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diff --git a/26666-h/26666-h.htm b/26666-h/26666-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bcb2366 --- /dev/null +++ b/26666-h/26666-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4865 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> + <head> + <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> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + body { margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + + h1, h2, h3 { text-align: center; + clear: both; + margin-top: 0em; + } + h2 { margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal; } + h3 { font-size: large; font-weight: normal; } + .new-h2 { margin-top: 6em; } + .new-h3 { margin-top: 3em; } + + em, cite, i { font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; } + + ins { text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dashed #039; } + + .scene { font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 2em; } + .speaker { font-size: 0.85em; font-style: normal; } + .curtain { margin-top: 2.5em; } + + .nowrap { white-space: nowrap; } + + .smcap { font-variant: small-caps; } + + .center { text-align: center; } + + .pagenum { position: absolute; + display: inline; + right: 8%; + font-size: x-small; + text-align: right; + color: #808080; + font-style: normal; + border: 1px solid silver; + padding: 1px 4px 1px 4px; + font-variant: normal; + font-weight: normal; + text-decoration: none; + text-indent: 0em; + } + + .footnotes { border: 1px dashed #808080; margin-top: 6em; margin-bottom: 120px; padding: 20px; } + .footnote { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; } + .footnote .label, + .fnanchor { vertical-align: super; text-decoration: none; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; } + + table#together { border-collapse: collapse; } + table#together td { padding: 2px; } + + #tnote { width: 30em; + border: 1px dashed #808080; + background-color: #f6f6f6; + text-align: justify; + padding: 0.5em; + margin: 120px auto 120px auto; + } + #tnote hr { width: 4em; height: 1px; color: black; background-color: black; border: none; } +// --> +/* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<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;"> </div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323">323</a></span></p> +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH SARÝNTSOV.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA SARÝNTSOVA.</span> <i>His wife.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> <i>Their daughter.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> <i>Their son.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> <i>A younger son.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MISSY.</span> <i>Their daughter.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE SARÝNTSOVS' LITTLE CHILDREN.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER MIKÁYLOVICH STARKÓVSKY.</span> (<i>Lyúba's betrothed in <a href="#act4">Act IV</a></i>).</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MITROFÁN ERMÍLYCH.</span> <i>Ványa's tutor.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE SARÝNTSOVS' GOVERNESS.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA KÓHOVTSEVA.</span> <i>Mary Ivánovna's sister.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH KÓHOVTSEV.</span> <i>Her husband.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> <i>Their daughter.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS CHEREMSHÁNOV.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> <i>Her son.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> <i>Her daughter.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">A YOUNG PRIEST.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE SARÝNTSOVS' NURSE.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">THE SARÝNTSOVS' MEN-SERVANTS.</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> <i>A peasant.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">A PEASANT WOMAN.</span> <i>His wife.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MALÁSHKA.</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 GERÁSIM.</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 PETRÓVICH.</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"> </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"> </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 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 <ins title="Kóhovstsev">Kóhovtsef</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">samovár</ins> and coffee-pot. Mary Ivánovna +Sarýntsova, Alexándra Ivánovna Kóhovtseva, and Peter +Semyónovich Kóhovtsev are drinking coffee, and the latter +is smoking.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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, +<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">J'aurais trouvé tout ça très 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—yes, simply playing +the fool—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 chère.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</i><a name="FNanchor_3_3" href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Come! Beggared indeed! Not +with an income like theirs.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Oh! I don't know. I was +<span class="nowrap">saying——</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 ça 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 à 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 +généreux à droite et à 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 SEMYÓNOVICH</span> [<i>to Mary Ivánovna</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> But he told you about it yesterday.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327">327</a></span> +<span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> How did it begin?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 était très 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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> But, all the same, he was then quite +changed.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> In what way?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> He was completely indifferent to his +family, and purely and simply had <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">l'idée 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—consulting +them about religion.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> And did he fast, or prepare for +communion?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> That's what I say—thoroughly +inconsistent!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328">328</a></span> +<span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> I have spoken and will speak to +him again.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Yes! But the matter is of no +great importance.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> No? Not to you! Because you +men have no religion.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> But how is one to live if one gives +everything away?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Why has he gone to town to-day?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> In the pine-tree plantation?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> He will pardon them, and to-morrow +they will come to take the trees in the park.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Extraordinary!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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="mésures">mesures</ins></i>.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> What can I do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, but “<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Aide toi et Dieu +t'aidera!</i>”<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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> To go where?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> That's odd.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, you should tell him so +straight out.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> So I must! I shall have to talk to him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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—let him hand everything over +to you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> It is all so unpleasant!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 Ivánovich. I +have, in fact, come to return a book.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> He has gone to town, but will be back +soon.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Dear me! What books you +read!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST</span> [<i>much agitated, lights a cigarette</i>] It was Nicholas +Ivánovich gave it to me to read.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>contemptuously</i>] Nicholas Ivánovich +gave it you! And do you agree with Nicholas Ivánovich +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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> But if you are, as it is called, +a faithful servant of the Church, why don't you convert +Nicholas Ivánovich?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>contemptuously</i>] 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?</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> And, of course, you are married?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Oh yes.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> And have you any children?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Two.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Ah! I see that instead of bringing +Nicholas Ivánovich 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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> I'm coming, <ins title="coming?">coming!</ins> [<i>Rises and exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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">vódka</ins>, and +abandon our own <ins title="families.">families?</ins></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I don't know that …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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?</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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—but you, in your +position, should remember the responsibility that rests +on you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> I try to …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Oh! If only I were your Bishop; +I'd teach you to read Renan and smoke cigarettes.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 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.</i></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334">334</a></span> +<span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Where is Mamma?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Just gone to the baby.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, go, for you are getting +too fat.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Well, perhaps I will, but I must +first fetch some cigarettes. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Where are all the young ones?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, has Styópa decided on +anything?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Of course, it's hard on him +too.… <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">LYÚBA.</span> That's not what papa told him; he said …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Never mind. Still Styópa 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 Styópa cycling towards the verandah.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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. Lyúba +says you were rude to your father.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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. Lyúba, you know, understands +nothing, but must have her say about everything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, and what have you decided +on?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes; but why won't your father +agree to it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> Papa! What is the good of talking about +him? He is now possessed by his <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">idée 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! 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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">STYÓPA.</span> Convictions have nothing to do with it. One +must serve—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">STYÓPA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 Ványa running in with a telegram in his hand, +followed by the dogs. He wears a red shirt.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA</span> [<i>to Lyúba</i>]. Guess who is coming?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> What's the use of guessing? Give it here [<i>stretching +towards him. Ványa does not let her have the telegram</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</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">LYÚBA.</span> Nonsense! Who is the telegram from?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> There, you're blushing! Aunty, she is blushing, +isn't she?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> What nonsense! Who is it from? Aunty, +who is it from?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> The Cheremshánovs.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Ah!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> There you are! Why are you blushing?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Let me see the telegram, Aunt. [<i>Reads</i>] “Arriving +all three by the mail train. Cheremshánovs.” +That means the Princess, Borís, and Tónya. Well, I +am glad!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> There you are, you're glad! Styópa, look how +she is blushing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> That's enough—teasing over and over again.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> Of course, because you're sweet on Tónya! +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">STYÓPA.</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">LYÚBA.</span> That's true, so we can't go for mushrooms.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Peter Semyónovich with his cigarettes.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Uncle Peter, we are not going!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Why not?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> The Cheremshánovs are coming directly. Better +let's play tennis till they come. Styópa, will you +play?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> I may as well.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Ványa 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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> No, wait a bit, Father. I want +to have a talk with you. Besides, Nicholas Ivánovich +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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> There, someone is coming. I +expect it's he.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Which Cheremshánova is it? +Can it be Golitzin's daughter?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, of course. It's the Cheremshánova +who lived in Rome with her aunt.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, they are coming too.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> I did not know that they were +so intimate with the Sarýntsovs.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 Lyúba 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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> But the Cheremshánovs themselves +were rich.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 Ivánovich.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> How d'you do, Alína;<a name="FNanchor_22_22" href="#Footnote_22_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a> and you, +Peter Semyónovich. [<i>To the Priest</i>] Ah! Vasíly Nikanórych. +[<i>Shakes hands with them</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> No, thank you. I have had something. +Where is Mary?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Feeding Baby.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Is she quite well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Pretty well. Have you done +your business?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 Ivánovich shakes +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_339">339</a></span>hands with him. Alexándra Ivánovna shrugs her shoulders, +exchanging glances with her husband.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Re-heat the <ins title="samovar">samovár</ins>, please.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> That's not necessary, Alína. 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 IVÁNOVICH</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 Ivánovich sits down to the table, and eats and +drinks eagerly.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, were they sentenced?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Yes! They were. They themselves +pleaded guilty. [<i>To Priest</i>] I thought you would not +find Renan very convincing …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> And you did not approve of the +verdict?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Then how was it? <em>They</em> confessed +their guilt, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">et vous leur avez donné un démenti</i>?<a name="FNanchor_23_23" href="#Footnote_23_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a> They did +not steal them—but only took the wood?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>who had begun talking to the priest, +turns resolutely to Alexándra Ivánovna</i>]. Alína, my dear, +do not pursue me with pinpricks and insinuations.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> But not at all …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> And if you really want to know +why I can't prosecute the peasants about the wood they +needed and cut down …</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_340">340</a></span> +<span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> I should think they also need +this <ins title="samovar">samovár</ins>.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Considered so by everybody.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Oh dear! Disputing again.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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—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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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">STYÓPA.</span> No, but you saved money and preserved this +forest.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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—</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> But no one is striking anybody!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">STYÓPA.</span> On the contrary; science destroys all prejudices.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> However, all this is of no importance +to me. What is important is that in Yefím'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—I cannot condemn +him, but do what I can to save him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> But, if one goes on that line, one +cannot possess anything.</p> + +<p><i>Alexándra Ivánovna and Styópa—</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;"> </td> + <td rowspan="2" style="border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black;"> </td> + <td style="padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Then it is much more profitable to steal than to work.</td> +</tr> +<tr> + <td style="border-right: 1px solid black;"> </td> + <td style="padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.5em;"><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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 IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>smiling</i>] I don't know which I am +to reply to. [<i>To Peter Semyónovich</i>] It's true. One +should not possess anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> And it should be impossible to live +as we do!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> In other words, we must die! Therefore, that +teaching is unfit for life.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> What! And the children's too?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">STYÓPA.</span> That means to die.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">STYÓPA.</span> Why choose a middle course: an equipoise +between the two? If it is right to do so—why not give +away everything and die?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> No, that is not clear, not simple. +<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">C'est tiré par les cheveux.</i><a name="FNanchor_25_25" href="#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Well, I can't help it, and it can't +be explained by argument. However, that is enough.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> Yes, quite enough, and I also don't understand +it. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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.…</p> + +<p><i>During this conversation first the ladies and then Peter +Semyónovich go out.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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—the Saints for instance.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Reason may deceive. Each of us has a different +mind.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>hotly</i>] 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!</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—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 IVÁNOVICH.</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>] “Out!” “Not out!”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> I saw it …:</p> + +<p><i>During the conversation, men-servants set the table again for +tea and coffee.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.” …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> That was until Christ. But Christ did gather +them all together.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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: “Go, tell the Church.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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: “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 <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—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—without +any really definite truth?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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—you and your Church—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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Whichever way one looks, it is so. +[<i>Pause</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Enter Alexándra Ivánovna. Priest bows to take his leave.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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—let's say—neglected. +[<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> But what will become of him if +he believes you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Who told you that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_347">347</a></span> +<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, as to that, allow me to +have my doubts.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, you think Christ revealed +this, but I think he revealed something else.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> It cannot be anything else.</p> + +<p><i>Shouts from the tennis ground.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Out!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> No, we saw it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> I know. It fell just here!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Out! Out! Out!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> It's not true.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> For one thing, it's rude to say “It's not true.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> And it's rude to say what is not true!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Your own children too?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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—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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> And you think that you will +persuade Mary of this?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Certainly.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> And that she will give up educating +the children properly, and will abandon them? +Never!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Not only will she understand, but +you too will understand that it is the only thing to do.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Never!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Mary Ivánovna.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Well, Mary! I didn't wake you +this morning, did I?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> No, I was not asleep. And have you +had a successful day?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Yes, very.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 Cheremshánovs are +coming?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Well, if you're glad to have them, I +shall be very pleased.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> I like her and her children, but they +have chosen a rather inconvenient time for their visit.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA</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 Ivánovna and Nicholas Ivánovich begin +both talking at once.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> It's inconvenient, because we must +have a talk.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> I was just saying to Aline …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> What?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> No, you speak first.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_349">349</a></span> +<span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, I wanted to have a talk with you +about Styópa. 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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Why decide? He can decide for +himself.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> But nowadays everything seems savage +and stupid to you. After all, he must live; you lived!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> How not on you? It's you who don't +give him an allowance.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> I can't give what is not mine!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Not yours? What do you mean?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> But everybody lives like that.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> And they are all unhappy.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Not at all.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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: “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?”</p> + +<p><i>Enter Man-servant.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>Not listening to her husband, turns to +Servant</i>] Bring some boiled cream.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, the labourers.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> But what of it? We all know that!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> But how is it a transgression—when +we live without doing harm to anyone?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> But are we doing no harm? Such +an outlook on life is just like that of those labourers. +Why we …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, I know the parable—and that he +paid them all equally.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>after a pause</i>] 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Mary!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> And now these visitors.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> No, let us come to an understanding. +[<i>Kisses her</i>] Shan't we?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, only be like you used to be.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> I can't now—they have arrived! I +must go to meet them. [<i>Exit behind corner of house. +Styópa and Lyúba follow her</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> We shan't abandon it; we must finish the game +later. Well, Lyúba, what now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA</span> [<i>seriously</i>] No nonsense, please.</p> + +<p><i>Alexándra Ivánovna, with her husband and Lisa, come out +on to the verandah. Nicholas Ivánovich paces up and down +wrapt in thought.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, have you convinced her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> It's the Cheremshánovs. Catiche +Cheremshánov, whom I have not met for eighteen years. +The last time I saw her we sang together: “<span lang="it" xml:lang="it">La ci darem +la mano.</span>” [<i>Sings</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Please don't interrupt us, and +don't imagine that I shall quarrel with Nicholas. I am +telling the truth. [<i>To Nicholas Ivánovich</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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"> </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 samovár. A grand piano and a music-stand are by the +wall. Mary Ivánovna, the Princess and Peter Semyónovich +are seated at the table.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Our children might do the singing now, but +times have changed.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> Yes, these are matter-of-fact times +… But your daughter plays really seriously and well. +Where are the young folk? Not asleep still, surely?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> And when will my better-half be +back? Have you sent the coachman for her?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Yes, they went for her quite early; +I expect she will be here soon.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Did Alexándra Ivánovna really go on purpose +to fetch Father Gerásim?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 énergie! 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 SEMYÓNOVICH.</span> <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Oh, pour ceci, ce n'est pas ça 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 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Not at all—I look upon you as one of +the family—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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA</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 IVÁNOVNA</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> This [<i>reading</i>] “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—follow me.” [<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>] “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 +£50 a year.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Live on £50 a year—with seven children! Is +it possible!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I never dreamed that things had gone so far.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 +Dmítrovka 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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 Gerásim 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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> That is because you love him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> I don't know, but it's terrible, and +everything remains unsettled—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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 Ivánovich enters by another door, with a paper in +his hand.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> No, this is impossible!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> What has happened?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Why, Peter is to be imprisoned on +account of some wretched pine-trees of ours.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> How's that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, and can't anything be done?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 Borís and Lyúba</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Good morning, papa [<i>kisses him</i>], where are you +going?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> I have just returned from the +village and am going back again. They are just dragging +a hungry man to prison because he …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> I suppose it's Peter?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Yes, Peter. [<i>Exit, followed by Mary +Ivánovna</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA</span> [<i>sits down in front of samovár</i>] Will you have tea +or coffee?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> I don't mind.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> It's always the same, and I see no end to it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">LYÚBA.</span> But how?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">LYÚBA.</span> And papa says, that that is just what is wanted.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> I want what you want, and am not afraid of +anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> How about those earrings—that dress …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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">BORÍS.</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">LYÚBA.</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">BORÍS</span> [<i>finishes his coffee</i>] Well, I'll go then.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Yes, do, and I'll go and wake Lisa and <ins title="Tánya">Tónya</ins>.</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> +<h3 class="smcap">Scene 2</h3> + +<p class="scene">Village street. Iván Zyábrev, covered with a sheepskin coat, +is lying near a hut.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> Maláshka!</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">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> Get me a drink of water.</p> + +<p><i>Maláshka 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">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> Why do you always beat the youngster +and make him howl? I'll tell mother.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MALÁSHKA.</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">IVÁN ZYÁBREV</span> [<i>drinks</i>] You should go and ask the +Démkins for some milk.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MALÁSHKA.</span> I went, but there wasn't any. And there +was no one at home.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> Oh! if only I could die! Have they +rung for dinner?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MALÁSHKA.</span> They have. Here's the master coming.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nicholas Ivánovich.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Why have you come out here?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> Too many flies in there, and it's too hot.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Then you're warm now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> Yes, now I'm burning all over.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> And where is Peter? Is he at +home?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</span> At home, at this time? Why, he's gone +to the field to cart the corn.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> And I hear that they want to put +him in prison.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</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 Maláshka 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">MALÁSHKA</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. +Sarýntsov</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> The oats shall be cut—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 +Ivánovich, will he die? He is very ill!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">IVÁN ZYÁBREV.</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. +Maláshka, get dinner ready.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">IVÁN ZYÁBREV</span> [<i>groans</i>] Oh Lord, if I could but die!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Borís.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> Can I be of any use?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">BORÍS.</span> Excuse me, but if so, what are you doing here?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 Ivánovich, stopping one of the Peasants</i>] Ermíl, +won't you take on the job of carting for these people?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ERMÍL</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 Iván 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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—simply +not a beast?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> But what can one do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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—at any rate it was so with me—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—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.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Policeman, Peter, his wife, and boy.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PETER</span> [<i>falls at Nicholas Ivánovich'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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH</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"> </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. 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> That andante! Isn't it lovely!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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">STYÓPA.</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">LYÚBA.</span> Yes, and with dignity.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</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">LYÚBA.</span> Schumann is good, but all the same Chopin +takes a stronger hold of one's heart.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> He is more lyrical.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> There is no comparison.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Do you remember his prelude?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> Oh, the one called the George Sand prelude? +[<i>Plays the commencement</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> No, not that one. That is very fine, but so +hackneyed. Do play this one. [<i>Tónya plays what she +can of it, and then breaks off</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> Oh, that is a lovely thing. There is something +elemental about it—older than creation.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA</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">TÓNYA</span> [<i>rises and looks out of window</i>] There are some +more peasants waiting outside.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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 +Ivánovich.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> He is not in. You must wait.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> And yet you are marrying Borís who understands +nothing about music.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Oh, surely not.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_365">365</a></span> +<span class="speaker">BORÍS</span> [<i>absently</i>] Music? Oh no. I like music, or +rather I don't dislike it. Only I prefer something simpler—I +like songs.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> But is not this sonata lovely?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 fiancé here and sweetmeats +provided!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> Oh that is not my doing. It's mamma's.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> And quite right too.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> This … [<i>plays</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nicholas Ivánovich. He greets Borís, Tónya, +Styópa, Lisa, Mitrofán Ermílych and the Priest.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Where's mamma?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> I think she's in the nursery.</p> + +<p><i>Styópa calls the Man-servant.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Papa, how wonderfully Tónya plays! And +where have you been?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> In the village.</p> + +<p><i>Enter servant, Afanásy.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> Bring another samovár.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 Ivánovich also goes off</i>].</p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_366">366</a></span></p> +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> Poor Afanásy! He was terribly confused. I +can't understand papa. It is as if we were guilty of +something.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Nicholas Ivánovich.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> I was going back to my room +without having told you what I feel. <ins title="(To Tónya)">[<i>To Tónya</i>]</ins> 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 <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">LYÚBA.</span> If one lets oneself think about it, one can't +live.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>angrily</i>] If one has no heart, if +one is made of wood …</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_367">367</a></span> +<span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> Well, I'll hold my tongue.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> Of course there is only one way; that is, not +to take part in it at all.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">STYÓPA.</span> Not take part in it? But our whole life is +bound up with it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">TÓNYA.</span> Well, I see <em>you</em> have quite gone over to +Nicholas Ivánovich's side.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MITROFÁN ERMÍLYCH.</span> Yes, but the remedy does not +consist in ruining one's own life.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 Styópa</i>] You wish to +maintain the present system, while Mitrofán Ermílych +wants to establish a new one.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_368">368</a></span> +<i>Lyúba and Tónya whisper together. Tónya goes to the +piano and plays a nocturne by Chopin. General silence.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> That's splendid; that solves everything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> It obscures and postpones everything!</p> + +<p><i>While Tónya is playing, Mary Ivánovna 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">LYÚBA.</span> It is Aunt. [<i>Goes to meet her</i>].</p> + +<p><i>The music continues. Enter Alexándra Ivánovna, Father +Gerásim (a priest with a cross round his neck) and a Notary. +All rise.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> I am very grateful to Father Gerásim.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM</span>. What else could I do—though it was +out of my way—yet as a Christian I considered it my +duty to visit him.</p> + +<p><i>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.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 +Ivánovna has no objection.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> No, I am as fond of Father Vasíly 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 GERÁSIM.</span> Naturally, naturally.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>approaching</i>] 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 GERÁSIM.</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 GERÁSIM.</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 Ivánovna and Nicholas Ivánovich.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> How d'you do, Princess? How +d'you do? [<i>To Father Gerásim</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 GERÁSIM.</span> Do you not wish to receive my +blessing?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> No, I don't.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> My name is Gerásim Sédorovitch. +Very pleased to meet you.</p> + +<p><i>Men-servants bring lunch and wine.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> Pleasant weather, and good for the +harvest.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</span> The Church teaches that very law.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> If it did so, I should believe in the +Church, but unfortunately it teaches the contrary.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</span> Because it is said, “Where two or +three are gathered together in my name, there am I in +the midst of them.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> That, too, was not said in this +connection, and proves nothing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> How <em>can</em> one deny the Church? It +alone provides salvation.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> I did not deny the Church until +I found it supported everything that is contrary to +Christianity.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> The Church acknowledges and +sanctifies the Powers ordained by God.</p> + +<p><i>During the conversation, Styópa, Lyúba, Lisa and Tónya +at different times enter the room and sit or stand listening.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> I know that the Gospels say, not +only “Do not kill,” but “Do not be angry,” yet the +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_372">372</a></span>Church blesses the army. The Gospel says, “Swear not +at all,” yet the Church administers oaths. The Gospel +says …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> Excuse me. When Pilate<a name="FNanchor_32_32" href="#Footnote_32_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a> said, “I +adjure thee by the living God,” Christ accepted his +oath by replying “I am.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Dear me! What are you saying? +That is really absurd.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</span> Heresy and spiritual pride are speaking +through you. You ought to conquer your intellectual +pride.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Why?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</span> It is said, “If thou wouldest be +perfect.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> But I <em>do</em> wish to be perfect. +The Gospels say, “Be ye perfect as your Father in +Heaven …”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> But we have to understand in what +connection a thing is said.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</span> Spiritual pride.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM.</span> Revealed to the meek, but not to the +proud.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 GERÁSIM</span> [<i>offended</i>] 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 +<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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> Won't you have something to eat?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">FATHER GERÁSIM.</span> No, I thank you. [<i>Exit with Alexándra +Ivánovna</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>to young Priest</i>] And what now?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> Well, in my opinion, Nicholas Ivánovich spoke +the truth, and Father Gerásim 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">BORÍS.</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 Ivánovich about +everything. If you believe such things you ought not to +marry.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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 Ivánovich and Mary Ivánovna</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—the Princess and the rest of them.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> I believe in you, I always did; but +when you want to let the children go begging …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> But what am I to do, if I don't understand?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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—do so! I see you have ceased +loving me, and I even know why.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Very well then—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"> </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 Ivánovich wearing a carpenter's apron are working +at the bench, planing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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—like this.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> You may, you always may.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Lyúba.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Good-day, Jacob!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">CARPENTER.</span> Good-day, Miss!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Borís 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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> What can I think? He will do +what is natural to him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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">LYÚBA.</span> That's just why I am afraid. He knows that, +and may want to take some action.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</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">LYÚBA.</span> I wonder if I had not better go to him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">LYÚBA.</span> Why should he suffer so?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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. 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>behind door</i>] May I come in?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> You may always come in. What +a reception I'm having here to-day.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Our priest, Vasíly Nikonórovich, has +come. He is going to the Bishop, and has resigned his +living!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Impossible!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> He is here! Lyúba, go and call him! +He wants to see you. [<i>Exit Lyúba</i>]. 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Then you should suggest something +else, something definite. But what do you offer?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> So that they should become peasants! +I cannot agree to that.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Then don't consult me. The +things that grieve you are natural and inevitable.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Priest and Lyúba. The Priest and Nicholas Ivánovich +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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 … [<i>pauses, restraining his +tears</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 Ivánovich, you must go.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Has he refused? How do you know?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 “Father.”</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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">LYÚBA</span> [<i>crying</i>] Papa, what can be done?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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"> </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>] “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.”</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>] “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.”</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>] “I refuse to fulfil the demands of +men calling themselves the Government, because …”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> What insolence!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ADJUTANT.</span> “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 …”</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> “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 …”</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 fiancée, 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—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—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—he is either a soldier or a prisoner. +That's all!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Borís 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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS</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">BORÍS.</span> That you can do, and you can kill me; but you +cannot make me submit …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">GENERAL.</span> Silence, I tell you. Hear what I have to say +to you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 Borís</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 Borís</i>] +Well? [<i>Borís 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">BORÍS.</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 “au revoir,” 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">BORÍS</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">BORÍS.</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 +“the Christian army”?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 +Cheremshánov, 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 +Borís Siménovich Cheremshánov, who refuses to take +the oath?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</span> I do not label it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> But still?…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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>Borís</i>] Still you recognise yourself as belonging to some +nationality or rank.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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 Borís</i>] +How do you work for it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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 …</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 Ivashénko?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">GENDARME OFFICER.</span> Klein?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 +Borís's hand</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS</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, +“To lay down one's life for a friend” is to be a true +Christian.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> 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.”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> You do not reason rightly, young man. John +the Baptist said to the soldiers …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS</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">BORÍS.</span> You know that the Gospels forbid it!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRIEST.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> Are not you ashamed to talk so? You—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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</span> 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 [<i>excitedly</i>]. Leave me—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 Borís</i>] Come, please. My orders +are to conduct <span class="nowrap">you——</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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"> </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 …</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 … 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 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.</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>Borís 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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Then, in your opinion, Government and +the State are unnecessary.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</span> No.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">HEAD DOCTOR.</span> Nor here?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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">BORÍS.</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 +Cheremshánov.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> Who are they?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ASSISTANT DOCTOR.</span> Sarýntsov and his daughter.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 Ivánovich and Lyúba. The Princess looks +in at the door and says, “<span style="font-style: normal;">Go in, I'll come later.</span>”</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA</span> [<i>goes straight to Borís, takes his head in her hands +and kisses him</i>] Poor Borís.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> No, don't pity me. I feel so well, so joyful, so +light. How d'you do. [<i>Kisses Nicholas Ivánovich</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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, “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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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>Lyúba sits down and cries.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">BORÍS.</span> Of course, for what happens within the soul must +make a change in the outside world.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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.</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">LYÚBA.</span> How terrible! And you will be kept here? +[<i>Weeps</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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">LYÚBA.</span> Can I be glad about it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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">LYÚBA.</span> It may be well; but when will they set him +free?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 Ivánovich</i>] +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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</span> Mamma! Listen to me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS</span> [<i>to Nicholas Ivánovich</i>] 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> I cannot!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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 +Ivánovich have invented some new sort of Christianity +which is not Christianity, but a devilish doctrine to make +everybody suffer!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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, Bórya, 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. Bórya—have +pity on me!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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—say you will serve!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Say you will think it over—and do +think it over.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS.</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—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. Bórya, good-bye! +Think it over. Have pity on me and meet me +next Thursday with good news!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>shaking hands with Borís</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">BORÍS</span> [<i>approaching Lyúba</i>] And what do you say to me?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> I cannot lie; and I do not understand why you +should torment yourself and everybody. I do not understand—and +can say nothing. [<i>Goes out weeping. Exeunt +all except Borís</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">BORÍS</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>Borís puts on dressing-gown.</i></p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </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 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> I am afraid Nicholas does not +like it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> I can't help it. [<i>To Footmen</i>] Put it +here! [<i>To Alexándra Ivánovna</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 Lyúba now.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> Has he proposed, then?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> As good as proposed. He has spoken +to her, and she has said, Yes!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> Oh, he knows. He can't help knowing.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</span> He does not like him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>to the Footmen</i>] 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> Fanatic! But here comes Alexander +Mikáylovich!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Alexander Mikáylovich Starkóvsky,<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">STARKÓVSKY.</span> I am afraid I have come too soon. [<i>Kisses +the hands of both ladies</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> So much the better.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> And <ins title="Lyubóv">Lyúbov</ins> Nikoláyevna?<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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> She is sorting favours for the cotillion.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> I will go and help her, if I may?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Certainly.</p> + +<p><i>As Starkóvsky is going out he meets Lyúba in evening, but +not low-necked, dress carrying a cushion with stars and +ribbons.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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">STARKÓVSKY.</span> I fly to do so!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Now, Lyúba; friends are coming, and +they will be sure to hint and ask questions. May we +announce it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> No, Mamma, no. Why? Let them ask! Papa +will not like it.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 +comédie</i>.<a name="FNanchor_37_37" href="#Footnote_37_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> No, no, Mamma, please don't. It would spoil our +whole evening. No, no, you must not.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well, as you please.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> All right then: after the dance, just before +supper.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Starkóvsky.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Well, have you got them?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_401">401</a></span> +<span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> I'll go and have a look at the little +ones. [<i>Exit with Alexándra Ivánovna</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY</span> [<i>carrying three cushions, which he steadies with +his chin, and dropping things on the way</i>] 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA</span> [<i>bringing more favours</i>] This is the whole lot. +Lyúba, Alexander Mikáylovich and I have a bet on, which +of us will win the most favours.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</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">VÁNYA.</span> But then you are a fiancé, and I am a +boy.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> Well no, I am not a fiancé yet, and I am +worse than a boy.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> I'll break everything! [<i>Runs off</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY</span> [<i>takes Lyúba's hand</i>] Lyúba, 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">LYÚBA.</span> Yes, to-night.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> One word more: how will Nicholas +Ivánovich take it? Have you told him? Yes?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> Because I am not Cheremshánov? Because +I am a Maréchal de la Noblesse?</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_402">402</a></span> +<span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</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">STARKÓVSKY.</span> And life is the only truth! Well, and +what of Cheremshánov?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA</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—and I think a more +real love than I ever felt for him.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> Lyúba, is that true?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> No, no, I am satisfied with mine. [<i>Kisses +her hand</i>] Lyúba!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA</span> [<i>pushes him away</i>] No, let us sort these things. +They are beginning to arrive.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Princess with Tónya and a little girl.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LYÚBA.</span> Mamma will be here in a moment.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> Are we the first?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</span> Some one must be! I have suggested +making a gutta-percha dummy to be the first arrival!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Styópa, also Ványa carrying the gum and pin-cushion.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</span> I expected to see you at the Italian opera last +night.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">TÓNYA.</span> We were at my Aunt's, sewing for the charity-bazaar.</p> + +<p><i>Enter Students, Ladies, Mary Ivánovna and a Countess.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">COUNTESS.</span> Shan't we see Nicholas Ivánovich?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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">STARKÓVSKY.</span> Quadrille, please! [<i>Claps his hands. The +dancers take their places and dance</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA</span> [<i>approaches Mary Ivánovna</i>] 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Well?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STARKÓVSKY.</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">ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> What a torment the man is! [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> +<h3 class="smcap">Scene 2</h3> + +<p class="scene">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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER PETRÓVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> We will go by rail as far as Túla, +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 Ivánovna</i>] Oh! Why have you come here?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> It is awful. My life—which I give +wholly to you and the children—has all of a sudden +become “depraved.” [<i>Sees Alexander Petróvich</i>] <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Renvoyez +au moins cet homme. Je ne veux pas qu'il soit témoin de cette +conversation.</i><a name="FNanchor_39_39" href="#Footnote_39_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">ALEXANDER PETRÓVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Wait for me out there, Alexander +Petróvich, I'll come in a minute.</p> + +<p><i>Exit Alexander Petróvich.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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.…</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> I never wanted that!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> How do I torture you? I love +you, but …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Well, let us say I am mad; but +I can't live like this.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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—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? [<i>Weeps</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> But you don't even wish to understand +my life; my spiritual life.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> You see the others do understand!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Who? Alexander Petróvich, who gets +money out of you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> He and others: Tónya and Vasíly +Nikonórovich. 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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> Vasíly Nikonórovich has repented, and +has got his living back, and Tónya is at this very moment +dancing and flirting with Styópa.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> So you are ashamed of what people +say? Really, can't you rise above that?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Haven't I told you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Then what am I to do?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</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 Ványa running.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> Mamma, they are calling you!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Tell them I can't come. Go, go!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA.</span> Do come! [<i>He runs off</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_407">407</a></span> +<span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> You don't wish to see eye to eye—nor +to understand me.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> It is not that I don't wish to, but that +I can't.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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: “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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> But all this was so before. Is it not +done by everyone—both here and abroad?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVNA.</span> That is as you please. One can invent +anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 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 +<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—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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> How very Christian!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 …</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> That's <span class="nowrap">impossible ——</span></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> 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!</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</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 IVÁNOVNA.</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—and Missy and Kátya +too. Oh my God, my God. What torture! Why? +What for? [<i>Weeps</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>at the door</i>] Alexander Petróvich, +<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 IVÁNOVNA</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 Ványa and Kátya running.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">VÁNYA</span> and <span class="speaker">KATYA</span>. Mamma, be quick—come.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">MARY IVÁNOVNA.</span> Coming, coming. So let us forgive +one another! [<i>Exit with Kátya and Ványa</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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, “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!</p> + +<p><i>Enter Lisa.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Excuse me. I have brought you a letter from +Vasíly Nikonórovich. It is addressed to me, but he asks +me to tell you.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Can it be really true?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LISA.</span> Yes. Shall I read it?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Please do.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">LISA</span> [<i>reading</i>] “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!”</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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>Borís. I think you had better not see her. What good +can it do for her to see you?</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>alone</i>] 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.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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 IVÁNOVICH.</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. 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.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> Don't excite yourself so, Princess. +Tell me what you have come for—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 IVÁNOVICH.</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—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 IVÁNOVICH.</span> Teach me what to do. I am +ready to do anything.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">PRINCESS.</span> I again repeat it—you must save him! If +you do not—beware! Good-bye. [<i>Exit</i>].</p> + +<p><i>Nicholas Ivánovich (alone). Lies down on sofa. Silence. +The door opens and the dance music sounds louder. Enter +Styópa.</i></p> + +<p><span class="speaker">STYÓPA.</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">LYÚBA</span> [<i>noticing Nicholas Ivánovich</i>] Ah, you <em>are</em> here. +Excuse us.</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH</span> [<i>rising</i>] Never mind. [<i>Exit dancing +couples</i>].</p> + +<p><span class="speaker">NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH.</span> 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!</p> + +<p class="center curtain"><i>Curtain.</i></p> + + + +<div class="new-h2"> </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"> </div> +<h2>ACT V</h2> + +<p>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<a name="FNanchor_41_41" href="#Footnote_41_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> 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!”</p> + + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> +<h3 style="font-size: medium;"><i>Scene changes.</i></h3> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<div class="new-h3"> </div> +<h3 style="font-size: medium;"><i>Scene changes.</i></h3> + +<p>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 +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_413">413</a></span>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.<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 “THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS.”</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 Lyúba 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> Alína is an abbreviation, and a pet name, for Alexándra.</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> Yefím 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 Ivánovich 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 Gerásim 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 Gerásim, 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 Gerásim 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—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, Mikáylovich (= son of Michael) +is his patronymic, and Starkóvsky 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> Lyúbov <ins title="Nikolávna">Nikoláyevna</ins> (= Love daughter of Nicholas) is the courteous +way of naming Lyúba. 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> Starkóvsky, directing the dance, says: “Ladies form a circle. +Gentlemen advance!”</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 Petróvich replies in very bad French: “I understand! +I am always to go away!”</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 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS *** + +***** This file should be named 26666-h.htm or 26666-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/6/6/6/26666/ + +Produced by Bryan Ness, Jana Srna and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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