOUR. It's plain you're bewitched. It don't take long to blight a +body. There now, when I look at you, what you have dwindled to! + +ANSYA. Growing a regular spindle-shanks. And just look at that fool +Akoulna. Wasn't the girl a regular untidy slattern, and just look at +her now! Where has it all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out. She's +grown so smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that's ready to burst. +And, though she's a fool, she's got it into her head, "I'm the +mistress," she says; "the house is mine; it's me father wanted him to +marry." And she's that vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into a rage +she's ready to tear the thatch off the house. + +NEIGHBOUR. Oh dear, what a life yours is, now I come to look at you. And +yet there's people envying you: "They're rich," they say; but it seems +that gold don't keep tears from falling. + +ANSYA. Much reason for envy indeed! And the riches, too, will soon be +made ducks and drakes of. Dear me, how he squanders money! + +NEIGHBOUR. But how's it, dear, you've been so simple to give up the +money? It's yours. + +ANSYA. Ah, if you knew all! The thing is that I've made one little +mistake. + +NEIGHBOUR. Well, if I were you, I'd go straight and have the law of him. +The money's yours; how dare he squander it? There's no such rights. + +ANSYA. They don't pay heed to that nowadays. + +NEIGHBOUR. Ah, my dear, now I come to look at you, you've got that weak. + +ANSYA. Yes, quite weak, dear, quite weak. He's got me into a regular +fix. I don't myself know anything. Oh, my poor head! + +NEIGHBOUR [listening] There's someone coming, I think. [The door opens +and Akm enters]. + +AKM [crosses himself, knocks the snow off his feet, and takes off his +coat] Peace be to this house! How do you do? Are you well, daughter? + +ANSYA. How d'you do, father? Do you come straight from home? + +AKM. I've been a-thinking, I'll go and see what's name, go to see my +son, I mean,--my son. I didn't start early--had my dinner, I mean; I +went, and it's so what d'you call it--so snowy, hard walking, and so +there I'm what d'you call it--late, I mean. And my son--is he at home? +At home? My son, I mean. + +ANSYA. No; he's gone to the town. + +AKM [sits down on a bench] I've some business with him, d'you see, some +business, I mean. I told him t'other day, told him I was in need--told +him, I mean, that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must +what d'ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So +there, I've come, you see. + +ANSYA. Nikta told me. When he comes back you'll have a talk. [Goes to +the oven] Have some supper now, and he'll soon come. Mtritch, eh +Mtritch, come have your supper. + +MTRITCH. Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas! + +ANSYA. Come to supper. + +NEIGHBOUR. I shall go now. Good-night. [Exit]. + +MTRITCH [gets down from the oven] I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh +Lord! gracious Nicholas! How d'you do, Daddy Akm? + +AKM. Ah, Mtritch! What are you, what d'ye call it, I mean?... + +MTRITCH. Why, I'm working for your son, Nikta. + +AKM. Dear me! What d'ye call ... working for my son, I mean. Dear me! + +MTRITCH. I was living with a tradesman in town, but drank all I had +there. Now I've come back to the village. I've no home, so I've gone +into service. [Gapes] Oh Lord! + +AKM. But how's that, what d'you call it, or what's name, Nikta, what +does he do? Has he some business, I mean besides, that he should hire a +labourer, a labourer I mean, hire a labourer? + +ANSYA. What business should he have? He used to manage, but now he's +other things on his mind, so he's hired a labourer. + +MTRITCH. Why shouldn't he, seeing he has money? + +AKM. Now that's what d'you call it, that's wrong, I mean, quite wrong, +I mean. That's spoiling oneself. + +ANSYA. Oh, he has got spoilt, that spoilt, it's just awful. + +AKM. There now, what d'you call it, one thinks how to make things +better, and it gets worse I mean. Riches spoil a man, spoil, I mean. + +MTRITCH. Fatness makes even a dog go mad; how's one not to get spoilt +by fat living? Myself now; how I went on with fat living. I drank for +three weeks without being sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had +nothing left, I gave it up. Now I've determined not to. Bother it! + +AKM. And where's what d'you call, your old woman? + +MTRITCH. My old woman has found her right place, old fellow. She's +hanging about the gin-shops in town. She's a swell too; one eye knocked +out, and the other black, and her muzzle twisted to one side. And she's +never sober; drat her! + +AKM. Oh, oh, oh, how's that? + +MTRITCH. And where's a soldier's wife to go? She has found her right +place. [Silence]. + +AKM [to Ansya] And Nikta,--has he what d'you call it, taken anything +up to town? I mean, anything to sell? + +ANSYA [laying the table and serving up] No, he's taken nothing. He's +gone to get money from the bank. + +AKM [sitting down to supper] Why? D'you wish to put it to another use, +the money I mean? + +ANSYA. No, we don't touch it. Only some twenty or thirty roubles as +have come due; they must be taken. + +AKM. Must be taken. Why take it, the money I mean? You'll take some +to-day I mean, and some to-morrow; and so you'll what d'you call it, +take it all, I mean. + +ANSYA. We get this besides. The money is all safe. + +AKM. All safe? How's that, safe? You take it, and it what d'you call +it, it's all safe. How's that? You put a heap of meal into a bin, or a +barn, I mean, and go on taking meal, will it remain there what d'you +call it, all safe I mean? That's, what d'you call it, it's cheating. +You'd better find out, or else they'll cheat you. Safe indeed! I mean +you what d'ye call ... you take it and it remains all safe there? + +ANSYA. I know nothing about it. Ivn Mositch advised us at the time. +"Put the money in the bank," he said, "the money will be safe, and +you'll get interest," he said. + +MTRITCH [having finished his supper] That's so. I've lived with a +tradesman. They all do like that. Put the money in the bank, then lie +down on the oven and it will keep coming in. + +AKM. That's queer talk. How's that--what d'ye call, coming in, how's +that coming in, and they, who do they get it from I mean, the money I +mean? + +ANSYA. They take the money out of the bank. + +MTRITCH. Get along! 'Tain't a thing a woman can understand! You look +here, I'll make it all clear to you. Mind and remember. You see, suppose +you've got some money, and I, for instance, have spring coming on, my +land's idle, I've got no seeds, or I have to pay taxes. So, you see, I +go to you. "Akm," I say, "give us a ten-rouble note, and when I've +harvested in autumn I'll return it, and till two acres for you besides, +for having obliged me!" And you, seeing I've something to fall back +on--a horse say, or a cow--you say, "No, give two or three roubles for +the obligation," and there's an end of it. I'm stuck in the mud, and +can't do without. So I say, "All right!" and take a tenner. In the +autumn, when I've made my turnover, I bring it back, and you squeeze the +extra three roubles out of me. + +AKM. Yes, but that's what peasants do when they what d'ye call it, when +they forget God. It's not honest, I mean, it's no good, I mean. + +MTRITCH. You wait. You'll see it comes just to the same thing. Now +don't forget how you've skinned me. And Ansya, say, has got some money +lying idle. She does not know what to do with it, besides, she's a +woman, and does not know how to use it. She comes to you. "Couldn't you +make some profit with my money too?" she says. "Why not?" say you, and +you wait. Before the summer I come again and say, "Give me another +tenner, and I'll be obliged." Then you find out if my hide isn't all +gone, and if I can be skinned again you give me Ansya's money. But +supposing I'm clean shorn,--have nothing to eat,--then you see I can't +be fleeced any more, and you say, "Go your way, friend," and you look +out for another, and lend him your own and Ansya's money and skin him. +That's what the bank is. So it goes round and round. It's a cute thing, +old fellow! + +AKM [excitedly] Gracious me, whatever is that like? It's what d'ye call +it, it's filthy! The peasants--what d'ye call it, the peasants do so I +mean, and know it's, what d'ye call it, a sin! It's what d'you call, not +right, not right, I mean. It's filthy! How can people as have learnt ... +what d'ye call it... + +MTRITCH. That, old fellow, is just what they're fond of! And remember, +them that are stupid, or the women folk, as can't put their money into +use themselves, they take it to the bank, and they there, deuce take +'em, clutch hold of it, and with this money they fleece the people. It's +a cute thing! + +AKM [sighing] Oh dear, I see, what d'ye call it, without money it's +bad, and with money it's worse! How's that? God told us to work, but +you, what d'ye call ... I mean you put money into the bank and go to +sleep, and the money will what d'ye call it, will feed you while you +sleep. It's filthy, that's what I call it; it's not right. + +MTRITCH. Not right? Eh, old fellow, who cares about that nowadays? And +how clean they pluck you, too! That's the fact of the matter. + +AKM [sighs] Ah yes, seems the time's what d'ye call it, the time's +growing ripe. There, I've had a look at the closets in town. What +they've come to! It's all polished and polished I mean, it's fine, it's +what d'ye call it, it's like inside an inn. And what's it all for? +What's the good of it? Oh, they've forgotten God. Forgotten, I mean. +We've forgotten, forgotten God, God I mean! Thank you, my dear, I've +had enough. I'm quite satisfied. [Rises. Mtritch climbs on to the +oven]. + +ANSYA [eats, and collects the dishes] If his father would only take him +to task! But I'm ashamed to tell him. + +AKM. What d'you say? + +ANSYA. Oh! it's nothing. + + Enter Nan. + +AKM. Here's a good girl, always busy! You're cold, I should think? + +NAN. Yes, I am, terribly. How d'you do, grandfather? + +ANSYA. Well? Is he there? + +NAN. No. But Andriyn is there. He's been to town, and he says he saw +them at an inn in town. He says Dad's as drunk as drunk can be! + +ANSYA. Do you want anything to eat? Here you are. + +NAN [goes to the oven] Well, it _is_ cold. My hands are quite numb. +[Akm takes off his leg-bands and bast-shoes. Ansya washes up]. + +ANSYA. Father! + +AKM. Well, what is it? + +ANSYA. And is Marna living well? + +AKM. Yes, she's living all right. The little woman is what d'ye call +it, clever and steady; she's living, and what d'ye call it, doing her +best. She's all right; the little woman's of the right sort I mean; +painstaking and what d'ye call it, submissive; the little woman's all +right I mean, all right, you know. + +ANSYA. And is there no talk in your village that a relative of Marna's +husband thinks of marrying our Akoulna? Have you heard nothing of it? + +AKM. Ah; that's Mirnof. Yes, the women did chatter something. But I +didn't pay heed, you know. It don't interest me I mean, I don't know +anything. Yes, the old women did say something, but I've a bad memory, +bad memory, I mean. But the Mirnofs are what d'ye call it, they're +all right, I mean they're all right. + +ANSYA. I'm that impatient to get her settled. + +AKM. And why? + +NAN [listens] They've come! + +ANSYA. Well, don't you go bothering them. [Goes on washing the spoons +without turning her head]. + +NIKTA [enters] Ansya! Wife! who has come? [Ansya looks up and turns +away in silence]. + +NIKTA [severely] Who has come? Have you forgotten? + +ANSYA. Now don't humbug. Come in! + +NIKTA [still more severely] Who's come? + +ANSYA [goes up and takes him by the arm] Well then, husband has come. +Now then, come in! + +NIKTA [holds back] Ah, that's it! Husband! And what's husband called? +Speak properly. + +ANSYA. Oh bother you! Nikta! + +NIKTA. Where have you learnt manners? The full name. + +ANSYA. Nikta Akmitch! Now then! + +NIKTA [still in the doorway] Ah, that's it! But now--the surname? + +ANSYA [laughs and pulls him by the arm] Tchilkin. Dear me, what airs! + +NIKTA. Ah, that's it. [Holds on to the door-post] No, now say with +which foot Tchilkin steps into this house! + +ANSYA. That's enough! You're letting the cold in! + +NIKTA. Say with which foot he steps? You've got to say it,--that's +flat. + +ANSYA [aside] He'll go on worrying. [To Nikta] Well then, with the +left. Come in! + +NIKTA. Ah, that's it. + +ANSYA. You look who's in the hut! + +NIKTA. Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my +parent. I can pay my respects to my parent. How d'you do, father? [Bows +and puts out his hand] My respects to you. + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT III. + + ANSYA. Come in! + + NIKTA. Ah, that's it. + + ANSYA. You look who's in the hut! + + NIKTA. Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I'm not ashamed of my + parent.] + +AKM [does not answer] Drink, I mean drink, what it does! It's filthy! + +NIKTA. Drink, what's that? I've been drinking? I'm to blame, that's +flat! I've had a glass with a friend, drank his health. + +ANSYA. Go and lie down, I say. + +NIKTA. Wife, say where am I standing? + +ANSYA. Now then, it's all right, lie down! + +NIKTA. No, I'll first drink a samovr with my parent. Go and light the +samovr. Akoulna, I say, come here! + + Enter Akoulna, smartly dressed and carrying their purchases. + +AKOULNA. Why have you thrown everything about? Where's the yarn? + +NIKTA. The yarn? The yarn's there. Hullo, Mtritch, where are you? +Asleep? Asleep? Go and put the horse up. + +AKM [not seeing Akoulna but looking at his son] Dear me, what is he +doing? The old man's what d'ye call it, quite done up, I mean,--been +thrashing,--and look at him, what d'ye call it, putting on airs! Put up +the horse! Faugh, what filth! + +MTRITCH [climbs down from the oven, and puts on felt boots] Oh, +merciful Lord! Is the horse in the yard? Done it to death, I dare say. +Just see how he's been swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very +throat. Oh Lord, holy Nicholas! [Puts on sheepskin, and exit]. + +NIKTA [sits down] You must forgive me, father. It's true I've had a +drop; well, what of that? Even a hen will drink. Ain't it true? So you +must forgive me. Never mind Mtritch, he doesn't mind, he'll put it up. + +ANSYA. Shall I really light the samovr? + +NIKTA. Light it! My parent has come. I wish to talk to him, and shall +drink tea with him. [To Akoulna] Have you brought all the parcels? + +AKOULNA. The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge. Hi, +take this, this isn't mine! + + Throws a parcel on the table and puts the others into her box. Nan + watches her while she puts them away. Akm does not look at his son, + but puts his leg-bands and bast-shoes on the oven. + +ANSYA [going out with the samovr] Her box is full as it is, and still +he's bought more! + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT III. + + NIKTA. Have you brought all the parcels? + + AKOULNA. The parcels? I've brought mine, the rest's in the sledge. + + ANSYA. Her box is full as it is, and still he's bought more!] + +NIKTA [pretending to be sober] You must not be cross with me, father. +You think I'm drunk? I am all there, that's flat! As they say, "Drink, +but keep your wits about you." I can talk with you at once, father. I +can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is +worn-out,--I remember! That can all be managed. That's all in our hands. +If it was an enormous sum that's wanted, then we might wait; but as it +is I can do everything. That's the case. + +AKM [goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands] Eh, lad, "It's ill sledging +when the thaw has set in." + +NIKTA. What d'you mean by that? "And it's ill talking with one who is +drunk"? But don't you worry, let's have some tea. And I can do anything; +that's flat! I can put everything to rights. + +AKM [shakes his head] Eh, eh, eh! + +NIKTA. The money, here it is. [Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out +pocket-book, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note] +Take this to get a horse; I can't forget my parent. I shan't forsake +him, that's flat. Because he's my parent! Here you are, take it! Really +now, I don't grudge it. [Comes up and pushes the note towards Akm who +won't take it. Nikta catches hold of his father's hand] Take it, I tell +you. I don't grudge it. + +AKM. I can't, what d'you call it, I mean, can't take it! And can't what +d'ye call it, talk to you, because you're not yourself, I mean. + +NIKTA. I'll not let you go! Take it! [Puts the money into Akm's hand]. + +ANSYA [enters, and stops] You'd better take it, he'll give you no +peace! + +AKM [takes it, and shakes his head] Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I +mean! + +NIKTA. That's better! If you repay it you'll repay it, if not I'll make +no bother. That's what I am! [Sees Akoulna] Akoulna, show your +presents. + +AKOULNA. What? + +NIKTA. Show your presents. + +AKOULNA. The presents, what's the use of showing 'em? I've put 'em +away. + +NIKTA. Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see 'em. Undo the shawl. +Give it here. + +AKM. Oh, oh! It's sickening! [Climbs on the oven]. + +AKOULNA [gets out the parcels and puts them on the table] Well, there +you are,--what's the good of looking at 'em? + +NAN. Oh how lovely! It's as good as Stepanda's. + +AKOULNA. Stepanda's? What's Stepanda's compared to this? [Brightening +up and undoing the parcels] Just look here,--see the quality! It's a +French one. + +NAN. The print _is_ fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a +blue ground. This _is_ pretty. + +NIKTA. Ah, that's it! + + Ansya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and + the chimney of the samovr, and goes up to the table. + +ANSYA. Drat you, littering the table! + +NIKTA. You look here! + +ANSYA. What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! +[Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm]. + +AKOULNA. What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own +things about! [Picks up the shawl]. + +NIKTA. Ansya! Look here! + +ANSYA. Why am I to look? + +NIKTA. You think I have forgotten you? Look here! [Shows her a parcel +and sits down on it] It's a present for you. Only you must earn it! +Wife, where am I sitting? + +ANSYA. Enough of your humbug. I'm not afraid of you. Whose money are +you spreeing on and buying your fat wench presents with? Mine! + +AKOULNA. Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal it, but it did not +come off! Get out of the way! [Pushes her while trying to pass]. + +ANSYA. What are you shoving for? I'll teach you to shove! + +AKOULNA. Shove me? You try! [Presses against Ansya]. + +NIKTA. Now then, now then, you women. Have done now! [Steps between +them]. + +AKOULNA. Comes shoving herself in! You ought to keep quiet and remember +your doings! You think no one knows! + +ANSYA. Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What do they know? + +AKOULNA. I know something about you! + +ANSYA. You're a slut who goes with another's husband! + +AKOULNA. And you did yours to death! + +ANSYA [throwing herself on Akoulna] You're raving! + +NIKTA [holding her back] Ansya, you seem to have forgotten! + +ANSYA. Want to frighten me! I'm not afraid of you! + +NIKTA [turns Ansya round and pushes her out] Be off! + +ANSYA. Where am I to go? I'll not go out of my own house! + +NIKTA. Be off, I tell you, and don't dare to come in here! + +ANSYA. I won't go! [Nikta pushes her, Ansya cries and screams and +clings to the door] What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the +scruff of the neck? What are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think +there's no law for you? You wait a bit! + +NIKTA. Now then! + +ANSYA. I'll go to the Elder! To the policeman! + +NIKTA. Off, I tell you! [Pushes her out]. + +ANSYA [behind the door] I'll hang myself! + +NIKTA. No fear! + +NAN. Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! [Cries]. + +NIKTA. Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What are you crying for? +She'll come back, no fear. Go and see to the samovr. [Exit Nan]. + +AKOULNA [collects and folds her presents] The mean wretch, how she's +messed it up. But wait a bit, I'll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I +will! + +NIKTA. I've turned her out, what more do you want? + +AKOULNA. She's dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch hadn't gone away, +I'd have torn her eyes out! + +NIKTA. That's enough. Why should you be angry? Now if I loved her... + +AKOULNA. Loved her? She's worth loving, with her fat mug! If you'd have +given her up, then nothing would have happened. You should have sent her +to the devil. And the house was mine all the same, and the money was +mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her +husband? She's a murderess, that's what she is! She'll serve you the +same way! + +NIKTA. Oh dear, how's one to stop a woman's jaw? You don't yourself +know what you're jabbering about! + +AKOULNA. Yes, I do. I'll not live with her! I'll turn her out of the +house! She can't live here with me. The mistress indeed! She's not the +mistress,--that jailbird! + +NIKTA. That's enough! What have you to do with her? Don't mind her. You +look at me! I am the master! I do as I like. I've ceased to love her, +and now I love you. I love who I like! The power is mine, she's under +me. That's where I keep her. [Points to his feet] A pity we've no +concertina. [Sings]. + + "We have loaves on the stoves, + We have porridge on the shelf. + So we'll live and be gay, + Making merry every day, + And when death comes, + Then we'll die! + We have loaves on the stoves, + We have porridge on the shelf..." + + Enter Mtritch. He takes off his outdoor things and climbs on the + oven. + +MTRITCH. Seems the women have been fighting again! Tearing each other's +hair. Oh Lord, gracious Nicholas! + +AKM [sitting on the edge of the oven, takes his leg-bands and shoes and +begins putting them on] Get in, get into the corner. + +MTRITCH. Seems they can't settle matters between them. Oh Lord! + +NIKTA. Get out the liquor, we'll have some with our tea. + +NAN [to Akoulna] Sister, the samovr is just boiling over. + +NIKTA. And where's your mother? + +NAN. She's standing and crying out there in the passage. + +NIKTA. Oh, that's it! Call her, and tell her to bring the samovr. And +you, Akoulna, get the tea things. + +AKOULNA. The tea things? All right. [Brings the things]. + +NIKTA [unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings] That's for myself. +This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and +here's the money. Wait a bit, [takes a counting-frame] I'll add it up. +[Adds] Wheat-flour, 80 kopykas, oil ... Father, 10 roubles.... Father, +come let's have some tea! + + Silence. Akm sits on the oven and winds the bands round his legs. + Enter Ansya with samovr. + +ANSYA. Where shall I put it? + +NIKTA. Here on the table. Well! have you been to the Elder? Ah, that's +it! Have your say and then eat your words. Now then, that's enough. +Don't be cross, sit down and drink this. [Fills a wine-glass for her] +And here's your present. [Gives her the parcel he had been sitting on. +Ansya takes it silently and shakes her head]. + +AKM [gets down and puts on his sheepskin, then comes up to the table +and puts down the money] Here, take your money back! Put it away. + +NIKTA [does not see the money] Why have you put on your things? + +AKM. I'm going, going I mean; forgive me for the Lord's sake. [Takes up +his cap and belt]. + +NIKTA. My gracious! Where are you going to at this time of night? + +AKM. I can't, I mean what d'ye call 'em, in your house, what d'ye call +'em, can't stay I mean, stay, can't stay, forgive me. + +NIKTA. But are you going without having any tea? + +AKM [fastens his belt] Going, because, I mean, it's not right in your +house, I mean, what d'you call it, not right, Nikta, in the house, what +d'ye call it, not right! I mean, you are living a bad life, Nikta, +bad,--I'll go. + +NIKTA. Eh now! Have done talking! Sit down and drink your tea! + +ANSYA. Why, father, you'll shame us before the neighbours. What has +offended you? + +AKM. Nothing what d'ye call it, nothing has offended me, nothing at +all! I mean only, I see, what d'you call it, I mean, I see my son, to +ruin I mean, to ruin, I mean my son's on the road to ruin, I mean. + +NIKTA. What ruin? Just prove it! + +AKM. Ruin, ruin; you're in the midst of it! What did I tell you that +time? + +NIKTA. You said all sorts of things! + +AKM. I told you, what d'ye call it, I told you about the orphan lass. +That you had wronged an orphan--Marna, I mean, wronged her! + +NIKTA. Eh! he's at it again. Let bygones be bygones ... All that's +past! + +AKM [excited] Past! No, lad, it's not past. Sin, I mean, fastens on to +sin--drags sin after it, and you've stuck fast, Nikta, fast in sin! +Stuck fast in sin! I see you're fast in sin. Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I +mean! + +NIKTA. Sit down and drink your tea, and have done with it! + +AKM. I can't, I mean can't what d'ye call it, can't drink tea. Because +of your filth, I mean; I feel what d'ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! +I can't what d'ye call it, I can't drink tea with you. + +NIKTA. Eh! There he goes rambling! Come to the table. + +AKM. You're in your riches same as in a net--you're in a net, I mean. +Ah, Nikta, it's the soul that God needs! + +NIKTA. Now really, what right have you to reprove me in my own house? +Why do you keep on at me? Am I a child that you can pull by the hair? +Nowadays those things have been dropped! + +AKM. That's true. I have heard that nowadays, what d'ye call it, that +nowadays children pull their fathers' beards, I mean! But that's ruin, +that's ruin, I mean! + +NIKTA [angrily] We are living without help from you, and it's you who +came to us with your wants! + +AKM. The money? There's your money! I'll go begging, begging I mean, +before I'll take it, I mean. + +NIKTA. That's enough! Why be angry and upset the whole company! [Holds +him by the arm]. + +AKM [shrieks] Let go! I'll not stay. I'd rather sleep under some fence +than in the midst of your filth! Faugh! God forgive me! [Exit]. + +NIKTA. Here's a go! + +AKM [reopens the door] Come to your senses, Nikta! It's the soul that +God wants! [Exit]. + +AKOULNA [takes cups] Well, shall I pour out the tea? [Takes a cup. All +are silent]. + +MTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord, be merciful to me a sinner! [All start]. + +NIKTA [lies down on the bench] Oh, it's dull, it's dull! [To Akoulna] +Where's the concertina? + +AKOULNA. The concertina? He's bethought himself of it. Why, you took it +to be mended. I've poured out your tea. Drink it! + +NIKTA. I don't want it! Put out the light ... Oh, how dull I feel, how +dull! [Sobs]. + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT IV + + Autumn. Evening. The moon is shining. The stage represents the + interior of courtyard. The scenery at the back shows, in the middle, + the back porch of the hut. To the right the winter half of the hut + and the gate; to the left the summer half and the cellar. To the + right of the stage is a shed. The sound of tipsy voices and shouts + are heard from the hut.[5] Second Neighbour Woman comes out of the + hut and beckons to First Neighbour Woman. + + [5] Where not otherwise mentioned in the stage directions, it is + always the winter half of the hut that is referred to as "the hut." + The summer half is not heated, and not used in winter under ordinary + circumstances. + + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. How's it Akoulna has not shown herself? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. Why hasn't she shown herself? She'd have been glad to; +but she's too ill, you know. The suitor's relatives have come, and want +to see the girl; and she, my dear, she's lying in the cold hut and can't +come out, poor thing! + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. But how's that? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. They say she's been bewitched by an evil eye! She's got +pains in the stomach! + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. You don't say so? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. What else could it be? [Whispers]. + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. Dear me! There's a go! But his relatives will surely +find it out? + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. They find it out! They're all drunk! Besides, they are +chiefly after her dowry. Just think what they give with the girl! Two +furs, my dear, six dresses, a French shawl, and I don't know how many +pieces of linen, and money as well,--two hundred roubles, it's said! + +SECOND NEIGHBOUR. That's all very well, but even money can't give much +pleasure in the face of such a disgrace. + +FIRST NEIGHBOUR. Hush!... There's his father, I think. + + They cease talking, and go into the hut. + + The Suitor's Father comes out of the hut hiccoughing. + +THE FATHER. Oh, I'm all in a sweat. It's awfully hot! Will just cool +myself a bit. [Stands puffing] The Lord only knows what--something is +not right. I can't feel happy.--Well, it's the old woman's affair. + + Enter Matryna from hut. + +MATRYNA. And I was just thinking, where's the father? Where's the +father? And here you are, dear friend.... Well, dear friend, the Lord be +thanked! Everything is as honourable as can be! When one's arranging a +match one should not boast. And I have never learnt to boast. But as +you've come about the right business, so with the Lord's help, you'll be +grateful to me all your life! She's a wonderful girl! There's no other +like her in all the district! + +THE FATHER. That's true enough, but how about the money? + +MATRYNA. Don't you trouble about the money! All she had from her father +goes with her. And it's more than one gets easily, as things are +nowadays. Three times fifty roubles! + +THE FATHER. We don't complain, but it's for our own child. Naturally we +want to get the best we can. + +MATRYNA. I'll tell you straight, friend: if it hadn't been for me, +you'd never have found anything like her! They've had an offer from the +Karmlins, but I stood out against it. And as for the money, I'll tell +you truly: when her father, God be merciful to his soul, was dying, he +gave orders that the widow should take Nikta into the homestead--of +course I know all about it from my son,--and the money was to go to +Akoulna. Why, another one might have thought of his own interests, but +Nikta gives everything clean! It's no trifle. Fancy what a sum it is! + +THE FATHER. People are saying, that more money was left her? The lad's +sharp too! + +MATRYNA. Oh, dear soul alive! A slice in another's hand always looks +big; all she had will be handed over. I tell you, throw doubts to the +wind and make all sure! What a girl she is! as fresh as a daisy! + +THE FATHER. That's so. But my old woman and I were only wondering about +the girl; why has she not come out? We've been thinking, suppose she's +sickly? + +MATRYNA. Oh, ah.... Who? She? Sickly? Why, there's none to compare with +her in the district. The girl's as sound as a bell; you can't pinch her. +But you saw her the other day! And as for work, she's wonderful! She's a +bit deaf, that's true, but there are spots on the sun, you know. And her +not coming out, you see, it's from an evil eye! A spell's been cast on +her! And I know the bitch who's done the business! They know of the +betrothal and they bewitched her. But I know a counter-spell. The girl +will get up to-morrow. Don't you worry about the girl! + +THE FATHER. Well, of course, the thing's settled. + +MATRYNA. Yes, of course! Don't you turn back. And don't forget me, I've +had a lot of trouble. Don't forget... + + A woman's voice from the hut. + +VOICE. If we are to go, let's go. Come along, Ivn! + +THE FATHER. I'm coming. [Exeunt. Guests crowd together in the passage +and prepare to go away]. + +NAN [runs out of the hut and calls to Ansya] Mother! + +ANSYA [from inside] What d'you want? + +NAN. Mother, come here, or they'll hear. + + Ansya enters and they go together to the shed. + +ANSYA. Well? What is it? Where's Akoulna? + +NAN. She's gone into the barn. It's awful what's she's doing there! I'm +blest! "I can't bear it," she says. "I'll scream," she says, "I'll +scream out loud." Blest if she didn't. + +ANSYA. She'll have to wait. We'll see our visitors off first. + +NAN. Oh mother! She's so bad! And she's angry too. "What's the good of +their drinking my health?" she says. "I shan't marry," she says. "I +shall die," she says. Mother, supposing she does die! It's awful. I'm so +frightened! + +ANSYA. No fear, she'll not die. But don't you go near her. Come along. +[Exit Ansya and Nan]. + +MTRITCH [comes in at the gate and begins collecting the scattered hay] +Oh Lord! Merciful Nicholas! What a lot of liquor they've been and +swilled, and the smell they've made! It smells even out here! But no, I +don't want any, drat it! See how they've scattered the hay about. They +don't eat it, but only trample it under foot. A truss gone before you +know it. Oh, that smell, it seems to be just under my nose! Drat it! +[Yawns] It's time to go to sleep! But I don't care to go into the hut. +It seems to float just round my nose! It has a strong scent, the damned +stuff! [The guests are heard driving off] They're off at last. Oh Lord! +Merciful Nicholas! There they go, binding themselves and gulling one +another. And it's all gammon! + + Enter Nikta. + +NIKTA. Mtritch, you get off to sleep and I'll put this straight. + +MTRITCH. All right, you throw it to the sheep. Well, have you seen 'em +all off? + +NIKTA. Yes, they're off! But things are not right! I don't know what to +do! + +MTRITCH. It's a fine mess. But there's the Foundlings'[6] for that sort +of thing. Whoever likes may drop one there; they'll take 'em all. Give +'em as many as you like, they ask no questions, and even pay--if the +mother goes in as a wet-nurse. It's easy enough nowadays. + + [6] The Foundlings' Hospital in Moscow, where 80 to 90 per cent. of + the children die. + +NIKTA. But mind, Mtritch, don't go blabbing. + +MTRITCH. It's no concern of mine. Cover the tracks as you think best. +Dear me, how you smell of liquor! I'll go in. Oh Lord! [Exit, yawning]. + + Nikta is long silent. Sits down on a sledge. + +NIKTA. Here's a go! + + Enter Ansya. + +ANSYA. Where are you? + +NIKTA. Here. + +ANSYA. What are you doing there? There's no time to be lost! We must +take it out directly! + +NIKTA. What are we to do? + +ANSYA. I'll tell you what you are to do. And you'll have to do it! + +NIKTA. You'd better take it to the Foundlings'--if anything. + +ANSYA. Then you'd better take it there yourself if you like! You've a +hankering for smut, but you're weak when it comes to settling up, I see! + +NIKTA. What's to be done? + +ANSYA. Go down into the cellar, I tell you, and dig a hole! + +NIKTA. Couldn't you manage, somehow, some other way? + +ANSYA [imitating him] "Some other way?" Seems we can't "some other +way!" You should have thought about it a year ago. Do what you're told +to! + +NIKTA. Oh dear, what a go! + + Enter Nan. + +NAN. Mother! Grandmother's calling! I think sister's got a baby! I'm +blest if it didn't scream! + +ANSYA. What are you babbling about? Plague take you! It's kittens +whining there. Go into the hut and sleep, or I'll give it you! + +NAN. Mammy dear, truly, I swear... + +ANSYA [raising her arm as if to strike] I'll give it you! You be off +and don't let me catch sight of you! [Nan runs into hut. To Nikta] Do +as you're told, or else mind! [Exit]. + +NIKTA [alone. After a long silence] Here's a go! Oh these women! What a +fix! Says you should have thought of it a year ago. When's one to think +beforehand? When's one to think? Why, last year this Ansya dangled +after me. What was I to do? Am I a monk? The master died; and I covered +my sin as was proper, so I was not to blame there. Aren't there lots of +such cases? And then those powders. Did I put her up to that? Why, had I +known what the bitch was up to, I'd have killed her! I'm sure I should +have killed her! She's made me her partner in these horrors--that jade! +And she became loathsome to me from that day! She became loathsome, +loathsome to me as soon as mother told me about it. I can't bear the +sight of her! Well then, how could I live with her? And then it +begun.... That wench began hanging round. Well, what was I to do! If I +had not done it, someone else would. And this is what comes of it! Still +I'm not to blame in this either. Oh, what a go! [Sits thinking] They are +bold, these women! What a plan to think of! But I won't have a hand in +it! + + Enter Matryna with a lantern and spade, panting. + +MATRYNA. Why are you sitting there like a hen on a perch? What did your +wife tell you to do? You just get things ready! + +NIKTA. What do you mean to do? + +MATRYNA. We know what to do. You do your share! + +NIKTA. You'll be getting me into a mess! + +MATRYNA. What? You're not thinking of backing out, are you? Now it's +come to this, and you back out! + +NIKTA. Think what a thing it would be! It's a living soul. + +MATRYNA. A living soul indeed! Why, it's more dead than alive. And +what's one to do with it? Go and take it to the Foundlings'--it will die +just the same, and the rumour will get about, and people will talk, and +the girl be left on our hands. + +NIKTA. And supposing it's found out? + +MATRYNA. Not manage to do it in one's own house? We'll manage it so +that no one will have an inkling. Only do as I tell you. We women can't +do it without a man. There, take the spade, and get it done there,--I'll +hold the light. + +NIKTA. What am I to get done? + +MATRYNA [in a low voice] Dig a hole; then we'll bring it out and get it +out of the way in a trice! There, she's calling again. Now then, get in, +and I'll go. + +NIKTA. Is it dead then? + +MATRYNA. Of course it is. Only you must be quick, or else people will +notice! They'll see or they'll hear! The rascals must needs know +everything. And the policeman went by this evening. Well then, you see +[gives him the spade], you get down into the cellar and dig a hole right +in the corner; the earth is soft there, and you'll smooth it over. +Mother earth will not blab to any one; she'll keep it close. Go then; +go, dear. + +NIKTA. You'll get me into a mess, bother you! I'll go away! You do it +alone as best you can! + +ANSYA [through the doorway] Well? Has he dug it? + +MATRYNA. Why have you come away? What have you done with it? + +ANSYA. I've covered it with rags. No one can hear it. Well, has he dug +it? + +MATRYNA. He doesn't want to! + +ANSYA [springs out enraged] Doesn't want to! How will he like feeding +vermin in prison! I'll go straight away and tell everything to the +police! It's all the same if one must perish. I'll go straight and tell! + +NIKTA [taken aback] What will you tell? + +ANSYA. What? Everything! Who took the money? You! [Nikta is silent] +And who gave the poison? I did! But you knew! You knew! You knew! We +were in agreement! + +MATRYNA. That's enough now. Nikta dear, why are you obstinate? What's +to be done now? One must take some trouble. Go, honey. + +ANSYA. See the fine gentleman! He doesn't like it! You've put upon me +long enough! You've trampled me under foot! Now it's my turn! Go, I tell +you, or else I'll do what I said.... There, take the spade; there, now +go! + +NIKTA. Drat you! Can't you leave a fellow alone! [Takes the spade, but +shrinks] If I don't choose to, I'll not go! + +ANSYA. Not go? [Begins to shout] Neighbours! Heh! heh! + +MATRYNA [closes her mouth] What are you about? You're mad! He'll go.... +Go, sonnie; go, my own. + +ANSYA. I'll cry murder! + +NIKTA. Now stop! Oh what people! You'd better be quick.... As well be +hung for a sheep as a lamb! [Goes towards the cellar]. + +MATRYNA. Yes, that's just it, honey. If you know how to amuse yourself, +you must know how to hide the consequences. + +ANSYA [still excited] He's trampled on me ... he and his slut! But it's +enough! I'm not going to be the only one! Let him also be a murderer! +Then he'll know how it feels! + +MATRYNA. There, there! How she flares up! Don't you be cross, lass, but +do things quietly little by little, as it's best. You go to the girl, +and he'll do the work. [Follows Nikta to the cellar with a lantern. He +descends into the cellar]. + +ANSYA. And I'll make him strangle his dirty brat! [Still excited] I've +worried myself to death all alone, with Peter's bones weighing on my +mind! Let him feel it too! I'll not spare myself; I've said I'll not +spare myself! + +NIKTA [from the cellar] Show a light! + +MATRYNA [holds up the lantern to him. To Ansya] He's digging. Go and +bring it. + +ANSYA. You stay with him, or he'll go away, the wretch! And I'll go and +bring it. + +MATRYNA. Mind, don't forget to baptize it, or I will if you like. Have +you a cross? + +ANSYA. I'll find one. I know how to do it. [Exit]. + + See at end of Act, Variation, which may be used instead of the + following. + +MATRYNA. How the woman bristled up! But one must allow she's been put +upon. Well, but with the Lord's help, when we've covered this business, +there'll be an end of it. We'll shove the girl off without any trouble. +My son will live in comfort. The house, thank God, is as full as an egg. +They'll not forget me either. Where would they have been without +Matryna? They'd not have known how to contrive things. [Peering into +the cellar] Is it ready, sonnie? + +NIKTA [puts out his head] What are you about there? Bring it quick! +What are you dawdling for? If it is to be done, let it be done. + +MATRYNA [goes towards door of the hut and meets Ansya. Ansya comes +out with a baby wrapped in rags] Well, have you baptized it? + +ANSYA. Why, of course! It was all I could do to take it away--she +wouldn't give it up! [Comes forward and hands it to Nikta]. + +NIKTA [does not take it] You bring it yourself! + +ANSYA. Take it, I tell you! [Throws the baby to him]. + +NIKTA [catches it] It's alive! Gracious me, it's moving! It's alive! +What am I to... + +ANSYA [snatches the baby from him and throws it into the cellar] Be +quick and smother it, and then it won't be alive! [Pushes Nikta down] +It's your doing, and you must finish it. + +MATRYNA [sits on the doorstep of the hut] He's tender-hearted. It's +hard on him, poor dear. Well, what of that? Isn't it also his sin? + + Ansya stands by the cellar. + +MATRYNA [sits looking at her and discourses] Oh, oh, oh! How frightened +he was: well, but what of that? If it _is_ hard, it's the only thing to +be done. Where was one to put it? And just think, how often it happens +that people pray to God to have children! But no, God gives them none; +or they are all still-born. Look at our priest's wife now.... And here, +where it's not wanted, here it lives. [Looks towards the cellar] I +suppose he's finished. [To Ansya] Well? + +ANSYA [looking into the cellar] He's put a board on it and is sitting +on it. It must be finished! + +MATRYNA. Oh, oh! One would be glad not to sin, but what's one to do? + + Re-enter Nikta from cellar, trembling all over. + +NIKTA. It's still alive! I can't! It's alive! + +ANSYA. If it's alive, where are you off to? [Tries to stop him]. + +NIKTA [rushes at her] Go away! I'll kill you! [Catches hold of her +arms; she escapes, he runs after her with the spade. Matryna runs +towards him and stops him. Ansya runs into the porch. Matryna tries to +wrench the spade from him. To his mother] I'll kill you! I'll kill you! +Go away! [Matryna runs to Ansya in the porch. Nikta stops] I'll kill +you! I'll kill you all! + +MATRYNA. That's because he's so frightened! Never mind, it will pass! + +NIKTA. What have they made me do? What have they made me do? How it +whimpered.... How it crunched under me! What have they done with me?... +And it's really alive, still alive! [Listens in silence] It's whimpering +... There, it's whimpering. [Runs to the cellar]. + +MATRYNA [to Ansya] He's going; it seems he means to bury it. Nikta, +you'd better take the lantern! + +NIKTA [does not heed her, but listens by the cellar door] I can hear +nothing! I suppose it was fancy! [Moves away, then stops] How the little +bones crunched under me. Krr ... kr ... What have they made me do? +[Listens again] Again whimpering! It's really whimpering! What can it +be? Mother! Mother, I say! [Goes up to her]. + +MATRYNA. What is it, sonnie? + +NIKTA. Mother, my own mother, I can't do any more! Can't do any more! +My own mother, have some pity on me! + +MATRYNA. Oh dear, how frightened you are, my darling! Come, come, drink +a drop to give you courage! + +NIKTA. Mother, mother! It seems my time has come! What have you done +with me? How the little bones crunched, and how it whimpered! My own +mother! What have you done with me? [Steps aside and sits down on the +sledge]. + +MATRYNA. Come, my own, have a drink! It certainly does seem uncanny at +night-time. But wait a bit. When the day breaks, you know, and one day +and another passes, you'll forget even to think of it. Wait a bit; when +the girl's married we'll even forget to think of it. But you go and have +a drink; have a drink! I'll go and put things straight in the cellar +myself. + +NIKTA [rouses himself] Is there any drink left? Perhaps I can drink it +off! [Exit]. + + Ansya, who has stood all the time by the door, silently makes way + for him. + +MATRYNA. Go, go, honey, and I'll set to work! I'll go down myself and +dig! Where has he thrown the spade to? [Finds the spade, and goes down +into the cellar] Ansya, come here! Hold the light, will you? + +ANSYA. And what of him? + +MATRYNA. He's so frightened! You've been too hard with him. Leave him +alone, he'll come to his senses. God help him! I'll set to work myself. +Put the lantern down here. I can see. + + Matryna disappears into the cellar. + +ANSYA [looking towards the door by which Nikta entered the hut] Well, +have you had enough spree? You've been puffing yourself up, but now +you'll know how it feels! You'll lose some of your bluster! + +NIKTA [rushes out of the hut towards the cellar] Mother! mother, I say! + +MATRYNA [puts out her head] What is it, sonnie? + +NIKTA [listening] Don't bury it, it's alive! Don't you hear? Alive! +There--it's whimpering! There ... quite plain! + +MATRYNA. How can it whimper? Why, you've flattened it into a pancake! +The whole head is smashed to bits! + +NIKTA. What is it then? [Stops his ears] It's still whimpering! I am +lost! Lost! What have they done with me?... Where shall I go? [Sits down +on the step]. + + + Curtain. + + +VARIATION + + Instead of the end of Act IV. (from the words, "ANSYA. I'll find + one. I know how to do it. [Exit]") the following variation may be + read, and is the one usually acted. + + +SCENE 2. + + The interior of the hut as in Act I. + + Nan lies on the bench, and is covered with a coat. Mtritch is + sitting on the oven smoking. + +MTRITCH. Dear me! How they've made the place smell! Drat 'em! They've +been spilling the fine stuff. Even tobacco don't get rid of the smell! +It keeps tickling one's nose so. Oh Lord! But it's bedtime, I guess. +[Approaches the lamp to put it out]. + +NAN [jumps up, and remains sitting up] Daddy dear,[7] don't put it out! + + [7] Nan calls Mtritch "daddy" merely as a term of endearment. + +MTRITCH. Not put it out? Why? + +NAN. Didn't you hear them making a row in the yard? [Listens] D'you +hear, there in the barn again now? + +MTRITCH. What's that to you? I guess no one's asked you to mind! Lie +down and sleep! And I'll turn down the light. [Turns down lamp]. + +NAN. Daddy darling! Don't put it right out; leave a little bit if only +as big as a mouse's eye, else it's so frightening! + +MTRITCH [laughs] All right, all right. [Sits down by her] What's there +to be afraid of? + +NAN. How can one help being frightened, daddy! Sister did go on so! She +was beating her head against the box! [Whispers] You know, I know ... a +little baby is going to be born.... It's already born, I think.... + +MTRITCH. Eh, what a little busybody it is! May the frogs kick her! Must +needs know everything. Lie down and sleep! [Nan lies down] That's right! +[Tucks her up] That's right! There now, if you know too much you'll grow +old too soon. + +NAN. And you are going to lie on the oven? + +MTRITCH. Well, of course! What a little silly you are, now I come to +look at you! Must needs know everything. [Tucks her up again, then +stands up to go] There now, lie still and sleep! [Goes up to the oven]. + +NAN. It gave just one cry, and now there's nothing to be heard. + +MTRITCH. Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! What is it you can't hear? + +NAN. The baby. + +MTRITCH. There is none, that's why you can't hear it. + +NAN. But I heard it! Blest if I didn't hear it! Such a thin voice! + +MTRITCH. Heard indeed! Much you heard! Well, if you know,--why then it +was just such a little girl as you that the bogey popped into his bag +and made off with. + +NAN. What bogey? + +MTRITCH. Why, just his very self! [Climbs up on to the oven] The oven +is beautifully warm to-night. Quite a treat! Oh Lord! Gracious Nicholas! + +NAN. Daddy! are you going to sleep? + +MTRITCH. What else? Do you think I'm going to sing songs? + + Silence. + +NAN. Daddy! Daddy, I say! They are digging! they're digging--don't you +hear? Blest if they're not, they're digging! + +MTRITCH. What are you dreaming about? Digging! Digging in the night! +Who's digging? The cow's rubbing herself, that's all. Digging indeed! Go +to sleep I tell you, else I'll just put out the light! + +NAN. Daddy darling, don't put it out! I won't ... truly, truly, I won't. +It's so frightful! + +MTRITCH. Frightful? Don't be afraid and then it won't be frightful. +Look at her, she's afraid, and then says it's frightful. How can it help +being frightful if you are afraid? Eh, what a stupid little girl! + + Silence. The cricket chirps. + +NAN [whispers] Daddy! I say, daddy! Are you asleep? + +MTRITCH. Now then, what d'you want? + +NAN. What's the bogey like? + +MTRITCH. Why, like this! When he finds such a one as you, who won't +sleep, he comes with a sack and pops the girl into it, then in he gets +himself, head and all, lifts her dress, and gives her a fine whipping! + +NAN. What with? + +MTRITCH. He takes a birch-broom with him. + +NAN. But he can't see there--inside the sack! + +MTRITCH. He'll see, no fear! + +NAN. But I'll bite him. + +MTRITCH. No, friend, him you can't bite! + +NAN. Daddy, there's some one coming! Who is it? Oh gracious goodness! +Who can it be? + +MTRITCH. Well, if some one's coming, let them come! What's the matter +with you? I suppose it's your mother! + + Enter Ansya. + +ANSYA. Nan! [Nan pretends to be asleep] Mtritch! + +MTRITCH. What? + +ANSYA. What's the lamp burning for? We are going to sleep in the +summer-hut. + +MTRITCH. Why, you see I've only just got straight. I'll put the light +out all right. + +ANSYA [rummages in her box and grumbles] When a thing's wanted one +never can find it! + +MTRITCH. Why, what is it you are looking for? + +ANSYA. I'm looking for a cross. Suppose it were to die unbaptized! It +would be a sin, you know! + +MTRITCH. Of course it would! Everything in due order.... Have you found +it? + +ANSYA. Yes, I've found it. [Exit]. + +MTRITCH. That's right, else I'd have lent her mine. Oh Lord! + +NAN [jumps up trembling] Oh, oh, daddy! Don't go to sleep; for goodness' +sake, don't! It's so frightful! + +MTRITCH. What's frightful? + +NAN. It will die--the little baby will! At Aunt Irene's the old woman +also baptized the baby, and it died! + +MTRITCH. If it dies, they'll bury it! + +NAN. But maybe it wouldn't have died, only old Granny Matryna's there! +Didn't I hear what granny was saying? I heard her! Blest if I didn't! + +MTRITCH. What did you hear? Go to sleep, I tell you. Cover yourself up, +head and all, and let's have an end of it! + +NAN. If it lived, I'd nurse it! + +MTRITCH [roars] Oh Lord! + +NAN. Where will they put it? + +MTRITCH. In the right place! It's no business of yours! Go to sleep I +tell you, else mother will come; she'll give it you! [Silence]. + +NAN. Daddy! Eh, daddy! That girl, you know, you were telling about--they +didn't kill her? + +MTRITCH. That girl? Oh yes. That girl turned out all right! + +NAN. How was it? You were saying you found her? + +MTRITCH. Well, we just found her! + +NAN. But where did you find her? Do tell! + +MTRITCH. Why, in their own house; that's where! We came to a village, +the soldiers began hunting about in the house, when suddenly there's +that same little girl lying on the floor, flat on her stomach. We were +going to give her a knock on the head, but all at once I felt that +sorry, that I took her up in my arms; but no, she wouldn't let me! Made +herself so heavy, quite a hundredweight, and caught hold where she could +with her hands, so that one couldn't get them off! Well, so I began +stroking her head. It was so bristly,--just like a hedgehog! So I +stroked and stroked, and she quieted down at last. I soaked a bit of +rusk and gave it her. She understood that, and began nibbling. What were +we to do with her? We took her; took her, and began feeding and feeding +her, and she got so used to us that we took her with us on the march, +and so she went about with us. Ah, she was a fine girl! + +NAN. Yes, and not baptized? + +MTRITCH. Who can tell! They used to say, not altogether. 'Cos why, +those people weren't our own. + +NAN. Germans? + +MTRITCH. What an idea! Germans! Not Germans, but Asiatics. They are +just the same as Jews, but still not Jews. Polish, yet Asiatics. Curls +... or, Curdlys is their name.... I've forgotten what it is![8] We +called the girl Sshka. She was a fine girl, Sshka was! There now, I've +forgotten everything I used to know! But that girl--the deuce take +her--seems to be before my eyes now! Out of all my time of service, I +remember how they flogged me, and I remember that girl. That's all I +remember! She'd hang round one's neck, and one 'ud carry her so. That +was a girl,--if you wanted a better you'd not find one! We gave her away +afterwards. The captain's wife took her to bring up as her daughter. +So--she was all right! How sorry the soldiers were to let her go! + + [8] Probably Kurds. + +NAN. There now, daddy, and I remember when father was dying,--you were +not living with us then. Well, he called Nikta and says, "Forgive me, +Nikta!" he says, and begins to cry. [Sighs] That also felt very sad! + +MTRITCH. Yes; there now, so it is... + +NAN. Daddy! Daddy, I say! There they are again, making a noise in the +cellar! Oh gracious heavens! Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh, daddy! They'll do +something to it! They'll make away with it, and it's so little! Oh, oh! +[Covers up her head and cries]. + +MTRITCH [listening] Really they're up to some villainy, blow them to +shivers! Oh, these women are vile creatures! One can't say much for men +either; but women!... They are like wild beasts, and stick at nothing! + +NAN [rising] Daddy; I say, daddy! + +MTRITCH. Well, what now? + +NAN. The other day a traveller stayed the night; he said that when an +infant died its soul goes up straight to heaven. Is that true? + +MTRITCH. Who can tell. I suppose so. Well? + +NAN. Oh, it would be best if I died too. [Whimpers]. + +MTRITCH. Then you'd be off the list! + +NAN. Up to ten one's an infant, and maybe one's soul would go to God. +Else one's sure to go to the bad! + +MTRITCH. And how to the bad? How should the likes of you not go to the +bad? Who teaches you? What do you see? What do you hear? Only vileness! +I, though I've not been taught much, still know a thing or two. I'm not +quite like a peasant woman. A peasant woman, what is she? Just mud! +There are many millions of the likes of you in Russia, and all as blind +as moles--knowing nothing! All sorts of spells: how to stop the +cattle-plague with a plough, and how to cure children by putting them +under the perches in the hen-house! That's what they know! + +NAN. Yes, mother also did that! + +MTRITCH. Yes,--there it is,--just so! So many millions of girls and +women, and all like beasts in a forest! As she grows up, so she dies! +Never sees anything; never hears anything. A peasant,--he may learn +something at the pub, or maybe in prison, or in the army,--as I did. But +a woman? Let alone about God, she doesn't even know rightly what Friday +it is! Friday! Friday! But ask her what's Friday? She don't know! +They're like blind puppies, creeping about and poking their noses into +the dung-heap.... All they know are their silly songs. Ho, ho, ho, ho! +But what they mean by ho-ho, they don't know themselves! + +NAN. But I, daddy, I do know half the Lord's Prayer! + +MTRITCH. A lot you know! But what can one expect of you? Who teaches +you? Only a tipsy peasant--with the strap perhaps! That's all the +teaching you get! I don't know who'll have to answer for you. For a +recruit, the drill-sergeant or the corporal has to answer; but for the +likes of you there's no one responsible! Just as the cattle that have no +herdsman are the most mischievous, so with you women--you are the +stupidest class! The most foolish class is yours! + +NAN. Then what's one to do? + +MTRITCH. That's what one has to do.... You just cover up your head and +sleep! Oh Lord! + + Silence. The cricket chirps. + +NAN [jumps up] Daddy! Some one's screaming awfully! Blest if some one +isn't screaming! Daddy darling, it's coming here! + +MTRITCH. Cover up your head, I tell you! + + Enter Nikta, followed by Matryna. + +NIKTA. What have they done with me? What have they done with me? + +MATRYNA. Have a drop, honey; have a drop of drink! What's the matter? +[Fetches the spirits and sets the bottle before him]. + +NIKTA. Give it here! Perhaps the drink will help me! + +MATRYNA. Mind! They're not asleep! Here you are, have a drop! + +NIKTA. What does it all mean? Why did you plan it? You might have taken +it somewhere! + +MATRYNA [whispers] Sit still a bit and drink a little more, or have a +smoke. It will ease your thoughts! + +NIKTA. My own mother! My turn seems to have come! How it began to +whimper, and how the little bones crunched ... krr ... I'm not a man +now! + +MATRYNA. Eh, now, what's the use of talking so silly! Of course it does +seem fearsome at night, but wait till the daylight comes, and a day or +two passes, and you'll forget to think of it! [Goes up to Nikta and +puts her hand on his shoulder]. + +NIKTA. Go away from me! What have you done with me? + +MATRYNA. Come, come, sonnie! Now really, what's the matter with you? +[Takes his hand]. + +NIKTA. Go away from me! I'll kill you! It's all one to me now! I'll +kill you! + +MATRYNA. Oh, oh, how frightened he's got! You should go and have a +sleep now! + +NIKTA. I have nowhere to go; I'm lost! + +MATRYNA [shaking her head] Oh, oh, I'd better go and tidy things up. +He'll sit and rest a bit, and it will pass! [Exit]. + + Nikta sits with his face in his hands. Mtritch and Nan seem + stunned. + +NIKTA. It's whining! It's whining! It is really--there, there, quite +plain! She'll bury it, really she will! [Runs to the door] Mother, don't +bury it, it's alive.... + + Enter Matryna. + +MATRYNA [whispers] Now then, what is it? Heaven help you! Why won't you +get to rest? How can it be alive? All its bones are crushed! + +NIKTA. Give me more drink! [Drinks]. + +MATRYNA. Now go, sonnie. You'll fall asleep now all right. + +NIKTA [stands listening] Still alive ... there ... it's whining! Don't +you hear?... There! + +MATRYNA [whispers] No! I tell you! + +NIKTA. Mother! My own mother! I've ruined my life! What have you done +with me? Where am I to go? [Runs out of the hut; Matryna follows him]. + +NAN. Daddy dear, darling, they've smothered it! + +MTRITCH [angrily] Go to sleep, I tell you! Oh dear, may the frogs kick +you! I'll give it to you with the broom! Go to sleep, I tell you! + +NAN. Daddy, my treasure! Something is catching hold of my shoulders, +something is catching hold with its paws! Daddy dear ... really, really +... I must go! Daddy, darling! let me get up on the oven with you! Let +me, for Heaven's sake! Catching hold ... catching hold! Oh! [Runs to the +stove]. + +MTRITCH. See how they've frightened the girl.... What vile creatures +they are! May the frogs kick them! Well then, climb up. + +NAN [climbs on oven] But don't you go away! + +MTRITCH. Where should I go to? Climb up, climb up! Oh Lord! Gracious +Nicholas! Holy Mother!... How they have frighted the girl. [Covers her +up] There's a little fool--really a little fool! How they've frighted +her; really, they are vile creatures! The deuce take 'em! + + + Curtain. + + + + +ACT V + + +SCENE 1. + + In front of scene a stack-stand, to the left a thrashing ground, to + the right a barn. The barn doors are open. Straw is strewn about in + the doorway. The hut with yard and out-buildings is seen in the + background, whence proceed sounds of singing and of a tambourine. + Two Girls are walking past the barn towards the hut. + +FIRST GIRL. There, you see we've managed to pass without so much as +getting our boots dirty! But to come by the street is terribly muddy! +[Stop and wipe their boots on the straw. First Girl looks at the straw +and sees something] What's that? + +SECOND GIRL [looks where the straw lies and sees some one] It's +Mtritch, their labourer. Just look how drunk he is! + +FIRST GIRL. Why, I thought he didn't drink. + +SECOND GIRL. It seems he didn't, until it was going around. + +FIRST GIRL. Just see! He must have come to fetch some straw. Look! he's +got a rope in his hand, and he's fallen asleep. + +SECOND GIRL [listening] They're still singing the praises.[9] So I +s'pose the bride and bridegroom have not yet been blessed! They say +Akoulna didn't even lament![10] + + [9] This refers to the songs customary at the wedding of Russian + peasants, praising the bride and bridegroom. + + [10] It is etiquette for a bride to bewail the approaching loss of her + maidenhood. + +FIRST GIRL. Mammie says she is marrying against her will. Her +stepfather threatened her, or else she'd not have done it for the world! +Why, you know what they've been saying about her? + +MARNA [catching up the Girls] How d'you do, lassies? + +GIRLS. How d'you do? + +MARNA. Going to the wedding, my dears? + +FIRST GIRL. It's nearly over! We've come just to have a look. + +MARNA. Would you call my old man for me? Simon, from Zoevo; but surely +you know him? + +FIRST GIRL. To be sure we do; he's a relative of the bridegroom's, I +think? + +MARNA. Of course; he's my old man's nephew, the bridegroom is. + +SECOND GIRL. Why don't you go yourself? Fancy not going to a wedding! + +MARNA. I have no mind for it, and no time either. It's time for us to +be going home. We didn't mean to come to the wedding. We were taking +oats to town. We only stopped to feed the horse, and they made my old +man go in. + +FIRST GIRL. Where did you put up then? At Fydoritch's? + +MARNA. Yes. Well then, I'll stay here and you go and call him, my +dear--my old man. Call him, my pet, and say "Your missis, Marna, says +you must go now!" His mates are harnessing. + +FIRST GIRL. Well, all right--if you won't go in yourself. + + The Girls go away towards the house along a footpath. Sounds of + songs and tambourine. + +MARNA [alone, stands thinking] I might go in, but I don't like to, +because I have not met him since that day he threw me over. It's more +than a year now. But I'd have liked to have a peep and see how he lives +with his Ansya. People say they don't get on. She's a coarse woman, and +with a character of her own. I should think he's remembered me more +than once. He's been caught by the idea of a comfortable life and has +changed me for it. But, God help him, I don't cherish ill-will! Then it +hurt! Oh dear, it was pain! But now it's worn away and been forgotten. +But I'd like to have seen him. [Looks towards hut and sees Nikta] Look +there! Why, he is coming here! Have the girls told him? How's it he has +left his guests? I'll go away! [Nikta approaches, hanging his head +down, swinging his arms, and muttering] And how sullen he looks! + +NIKTA [sees and recognises Marna] Marna, dearest friend, little +Marna, what do you want? + +MARNA. I have come for my old man. + +NIKTA. Why didn't you come to the wedding? You might have had a look +round, and a laugh at my expense! + +MARNA. What have I to laugh at? I've come for my husband. + +NIKTA. Ah, Marna dear! [Tries to embrace her]. + +MARNA [steps angrily aside] You'd better drop that sort of thing, +Nikta! What has been, is past! I've come for my husband. Is he in your +house? + +NIKTA. So I must not remember the past? You won't let me? + +MARNA. It's no use recalling the past! What used to be is over now! + +NIKTA. And can never come back, you mean? + +MARNA. And will never come back! But why have you gone away? You, the +master,--and to go away from the feast! + +NIKTA [sits down on the straw] Why have I gone away? Eh, if you knew, +if you had any idea ... I'm dull, Marna, so dull that I wish my eyes +would not see! I rose from the table and left them, to get away from the +people. If I could only avoid seeing any one! + +MARNA [coming nearer to him] How's that? + +NIKTA. This is how it is: when I eat, it's there! When I drink, it's +there! When I sleep, it's there! I'm so sick of it--so sick! But it's +chiefly because I'm all alone that I'm so sick, little Marna. I have no +one to share my trouble. + +MARNA. You can't live your life without trouble, Nikta. However, I've +wept over mine and wept it away. + +NIKTA. The former, the old trouble! Ah, dear friend, you've wept yours +away, and I've got mine up to there! [Puts his hand to his throat]. + +MARNA. But why? + +NIKTA. Why, I'm sick of my whole life! I am sick of myself! Ah, Marna, +why did you not know how to keep me? You've ruined me, and yourself too! +Is this life? + +MARNA [stands by the barn crying, but restrains herself] I do not +complain of my life, Nikta! God grant every one a life like mine. I do +not complain. I confessed to my old man at the time, and he forgave me. +And he does not reproach me. I'm not discontented with my life. The old +man is quiet, and is fond of me, and I keep his children clothed and +washed! He is really kind to me. Why should I complain? It seems God +willed it so. And what's the matter with your life? You are rich... + +NIKTA. My life!... It's only that I don't wish to disturb the wedding +feast, or I'd take this rope here [takes hold of the rope on the straw] +and throw it across that rafter there. Then I'd make a noose and stretch +it out, and I'd climb on to that rafter and jump down with my head in +the noose! That's what my life is! + +MARNA. That's enough! Lord help you! + +NIKTA. You think I'm joking? You think I'm drunk? I'm not drunk! To-day +even drink takes no hold on me! I'm devoured by misery! Misery is eating +me up completely, so that I care for nothing! Oh, little Marna, it's +only with you I ever lived! Do you remember how we used to while away +the nights together at the railway? + +MARNA. Don't you rub the sores, Nikta! I'm bound legally now, and you +too. My sin has been forgiven, don't disturb... + +NIKTA. What shall I do with my heart? Where am I to turn to? + +MARNA. What's there to be done? You've got a wife. Don't go looking at +others, but keep to your own! You loved Ansya, then go on loving her! + +NIKTA. Oh, that Ansya, she's gall and wormwood to me, but she's round +my feet like rank weeds! + +MARNA. Whatever she is, still she's your wife.... But what's the use of +talking; you'd better go to your visitors, and send my husband to me. + +NIKTA. Oh dear, if you knew the whole business ... but there's no good +talking! + + Enter Marna's husband, red and tipsy, and Nan. + +MARNA'S HUSBAND. Marna! Missis! My old woman! are you here? + +NIKTA. There's your husband calling you. Go! + +MARNA. And you? + +NIKTA. I? I'll lie down here for a bit! [Lies down on the straw]. + +HUSBAND. Where is she then? + +NAN. There she is, near the barn. + +HUSBAND. What are you standing there for? Come to the feast! The hosts +want you to come and do them honour! The wedding party is just going to +start, and then we can go too. + +MARNA [going towards her husband] I didn't want to go in. + +HUSBAND. Come on, I tell you! You'll drink a glass to our nephew Peter's +health, the rascal! Else the hosts might take offence! There's plenty of +time for our business. [Marna's husband puts his arm around her, and +goes reeling out with her]. + +NIKTA [rises and sits down on the straw] Ah, now that I've seen her, +life seems more sickening than ever! It was only with her that I ever +really lived! I've ruined my life for nothing! I've done for myself! +[Lies down] Where can I go? If mother earth would but open and swallow +me! + +NAN [sees Nikta, and runs towards him] Daddy, I say, daddy! They're +looking for you! Her godfather and all of them have already blessed her. +Truly they have, they're getting cross! + +NIKTA [aside] Where can I go to? + +NAN. What? What are you saying? + +NIKTA. I'm not saying anything! Don't bother! + +NAN. Daddy! Come, I say! [Nikta is silent, Nan pulls him by the hand] +Dad, go and bless them! My word, they're angry, they're grumbling! + +NIKTA [drags away his hand] Leave me alone! + +NAN. Now then! + +NIKTA [threatens her with the rope] Go, I say! I'll give it you! + +NAN. Then I'll send mother! [Runs away]. + +NIKTA [rises] How can I go? How can I take the holy icn in my hands? +How am I to look her in the face! [Lies down again] Oh, if there were a +hole in the ground, I'd jump in! No one should see me, and I should see +no one! [Rises again] No, I shan't go ... May they all go to the devil, +I shan't go! [Takes the rope and makes a noose, and tries it on his +neck] That's the way! + + Enter Matryna. Nikta sees his mother, takes the rope off his neck, + and again lies down in the straw. + +MATRYNA [comes in hurriedly] Nikta! Nikta, I say! He don't even +answer! Nikta, what's the matter? Have you had a drop too much? Come, +Nikta dear; come, honey! The people are tired of waiting. + +NIKTA. Oh dear, what have you done with me? I'm a lost man! + +MATRYNA. But what is the matter then? Come, my own; come, give them +your blessing, as is proper and honourable, and then it'll all be over! +Why, the people are waiting! + +NIKTA. How can I give blessings? + +MATRYNA. Why, in the usual way! Don't you know? + +NIKTA. I know, I know! But who is it I am to bless? What have I done to +her? + +MATRYNA. What have you done? Eh, now he's going to remember it! Why, +who knows anything about it? Not a soul! And the girl is going of her +own accord. + +NIKTA. Yes, but how? + +MATRYNA. Because she's afraid, of course. But still she's going. +Besides, what's to be done now? She should have thought sooner! Now she +can't refuse. And his kinsfolk can't take offence either. They saw the +girl twice, and get money with her too! It's all safe and sound! + +NIKTA. Yes, but what's in the cellar? + +MATRYNA [laughs] In the cellar? Why, cabbages, mushrooms, potatoes, I +suppose! Why remember the past? + +NIKTA. I'd be only too glad to forget it; but I can't! When I let my +mind go, it's just as if I heard.... Oh, what have you done with me? + +MATRYNA. Now, what are you humbugging for? + +NIKTA [turns face downward] Mother! Don't torment me! I've got it up to +there! [Puts his hand to his throat]. + +MATRYNA. Still it has to be done! As it is, people are talking. "The +master's gone away and won't come; he can't make up his mind to give his +blessing." They'll be putting two and two together. As soon as they see +you're frightened they'll begin guessing. "The thief none suspect who +walks bold and erect!" But you'll be getting out of the frying-pan into +the fire! Above all, lad, don't show it; don't lose courage, else +they'll find out all the more! + +NIKTA. Oh dear! You have snared me into a trap! + +MATRYNA. That'll do, I tell you; come along! Come in and give your +blessing, as is right and honourable;--and there's an end of the matter! + +NIKTA [lies face down] I can't! + +MATRYNA [aside] What has come over him? He seemed all right, and +suddenly this comes over him! It seems he's bewitched! Get up, Nikta! +See! There's Ansya coming; she's left her guests! + + Ansya enters, dressed up, red and tipsy. + +ANSYA. Oh, how nice it is, mother! So nice, so respectable! And how the +people are pleased.... But where is he? + +MATRYNA. Here, honey, he's here; he's laid down on the straw and there +he lies! He won't come! + +NIKTA [looking at his wife] Just see, she's tipsy too! When I look at +her my heart seems to turn! How can one live with her? [Turns on his +face] I'll kill her some day! It'll be worse then! + +ANSYA. Only look, how he's got all among the straw! Is it the drink? +[Laughs] I'd not mind lying down there with you, but I've no time! Come, +I'll lead you! It is so nice in the house! It's a treat to look on! A +concertina! And the women singing so well! All tipsy! Everything so +respectable, so nice! + +NIKTA. What's nice? + +ANSYA. The wedding--such a jolly wedding! They all say it's quite an +uncommon fine wedding! All so respectable, so nice! Come along! We'll go +together! I have had a drop, but I can give you a hand yet! [Takes his +hand]. + +NIKTA [pulls it back with disgust] Go alone! I'll come! + +ANSYA. What are you humbugging for? We've got rid of all the bother, +we've got rid of her as came between us; now we have nothing to do but +to live and be merry! And all so respectable, and quite legal! I'm so +pleased! I have no words for it! It's just as if I were going to marry +you over again! And oh, the people, they _are_ pleased! They're all +thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Ivn Mositch is there, +and the Police Officer; they've also been singing songs of praise! + +NIKTA. Then you should have stayed with them! What have you come for? + +ANSYA. True enough, I must go back! Else what does it look like! The +hosts both go and leave the visitors! And the guests are all of the +best! + +NIKTA [gets up and brushes the straw off himself] Go, and I'll come at +once! + +MATRYNA. Just see! He listens to the young bird, but wouldn't listen to +the old one! He would not hear me, but he follows his wife at once! +[Matryna and Ansya turn to go] Well, are you coming? + +NIKTA. I'll come directly! You go and I'll follow! I'll come and give +my blessing! [The women stop] Go on! I'll follow! Now then, go! [Exit +women. Sits down and takes his boots off] Yes, I'm going! A likely +thing! No, you'd better look at the rafter for me! I'll fix the noose +and jump with it from the rafter, then you can look for me! And the rope +is here just handy. [Ponders] I'd have got over it, over any sorrow--I'd +have got over that. But this now--here it is, deep in my heart, and I +can't get over it! [Looks towards the yard] Surely she's not coming +back? [Imitates Ansya] "So nice, so nice. I'd lie down here with you." +Oh, the baggage! Well then, here I am! Come and cuddle when they've +taken me down from the rafter! There's only one way! [Takes the rope and +pulls it]. + + Mtritch, who is tipsy, sits up and won't let go of the rope. + +MTRITCH. Shan't give it up! Shan't give it to no one! I'll bring it +myself! I said I'd bring the straw--and so I will! Nikta, is that you? +[Laughs] Oh, the devil! Have you come to get the straw? + +NIKTA. Give me the rope! + +MTRITCH. No, you wait a bit! The peasants sent me! I'll bring it ... +[Rises to his feet and begins getting the straw together, but reels +for a time, then falls] It has beaten me. It's stronger... + +NIKTA. Give me the rope! + +MTRITCH. Didn't I say I won't! Oh, Nikta, you're as stupid as a hog! +[Laughs] I love you, but you're a fool! You see that I'm drunk ... devil +take you! You think I need you?... You just look at me; I'm a Non ... +fool, can't say it--Non-commissioned Officer of Her Majesty's very First +Regiment of Grenadier Guards! I've served Tsar and country, loyal and +true! But who am I? You think I'm a warrior? No, I'm not a warrior; I'm +the very least of men, a poor lost orphan! I swore not to drink, and now +I had a smoke, and ... Well then, do you think I'm afraid of you? No +fear; I'm afraid of no man! I've taken to drink, and I'll drink! Now +I'll go it for a fortnight; I'll go it hard! I'll drink my last shirt; +I'll drink my cap; I'll pawn my passport; and I'm afraid of no one! They +flogged me in the army to stop me drinking! They switched and switched! +"Well," they say, "will you leave off?" "No," says I! Why should I be +afraid of them? Here I am! Such as I am, God made me! I swore off +drinking, and didn't drink. Now I've took to drink, and I'll drink! And +I fear no man! 'Cos I don't lie; but just as ... Why should one mind +them--such muck as they are! "Here you are," I say; that's me. A priest +told me, the devil's the biggest bragger! "As soon," says he, "as you +begin to brag, you get frightened; and as soon as you fear men, then the +hoofed one just collars you and pushes you where he likes!" But as I +don't fear men, I'm easy! I can spit in the devil's beard, and at the +sow his mother! He can't do me no harm! There, put that in your pipe! + +NIKTA [crossing himself] True enough! What was I about? [Throws down +the rope]. + +MTRITCH. What? + +NIKTA [rises] You tell me not to fear men? + +MTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the +bath-house! All made of one paste! One has a bigger belly, another a +smaller; that's all the difference there is! Fancy being afraid of 'em! +Deuce take 'em! + + [Illustration: THE POWER OF DARKNESS. ACT V. + + NIKTA. True enough! What was I about? + + MTRITCH. What? + + NIKTA. You tell me not to fear men? + + MTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the + bath-house!] + +MATRYNA [from the yard] Well, are you coming? + +NIKTA. Ah! Better so! I'm coming! [Goes towards yard]. + + +SCENE 2. + + Interior of hut, full of people, some sitting round tables and + others standing. In the front corner Akoulna and the Bridegroom. On + one of the tables an Icn and a loaf of rye-bread. Among the + visitors are Marna, her husband, and a Police Officer, also a Hired + Driver, the Matchmaker, and the Best Man. The women are singing. + Ansya carries round the drink. The singing stops. + +THE DRIVER. If we are to go, let's go! The church ain't so near. + +THE BEST MAN. All right; you wait a bit till the step-father has given +his blessing. But where is he? + +ANSYA. He is coming--coming at once, dear friends! Have another glass +all of you; don't refuse! + +THE MATCHMAKER. Why is he so long? We've been waiting such a time! + +ANSYA. He's coming; coming directly, coming in no time! He'll be here +before one could plait a girl's hair who's had her hair cropped! Drink, +friends! [Offers the drink] Coming at once! Sing again, my pets, +meanwhile! + +THE DRIVER. They've sung all their songs, waiting here! + + The women sing. Nikta and Akm enter during the singing. + +NIKTA [holds his father's arm and pushes him in before him] Go, father; +I can't do without you! + +AKM. I don't like--I mean what d'ye call it... + +NIKTA [to the women] Enough! Be quiet! [Looks round the hut] Marna, +are you there? + +THE MATCHMAKER. Go, take the icn, and give them your blessing! + +NIKTA. Wait a while! [Looks round] Akoulna, are you there? + +MATCHMAKER. What are you calling everybody for? Where should she be? How +queer he seems! + +ANSYA. Gracious goodness! Why, he's barefoot! + +NIKTA. Father, you are here! Look at me! Christian Commune, you are all +here, and I am here! I am... [Falls on his knees]. + +ANSYA. Nikta darling, what's the matter with you? Oh my head, my head! + +MATCHMAKER. Here's a go! + +MATRYNA. I did say he was taking too much of that French wine! Come to +your senses; what are you about? + + They try to lift him; he takes no heed of them, but looks in front + of him. + +NIKTA. Christian Commune! I have sinned, and I wish to confess! + +MATRYNA [shakes him by the shoulder] Are you mad? Dear friends, he's +gone crazy! He must be taken away! + +NIKTA [shakes her off] Leave me alone! And you, father, hear me! And +first, Marna, look here! [Bows to the ground to her and rises] I have +sinned towards you! I promised to marry you, I tempted you, and forsook +you! Forgive me, in Christ's name! [Again bows to the ground before +her]. + +ANSYA. And what are you drivelling about? It's not becoming! No one +wants to know! Get up! It's like your impudence! + +MATRYNA. Oh, oh, he's bewitched! And however did it happen? It's a +spell! Get up! what nonsense are you jabbering? [Pulls him]. + +NIKTA [shakes his head] Don't touch me! Forgive me my sin towards you, +Marna! Forgive me, for Christ's sake! + + Marna covers her face with her hands in silence. + +ANSYA. Get up, I tell you! Don't be so impudent! What are you thinking +about--to recall it? Enough humbug! It's shameful! Oh my poor head! He's +quite crazy! + +NIKTA [pushes his wife away and turns to Akoulna] Akoulna, now I'll +speak to you! Listen, Christian Commune! I'm a fiend, Akoulna! I have +sinned against you! Your father died no natural death! He was poisoned! + +ANSYA [screams] Oh my head! What's he about? + +MATRYNA. The man's beside himself! Lead him away! + + The folk come up and try to seize him. + +AKM [motions them back with his arms] Wait! You lads, what d'ye call +it, wait, I mean! + +NIKTA. Akoulna, I poisoned him! Forgive me, in Christ's name! + +AKOULNA [jumps up] He's telling lies! I know who did it! + +MATCHMAKER. What are you about? You sit still! + +AKM. Oh Lord, what sins, what sins! + +POLICE OFFICER. Seize him, and send for the Elder! We must draw up an +indictment and have witnesses to it! Get up and come here! + +AKM [to Police Officer] Now you--with the bright buttons--I mean, you +wait! Let him, what d'ye call it, speak out, I mean! + +POLICE OFFICER. Mind, old man, and don't interfere! I have to draw up an +indictment! + +AKM. Eh, what a fellow you are; wait, I say! Don't talk, I mean, about, +what d'ye call it, 'ditements! Here God's work is being done.... A man +is confessing, I mean! And you, what d'ye call it ... 'ditements! + +POLICE OFFICER. The Elder! + +AKM. Let God's work be done, I mean, and then you, I mean, you do your +business! + +NIKTA. And, Akoulna, my sin is great towards you; I seduced you; +forgive me in Christ's name! [Bows to the ground before her]. + +AKOULNA [leaves the table] Let me go! I shan't be married! He told me +to, but I shan't now! + +POLICE OFFICER. Repeat what you have said. + +NIKTA. Wait, sir, let me finish! + +AKM [with rapture] Speak, my son! Tell everything--you'll feel better! +Confess to God, don't fear men! God--God! It is He! + +NIKTA. I poisoned the father, dog that I am, and I ruined the daughter! +She was in my power, and I ruined her, and her baby! + +AKOULNA. True, that's true! + +NIKTA. I smothered the baby in the cellar with a board! I sat on it and +smothered it--and its bones crunched! [Weeps] And I buried it! I did it, +all alone! + +AKOULNA. He raves! I told him to! + +NIKTA. Don't shield me! I fear no one now! Forgive me, Christian +Commune! [Bows to the ground]. + + Silence. + +POLICE OFFICER. Bind him! The marriage is evidently off! + + Men come up with their belts. + +NIKTA. Wait, there's plenty of time! [Bows to the ground before his +father] Father, dear father, forgive me too,--fiend that I am! You told +me from the first, when I took to bad ways, you said then, "If a claw is +caught, the bird is lost!" I would not listen to your words, dog that I +was, and it has turned out as you said! Forgive me, for Christ's sake! + +AKM [rapturously] God will forgive you, my own son! [Embraces him] You +have had no mercy on yourself, He will show mercy on you! God--God! It +is He! + + Enter Elder. + +ELDER. There are witnesses enough here. + +POLICE OFFICER. We will have the examination at once. + + Nikta is bound. + +AKOULNA [goes and stands by his side] I shall tell the truth! Ask me! + +NIKTA [bound] No need to ask! I did it all myself. The design was mine, +and the deed was mine. Take me where you like. I will say no more! + + + Curtain. + + + END OF "THE POWER OF DARKNESS." + + + + +[ Transcriber's Note: + + The following is a list of corrections made to the original. The first + line is the original line, the second the corrected one. + +about the lass or about yourself Twist them, I mean, to make it better +about the lass or about yourself. Twist them, I mean, to make it better + +daresay the samovr is still hot I'll also go and help a bit. +daresay the samovr is still hot. I'll also go and help a bit. + +NIKTA. I don't want it! Put out the light . . Oh, how dull I feel, how +NIKTA. I don't want it! Put out the light ... Oh, how dull I feel, how + +SCENE 1 +SCENE 1. + +thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Ivan Mositch is there, +thanking us! And the guests are all of the best: Ivn Mositch is there, + + MTRICH. What? + MTRITCH. What? + + NIKTA. You tell me not to fear men. + NIKTA. You tell me not to fear men? + + MTRICH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the + MTRITCH. Why fear such muck as they are? You look at 'em in the + +ANSYA. Nikta darling, what's the matter with you. Oh my head, my head! +ANSYA. Nikta darling, what's the matter with you? Oh my head, my head! +] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Power of Darkness, by Leo Tolstoy + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE POWER OF DARKNESS *** + +***** This file should be named 26661-8.txt or 26661-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/6/6/26661/ + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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