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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Light Shines in 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 Light Shines in Darkness
+
+Author: Leo Tolstoy
+
+Translator: Louise Maude
+            Aylmer Maude
+
+Release Date: September 20, 2008 [EBook #26666]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIGHT SHINES IN 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 LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS
+
+                                 DRAMA
+
+
+
+
+CHARACTERS
+
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH SARÝNTSOV.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA SARÝNTSOVA. His wife.
+
+LYÚBA. Their daughter.
+
+STYÓPA. Their son.
+
+VÁNYA. A younger son.
+
+MISSY. Their daughter.
+
+THE SARÝNTSOVS' LITTLE CHILDREN.
+
+ALEXANDER MIKÁYLOVICH STARKÓVSKY. (Lyúba's betrothed in Act IV).
+
+MITROFÁN ERMÍLYCH. Ványa's tutor.
+
+THE SARÝNTSOVS' GOVERNESS.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA KÓHOVTSEVA. Mary Ivánovna's sister.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH KÓHOVTSEV. Her husband.
+
+LISA. Their daughter.
+
+PRINCESS CHEREMSHÁNOV.
+
+BORÍS. Her son.
+
+TÓNYA. Her daughter.
+
+A YOUNG PRIEST.
+
+THE SARÝNTSOVS' NURSE.
+
+THE SARÝNTSOVS' MEN-SERVANTS.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. A peasant.
+
+A PEASANT WOMAN. His wife.
+
+MALÁSHKA. His daughter (carrying her baby-brother).
+
+PETER. A peasant.
+
+A RURAL POLICEMAN.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. A priest.
+
+A NOTARY.
+
+A CARPENTER.
+
+A GENERAL.
+
+HIS ADJUTANT.
+
+A COLONEL.
+
+A REGIMENTAL CLERK.
+
+A SENTINEL.
+
+TWO SOLDIERS.
+
+A GENDARME OFFICER.
+
+HIS CLERK.
+
+THE CHAPLAIN OF THE REGIMENT.
+
+THE CHIEF DOCTOR IN A MILITARY ASYLUM.
+
+AN ASSISTANT DOCTOR.
+
+WARDERS.
+
+AN INVALID OFFICER.
+
+PIANIST.
+
+COUNTESS.
+
+ALEXANDER PETRÓVICH.
+
+PEASANT MEN AND WOMEN, STUDENTS, LADIES, DANCING COUPLES.
+
+
+
+
+                      THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS
+
+
+
+
+ACT I
+
+
+SCENE 1
+
+    The scene represents the verandah of a fine country-house, in front
+    of which a croquet-lawn and tennis-court are shown, also a
+    flower-bed. The children are playing croquet with their governess.
+    Mary Ivánovna Sarýntsova, a handsome elegant woman of forty; her
+    sister, Alexándra Ivánovna Kóhovtseva, a stupid, determined woman of
+    forty-five; and her husband, Peter Semyónovich Kóhovtsef, a fat
+    flabby man, dressed in a summer suit, with a pince-nez, are sitting
+    on the verandah at a table with a samovár and coffee-pot. Mary
+    Ivánovna Sarýntsova, Alexándra Ivánovna Kóhovtseva, and Peter
+    Semyónovich Kóhovtsev are drinking coffee, and the latter is
+    smoking.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. If you were not my sister, but a stranger, and
+Nicholas Ivánovich not your husband, but merely an acquaintance, I
+should think all this very original, and perhaps I might even encourage
+him, _J'aurais trouvé tout ça trčs gentil_;[1] but when I see that
+_your_ husband is playing the fool--yes, simply playing the fool--then I
+can't help telling you what I think about it. And I shall tell your
+husband, Nicholas, too. _Je lui dirai son fait, ma chčre._[2] I am not
+afraid of anyone.
+
+  [1] I should have considered it all very pretty.
+
+  [2] I will tell him the plain fact, my dear.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I don't feel the least bit hurt; don't I see it all
+myself? but I don't think it so very important.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No. You don't think so, but I tell you that, if you
+let it go on, you will be beggared. _Du train que cela va ..._[3]
+
+  [3] At the rate things are going.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Come! Beggared indeed! Not with an income like
+theirs.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, beggared! And please don't interrupt me, my
+dear! Anything a _man_ does always seems right to you!
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Oh! I don't know. I was saying----
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But you never do know what you are saying, because
+when you men begin playing the fool, _il n'y a pas de raison que ça
+finisse_.[4] I am only saying that if I were in your place, I should not
+allow it. _J'aurais mis bon ordre ŕ toutes ces lubies._[5] What does it
+all mean? A husband, the head of a family, has no occupation, abandons
+everything, gives everything away, _et fait le généreux ŕ droite et ŕ
+gauche_.[6] I know how it will end! _Nous en savons quelque chose._[7]
+
+  [4] There is no reason for it to stop.
+
+  [5] I should put an end to all these fads.
+
+  [6] And plays the bountiful left and right.
+
+  [7] We know something about it.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH [to Mary Ivánovna]. But do explain to me, Mary, what
+is this new movement? Of course I understand Liberalism, County
+Councils, the Constitution, schools, reading-rooms, and _tout ce qui
+s'en suit_;[8] as well as Socialism, strikes, and an eight-hour day; but
+what is this? Explain it to me.
+
+  [8] All the rest of it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But he told you about it yesterday.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. I confess I did not understand. The Gospels, the
+Sermon on the Mount--and that churches are unnecessary! But then how is
+one to pray, and all that?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes. That is the worst of it. He would destroy
+everything, and give us nothing in its place.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. How did it begin?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. It began last year, after his sister died. He was very
+fond of her, and her death had a very great effect on him. He became
+quite morose, and was always talking about death; and then, you know, he
+fell ill himself with typhus. When he recovered, he was quite a changed
+man.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But, all the same, he came in spring to see us again
+in Moscow, and was very nice, and played bridge. _Il était trčs gentil
+et comme tout le monde._[9]
+
+  [9] He was very nice, and like everybody else.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But, all the same, he was then quite changed.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. In what way?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. He was completely indifferent to his family, and purely
+and simply had _l'idée fixe_. He read the Gospels for days on end, and
+did not sleep. He used to get up at night to read, made notes and
+extracts, and then began going to see bishops and hermits--consulting
+them about religion.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And did he fast, or prepare for communion?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. From the time of our marriage--that's twenty years
+ago--till then he had never fasted nor taken the sacrament, but at that
+time he did once take the sacrament in a monastery, and then immediately
+afterwards decided that one should neither take communion nor go to
+church.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. That's what I say--thoroughly inconsistent!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, a month before, he would not miss a single service,
+and kept every fast-day; and then he suddenly decided that it was all
+unnecessary. What can one do with such a man?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I have spoken and will speak to him again.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Yes! But the matter is of no great importance.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No? Not to you! Because you men have no religion.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Do let me speak. I say that that is not the point.
+The point is this: if he denies the Church, what does he want the
+Gospels for?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, so that we should live according to the Gospels and
+the Sermon on the Mount, and give everything away.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. But how is one to live if one gives everything away?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And where has he found in the Sermon on the Mount
+that we must shake hands with footmen? It says "Blessed are the meek,"
+but it says nothing about shaking hands!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, of course, he gets carried away, as he always used
+to. At one time it was music, then shooting, then the school. But that
+doesn't make it any the easier for me!
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Why has he gone to town to-day?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. He did not tell me, but I know it is about some trees of
+ours that have been felled. The peasants have been cutting trees in our
+wood.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. In the pine-tree plantation?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, they will probably be sent to prison and ordered to
+pay for the trees. Their case was to be heard to-day, he told me of it,
+so I feel certain that is what he has gone about.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. He will pardon them, and to-morrow they will come to
+take the trees in the park.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, that is what it leads to. As it is, they break our
+apple-trees and tread down the green cornfields, and he forgives them
+everything.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Extraordinary!
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. That is just why I say that it must not be allowed
+to go on. Why, if it goes on like that, _tout y passera_.[10] I think it
+is your duty as a mother to _prendre tes mesures_.[11]
+
+  [10] Everything will be lost.
+
+  [11] To take measures.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. What can I do?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. What indeed! Stop him! Explain to him that this
+cannot go on. You have your children! What sort of an example is it for
+them?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Of course, it is hard; but I go on bearing it, and hoping
+it will pass, like his former infatuations.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, but "_Aide toi et Dieu t'aidera!_"[12] You must
+make him feel that he has not only himself to think of, and that one
+can't live like that.
+
+  [12] God helps those who help themselves.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. The worst of all is that he no longer troubles about the
+children, and I have to decide everything myself. I have an unweaned
+baby, besides the older children: girls and boys, who have to be looked
+after, and need guidance. And I have to do it all single-handed. He used
+to be such an affectionate and attentive father, but now he seems no
+longer to care. Yesterday I told him that Ványa is not studying
+properly, and will not pass his exam., and he replied that it would be
+by far the best thing for him to leave school altogether.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. To go where?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Nowhere! That's the most terrible thing about it;
+everything we do is wrong, but he does not say what would be right.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. That's odd.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. What is there odd about it? It is just _your_ usual
+way. Condemn everything, and do nothing yourself!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Styópa has now finished at the University, and ought to
+choose a career; but his father says nothing about it. He wanted to take
+a post in the Civil Service, but Nicholas Ivánovich says he ought not to
+do so. Then he thought of entering the Horse-Guards, but Nicholas
+Ivánovich quite disapproved. Then the lad asked his father: "What am I
+to do then--not go and plough after all?" and Nicholas Ivánovich said:
+"Why not plough? It is much better than being in a Government Office."
+So what was he to do? He comes to me and asks, and I have to decide
+everything, and yet the authority is all in his hands.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, you should tell him so straight out.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. So I must! I shall have to talk to him.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And tell him straight out that you can't go on like
+this. That you do your duty, and he must do his; or if not--let him hand
+everything over to you.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. It is all so unpleasant!
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I will tell him, if you like. _Je lui dirai son
+fait._[13]
+
+  [13] I'll tell him the truth.
+
+    Enter a young priest, confused and agitated. He carries a book, and
+    shakes hands all round.
+
+PRIEST. I have come to see Nicholas Ivánovich. I have, in fact, come to
+return a book.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. He has gone to town, but will be back soon.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. What book are you returning?
+
+PRIEST. Oh, it's Mr. Renan's _Life of Jesus_.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Dear me! What books you read!
+
+PRIEST [much agitated, lights a cigarette] It was Nicholas Ivánovich
+gave it to me to read.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [contemptuously] Nicholas Ivánovich gave it you! And
+do you agree with Nicholas Ivánovich and Mr. Renan?
+
+PRIEST. No, of course not. If I really did agree, I should not, in fact,
+be what is called a servant of the Church.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But if you are, as it is called, a faithful servant
+of the Church, why don't you convert Nicholas Ivánovich?
+
+PRIEST. Everyone, in fact, has his own views on these matters, and
+Nicholas Ivánovich really maintains much that is quite true, only he
+goes astray, in fact, on the main point, the Church.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [contemptuously] And what are the many things that
+Nicholas Ivánovich maintains that are quite true? Is it true that the
+Sermon on the Mount bids us give our property away to strangers and let
+our own families go begging?
+
+PRIEST. The Church, in fact, sanctions the family, and the Holy Fathers
+of the Church, in fact, blessed the family; but the highest perfection
+really demands the renunciation of worldly advantages.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Of course the Anchorites acted so, but ordinary
+mortals, I should imagine, should act in an ordinary way, as befits all
+good Christians.
+
+PRIEST. No one can tell unto what he may be called.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And, of course, you are married?
+
+PRIEST. Oh yes.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And have you any children?
+
+PRIEST. Two.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Then why don't you renounce worldly advantages, and
+not go about smoking a cigarette?
+
+PRIEST. Because of my weakness, in fact, my unworthiness.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Ah! I see that instead of bringing Nicholas
+Ivánovich to reason, you support him. That, I tell you straight out, is
+wrong!
+
+    Enter Nurse.
+
+NURSE. Don't you hear baby crying? Please come to nurse him.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I'm coming, coming! [Rises and exit].
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I'm dreadfully sorry for my sister. I see how she
+suffers. Seven children, one of them unweaned, and then all these fads
+to put up with. It seems to me quite plain that he has something wrong
+here [touching her forehead. To Priest] Now tell me, I ask you, what new
+religion is this you have discovered?
+
+PRIEST. I don't understand, in fact ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Oh, please don't beat about the bush. You know very
+well what I am asking you about.
+
+PRIEST. But allow me ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I ask you, what creed is it that bids us shake hands
+with every peasant and let them cut down the trees, and give them money
+for vódka, and abandon our own families?
+
+PRIEST. I don't know that ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. He says it is Christianity. You are a priest of the
+Orthodox Greek Church, and therefore you must know and must say whether
+Christianity bids us encourage robbery.
+
+PRIEST. But I ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Or else, why are you a priest, and why do you wear
+long hair and a cassock?
+
+PRIEST. But we are not asked ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Not asked, indeed! Why, I am asking you! He told me
+yesterday that the Gospels say, "Give to him that asketh of thee." But
+then in what sense is that meant?
+
+PRIEST. In its plain sense, I suppose.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And I think not in the plain sense; we have always
+been taught that everybody's position is appointed by God.
+
+PRIEST. Of course, but yet ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Oh, yes. It's just as I was told; you take his side,
+and that is wrong! I say so straight out. If some young school teacher,
+or some young lad, lickspittles to him, it's bad enough--but you, in
+your position, should remember the responsibility that rests on you.
+
+PRIEST. I try to ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. What sort of religion is it, when he does not go to
+church, and does not believe in the sacraments? And instead of bringing
+him to his senses, you read Renan with him, and interpret the Gospels in
+a way of your own.
+
+PRIEST [excitedly] I cannot answer. I am, in fact, upset, and will hold
+my tongue.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Oh! If only I were your Bishop; I'd teach you to
+read Renan and smoke cigarettes.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. _Mais cessez, au nom du ciel. De quel droit?_[14]
+
+  [14] But do stop, for heaven's sake. What right have you?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Please don't teach me. I am sure the Reverend Father
+is not angry with me. What if I have spoken plainly. It would have been
+worse had I bottled up my anger. Isn't that so?
+
+PRIEST. Forgive me if I have not expressed myself as I should.
+[Uncomfortable pause].
+
+    Enter Lyúba and Lisa. Lyúba, Mary Ivánovna's daughter, is a handsome
+    energetic girl of twenty. Lisa, Alexándra Ivánovna's daughter, is a
+    little older. Both have kerchiefs on their heads, and are carrying
+    baskets, to go gathering mushrooms. They greet Alexándra Ivánovna,
+    Peter Semyónovich, and the priest.
+
+LYÚBA. Where is Mamma?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Just gone to the baby.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Now mind you bring back plenty of mushrooms. A little
+village girl brought some lovely white ones this morning. I'd go with
+you myself, but it's too hot.
+
+LISA. Do come, Papa!
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, go, for you are getting too fat.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Well, perhaps I will, but I must first fetch some
+cigarettes. [Exit].
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Where are all the young ones?
+
+LYÚBA. Styópa is cycling to the station, the tutor has gone to town with
+papa. The little ones are playing croquet, and Ványa is out there in the
+porch, playing with the dogs.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, has Styópa decided on anything?
+
+LYÚBA. Yes. He has gone himself to hand in his application to enter the
+Horse-Guards. He was horribly rude to papa yesterday.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Of course, it's hard on him too.... _Il n'y a pas de
+patience qui tienne._[15] The young man must begin to live, and he is
+told to go and plough!
+
+  [15] There are limits to human endurance.
+
+LYÚBA. That's not what papa told him; he said ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Never mind. Still Styópa must begin life, and
+whatever he proposes, it's all objected to. But here he is himself.
+
+    The Priest steps aside, opens a book, and begins to read. Enter
+    Styópa cycling towards the verandah.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. _Quand on parle du soleil on en voit les
+rayons._[16] We were just talking about you. Lyúba says you were rude to
+your father.
+
+  [16] Speak of the sun and you see its rays.
+
+STYÓPA. Not at all. There was nothing particular. He gave me his
+opinion, and I gave him mine. It is not my fault that our views differ.
+Lyúba, you know, understands nothing, but must have her say about
+everything.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, and what have you decided on?
+
+STYÓPA. I don't know what Papa has decided. I'm afraid he does not quite
+know himself; but as for me, I have decided to volunteer for the
+Horse-Guards. In our house some special objection is made to every step
+that is taken; but this is all quite simple. I have finished my studies,
+and must serve my time. To enter a line regiment and serve with tipsy
+low-class officers would be unpleasant, and so I'm entering the
+Horse-Guards, where I have friends.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes; but why won't your father agree to it?
+
+STYÓPA. Papa! What is the good of talking about him? He is now possessed
+by his _idée fixe_.[17] He sees nothing but what he wants to see. He
+says military service is the basest kind of employment, and that
+therefore one should not serve, and so he won't give me any money.
+
+  [17] Fixed idea.
+
+LISA. No! Styópa. He did not say that! You know I was present. He says
+that if you cannot avoid serving, you should go when you are called; but
+that to volunteer, is to choose that kind of service of your own free
+will.
+
+STYÓPA. But it's I, not he, who is going to serve. He himself was in the
+army!
+
+LISA. Yes, but he does not exactly say that he will not give you the
+money; but that he cannot take part in an affair that is contrary to his
+convictions.
+
+STYÓPA. Convictions have nothing to do with it. One must serve--and
+that's all!
+
+LISA. I only say what I heard.
+
+STYÓPA. I know you always agree with Papa. Do you know, Aunt, that Lisa
+takes Papa's side entirely in everything?
+
+LISA. What is true ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Don't I know that Lisa always takes up with any kind
+of nonsense. She scents nonsense. _Elle flaire cela de loin._[18]
+
+  [18] She scents it from afar.
+
+    Enter Ványa running in with a telegram in his hand, followed by the
+    dogs. He wears a red shirt.
+
+VÁNYA [to Lyúba]. Guess who is coming?
+
+LYÚBA. What's the use of guessing? Give it here [stretching towards him.
+Ványa does not let her have the telegram].
+
+VÁNYA. I'll not give it you, and I won't say who it is from. It's
+someone who makes you blush!
+
+LYÚBA. Nonsense! Who is the telegram from?
+
+VÁNYA. There, you're blushing! Aunty, she is blushing, isn't she?
+
+LYÚBA. What nonsense! Who is it from? Aunty, who is it from?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. The Cheremshánovs.
+
+LYÚBA. Ah!
+
+VÁNYA. There you are! Why are you blushing?
+
+LYÚBA. Let me see the telegram, Aunt. [Reads] "Arriving all three by the
+mail train. Cheremshánovs." That means the Princess, Borís, and Tónya.
+Well, I am glad!
+
+VÁNYA. There you are, you're glad! Styópa, look how she is blushing.
+
+STYÓPA. That's enough--teasing over and over again.
+
+VÁNYA. Of course, because you're sweet on Tónya! You'd better cast lots;
+for two men must not marry one another's sisters.[19]
+
+  [19] In Russia the relationships that are set up by marriage debar a
+  marriage between a woman's brother-in-law and her sister.
+
+STYÓPA. Don't humbug! Shut up! How often have you been told to?
+
+LISA. If they are coming by the mail train, they will be here directly.
+
+LYÚBA. That's true, so we can't go for mushrooms.
+
+    Enter Peter Semyónovich with his cigarettes.
+
+LYÚBA. Uncle Peter, we are not going!
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Why not?
+
+LYÚBA. The Cheremshánovs are coming directly. Better let's play tennis
+till they come. Styópa, will you play?
+
+STYÓPA. I may as well.
+
+LYÚBA. Ványa and I against you and Lisa. Agreed? Then I'll get the balls
+and call the boys. [Exit].
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. So I'm to stay here after all!
+
+PRIEST [preparing to go]. My respects to you.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No, wait a bit, Father. I want to have a talk with
+you. Besides, Nicholas Ivánovich will be here directly.
+
+PRIEST [sits down, and lights another cigarette]. He may be a long time.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. There, someone is coming. I expect it's he.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Which Cheremshánova is it? Can it be Golitzin's
+daughter?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, of course. It's the Cheremshánova who lived in
+Rome with her aunt.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Dear me, I shall be glad to see her. I have not met
+her since those days in Rome when she used to sing duets with me. She
+sang beautifully. She has two children, has she not?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, they are coming too.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. I did not know that they were so intimate with the
+Sarýntsovs.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Not intimate, but they lodged together abroad last
+year, and I believe that _la princesse a des vues sur Lyúba pour son
+fils. C'est une fine mouche, elle flaire une jolie dot._[20]
+
+  [20] The princess has her eye on Lyúba for her son. She is a knowing
+  one, and scents a nice dowry.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. But the Cheremshánovs themselves were rich.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. They _were_. The prince is still living, but he has
+squandered everything, drinks, and has quite gone to the dogs. She
+petitioned the Emperor, left her husband, and so managed to save a few
+scraps. But she has given her children a splendid education. _Il faut
+lui rendre cette justice._[21] The daughter is an admirable musician;
+and the son has finished the University, and is charming. Only I don't
+think Mary is quite pleased. Visitors are inconvenient just now. Ah!
+here comes Nicholas.
+
+  [21] One must do her that much justice.
+
+    Enter Nicholas Ivánovich.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. How d'you do, Alína;[22] and you, Peter Semyónovich.
+[To the Priest] Ah! Vasíly Nikanórych. [Shakes hands with them].
+
+  [22] Alína is an abbreviation, and a pet name, for Alexándra.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. There is still some coffee left. Shall I give you a
+cup? It's rather cold, but can easily be warmed up. [Rings].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, thank you. I have had something. Where is Mary?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Feeding Baby.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Is she quite well?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Pretty well. Have you done your business?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have. Yes. If there _is_ any tea or coffee left, I
+will have some. [To Priest] Ah! you've brought the book back. Have you
+read it? I've been thinking about you all the way home.
+
+    Enter man-servant, who bows. Nicholas Ivánovich shakes hands with
+    him. Alexándra Ivánovna shrugs her shoulders, exchanging glances
+    with her husband.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Re-heat the samovár, please.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That's not necessary, Alína. I don't really want
+any, and I'll drink it as it is.
+
+    Missy, on seeing her father, leaves her croquet, runs to him, and
+    hangs round his neck.
+
+MISSY. Papa! Come with me.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [caressing her]. Yes, I'll come directly. Just let me
+eat something first. Go and play, and I'll soon come.
+
+    Exit Missy.
+
+    Nicholas Ivánovich sits down to the table, and eats and drinks
+    eagerly.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, were they sentenced?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes! They were. They themselves pleaded guilty. [To
+Priest] I thought you would not find Renan very convincing ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And you did not approve of the verdict?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [vexed]. Of course I don't approve of it. [To Priest]
+The main question for you is not Christ's divinity, or the history of
+Christianity, but the Church ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Then how was it? _They_ confessed their guilt, _et
+vous leur avez donné un démenti_?[23] They did not steal them--but only
+took the wood?
+
+  [23] And you contradicted them.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [who had begun talking to the priest, turns
+resolutely to Alexándra Ivánovna]. Alína, my dear, do not pursue me with
+pinpricks and insinuations.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But not at all ...
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And if you really want to know why I can't prosecute
+the peasants about the wood they needed and cut down ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I should think they also need this samovár.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, if you want me to tell you why I can't agree
+with those people being shut up in prison, and being totally ruined,
+because they cut down ten trees in a forest which is considered to be
+mine ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Considered so by everybody.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Oh dear! Disputing again.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Even if I considered that forest mine, which I
+cannot do, we have 3000 acres of forest, with about 150 trees to the
+acre. In all, about 450,000 trees--is that correct? Well, they have cut
+down ten trees--that is, one 45-thousandth part. Now is it worth while,
+and can one really decide, to tear a man away from his family and put
+him in prison for that?
+
+STYÓPA. Ah! but if you don't hold on to this one 45-thousandth, all the
+other 44,990 trees will very soon be cut down also.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But I only said _that_ in answer to your aunt. In
+reality I have no right to this forest. Land belongs to everyone; or
+rather, it can't belong to anyone. We have never put any labour into
+this land.
+
+STYÓPA. No, but you saved money and preserved this forest.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. How did I get my savings? What enabled me to save
+up? And I didn't preserve the forest myself! However, this is a matter
+which can't be proved to anyone who does not himself feel ashamed when
+he strikes at another man--
+
+STYÓPA. But no one is striking anybody!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Just as when a man feels no shame at taking toll
+from others' labour without doing any work himself, you cannot prove to
+him that he ought to be ashamed; and the object of all the Political
+Economy you learnt at the University is merely to justify the false
+position in which we live.
+
+STYÓPA. On the contrary; science destroys all prejudices.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. However, all this is of no importance to me. What is
+important is that in Yefím's[24] place I should have acted as he did,
+and I should have been desperate had I been imprisoned. And as I wish to
+do to others as I wish them to do to me--I cannot condemn him, but do
+what I can to save him.
+
+  [24] Yefím was the peasant who had cut down the tree.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. But, if one goes on that line, one cannot possess
+anything.
+
+    Alexándra Ivánovna and Styópa--
+
+    Both speak together
+
+  { ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Then it is much more profitable to steal than to
+  { work.
+  {
+  { STYÓPA. You never reply to one's arguments. I say that a man who
+  { saves, has a right to enjoy his savings.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [smiling] I don't know which I am to reply to. [To
+Peter Semyónovich] It's true. One should not possess anything.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But if one should not possess anything, one can't
+have any clothes, nor even a crust of bread, but must give away
+everything, so that it's impossible to live.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And it should be impossible to live as we do!
+
+STYÓPA. In other words, we must die! Therefore, that teaching is unfit
+for life....
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No. It is given just that men may live. Yes. One
+should give everything away. Not only the forest we do not use and
+hardly ever see, but even our clothes and our bread.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. What! And the children's too?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, the children's too. And not only our bread, but
+ourselves. Therein lies the whole teaching of Christ. One must strive
+with one's whole strength to give oneself away.
+
+STYÓPA. That means to die.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, even if you gave your life for your friends,
+that would be splendid both for you and for others. But the fact is that
+man is not solely a spirit, but a spirit within a body; and the flesh
+draws him to live for itself, while the spirit of light draws him to
+live for God and for others: and the life in each of us is not solely
+animal, but is equipoised between the two. But the more it is a life for
+God, the better; and the animal will not fail to take care of itself.
+
+STYÓPA. Why choose a middle course: an equipoise between the two? If it
+is right to do so--why not give away everything and die?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That would be splendid. Try to do it, and it will be
+well both for you and for others.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No, that is not clear, not simple. _C'est tiré par
+les cheveux._[25]
+
+  [25] It's too fine spun.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, I can't help it, and it can't be explained by
+argument. However, that is enough.
+
+STYÓPA. Yes, quite enough, and I also don't understand it. [Exit].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [turns to Priest] Well, what impression did the book
+make on you?
+
+PRIEST [agitated] How shall I put it? Well, the historic part is
+insufficiently worked out, and it is not fully convincing, or let us
+say, quite reliable; because the materials are, as a matter of fact,
+insufficient. Neither the Divinity of Christ, nor His lack of Divinity,
+can be proved historically; there is but one irrefragable proof....
+
+    During this conversation first the ladies and then Peter Semyónovich
+    go out.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You mean the Church?
+
+PRIEST. Well, of course, the Church, and the evidence, let's say, of
+reliable men--the Saints for instance.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Of course, it would be excellent if there existed a
+set of infallible people to confide in. It would be very desirable; but
+its desirability does not prove that they exist!
+
+PRIEST. And I believe that just _that is_ the proof. The Lord could not
+in fact have exposed His law to the possibility of mutilation or
+misinterpretation, but must in fact have left a guardian of His truth to
+prevent that truth being mutilated.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Very well; but we first tried to prove the truth
+itself, and now we are trying to prove the reliability of the guardian
+of the truth.
+
+PRIEST. Well here, as a matter of fact, we require faith.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Faith--yes, we need faith. We can't do without
+faith. Not, however, faith in what other people tell us, but faith in
+what we arrive at ourselves, by our own thought, our own reason ...
+faith in God, and in true and everlasting life.
+
+PRIEST. Reason may deceive. Each of us has a different mind.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [hotly] There, that is the most terrible blasphemy!
+God has given us just one sacred tool for finding the truth--the only
+thing that can unite us all, and we do not trust it!
+
+PRIEST. How can we trust in it, when there are contradictions?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Where are the contradictions? That twice two are
+four; and that one should not do to others what one would not like
+oneself; and that everything has a cause? Truths of that kind we all
+acknowledge because they accord with all our reason. But that God
+appeared on Mount Sinai to Moses, or that Buddha flew up on a sunbeam,
+or that Mahomet went up into the sky, and that Christ flew there
+also--on matters of that kind we are all at variance.
+
+PRIEST. No, we are not at variance, those of us who abide in the truth
+are all united in one faith in God, Christ.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, even there, you are not united, but have all
+gone asunder; so why should I believe you rather than I would believe a
+Buddhist Lama? Only because I happened to be born in your faith?
+
+[The tennis players dispute] "Out!" "Not out!"
+
+VÁNYA. I saw it ...:
+
+    During the conversation, men-servants set the table again for tea
+    and coffee.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You say the Church unites. But, on the contrary, the
+worst dissensions have always been caused by the Church. "How often
+would I have gathered you as a hen gathers her chickens." ...
+
+PRIEST. That was until Christ. But Christ did gather them all together.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, Christ united; but we have divided: because we
+have understood him the wrong way round. He destroyed all Churches.
+
+PRIEST. Did he not say: "Go, tell the Church."
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. It is not a question of words! Besides those words
+don't refer to what we call "Church." It is the spirit of the teaching
+that matters. Christ's teaching is universal, and includes all
+religions, and does not admit of anything exclusive; neither of the
+Resurrection nor the Divinity of Christ, nor the Sacraments--nor of
+anything that divides.
+
+PRIEST. That, as a matter of fact, if I may say so, is your own
+interpretation of Christ's teaching. But Christ's teaching is all
+founded on His Divinity and Resurrection.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That's what is so dreadful about the Churches. They
+divide by declaring that they possess the full indubitable and
+infallible truth. They say: "It has pleased us and the Holy Ghost." That
+began at the time of the first Council of the Apostles. They then began
+to maintain that they had the full and _exclusive_ truth. You see, if I
+say there is a God: the first cause of the Universe, everyone can agree
+with me; and _such_ an acknowledgment of God will unite us; but if I say
+there is a God: Brahma, or Jehovah, or a Trinity, such a God divides us.
+Men wish to unite, and to that end devise all means of union, but
+neglect the one indubitable means of union--the search for truth! It is
+as if people in an enormous building, where the light from above shone
+down into the centre, tried to unite in groups around lamps in different
+corners, instead of going towards the central light, where they would
+naturally all be united.
+
+PRIEST. And how are the people to be guided--without any really definite
+truth?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That's what is terrible! Each _one_ of us has to
+save _his own_ soul, and has to do God's work _himself_, but instead of
+that we busy ourselves saving _other people_ and teaching _them_. And
+what do we teach them? We teach them now, at the end of the nineteenth
+century, that God created the world in six days, then caused a flood,
+and put all the animals in an ark, and all the rest of the horrors and
+nonsense of the Old Testament. And then that Christ ordered everyone to
+be baptized with water; and we make them believe in all the absurdity
+and meanness of an Atonement essential to salvation; and then that he
+rose up into the heavens which do not really exist, and there sat down
+at the right hand of the Father. We have got used to all this, but
+really it is dreadful! A child, fresh and ready to receive all that is
+good and true, asks us what the world is, and what its laws are; and we,
+instead of revealing to him the teaching of love and truth that has been
+given to us, carefully ram into his head all sorts of horrible
+absurdities and meannesses, ascribing them all to God. Is that not
+terrible? It is as great a crime as man can commit. And we--you and your
+Church--do this! Forgive me!
+
+PRIEST. Yes, if one looks at Christ's teaching from a rationalistic
+point of view, it is so.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Whichever way one looks, it is so. [Pause].
+
+    Enter Alexándra Ivánovna. Priest bows to take his leave.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Good-bye, Father. He will lead you astray. Don't you
+listen to him.
+
+PRIEST. No. Search the Scriptures! The matter is too important, as a
+matter of fact, to be--let's say--neglected. [Exit].
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Really, Nicholas, you have no pity on him! Though he
+is a priest, he is still only a boy, and can have no firm convictions or
+settled views....
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Give him time to settle down and petrify in
+falsehood? No! Why should I? Besides, he is a good, sincere man.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But what will become of him if he believes you?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. He need not believe _me_. But if he saw the truth,
+it would be well for him and for everybody.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. If it were really so good, everyone would be ready
+to believe you. As it is, no one believes you, and your wife least of
+all. She _can't_ believe you.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Who told you that?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, just you try and explain it to her! She will
+never understand, nor shall I, nor anyone else in the world, that one
+must care for other people and abandon one's own children. Go and try to
+explain that to Mary!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, and Mary will certainly understand. Forgive me,
+Alexándra, but if it were not for other people's influence, to which she
+is very susceptible, she would understand me and go with me.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. To beggar your children for the sake of drunken
+Yefím and his sort? Never! But if I have made you angry, please forgive
+me. I can't help speaking out.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I am not angry. On the contrary, I am even glad you
+have spoken out and given me the opportunity--challenged me--to explain
+to Mary my whole outlook on life. On my way home to-day I was thinking
+of doing so, and I will speak to her at once; and you will see that she
+will agree, because she is wise and good.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, as to that, allow me to have my doubts.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But I have no doubts. For you know, this is not any
+invention of my own; it is only what we all of us know, and what Christ
+revealed to us.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Yes, you think Christ revealed this, but I think he
+revealed something else.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. It cannot be anything else.
+
+    Shouts from the tennis ground.
+
+LYÚBA. Out!
+
+VÁNYA. No, we saw it.
+
+LISA. I know. It fell just here!
+
+LYÚBA. Out! Out! Out!
+
+VÁNYA. It's not true.
+
+LYÚBA. For one thing, it's rude to say "It's not true."
+
+VÁNYA. And it's rude to say what is not true!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Just wait a bit, and don't argue, but listen. Isn't
+it true that at any moment we may die, and either cease to exist, or go
+to God who expects us to live according to His will?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, what can I do in this life other than what the
+supreme judge in my soul, my conscience--God--requires of me? And my
+conscience--God--requires that I should regard everybody as equal, love
+everybody, serve everybody.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Your own children too?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Naturally, my own too, but obeying all that my
+conscience demands. Above all, that I should understand that my life
+does not belong to me--nor yours to you--but to God, who sent us into
+the world and who requires that we should do His will. And His will
+is ...
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And you think that you will persuade Mary of this?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Certainly.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. And that she will give up educating the children
+properly, and will abandon them? Never!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not only will she understand, but you too will
+understand that it is the only thing to do.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Never!
+
+    Enter Mary Ivánovna.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, Mary! I didn't wake you this morning, did I?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, I was not asleep. And have you had a successful day?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, very.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Why, your coffee is quite cold! Why do you drink it like
+that? By the way, we must prepare for our visitors. You know the
+Cheremshánovs are coming?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, if you're glad to have them, I shall be very
+pleased.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I like her and her children, but they have chosen a
+rather inconvenient time for their visit.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [rising] Well, talk matters over with him, and I'll
+go and watch the tennis.
+
+    A pause, then Mary Ivánovna and Nicholas Ivánovich begin both
+    talking at once.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. It's inconvenient, because we must have a talk.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I was just saying to Aline ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. What?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, you speak first.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, I wanted to have a talk with you about Styópa.
+After all, something _must_ be decided. He, poor fellow, feels
+depressed, and does not know what awaits him. He came to me, but how can
+I decide?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why decide? He can decide for himself.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But, you know, he wants to enter the Horse-Guards as a
+volunteer, and in order to do that he must get you to countersign his
+papers, and he must also be in a position to keep himself; and you don't
+give him anything. [Gets excited].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Mary, for heaven's sake don't get excited, but
+listen to me. I don't give or withhold anything. To enter military
+service of one's own free will, I consider either a stupid, insensate
+action, suitable for a savage if the man does not understand the evil of
+his action, or despicable if he does it from an interested motive....
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But nowadays everything seems savage and stupid to you.
+After all, he must live; you lived!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [getting irritable] I lived when I did not
+understand; and when nobody gave me good advice. However, it does not
+depend on me but on him.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. How not on you? It's you who don't give him an allowance.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I can't give what is not mine!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Not yours? What do you mean?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. The labour of others does not belong to me. To give
+him money, I must first take it from others. I have no right to do that,
+and I cannot do it! As long as I manage the estate I must manage it as
+my conscience dictates; and I cannot give the fruits of the toil of the
+overworked peasants to be spent on the debaucheries of Life-Guardsmen.
+Take over my property, and then I shall not be responsible!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. You know very well that I don't want to take it, and
+moreover I can't. I have to bring up the children, besides nursing them
+and bearing them. It is cruel!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Mary, dear one! That is not the main thing. When you
+began to speak I too began and wanted to talk to you quite frankly. We
+must not go on like this. We are living together, but don't understand
+one another. Sometimes we even seem to misunderstand one another on
+purpose.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I want to understand, but I don't. No, I don't understand
+you. I do not know what has come to you.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well then, try and understand! This may not be a
+convenient time, but heaven knows when we shall find a convenient time.
+Understand not me--but yourself: the meaning of your own life! We can't
+go on living like this without knowing what we are living for.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. We have lived so, and lived very happily. [Noticing a
+look of vexation on his face] All right, all right, I am listening.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, I too lived so--that is to say, without
+thinking why I lived; but a time came when I was terror-struck. Well,
+here we are, living on other people's labour--making others work for
+us--bringing children into the world and bringing them up to do the
+same. Old age will come, and death, and I shall ask myself: "Why have I
+lived?" In order to breed more parasites like myself? And, above all, we
+do not even enjoy this life. It is only endurable, you know, while, like
+Ványa, you overflow with life's energy.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But everybody lives like that.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And they are all unhappy.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Not at all.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Anyhow, I saw that I was terribly unhappy, and that
+I made you and the children unhappy, and I asked myself: "Is it
+possible that God created us for this end?" And as soon as I thought of
+it, I felt at once that he had not. I asked myself: "What, then, has God
+created us for?"
+
+    Enter Man-servant.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [Not listening to her husband, turns to Servant] Bring
+some boiled cream.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And in the Gospels I found the answer, that we
+certainly should not live for our own sake. That revealed itself to me
+very clearly once, when I was pondering over the parable of the
+labourers in the vineyard. You know?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, the labourers.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That parable seemed to show me more clearly than
+anything else where my mistake had been. Like those labourers I had
+thought that the vineyard was my own, and that my life was my own, and
+everything seemed dreadful; but as soon as I had understood that my life
+is not my own, but that I am sent into the world to do the will of
+God ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But what of it? We all know that!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, if we know it we cannot go on living as we are
+doing, for our whole life--far from being a fulfilment of His will--is,
+on the contrary, a continual transgression of it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But how is it a transgression--when we live without doing
+harm to anyone?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But are we doing no harm? Such an outlook on life is
+just like that of those labourers. Why we ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, I know the parable--and that he paid them all
+equally.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [after a pause] No, it's not that. But do, Mary,
+consider one thing--that we have only one life, and can live it well, or
+can waste it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I can't think and argue! I don't sleep at night; I am
+nursing. I have to manage the whole house, and instead of helping me,
+you say things to me that I don't understand.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Mary!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. And now these visitors.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, let us come to an understanding. [Kisses her]
+Shan't we?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, only be like you used to be.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I can't, but now listen.
+
+    The sound of bells and an approaching vehicle are heard.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I can't now--they have arrived! I must go to meet them.
+[Exit behind corner of house. Styópa and Lyúba follow her].
+
+VÁNYA. We shan't abandon it; we must finish the game later. Well, Lyúba,
+what now?
+
+LYÚBA [seriously] No nonsense, please.
+
+    Alexándra Ivánovna, with her husband and Lisa, come out on to the
+    verandah. Nicholas Ivánovich paces up and down wrapt in thought.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Well, have you convinced her?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Alína, what is going on between us is very
+important. Jokes are out of place. It is not I who am convincing her,
+but life, truth, God: they are convincing her--therefore she cannot help
+being convinced, if not to-day then to-morrow, if not to-morrow ... It
+is awful that no one ever has time. Who is it that has just come?
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. It's the Cheremshánovs. Catiche Cheremshánov, whom I
+have not met for eighteen years. The last time I saw her we sang
+together: "La ci darem la mano." [Sings].
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Please don't interrupt us, and don't imagine that I
+shall quarrel with Nicholas. I am telling the truth. [To Nicholas
+Ivánovich] I am not joking at all, but it seemed to me strange that you
+wanted to convince Mary just when she had made up her mind to have it
+out with you!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Very well, very well. They are coming. Please tell
+Mary I shall be in my room. [Exit].
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+ACT II
+
+
+SCENE 1
+
+    In the same country-house, a week later. The scene represents a
+    large dining-hall. The table is laid for tea and coffee, with a
+    samovár. A grand piano and a music-stand are by the wall. Mary
+    Ivánovna, the Princess and Peter Semyónovich are seated at the
+    table.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Ah, Princess, it does not seem so long ago since you
+were singing Rosina's part, and I ... though nowadays I am not fit even
+for a Don Basilio.
+
+PRINCESS. Our children might do the singing now, but times have changed.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. Yes, these are matter-of-fact times ... But your
+daughter plays really seriously and well. Where are the young folk? Not
+asleep still, surely?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, they went out riding by moonlight last night, and
+returned very late. I was nursing baby and heard them.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. And when will my better-half be back? Have you sent
+the coachman for her?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, they went for her quite early; I expect she will be
+here soon.
+
+PRINCESS. Did Alexándra Ivánovna really go on purpose to fetch Father
+Gerásim?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, the idea occurred to her yesterday, and she was off
+at once.
+
+PRINCESS. _Quelle énergie! Je l'admire._[26]
+
+  [26] What energy, I do admire her.
+
+PETER SEMYÓNOVICH. _Oh, pour ceci, ce n'est pas ça qui nous manque._[27]
+[Takes out a cigar] But I will go and have a smoke and take a stroll
+through the park with the dogs till the young people are up. [Exit].
+
+  [27] Oh, as far as that goes, we are not lacking.
+
+PRINCESS. I don't know, dear Mary Ivánovna, whether I am right, but it
+seems to me that you take it all too much to heart. I understand him. He
+is in a very exalted state of mind. Well, even supposing he does give to
+the poor? Don't we anyway think too much about ourselves?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, if that were all, but you don't know him; nor all he
+is after. It is not simply helping the poor, but a complete revolution,
+the destruction of everything.
+
+PRINCESS. I do not wish to intrude into your family life, but if you
+will allow me ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Not at all--I look upon you as one of the
+family--especially now.
+
+PRINCESS. I should advise you to put your demands to him openly and
+frankly, and to come to an agreement as to the limits ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [excitedly] There are no limits! He wants to give away
+everything. He wishes me now, at my age, to become a cook and a
+washerwoman.
+
+PRINCESS. No, is it possible! That is extraordinary.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [takes a letter out of her pocket] We are by ourselves and
+I am glad to tell you all about it. He wrote me this letter yesterday. I
+will read it to you.
+
+PRINCESS. What? He lives in the same house with you, and writes you
+letters? How strange!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, I understand him there. He gets so excited when he
+speaks. I have for some time past felt anxious about his health.
+
+PRINCESS. What did he write?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. This [reading] "You reproach me for upsetting our former
+way of life, and for not giving you anything new in exchange, and not
+saying how I should like to arrange our family affairs. When we begin to
+discuss it we both get excited, and that's why I am writing to you. I
+have often told you already why I cannot continue to live as we have
+been doing; and I cannot, in a letter, show you why that is so, nor why
+we must live in accord to Christ's teaching. You can do one of two
+things: either believe in the truth and voluntarily go with me, or
+believe in me and trusting yourself entirely to me--follow me." [Stops
+reading] I can do neither the one nor the other. I do not consider it
+necessary to live as he wishes us to. I have to consider the children,
+and I cannot rely on him. [Reads] "My plan is this: We shall give our
+land to the peasants, retaining only 135 acres besides the orchards and
+kitchen-garden and the meadow by the river. We will try to work
+ourselves, but will not force one another, nor the children. What we
+keep should still bring us in about Ł50 a year."
+
+PRINCESS. Live on Ł50 a year--with seven children! Is it possible!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, here follows his whole plan: to give up the house
+and have it turned into a school, and ourselves to live in the
+gardener's two-roomed cottage.
+
+PRINCESS. Yes, now I begin to see that there is something abnormal about
+it. What did you answer?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I told him I couldn't; that were I alone I would follow
+him anywhere, but I have the children.... Only think! I am still nursing
+little Nicholas. I tell him we can't break up everything like that.
+After all, was that what I agreed to when I married? And now I am no
+longer young or strong. Think what it has meant to bear and nurse nine
+children.
+
+PRINCESS. I never dreamed that things had gone so far.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. That is how things are and I don't know what will
+happen. Yesterday he excused the Dmítrovka peasants their rent; and he
+wants to give the land to them altogether.
+
+PRINCESS. I do not think you should allow it. It is your duty to protect
+your children. If he cannot deal with the estate, let him hand it over
+to you.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But I don't want that.
+
+PRINCESS. You ought to take it for the children's sake. Let him transfer
+the property to you.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. My sister Alexándra told him so; but he says he has no
+right to do it; and that the land belongs to those who work it, and that
+it is his duty to give it to the peasants.
+
+PRINCESS. Yes, now I see that the matter is far more serious than I
+thought.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. And the Priest! The Priest takes his side, too.
+
+PRINCESS. Yes, I noticed that yesterday.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. That's why my sister has gone to Moscow. She wanted to
+talk things over with a lawyer, but chiefly she went to fetch Father
+Gerásim that he may bring his influence to bear.
+
+PRINCESS. Yes, I do not think that Christianity calls upon us to ruin
+our families.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But he will not believe even Father Gerásim. He is so
+firm; and when he talks, you know, I can't answer him. That's what is so
+terrible, that it seems to me he is right.
+
+PRINCESS. That is because you love him.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I don't know, but it's terrible, and everything remains
+unsettled--and that is Christianity!
+
+    Enter Nurse.
+
+NURSE. Will you please come. Little Nicholas has woke up and is crying
+for you.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Directly! When I am excited he gets stomach ache. Coming,
+coming!
+
+    Nicholas Ivánovich enters by another door, with a paper in his hand.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, this is impossible!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. What has happened?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why, Peter is to be imprisoned on account of some
+wretched pine-trees of ours.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. How's that?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Quite simply! He cut it down, and they informed the
+Justice of Peace, and he has sentenced him to three months'
+imprisonment. His wife has come about it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, and can't anything be done?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not now. The only way is not to possess any forest.
+And I will not possess any. What is one to do? I shall, however, go and
+see whether what we have done can be remedied. [Goes out on to the
+verandah and meets Borís and Lyúba].
+
+LYÚBA. Good morning, papa [kisses him], where are you going?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have just returned from the village and am going
+back again. They are just dragging a hungry man to prison because he ...
+
+LYÚBA. I suppose it's Peter?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, Peter. [Exit, followed by Mary Ivánovna].
+
+LYÚBA [sits down in front of samovár] Will you have tea or coffee?
+
+BORÍS. I don't mind.
+
+LYÚBA. It's always the same, and I see no end to it!
+
+BORÍS. I don't understand him. I know the people are poor and ignorant
+and must be helped, but not by encouraging thieves.
+
+LYÚBA. But how?
+
+BORÍS. By our whole activity. By using all our knowledge in their
+service, but not by sacrificing one's own life.
+
+LYÚBA. And papa says, that that is just what is wanted.
+
+BORÍS. I don't understand. One can serve the people without ruining
+one's own life. That is the way I want to arrange my life. If only
+you ...
+
+LYÚBA. I want what you want, and am not afraid of anything.
+
+BORÍS. How about those earrings--that dress ...
+
+LYÚBA. The earrings can be sold and the dresses must be different, but
+one need not make oneself quite a guy.
+
+BORÍS. I should like to have another talk with him. Do you think I
+should disturb him if I followed him to the village?
+
+LYÚBA. Not at all. I see he has grown fond of you, and he addressed
+himself chiefly to you last night.
+
+BORÍS [finishes his coffee] Well, I'll go then.
+
+LYÚBA. Yes, do, and I'll go and wake Lisa and Tónya.
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+SCENE 2
+
+    Village street. Iván Zyábrev, covered with a sheepskin coat, is
+    lying near a hut.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. Maláshka!
+
+    A tiny girl comes out of the hut with a baby in her arms. The baby
+    is crying.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. Get me a drink of water.
+
+    Maláshka goes back into the hut, from where the baby can be heard
+    screaming. She brings a bowl of water.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. Why do you always beat the youngster and make him howl?
+I'll tell mother.
+
+MALÁSHKA. Tell her then. It's hunger makes him howl!
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV [drinks] You should go and ask the Démkins for some milk.
+
+MALÁSHKA. I went, but there wasn't any. And there was no one at home.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. Oh! if only I could die! Have they rung for dinner?
+
+MALÁSHKA. They have. Here's the master coming.
+
+    Enter Nicholas Ivánovich.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why have you come out here?
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. Too many flies in there, and it's too hot.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Then you're warm now?
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. Yes, now I'm burning all over.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And where is Peter? Is he at home?
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. At home, at this time? Why, he's gone to the field to cart
+the corn.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And I hear that they want to put him in prison.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. That's so, the Policeman has gone to the field for him.
+
+    Enter a pregnant Woman, carrying a sheaf of oats and a rake. She
+    immediately hits Maláshka on the back of the head.
+
+WOMAN. What d'you mean by leaving the baby? Don't you hear him howling!
+Running about the streets is all _you_ know.
+
+MALÁSHKA [howling] I've only just come out. Daddy wanted a drink.
+
+WOMAN. I'll give it you. [She sees the land-owner, N. I. Sarýntsov]
+Good-day, sir. Children are a trouble! I'm quite done up, everything on
+my shoulders, and now they're taking our only worker to prison, and this
+lout is sprawling about here.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. What are you saying? He's quite ill!
+
+WOMAN. He's ill, and what about me? Am I not ill? When it's work, he's
+ill; but to merry-make or pull my hair out, he's not too ill. Let him
+die like a hound! What do I care?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. How can you say such wicked things?
+
+WOMAN. I know it's a sin; but I can't subdue my heart. I'm expecting
+another child, and I have to work for two. Other people have their
+harvest in already, and we have not mowed a quarter of our oats yet. I
+ought to finish binding the sheaves, but can't. I had to come and see
+what the children were about.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. The oats shall be cut--I'll hire someone, and to
+bind the sheaves too.
+
+WOMAN. Oh, binding's nothing. I can do that myself, if it's only mown
+down quick. What d'you think, Nicholas Ivánovich, will he die? He is
+very ill!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I don't know. But he really is very ill. I think we
+must send him to the hospital.
+
+WOMAN. Oh God! [Begins to cry] Don't take him away, let him die
+here.[28] [To her husband, who utters something] What's the matter?
+
+  [28] The woman, for all her roughness, is sorry to part from her
+  husband.
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV. I want to go to the hospital. Here I'm treated worse than
+a dog.
+
+WOMAN. Well, I don't know. I've lost my head. Maláshka, get dinner
+ready.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. What have you for dinner?
+
+WOMAN. What? Why, potatoes and bread, and not enough of that. [Enters
+hut. A pig squeals, and children are crying inside].
+
+IVÁN ZYÁBREV [groans] Oh Lord, if I could but die!
+
+    Enter Borís.
+
+BORÍS. Can I be of any use?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Here no one can be of use to another. The evil is
+too deeply rooted. Here we can only be of use to ourselves, by seeing on
+what we build our happiness. Here is a family: five children, the wife
+pregnant, the husband ill, nothing but potatoes to eat, and at this
+moment the question is being decided whether they are to have enough to
+eat next year or not. Help is not possible. How can one help? Suppose I
+hire a labourer; who will he be? Just such another man: one who has
+given up his farming, from drink or from want.
+
+BORÍS. Excuse me, but if so, what are you doing here?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I am learning my own position. Finding out who weeds
+our gardens, builds our houses, makes our garments, and feeds and
+clothes us. [Peasants with scythes and women with rakes pass by and bow.
+Nicholas Ivánovich, stopping one of the Peasants] Ermíl, won't you take
+on the job of carting for these people?
+
+ERMÍL [shakes his head] I would with all my heart, but I can't possibly
+do it. I haven't carted my own yet. We are off now to do some carting.
+But is Iván dying?
+
+ANOTHER PEASANT. Here's Sebastian, he may take on the job. I say, Daddy
+Sebastian! They want a man to get the oats in.
+
+SEBASTIAN. Take the job on yourself. At this time of year one day's work
+brings a year's food. [The Peasants pass on].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. They are all half-starved; they have only bread and
+water, they are ill, and many of them are old. That old man, for
+instance, is ruptured and is suffering, and yet he works from four in
+the morning to ten at night, though he is only half alive. And we? Is it
+possible, realising all this, to live quietly and consider oneself a
+Christian? Or let alone a Christian--simply not a beast?
+
+BORÍS. But what can one do?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not take part in this evil. Not own the land, nor
+devour the fruits of their labour. How this can be arranged, I don't yet
+know. The fact of the matter is--at any rate it was so with me--I lived
+and did not realise how I was living. I did not realise that I am a son
+of God and that we are all sons of God--and all brothers. But as soon as
+I realised it--realised that we have all an equal right to live--my
+whole life was turned upside down. But I cannot explain it to you now. I
+will only tell you this: I was blind, just as my people at home are, but
+now my eyes are opened and I cannot help seeing; and seeing it all, I
+can't continue to live in such a way. However, that will keep till
+later. Now we must see what can be done.
+
+    Enter Policeman, Peter, his wife, and boy.
+
+PETER [falls at Nicholas Ivánovich's feet] Forgive me, for the Lord's
+sake, or I'm ruined. How can the woman get in the harvest? If at least I
+might be bailed out.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I will go and write a petition for you. [To
+Policeman] Can't you let him remain here for the present?
+
+POLICEMAN. Our orders are to take him to the police-station now.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [to Peter] Well then go, and I'll do what I can. This
+is evidently my doing. How can one go on living like this? [Exit].
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+SCENE 3
+
+    In the same country-house. It is raining outside. A drawing-room
+    with a grand piano. Tónya has just finished playing a sonata of
+    Schumann's and is sitting at the piano. Styópa is standing by the
+    piano. Borís is sitting. Lyúba, Lisa, Mitrofán Ermílych and the
+    young Priest are all stirred by the music.
+
+LYÚBA. That andante! Isn't it lovely!
+
+STYÓPA. No, the scherzo. Though really the whole of it is beautiful.
+
+LISA. Very fine.
+
+STYÓPA. But I had no idea you were such an artist. It is real masterly
+play. Evidently the difficulties no longer exist for you, and you think
+only of the feeling, and express it with wonderful delicacy.
+
+LYÚBA. Yes, and with dignity.
+
+TÓNYA. While _I_ felt that it was not at all what I meant it to be. A
+great deal remained unexpressed.
+
+LISA. What could be better? It was wonderful.
+
+LYÚBA. Schumann is good, but all the same Chopin takes a stronger hold
+of one's heart.
+
+STYÓPA. He is more lyrical.
+
+TÓNYA. There is no comparison.
+
+LYÚBA. Do you remember his prelude?
+
+TÓNYA. Oh, the one called the George Sand prelude? [Plays the
+commencement].
+
+LYÚBA. No, not that one. That is very fine, but so hackneyed. Do play
+this one. [Tónya plays what she can of it, and then breaks off].
+
+TÓNYA. Oh, that is a lovely thing. There is something elemental about
+it--older than creation.
+
+STYÓPA [laughs] Yes, yes. Do play it. But no, you are too tired. As it
+is, we have had a delightful morning, thanks to you.
+
+TÓNYA [rises and looks out of window] There are some more peasants
+waiting outside.
+
+LYÚBA. That is why music is so precious. I understand Saul. Though I'm
+not tormented by devils, I still understand him. No other art can make
+one so forget everything else as music does. [Approaches the window. To
+Peasants] Whom do you want?
+
+PEASANTS. We have been sent to speak to Nicholas Ivánovich.
+
+LYÚBA. He is not in. You must wait.
+
+TÓNYA. And yet you are marrying Borís who understands nothing about
+music.
+
+LYÚBA. Oh, surely not.
+
+BORÍS [absently] Music? Oh no. I like music, or rather I don't dislike
+it. Only I prefer something simpler--I like songs.
+
+TÓNYA. But is not this sonata lovely?
+
+BORÍS. The chief thing is, that it is not important; and it rather hurts
+me, when I think of the lives men live, that so much importance is
+attached to music.
+
+    They all eat sweetmeats, which are standing on the table.
+
+LISA. How nice it is to have a fiancé here and sweetmeats provided!
+
+BORÍS. Oh that is not my doing. It's mamma's.
+
+TÓNYA. And quite right too.
+
+LYÚBA. Music is precious because it seizes us, takes possession of us,
+and carries us away from reality. Everything seemed gloomy till you
+suddenly began to play, and really it has made everything brighter.
+
+LISA. And Chopin's valses. They are hackneyed, but all the same ...
+
+TÓNYA. This ... [plays].
+
+    Enter Nicholas Ivánovich. He greets Borís, Tónya, Styópa, Lisa,
+    Mitrofán Ermílych and the Priest.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Where's mamma?
+
+LYÚBA. I think she's in the nursery.
+
+    Styópa calls the Man-servant.
+
+LYÚBA. Papa, how wonderfully Tónya plays! And where have you been?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. In the village.
+
+    Enter servant, Afanásy.
+
+STYÓPA. Bring another samovár.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [greets the Man-servant, and shakes hands with
+him[29]] Good-day. [Servant becomes confused. Exit Servant. Nicholas
+Ivánovich also goes off].
+
+  [29] People shake hands much more often in Russia than in England, but
+  it is quite unusual to shake hands with a servant, and Nicholas
+  Ivánovich does it in consequence of his belief that all men are
+  brothers.
+
+STYÓPA. Poor Afanásy! He was terribly confused. I can't understand papa.
+It is as if we were guilty of something.
+
+    Enter Nicholas Ivánovich.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I was going back to my room without having told you
+what I feel. [To Tónya] If what I say should offend you--who are our
+guest--forgive me, but I cannot help saying it. You, Lisa, say that
+Tónya plays well. All you here, seven or eight healthy young men and
+women, have slept till ten o'clock, have eaten and drunk and are still
+eating; and you play and discuss music: while there, where I have just
+been, they were all up at three in the morning, and those who pastured
+the horses at night have not slept at all; and old and young, the sick
+and the weak, children and nursing-mothers and pregnant women are
+working to the utmost limits of their strength, so that we here may
+consume the fruits of their labour. Nor is that all. At this very
+moment, one of them, the only breadwinner of a family, is being dragged
+to prison because he has cut down one of a hundred thousand pine-trees
+that grow in the forest that is called _mine_. And we here, washed and
+clothed, having left the slops in our bedrooms to be cleaned up by
+slaves, eat and drink and discuss Schumann and Chopin and which of them
+moves us most or best cures our ennui? That is what I was thinking when
+I passed you, so I have spoken. Consider, is it possible to go on living
+in this way? [Stands greatly agitated].
+
+LISA. True, quite true!
+
+LYÚBA. If one lets oneself think about it, one can't live.
+
+STYÓPA. Why? I don't see why the fact that people are poor should
+prevent one talking about Schumann. The one does not exclude the other.
+If one ...
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [angrily] If one has no heart, if one is made of
+wood ...
+
+STYÓPA. Well, I'll hold my tongue.
+
+TÓNYA. It is a terrible problem; it is the problem of our day; and we
+should not be afraid of it, but look it straight in the face, in order
+to solve it.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. We cannot wait for the problem to be solved by
+public measures. Every one of us must die--if not to-day, then
+to-morrow. How can I live without suffering from this internal discord?
+
+BORÍS. Of course there is only one way; that is, not to take part in it
+at all.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, forgive me if I have hurt you. I could not
+help saying what I felt. [Exit].
+
+STYÓPA. Not take part in it? But our whole life is bound up with it.
+
+BORÍS. That is why he says that the first step is to possess no
+property; to change our whole way of life and live so as not to be
+served by others but to serve others.
+
+TÓNYA. Well, I see _you_ have quite gone over to Nicholas Ivánovich's
+side.
+
+BORÍS. Yes, I now understand it for the first time--after what I saw in
+the village.... You need only take off the spectacles through which we
+are accustomed to look at the life of the people, to realise at once the
+connection between their sufferings and our pleasures--that is enough!
+
+MITROFÁN ERMÍLYCH. Yes, but the remedy does not consist in ruining one's
+own life.
+
+STYÓPA. It is surprising how Mitrofán Ermílych and I, though we usually
+stand poles asunder, come to the same conclusion: those are my very
+words, "not ruin one's own life."
+
+BORÍS. Naturally! You both of you wish to lead a pleasant life, and
+therefore want life arranged so as to ensure that pleasant life for you.
+[To Styópa] You wish to maintain the present system, while Mitrofán
+Ermílych wants to establish a new one.
+
+    Lyúba and Tónya whisper together. Tónya goes to the piano and plays
+    a nocturne by Chopin. General silence.
+
+STYÓPA. That's splendid; that solves everything.
+
+BORÍS. It obscures and postpones everything!
+
+    While Tónya is playing, Mary Ivánovna and the Princess enter quietly
+    and sit down to listen.
+
+    Before the end of the nocturne carriage bells are heard outside.
+
+LYÚBA. It is Aunt. [Goes to meet her].
+
+    The music continues. Enter Alexándra Ivánovna, Father Gerásim (a
+    priest with a cross round his neck) and a Notary. All rise.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Please go on, it is very pleasant.
+
+    The Princess approaches to receive his blessing, and the young
+    Priest does the same.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I have done exactly what I said I would do. I found
+Father Gerásim, and you see I have persuaded him to come--he was on his
+way to Koursk--so I have done my part; and here is the Notary. He has
+got the deed ready; it only needs signing.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Won't you have some lunch?
+
+    Notary puts down his papers on the table, and exit.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I am very grateful to Father Gerásim.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. What else could I do--though it was out of my way--yet
+as a Christian I considered it my duty to visit him.
+
+    Alexándra Ivánovna whispers to the young people. They consult
+    together and go out on to the verandah, all except Borís. The young
+    Priest also wants to go.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM.[30] No. You as a pastor and spiritual father must remain
+here! You may benefit by it yourself, and may be of use to others. Stay
+here, if Mary Ivánovna has no objection.
+
+  [30] Father Gerásim is modelled on the lines of the celebrated Father
+  John of Cronstadt.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, I am as fond of Father Vasíly as if he were one of
+the family. I have even consulted him; but being so young he has not
+much authority.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Naturally, naturally.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [approaching] Well, you see now, Father Gerásim, that
+you are the only person who can help and can bring him to reason. He is
+a clever, well-read man, but learning, you know, can only do harm. He is
+suffering from some sort of delusion. He maintains that the Christian
+law forbids a man to own any property; but how is that possible?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Temptation, spiritual pride, self-will! The Fathers of
+the Church have answered the question satisfactorily. But how did this
+befall him?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, to tell you everything ... when we married he was
+quite indifferent to religion, and we lived so, and lived happily,
+during our best years--the first twenty years. Then he began to reflect.
+Perhaps he was influenced by his sister, or by what he read. Anyhow, he
+began thinking and reading the Gospels, and then suddenly he grew
+extremely religious, began going to church and visiting the monks. Then
+all at once he gave all this up and changed his way of life completely.
+He began doing manual labour, would not let the servants wait on him,
+and above all he is now giving away his property. He yesterday gave away
+a forest--both the trees and land. It frightens me, for I have seven
+children. Do talk to him. I'll go and ask him whether he will see you.
+[Exit].
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Nowadays many are falling away. And is the estate his or
+his wife's?
+
+PRINCESS. His! That's what is so unfortunate.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. And what is his official rank?
+
+PRINCESS. His rank is not high. Only that of a cavalry captain, I
+believe. He was once in the army.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. There are many who turn aside in that way. In Odessa
+there was a lady who was carried away by Spiritualism and began to do
+much harm. But all the same, God enabled us to lead her back to the
+Church.
+
+PRINCESS. The chief thing, please understand, is that my son is about to
+marry his daughter. I have given my consent, but the girl is used to
+luxury and should therefore be provided for, and not have to depend
+entirely on my son. Though I admit he is a hard-working and an
+exceptional young man.
+
+    Enter Mary Ivánovna and Nicholas Ivánovich.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. How d'you do, Princess? How d'you do? [To Father
+Gerásim] I beg your pardon. I don't know your name.[31]
+
+  [31] He knows that the priest is Father Gerásim, but wishes to address
+  him not as a priest, but by his Christian name and patronymic, as one
+  gentleman would usually address another.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Do you not wish to receive my blessing?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, I don't.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. My name is Gerásim Sédorovitch. Very pleased to meet
+you.
+
+    Men-servants bring lunch and wine.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Pleasant weather, and good for the harvest.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I suppose you came, at Alexándra Ivánovna's
+invitation, to divert me from my errors and direct me in the path of
+truth. If that is so, don't let us beat about the bush, but let us get
+to business at once. I do not deny that I disagree with the teaching of
+the Church. I used to agree with it, and then left off doing so. But
+with my whole heart I wish to be in the truth and will at once accept it
+if you show it to me.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. How is it you say you don't believe the teaching of the
+Church? What is there to believe in, if not the Church?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. God and His law, given to us in the Gospels.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church teaches that very law.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. If it did so, I should believe in the Church, but
+unfortunately it teaches the contrary.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church cannot teach the contrary, because it was
+established by the Lord himself. It is written, "I give you power," and,
+"Upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not
+prevail against it."
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That was not said in this connection at all, and
+proves nothing. But even if we were to admit that Christ established the
+Church, how do I know that it was _your_ Church?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Because it is said, "Where two or three are gathered
+together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That, too, was not said in this connection, and
+proves nothing.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. How _can_ one deny the Church? It alone provides
+salvation.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I did not deny the Church until I found it supported
+everything that is contrary to Christianity.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. It can make no mistakes, for it alone has the truth.
+Those who leave it go astray, but the Church is sacred.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have already told you that I do not accept that. I
+do not accept it because, as is said in the Gospels, "By their deeds
+shall ye know them, by their fruit shall ye know them." I have found out
+that the Church blesses oaths, murders and executions.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. The Church acknowledges and sanctifies the Powers
+ordained by God.
+
+    During the conversation, Styópa, Lyúba, Lisa and Tónya at different
+    times enter the room and sit or stand listening.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I know that the Gospels say, not only "Do not kill,"
+but "Do not be angry," yet the Church blesses the army. The Gospel
+says, "Swear not at all," yet the Church administers oaths. The Gospel
+says ...
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Excuse me. When Pilate[32] said, "I adjure thee by the
+living God," Christ accepted his oath by replying "I am."
+
+  [32] Father Gerásim attributes to Pilate what was said by Caiaphas the
+  high priest.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Dear me! What are you saying? That is really absurd.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. That is why the Church does not permit everyone to
+interpret the Gospel, lest he should go astray, but like a mother caring
+for her child gives him an interpretation suitable to his strength. No,
+let me finish! The Church does not lay on its children burdens too heavy
+for them to bear, but demands that they should keep the Commandments:
+love, do no murder, do not steal, do not commit adultery.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes! Do not kill me, do not steal from me my stolen
+goods. We have all robbed the people, we have stolen their land and have
+then made a law forbidding them to steal it back; and the Church
+sanctions all these things.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Heresy and spiritual pride are speaking through you. You
+ought to conquer your intellectual pride.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. It is not pride. I am only asking you what should I
+do according to Christ's law, when I have become conscious of the sin of
+robbing the people and enslaving them by means of the land. How am I to
+act? Continue to own land and to profit by the labour of starving men:
+putting them to this kind of work [points to Servant who is bringing in
+the lunch and some wine], or am I to return the land to those from whom
+my ancestors stole it?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. You must act as behoves a son of the Church. You have a
+family and children, and you must keep and educate them in a way
+suitable to their position.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Because God has placed you in that position. If you wish
+to be charitable, be charitable by giving away part of your property and
+by visiting the poor.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But how is it that the rich young man was told that
+the rich cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. It is said, "If thou wouldest be perfect."
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But I _do_ wish to be perfect. The Gospels say, "Be
+ye perfect as your Father in Heaven ..."
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. But we have to understand in what connection a thing is
+said.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I do try to understand, and all that is said in the
+Sermon on the Mount is plain and comprehensible.
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Spiritual pride.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Where is the pride, since it is said that what is
+hidden from the wise is revealed to babes?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. Revealed to the meek, but not to the proud.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But who is proud? I, who consider myself a man like
+the rest of mankind, and one who therefore must live like the rest by
+his own labour and as poorly as his brother men, or those who consider
+themselves to be specially selected sacred people, knowing the whole
+truth and incapable of error; and who interpret Christ's words their own
+way?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM [offended] Pardon me, Nicholas Ivánovich, I did not come
+here to argue which of us is right, nor to receive an admonition, but I
+called, at Alexándra Ivánovna's request, to talk things over with you.
+But since you know everything better than I do, we had better end our
+conversation. Only, once again, I must entreat you in God's name to come
+to your senses. You have gone cruelly astray and are ruining yourself.
+[Rises].
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Won't you have something to eat?
+
+FATHER GERÁSIM. No, I thank you. [Exit with Alexándra Ivánovna].
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [to young Priest] And what now?
+
+PRIEST. Well, in my opinion, Nicholas Ivánovich spoke the truth, and
+Father Gerásim produced no argument on his side.
+
+PRINCESS. He was not allowed to speak, and he did not like having a kind
+of debate with everybody listening. It was his modesty that made him
+withdraw.
+
+BORÍS. It wasn't modesty at all. All he said was so false. It was
+evident that he had nothing to say.
+
+PRINCESS. Yes, with your usual instability I see that you are beginning
+to agree with Nicholas Ivánovich about everything. If you believe such
+things you ought not to marry.
+
+BORÍS. I only say that truth is truth, and I can't help saying it.
+
+PRINCESS. You of all people should not talk like that.
+
+BORÍS. Why not?
+
+PRINCESS. Because you are poor, and have nothing to give away. However,
+all this is not our business. [Exit, followed by all except Nicholas
+Ivánovich and Mary Ivánovna].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [sits pondering, then smiles at his own thoughts]
+Mary! What is all this for? Why did you invite that wretched, erring
+man? Why do those noisy women and that priest come into our most
+intimate life? Can we not settle our own affairs?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. What am I to do, if you want to leave the children
+penniless? That is what I cannot quietly submit to. You know that I am
+not grasping, and that I want nothing for myself.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I know, I know and believe it. But the misfortune is
+that you do not trust the truth. I know you see it, but you can't make
+up your mind to rely on it. You rely neither on the truth nor on me. Yet
+you trust the crowd--the Princess and the rest of them.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I believe in you, I always did; but when you want to let
+the children go begging ...
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That means that you do not rely on me. Do you think
+I have not struggled and have not feared! But afterwards I became
+convinced that this course is not only possible but obligatory, and that
+it is the one thing necessary and good for the children themselves. You
+always say that were it not for the children you would follow me, but I
+say that if we had no children we might live as we are doing; we should
+then only be injuring ourselves, but now we are injuring them too.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But what am I to do, if I don't understand?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. And what am I to do? Don't I know why that wretched
+man--dressed up in his cassock and wearing that cross--was sent for, and
+why Alexándra Ivánovna brought the Notary? You want me to hand the
+estate over to you, but I can't. You know that I have loved you all the
+twenty years we have lived together. I love you and wish you well, and
+therefore cannot sign away the estate to you. If I sign it away at all,
+it can only be to give it back to those from whom it has been taken--the
+peasants. And I can't let things remain as they are, but must give it to
+them. I'm glad the Notary has come; and I will do it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, that is dreadful! Why this cruelty? Though you think
+it a sin, still give it to me. [Weeps].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You don't know what you are saying. If I give it to
+you, I cannot go on living with you; I shall have to go away. I cannot
+continue to live under these conditions. I shall not be able to look on
+while the life-blood is squeezed out of the peasants and they are
+imprisoned, in your name if not in mine. So choose!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. How cruel you are! Is this Christianity? It is harshness!
+I cannot, after all, live as you want me to. I cannot rob my own
+children and give everything away to other people; and that is why you
+want to desert me. Well--do so! I see you have ceased loving me, and I
+even know why.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Very well then--I will sign; but, Mary, you demand
+the impossible of me. [Goes to writing-table and signs] You wished it,
+but I shall not be able to go on living like this.
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+ACT III
+
+
+SCENE 1
+
+    The scene is laid in Moscow. A large room. In it a carpenter's
+    bench; a table with papers on it; a book-cupboard; a looking-glass
+    and pictures on the wall behind, with some planks leaning in front
+    of them. A Carpenter and Nicholas Ivánovich wearing a carpenter's
+    apron are working at the bench, planing.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [takes a board from the vice] Is that all right?
+
+CARPENTER [setting a plane] Not quite, you must do it more boldly--like
+this.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. It is easy to say boldly, but I can't manage it.
+
+CARPENTER. But why should your honour trouble to learn to be a
+carpenter? There are such a lot of us nowadays that we can hardly get a
+living as it is.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [at work again] I'm ashamed to lead an idle life.
+
+CARPENTER. Yours is that kind of position. God has given you property.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That's just where it is. I don't believe that God
+gave it, but that some of us have taken it, and taken it from our
+brother men.
+
+CARPENTER [taken aback] That's so! But still you've no need to do this.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I understand that it must seem strange to you that
+while living in this house where there is such superfluity, I should
+wish to earn something.
+
+CARPENTER [laughs] No. Everybody knows that gentlefolk want to master
+everything. Well, now go over it again with the smoothing plane.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You won't believe me and will laugh, but still I
+must tell you that formerly I was not ashamed to live in this way, but
+now that I believe in Christ's law, which tells us we are all
+brothers--I am ashamed to live so.
+
+CARPENTER. If you are ashamed of it, give away your property.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I wanted to, but failed, and gave it to my wife.
+
+CARPENTER. But after all it would not be possible for you to do it--you
+are too used to comforts.
+
+[Voice outside the door] Papa, may I come in?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You may, you always may.
+
+    Enter Lyúba.
+
+LYÚBA. Good-day, Jacob!
+
+CARPENTER. Good-day, Miss!
+
+LYÚBA. Borís has gone to his regiment. I am afraid of what he may do or
+say there. What do you think?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. What can I think? He will do what is natural to him.
+
+LYÚBA. It is awful. He has such a short time to serve[33] and may go and
+ruin his whole life.
+
+  [33] The period of compulsory service for a University graduate would
+  be short in any case.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. He did well not to come to see me. He understands
+that I can't say anything to him but what he knows himself. He told me
+that he handed in his resignation because he sees that not only is there
+no more immoral, lawless, cruel and brutal occupation than this one, the
+object of which is to kill, but also that there is nothing more
+degrading and mean than to have to submit implicitly to any man of
+higher rank who happens to come along. He knows all that.
+
+LYÚBA. That's just why I am afraid. He knows that, and may want to take
+some action.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. His conscience--the God that dwells within him--will
+decide that. Had he come to me I should have given him only one piece of
+advice: not to do anything in which he is guided by his reason
+alone--nothing is worse than that--but only to act when his whole being
+demands it. Now I, for instance, wished to act according to Christ's
+injunction: to leave father, wife and children and to follow Him, and I
+left home, but how did it end? It ended by my coming back and living
+with you in luxury in town. Because I was trying to do more than I had
+strength for, I have landed myself in this degrading and senseless
+position: I wish to live simply and to work with my hands, but in these
+surroundings, with lackeys and porters, it seems a kind of affectation.
+I see that, even now, Jacob Nikonórych is laughing at me.
+
+CARPENTER. Why should I laugh? You pay me, and give me my tea. I am
+grateful to you.
+
+LYÚBA. I wonder if I had not better go to him.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. My dear, my darling, I know you find it hard and are
+frightened, though you should not be so. After all, I am a man who
+understands life. Nothing evil can happen. All that appears evil really
+makes one's heart more joyful; only understand that a man who has
+started on that path will have to choose, and it sometimes happens that
+God's side and the Devil's weigh so equally that the scales oscillate,
+and it is then that the great choice has to be made. At that point any
+interference from outside is terribly dangerous and tormenting. It is as
+though a man were making such terrible efforts to draw a weight over a
+ridge that the slightest touch would cause him to break his back.
+
+LYÚBA. Why should he suffer so?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That is as though a mother were to ask why she
+should suffer. There can be no childbirth without suffering, and it is
+the same in spiritual life. One thing I can tell you. Borís is a true
+Christian, and consequently is free, and if you cannot as yet be like
+him, or believe in God as he does, then believe in God through him.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [behind door] May I come in?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You may always come in. What a reception I'm having
+here to-day.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Our priest, Vasíly Nikonórovich, has come. He is going to
+the Bishop, and has resigned his living!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Impossible!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. He is here! Lyúba, go and call him! He wants to see you.
+[Exit Lyúba]. I had another reason for coming. I want to speak to you
+about Ványa. He behaves abominably, and does his lesson so badly that he
+can't possibly pass; and when I speak to him he is rude.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Mary, you know I am out of sympathy with the whole
+manner of life you are all leading, and with the education you are
+giving to the children. It is a terrible question for me, whether I have
+a right to see them perishing before my very eyes ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Then you should suggest something else, something
+definite. But what do you offer?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I cannot say what. But can only say that first we
+should get rid of all this depraving luxury.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. So that they should become peasants! I cannot agree to
+that.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Then don't consult me. The things that grieve you
+are natural and inevitable.
+
+    Enter Priest and Lyúba. The Priest and Nicholas Ivánovich kiss[34]
+    one another.
+
+  [34] It is not unusual among Russians for men-friends to kiss one
+  another; but it is quite unusual for a man of position to kiss a
+  village priest who calls as a visitor--and it indicates great intimacy
+  or great emotion.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Is it possible that you have thrown it all up?
+
+PRIEST. I could stand it no longer.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I did not expect it so soon.
+
+PRIEST. But it was really impossible. In our calling we cannot be
+indifferent. We have to hear confessions, and to administer the
+Sacrament, and when once one has become convinced that it is all not
+true ...
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, and what now?
+
+PRIEST. Now I am going to the Bishop to be questioned. I am afraid he
+will exile me to the Solovétsk Monastery. At one time I thought of
+asking you to help me to escape abroad, but then I considered that it
+would seem cowardly. Only, there is my wife!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Where is she?
+
+PRIEST. She has gone to her father's. My mother-in-law came and took our
+boy away. That hurt me very much. I should much like ... [pauses,
+restraining his tears].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, may God help you! Are you staying with us?
+
+PRINCESS [running into the room] There now, it has happened. He has
+refused to serve, and has been put under arrest. I have just been there
+but was not admitted. Nicholas Ivánovich, you must go.
+
+LYÚBA. Has he refused? How do you know?
+
+PRINCESS. I was there myself! Vasíly Andréevich, who is a Member of the
+Council, told me all about it. Borís just walked in and told them he
+would serve no longer, would take no oath, and in fact said everything
+Nicholas Ivánovich has taught him.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Princess! Can such things be taught?
+
+PRINCESS. I don't know. Only this is not Christianity! What is your
+opinion, Father?
+
+PRIEST. I am no longer "Father."
+
+PRINCESS. Well, all the same. However, you are also one of them! No, I
+cannot leave things in this state. And what cursed Christianity it is
+that makes people suffer and perish. I hate this Christianity of yours.
+It's all right for you, who know you won't be touched; but I have only
+one son, and you have ruined him!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Do be calm, Princess.
+
+PRINCESS. Yes you, you have ruined him! And having ruined him, you must
+save him. Go and persuade him to abandon all this nonsense. It's all
+very well for rich people, but not for us.
+
+LYÚBA [crying] Papa, what can be done?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I will go. Perhaps I can be of some use. [Takes off
+his apron].
+
+PRINCESS [helping him on with his coat] They would not let me in, but
+now we will go together and I shall get my way. [Exeunt].
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+SCENE 2
+
+    A Government office. A Clerk is seated at a table, and a Sentinel is
+    pacing up and down. Enter a General with his Adjutant. The Clerk
+    jumps up, the Sentinel presents arms.
+
+GENERAL. Where is the Colonel?
+
+CLERK. Gone to see that new conscript, Your Excellency.
+
+GENERAL. Ah, very well. Ask him to come here to me.
+
+CLERK. Yes, Your Excellency.
+
+GENERAL. And what are you copying out? Isn't it the conscript's
+evidence?
+
+CLERK. Yes, sir, it is.
+
+GENERAL. Give it here.
+
+    The Clerk hands General the paper and exit. The General hands it to
+    his Adjutant.
+
+GENERAL. Please read it.
+
+ADJUTANT [reading] "These are my answers to the questions put to me,
+namely: (1) Why I do not take my oath. (2) Why I refuse to fulfil the
+demands of the Government. (3) What induced me to use words offensive
+not only to the army but also to the Highest Authorities. In reply to
+the first question: I cannot take the oath because I accept Christ's
+teaching, which directly and clearly forbids taking oaths, as in St.
+Matthew's Gospel, ch. 5 vv. 33-37, and in the Epistle of St. James,
+ch. 5 v. 12."
+
+GENERAL. Of course he must be arguing! Putting his own interpretations!
+
+ADJUTANT [goes on reading] "The Gospel says: 'Swear not at all, but let
+your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; and what is more than these is of
+the evil one!' St. James's Epistle says: 'Before all things, brethren,
+swear not by the heavens nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but
+let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, that ye fall not into
+temptation!' But apart from the fact that the Bible gives us such clear
+injunctions not to swear--or even if it contained no such injunctions--I
+should still be unable to swear to obey the will of men, because as a
+Christian I must always obey the will of God, which does not always
+coincide with the will of men."
+
+GENERAL. He must be arguing! If I had my way, there would be none of
+this.
+
+ADJUTANT [reading] "I refuse to fulfil the demands of men calling
+themselves the Government, because ..."
+
+GENERAL. What insolence!
+
+ADJUTANT. "Because those demands are criminal and wicked. They demand of
+me that I should enter the army, and learn and prepare to commit murder,
+though this is forbidden both in the Old and the New Testaments, and
+above all by my conscience. To the third question ..."
+
+    Enter Colonel followed by Clerk. The General shakes hands with
+    Colonel.
+
+COLONEL. You are reading the evidence?
+
+GENERAL. Yes. Unpardonably insolent language. Well, go on.
+
+ADJUTANT. "To the third question: What induced me to use offensive words
+before the Court, my answer is: that I was induced to do so by the wish
+to serve God, and in order to expose the fraud carried on in His name.
+This desire, I hope to retain till I die, and therefore ..."
+
+GENERAL. Come; that's enough; one can't listen to all this balderdash.
+The fact is all this sort of thing must be eradicated, and action taken
+to prevent the people being perverted. [To Colonel] Have you spoken to
+him?
+
+COLONEL. I have been doing so all the time. I tried to shame him, and
+also to convince him that it would only be worse for himself, and that
+he would gain nothing by it. Besides that, I spoke of his relations. He
+was very excited, but holds to his opinions.
+
+GENERAL. A pity you talked to him so much. We are in the army not to
+reason, but to act. Call him here!
+
+    Exit Adjutant with Clerk.
+
+GENERAL [sits down] No, Colonel, that's not the way. Fellows of this
+kind must be dealt with in a different manner. Decisive measures are
+needed to cut off the diseased limb. One maggoty sheep infects the whole
+flock. In these cases one must not be too squeamish. His being a Prince,
+and having a mother and a fiancée, is none of our business. We have a
+soldier before us and we must obey the Tsar's will.
+
+COLONEL. I only thought that we could move him more easily by
+persuasion.
+
+GENERAL. Not at all--by firmness; only by firmness! I have dealt with
+men of that sort before. He must be made to feel that he is a
+nonentity--a grain of dust beneath a chariot wheel, and that he cannot
+stop it.
+
+COLONEL. Well, we can try!
+
+GENERAL [getting irritable] No need to try! I don't need to try! I have
+served the Tsar for forty-four years, I have given and am giving my life
+to the service, and now this fellow wants to teach me and wants to read
+me theological lectures! Let him take that to the Priest, but to me--he
+is either a soldier or a prisoner. That's all!
+
+    Enter Borís guarded by two Soldiers and followed by Adjutant and
+    Clerk.
+
+GENERAL [pointing with a finger] Place him there.
+
+BORÍS. I need no placing. I shall stand or sit where I like, for I do
+not recognise your authority.
+
+GENERAL. Silence! You don't recognise authority? I will make you
+recognise it.
+
+BORÍS [sits down on a stool] How wrong it is of you to shout so!
+
+GENERAL. Lift him, and make him stand!
+
+    Soldiers raise him.
+
+BORÍS. That you can do, and you can kill me; but you cannot make me
+submit ...
+
+GENERAL. Silence, I tell you. Hear what I have to say to you.
+
+BORÍS. I don't in the least want to hear what you have to say.
+
+GENERAL. He is mad! He must be taken to the hospital to be examined.
+That is the only thing to do.
+
+COLONEL. The order was to send him to be examined at the Gendarmes'
+office.
+
+GENERAL. Well, then, send him there. Only put him into uniform.
+
+COLONEL. He resists.
+
+GENERAL. Bind him. [To Borís] Please hear what I have to say to you. I
+don't care what happens to you, but for your own sake I advise you,
+bethink yourself. You will rot in a fortress, and not do any good to
+anyone. Give it up. Well, you flared up a bit and I flared up. [Slaps
+him on the shoulder] Go, take the oath and give up all that nonsense.
+[To Adjutant] Is the Priest here? [To Borís] Well? [Borís is silent] Why
+don't you answer? Really you had better do as I say. You can't break a
+club with a whip. You can keep your opinions, but serve your time! We
+will not use force with you. Well?
+
+BORÍS. I have nothing more to say, I have said all I had to.
+
+GENERAL. There, you see, you wrote that there are such and such texts in
+the Gospels. Well, the Priest knows all about that. Have a talk with the
+Priest, and then think things over. That will be best. Good-bye, and I
+hope "au revoir," when I shall be able to congratulate you on having
+entered the Tsar's service. Send the Priest here. [Exit, followed by
+Colonel and Adjutant].
+
+BORÍS [To Clerk and Convoy Soldiers] There you see how they deceive you.
+They know that they are deceiving you. Don't submit to them. Lay down
+your rifles and go away. Let them put you into the Disciplinary
+Battalions and flog you; it will not be as bad as it is to serve such
+impostors.
+
+CLERK. But how could one get on without an army? It's impossible.
+
+BORÍS. That is not for us to consider. We have to consider what God
+demands of us; and God wants us.
+
+ONE OF THE SOLDIERS. But how is it that they speak of "the Christian
+army"?
+
+BORÍS. That is not said anywhere in the Bible. It's these impostors who
+invented it.
+
+    Enter a Gendarme Officer with Clerk.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Is it here that the conscript, Prince Cheremshánov, is
+being kept?
+
+CLERK. Yes, sir. Here he is.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Come here, please. Are you Prince Borís Siménovich
+Cheremshánov, who refuses to take the oath?
+
+BORÍS. I am.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER [sits down and points to a seat opposite] Please sit
+down.
+
+BORÍS. I think our conversation will be quite useless.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. I don't think so. At any rate not useless to you. You
+see it's like this. I am informed that you refuse military service and
+the oath, and are therefore suspected of belonging to the Revolutionary
+Party, and that is what I have to investigate. If it is true, we shall
+have to withdraw you from the service and imprison you or banish you
+according to the share you have taken in the revolution. If it is not
+true, we shall leave you to the military authorities. You see I express
+myself quite frankly to you, and I hope you will treat us in the same
+way.
+
+BORÍS. In the first place I cannot trust men who wear this sort of thing
+[pointing to the Gendarme Officer's uniform]. Secondly, your very
+occupation is one I cannot respect, and for which I have the greatest
+aversion. But I do not refuse to answer your questions. What do you wish
+to know?
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. In the first place, tell me your name, your calling,
+and your religion?
+
+BORÍS. You know all that and I will not reply. Only one of the questions
+is of great importance to me. I am _not_ what is called an Orthodox
+Christian.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. What then is your religion?
+
+BORÍS. I do not label it.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. But still?...
+
+BORÍS. Well then, the Christian religion, according to the Sermon on the
+Mount.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Write it down [Clerk writes. To Borís] Still you
+recognise yourself as belonging to some nationality or rank.
+
+BORÍS. No, I don't. I recognise myself as a man, and a servant of God.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Why don't you consider yourself a member of the
+Russian Empire?
+
+BORÍS. Because I do not recognise any empires.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. What do you mean by not recognising? Do you wish to
+overthrow them?
+
+BORÍS. Certainly I wish it, and work for it.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER [To Clerk] Put that down. [To Borís] How do you work
+for it?
+
+BORÍS. By exposing fraud and lies, and by spreading the truth. When you
+entered I was telling these soldiers not to believe in the fraud into
+which they have been drawn.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. But beside this method of exposing and persuading, do
+you approve of any others?
+
+BORÍS. No, I not only disapprove, but I consider all violence to be a
+great sin; and not only violence, but all concealment and craftiness ...
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Write that down. Very well. Now kindly let me know
+whom you are acquainted with. Do you know Ivashénko?
+
+BORÍS. No.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Klein?
+
+BORÍS. I have heard of him, but never met him.
+
+    Enter Priest (an old man wearing a cross and carrying a Bible). The
+    Clerk goes up to him and receives his blessing.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER. Well, I think I may stop. I consider that you are not
+dangerous, and not within our jurisdiction. I wish you a speedy release.
+Good-day. [Presses Borís's hand].
+
+BORÍS. One thing I should like to say to you. Forgive me, but I can't
+help saying it. Why have you chosen this wicked, cruel profession? I
+should advise you to give it up.
+
+GENDARME OFFICER [smiles] Thank you for your advice, but I have my
+reasons. My respects to you. [To Priest] Father, I relinquish my place
+to you [Exit with Clerk].
+
+PRIEST. How can you so grieve the authorities by refusing to fulfil the
+duty of a Christian, to serve the Tsar and your Fatherland?
+
+BORÍS [smiling] Just because I want to fulfil my duty as a Christian, I
+do not wish to be a soldier.
+
+PRIEST. Why don't you wish it? It is said that, "To lay down one's life
+for a friend" is to be a true Christian....
+
+BORÍS. Yes, to "lay down one's life," but not to take another man's.
+That is just what I want to do, to "lay down my life."
+
+PRIEST. You do not reason rightly, young man. John the Baptist said to
+the soldiers ...
+
+BORÍS [smiling] That only goes to prove that even in those days the
+soldiers used to rob, and he told them not to!
+
+PRIEST. Well, but why don't you wish to take your oath?
+
+BORÍS. You know that the Gospels forbid it!
+
+PRIEST. Not at all. You know that when Pilate said: "I adjure thee by
+the living God, art thou the Christ?" the Lord Jesus Christ answered "I
+am." That proves that oaths are not forbidden.
+
+BORÍS. Are not you ashamed to talk so? You--an old man.
+
+PRIEST. Take my advice and don't be obstinate. You and I cannot change
+the world. Just take your oath and you'll be at ease. Leave it to the
+Church to know what is a sin and what is not.
+
+BORÍS. Leave it to you? Are you not afraid to take so much sin upon
+yourself?
+
+PRIEST. What sin? Having been brought up firmly in the faith, and
+having worked as a priest for thirty years, I can have no sins on my
+shoulders.
+
+BORÍS. Whose then is the sin, when you deceive such numbers of people?
+What have these poor fellows got in their heads? [Points to Sentinel].
+
+PRIEST. You and I, young man, will never settle that. It is for us to
+obey those placed above us.
+
+BORÍS. Leave me alone! I am sorry for you and--I confess--it disgusts me
+to listen to you. Now if you were like that General--but you come here
+with a cross and the Testament to persuade me in the name of Christ, to
+deny Christ! Go [excitedly]. Leave me--Go. Let me be taken back to the
+cell that I may not see anyone. I am tired, dreadfully tired!
+
+PRIEST. Well, if that is so, good-bye.
+
+    Enter Adjutant.
+
+ADJUTANT. Well?
+
+PRIEST. Great obstinacy, great insubordination.
+
+ADJUTANT. So he has refused to take the oath and to serve?
+
+PRIEST. On no account will he.
+
+ADJUTANT. Then he must be taken to the hospital.
+
+PRIEST. And reported as ill? That no doubt would be better, or his
+example may lead others astray.
+
+ADJUTANT. To be put under observation in the ward for the mentally
+diseased. Those are my orders.
+
+PRIEST. Certainly. My respects to you. [Exit].
+
+ADJUTANT [approaches Borís] Come, please. My orders are to conduct
+you----
+
+BORÍS. Where to?
+
+ADJUTANT. First of all to the hospital, where it will be quieter for
+you, and where you will have time to think things over.
+
+BORÍS. I've thought them over long ago. But let us go! [Exeunt].
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+SCENE 3
+
+    Room in Hospital. Head Doctor, Assistant Doctor, an Officer-Patient
+    in a dressing-gown, and two Warders wearing blouses.
+
+PATIENT. I tell you that you are only leading me to perdition. I have
+already several times felt quite well.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. You must not get excited. I should be glad to sign an order
+for you to leave the hospital, but you know yourself that liberty is
+dangerous for you. If I were sure that you would be looked after ...
+
+PATIENT. You think I should take to drink again? No, I have had my
+lesson, but every extra day I spend here only does me harm. You are
+doing [gets excited] the opposite of what you ought to do. You are
+cruel. It's all very well for _you_!
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Don't get excited. [Makes a sign to Warders; who come up
+from behind].
+
+PATIENT. It's easy for you to argue, being at liberty; but how about us
+who are kept among madmen! [To Warders] What are you after? Be off!
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. I beg of you to be calm.
+
+PATIENT. But I beg and I demand that you set me free. [Yells, and rushes
+at the Doctor, but the Warders seize him. A struggle; after which he is
+taken out].
+
+ASSISTANT DOCTOR. There! Now it has begun again. He nearly got at you
+that time.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Alcoholic ... nothing can be done. But there is some
+improvement.
+
+    Enter Adjutant.
+
+ADJUTANT. How d'you do.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Good morning!
+
+ADJUTANT. I have brought you an interesting fellow, a certain Prince
+Cheremshánov, who has been conscripted, but on religious grounds refuses
+to serve. He was sent to the Gendarmes, but they say he does not come
+within their jurisdiction, not being a political conspirator. The Priest
+exhorted him, but also without effect.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR [laughing] And then as usual you bring him to us, as the
+highest Court of Appeal. Well, let's have him.
+
+    Exit Assistant Doctor.
+
+ADJUTANT. He is said to be a highly educated young man, and he is
+engaged to a rich girl. It's extraordinary! I really consider this is
+the right place for him!
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Yes, it's a mania.
+
+    Borís is brought in.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Glad to see you. Please take a seat and let's have a chat.
+[To Adjutant] Please leave us. [Exit Adjutant].
+
+BORÍS. I should like to ask you, if possible, if you mean to lock me up
+somewhere, to be so good as to do it quickly and let me rest.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Excuse me, we must keep the rules. Only a few questions.
+What do you feel? What are you suffering from?
+
+BORÍS. Nothing. I am perfectly well.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Yes, but you are not behaving like other people.
+
+BORÍS. I am behaving as my conscience demands.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Well, you see you have refused to perform your military
+service. On what grounds do you do so?
+
+BORÍS. I am a Christian, and therefore cannot commit murder.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. But one must defend one's country from her foes, and keep
+those who want to destroy the social order from evil-doing.
+
+BORÍS. No one is attacking our country; and there are more among the
+governors who destroy social order, than there are among those whom they
+oppress.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Yes? But what do you mean by that?
+
+BORÍS. I mean this: the chief cause of evil--vódka--is sold by the
+Government; false and fraudulent religion is also fostered by the
+Government; and this military service which they demand of me--and which
+is the chief means of demoralising the people--is also demanded by the
+Government.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Then, in your opinion, Government and the State are
+unnecessary.
+
+BORÍS. That I don't know; but I know for certain that I must take no
+part in evil-doing.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. But what is to become of the world? Is not our reason given
+in order to enable us to look ahead.
+
+BORÍS. It is also given in order to enable us to see that social order
+should not be maintained by violence, but by goodness; and that one
+man's refusal to participate in evil cannot be at all dangerous.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Well now, allow me to examine you a bit. Will you have the
+goodness to lie down? [Begins touching him] You feel no pain here?
+
+BORÍS. No.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Nor here?
+
+BORÍS. No.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Take a deep breath, please. Now don't breathe. Now allow me
+[takes out a measure and measures forehead and nose]. Now be so good as
+to shut your eyes and walk.
+
+BORÍS. Are you not ashamed to do all this?
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. What do you mean?
+
+BORÍS. All this nonsense? You know that I am quite well and that I am
+sent here because I refuse to take part in their evil deeds, and because
+they have no answer to give to the truth I told them; and that is why
+they pretend to think me mad. And you co-operate with them. It is
+horrid and it is shameful. Don't do it!
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Then you don't wish to walk?
+
+BORÍS. No, I don't. You may torture me, but you must do it yourself; I
+won't help you. [Hotly] Let me alone! [The Doctor presses button of
+bell. Enter two Warders].
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Don't get excited. I quite understand that your nerves are
+strained. Will you please go to your ward?
+
+    Enter Assistant Doctor.
+
+ASSISTANT DOCTOR. Some visitors have just come to see Cheremshánov.
+
+BORÍS. Who are they?
+
+ASSISTANT DOCTOR. Sarýntsov and his daughter.
+
+BORÍS. I should like to see them.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. There is no reason why you shouldn't. Ask them in. You may
+see them here. [Exit, followed by Assistant and Warders].
+
+    Enter Nicholas Ivánovich and Lyúba. The Princess looks in at the
+    door and says, "_Go in, I'll come later._"
+
+LYÚBA [goes straight to Borís, takes his head in her hands and kisses
+him] Poor Borís.
+
+BORÍS. No, don't pity me. I feel so well, so joyful, so light. How d'you
+do. [Kisses Nicholas Ivánovich].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have come to say chiefly one thing to you. First
+of all, in such affairs it is worse to overdo it than not to do enough.
+And in this matter you should do as is said in the Gospels, and not
+think beforehand, "I shall say this, or do that": "When they deliver you
+up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it is not ye that
+speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaketh in you." That is to
+say, do not act because you have reasoned out beforehand that you should
+do so and so, but act only when your whole being feels that you cannot
+act otherwise.
+
+BORÍS. I have done so. I did not think I should refuse to serve; but
+when I saw all this fraud, those Mirrors of Justice, those Documents,
+the Police and Officers smoking, I could not help saying what I did. I
+was frightened, but only till I had begun, after that it was all so
+simple and joyful.
+
+    Lyúba sits down and cries.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Above all, do nothing for the sake of being praised,
+or to gain the approval of those whose opinion you value. For myself I
+can say definitely, that if you take the oath at once, and enter the
+service, I shall love and esteem you not less but more than before;
+because not the things that take place in the external world are
+valuable, but that which goes on within the soul.
+
+BORÍS. Of course, for what happens within the soul must make a change in
+the outside world.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, I have said my say. Your mother is here. She
+is terribly upset. If you can do what she asks, do it--that is what I
+wished to say to you.
+
+    From the corridor outside hysterical weeping is heard. A Lunatic
+    rushes in, followed by Warders who drag him out again.
+
+LYÚBA. How terrible! And you will be kept here? [Weeps].
+
+BORÍS. I am not afraid of it, I'm afraid of nothing now! I feel so
+happy, the only thing I fear is what you feel about it. Do help me; I am
+sure you will!
+
+LYÚBA. Can I be glad about it?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not glad, that is impossible. I myself am not glad.
+I suffer on his account and would gladly take his place, but though I
+suffer I yet know that it is well.
+
+LYÚBA. It may be well; but when will they set him free?
+
+BORÍS. No one knows. I do not think of the future. The present is so
+good, and you can make it still better.
+
+    Enter the Princess, his mother.
+
+PRINCESS. I can wait no longer! [To Nicholas Ivánovich] Well, have you
+persuaded him? Does he agree? Bórya, my darling, you understand, don't
+you, what I suffer? For thirty years I have lived but for you; rearing
+you, rejoicing in you. And now when everything has been done and is
+complete--you suddenly renounce everything. Prison and disgrace! Oh no!
+Bórya!
+
+BORÍS. Mamma! Listen to me.
+
+PRINCESS [to Nicholas Ivánovich] Why do you say nothing? You have ruined
+him, it is for you to persuade him. It's all very well for you! Lyúba,
+do speak to him!
+
+LYÚBA. I cannot!
+
+BORÍS. Mamma, do understand that there are things that are as impossible
+as flying; and I cannot serve in the army.
+
+PRINCESS. You think that you can't! Nonsense. Everybody has served and
+does serve. You and Nicholas Ivánovich have invented some new sort of
+Christianity which is not Christianity, but a devilish doctrine to make
+everybody suffer!
+
+BORÍS. As is said in the Gospels!
+
+PRINCESS. Nothing of the kind, or if it is, then all the same it is
+stupid. Darling, Bórya, have pity on me. [Throws herself on his neck,
+weeps] My whole life has been nothing but sorrow. There was but one ray
+of joy, and you are turning it into torture. Bórya--have pity on me!
+
+BORÍS. Mamma, this is terribly hard on me. But I cannot explain it to
+you.
+
+PRINCESS. Come now, don't refuse--say you will serve!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Say you will think it over--and do think it over.
+
+BORÍS. Very well then. But you too, Mamma, should have pity on me. It is
+hard on me too. [Cries are again heard from the corridor]. You know I'm
+in a lunatic asylum, and might really go mad.
+
+    Enter Head Doctor.
+
+HEAD DOCTOR. Madam, this may have very bad consequences. Your son is in
+a highly excited condition. I think we must put an end to this
+interview. You may call on visiting days--Thursdays and Sundays. Please
+come to see him before twelve o'clock.
+
+PRINCESS. Very well, very well, I will go. Bórya, good-bye! Think it
+over. Have pity on me and meet me next Thursday with good news!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [shaking hands with Borís] Think it over with God's
+help, and as if you knew you were to die to-morrow. Only so will you
+decide rightly. Good-bye.
+
+BORÍS [approaching Lyúba] And what do you say to me?
+
+LYÚBA. I cannot lie; and I do not understand why you should torment
+yourself and everybody. I do not understand--and can say nothing. [Goes
+out weeping. Exeunt all except Borís].
+
+BORÍS [alone] Oh how hard it is! Oh, how hard, Lord help me! [Prays].
+
+    Enter Warders with dressing-gown.
+
+WARDER. Please change.
+
+    Borís puts on dressing-gown.
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+ACT IV
+
+
+SCENE 1
+
+    In Moscow a year later. A drawing-room in the Sarýntsov's town house
+    is prepared for a dance. Footmen are arranging plants round the
+    grand piano. Enter Mary Ivánovna in an elegant silk dress, with
+    Alexándra Ivánovna.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. A ball? No, Only a dance! A "Juvenile Party" as they once
+used to say. My children took part in the Theatricals at the Mákofs, and
+have been asked to dances everywhere, so I must return the invitations.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I am afraid Nicholas does not like it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I can't help it. [To Footmen] Put it here! [To Alexándra
+Ivánovna] God knows how glad I should be not to cause him
+unpleasantness. But I think he has become much less exacting.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No, no! Only he does not show it so much. I saw how
+upset he was when he went off to his own room after dinner.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. What can I do? After all, people must live. We have seven
+children, and if they find no amusement at home, heaven knows what they
+may be up to. Anyhow I am quite happy about Lyúba now.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Has he proposed, then?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. As good as proposed. He has spoken to her, and she has
+said, Yes!
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. That again will be a terrible blow to Nicholas.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Oh, he knows. He can't help knowing.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. He does not like him.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [to the Footmen] Put the fruit on the side-board. Like
+whom? Alexander Mikáylovich? Of course not; because he is a living
+negation of all Nicholas's pet theories. A nice pleasant kindly man of
+the world. But oh! That terrible night-mare--that affair of Borís
+Cheremshánov's. What has happened to him?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Lisa has been to see him. He is still there. She
+says he has grown terribly thin, and the Doctors fear for his life or
+his reason.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Yes, he is one of the terrible sacrifices caused by
+Nicholas's ideas. Why need he have been ruined? I never wished it.
+
+    Enter Pianist.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [to Pianist] Have you come to play?
+
+PIANIST. Yes, I am the pianist.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Please take a seat and wait a little. Won't you have a
+cup of tea?
+
+PIANIST [goes to piano] No, thank you!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I never wished it. I liked Bórya, but still he was not a
+suitable match for Lyúba--especially after he let himself be carried
+away by Nicholas Ivánovich's ideas.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. But still, the strength of his convictions is
+astonishing. See what he endures! They tell him that as long as he
+persists in refusing to serve, he will either remain where he is or be
+sent to the fortress; but his reply is always the same. And yet Lisa
+says he is full of joy and even merry!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Fanatic! But here comes Alexander Mikáylovich!
+
+    Enter Alexander Mikáylovich Starkóvsky,[35] an elegant man in
+    evening dress.
+
+  [35] Alexander in his Christian name, Mikáylovich (= son of Michael)
+  is his patronymic, and Starkóvsky in his surname which is seldom used
+  in ordinary social life.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. I am afraid I have come too soon. [Kisses the hands of both
+ladies].
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. So much the better.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. And Lyúbov Nikoláyevna?[36] She proposed to dance a great
+deal so as to make up for the time she has lost, and I have undertaken
+to help her.
+
+  [36] Lyúbov Nikoláyevna (= Love daughter of Nicholas) is the courteous
+  way of naming Lyúba. The latter is a pet name.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. She is sorting favours for the cotillion.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. I will go and help her, if I may?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Certainly.
+
+    As Starkóvsky is going out he meets Lyúba in evening, but not
+    low-necked, dress carrying a cushion with stars and ribbons.
+
+LYÚBA. Ah! here you are. Good! Now you can help me. There are three more
+cushions in the drawing-room. Go and fetch them all.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. I fly to do so!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Now, Lyúba; friends are coming, and they will be sure to
+hint and ask questions. May we announce it?
+
+LYÚBA. No, Mamma, no. Why? Let them ask! Papa will not like it.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But he knows or guesses; and he will have to be told
+sooner or later. I think it would be better to announce it to-day. Why,
+_C'est le secret de la comédie_.[37]
+
+  [37] It is only a comedy secret.
+
+LYÚBA. No, no, Mamma, please don't. It would spoil our whole evening.
+No, no, you must not.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, as you please.
+
+LYÚBA. All right then: after the dance, just before supper.
+
+    Enter Starkóvsky.
+
+LYÚBA. Well, have you got them?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I'll go and have a look at the little ones. [Exit with
+Alexándra Ivánovna].
+
+STARKÓVSKY [carrying three cushions, which he steadies with his chin,
+and dropping things on the way] Don't trouble, Lyúbov Nikoláyevna, I'll
+pick them up. Well, you have prepared a lot of favours. If only I can
+manage to lead the dance properly! Ványa, come along.
+
+VÁNYA [bringing more favours] This is the whole lot. Lyúba, Alexander
+Mikáylovich and I have a bet on, which of us will win the most favours.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. It will be easy for you, for you know everybody here, and
+will gain them easily, while I shall have to charm the young ladies
+first before winning anything. It means that I am giving you a start of
+forty points.
+
+VÁNYA. But then you are a fiancé, and I am a boy.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. Well no, I am not a fiancé yet, and I am worse than a boy.
+
+LYÚBA. Ványa, please go to my room and fetch the gum and the pin-cushion
+from the what-not. Only for goodness' sake don't break anything.
+
+VÁNYA. I'll break everything! [Runs off].
+
+STARKÓVSKY [takes Lyúba's hand] Lyúba, may I? I am so happy. [Kisses her
+hand] The mazurka is mine, but that is not enough. One can't say much in
+a mazurka, and I must speak. May I wire to my people that I have been
+accepted and am happy?
+
+LYÚBA. Yes, to-night.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. One word more: how will Nicholas Ivánovich take it? Have you
+told him? Yes?
+
+LYÚBA. No, I haven't; but I will. He will take it as he now takes
+everything that concerns the family. He will say, "Do as you think
+best." But he will be grieved at heart.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. Because I am not Cheremshánov? Because I am a Maréchal de la
+Noblesse?
+
+LYÚBA. Yes. But I have struggled with myself and deceived myself for his
+sake; and it is not because I love him less that I am now doing not what
+he wants, but it is because I can't lie. He himself says so. I do so
+want to _live_!
+
+STARKÓVSKY. And life is the only truth! Well, and what of Cheremshánov?
+
+LYÚBA [excitedly] Don't speak of him to me! I wish to blame him, to
+blame him whilst he is suffering; and I know it is because I feel guilty
+towards him. All I know is that I feel there is a kind of love--and I
+think a more real love than I ever felt for him.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. Lyúba, is that true?
+
+LYÚBA. You wish me to say that I love you with that real love--but I
+won't say it. I do love you with a different kind of love; but it is not
+the real thing either! Neither the one nor the other is the real
+thing--if only they could be mixed together!
+
+STARKÓVSKY. No, no, I am satisfied with mine. [Kisses her hand] Lyúba!
+
+LYÚBA [pushes him away] No, let us sort these things. They are beginning
+to arrive.
+
+    Enter Princess with Tónya and a little girl.
+
+LYÚBA. Mamma will be here in a moment.
+
+PRINCESS. Are we the first?
+
+STARKÓVSKY. Some one must be! I have suggested making a gutta-percha
+dummy to be the first arrival!
+
+    Enter Styópa, also Ványa carrying the gum and pin-cushion.
+
+STYÓPA. I expected to see you at the Italian opera last night.
+
+TÓNYA. We were at my Aunt's, sewing for the charity-bazaar.
+
+    Enter Students, Ladies, Mary Ivánovna and a Countess.
+
+COUNTESS. Shan't we see Nicholas Ivánovich?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, he never leaves his study to come to our gathering.
+
+STARKÓVSKY. Quadrille, please! [Claps his hands. The dancers take their
+places and dance].
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA [approaches Mary Ivánovna] He is terribly agitated.
+He has been to see Borís, and he came back and saw there was a ball, and
+now he wants to go away! I went up to his door and overheard him talking
+to Alexander Petróvich.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well?
+
+STARKÓVSKY. _Rond des dames. Les cavaliers en avant!_[38]
+
+  [38] Starkóvsky, directing the dance, says: "Ladies form a circle.
+  Gentlemen advance!"
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. He has made up his mind that it is impossible for
+him to live so, and he is going away.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. What a torment the man is! [Exit].
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+SCENE 2
+
+    Nicholas Ivánovich's room. The dance music is heard in the distance.
+    Nicholas Ivánovich has an overcoat on. He puts a letter on the
+    table. Alexander Petróvich, dressed in ragged clothes, is with him.
+
+ALEXANDER PETRÓVICH. Don't worry, we can reach the Caucasus without
+spending a penny, and there you can settle down.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. We will go by rail as far as Túla, and from thence
+on foot. Well, I'm ready. [Puts letter in the middle of the table, and
+goes to the door, where he meets Mary Ivánovna] Oh! Why have you come
+here?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Why indeed? To prevent your doing a cruel thing. What's
+all this for? Why d'you do it?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Why? Because I cannot continue living like this. I
+cannot endure this terrible, depraved life.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. It is awful. My life--which I give wholly to you and the
+children--has all of a sudden become "depraved." [Sees Alexander
+Petróvich] _Renvoyez au moins cet homme. Je ne veux pas qu'il soit
+témoin de cette conversation._[39]
+
+  [39] At least send that man away. I don't wish him to be a witness of
+  our conversation.
+
+ALEXANDER PETRÓVICH. _Comprenez. Toujours moi partez._[40]
+
+  [40] Alexander Petróvich replies in very bad French: "I understand! I
+  am always to go away!"
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Wait for me out there, Alexander Petróvich, I'll
+come in a minute.
+
+    Exit Alexander Petróvich.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. And what can you have in common with such a man as that?
+Why is he nearer to you than your own wife? It is incomprehensible! And
+where are you going?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I have left a letter for you. I did not want to
+speak; it is too hard; but if you wish it, I will try to say it quietly.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. No, I don't understand. Why do you hate and torture your
+wife, who has given up everything for you? Tell me, have I been going to
+balls, or gone in for dress, or flirted? My whole life has been devoted
+to the family. I nursed them all myself; I brought them up, and this
+last year the whole weight of their education, and the managing our
+affairs, has fallen on me....
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [interrupting] But all this weight falls on you,
+because you do not wish to live as I proposed.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But that was impossible! Ask anyone! It was impossible to
+let the children grow up illiterate, as you wished them to do, and for
+me to do the washing and cooking.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I never wanted that!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Well, anyhow it was something of that kind! No, you are a
+Christian, you wish to do good, and you say you love men; then why do
+you torture the woman who has devoted her whole life to you?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. How do I torture you? I love you, but ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But is it not torturing me to leave me and to go away?
+What will everybody say? One of two things, either that I am a bad
+woman, or that you are mad.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, let us say I am mad; but I can't live like
+this.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But what is there so terrible in it, even if once in a
+winter (and only once, because I feared you would not like it) I do give
+a party--and even then a very simple one, only ask Mánya and Barbara
+Vasílyevna! Everybody said I could not do less--and that it was
+absolutely necessary. And now it seems even a crime, for which I shall
+have to suffer disgrace. And not only disgrace. The worst of all is that
+you no longer love me! You love everyone else--the whole world,
+including that drunken Alexander Petróvich--but I still love you and
+cannot live without you. Why do you do it? Why? [Weeps].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But you don't even wish to understand my life; my
+spiritual life.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I do wish to understand it, but I can't. I see that your
+Christianity has made you hate your family and hate me; but I don't
+understand why!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You see the others do understand!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Who? Alexander Petróvich, who gets money out of you?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. He and others: Tónya and Vasíly Nikonórovich. But
+even if nobody understood it, that would make no difference.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Vasíly Nikonórovich has repented, and has got his living
+back, and Tónya is at this very moment dancing and flirting with Styópa.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. I am sorry to hear it, but it does not turn black
+into white, and it cannot change my life. Mary! You do not need me. Let
+me go! I have tried to share your life and to bring into it what for me
+constitutes the whole of life; but it is impossible. It only results in
+torturing myself and you. I not only torment myself, but spoil the work
+I try to accomplish. Everybody, including that very Alexander Petróvich,
+has the right to tell me that I am a hypocrite; that I talk but do not
+act! That I preach the Gospel of poverty while I live in luxury,
+pretending that I have given up everything to my wife!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. So you are ashamed of what people say? Really, can't you
+rise above that?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. It's not that I am ashamed (though I am ashamed),
+but that I am spoiling God's work.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. You yourself often say that it fulfils itself despite
+man's opposition; but that's not the point. Tell me, what do you want of
+me?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Haven't I told you?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But, Nicholas, you know that that is impossible. Only
+think, Lyúba is now getting married; Ványa is entering the university;
+Missy and Kátya are studying. How can I break all that off?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Then what am I to do?
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Do as you say one should do: have patience, love. Is it
+too hard for you? Only bear with us and do not take yourself from us!
+Come, what is it that torments you?
+
+    Enter Ványa running.
+
+VÁNYA. Mamma, they are calling you!
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Tell them I can't come. Go, go!
+
+VÁNYA. Do come! [He runs off].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You don't wish to see eye to eye--nor to understand
+me.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. It is not that I don't wish to, but that I can't.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No, you don't wish to, and we drift further and
+further apart. Only enter into my feelings; put yourself for a moment in
+my place, and you will understand. First, the whole life here is
+thoroughly depraved. You are vexed with the expression, but I can give
+no other name to a life built wholly on robbery; for the money you live
+on is taken from the land you have stolen from the peasants. Moreover, I
+see that this life is demoralising the children: "Whoso shall cause one
+of these little ones to stumble," and I see how they are perishing and
+becoming depraved before my very eyes. I cannot bear it when grown-up
+men dressed up in swallow-tail coats serve us as if they were slaves.
+Every dinner we have is a torture to me.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. But all this was so before. Is it not done by
+everyone--both here and abroad?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. But _I_ can't do it. Since I realised that we are
+all brothers, I cannot see it without suffering.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. That is as you please. One can invent anything.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [hotly] It's just this want of understanding that is
+so terrible. Take for instance to-day! I spent this morning at Rzhánov's
+lodging-house, among the outcasts there; and I saw an infant literally
+die of hunger; a boy suffering from alcoholism; and a consumptive
+charwoman rinsing clothes outside in the cold. Then I returned home, and
+a footman with a white tie opens the door for me. I see my son--a mere
+lad--ordering that footman to fetch him some water; and I see the army
+of servants who work for us. Then I go to visit Borís--a man who is
+sacrificing his life for truth's sake. I see how he, a pure, strong,
+resolute man, is deliberately being goaded to lunacy and to
+destruction, that the Government may be rid of him! I know, and they
+know, that his heart is weak, and so they provoke him, and drag him to a
+ward for raving lunatics. It is too dreadful, too dreadful. And when I
+come home, I hear that the one member of our family who understood--not
+me but the truth--has thrown over both her betrothed to whom she had
+promised her love, and the truth, and is going to marry a lackey, a
+liar ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. How very Christian!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Yes, it is wrong of me, and I am to blame, but I
+only want you to put yourself in my place. I mean to say that she has
+turned from the truth ...
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. You say, "from the truth"; but other people--the
+majority--say from "an error." You see Vasíly Nikonórovich once thought
+he was in error, but now has come back to the Church.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That's impossible ----
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. He has written to Lisa! She will show you the letter.
+That sort of conversion is very unstable. So also in Tónya's case; I
+won't even speak of that fellow Alexander Petróvich, who simply
+considers it profitable!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [getting angry] Well, no matter. I only ask _you_ to
+understand me. I still consider that truth is truth! All this hurts me
+very much. And here at home I see a Christmas-tree, a ball, and hundreds
+of roubles being spent while men are dying of hunger. I cannot live so.
+Have pity on me, I am worried to death. Let me go! Good-bye.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. If you go, I will go with you. Or if not with you, I will
+throw myself under the train you leave by; and let them all go to
+perdition--and Missy and Kátya too. Oh my God, my God. What torture!
+Why? What for? [Weeps].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [at the door] Alexander Petróvich, go home! I am not
+going. [To his wife] Very well, I will stay. [Takes off his overcoat].
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA [embracing him] We have not much longer to live. Don't let
+us spoil everything after twenty-eight years of life together. Well,
+I'll give no more parties; but do not punish me so.
+
+    Enter Ványa and Kátya running.
+
+VÁNYA and KATYA. Mamma, be quick--come.
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. Coming, coming. So let us forgive one another! [Exit with
+Kátya and Ványa].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. A child, a regular child; or a cunning woman? No, a
+cunning child. Yes, yes. It seems Thou dost not wish me to be Thy
+servant in this Thy work. Thou wishest me to be humiliated, so that
+everyone may point his finger at me and say, "He preaches, but he does
+not perform." Well, let them! Thou knowest best what Thou requirest:
+submission, humility! Ah, if I could but rise to that height!
+
+    Enter Lisa.
+
+LISA. Excuse me. I have brought you a letter from Vasíly Nikonórovich.
+It is addressed to me, but he asks me to tell you.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Can it be really true?
+
+LISA. Yes. Shall I read it?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Please do.
+
+LISA [reading] "I write to beg you to communicate this to Nicholas
+Ivánovich. I greatly regret the error which led me openly to stray from
+the Holy Orthodox Church, to which I rejoice to have now returned. I
+hope you and Nicholas Ivánovich will follow the same path. Please
+forgive me!"
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. They have tortured him into this, poor fellow. But
+still it is terrible.
+
+LISA. I also came to tell you that the Princess is here. She came
+upstairs to me in a dreadfully excited state and is determined to see
+you. She has just been to see Borís. I think you had better not see
+her. What good can it do for her to see you?
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. No. Call her in. Evidently this is fated to be a day
+of dreadful torture.
+
+LISA. Then I'll go and call her. [Exit].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [alone] Yes--could I but remember that life consists
+only in serving Thee; and that if Thou sendest a trial, it is because
+Thou holdest me capable of enduring it, and knowest that my strength is
+equal to it: else it would not be a trial.... Father, help me--help me
+to do Thy will.
+
+    Enter Princess.
+
+PRINCESS. You receive me? You do me that honour? My respects to you. I
+don't give you my hand, for I hate you and despise you.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. What has happened?
+
+PRINCESS. Just this, that they are moving him to the Disciplinary
+Battalion; and it is you who are the cause of it.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Princess, if you want anything, tell me what it is;
+but if you have come here merely to abuse me, you only injure yourself.
+You cannot offend me, for with my whole heart I sympathise with you and
+pity you!
+
+PRINCESS. What charity! What exalted Christianity! No, Mr. Sarýntsov,
+you cannot deceive me! We know you now. You have ruined my son, but you
+don't care; and you go giving balls; and your daughter--my son's
+betrothed--is to be married and make a good match, that you approve of;
+while you pretend to lead a simple life, and go carpentering. How
+repulsive you are to me, with your new-fangled Pharisaism.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Don't excite yourself so, Princess. Tell me what you
+have come for--surely it was not simply to scold me?
+
+PRINCESS. Yes, that too! I must find vent for all this accumulated
+pain. But what I want is this: He is being removed to the Disciplinary
+Battalion, and I cannot bear it. It is you who have done it. You! You!
+You!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not I, but God. And God knows how sorry I am for
+you. Do not resist this will. He wants to test you. Bear the trial
+meekly.
+
+PRINCESS. I cannot bear it meekly. My whole life was wrapped up in my
+son; and you have taken him from me and ruined him. I cannot be calm. I
+have come to you--it is my last attempt to tell you that you have ruined
+him and that it is for you to save him. Go and prevail on them to set
+him free. Go and see the Governor-General, the Emperor, or whom you
+please. It is your duty to do it. If you don't do it, I know what I
+shall do. You will have to answer to me for it!
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Teach me what to do. I am ready to do anything.
+
+PRINCESS. I again repeat it--you must save him! If you do not--beware!
+Good-bye. [Exit].
+
+    Nicholas Ivánovich (alone). Lies down on sofa. Silence. The door
+    opens and the dance music sounds louder. Enter Styópa.
+
+STYÓPA. Papa is not here, come in!
+
+    Enter the adults and the children, dancing in couples.
+
+LYÚBA [noticing Nicholas Ivánovich] Ah, you _are_ here. Excuse us.
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [rising] Never mind. [Exit dancing couples].
+
+NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Vasíly Nikonórovich has recanted. I have ruined
+Borís. Lyúba is getting married. Can it be that I have been mistaken?
+Mistaken in believing in Thee? No! Father help me!
+
+
+                                Curtain.
+
+
+
+
+Tolstoy left the following notes for a fifth act which was never
+written.
+
+
+
+
+ACT V
+
+Disciplinary Battalion. A cell. Prisoners sitting and lying. Borís is
+reading the Gospel and explaining it. A man who has been flogged is
+brought in. "Ah, if there were but a Pugachev[41] to revenge us on such
+as you." The Princess bursts in, but is turned out. Conflict with an
+officer. Prisoners led to prayers. Borís sent to the Penitentiary Cell:
+"He shall be flogged!"
+
+  [41] Pugachev was the leader of a formidable rebellion in Russia in
+  the eighteenth century.
+
+
+Scene changes.
+
+The Tsar's Cabinet. Cigarettes; jokes; caresses. The Princess is
+announced. "Let her wait." Enter petitioners, flattery, then the
+Princess. Her request is refused. Exit.
+
+
+Scene changes.
+
+Mary Ivánovna talks about illness with the doctor. "He has changed, has
+become more gentle, but is dispirited." Enter Nicholas Ivánovich and
+speaks to Doctor about the uselessness of treatment. But for his wife's
+sake he agrees to it. Enter Tónya with Styópa. Lyúba with Starkóvsky.
+Conversation about land. Nicholas Ivánovich tries not to offend them.
+Exeunt all. Nicholas Ivánovich with Lisa. "I am always in doubt whether
+I have done right. I have accomplished nothing. Borís has perished,
+Vasíly Nikonórovich has recanted. I set an example of weakness.
+Evidently God does not wish me to be his servant. He has many other
+servants--and can accomplish his will without me, and he who realises
+this is at peace." Exit Lisa. He prays. The Princess rushes in and
+shoots him. Everybody comes running into the room. He says he did it
+himself by accident. He writes a petition to the Emperor. Enter Vasíly
+Nikonórovich with Doukhobors.[42] Dies rejoicing that the fraud of the
+Church is exposed, and that he has understood the meaning of his life.
+
+  [42] Tolstoy did not fully realise the facts (described in _A Peculiar
+  People_) of the Doukhobors' submission to their leader, or of their
+  belief in him as an incarnation of the Deity. In fact, when he wrote
+  this play, Tolstoy regarded the Doukhobors as a type of what all
+  Christians should be.
+
+_This play was begun in the 'eighties, and continued in 1900 and 1902._
+
+
+                 END OF "THE LIGHT SHINES IN 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.
+
+    forty-five; and her husband, Peter Semyónovich Kóhovstsef, a fat
+    forty-five; and her husband, Peter Semyónovich Kóhovtsef, a fat
+
+    on the verandah at a table with a samovar and coffee-pot. Mary
+    on the verandah at a table with a samovár and coffee-pot. Mary
+
+  [9] He was very nice, and like everybody else
+  [9] He was very nice, and like everybody else.
+
+is your duty as a mother to _prendre tes mésures_.[11]
+is your duty as a mother to _prendre tes mesures_.[11]
+
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I'm coming, coming? [Rises and exit].
+MARY IVÁNOVNA. I'm coming, coming! [Rises and exit].
+
+for vodka, and abandon our own families.
+for vódka, and abandon our own families?
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Re-heat the samovar, please.
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. Re-heat the samovár, please.
+
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I should think they also need this samovar.
+ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. I should think they also need this samovár.
+
+other 44,990 trees will very soon be cut down also.
+  There are 449,990 trees remaining. This might either be a typesetting
+  mistake or an error made by Styópa.
+
+can be proved historically; there is but one irrefragible proof....
+can be proved historically; there is but one irrefragable proof....
+
+PRIEST. How can we trust in it, when there are contradictions.
+PRIEST. How can we trust in it, when there are contradictions?
+
+    [Enter Nurse].
+    Enter Nurse.
+
+coming
+coming!
+
+LYÚBA. Yes, do, and I'll go and wake Lisa and Tánya.
+LYÚBA. Yes, do, and I'll go and wake Lisa and Tónya.
+
+what I feel. (To Tónya) If what I say should offend you--who are our
+what I feel. [To Tónya] If what I say should offend you--who are our
+
+SCENE 2.  [in ACT II]
+SCENE 2
+
+STARKÓVSKY. And Lyubóv Nikoláyevna?[36] She proposed to dance a great
+STARKÓVSKY. And Lyúbov Nikoláyevna?[36] She proposed to dance a great
+
+  [36] Lyúbov Nikolávna (= Love daughter of Nicholas) is the courteous
+  [36] Lyúbov Nikoláyevna (= Love daughter of Nicholas) is the courteous
+]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Light Shines in Darkness, by Leo Tolstoy
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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Light Shines in Darkness, by Leo Tolstoy</title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Light Shines in 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 Light Shines in Darkness
+
+Author: Leo Tolstoy
+
+Translator: Louise Maude
+            Aylmer Maude
+
+Release Date: September 20, 2008 [EBook #26666]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<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 LIGHT SHINES IN
+DARKNESS</big><br/>
+
+<i>DRAMA</i></h1>
+
+
+
+
+<div style="margin-top: 10em;">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323">323</a></span></p>
+<h2>CHARACTERS</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH SAR&Yacute;NTSOV.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA SAR&Yacute;NTSOVA.</span> <i>His wife.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> <i>Their daughter.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> <i>Their son.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> <i>A younger son.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MISSY.</span> <i>Their daughter.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">THE SAR&Yacute;NTSOVS' LITTLE CHILDREN.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER MIK&Aacute;YLOVICH STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> (<i>Ly&uacute;ba's betrothed in <a href="#act4">Act IV</a></i>).</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MITROF&Aacute;N ERM&Iacute;LYCH.</span> <i>V&aacute;nya's tutor.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">THE SAR&Yacute;NTSOVS' GOVERNESS.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA K&Oacute;HOVTSEVA.</span> <i>Mary Iv&aacute;novna's sister.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH K&Oacute;HOVTSEV.</span> <i>Her husband.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> <i>Their daughter.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS CHEREMSH&Aacute;NOV.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> <i>Her son.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> <i>Her daughter.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A YOUNG PRIEST.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">THE SAR&Yacute;NTSOVS' NURSE.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">THE SAR&Yacute;NTSOVS' MEN-SERVANTS.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> <i>A peasant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A PEASANT WOMAN.</span> <i>His wife.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MAL&Aacute;SHKA.</span> <i>His daughter (carrying her baby-brother).</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER.</span> <i>A peasant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A RURAL POLICEMAN.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> <i>A priest.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A NOTARY.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A CARPENTER.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A GENERAL.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HIS ADJUTANT.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A COLONEL.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A REGIMENTAL CLERK.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324">324</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">A SENTINEL.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">TWO SOLDIERS.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">A GENDARME OFFICER.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HIS CLERK.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">THE CHAPLAIN OF THE REGIMENT.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">THE CHIEF DOCTOR IN A MILITARY ASYLUM.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">AN ASSISTANT DOCTOR.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WARDERS.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">AN INVALID OFFICER.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PIANIST.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COUNTESS.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER PETR&Oacute;VICH.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PEASANT MEN AND WOMEN</span>, <span class="speaker">STUDENTS</span>, <span class="speaker">LADIES</span>, <span class="speaker">DANCING COUPLES</span>.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h2">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325">325</a></span></p>
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large; margin-top: 0em;">THE LIGHT SHINES IN
+DARKNESS</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h2">&nbsp;</div>
+<h2>ACT I</h2>
+
+
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 1</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">The scene represents the verandah of a fine country-house,
+in front of which a croquet-lawn and tennis-court are shown,
+also a flower-bed. The children are playing croquet with their
+governess. Mary Iv&aacute;novna Sar&yacute;ntsova, a handsome elegant
+woman of forty; her sister, Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna K&oacute;hovtseva,
+a stupid, determined woman of forty-five; and her husband,
+Peter Semy&oacute;novich <ins title="K&oacute;hovstsev">K&oacute;hovtsef</ins>, a fat flabby man, dressed in
+a summer suit, with a pince-nez, are sitting on the verandah
+at a table with a <ins title="samovar">samov&aacute;r</ins> and coffee-pot. Mary Iv&aacute;novna
+Sar&yacute;ntsova, Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna K&oacute;hovtseva, and Peter
+Semy&oacute;novich K&oacute;hovtsev are drinking coffee, and the latter
+is smoking.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> If you were not my sister, but a
+stranger, and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich not your husband, but
+merely an acquaintance, I should think all this very
+original, and perhaps I might even encourage him,
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">J'aurais trouv&eacute; tout &ccedil;a tr&egrave;s gentil</i>;<a name="FNanchor_1_1" href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> but when I see that
+<em>your</em> husband is playing the fool&mdash;yes, simply playing
+the fool&mdash;then I can't help telling you what I think about
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326">326</a></span>it. And I shall tell your husband, Nicholas, too. <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Je lui
+dirai son fait, ma ch&egrave;re.</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> I am not afraid of anyone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I don't feel the least bit hurt; don't I
+see it all myself? but I don't think it so very important.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No. You don't think so, but I
+tell you that, if you let it go on, you will be beggared.
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Du train que cela va&nbsp;&hellip;</i><a name="FNanchor_3_3" href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Come! Beggared indeed! Not
+with an income like theirs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, beggared! And please don't
+interrupt me, my dear! Anything a <em>man</em> does always
+seems right to you!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Oh! I don't know. I was
+<span class="nowrap">saying&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But you never do know what you
+are saying, because when you men begin playing the fool,
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">il n'y a pas de raison que &ccedil;a finisse</i>.<a name="FNanchor_4_4" href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> I am only saying that
+if I were in your place, I should not allow it. <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">J'aurais
+mis bon ordre &agrave; toutes ces lubies.</i><a name="FNanchor_5_5" href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> What does it all mean?
+A husband, the head of a family, has no occupation,
+abandons everything, gives everything away, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">et fait le
+g&eacute;n&eacute;reux &agrave; droite et &agrave; gauche</i>.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> I know how it will end!
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Nous en savons quelque chose.</i><a name="FNanchor_7_7" href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>to Mary Iv&aacute;novna</i>]. But do explain
+to me, Mary, what is this new movement? Of course I
+understand Liberalism, County Councils, the Constitution,
+schools, reading-rooms, and <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tout ce qui s'en suit</i>;<a name="FNanchor_8_8" href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> as well as
+Socialism, strikes, and an eight-hour day; but what is
+this? Explain it to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But he told you about it yesterday.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327">327</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> I confess I did not understand.
+The Gospels, the Sermon on the Mount&mdash;and that
+churches are unnecessary! But then how is one to pray,
+and all that?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes. That is the worst of it. He
+would destroy everything, and give us nothing in its place.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> How did it begin?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> It began last year, after his sister died.
+He was very fond of her, and her death had a very great
+effect on him. He became quite morose, and was always
+talking about death; and then, you know, he fell ill himself
+with typhus. When he recovered, he was quite a
+changed man.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But, all the same, he came in
+spring to see us again in Moscow, and was very nice, and
+played bridge. <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Il &eacute;tait tr&egrave;s gentil et comme tout le monde.</i><a name="FNanchor_9_9" href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But, all the same, he was then quite
+changed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> In what way?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He was completely indifferent to his
+family, and purely and simply had <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">l'id&eacute;e fixe</i>. He read
+the Gospels for days on end, and did not sleep. He
+used to get up at night to read, made notes and extracts,
+and then began going to see bishops and hermits&mdash;consulting
+them about religion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And did he fast, or prepare for
+communion?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> From the time of our marriage&mdash;that's
+twenty years ago&mdash;till then he had never fasted nor
+taken the sacrament, but at that time he did once take the
+sacrament in a monastery, and then immediately afterwards
+decided that one should neither take communion nor go
+to church.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> That's what I say&mdash;thoroughly
+inconsistent!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328">328</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, a month before, he would not
+miss a single service, and kept every fast-day; and then
+he suddenly decided that it was all unnecessary. What
+can one do with such a man?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I have spoken and will speak to
+him again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes! But the matter is of no
+great importance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No? Not to you! Because you
+men have no religion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Do let me speak. I say that that
+is not the point. The point is this: if he denies the
+Church, what does he want the Gospels for?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, so that we should live according
+to the Gospels and the Sermon on the Mount, and give
+everything away.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> But how is one to live if one gives
+everything away?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And where has he found in the
+Sermon on the Mount that we must shake hands with
+footmen? It says &ldquo;Blessed are the meek,&rdquo; but it says
+nothing about shaking hands!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, of course, he gets carried away, as
+he always used to. At one time it was music, then
+shooting, then the school. But that doesn't make it any
+the easier for me!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Why has he gone to town to-day?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He did not tell me, but I know it is
+about some trees of ours that have been felled. The
+peasants have been cutting trees in our wood.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> In the pine-tree plantation?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, they will probably be sent to
+prison and ordered to pay for the trees. Their case
+was to be heard to-day, he told me of it, so I feel certain
+that is what he has gone about.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329">329</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He will pardon them, and to-morrow
+they will come to take the trees in the park.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, that is what it leads to. As it is,
+they break our apple-trees and tread down the green
+cornfields, and he forgives them everything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Extraordinary!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> That is just why I say that it
+must not be allowed to go on. Why, if it goes on like
+that, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tout y passera</i>.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> I think it is your duty as a mother
+to <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">prendre tes <ins title="m&eacute;sures">mesures</ins></i>.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What can I do?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What indeed! Stop him! Explain
+to him that this cannot go on. You have your
+children! What sort of an example is it for them?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Of course, it is hard; but I go on
+bearing it, and hoping it will pass, like his former infatuations.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, but &ldquo;<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Aide toi et Dieu
+t'aidera!</i>&rdquo;<a name="FNanchor_12_12" href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> You must make him feel that he has not
+only himself to think of, and that one can't live like that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> The worst of all is that he no longer
+troubles about the children, and I have to decide everything
+myself. I have an unweaned baby, besides the
+older children: girls and boys, who have to be looked
+after, and need guidance. And I have to do it all
+single-handed. He used to be such an affectionate and
+attentive father, but now he seems no longer to care.
+Yesterday I told him that V&aacute;nya is not studying properly,
+and will not pass his exam., and he replied that it would
+be by far the best thing for him to leave school altogether.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> To go where?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Nowhere! That's the most terrible
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330">330</a></span>thing about it; everything we do is wrong, but he does
+not say what would be right.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> That's odd.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What is there odd about it? It
+is just <em>your</em> usual way. Condemn everything, and do
+nothing yourself!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Sty&oacute;pa has now finished at the University,
+and ought to choose a career; but his father says
+nothing about it. He wanted to take a post in the Civil
+Service, but Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich says he ought not to do
+so. Then he thought of entering the Horse-Guards, but
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich quite disapproved. Then the lad
+asked his father: &ldquo;What am I to do then&mdash;not go and
+plough after all?&rdquo; and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich said: &ldquo;Why
+not plough? It is much better than being in a Government
+Office.&rdquo; So what was he to do? He comes to me
+and asks, and I have to decide everything, and yet the
+authority is all in his hands.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, you should tell him so
+straight out.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> So I must! I shall have to talk to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And tell him straight out that
+you can't go on like this. That you do your duty, and
+he must do his; or if not&mdash;let him hand everything over
+to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> It is all so unpleasant!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I will tell him, if you like. <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Je
+lui dirai son fait.</i><a name="FNanchor_13_13" href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>Enter a young priest, confused and agitated. He carries
+a book, and shakes hands all round.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I have come to see Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich. I
+have, in fact, come to return a book.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He has gone to town, but will be back
+soon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What book are you returning?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331">331</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Oh, it's Mr. Renan's <cite>Life of Jesus</cite>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Dear me! What books you
+read!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST</span> [<i>much agitated, lights a cigarette</i>] It was Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich gave it to me to read.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>contemptuously</i>] Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich
+gave it you! And do you agree with Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich
+and Mr. Renan?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> No, of course not. If I really did agree, I should
+not, in fact, be what is called a servant of the Church.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But if you are, as it is called,
+a faithful servant of the Church, why don't you convert
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Everyone, in fact, has his own views on these
+matters, and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich really maintains much that
+is quite true, only he goes astray, in fact, on the main
+point, the Church.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>contemptuously</i>] And what are the
+many things that Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich maintains that are
+quite true? Is it true that the Sermon on the Mount bids
+us give our property away to strangers and let our own
+families go begging?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> The Church, in fact, sanctions the family, and
+the Holy Fathers of the Church, in fact, blessed the
+family; but the highest perfection really demands the
+renunciation of worldly advantages.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Of course the Anchorites acted
+so, but ordinary mortals, I should imagine, should act in
+an ordinary way, as befits all good Christians.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> No one can tell unto what he may be called.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And, of course, you are married?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Oh yes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And have you any children?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Two.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Then why don't you renounce
+worldly advantages, and not go about smoking a cigarette?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332">332</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Because of my weakness, in fact, my unworthiness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Ah! I see that instead of bringing
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich to reason, you support him. That, I
+tell you straight out, is wrong!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Nurse.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NURSE.</span> Don't you hear baby crying? Please come to
+nurse him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I'm coming, <ins title="coming?">coming!</ins> [<i>Rises and exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I'm dreadfully sorry for my sister.
+I see how she suffers. Seven children, one of them
+unweaned, and then all these fads to put up with. It
+seems to me quite plain that he has something wrong
+here [<i>touching her forehead. To Priest</i>] Now tell me,
+I ask you, what new religion is this you have discovered?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I don't understand, in fact&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Oh, please don't beat about the
+bush. You know very well what I am asking you about.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> But allow me&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I ask you, what creed is it that
+bids us shake hands with every peasant and let them cut
+down the trees, and give them money for <ins title="vodka">v&oacute;dka</ins>, and
+abandon our own <ins title="families.">families?</ins></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I don't know that&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He says it is Christianity. You
+are a priest of the Orthodox Greek Church, and therefore
+you must know and must say whether Christianity bids
+us encourage robbery.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> But I&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Or else, why are you a priest, and
+why do you wear long hair and a cassock?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> But we are not asked&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Not asked, indeed! Why, I am
+asking you! He told me yesterday that the Gospels say,
+&ldquo;Give to him that asketh of thee.&rdquo; But then in what
+sense is that meant?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333">333</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> In its plain sense, I suppose.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And I think not in the plain sense;
+we have always been taught that everybody's position is
+appointed by God.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Of course, but yet&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Oh, yes. It's just as I was told;
+you take his side, and that is wrong! I say so straight
+out. If some young school teacher, or some young lad,
+lickspittles to him, it's bad enough&mdash;but you, in your
+position, should remember the responsibility that rests
+on you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I try to&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What sort of religion is it, when
+he does not go to church, and does not believe in the
+sacraments? And instead of bringing him to his senses,
+you read Renan with him, and interpret the Gospels in a
+way of your own.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST</span> [<i>excitedly</i>] I cannot answer. I am, in fact,
+upset, and will hold my tongue.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Oh! If only I were your Bishop;
+I'd teach you to read Renan and smoke cigarettes.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Mais cessez, au nom du ciel. De quel
+droit?</i><a name="FNanchor_14_14" href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Please don't teach me. I am
+sure the Reverend Father is not angry with me. What if
+I have spoken plainly. It would have been worse had I
+bottled up my anger. Isn't that so?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Forgive me if I have not expressed myself as I
+should. [<i>Uncomfortable pause</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Ly&uacute;ba and Lisa. Ly&uacute;ba, Mary Iv&aacute;novna's daughter,
+is a handsome energetic girl of twenty. Lisa, Alex&aacute;ndra
+Iv&aacute;novna's daughter, is a little older. Both have kerchiefs on
+their heads, and are carrying baskets, to go gathering mushrooms.
+They greet Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna, Peter Semy&oacute;novich, and
+the priest.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334">334</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Where is Mamma?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Just gone to the baby.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Now mind you bring back plenty
+of mushrooms. A little village girl brought some lovely
+white ones this morning. I'd go with you myself, but it's
+too hot.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Do come, Papa!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, go, for you are getting
+too fat.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, perhaps I will, but I must
+first fetch some cigarettes. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Where are all the young ones?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Sty&oacute;pa is cycling to the station, the tutor has
+gone to town with papa. The little ones are playing
+croquet, and V&aacute;nya is out there in the porch, playing
+with the dogs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, has Sty&oacute;pa decided on
+anything?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Yes. He has gone himself to hand in his application
+to enter the Horse-Guards. He was horribly rude
+to papa yesterday.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Of course, it's hard on him
+too.&hellip; <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Il n'y a pas de patience qui tienne.</i><a name="FNanchor_15_15" href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a> The young
+man must begin to live, and he is told to go and plough!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> That's not what papa told him; he said&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Never mind. Still Sty&oacute;pa must
+begin life, and whatever he proposes, it's all objected to.
+But here he is himself.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Priest steps aside, opens a book, and begins to read.
+Enter Sty&oacute;pa cycling towards the verandah.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Quand on parle du soleil on en voit
+les rayons.</i><a name="FNanchor_16_16" href="#Footnote_16_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> We were just talking about you. Ly&uacute;ba
+says you were rude to your father.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Not at all. There was nothing particular.
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_335">335</a></span>He gave me his opinion, and I gave him mine. It is not
+my fault that our views differ. Ly&uacute;ba, you know, understands
+nothing, but must have her say about everything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, and what have you decided
+on?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> I don't know what Papa has decided. I'm
+afraid he does not quite know himself; but as for me, I
+have decided to volunteer for the Horse-Guards. In our
+house some special objection is made to every step that is
+taken; but this is all quite simple. I have finished my
+studies, and must serve my time. To enter a line
+regiment and serve with tipsy low-class officers would be
+unpleasant, and so I'm entering the Horse-Guards, where
+I have friends.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes; but why won't your father
+agree to it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Papa! What is the good of talking about
+him? He is now possessed by his <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">id&eacute;e fixe</i>.<a name="FNanchor_17_17" href="#Footnote_17_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> He sees
+nothing but what he wants to see. He says military
+service is the basest kind of employment, and that therefore
+one should not serve, and so he won't give me any
+money.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> No! Sty&oacute;pa. He did not say that! You know
+I was present. He says that if you cannot avoid serving,
+you should go when you are called; but that to volunteer,
+is to choose that kind of service of your own free will.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> But it's I, not he, who is going to serve. He
+himself was in the army!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Yes, but he does not exactly say that he will not
+give you the money; but that he cannot take part in an
+affair that is contrary to his convictions.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Convictions have nothing to do with it. One
+must serve&mdash;and that's all!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> I only say what I heard.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_336">336</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> I know you always agree with Papa. Do you
+know, Aunt, that Lisa takes Papa's side entirely in
+everything?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> What is true&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Don't I know that Lisa always
+takes up with any kind of nonsense. She scents nonsense.
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Elle flaire cela de loin.</i><a name="FNanchor_18_18" href="#Footnote_18_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>Enter V&aacute;nya running in with a telegram in his hand,
+followed by the dogs. He wears a red shirt.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA</span> [<i>to Ly&uacute;ba</i>]. Guess who is coming?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> What's the use of guessing? Give it here [<i>stretching
+towards him. V&aacute;nya does not let her have the telegram</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> I'll not give it you, and I won't say who it is
+from. It's someone who makes you blush!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Nonsense! Who is the telegram from?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> There, you're blushing! Aunty, she is blushing,
+isn't she?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> What nonsense! Who is it from? Aunty,
+who is it from?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> The Cheremsh&aacute;novs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Ah!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> There you are! Why are you blushing?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Let me see the telegram, Aunt. [<i>Reads</i>] &ldquo;Arriving
+all three by the mail train. Cheremsh&aacute;novs.&rdquo;
+That means the Princess, Bor&iacute;s, and T&oacute;nya. Well, I
+am glad!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> There you are, you're glad! Sty&oacute;pa, look how
+she is blushing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> That's enough&mdash;teasing over and over again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> Of course, because you're sweet on T&oacute;nya!
+You'd better cast lots; for two men must not marry one
+another's sisters.<a name="FNanchor_19_19" href="#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_337">337</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Don't humbug! Shut up! How often have
+you been told to?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> If they are coming by the mail train, they will be
+here directly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> That's true, so we can't go for mushrooms.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Peter Semy&oacute;novich with his cigarettes.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Uncle Peter, we are not going!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Why not?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> The Cheremsh&aacute;novs are coming directly. Better
+let's play tennis till they come. Sty&oacute;pa, will you
+play?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> I may as well.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> V&aacute;nya and I against you and Lisa. Agreed?
+Then I'll get the balls and call the boys. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> So I'm to stay here after all!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST</span> [<i>preparing to go</i>]. My respects to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, wait a bit, Father. I want
+to have a talk with you. Besides, Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich
+will be here directly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST</span> [<i>sits down, and lights another cigarette</i>]. He may
+be a long time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> There, someone is coming. I
+expect it's he.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Which Cheremsh&aacute;nova is it?
+Can it be Golitzin's daughter?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, of course. It's the Cheremsh&aacute;nova
+who lived in Rome with her aunt.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Dear me, I shall be glad to see
+her. I have not met her since those days in Rome
+when she used to sing duets with me. She sang beautifully.
+She has two children, has she not?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, they are coming too.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> I did not know that they were
+so intimate with the Sar&yacute;ntsovs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Not intimate, but they lodged
+together abroad last year, and I believe that <i>la princesse a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_338">338</a></span>des vues sur Ly&uacute;ba pour son fils. C'est une fine mouche, elle
+flaire une jolie dot.</i><a name="FNanchor_20_20" href="#Footnote_20_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> But the Cheremsh&aacute;novs themselves
+were rich.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> They <em>were</em>. The prince is still
+living, but he has squandered everything, drinks, and has
+quite gone to the dogs. She petitioned the Emperor,
+left her husband, and so managed to save a few scraps.
+But she has given her children a splendid education.
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Il faut lui rendre cette justice.</i><a name="FNanchor_21_21" href="#Footnote_21_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> The daughter is an
+admirable musician; and the son has finished the
+University, and is charming. Only I don't think Mary
+is quite pleased. Visitors are inconvenient just now.
+Ah! here comes Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> How d'you do, Al&iacute;na;<a name="FNanchor_22_22" href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> and you,
+Peter Semy&oacute;novich. [<i>To the Priest</i>] Ah! Vas&iacute;ly Nikan&oacute;rych.
+[<i>Shakes hands with them</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> There is still some coffee left.
+Shall I give you a cup? It's rather cold, but can easily
+be warmed up. [<i>Rings</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, thank you. I have had something.
+Where is Mary?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Feeding Baby.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Is she quite well?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Pretty well. Have you done
+your business?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I have. Yes. If there <em>is</em> any tea
+or coffee left, I will have some. [<i>To Priest</i>] Ah! you've
+brought the book back. Have you read it? I've been
+thinking about you all the way home.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter man-servant, who bows. Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich shakes
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339">339</a></span>hands with him. Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna shrugs her shoulders,
+exchanging glances with her husband.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Re-heat the <ins title="samovar">samov&aacute;r</ins>, please.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That's not necessary, Al&iacute;na. I
+don't really want any, and I'll drink it as it is.</p>
+
+<p><i>Missy, on seeing her father, leaves her croquet, runs to him,
+and hangs round his neck.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MISSY.</span> Papa! Come with me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>caressing her</i>]. Yes, I'll come
+directly. Just let me eat something first. Go and play,
+and I'll soon come.</p>
+
+<p><i>Exit Missy.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich sits down to the table, and eats and
+drinks eagerly.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, were they sentenced?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes! They were. They themselves
+pleaded guilty. [<i>To Priest</i>] I thought you would not
+find Renan very convincing&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And you did not approve of the
+verdict?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>vexed</i>]. Of course I don't approve
+of it. [<i>To Priest</i>] The main question for you is not
+Christ's divinity, or the history of Christianity, but the
+Church&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Then how was it? <em>They</em> confessed
+their guilt, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">et vous leur avez donn&eacute; un d&eacute;menti</i>?<a name="FNanchor_23_23" href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> They did
+not steal them&mdash;but only took the wood?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>who had begun talking to the priest,
+turns resolutely to Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna</i>]. Al&iacute;na, my dear,
+do not pursue me with pinpricks and insinuations.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But not at all&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And if you really want to know
+why I can't prosecute the peasants about the wood they
+needed and cut down&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340">340</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I should think they also need
+this <ins title="samovar">samov&aacute;r</ins>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, if you want me to tell you
+why I can't agree with those people being shut up in prison,
+and being totally ruined, because they cut down ten trees
+in a forest which is considered to be mine&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Considered so by everybody.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Oh dear! Disputing again.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Even if I considered that forest
+mine, which I cannot do, we have 3000 acres of forest,
+with about 150 trees to the acre. In all, about 450,000
+trees&mdash;is that correct? Well, they have cut down ten
+trees&mdash;that is, one 45-thousandth part. Now is it worth
+while, and can one really decide, to tear a man away from
+his family and put him in prison for that?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Ah! but if you don't hold on to this one 45-thousandth,
+all the other <ins title="There are 449,990 trees remaining. This might either be a typesetting mistake or an error made by Styópa.">44,990</ins> trees will very soon be
+cut down also.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But I only said <em>that</em> in answer to
+your aunt. In reality I have no right to this forest.
+Land belongs to everyone; or rather, it can't belong to
+anyone. We have never put any labour into this land.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> No, but you saved money and preserved this
+forest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> How did I get my savings? What
+enabled me to save up? And I didn't preserve the forest
+myself! However, this is a matter which can't be proved
+to anyone who does not himself feel ashamed when he
+strikes at another man&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> But no one is striking anybody!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Just as when a man feels no
+shame at taking toll from others' labour without doing
+any work himself, you cannot prove to him that he
+ought to be ashamed; and the object of all the Political
+Economy you learnt at the University is merely to justify
+the false position in which we live.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_341">341</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> On the contrary; science destroys all prejudices.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> However, all this is of no importance
+to me. What is important is that in Yef&iacute;m's<a name="FNanchor_24_24" href="#Footnote_24_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> place
+I should have acted as he did, and I should have been
+desperate had I been imprisoned. And as I wish to do
+to others as I wish them to do to me&mdash;I cannot condemn
+him, but do what I can to save him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> But, if one goes on that line, one
+cannot possess anything.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna and Sty&oacute;pa&mdash;</i></p>
+
+<table id="together" summary="Both speak together">
+<tr>
+	<td rowspan="2" style="width: 6em;"><i>Both speak together</i></td>
+	<td style="border-bottom: 1px solid black; border-right: 1px solid black;">&nbsp;</td>
+	<td rowspan="2" style="border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black;">&nbsp;</td>
+	<td style="padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Then it is much more profitable to steal than to work.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+	<td style="border-right: 1px solid black;">&nbsp;</td>
+	<td style="padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> You never reply to one's arguments. I say that a man who saves, has a right to enjoy his savings.</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>smiling</i>] I don't know which I am
+to reply to. [<i>To Peter Semy&oacute;novich</i>] It's true. One
+should not possess anything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But if one should not possess
+anything, one can't have any clothes, nor even a crust of
+bread, but must give away everything, so that it's impossible
+to live.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And it should be impossible to live
+as we do!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> In other words, we must die! Therefore, that
+teaching is unfit for life.&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No. It is given just that men
+may live. Yes. One should give everything away.
+Not only the forest we do not use and hardly ever see,
+but even our clothes and our bread.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What! And the children's too?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, the children's too. And not
+only our bread, but ourselves. Therein lies the whole
+teaching of Christ. One must strive with one's whole
+strength to give oneself away.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_342">342</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> That means to die.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, even if you gave your life for
+your friends, that would be splendid both for you and for
+others. But the fact is that man is not solely a spirit,
+but a spirit within a body; and the flesh draws him to
+live for itself, while the spirit of light draws him to
+live for God and for others: and the life in each of us is
+not solely animal, but is equipoised between the two. But
+the more it is a life for God, the better; and the animal
+will not fail to take care of itself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Why choose a middle course: an equipoise
+between the two? If it is right to do so&mdash;why not give
+away everything and die?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That would be splendid. Try to
+do it, and it will be well both for you and for others.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, that is not clear, not simple.
+<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">C'est tir&eacute; par les cheveux.</i><a name="FNanchor_25_25" href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, I can't help it, and it can't
+be explained by argument. However, that is enough.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Yes, quite enough, and I also don't understand
+it. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>turns to Priest</i>] Well, what impression
+did the book make on you?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST</span> [<i>agitated</i>] How shall I put it? Well, the
+historic part is insufficiently worked out, and it is not
+fully convincing, or let us say, quite reliable; because the
+materials are, as a matter of fact, insufficient. Neither the
+Divinity of Christ, nor His lack of Divinity, can be proved
+historically; there is but one <ins title="irrefragible">irrefragable</ins> proof.&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><i>During this conversation first the ladies and then Peter
+Semy&oacute;novich go out.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You mean the Church?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Well, of course, the Church, and the evidence,
+let's say, of reliable men&mdash;the Saints for instance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Of course, it would be excellent if
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_343">343</a></span>there existed a set of infallible people to confide in.
+It would be very desirable; but its desirability does not
+prove that they exist!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> And I believe that just <em>that is</em> the proof. The
+Lord could not in fact have exposed His law to the
+possibility of mutilation or misinterpretation, but must in
+fact have left a guardian of His truth to prevent that
+truth being mutilated.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Very well; but we first tried to
+prove the truth itself, and now we are trying to prove the
+reliability of the guardian of the truth.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Well here, as a matter of fact, we require faith.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Faith&mdash;yes, we need faith. We
+can't do without faith. Not, however, faith in what
+other people tell us, but faith in what we arrive at
+ourselves, by our own thought, our own reason &hellip;
+faith in God, and in true and everlasting life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Reason may deceive. Each of us has a different
+mind.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>hotly</i>] There, that is the most
+terrible blasphemy! God has given us just one sacred
+tool for finding the truth&mdash;the only thing that can unite
+us all, and we do not trust it!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> How can we trust in it, when there are <ins title="contradictions.">contradictions?</ins></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Where are the contradictions?
+That twice two are four; and that one should not do to
+others what one would not like oneself; and that everything
+has a cause? Truths of that kind we all acknowledge
+because they accord with all our reason. But that God
+appeared on Mount Sinai to Moses, or that Buddha flew
+up on a sunbeam, or that Mahomet went up into the sky,
+and that Christ flew there also&mdash;on matters of that kind
+we are all at variance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> No, we are not at variance, those of us who abide
+in the truth are all united in one faith in God, Christ.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_344">344</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, even there, you are not united,
+but have all gone asunder; so why should I believe you
+rather than I would believe a Buddhist Lama? Only
+because I happened to be born in your faith?</p>
+
+<p>[<i>The tennis players dispute</i>] &ldquo;Out!&rdquo; &ldquo;Not out!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> I saw it&nbsp;&hellip;:</p>
+
+<p><i>During the conversation, men-servants set the table again for
+tea and coffee.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You say the Church unites. But, on
+the contrary, the worst dissensions have always been
+caused by the Church. &ldquo;How often would I have
+gathered you as a hen gathers her chickens.&rdquo;&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> That was until Christ. But Christ did gather
+them all together.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, Christ united; but we have
+divided: because we have understood him the wrong
+way round. He destroyed all Churches.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Did he not say: &ldquo;Go, tell the Church.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> It is not a question of words!
+Besides those words don't refer to what we call &ldquo;Church.&rdquo;
+It is the spirit of the teaching that matters. Christ's
+teaching is universal, and includes all religions, and does
+not admit of anything exclusive; neither of the Resurrection
+nor the Divinity of Christ, nor the Sacraments&mdash;nor
+of anything that divides.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> That, as a matter of fact, if I may say so, is
+your own interpretation of Christ's teaching. But
+Christ's teaching is all founded on His Divinity and
+Resurrection.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That's what is so dreadful about
+the Churches. They divide by declaring that they
+possess the full indubitable and infallible truth. They
+say: &ldquo;It has pleased us and the Holy Ghost.&rdquo; That began
+at the time of the first Council of the Apostles. They
+then began to maintain that they had the full and <em>exclusive</em>
+truth. You see, if I say there is a God: the first cause
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_345">345</a></span>of the Universe, everyone can agree with me; and <em>such</em>
+an acknowledgment of God will unite us; but if I say
+there is a God: Brahma, or Jehovah, or a Trinity, such
+a God divides us. Men wish to unite, and to that end
+devise all means of union, but neglect the one indubitable
+means of union&mdash;the search for truth! It is as if people
+in an enormous building, where the light from above
+shone down into the centre, tried to unite in groups around
+lamps in different corners, instead of going towards the
+central light, where they would naturally all be united.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> And how are the people to be guided&mdash;without
+any really definite truth?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That's what is terrible! Each
+<em>one</em> of us has to save <em>his own</em> soul, and has to do God's
+work <em>himself</em>, but instead of that we busy ourselves saving
+<em>other people</em> and teaching <em>them</em>. And what do we teach
+them? We teach them now, at the end of the nineteenth
+century, that God created the world in six days, then
+caused a flood, and put all the animals in an ark, and all
+the rest of the horrors and nonsense of the Old Testament.
+And then that Christ ordered everyone to be baptized
+with water; and we make them believe in all the absurdity
+and meanness of an Atonement essential to salvation;
+and then that he rose up into the heavens which do not
+really exist, and there sat down at the right hand of the
+Father. We have got used to all this, but really it is
+dreadful! A child, fresh and ready to receive all that is
+good and true, asks us what the world is, and what its
+laws are; and we, instead of revealing to him the
+teaching of love and truth that has been given to us,
+carefully ram into his head all sorts of horrible absurdities
+and meannesses, ascribing them all to God. Is that not
+terrible? It is as great a crime as man can commit.
+And we&mdash;you and your Church&mdash;do this! Forgive me!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Yes, if one looks at Christ's teaching from a
+rationalistic point of view, it is so.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_346">346</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Whichever way one looks, it is so.
+[<i>Pause</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna. Priest bows to take his leave.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Good-bye, Father. He will lead
+you astray. Don't you listen to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> No. Search the Scriptures! The matter is
+too important, as a matter of fact, to be&mdash;let's say&mdash;neglected.
+[<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Really, Nicholas, you have no
+pity on him! Though he is a priest, he is still only a boy,
+and can have no firm convictions or settled views.&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Give him time to settle down and
+petrify in falsehood? No! Why should I? Besides, he
+is a good, sincere man.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But what will become of him if
+he believes you?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> He need not believe <em>me</em>. But if
+he saw the truth, it would be well for him and for everybody.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> If it were really so good, everyone
+would be ready to believe you. As it is, no one believes
+you, and your wife least of all. She <em>can't</em> believe you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Who told you that?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, just you try and explain it
+to her! She will never understand, nor shall I, nor
+anyone else in the world, that one must care for other
+people and abandon one's own children. Go and try to
+explain that to Mary!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, and Mary will certainly
+understand. Forgive me, Alex&aacute;ndra, but if it were not
+for other people's influence, to which she is very susceptible,
+she would understand me and go with me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> To beggar your children for the
+sake of drunken Yef&iacute;m and his sort? Never! But if I
+have made you angry, please forgive me. I can't help
+speaking out.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347">347</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I am not angry. On the contrary,
+I am even glad you have spoken out and given me
+the opportunity&mdash;challenged me&mdash;to explain to Mary my
+whole outlook on life. On my way home to-day I was
+thinking of doing so, and I will speak to her at once; and
+you will see that she will agree, because she is wise and
+good.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, as to that, allow me to
+have my doubts.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But I have no doubts. For you
+know, this is not any invention of my own; it is only
+what we all of us know, and what Christ revealed to us.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, you think Christ revealed
+this, but I think he revealed something else.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> It cannot be anything else.</p>
+
+<p><i>Shouts from the tennis ground.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Out!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> No, we saw it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> I know. It fell just here!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Out! Out! Out!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> It's not true.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> For one thing, it's rude to say &ldquo;It's not true.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> And it's rude to say what is not true!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Just wait a bit, and don't argue,
+but listen. Isn't it true that at any moment we may die,
+and either cease to exist, or go to God who expects us
+to live according to His will?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, what can I do in this life
+other than what the supreme judge in my soul, my
+conscience&mdash;God&mdash;requires of me? And my conscience&mdash;God&mdash;requires
+that I should regard everybody as equal,
+love everybody, serve everybody.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Your own children too?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Naturally, my own too, but obeying
+all that my conscience demands. Above all, that I
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_348">348</a></span>should understand that my life does not belong to me&mdash;nor
+yours to you&mdash;but to God, who sent us into the
+world and who requires that we should do His will. And
+His will is&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And you think that you will
+persuade Mary of this?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Certainly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And that she will give up educating
+the children properly, and will abandon them?
+Never!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Not only will she understand, but
+you too will understand that it is the only thing to do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Never!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Mary Iv&aacute;novna.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, Mary! I didn't wake you
+this morning, did I?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, I was not asleep. And have you
+had a successful day?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, very.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Why, your coffee is quite cold! Why
+do you drink it like that? By the way, we must prepare
+for our visitors. You know the Cheremsh&aacute;novs are
+coming?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, if you're glad to have them, I
+shall be very pleased.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I like her and her children, but they
+have chosen a rather inconvenient time for their visit.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>rising</i>] Well, talk matters over
+with him, and I'll go and watch the tennis.</p>
+
+<p><i>A pause, then Mary Iv&aacute;novna and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich begin
+both talking at once.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> It's inconvenient, because we must
+have a talk.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I was just saying to Aline&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, you speak first.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349">349</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, I wanted to have a talk with you
+about Sty&oacute;pa. After all, something <em>must</em> be decided.
+He, poor fellow, feels depressed, and does not know what
+awaits him. He came to me, but how can I decide?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Why decide? He can decide for
+himself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But, you know, he wants to enter the
+Horse-Guards as a volunteer, and in order to do that he
+must get you to countersign his papers, and he must also
+be in a position to keep himself; and you don't give him
+anything. [<i>Gets excited</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Mary, for heaven's sake don't get
+excited, but listen to me. I don't give or withhold
+anything. To enter military service of one's own free
+will, I consider either a stupid, insensate action, suitable
+for a savage if the man does not understand the evil of
+his action, or despicable if he does it from an interested
+motive.&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But nowadays everything seems savage
+and stupid to you. After all, he must live; you lived!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>getting irritable</i>] I lived when I did
+not understand; and when nobody gave me good advice.
+However, it does not depend on me but on him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> How not on you? It's you who don't
+give him an allowance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I can't give what is not mine!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Not yours? What do you mean?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> The labour of others does not
+belong to me. To give him money, I must first take it
+from others. I have no right to do that, and I cannot do
+it! As long as I manage the estate I must manage it as
+my conscience dictates; and I cannot give the fruits of
+the toil of the overworked peasants to be spent on the
+debaucheries of Life-Guardsmen. Take over my property,
+and then I shall not be responsible!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> You know very well that I don't want
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_350">350</a></span>to take it, and moreover I can't. I have to bring up the
+children, besides nursing them and bearing them. It is cruel!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Mary, dear one! That is not the
+main thing. When you began to speak I too began and
+wanted to talk to you quite frankly. We must not go on
+like this. We are living together, but don't understand
+one another. Sometimes we even seem to misunderstand
+one another on purpose.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I want to understand, but I don't. No,
+I don't understand you. I do not know what has come to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well then, try and understand!
+This may not be a convenient time, but heaven knows
+when we shall find a convenient time. Understand not
+me&mdash;but yourself: the meaning of your own life! We
+can't go on living like this without knowing what we are
+living for.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> We have lived so, and lived very
+happily. [<i>Noticing a look of vexation on his face</i>] All right,
+all right, I am listening.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, I too lived so&mdash;that is to say,
+without thinking why I lived; but a time came when I
+was terror-struck. Well, here we are, living on other
+people's labour&mdash;making others work for us&mdash;bringing
+children into the world and bringing them up to do the
+same. Old age will come, and death, and I shall ask
+myself: &ldquo;Why have I lived?&rdquo; In order to breed more
+parasites like myself? And, above all, we do not even
+enjoy this life. It is only endurable, you know, while, like
+V&aacute;nya, you overflow with life's energy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But everybody lives like that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And they are all unhappy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Not at all.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Anyhow, I saw that I was terribly
+unhappy, and that I made you and the children unhappy,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_351">351</a></span>and I asked myself: &ldquo;Is it possible that God created us
+for this end?&rdquo; And as soon as I thought of it, I felt at
+once that he had not. I asked myself: &ldquo;What, then, has
+God created us for?&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Man-servant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>Not listening to her husband, turns to
+Servant</i>] Bring some boiled cream.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And in the Gospels I found the
+answer, that we certainly should not live for our own sake.
+That revealed itself to me very clearly once, when I was
+pondering over the parable of the labourers in the vineyard.
+You know?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, the labourers.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That parable seemed to show me
+more clearly than anything else where my mistake had
+been. Like those labourers I had thought that the vineyard
+was my own, and that my life was my own, and
+everything seemed dreadful; but as soon as I had understood
+that my life is not my own, but that I am sent into
+the world to do the will of God&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But what of it? We all know that!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, if we know it we cannot go
+on living as we are doing, for our whole life&mdash;far from
+being a fulfilment of His will&mdash;is, on the contrary, a
+continual transgression of it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But how is it a transgression&mdash;when
+we live without doing harm to anyone?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But are we doing no harm? Such
+an outlook on life is just like that of those labourers.
+Why we&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, I know the parable&mdash;and that he
+paid them all equally.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] No, it's not that.
+But do, Mary, consider one thing&mdash;that we have only one
+life, and can live it well, or can waste it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I can't think and argue! I don't sleep
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_352">352</a></span>at night; I am nursing. I have to manage the whole
+house, and instead of helping me, you say things to me
+that I don't understand.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Mary!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And now these visitors.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, let us come to an understanding.
+[<i>Kisses her</i>] Shan't we?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, only be like you used to be.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I can't, but now listen.</p>
+
+<p><i>The sound of bells and an approaching vehicle are
+heard.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I can't now&mdash;they have arrived! I
+must go to meet them. [<i>Exit behind corner of house.
+Sty&oacute;pa and Ly&uacute;ba follow her</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> We shan't abandon it; we must finish the game
+later. Well, Ly&uacute;ba, what now?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>seriously</i>] No nonsense, please.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna, with her husband and Lisa, come out
+on to the verandah. Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich paces up and down
+wrapt in thought.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, have you convinced her?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Al&iacute;na, what is going on between
+us is very important. Jokes are out of place. It is not
+I who am convincing her, but life, truth, God: they are
+convincing her&mdash;therefore she cannot help being convinced,
+if not to-day then to-morrow, if not to-morrow &hellip;
+It is awful that no one ever has time. Who is it that
+has just come?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> It's the Cheremsh&aacute;novs. Catiche
+Cheremsh&aacute;nov, whom I have not met for eighteen years.
+The last time I saw her we sang together: &ldquo;<span lang="it" xml:lang="it">La ci darem
+la mano.</span>&rdquo; [<i>Sings</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Please don't interrupt us, and
+don't imagine that I shall quarrel with Nicholas. I am
+telling the truth. [<i>To Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich</i>] I am not joking
+at all, but it seemed to me strange that you wanted to
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_353">353</a></span>convince Mary just when she had made up her mind
+to have it out with you!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Very well, very well. They
+are coming. Please tell Mary I shall be in my
+room. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h2">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_354">354</a></span></p>
+<h2>ACT II</h2>
+
+
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 1</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">In the same country-house, a week later. The scene represents
+a large dining-hall. The table is laid for tea and coffee,
+with a samov&aacute;r. A grand piano and a music-stand are by the
+wall. Mary Iv&aacute;novna, the Princess and Peter Semy&oacute;novich
+are seated at the table.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Ah, Princess, it does not seem so
+long ago since you were singing Rosina's part, and I &hellip;
+though nowadays I am not fit even for a Don Basilio.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Our children might do the singing now, but
+times have changed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, these are matter-of-fact times
+&hellip; But your daughter plays really seriously and well.
+Where are the young folk? Not asleep still, surely?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, they went out riding by moonlight
+last night, and returned very late. I was nursing baby
+and heard them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> And when will my better-half be
+back? Have you sent the coachman for her?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, they went for her quite early;
+I expect she will be here soon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Did Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna really go on purpose
+to fetch Father Ger&aacute;sim?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, the idea occurred to her yesterday,
+and she was off at once.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Quelle &eacute;nergie! Je l'admire.</i><a name="FNanchor_26_26" href="#Footnote_26_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_355">355</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">PETER SEMY&Oacute;NOVICH.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Oh, pour ceci, ce n'est pas &ccedil;a qui nous
+manque.</i><a name="FNanchor_27_27" href="#Footnote_27_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a> [<i>Takes out a cigar</i>] But I will go and have a
+smoke and take a stroll through the park with the dogs
+till the young people are up. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I don't know, dear Mary Iv&aacute;novna, whether
+I am right, but it seems to me that you take it all too
+much to heart. I understand him. He is in a very
+exalted state of mind. Well, even supposing he does
+give to the poor? Don't we anyway think too much
+about ourselves?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, if that were all, but you don't
+know him; nor all he is after. It is not simply helping
+the poor, but a complete revolution, the destruction of
+everything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I do not wish to intrude into your family life,
+but if you will allow me&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Not at all&mdash;I look upon you as one of
+the family&mdash;especially now.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I should advise you to put your demands to
+him openly and frankly, and to come to an agreement as
+to the limits&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>excitedly</i>] There are no limits! He
+wants to give away everything. He wishes me now, at
+my age, to become a cook and a washerwoman.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> No, is it possible! That is extraordinary.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>takes a letter out of her pocket</i>] We are
+by ourselves and I am glad to tell you all about it. He
+wrote me this letter yesterday. I will read it to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> What? He lives in the same house with
+you, and writes you letters? How strange!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, I understand him there. He gets
+so excited when he speaks. I have for some time past
+felt anxious about his health.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> What did he write?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> This [<i>reading</i>] &ldquo;You reproach me for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_356">356</a></span>upsetting our former way of life, and for not giving you
+anything new in exchange, and not saying how I should
+like to arrange our family affairs. When we begin to
+discuss it we both get excited, and that's why I am
+writing to you. I have often told you already why I
+cannot continue to live as we have been doing; and I
+cannot, in a letter, show you why that is so, nor why we
+must live in accord to Christ's teaching. You can do one
+of two things: either believe in the truth and voluntarily
+go with me, or believe in me and trusting yourself
+entirely to me&mdash;follow me.&rdquo; [<i>Stops reading</i>] I can do
+neither the one nor the other. I do not consider it
+necessary to live as he wishes us to. I have to consider
+the children, and I cannot rely on him. [<i>Reads</i>] &ldquo;My
+plan is this: We shall give our land to the peasants, retaining
+only 135 acres besides the orchards and kitchen-garden
+and the meadow by the river. We will try to
+work ourselves, but will not force one another, nor the
+children. What we keep should still bring us in about
+&pound;50 a year.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Live on &pound;50 a year&mdash;with seven children! Is
+it possible!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, here follows his whole plan: to
+give up the house and have it turned into a school, and
+ourselves to live in the gardener's two-roomed cottage.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes, now I begin to see that there is something
+abnormal about it. What did you answer?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I told him I couldn't; that were I
+alone I would follow him anywhere, but I have the
+children.&hellip; Only think! I am still nursing little
+Nicholas. I tell him we can't break up everything like
+that. After all, was that what I agreed to when I
+married? And now I am no longer young or strong.
+Think what it has meant to bear and nurse nine children.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I never dreamed that things had gone so far.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> That is how things are and I don't
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_357">357</a></span>know what will happen. Yesterday he excused the
+Dm&iacute;trovka peasants their rent; and he wants to give the
+land to them altogether.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I do not think you should allow it. It is
+your duty to protect your children. If he cannot deal
+with the estate, let him hand it over to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But I don't want that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> You ought to take it for the children's sake.
+Let him transfer the property to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> My sister Alex&aacute;ndra told him so; but
+he says he has no right to do it; and that the land
+belongs to those who work it, and that it is his duty to
+give it to the peasants.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes, now I see that the matter is far more
+serious than I thought.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And the Priest! The Priest takes his
+side, too.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes, I noticed that yesterday.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> That's why my sister has gone to
+Moscow. She wanted to talk things over with a lawyer,
+but chiefly she went to fetch Father Ger&aacute;sim that he may
+bring his influence to bear.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes, I do not think that Christianity calls
+upon us to ruin our families.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But he will not believe even Father
+Ger&aacute;sim. He is so firm; and when he talks, you know, I
+can't answer him. That's what is so terrible, that it
+seems to me he is right.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> That is because you love him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I don't know, but it's terrible, and
+everything remains unsettled&mdash;and that is Christianity!</p>
+
+<p><ins title="[Enter Nurse]."><i>Enter Nurse.</i></ins></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NURSE.</span> Will you please come. Little Nicholas has
+woke up and is crying for you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Directly! When I am excited he gets
+stomach ache. Coming, <ins title="coming">coming!</ins></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_358">358</a></span>
+<i>Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich enters by another door, with a paper in
+his hand.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, this is impossible!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What has happened?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Why, Peter is to be imprisoned on
+account of some wretched pine-trees of ours.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> How's that?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Quite simply! He cut it down, and
+they informed the Justice of Peace, and he has sentenced
+him to three months' imprisonment. His wife has come
+about it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, and can't anything be done?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Not now. The only way is not to
+possess any forest. And I will not possess any. What is
+one to do? I shall, however, go and see whether what we
+have done can be remedied. [<i>Goes out on to the verandah
+and meets Bor&iacute;s and Ly&uacute;ba</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Good morning, papa [<i>kisses him</i>], where are you
+going?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I have just returned from the
+village and am going back again. They are just dragging
+a hungry man to prison because he&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> I suppose it's Peter?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, Peter. [<i>Exit, followed by Mary
+Iv&aacute;novna</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>sits down in front of samov&aacute;r</i>] Will you have tea
+or coffee?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I don't mind.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> It's always the same, and I see no end to it!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I don't understand him. I know the people are
+poor and ignorant and must be helped, but not by encouraging
+thieves.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> But how?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> By our whole activity. By using all our knowledge
+in their service, but not by sacrificing one's own life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_359">359</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> And papa says, that that is just what is wanted.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I don't understand. One can serve the people
+without ruining one's own life. That is the way I want
+to arrange my life. If only you&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> I want what you want, and am not afraid of
+anything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> How about those earrings&mdash;that dress&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> The earrings can be sold and the dresses must
+be different, but one need not make oneself quite a guy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I should like to have another talk with him.
+Do you think I should disturb him if I followed him to
+the village?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Not at all. I see he has grown fond of you,
+and he addressed himself chiefly to you last night.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>finishes his coffee</i>] Well, I'll go then.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Yes, do, and I'll go and wake Lisa and <ins title="T&aacute;nya">T&oacute;nya</ins>.</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 2</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">Village street. Iv&aacute;n Zy&aacute;brev, covered with a sheepskin coat,
+is lying near a hut.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> Mal&aacute;shka!</p>
+
+<p><i>A tiny girl comes out of the hut with a baby in her arms.
+The baby is crying.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> Get me a drink of water.</p>
+
+<p><i>Mal&aacute;shka goes back into the hut, from where the baby can be
+heard screaming. She brings a bowl of water.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> Why do you always beat the youngster
+and make him howl? I'll tell mother.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MAL&Aacute;SHKA.</span> Tell her then. It's hunger makes him
+howl!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_360">360</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV</span> [<i>drinks</i>] You should go and ask the
+D&eacute;mkins for some milk.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MAL&Aacute;SHKA.</span> I went, but there wasn't any. And there
+was no one at home.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> Oh! if only I could die! Have they
+rung for dinner?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MAL&Aacute;SHKA.</span> They have. Here's the master coming.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Why have you come out here?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> Too many flies in there, and it's too hot.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Then you're warm now?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> Yes, now I'm burning all over.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And where is Peter? Is he at
+home?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> At home, at this time? Why, he's gone
+to the field to cart the corn.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And I hear that they want to put
+him in prison.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> That's so, the Policeman has gone to the
+field for him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter a pregnant Woman, carrying a sheaf of oats and a
+rake. She immediately hits Mal&aacute;shka on the back of the head.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> What d'you mean by leaving the baby? Don't
+you hear him howling! Running about the streets is all
+<em>you</em> know.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MAL&Aacute;SHKA</span> [<i>howling</i>] I've only just come out. Daddy
+wanted a drink.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> I'll give it you. [<i>She sees the land-owner, N. I.
+Sar&yacute;ntsov</i>] Good-day, sir. Children are a trouble! I'm
+quite done up, everything on my shoulders, and now
+they're taking our only worker to prison, and this lout is
+sprawling about here.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> What are you saying? He's
+quite ill!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> He's ill, and what about me? Am I not ill?
+When it's work, he's ill; but to merry-make or pull my
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_361">361</a></span>hair out, he's not too ill. Let him die like a hound!
+What do I care?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> How can you say such wicked
+things?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> I know it's a sin; but I can't subdue my heart.
+I'm expecting another child, and I have to work for two.
+Other people have their harvest in already, and we have
+not mowed a quarter of our oats yet. I ought to finish
+binding the sheaves, but can't. I had to come and see
+what the children were about.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> The oats shall be cut&mdash;I'll hire
+someone, and to bind the sheaves too.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> Oh, binding's nothing. I can do that myself,
+if it's only mown down quick. What d'you think, Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich, will he die? He is very ill!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I don't know. But he really is
+very ill. I think we must send him to the hospital.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> Oh God! [<i>Begins to cry</i>] Don't take him away,
+let him die here.<a name="FNanchor_28_28" href="#Footnote_28_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a> [<i>To her husband, who utters something</i>]
+What's the matter?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV.</span> I want to go to the hospital. Here I'm
+treated worse than a dog.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> Well, I don't know. I've lost my head.
+Mal&aacute;shka, get dinner ready.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> What have you for dinner?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WOMAN.</span> What? Why, potatoes and bread, and not
+enough of that. [<i>Enters hut. A pig squeals, and children
+are crying inside</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">IV&Aacute;N ZY&Aacute;BREV</span> [<i>groans</i>] Oh Lord, if I could but die!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Bor&iacute;s.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Can I be of any use?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Here no one can be of use to
+another. The evil is too deeply rooted. Here we can
+only be of use to ourselves, by seeing on what we build
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_362">362</a></span>our happiness. Here is a family: five children, the wife
+pregnant, the husband ill, nothing but potatoes to eat,
+and at this moment the question is being decided whether
+they are to have enough to eat next year or not. Help
+is not possible. How can one help? Suppose I hire a
+labourer; who will he be? Just such another man: one
+who has given up his farming, from drink or from want.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Excuse me, but if so, what are you doing here?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I am learning my own position.
+Finding out who weeds our gardens, builds our houses,
+makes our garments, and feeds and clothes us. [<i>Peasants
+with scythes and women with rakes pass by and bow.
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich, stopping one of the Peasants</i>] Erm&iacute;l,
+won't you take on the job of carting for these people?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ERM&Iacute;L</span> [<i>shakes his head</i>] I would with all my heart, but I
+can't possibly do it. I haven't carted my own yet. We
+are off now to do some carting. But is Iv&aacute;n dying?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ANOTHER PEASANT.</span> Here's Sebastian, he may take on
+the job. I say, Daddy Sebastian! They want a man to
+get the oats in.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">SEBASTIAN.</span> Take the job on yourself. At this time of
+year one day's work brings a year's food. [<i>The Peasants
+pass on</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> They are all half-starved; they
+have only bread and water, they are ill, and many of them
+are old. That old man, for instance, is ruptured and is
+suffering, and yet he works from four in the morning to
+ten at night, though he is only half alive. And we? Is
+it possible, realising all this, to live quietly and consider
+oneself a Christian? Or let alone a Christian&mdash;simply
+not a beast?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> But what can one do?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Not take part in this evil. Not
+own the land, nor devour the fruits of their labour. How
+this can be arranged, I don't yet know. The fact of the
+matter is&mdash;at any rate it was so with me&mdash;I lived and did
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_363">363</a></span>not realise how I was living. I did not realise that I am
+a son of God and that we are all sons of God&mdash;and all
+brothers. But as soon as I realised it&mdash;realised that we
+have all an equal right to live&mdash;my whole life was turned
+upside down. But I cannot explain it to you now. I will
+only tell you this: I was blind, just as my people at home
+are, but now my eyes are opened and I cannot help
+seeing; and seeing it all, I can't continue to live in such
+a way. However, that will keep till later. Now we
+must see what can be done.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Policeman, Peter, his wife, and boy.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>falls at Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich's feet</i>] Forgive me, for
+the Lord's sake, or I'm ruined. How can the woman get
+in the harvest? If at least I might be bailed out.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I will go and write a petition for
+you. [<i>To Policeman</i>] Can't you let him remain here for
+the present?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">POLICEMAN.</span> Our orders are to take him to the police-station
+now.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>to Peter</i>] Well then go, and I'll do
+what I can. This is evidently my doing. How can one
+go on living like this? [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 3</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">In the same country-house. It is raining outside. A
+drawing-room with a grand piano. T&oacute;nya has just finished
+playing a sonata of Schumann's and is sitting at the piano.
+Sty&oacute;pa is standing by the piano. Bor&iacute;s is sitting. Ly&uacute;ba,
+Lisa, Mitrof&aacute;n Erm&iacute;lych and the young Priest are all
+stirred by the music.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> That andante! Isn't it lovely!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> No, the scherzo. Though really the whole of
+it is beautiful.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Very fine.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_364">364</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> But I had no idea you were such an artist. It
+is real masterly play. Evidently the difficulties no longer
+exist for you, and you think only of the feeling, and
+express it with wonderful delicacy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Yes, and with dignity.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> While <em>I</em> felt that it was not at all what I meant
+it to be. A great deal remained unexpressed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> What could be better? It was wonderful.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Schumann is good, but all the same Chopin
+takes a stronger hold of one's heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> He is more lyrical.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> There is no comparison.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Do you remember his prelude?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> Oh, the one called the George Sand prelude?
+[<i>Plays the commencement</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> No, not that one. That is very fine, but so
+hackneyed. Do play this one. [<i>T&oacute;nya plays what she
+can of it, and then breaks off</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> Oh, that is a lovely thing. There is something
+elemental about it&mdash;older than creation.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA</span> [<i>laughs</i>] Yes, yes. Do play it. But no, you
+are too tired. As it is, we have had a delightful morning,
+thanks to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA</span> [<i>rises and looks out of window</i>] There are some
+more peasants waiting outside.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> That is why music is so precious. I understand
+Saul. Though I'm not tormented by devils, I still understand
+him. No other art can make one so forget everything
+else as music does. [<i>Approaches the window. To
+Peasants</i>] Whom do you want?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PEASANTS.</span> We have been sent to speak to Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> He is not in. You must wait.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> And yet you are marrying Bor&iacute;s who understands
+nothing about music.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Oh, surely not.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365">365</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>absently</i>] Music? Oh no. I like music, or
+rather I don't dislike it. Only I prefer something simpler&mdash;I
+like songs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> But is not this sonata lovely?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> The chief thing is, that it is not important; and
+it rather hurts me, when I think of the lives men live,
+that so much importance is attached to music.</p>
+
+<p><i>They all eat sweetmeats, which are standing on the table.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> How nice it is to have a fianc&eacute; here and sweetmeats
+provided!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Oh that is not my doing. It's mamma's.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> And quite right too.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Music is precious because it seizes us, takes
+possession of us, and carries us away from reality. Everything
+seemed gloomy till you suddenly began to play,
+and really it has made everything brighter.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> And Chopin's valses. They are hackneyed, but
+all the same&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> This&nbsp;&hellip; [<i>plays</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich. He greets Bor&iacute;s, T&oacute;nya,
+Sty&oacute;pa, Lisa, Mitrof&aacute;n Erm&iacute;lych and the Priest.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Where's mamma?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> I think she's in the nursery.</p>
+
+<p><i>Sty&oacute;pa calls the Man-servant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Papa, how wonderfully T&oacute;nya plays! And
+where have you been?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> In the village.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter servant, Afan&aacute;sy.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Bring another samov&aacute;r.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>greets the Man-servant, and shakes
+hands with him</i><a name="FNanchor_29_29" href="#Footnote_29_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a>] Good-day. [<i>Servant becomes confused.
+Exit Servant. Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich also goes off</i>].</p>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366">366</a></span></p>
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Poor Afan&aacute;sy! He was terribly confused. I
+can't understand papa. It is as if we were guilty of
+something.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I was going back to my room
+without having told you what I feel. <ins title="(To T&oacute;nya)">[<i>To T&oacute;nya</i>]</ins> If what
+I say should offend you&mdash;who are our guest&mdash;forgive me,
+but I cannot help saying it. You, Lisa, say that T&oacute;nya
+plays well. All you here, seven or eight healthy young
+men and women, have slept till ten o'clock, have eaten
+and drunk and are still eating; and you play and discuss
+music: while there, where I have just been, they were
+all up at three in the morning, and those who pastured
+the horses at night have not slept at all; and old and
+young, the sick and the weak, children and nursing-mothers
+and pregnant women are working to the utmost
+limits of their strength, so that we here may consume the
+fruits of their labour. Nor is that all. At this very
+moment, one of them, the only breadwinner of a family,
+is being dragged to prison because he has cut down one
+of a hundred thousand pine-trees that grow in the forest
+that is called <em>mine</em>. And we here, washed and clothed,
+having left the slops in our bedrooms to be cleaned up
+by slaves, eat and drink and discuss Schumann and
+Chopin and which of them moves us most or best cures
+our ennui? That is what I was thinking when I passed
+you, so I have spoken. Consider, is it possible to go
+on living in this way? [<i>Stands greatly agitated</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> True, quite true!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> If one lets oneself think about it, one can't
+live.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Why? I don't see why the fact that people
+are poor should prevent one talking about Schumann.
+The one does not exclude the other. If one&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>angrily</i>] If one has no heart, if
+one is made of wood&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367">367</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Well, I'll hold my tongue.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> It is a terrible problem; it is the problem of
+our day; and we should not be afraid of it, but look it
+straight in the face, in order to solve it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> We cannot wait for the problem
+to be solved by public measures. Every one of us must
+die&mdash;if not to-day, then to-morrow. How can I live
+without suffering from this internal discord?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Of course there is only one way; that is, not
+to take part in it at all.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, forgive me if I have hurt
+you. I could not help saying what I felt. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Not take part in it? But our whole life is
+bound up with it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> That is why he says that the first step is to
+possess no property; to change our whole way of life and
+live so as not to be served by others but to serve others.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> Well, I see <em>you</em> have quite gone over to
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich's side.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Yes, I now understand it for the first time&mdash;after
+what I saw in the village.&hellip; You need only take off
+the spectacles through which we are accustomed to look
+at the life of the people, to realise at once the connection
+between their sufferings and our pleasures&mdash;that is
+enough!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MITROF&Aacute;N ERM&Iacute;LYCH.</span> Yes, but the remedy does not
+consist in ruining one's own life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> It is surprising how Mitrof&aacute;n Erm&iacute;lych and I,
+though we usually stand poles asunder, come to the same
+conclusion: those are my very words, &ldquo;not ruin one's
+own life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Naturally! You both of you wish to lead a
+pleasant life, and therefore want life arranged so as to
+ensure that pleasant life for you. [<i>To Sty&oacute;pa</i>] You wish to
+maintain the present system, while Mitrof&aacute;n Erm&iacute;lych
+wants to establish a new one.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368">368</a></span>
+<i>Ly&uacute;ba and T&oacute;nya whisper together. T&oacute;nya goes to the
+piano and plays a nocturne by Chopin. General silence.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> That's splendid; that solves everything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> It obscures and postpones everything!</p>
+
+<p><i>While T&oacute;nya is playing, Mary Iv&aacute;novna and the Princess
+enter quietly and sit down to listen.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Before the end of the nocturne carriage bells are heard
+outside.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> It is Aunt. [<i>Goes to meet her</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>The music continues. Enter Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna, Father
+Ger&aacute;sim (a priest with a cross round his neck) and a Notary.
+All rise.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Please go on, it is very pleasant.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Princess approaches to receive his blessing, and the
+young Priest does the same.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I have done exactly what I said I
+would do. I found Father Ger&aacute;sim, and you see I have
+persuaded him to come&mdash;he was on his way to Koursk&mdash;so
+I have done my part; and here is the Notary. He
+has got the deed ready; it only needs signing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Won't you have some lunch?</p>
+
+<p><i>Notary puts down his papers on the table, and exit.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I am very grateful to Father Ger&aacute;sim.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM</span>. What else could I do&mdash;though it was
+out of my way&mdash;yet as a Christian I considered it my
+duty to visit him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna whispers to the young people. They
+consult together and go out on to the verandah, all except
+Bor&iacute;s. The young Priest also wants to go.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span><a name="FNanchor_30_30" href="#Footnote_30_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> No. You as a pastor and spiritual
+father must remain here! You may benefit by it yourself,
+and may be of use to others. Stay here, if Mary
+Iv&aacute;novna has no objection.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, I am as fond of Father Vas&iacute;ly as
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_369">369</a></span>if he were one of the family. I have even consulted
+him; but being so young he has not much authority.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Naturally, naturally.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>approaching</i>] Well, you see now,
+Father Ger&aacute;sim, that you are the only person who can
+help and can bring him to reason. He is a clever, well-read
+man, but learning, you know, can only do harm. He
+is suffering from some sort of delusion. He maintains
+that the Christian law forbids a man to own any property;
+but how is that possible?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Temptation, spiritual pride, self-will!
+The Fathers of the Church have answered the question
+satisfactorily. But how did this befall him?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, to tell you everything &hellip; when
+we married he was quite indifferent to religion, and
+we lived so, and lived happily, during our best years&mdash;the
+first twenty years. Then he began to reflect. Perhaps
+he was influenced by his sister, or by what he read.
+Anyhow, he began thinking and reading the Gospels,
+and then suddenly he grew extremely religious, began
+going to church and visiting the monks. Then all at
+once he gave all this up and changed his way of life
+completely. He began doing manual labour, would not
+let the servants wait on him, and above all he is now
+giving away his property. He yesterday gave away a
+forest&mdash;both the trees and land. It frightens me, for I
+have seven children. Do talk to him. I'll go and ask
+him whether he will see you. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Nowadays many are falling away.
+And is the estate his or his wife's?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> His! That's what is so unfortunate.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> And what is his official rank?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> His rank is not high. Only that of a cavalry
+captain, I believe. He was once in the army.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> There are many who turn aside in
+that way. In Odessa there was a lady who was carried
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_370">370</a></span>away by Spiritualism and began to do much harm. But all
+the same, God enabled us to lead her back to the Church.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> The chief thing, please understand, is that my
+son is about to marry his daughter. I have given my
+consent, but the girl is used to luxury and should therefore
+be provided for, and not have to depend entirely on
+my son. Though I admit he is a hard-working and an
+exceptional young man.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Mary Iv&aacute;novna and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> How d'you do, Princess? How
+d'you do? [<i>To Father Ger&aacute;sim</i>] I beg your pardon. I
+don't know your name.<a name="FNanchor_31_31" href="#Footnote_31_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Do you not wish to receive my
+blessing?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, I don't.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> My name is Ger&aacute;sim S&eacute;dorovitch.
+Very pleased to meet you.</p>
+
+<p><i>Men-servants bring lunch and wine.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Pleasant weather, and good for the
+harvest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I suppose you came, at Alex&aacute;ndra
+Iv&aacute;novna's invitation, to divert me from my errors and
+direct me in the path of truth. If that is so, don't let
+us beat about the bush, but let us get to business at once.
+I do not deny that I disagree with the teaching of the
+Church. I used to agree with it, and then left off doing
+so. But with my whole heart I wish to be in the truth
+and will at once accept it if you show it to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> How is it you say you don't believe
+the teaching of the Church? What is there to believe
+in, if not the Church?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> God and His law, given to us in
+the Gospels.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_371">371</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> The Church teaches that very law.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> If it did so, I should believe in the
+Church, but unfortunately it teaches the contrary.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> The Church cannot teach the contrary,
+because it was established by the Lord himself. It is
+written, &ldquo;I give you power,&rdquo; and, &ldquo;Upon this rock I will
+build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
+against it.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That was not said in this connection
+at all, and proves nothing. But even if we were
+to admit that Christ established the Church, how do I
+know that it was <em>your</em> Church?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Because it is said, &ldquo;Where two or
+three are gathered together in my name, there am I in
+the midst of them.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That, too, was not said in this
+connection, and proves nothing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> How <em>can</em> one deny the Church? It
+alone provides salvation.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I did not deny the Church until
+I found it supported everything that is contrary to
+Christianity.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> It can make no mistakes, for it alone
+has the truth. Those who leave it go astray, but the
+Church is sacred.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I have already told you that I do
+not accept that. I do not accept it because, as is said in
+the Gospels, &ldquo;By their deeds shall ye know them, by
+their fruit shall ye know them.&rdquo; I have found out that the
+Church blesses oaths, murders and executions.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> The Church acknowledges and
+sanctifies the Powers ordained by God.</p>
+
+<p><i>During the conversation, Sty&oacute;pa, Ly&uacute;ba, Lisa and T&oacute;nya
+at different times enter the room and sit or stand listening.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I know that the Gospels say, not
+only &ldquo;Do not kill,&rdquo; but &ldquo;Do not be angry,&rdquo; yet the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372">372</a></span>Church blesses the army. The Gospel says, &ldquo;Swear not
+at all,&rdquo; yet the Church administers oaths. The Gospel
+says&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Excuse me. When Pilate<a name="FNanchor_32_32" href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> said, &ldquo;I
+adjure thee by the living God,&rdquo; Christ accepted his
+oath by replying &ldquo;I am.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Dear me! What are you saying?
+That is really absurd.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> That is why the Church does not
+permit everyone to interpret the Gospel, lest he should
+go astray, but like a mother caring for her child gives
+him an interpretation suitable to his strength. No, let
+me finish! The Church does not lay on its children
+burdens too heavy for them to bear, but demands that
+they should keep the Commandments: love, do no
+murder, do not steal, do not commit adultery.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes! Do not kill me, do not steal
+from me my stolen goods. We have all robbed the
+people, we have stolen their land and have then made a
+law forbidding them to steal it back; and the Church
+sanctions all these things.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Heresy and spiritual pride are speaking
+through you. You ought to conquer your intellectual
+pride.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> It is not pride. I am only asking
+you what should I do according to Christ's law, when I have
+become conscious of the sin of robbing the people and
+enslaving them by means of the land. How am I to act?
+Continue to own land and to profit by the labour of
+starving men: putting them to this kind of work [<i>points
+to Servant who is bringing in the lunch and some wine</i>], or am
+I to return the land to those from whom my ancestors
+stole it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> You must act as behoves a son of the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_373">373</a></span>Church. You have a family and children, and you must
+keep and educate them in a way suitable to their position.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Why?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Because God has placed you in that
+position. If you wish to be charitable, be charitable by
+giving away part of your property and by visiting the
+poor.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But how is it that the rich young
+man was told that the rich cannot enter the Kingdom of
+Heaven?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> It is said, &ldquo;If thou wouldest be
+perfect.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But I <em>do</em> wish to be perfect.
+The Gospels say, &ldquo;Be ye perfect as your Father in
+Heaven&nbsp;&hellip;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> But we have to understand in what
+connection a thing is said.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I do try to understand, and all
+that is said in the Sermon on the Mount is plain and
+comprehensible.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Spiritual pride.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Where is the pride, since it is said
+that what is hidden from the wise is revealed to babes?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> Revealed to the meek, but not to the
+proud.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But who is proud? I, who consider
+myself a man like the rest of mankind, and one who
+therefore must live like the rest by his own labour and
+as poorly as his brother men, or those who consider themselves
+to be specially selected sacred people, knowing the
+whole truth and incapable of error; and who interpret
+Christ's words their own way?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM</span> [<i>offended</i>] Pardon me, Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich,
+I did not come here to argue which of us is right, nor to
+receive an admonition, but I called, at Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna's
+request, to talk things over with you. But since you
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_374">374</a></span>know everything better than I do, we had better end our
+conversation. Only, once again, I must entreat you in
+God's name to come to your senses. You have gone
+cruelly astray and are ruining yourself. [<i>Rises</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Won't you have something to eat?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GER&Aacute;SIM.</span> No, I thank you. [<i>Exit with Alex&aacute;ndra
+Iv&aacute;novna</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>to young Priest</i>] And what now?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Well, in my opinion, Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich spoke
+the truth, and Father Ger&aacute;sim produced no argument on
+his side.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> He was not allowed to speak, and he did not
+like having a kind of debate with everybody listening.
+It was his modesty that made him withdraw.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> It wasn't modesty at all. All he said was so
+false. It was evident that he had nothing to say.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes, with your usual instability I see that
+you are beginning to agree with Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich about
+everything. If you believe such things you ought not to
+marry.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I only say that truth is truth, and I can't help
+saying it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> You of all people should not talk like that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Why not?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Because you are poor, and have nothing to
+give away. However, all this is not our business. [<i>Exit,
+followed by all except Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich and Mary Iv&aacute;novna</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>sits pondering, then smiles at his own
+thoughts</i>] Mary! What is all this for? Why did you
+invite that wretched, erring man? Why do those noisy
+women and that priest come into our most intimate life?
+Can we not settle our own affairs?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What am I to do, if you want to leave
+the children penniless? That is what I cannot quietly
+submit to. You know that I am not grasping, and that I
+want nothing for myself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_375">375</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I know, I know and believe it.
+But the misfortune is that you do not trust the truth.
+I know you see it, but you can't make up your mind to
+rely on it. You rely neither on the truth nor on me.
+Yet you trust the crowd&mdash;the Princess and the rest of them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I believe in you, I always did; but
+when you want to let the children go begging&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That means that you do not rely
+on me. Do you think I have not struggled and have not
+feared! But afterwards I became convinced that this
+course is not only possible but obligatory, and that it is the
+one thing necessary and good for the children themselves.
+You always say that were it not for the children you
+would follow me, but I say that if we had no children we
+might live as we are doing; we should then only be
+injuring ourselves, but now we are injuring them too.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But what am I to do, if I don't understand?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> And what am I to do? Don't I
+know why that wretched man&mdash;dressed up in his cassock
+and wearing that cross&mdash;was sent for, and why Alex&aacute;ndra
+Iv&aacute;novna brought the Notary? You want me to hand
+the estate over to you, but I can't. You know that I
+have loved you all the twenty years we have lived
+together. I love you and wish you well, and therefore
+cannot sign away the estate to you. If I sign it away at
+all, it can only be to give it back to those from whom it
+has been taken&mdash;the peasants. And I can't let things
+remain as they are, but must give it to them. I'm glad
+the Notary has come; and I will do it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, that is dreadful! Why this
+cruelty? Though you think it a sin, still give it to me.
+[<i>Weeps</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You don't know what you are
+saying. If I give it to you, I cannot go on living with
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_376">376</a></span>you; I shall have to go away. I cannot continue to live
+under these conditions. I shall not be able to look on while
+the life-blood is squeezed out of the peasants and they
+are imprisoned, in your name if not in mine. So choose!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> How cruel you are! Is this Christianity?
+It is harshness! I cannot, after all, live as you
+want me to. I cannot rob my own children and give
+everything away to other people; and that is why you
+want to desert me. Well&mdash;do so! I see you have ceased
+loving me, and I even know why.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Very well then&mdash;I will sign; but,
+Mary, you demand the impossible of me. [<i>Goes to writing-table
+and signs</i>] You wished it, but I shall not be able to
+go on living like this.</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h2">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_377">377</a></span></p>
+<h2>ACT III</h2>
+
+
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 1</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">The scene is laid in Moscow. A large room. In it a
+carpenter's bench; a table with papers on it; a book-cupboard;
+a looking-glass and pictures on the wall behind, with
+some planks leaning in front of them. A Carpenter and
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich wearing a carpenter's apron are working
+at the bench, planing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>takes a board from the vice</i>] Is that
+all right?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER</span> [<i>setting a plane</i>] Not quite, you must do it
+more boldly&mdash;like this.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> It is easy to say boldly, but I can't
+manage it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> But why should your honour trouble to
+learn to be a carpenter? There are such a lot of us
+nowadays that we can hardly get a living as it is.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>at work again</i>] I'm ashamed to
+lead an idle life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> Yours is that kind of position. God has
+given you property.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That's just where it is. I don't
+believe that God gave it, but that some of us have taken
+it, and taken it from our brother men.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER</span> [<i>taken aback</i>] That's so! But still you've
+no need to do this.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I understand that it must seem
+strange to you that while living in this house where
+there is such superfluity, I should wish to earn something.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_378">378</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">CARPENTER</span> [<i>laughs</i>] No. Everybody knows that gentlefolk
+want to master everything. Well, now go over it again
+with the smoothing plane.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You won't believe me and will
+laugh, but still I must tell you that formerly I was not
+ashamed to live in this way, but now that I believe in
+Christ's law, which tells us we are all brothers&mdash;I am
+ashamed to live so.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> If you are ashamed of it, give away your
+property.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I wanted to, but failed, and gave
+it to my wife.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> But after all it would not be possible for
+you to do it&mdash;you are too used to comforts.</p>
+
+<p>[<i>Voice outside the door</i>] Papa, may I come in?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You may, you always may.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Ly&uacute;ba.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Good-day, Jacob!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> Good-day, Miss!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Bor&iacute;s has gone to his regiment. I am afraid of
+what he may do or say there. What do you think?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> What can I think? He will do
+what is natural to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> It is awful. He has such a short time to serve<a name="FNanchor_33_33" href="#Footnote_33_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a>
+and may go and ruin his whole life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> He did well not to come to see
+me. He understands that I can't say anything to him
+but what he knows himself. He told me that he handed
+in his resignation because he sees that not only is there
+no more immoral, lawless, cruel and brutal occupation
+than this one, the object of which is to kill, but also that
+there is nothing more degrading and mean than to have
+to submit implicitly to any man of higher rank who
+happens to come along. He knows all that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_379">379</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> That's just why I am afraid. He knows that,
+and may want to take some action.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> His conscience&mdash;the God that
+dwells within him&mdash;will decide that. Had he come to
+me I should have given him only one piece of advice:
+not to do anything in which he is guided by his reason
+alone&mdash;nothing is worse than that&mdash;but only to act when
+his whole being demands it. Now I, for instance, wished
+to act according to Christ's injunction: to leave father,
+wife and children and to follow Him, and I left home,
+but how did it end? It ended by my coming back and
+living with you in luxury in town. Because I was trying
+to do more than I had strength for, I have landed myself
+in this degrading and senseless position: I wish to live
+simply and to work with my hands, but in these surroundings,
+with lackeys and porters, it seems a kind of affectation.
+I see that, even now, Jacob Nikon&oacute;rych is laughing at me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> Why should I laugh? You pay me, and
+give me my tea. I am grateful to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> I wonder if I had not better go to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> My dear, my darling, I know you
+find it hard and are frightened, though you should not
+be so. After all, I am a man who understands life.
+Nothing evil can happen. All that appears evil really
+makes one's heart more joyful; only understand that a
+man who has started on that path will have to choose,
+and it sometimes happens that God's side and the
+Devil's weigh so equally that the scales oscillate, and it
+is then that the great choice has to be made. At that
+point any interference from outside is terribly dangerous
+and tormenting. It is as though a man were making
+such terrible efforts to draw a weight over a ridge that
+the slightest touch would cause him to break his back.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Why should he suffer so?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That is as though a mother were
+to ask why she should suffer. There can be no childbirth
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_380">380</a></span>without suffering, and it is the same in spiritual
+life. One thing I can tell you. Bor&iacute;s is a true Christian,
+and consequently is free, and if you cannot as yet be like
+him, or believe in God as he does, then believe in God
+through him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>behind door</i>] May I come in?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You may always come in. What
+a reception I'm having here to-day.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Our priest, Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich, has
+come. He is going to the Bishop, and has resigned his
+living!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Impossible!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He is here! Ly&uacute;ba, go and call him!
+He wants to see you. [<i>Exit Ly&uacute;ba</i>]. I had another
+reason for coming. I want to speak to you about V&aacute;nya.
+He behaves abominably, and does his lesson so badly that
+he can't possibly pass; and when I speak to him he is rude.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Mary, you know I am out of
+sympathy with the whole manner of life you are all
+leading, and with the education you are giving to the
+children. It is a terrible question for me, whether I have
+a right to see them perishing before my very eyes&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Then you should suggest something
+else, something definite. But what do you offer?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I cannot say what. But can only
+say that first we should get rid of all this depraving luxury.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> So that they should become peasants!
+I cannot agree to that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Then don't consult me. The
+things that grieve you are natural and inevitable.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Priest and Ly&uacute;ba. The Priest and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich
+kiss<a name="FNanchor_34_34" href="#Footnote_34_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a> one another.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_381">381</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Is it possible that you have thrown
+it all up?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I could stand it no longer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I did not expect it so soon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> But it was really impossible. In our calling
+we cannot be indifferent. We have to hear confessions,
+and to administer the Sacrament, and when once one has
+become convinced that it is all not true&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, and what now?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Now I am going to the Bishop to be questioned.
+I am afraid he will exile me to the Solov&eacute;tsk Monastery.
+At one time I thought of asking you to help me to
+escape abroad, but then I considered that it would seem
+cowardly. Only, there is my wife!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Where is she?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> She has gone to her father's. My mother-in-law
+came and took our boy away. That hurt me very
+much. I should much like &hellip; [<i>pauses, restraining his
+tears</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, may God help you! Are
+you staying with us?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS</span> [<i>running into the room</i>] There now, it has
+happened. He has refused to serve, and has been put
+under arrest. I have just been there but was not admitted.
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich, you must go.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Has he refused? How do you know?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I was there myself! Vas&iacute;ly Andr&eacute;evich,
+who is a Member of the Council, told me all about it.
+Bor&iacute;s just walked in and told them he would serve no
+longer, would take no oath, and in fact said everything
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich has taught him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Princess! Can such things be
+taught?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I don't know. Only this is not Christianity!
+What is your opinion, Father?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I am no longer &ldquo;Father.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_382">382</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Well, all the same. However, you are also
+one of them! No, I cannot leave things in this state.
+And what cursed Christianity it is that makes people
+suffer and perish. I hate this Christianity of yours. It's
+all right for you, who know you won't be touched; but I
+have only one son, and you have ruined him!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Do be calm, Princess.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes you, you have ruined him! And having
+ruined him, you must save him. Go and persuade him to
+abandon all this nonsense. It's all very well for rich
+people, but not for us.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>crying</i>] Papa, what can be done?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I will go. Perhaps I can be of
+some use. [<i>Takes off his apron</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS</span> [<i>helping him on with his coat</i>] They would not
+let me in, but now we will go together and I shall get
+my way. [<i>Exeunt</i>].</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3 class="smcap"><ins title="Scene 2.">Scene 2</ins></h3>
+
+<p class="scene">A Government office. A Clerk is seated at a table, and a
+Sentinel is pacing up and down. Enter a General with his
+Adjutant. The Clerk jumps up, the Sentinel presents arms.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Where is the Colonel?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CLERK.</span> Gone to see that new conscript, Your Excellency.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Ah, very well. Ask him to come here to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CLERK.</span> Yes, Your Excellency.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> And what are you copying out? Isn't it the
+conscript's evidence?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CLERK.</span> Yes, sir, it is.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Give it here.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_383">383</a></span>
+<i>The Clerk hands General the paper and exit. The General
+hands it to his Adjutant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Please read it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT</span> [<i>reading</i>] &ldquo;These are my answers to the
+questions put to me, namely: (1) Why I do not take
+my oath. (2) Why I refuse to fulfil the demands of the
+Government. (3) What induced me to use words offensive
+not only to the army but also to the Highest Authorities.
+In reply to the first question: I cannot take the oath
+because I accept Christ's teaching, which directly and
+clearly forbids taking oaths, as in St. Matthew's Gospel,
+ch.&nbsp;5 vv.&nbsp;33&ndash;37, and in the Epistle of St. James, ch.&nbsp;5
+v.&nbsp;12.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Of course he must be arguing! Putting his
+own interpretations!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT</span> [<i>goes on reading</i>] &ldquo;The Gospel says: &#8216;Swear
+not at all, but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; and
+what is more than these is of the evil one!&#8217; St. James's
+Epistle says: &#8216;Before all things, brethren, swear not by
+the heavens nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but
+let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, that ye fall not
+into temptation!&#8217; But apart from the fact that the Bible
+gives us such clear injunctions not to swear&mdash;or even if
+it contained no such injunctions&mdash;I should still be unable
+to swear to obey the will of men, because as a Christian I
+must always obey the will of God, which does not always
+coincide with the will of men.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> He must be arguing! If I had my way, there
+would be none of this.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT</span> [<i>reading</i>] &ldquo;I refuse to fulfil the demands of
+men calling themselves the Government, because&nbsp;&hellip;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> What insolence!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> &ldquo;Because those demands are criminal and
+wicked. They demand of me that I should enter the
+army, and learn and prepare to commit murder, though
+this is forbidden both in the Old and the New Testaments,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_384">384</a></span>and above all by my conscience. To the third
+question&nbsp;&hellip;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Colonel followed by Clerk. The General shakes
+hands with Colonel.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COLONEL.</span> You are reading the evidence?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Yes. Unpardonably insolent language. Well,
+go on.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> &ldquo;To the third question: What induced me
+to use offensive words before the Court, my answer is:
+that I was induced to do so by the wish to serve God,
+and in order to expose the fraud carried on in His name.
+This desire, I hope to retain till I die, and therefore&nbsp;&hellip;&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Come; that's enough; one can't listen to all
+this balderdash. The fact is all this sort of thing must
+be eradicated, and action taken to prevent the people
+being perverted. [<i>To Colonel</i>] Have you spoken to him?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COLONEL.</span> I have been doing so all the time. I tried to
+shame him, and also to convince him that it would only
+be worse for himself, and that he would gain nothing by
+it. Besides that, I spoke of his relations. He was very
+excited, but holds to his opinions.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> A pity you talked to him so much. We are
+in the army not to reason, but to act. Call him here!</p>
+
+<p><i>Exit Adjutant with Clerk.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL</span> [<i>sits down</i>] No, Colonel, that's not the way.
+Fellows of this kind must be dealt with in a different
+manner. Decisive measures are needed to cut off the
+diseased limb. One maggoty sheep infects the whole
+flock. In these cases one must not be too squeamish.
+His being a Prince, and having a mother and a fianc&eacute;e, is
+none of our business. We have a soldier before us and
+we must obey the Tsar's will.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COLONEL.</span> I only thought that we could move him more
+easily by persuasion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Not at all&mdash;by firmness; only by firmness! I
+have dealt with men of that sort before. He must be
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_385">385</a></span>made to feel that he is a nonentity&mdash;a grain of dust
+beneath a chariot wheel, and that he cannot stop it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COLONEL.</span> Well, we can try!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL</span> [<i>getting irritable</i>] No need to try! I don't
+need to try! I have served the Tsar for forty-four years,
+I have given and am giving my life to the service, and
+now this fellow wants to teach me and wants to read
+me theological lectures! Let him take that to the Priest,
+but to me&mdash;he is either a soldier or a prisoner.
+That's all!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Bor&iacute;s guarded by two Soldiers and followed by
+Adjutant and Clerk.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL</span> [<i>pointing with a finger</i>] Place him there.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I need no placing. I shall stand or sit where I
+like, for I do not recognise your authority.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Silence! You don't recognise authority? I
+will make you recognise it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>sits down on a stool</i>] How wrong it is of you to
+shout so!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Lift him, and make him stand!</p>
+
+<p><i>Soldiers raise him.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> That you can do, and you can kill me; but you
+cannot make me submit&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Silence, I tell you. Hear what I have to say
+to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I don't in the least want to hear what you have
+to say.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> He is mad! He must be taken to the
+hospital to be examined. That is the only thing to do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COLONEL.</span> The order was to send him to be examined
+at the Gendarmes' office.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Well, then, send him there. Only put him
+into uniform.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COLONEL.</span> He resists.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Bind him. [<i>To Bor&iacute;s</i>] Please hear what I have
+to say to you. I don't care what happens to you, but for
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_386">386</a></span>your own sake I advise you, bethink yourself. You will
+rot in a fortress, and not do any good to anyone. Give
+it up. Well, you flared up a bit and I flared up. [<i>Slaps
+him on the shoulder</i>] Go, take the oath and give up all that
+nonsense. [<i>To Adjutant</i>] Is the Priest here? [<i>To Bor&iacute;s</i>]
+Well? [<i>Bor&iacute;s is silent</i>] Why don't you answer? Really
+you had better do as I say. You can't break a club with
+a whip. You can keep your opinions, but serve your
+time! We will not use force with you. Well?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I have nothing more to say, I have said all I
+had to.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> There, you see, you wrote that there are such
+and such texts in the Gospels. Well, the Priest knows
+all about that. Have a talk with the Priest, and then
+think things over. That will be best. Good-bye, and I
+hope &ldquo;au revoir,&rdquo; when I shall be able to congratulate
+you on having entered the Tsar's service. Send the
+Priest here. [<i>Exit, followed by Colonel and Adjutant</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>To Clerk and Convoy Soldiers</i>] There you see how
+they deceive you. They know that they are deceiving
+you. Don't submit to them. Lay down your rifles and
+go away. Let them put you into the Disciplinary
+Battalions and flog you; it will not be as bad as it is to
+serve such impostors.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">CLERK.</span> But how could one get on without an army?
+It's impossible.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> That is not for us to consider. We have to
+consider what God demands of us; and God wants
+us.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ONE OF THE SOLDIERS.</span> But how is it that they speak of
+&ldquo;the Christian army&rdquo;?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> That is not said anywhere in the Bible. It's
+these impostors who invented it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter a Gendarme Officer with Clerk.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Is it here that the conscript, Prince
+Cheremsh&aacute;nov, is being kept?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_387">387</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">CLERK.</span> Yes, sir. Here he is.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Come here, please. Are you Prince
+Bor&iacute;s Sim&eacute;novich Cheremsh&aacute;nov, who refuses to take
+the oath?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I am.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER</span> [<i>sits down and points to a seat
+opposite</i>] Please sit down.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I think our conversation will be quite useless.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> I don't think so. At any rate not
+useless to you. You see it's like this. I am informed
+that you refuse military service and the oath, and are
+therefore suspected of belonging to the Revolutionary
+Party, and that is what I have to investigate. If it is
+true, we shall have to withdraw you from the service and
+imprison you or banish you according to the share you
+have taken in the revolution. If it is not true, we shall
+leave you to the military authorities. You see I express
+myself quite frankly to you, and I hope you will treat
+us in the same way.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> In the first place I cannot trust men who wear
+this sort of thing [<i>pointing to the Gendarme Officer's uniform</i>].
+Secondly, your very occupation is one I cannot respect,
+and for which I have the greatest aversion. But I do
+not refuse to answer your questions. What do you wish
+to know?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> In the first place, tell me your name,
+your calling, and your religion?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> You know all that and I will not reply. Only
+one of the questions is of great importance to me. I am
+<em>not</em> what is called an Orthodox Christian.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> What then is your religion?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I do not label it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> But still?&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Well then, the Christian religion, according to
+the Sermon on the Mount.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Write it down [<i>Clerk writes. To
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_388">388</a></span>Bor&iacute;s</i>] Still you recognise yourself as belonging to some
+nationality or rank.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No, I don't. I recognise myself as a man, and
+a servant of God.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Why don't you consider yourself a
+member of the Russian Empire?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Because I do not recognise any empires.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> What do you mean by not recognising?
+Do you wish to overthrow them?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Certainly I wish it, and work for it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER</span> [<i>To Clerk</i>] Put that down. [<i>To Bor&iacute;s</i>]
+How do you work for it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> By exposing fraud and lies, and by spreading
+the truth. When you entered I was telling these
+soldiers not to believe in the fraud into which they
+have been drawn.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> But beside this method of exposing
+and persuading, do you approve of any others?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No, I not only disapprove, but I consider all
+violence to be a great sin; and not only violence, but all
+concealment and craftiness&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Write that down. Very well. Now
+kindly let me know whom you are acquainted with. Do
+you know Ivash&eacute;nko?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Klein?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I have heard of him, but never met him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Priest (an old man wearing a cross and carrying
+a Bible). The Clerk goes up to him and receives his
+blessing.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Well, I think I may stop. I consider
+that you are not dangerous, and not within our jurisdiction.
+I wish you a speedy release. Good-day. [<i>Presses
+Bor&iacute;s's hand</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> One thing I should like to say to you. Forgive
+me, but I can't help saying it. Why have you chosen
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_389">389</a></span>this wicked, cruel profession? I should advise you to
+give it up.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER</span> [<i>smiles</i>] Thank you for your advice,
+but I have my reasons. My respects to you. [<i>To Priest</i>]
+Father, I relinquish my place to you [<i>Exit with Clerk</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> How can you so grieve the authorities by refusing
+to fulfil the duty of a Christian, to serve the Tsar
+and your Fatherland?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>smiling</i>] Just because I want to fulfil my duty as
+a Christian, I do not wish to be a soldier.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Why don't you wish it? It is said that,
+&ldquo;To lay down one's life for a friend&rdquo; is to be a true
+Christian.&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Yes, to &ldquo;lay down one's life,&rdquo; but not to take
+another man's. That is just what I want to do, to &ldquo;lay
+down my life.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> You do not reason rightly, young man. John
+the Baptist said to the soldiers&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>smiling</i>] That only goes to prove that even in
+those days the soldiers used to rob, and he told them
+not to!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Well, but why don't you wish to take your oath?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> You know that the Gospels forbid it!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Not at all. You know that when Pilate said:
+&ldquo;I adjure thee by the living God, art thou the Christ?&rdquo;
+the Lord Jesus Christ answered &ldquo;I am.&rdquo; That proves
+that oaths are not forbidden.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Are not you ashamed to talk so? You&mdash;an
+old man.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Take my advice and don't be obstinate. You
+and I cannot change the world. Just take your oath
+and you'll be at ease. Leave it to the Church to know
+what is a sin and what is not.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Leave it to you? Are you not afraid to take so
+much sin upon yourself?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> What sin? Having been brought up firmly
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_390">390</a></span>in the faith, and having worked as a priest for thirty
+years, I can have no sins on my shoulders.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Whose then is the sin, when you deceive such
+numbers of people? What have these poor fellows got
+in their heads? [<i>Points to Sentinel</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> You and I, young man, will never settle that.
+It is for us to obey those placed above us.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Leave me alone! I am sorry for you and&mdash;I
+confess&mdash;it disgusts me to listen to you. Now if you were
+like that General&mdash;but you come here with a cross and the
+Testament to persuade me in the name of Christ, to deny
+Christ! Go [<i>excitedly</i>]. Leave me&mdash;Go. Let me be
+taken back to the cell that I may not see anyone. I am
+tired, dreadfully tired!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Well, if that is so, good-bye.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Adjutant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> Well?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Great obstinacy, great insubordination.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> So he has refused to take the oath and to
+serve?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> On no account will he.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> Then he must be taken to the hospital.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> And reported as ill? That no doubt would be
+better, or his example may lead others astray.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> To be put under observation in the ward for
+the mentally diseased. Those are my orders.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Certainly. My respects to you. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT</span> [<i>approaches Bor&iacute;s</i>] Come, please. My orders
+are to conduct <span class="nowrap">you&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Where to?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> First of all to the hospital, where it will be
+quieter for you, and where you will have time to think
+things over.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I've thought them over long ago. But let us
+go! [<i>Exeunt</i>].</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_391">391</a></span></p>
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 3</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">Room in Hospital. Head Doctor, Assistant Doctor, an
+Officer-Patient in a dressing-gown, and two Warders
+wearing blouses.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PATIENT.</span> I tell you that you are only leading me to
+perdition. I have already several times felt quite well.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> You must not get excited. I should be
+glad to sign an order for you to leave the hospital, but
+you know yourself that liberty is dangerous for you. If
+I were sure that you would be looked after&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PATIENT.</span> You think I should take to drink again? No,
+I have had my lesson, but every extra day I spend here
+only does me harm. You are doing [<i>gets excited</i>] the
+opposite of what you ought to do. You are cruel. It's
+all very well for <em>you</em>!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Don't get excited. [<i>Makes a sign to
+Warders; who come up from behind</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PATIENT.</span> It's easy for you to argue, being at liberty;
+but how about us who are kept among madmen! [<i>To
+Warders</i>] What are you after? Be off!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> I beg of you to be calm.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PATIENT.</span> But I beg and I demand that you set me
+free. [<i>Yells, and rushes at the Doctor, but the Warders seize
+him. A struggle; after which he is taken out</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ASSISTANT DOCTOR.</span> There! Now it has begun again.
+He nearly got at you that time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Alcoholic &hellip; nothing can be done.
+But there is some improvement.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Adjutant.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> How d'you do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Good morning!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> I have brought you an interesting fellow, a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_392">392</a></span>certain Prince Cheremsh&aacute;nov, who has been conscripted,
+but on religious grounds refuses to serve. He was sent
+to the Gendarmes, but they say he does not come within
+their jurisdiction, not being a political conspirator. The
+Priest exhorted him, but also without effect.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR</span> [<i>laughing</i>] And then as usual you bring
+him to us, as the highest Court of Appeal. Well, let's
+have him.</p>
+
+<p><i>Exit Assistant Doctor.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> He is said to be a highly educated young
+man, and he is engaged to a rich girl. It's extraordinary!
+I really consider this is the right place for him!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Yes, it's a mania.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bor&iacute;s is brought in.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Glad to see you. Please take a seat and
+let's have a chat. [<i>To Adjutant</i>] Please leave us. [<i>Exit
+Adjutant</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I should like to ask you, if possible, if you
+mean to lock me up somewhere, to be so good as to do it
+quickly and let me rest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Excuse me, we must keep the rules.
+Only a few questions. What do you feel? What are
+you suffering from?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Nothing. I am perfectly well.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Yes, but you are not behaving like other
+people.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I am behaving as my conscience demands.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Well, you see you have refused to perform
+your military service. On what grounds do you
+do so?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I am a Christian, and therefore cannot commit
+murder.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> But one must defend one's country from
+her foes, and keep those who want to destroy the social
+order from evil-doing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No one is attacking our country; and there are
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_393">393</a></span>more among the governors who destroy social order,
+than there are among those whom they oppress.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Yes? But what do you mean by
+that?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I mean this: the chief cause of evil&mdash;v&oacute;dka&mdash;is
+sold by the Government; false and fraudulent religion is
+also fostered by the Government; and this military service
+which they demand of me&mdash;and which is the chief means
+of demoralising the people&mdash;is also demanded by the
+Government.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Then, in your opinion, Government and
+the State are unnecessary.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> That I don't know; but I know for certain that
+I must take no part in evil-doing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> But what is to become of the world? Is
+not our reason given in order to enable us to look ahead.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> It is also given in order to enable us to see that
+social order should not be maintained by violence, but by
+goodness; and that one man's refusal to participate in
+evil cannot be at all dangerous.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Well now, allow me to examine you a
+bit. Will you have the goodness to lie down? [<i>Begins
+touching him</i>] You feel no pain here?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Nor here?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Take a deep breath, please. Now don't
+breathe. Now allow me [<i>takes out a measure and measures
+forehead and nose</i>]. Now be so good as to shut your eyes
+and walk.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Are you not ashamed to do all this?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> What do you mean?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> All this nonsense? You know that I am quite
+well and that I am sent here because I refuse to take
+part in their evil deeds, and because they have no answer
+to give to the truth I told them; and that is why they
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_394">394</a></span>pretend to think me mad. And you co-operate with
+them. It is horrid and it is shameful. Don't do it!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Then you don't wish to walk?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No, I don't. You may torture me, but you must
+do it yourself; I won't help you. [<i>Hotly</i>] Let me alone!
+[<i>The Doctor presses button of bell. Enter two Warders</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Don't get excited. I quite understand
+that your nerves are strained. Will you please go to
+your ward?</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Assistant Doctor.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ASSISTANT DOCTOR.</span> Some visitors have just come to see
+Cheremsh&aacute;nov.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Who are they?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ASSISTANT DOCTOR.</span> Sar&yacute;ntsov and his daughter.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I should like to see them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> There is no reason why you shouldn't.
+Ask them in. You may see them here. [<i>Exit, followed
+by Assistant and Warders</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich and Ly&uacute;ba. The Princess looks
+in at the door and says, &ldquo;<span style="font-style: normal;">Go in, I'll come later.</span>&rdquo;</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>goes straight to Bor&iacute;s, takes his head in her hands
+and kisses him</i>] Poor Bor&iacute;s.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No, don't pity me. I feel so well, so joyful, so
+light. How d'you do. [<i>Kisses Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I have come to say chiefly one
+thing to you. First of all, in such affairs it is worse to
+overdo it than not to do enough. And in this matter
+you should do as is said in the Gospels, and not think
+beforehand, &ldquo;I shall say this, or do that&rdquo;: &ldquo;When they
+deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall
+speak: for it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your
+Father who speaketh in you.&rdquo; That is to say, do not act
+because you have reasoned out beforehand that you should
+do so and so, but act only when your whole being feels
+that you cannot act otherwise.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I have done so. I did not think I should refuse
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_395">395</a></span>to serve; but when I saw all this fraud, those Mirrors of
+Justice, those Documents, the Police and Officers smoking,
+I could not help saying what I did. I was frightened,
+but only till I had begun, after that it was all so simple
+and joyful.</p>
+
+<p><i>Ly&uacute;ba sits down and cries.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Above all, do nothing for the sake
+of being praised, or to gain the approval of those whose
+opinion you value. For myself I can say definitely, that
+if you take the oath at once, and enter the service, I shall
+love and esteem you not less but more than before;
+because not the things that take place in the external
+world are valuable, but that which goes on within the
+soul.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Of course, for what happens within the soul must
+make a change in the outside world.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, I have said my say. Your
+mother is here. She is terribly upset. If you can do
+what she asks, do it&mdash;that is what I wished to say to
+you.</p>
+
+<p><i>From the corridor outside hysterical weeping is heard. A
+Lunatic rushes in, followed by Warders who drag him out again.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> How terrible! And you will be kept here?
+[<i>Weeps</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> I am not afraid of it, I'm afraid of nothing
+now! I feel so happy, the only thing I fear is what you
+feel about it. Do help me; I am sure you will!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Can I be glad about it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Not glad, that is impossible. I
+myself am not glad. I suffer on his account and would
+gladly take his place, but though I suffer I yet know
+that it is well.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> It may be well; but when will they set him
+free?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> No one knows. I do not think of the future.
+The present is so good, and you can make it still better.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_396">396</a></span>
+<i>Enter the Princess, his mother.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I can wait no longer! [<i>To Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich</i>]
+Well, have you persuaded him? Does he agree? B&oacute;rya,
+my darling, you understand, don't you, what I suffer?
+For thirty years I have lived but for you; rearing you,
+rejoicing in you. And now when everything has been
+done and is complete&mdash;you suddenly renounce everything.
+Prison and disgrace! Oh no! B&oacute;rya!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Mamma! Listen to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS</span> [<i>to Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich</i>] Why do you say
+nothing? You have ruined him, it is for you to persuade
+him. It's all very well for you! Ly&uacute;ba, do speak to him!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> I cannot!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Mamma, do understand that there are things that
+are as impossible as flying; and I cannot serve in the army.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> You think that you can't! Nonsense.
+Everybody has served and does serve. You and Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich have invented some new sort of Christianity
+which is not Christianity, but a devilish doctrine to make
+everybody suffer!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> As is said in the Gospels!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Nothing of the kind, or if it is, then all the
+same it is stupid. Darling, B&oacute;rya, have pity on me.
+[<i>Throws herself on his neck, weeps</i>] My whole life has
+been nothing but sorrow. There was but one ray of
+joy, and you are turning it into torture. B&oacute;rya&mdash;have
+pity on me!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Mamma, this is terribly hard on me. But I
+cannot explain it to you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Come now, don't refuse&mdash;say you will serve!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Say you will think it over&mdash;and do
+think it over.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S.</span> Very well then. But you too, Mamma, should
+have pity on me. It is hard on me too. [<i>Cries are again
+heard from the corridor</i>]. You know I'm in a lunatic
+asylum, and might really go mad.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_397">397</a></span>
+<i>Enter Head Doctor.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Madam, this may have very bad consequences.
+Your son is in a highly excited condition. I
+think we must put an end to this interview. You may
+call on visiting days&mdash;Thursdays and Sundays. Please
+come to see him before twelve o'clock.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Very well, very well, I will go. B&oacute;rya, good-bye!
+Think it over. Have pity on me and meet me
+next Thursday with good news!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>shaking hands with Bor&iacute;s</i>] Think it
+over with God's help, and as if you knew you were to die
+to-morrow. Only so will you decide rightly. Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>approaching Ly&uacute;ba</i>] And what do you say to me?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> I cannot lie; and I do not understand why you
+should torment yourself and everybody. I do not understand&mdash;and
+can say nothing. [<i>Goes out weeping. Exeunt
+all except Bor&iacute;s</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">BOR&Iacute;S</span> [<i>alone</i>] Oh how hard it is! Oh, how hard, Lord
+help me! [<i>Prays</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Warders with dressing-gown.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">WARDER.</span> Please change.</p>
+
+<p><i>Bor&iacute;s puts on dressing-gown.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h2">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_398">398</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="act4">ACT IV</a></h2>
+
+
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 1</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">In Moscow a year later. A drawing-room in the Sar&yacute;ntsov's
+town house is prepared for a dance. Footmen are arranging
+plants round the grand piano. Enter Mary Iv&aacute;novna in an
+elegant silk dress, with Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> A ball? No, Only a dance! A
+&ldquo;Juvenile Party&rdquo; as they once used to say. My children
+took part in the Theatricals at the M&aacute;kofs, and have
+been asked to dances everywhere, so I must return the
+invitations.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I am afraid Nicholas does not
+like it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I can't help it. [<i>To Footmen</i>] Put it
+here! [<i>To Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna</i>] God knows how glad I
+should be not to cause him unpleasantness. But I think
+he has become much less exacting.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, no! Only he does not show
+it so much. I saw how upset he was when he went off
+to his own room after dinner.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What can I do? After all, people
+must live. We have seven children, and if they find no
+amusement at home, heaven knows what they may be up
+to. Anyhow I am quite happy about Ly&uacute;ba now.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Has he proposed, then?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> As good as proposed. He has spoken
+to her, and she has said, Yes!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> That again will be a terrible
+blow to Nicholas.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_399">399</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Oh, he knows. He can't help knowing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He does not like him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>to the Footmen</i>] Put the fruit on the
+side-board. Like whom? Alexander Mik&aacute;ylovich? Of
+course not; because he is a living negation of all
+Nicholas's pet theories. A nice pleasant kindly man of
+the world. But oh! That terrible night-mare&mdash;that affair
+of Bor&iacute;s Cheremsh&aacute;nov's. What has happened to him?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Lisa has been to see him. He is
+still there. She says he has grown terribly thin, and the
+Doctors fear for his life or his reason.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Yes, he is one of the terrible sacrifices
+caused by Nicholas's ideas. Why need he have been
+ruined? I never wished it.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Pianist.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>to Pianist</i>] Have you come to play?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PIANIST.</span> Yes, I am the pianist.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Please take a seat and wait a little.
+Won't you have a cup of tea?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PIANIST</span> [<i>goes to piano</i>] No, thank you!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I never wished it. I liked B&oacute;rya, but
+still he was not a suitable match for Ly&uacute;ba&mdash;especially after
+he let himself be carried away by Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich's ideas.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But still, the strength of his convictions
+is astonishing. See what he endures! They
+tell him that as long as he persists in refusing to serve,
+he will either remain where he is or be sent to the
+fortress; but his reply is always the same. And yet
+Lisa says he is full of joy and even merry!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Fanatic! But here comes Alexander
+Mik&aacute;ylovich!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Alexander Mik&aacute;ylovich Stark&oacute;vsky,<a name="FNanchor_35_35" href="#Footnote_35_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a> an elegant man in
+evening dress.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_400">400</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> I am afraid I have come too soon. [<i>Kisses
+the hands of both ladies</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> So much the better.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> And <ins title="Lyub&oacute;v">Ly&uacute;bov</ins> Nikol&aacute;yevna?<a name="FNanchor_36_36" href="#Footnote_36_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> She proposed
+to dance a great deal so as to make up for the time she
+has lost, and I have undertaken to help her.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> She is sorting favours for the cotillion.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> I will go and help her, if I may?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Certainly.</p>
+
+<p><i>As Stark&oacute;vsky is going out he meets Ly&uacute;ba in evening, but
+not low-necked, dress carrying a cushion with stars and
+ribbons.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Ah! here you are. Good! Now you can help
+me. There are three more cushions in the drawing-room.
+Go and fetch them all.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> I fly to do so!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Now, Ly&uacute;ba; friends are coming, and
+they will be sure to hint and ask questions. May we
+announce it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> No, Mamma, no. Why? Let them ask! Papa
+will not like it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But he knows or guesses; and he will
+have to be told sooner or later. I think it would be
+better to announce it to-day. Why, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">C'est le secret de la
+com&eacute;die</i>.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> No, no, Mamma, please don't. It would spoil our
+whole evening. No, no, you must not.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, as you please.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> All right then: after the dance, just before
+supper.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Stark&oacute;vsky.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Well, have you got them?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401">401</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I'll go and have a look at the little
+ones. [<i>Exit with Alex&aacute;ndra Iv&aacute;novna</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY</span> [<i>carrying three cushions, which he steadies with
+his chin, and dropping things on the way</i>] Don't trouble,
+Ly&uacute;bov Nikol&aacute;yevna, I'll pick them up. Well, you have
+prepared a lot of favours. If only I can manage to lead
+the dance properly! V&aacute;nya, come along.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA</span> [<i>bringing more favours</i>] This is the whole lot.
+Ly&uacute;ba, Alexander Mik&aacute;ylovich and I have a bet on, which
+of us will win the most favours.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> It will be easy for you, for you know everybody
+here, and will gain them easily, while I shall have to
+charm the young ladies first before winning anything. It
+means that I am giving you a start of forty points.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> But then you are a fianc&eacute;, and I am a
+boy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> Well no, I am not a fianc&eacute; yet, and I am
+worse than a boy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> V&aacute;nya, please go to my room and fetch the gum
+and the pin-cushion from the what-not. Only for goodness'
+sake don't break anything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> I'll break everything! [<i>Runs off</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY</span> [<i>takes Ly&uacute;ba's hand</i>] Ly&uacute;ba, may I? I am so
+happy. [<i>Kisses her hand</i>] The mazurka is mine, but that
+is not enough. One can't say much in a mazurka, and I
+must speak. May I wire to my people that I have been
+accepted and am happy?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Yes, to-night.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> One word more: how will Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich take it? Have you told him? Yes?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> No, I haven't; but I will. He will take it as
+he now takes everything that concerns the family. He
+will say, &ldquo;Do as you think best.&rdquo; But he will be grieved
+at heart.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> Because I am not Cheremsh&aacute;nov? Because
+I am a Mar&eacute;chal de la Noblesse?</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402">402</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Yes. But I have struggled with myself and
+deceived myself for his sake; and it is not because I love
+him less that I am now doing not what he wants, but it is
+because I can't lie. He himself says so. I do so want
+to <em>live</em>!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> And life is the only truth! Well, and
+what of Cheremsh&aacute;nov?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>excitedly</i>] Don't speak of him to me! I wish to
+blame him, to blame him whilst he is suffering; and I
+know it is because I feel guilty towards him. All I know
+is that I feel there is a kind of love&mdash;and I think a more
+real love than I ever felt for him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> Ly&uacute;ba, is that true?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> You wish me to say that I love you with that
+real love&mdash;but I won't say it. I do love you with a
+different kind of love; but it is not the real thing either!
+Neither the one nor the other is the real thing&mdash;if only
+they could be mixed together!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> No, no, I am satisfied with mine. [<i>Kisses
+her hand</i>] Ly&uacute;ba!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>pushes him away</i>] No, let us sort these things.
+They are beginning to arrive.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Princess with T&oacute;nya and a little girl.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA.</span> Mamma will be here in a moment.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Are we the first?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> Some one must be! I have suggested
+making a gutta-percha dummy to be the first arrival!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Sty&oacute;pa, also V&aacute;nya carrying the gum and pin-cushion.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> I expected to see you at the Italian opera last
+night.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">T&Oacute;NYA.</span> We were at my Aunt's, sewing for the charity-bazaar.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Students, Ladies, Mary Iv&aacute;novna and a Countess.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">COUNTESS.</span> Shan't we see Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, he never leaves his study to come
+to our gathering.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_403">403</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> Quadrille, please! [<i>Claps his hands. The
+dancers take their places and dance</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>approaches Mary Iv&aacute;novna</i>] He is
+terribly agitated. He has been to see Bor&iacute;s, and he came
+back and saw there was a ball, and now he wants to go
+away! I went up to his door and overheard him talking
+to Alexander Petr&oacute;vich.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STARK&Oacute;VSKY.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Rond des dames. Les cavaliers en avant!</i><a name="FNanchor_38_38" href="#Footnote_38_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEX&Aacute;NDRA IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He has made up his mind that it
+is impossible for him to live so, and he is going away.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> What a torment the man is! [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3 class="smcap">Scene 2</h3>
+
+<p class="scene">Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich's room. The dance music is heard in
+the distance. Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich has an overcoat on. He
+puts a letter on the table. Alexander Petr&oacute;vich, dressed in
+ragged clothes, is with him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER PETR&Oacute;VICH.</span> Don't worry, we can reach the
+Caucasus without spending a penny, and there you can
+settle down.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> We will go by rail as far as T&uacute;la,
+and from thence on foot. Well, I'm ready. [<i>Puts letter
+in the middle of the table, and goes to the door, where he
+meets Mary Iv&aacute;novna</i>] Oh! Why have you come here?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Why indeed? To prevent your doing
+a cruel thing. What's all this for? Why d'you do it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Why? Because I cannot continue
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_404">404</a></span>living like this. I cannot endure this terrible, depraved
+life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> It is awful. My life&mdash;which I give
+wholly to you and the children&mdash;has all of a sudden
+become &ldquo;depraved.&rdquo; [<i>Sees Alexander Petr&oacute;vich</i>] <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Renvoyez
+au moins cet homme. Je ne veux pas qu'il soit t&eacute;moin de cette
+conversation.</i><a name="FNanchor_39_39" href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER PETR&Oacute;VICH.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Comprenez. Toujours moi partez.</i><a name="FNanchor_40_40" href="#Footnote_40_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Wait for me out there, Alexander
+Petr&oacute;vich, I'll come in a minute.</p>
+
+<p><i>Exit Alexander Petr&oacute;vich.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> And what can you have in common
+with such a man as that? Why is he nearer to you than
+your own wife? It is incomprehensible! And where
+are you going?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I have left a letter for you. I did
+not want to speak; it is too hard; but if you wish it, I
+will try to say it quietly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> No, I don't understand. Why do you
+hate and torture your wife, who has given up everything
+for you? Tell me, have I been going to balls, or gone
+in for dress, or flirted? My whole life has been devoted
+to the family. I nursed them all myself; I brought them
+up, and this last year the whole weight of their education,
+and the managing our affairs, has fallen on me.&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>interrupting</i>] But all this weight
+falls on you, because you do not wish to live as I proposed.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But that was impossible! Ask anyone!
+It was impossible to let the children grow up illiterate,
+as you wished them to do, and for me to do the washing
+and cooking.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_405">405</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I never wanted that!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Well, anyhow it was something of that
+kind! No, you are a Christian, you wish to do good,
+and you say you love men; then why do you torture the
+woman who has devoted her whole life to you?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> How do I torture you? I love
+you, but&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But is it not torturing me to leave me
+and to go away? What will everybody say? One of two
+things, either that I am a bad woman, or that you are
+mad.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Well, let us say I am mad; but
+I can't live like this.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But what is there so terrible in it,
+even if once in a winter (and only once, because I feared
+you would not like it) I do give a party&mdash;and even then
+a very simple one, only ask M&aacute;nya and Barbara Vas&iacute;lyevna!
+Everybody said I could not do less&mdash;and that it was
+absolutely necessary. And now it seems even a crime,
+for which I shall have to suffer disgrace. And not only
+disgrace. The worst of all is that you no longer love
+me! You love everyone else&mdash;the whole world, including
+that drunken Alexander Petr&oacute;vich&mdash;but I still love
+you and cannot live without you. Why do you do it?
+Why? [<i>Weeps</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But you don't even wish to understand
+my life; my spiritual life.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> I do wish to understand it, but I can't.
+I see that your Christianity has made you hate your
+family and hate me; but I don't understand why!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You see the others do understand!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Who? Alexander Petr&oacute;vich, who gets
+money out of you?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> He and others: T&oacute;nya and Vas&iacute;ly
+Nikon&oacute;rovich. But even if nobody understood it, that
+would make no difference.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_406">406</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich has repented, and
+has got his living back, and T&oacute;nya is at this very moment
+dancing and flirting with Sty&oacute;pa.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> I am sorry to hear it, but it does not
+turn black into white, and it cannot change my life.
+Mary! You do not need me. Let me go! I have tried
+to share your life and to bring into it what for me
+constitutes the whole of life; but it is impossible. It
+only results in torturing myself and you. I not only
+torment myself, but spoil the work I try to accomplish.
+Everybody, including that very Alexander Petr&oacute;vich, has
+the right to tell me that I am a hypocrite; that I talk
+but do not act! That I preach the Gospel of poverty
+while I live in luxury, pretending that I have given up
+everything to my wife!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> So you are ashamed of what people
+say? Really, can't you rise above that?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> It's not that I am ashamed (though
+I am ashamed), but that I am spoiling God's work.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> You yourself often say that it fulfils
+itself despite man's opposition; but that's not the point.
+Tell me, what do you want of me?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Haven't I told you?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But, Nicholas, you know that that is
+impossible. Only think, Ly&uacute;ba is now getting married;
+V&aacute;nya is entering the university; Missy and K&aacute;tya are
+studying. How can I break all that off?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Then what am I to do?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Do as you say one should do: have
+patience, love. Is it too hard for you? Only bear with
+us and do not take yourself from us! Come, what is it
+that torments you?</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter V&aacute;nya running.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> Mamma, they are calling you!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Tell them I can't come. Go, go!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA.</span> Do come! [<i>He runs off</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407">407</a></span>
+<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> You don't wish to see eye to eye&mdash;nor
+to understand me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> It is not that I don't wish to, but that
+I can't.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No, you don't wish to, and we
+drift further and further apart. Only enter into my
+feelings; put yourself for a moment in my place, and you
+will understand. First, the whole life here is thoroughly
+depraved. You are vexed with the expression, but I can
+give no other name to a life built wholly on robbery; for
+the money you live on is taken from the land you have
+stolen from the peasants. Moreover, I see that this life
+is demoralising the children: &ldquo;Whoso shall cause one of
+these little ones to stumble,&rdquo; and I see how they are
+perishing and becoming depraved before my very eyes.
+I cannot bear it when grown-up men dressed up in
+swallow-tail coats serve us as if they were slaves. Every
+dinner we have is a torture to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> But all this was so before. Is it not
+done by everyone&mdash;both here and abroad?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> But <em>I</em> can't do it. Since I realised
+that we are all brothers, I cannot see it without suffering.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> That is as you please. One can invent
+anything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>hotly</i>] It's just this want of understanding
+that is so terrible. Take for instance to-day!
+I spent this morning at Rzh&aacute;nov's lodging-house, among
+the outcasts there; and I saw an infant literally die of
+hunger; a boy suffering from alcoholism; and a consumptive
+charwoman rinsing clothes outside in the cold.
+Then I returned home, and a footman with a white tie
+opens the door for me. I see my son&mdash;a mere lad&mdash;ordering
+that footman to fetch him some water; and I
+see the army of servants who work for us. Then I go to
+visit Bor&iacute;s&mdash;a man who is sacrificing his life for truth's sake.
+I see how he, a pure, strong, resolute man, is deliberately
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_408">408</a></span>being goaded to lunacy and to destruction, that the Government
+may be rid of him! I know, and they know, that
+his heart is weak, and so they provoke him, and drag him
+to a ward for raving lunatics. It is too dreadful, too
+dreadful. And when I come home, I hear that the one
+member of our family who understood&mdash;not me but the
+truth&mdash;has thrown over both her betrothed to whom
+she had promised her love, and the truth, and is going to
+marry a lackey, a liar&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> How very Christian!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Yes, it is wrong of me, and I am to
+blame, but I only want you to put yourself in my place.
+I mean to say that she has turned from the truth&nbsp;&hellip;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> You say, &ldquo;from the truth&rdquo;; but other
+people&mdash;the majority&mdash;say from &ldquo;an error.&rdquo; You see
+Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich once thought he was in error, but
+now has come back to the Church.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> That's <span class="nowrap">impossible&nbsp;&mdash;&mdash;</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> He has written to Lisa! She will show
+you the letter. That sort of conversion is very unstable.
+So also in T&oacute;nya's case; I won't even speak of that
+fellow Alexander Petr&oacute;vich, who simply considers it
+profitable!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>getting angry</i>] Well, no matter. I
+only ask <em>you</em> to understand me. I still consider that
+truth is truth! All this hurts me very much. And here
+at home I see a Christmas-tree, a ball, and hundreds of
+roubles being spent while men are dying of hunger. I
+cannot live so. Have pity on me, I am worried to death.
+Let me go! Good-bye.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> If you go, I will go with you. Or if not
+with you, I will throw myself under the train you leave
+by; and let them all go to perdition&mdash;and Missy and K&aacute;tya
+too. Oh my God, my God. What torture! Why?
+What for? [<i>Weeps</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>at the door</i>] Alexander Petr&oacute;vich,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_409">409</a></span>go home! I am not going. [<i>To his wife</i>] Very well, I
+will stay. [<i>Takes off his overcoat</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA</span> [<i>embracing him</i>] We have not much
+longer to live. Don't let us spoil everything after
+twenty-eight years of life together. Well, I'll give no
+more parties; but do not punish me so.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter V&aacute;nya and K&aacute;tya running.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">V&Aacute;NYA</span> and <span class="speaker">KATYA</span>. Mamma, be quick&mdash;come.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">MARY IV&Aacute;NOVNA.</span> Coming, coming. So let us forgive
+one another! [<i>Exit with K&aacute;tya and V&aacute;nya</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> A child, a regular child; or a cunning
+woman? No, a cunning child. Yes, yes. It seems Thou
+dost not wish me to be Thy servant in this Thy work.
+Thou wishest me to be humiliated, so that everyone may
+point his finger at me and say, &ldquo;He preaches, but he does
+not perform.&rdquo; Well, let them! Thou knowest best
+what Thou requirest: submission, humility! Ah, if I
+could but rise to that height!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Lisa.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Excuse me. I have brought you a letter from
+Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich. It is addressed to me, but he asks
+me to tell you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Can it be really true?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Yes. Shall I read it?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Please do.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA</span> [<i>reading</i>] &ldquo;I write to beg you to communicate this
+to Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich. I greatly regret the error which
+led me openly to stray from the Holy Orthodox Church,
+to which I rejoice to have now returned. I hope you and
+Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich will follow the same path. Please
+forgive me!&rdquo;</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> They have tortured him into this,
+poor fellow. But still it is terrible.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> I also came to tell you that the Princess is here.
+She came upstairs to me in a dreadfully excited state
+and is determined to see you. She has just been to see
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_410">410</a></span>Bor&iacute;s. I think you had better not see her. What good
+can it do for her to see you?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> No. Call her in. Evidently this
+is fated to be a day of dreadful torture.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Then I'll go and call her. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>alone</i>] Yes&mdash;could I but remember
+that life consists only in serving Thee; and that if Thou
+sendest a trial, it is because Thou holdest me capable of
+enduring it, and knowest that my strength is equal to it:
+else it would not be a trial.&hellip; Father, help me&mdash;help
+me to do Thy will.</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter Princess.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> You receive me? You do me that honour?
+My respects to you. I don't give you my hand, for I hate
+you and despise you.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> What has happened?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Just this, that they are moving him to the
+Disciplinary Battalion; and it is you who are the cause
+of it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Princess, if you want anything,
+tell me what it is; but if you have come here merely to
+abuse me, you only injure yourself. You cannot offend
+me, for with my whole heart I sympathise with you and
+pity you!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> What charity! What exalted Christianity!
+No, Mr. Sar&yacute;ntsov, you cannot deceive me! We know
+you now. You have ruined my son, but you don't care;
+and you go giving balls; and your daughter&mdash;my son's
+betrothed&mdash;is to be married and make a good match, that
+you approve of; while you pretend to lead a simple life,
+and go carpentering. How repulsive you are to me,
+with your new-fangled Pharisaism.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Don't excite yourself so, Princess.
+Tell me what you have come for&mdash;surely it was not
+simply to scold me?</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Yes, that too! I must find vent for all this
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_411">411</a></span>accumulated pain. But what I want is this: He is
+being removed to the Disciplinary Battalion, and I
+cannot bear it. It is you who have done it. You!
+You! You!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Not I, but God. And God knows
+how sorry I am for you. Do not resist this will. He
+wants to test you. Bear the trial meekly.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I cannot bear it meekly. My whole life was
+wrapped up in my son; and you have taken him from
+me and ruined him. I cannot be calm. I have come to
+you&mdash;it is my last attempt to tell you that you have
+ruined him and that it is for you to save him. Go and
+prevail on them to set him free. Go and see the
+Governor-General, the Emperor, or whom you please.
+It is your duty to do it. If you don't do it, I know what
+I shall do. You will have to answer to me for it!</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Teach me what to do. I am
+ready to do anything.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I again repeat it&mdash;you must save him! If
+you do not&mdash;beware! Good-bye. [<i>Exit</i>].</p>
+
+<p><i>Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich (alone). Lies down on sofa. Silence.
+The door opens and the dance music sounds louder. Enter
+Sty&oacute;pa.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">STY&Oacute;PA.</span> Papa is not here, come in!</p>
+
+<p><i>Enter the adults and the children, dancing in couples.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">LY&Uacute;BA</span> [<i>noticing Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich</i>] Ah, you <em>are</em> here.
+Excuse us.</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH</span> [<i>rising</i>] Never mind. [<i>Exit dancing
+couples</i>].</p>
+
+<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IV&Aacute;NOVICH.</span> Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich has recanted.
+I have ruined Bor&iacute;s. Ly&uacute;ba is getting married. Can it
+be that I have been mistaken? Mistaken in believing
+in Thee? No! Father help me!</p>
+
+<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h2">&nbsp;</div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_412">412</a></span>
+Tolstoy left the following notes for a fifth act which
+was never written.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h2>ACT V</h2>
+
+<p>Disciplinary Battalion. A cell. Prisoners sitting and
+lying. Bor&iacute;s is reading the Gospel and explaining it.
+A man who has been flogged is brought in. &ldquo;Ah, if
+there were but a Pugachev<a name="FNanchor_41_41" href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> to revenge us on such as
+you.&rdquo; The Princess bursts in, but is turned out. Conflict
+with an officer. Prisoners led to prayers. Bor&iacute;s
+sent to the Penitentiary Cell: &ldquo;He shall be flogged!&rdquo;</p>
+
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3 style="font-size: medium;"><i>Scene changes.</i></h3>
+
+<p>The Tsar's Cabinet. Cigarettes; jokes; caresses. The
+Princess is announced. &ldquo;Let her wait.&rdquo; Enter petitioners,
+flattery, then the Princess. Her request is
+refused. Exit.</p>
+
+
+<div class="new-h3">&nbsp;</div>
+<h3 style="font-size: medium;"><i>Scene changes.</i></h3>
+
+<p>Mary Iv&aacute;novna talks about illness with the doctor.
+&ldquo;He has changed, has become more gentle, but is dispirited.&rdquo;
+Enter Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich and speaks to Doctor
+about the uselessness of treatment. But for his wife's
+sake he agrees to it. Enter T&oacute;nya with Sty&oacute;pa. Ly&uacute;ba
+with Stark&oacute;vsky. Conversation about land. Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich tries not to offend them. Exeunt all. Nicholas
+Iv&aacute;novich with Lisa. &ldquo;I am always in doubt whether I
+have done right. I have accomplished nothing. Bor&iacute;s
+has perished, Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich has recanted. I set
+an example of weakness. Evidently God does not wish
+me to be his servant. He has many other servants&mdash;and
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413">413</a></span>can accomplish his will without me, and he who realises
+this is at peace.&rdquo; Exit Lisa. He prays. The Princess
+rushes in and shoots him. Everybody comes running into
+the room. He says he did it himself by accident. He
+writes a petition to the Emperor. Enter Vas&iacute;ly Nikon&oacute;rovich
+with Doukhobors.<a name="FNanchor_42_42" href="#Footnote_42_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a> Dies rejoicing that the fraud
+of the Church is exposed, and that he has understood the
+meaning of his life.</p>
+
+<p><i>This play was begun in the 'eighties, and continued in
+1900 and 1902.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="margin-top: 8em; font-size: 0.85em;">END OF &ldquo;THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS.&rdquo;</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes">
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" href="#FNanchor_1_1" class="label">[1]</a> I should have considered it all very pretty.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" href="#FNanchor_2_2" class="label">[2]</a> I will tell him the plain fact, my dear.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" href="#FNanchor_3_3" class="label">[3]</a> At the rate things are going.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" href="#FNanchor_4_4" class="label">[4]</a> There is no reason for it to stop.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" href="#FNanchor_5_5" class="label">[5]</a> I should put an end to all these fads.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" href="#FNanchor_6_6" class="label">[6]</a> And plays the bountiful left and right.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" href="#FNanchor_7_7" class="label">[7]</a> We know something about it.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" href="#FNanchor_8_8" class="label">[8]</a> All the rest of it.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" href="#FNanchor_9_9" class="label">[9]</a> He was very nice, and like everybody <ins title="else">else.</ins></p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" href="#FNanchor_10_10" class="label">[10]</a> Everything will be lost.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" href="#FNanchor_11_11" class="label">[11]</a> To take measures.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" href="#FNanchor_12_12" class="label">[12]</a> God helps those who help themselves.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" href="#FNanchor_13_13" class="label">[13]</a> I'll tell him the truth.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" href="#FNanchor_14_14" class="label">[14]</a> But do stop, for heaven's sake. What right have you?</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" href="#FNanchor_15_15" class="label">[15]</a> There are limits to human endurance.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_16_16" href="#FNanchor_16_16" class="label">[16]</a> Speak of the sun and you see its rays.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_17_17" href="#FNanchor_17_17" class="label">[17]</a> Fixed idea.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_18_18" href="#FNanchor_18_18" class="label">[18]</a> She scents it from afar.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_19_19" href="#FNanchor_19_19" class="label">[19]</a> In Russia the relationships that are set up by marriage
+debar a marriage between a woman's brother-in-law and her sister.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_20_20" href="#FNanchor_20_20" class="label">[20]</a> The princess has her eye on Ly&uacute;ba for her son. She is a
+knowing one, and scents a nice dowry.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_21_21" href="#FNanchor_21_21" class="label">[21]</a> One must do her that much justice.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_22_22" href="#FNanchor_22_22" class="label">[22]</a> Al&iacute;na is an abbreviation, and a pet name, for Alex&aacute;ndra.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_23_23" href="#FNanchor_23_23" class="label">[23]</a> And you contradicted them.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_24_24" href="#FNanchor_24_24" class="label">[24]</a> Yef&iacute;m was the peasant who had cut down the tree.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_25_25" href="#FNanchor_25_25" class="label">[25]</a> It's too fine spun.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_26_26" href="#FNanchor_26_26" class="label">[26]</a> What energy, I do admire her.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_27_27" href="#FNanchor_27_27" class="label">[27]</a> Oh, as far as that goes, we are not lacking.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_28_28" href="#FNanchor_28_28" class="label">[28]</a> The woman, for all her roughness, is sorry to part from her husband.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_29_29" href="#FNanchor_29_29" class="label">[29]</a> People shake hands much more often in Russia than in
+England, but it is quite unusual to shake hands with a servant,
+and Nicholas Iv&aacute;novich does it in consequence of his belief that all
+men are brothers.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_30_30" href="#FNanchor_30_30" class="label">[30]</a> Father Ger&aacute;sim is modelled on the lines of the celebrated Father John of Cronstadt.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_31_31" href="#FNanchor_31_31" class="label">[31]</a> He knows that the priest is Father Ger&aacute;sim, but wishes to
+address him not as a priest, but by his Christian name and
+patronymic, as one gentleman would usually address another.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_32_32" href="#FNanchor_32_32" class="label">[32]</a> Father Ger&aacute;sim attributes to Pilate what was said by Caiaphas
+the high priest.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_33_33" href="#FNanchor_33_33" class="label">[33]</a> The period of compulsory service for a University graduate
+would be short in any case.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_34_34" href="#FNanchor_34_34" class="label">[34]</a> It is not unusual among Russians for men-friends to kiss one
+another; but it is quite unusual for a man of position to kiss a
+village priest who calls as a visitor&mdash;and it indicates great intimacy
+or great emotion.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_35_35" href="#FNanchor_35_35" class="label">[35]</a> Alexander in his Christian name, Mik&aacute;ylovich (= son of Michael)
+is his patronymic, and Stark&oacute;vsky in his surname which is seldom
+used in ordinary social life.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_36_36" href="#FNanchor_36_36" class="label">[36]</a> Ly&uacute;bov <ins title="Nikol&aacute;vna">Nikol&aacute;yevna</ins> (= Love daughter of Nicholas) is the courteous
+way of naming Ly&uacute;ba. The latter is a pet name.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_37_37" href="#FNanchor_37_37" class="label">[37]</a> It is only a comedy secret.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_38_38" href="#FNanchor_38_38" class="label">[38]</a> Stark&oacute;vsky, directing the dance, says: &ldquo;Ladies form a circle.
+Gentlemen advance!&rdquo;</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_39_39" href="#FNanchor_39_39" class="label">[39]</a> At least send that man away. I don't wish him to be a witness
+of our conversation.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_40_40" href="#FNanchor_40_40" class="label">[40]</a> Alexander Petr&oacute;vich replies in very bad French: &ldquo;I understand!
+I am always to go away!&rdquo;</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_41_41" href="#FNanchor_41_41" class="label">[41]</a> Pugachev was the leader of a formidable rebellion in Russia in
+the eighteenth century.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_42_42" href="#FNanchor_42_42" class="label">[42]</a> Tolstoy did not fully realise the facts (described in <cite>A Peculiar
+People</cite>) of the Doukhobors' submission to their leader, or of their
+belief in him as an incarnation of the Deity. In fact, when he wrote
+this play, Tolstoy regarded the Doukhobors as a type of what all
+Christians should be.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Light Shines in Darkness, by Leo Tolstoy
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+</body>
+</html>
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diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. 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
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #26666 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26666)