Act III

The same hut. Winter. Nine months have passed since Act II. Anísya, plainly dressed, sits before a loom weaving. Nan is on the oven.

Mítritch An old labourer, enters, and slowly takes off his outdoor things. Oh Lord, have mercy! Well, hasn’t the master come home yet? Anísya What? Mítritch Nikíta isn’t back from town, is he? Anísya No. Mítritch Must have been on the spree.

Oh Lord! Anísya Have you finished in the stackyard? Mítritch What d’you think? Got it all as it should be, and covered everything with straw! I don’t like doing things by halves! Oh Lord! holy Nicholas! Picks at the corns on his hands. But it’s time he was back.

Anísya What need has he to hurry? He’s got money. Merrymaking with that girl, I daresay⁠ ⁠… Mítritch Why shouldn’t one make merry if one has the money? And why did Akoulína go to town? Anísya You’d better ask her. How do I know what the devil took her there! Mítritch What! to town? There’s all sorts of things to be got in town if one’s got the means.

Oh Lord! Nan Mother, I heard myself. “I’ll get you a little shawl,” he says, blest if he didn’t; “you shall choose it yourself,” he says. And she got herself up so fine; she put on her velveteen coat and the French shawl. Anísya Really, a girl’s modesty reaches only to the door.

Step over the threshold and it’s forgotten. She is a shameless creature. Mítritch Oh my! What’s the use of being ashamed? While there’s plenty of money make merry. Oh Lord! It is too soon to have supper, eh? Anísya does not answer. I’ll go and get warm meanwhile. Climbs on the stove. Oh Lord! Blessed Virgin Mother! holy Nicholas! Neighbour Enters.

Seems your goodman’s not back yet? Anísya No. Neighbour It’s time he was. Hasn’t he perhaps stopped at our inn? My sister, Thekla, says there’s heaps of sledges standing there as have come from the town. Anísya Nan! Nan, I say! Nan Yes? Anísya You run to the inn and see! Mayhap, being drunk, he’s gone there.

Nan Jumps down from the oven and dresses. All right. Neighbour And he’s taken Akoulína with him? Anísya Else he’d not have had any need of going. It’s because of her he’s unearthed all the business there. “Must go to the bank,” he says; “it’s time to receive the payments,” he says. But it’s all her fooling.

Neighbour Shakes her head. It’s a bad lookout. Silence. Nan At the door. And if he’s there, what am I to say? Anísya You only see if he’s there. Nan All right. I’ll be back in a winking. Long silence. Mítritch Roars.

Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas! Neighbour Starting. Oh, how he scared me? Who is it? Anísya Why, Mítritch, our labourer. Neighbour Oh dear, oh dear, what a fright he did give me! I had quite forgotten. But tell me, dear, I’ve heard someone’s been wooing Akoulína? Anísya Gets up from the loom and sits down by the table.

There was someone from Dédlovo; but it seems the affair’s got wind there too. They made a start, and then stopped; so the thing fell through. Of course, who’d care to? Neighbour And the Lizounófs from Zoúevo? Anísya They made some steps too, but it didn’t come off either. They won’t even see us. Neighbour Yet it’s time she was married. Anísya Time and more than time! Ah, my dear, I’m that impatient to get her out of the house; but the matter does not come off.

He does not wish it, nor she either. He’s not yet had enough of his beauty, you see. Neighbour Eh, eh, eh, what doings! Only think of it. Why, he’s her stepfather! Anísya Ah, friend, they’ve taken me in completely. They’ve done me so fine it’s beyond saying. I, fool that I was, noticed nothing, suspected nothing, and so I married him. I guessed nothing, but they already understood one another. Neighbour Oh dear, what goings on! Anísya So it went on from bad to worse, and I see they begin hiding from me. Ah, friend, I was that sick⁠—that sick of my life! It’s not as if I didn’t love him.

Neighbour That goes without saying. Anísya Ah, how hard it is to bear such treatment from him! Oh, how it hurts! Neighbour Yes, and I’ve heard say he’s becoming too free with his fists? Anísya And that too! There was a time when he was gentle when he’d had a drop.

He used to hit out before, but of me he was always fond! But now when he’s in a temper he goes for me and is ready to trample me under his feet. The other day he got both hands entangled in my hair so that I could hardly get away. And the girl’s worse than a serpent; it’s a wonder the earth bears such furies.

Neighbour Ah, ah, my dear, now I look at you, you are a sufferer! To suffer like that is no joke. To have given shelter to a beggar, and he to lead you such a dance! Why don’t you pull in the reins? Anísya Ah, but my dear, if it weren’t for my heart! Him as is gone was stern enough, still I could twist him about any way I liked; but with this one I can do nothing. As soon as I see him all my anger goes. I haven’t a grain of courage before him; I go about like a drowned hen.

Neighbour Ah, neighbour, you must be under a spell. I’ve heard that Matryóna goes in for that sort of thing. It must be her. Anísya Yes, dear; I think so myself sometimes. Gracious me, how hurt I feel at times! I’d like to tear him to pieces. But when I set eyes on him, my heart won’t go against him. Neighbour It’s plain you’re bewitched. It don’t take long to blight a body.

There now, when I look at you, what you have dwindled to! Anísya Growing a regular spindle-shanks. And just look at that fool Akoulína. Wasn’t the girl a regular untidy slattern, and just look at her now! Where has it all come from? Yes, he has fitted her out.

She’s grown so smart, so puffed up, just like a bubble that’s ready to burst. And, though she’s a fool, she’s got it into her head, “I’m the mistress,” she says; “the house is mine; it’s me father wanted him to marry.” And she’s that vicious! Lord help us, when she gets into a rage she’s ready to tear the thatch off the house. Neighbour Oh dear, what a life yours is, now I come to look at you. And yet there’s people envying you: “They’re rich,” they say; but it seems that gold don’t keep tears from falling. Anísya Much reason for envy indeed! And the riches, too, will soon be made ducks and drakes of. Dear me, how he squanders money! Neighbour But how’s it, dear, you’ve been so simple to give up the money? It’s yours.

Anísya Ah, if you knew all! The thing is that I’ve made one little mistake. Neighbour Well, if I were you, I’d go straight and have the law of him. The money’s yours; how dare he squander it? There’s no such rights. Anísya They don’t pay heed to that nowadays.

Neighbour Ah, my dear, now I come to look at you, you’ve got that weak. Anísya Yes, quite weak, dear, quite weak. He’s got me into a regular fix. I don’t myself know anything. Oh, my poor head! Neighbour Listening. There’s someone coming, I think. The door opens and Akím enters. Akím Crosses himself, knocks the snow off his feet, and takes off his coat. Peace be to this house! How do you do? Are you well, daughter? Anísya How d’you do, father? Do you come straight from home? Akím I’ve been a-thinking, I’ll go and see what’s name, go to see my son, I mean⁠—my son. I didn’t start early⁠—had my dinner, I mean; I went, and it’s so what d’you call it⁠—so snowy, hard walking, and so there I’m what d’you call it⁠—late, I mean. And my son⁠—is he at home? At home? My son, I mean. Anísya No; he’s gone to the town. Akím Sits down on a bench.

I’ve some business with him, d’you see, some business, I mean. I told him t’other day, told him I was in need⁠—told him, I mean, that our horse was done for, our horse, you see. So we must what d’ye call it, get a horse, I mean, some kind of a horse, I mean. So there, I’ve come, you see. Anísya Nikíta told me. When he comes back you’ll have a talk. Goes to the oven.

Have some supper now, and he’ll soon come. Mítritch, eh Mítritch, come have your supper. Mítritch Oh Lord! merciful Nicholas! Anísya Come to supper. Neighbour I shall go now. Good night. Exit. Mítritch Gets down from the oven. I never noticed how I fell asleep. Oh Lord! gracious Nicholas! How d’you do, Daddy Akím? Akím Ah, Mítritch! What are you, what d’ye call it, I mean?⁠ ⁠… Mítritch Why, I’m working for your son, Nikíta. Akím Dear me! What d’ye call⁠ ⁠… working for my son, I mean.

Dear me! Mítritch I was living with a tradesman in town, but drank all I had there. Now I’ve come back to the village. I’ve no home, so I’ve gone into service. Gapes.

Oh Lord! Akím But how’s that, what d’you call it, or what’s name, Nikíta, what does he do? Has he some business, I mean besides, that he should hire a labourer, a labourer I mean, hire a labourer? Anísya What business should he have? He used to manage, but now he’s other things on his mind, so he’s hired a labourer. Mítritch Why shouldn’t he, seeing he has money? Akím Now that’s what d’you call it, that’s wrong, I mean, quite wrong, I mean.

That’s spoiling oneself. Anísya Oh, he has got spoilt, that spoilt, it’s just awful. Akím There now, what d’you call it, one thinks how to make things better, and it gets worse I mean. Riches spoil a man, spoil, I mean. Mítritch Fatness makes even a dog go mad; how’s one not to get spoilt by fat living? Myself now; how I went on with fat living. I drank for three weeks without being sober. I drank my last breeches. When I had nothing left, I gave it up. Now I’ve determined not to.

Bother it! Akím And where’s what d’you call, your old woman? Mítritch My old woman has found her right place, old fellow. She’s hanging about the gin-shops in town. She’s a swell too; one eye knocked out, and the other black, and her muzzle twisted to one side. And she’s never sober; drat her! Akím Oh, oh, oh, how’s that? Mítritch And where’s a soldier’s wife to go? She has found her right place. Silence. Akím To Anísya.

And Nikíta⁠—has he what d’you call it, taken anything up to town? I mean, anything to sell? Anísya Laying the table and serving up. No, he’s taken nothing. He’s gone to get money from the bank. Akím Sitting down to supper. Why? D’you wish to put it to another use, the money I mean? Anísya No, we don’t touch it.

Only some twenty or thirty roubles as have come due; they must be taken. Akím Must be taken. Why take it, the money I mean? You’ll take some today I mean, and some tomorrow; and so you’ll what d’you call it, take it all, I mean. Anísya We get this besides.

The money is all safe. Akím All safe? How’s that, safe? You take it, and it what d’you call it, it’s all safe. How’s that? You put a heap of meal into a bin, or a barn, I mean, and go on taking meal, will it remain there what d’you call it, all safe I mean? That’s, what d’you call it, it’s cheating.

You’d better find out, or else they’ll cheat you. Safe indeed! I mean you what d’ye call⁠ ⁠… you take it and it remains all safe there? Anísya I know nothing about it. Iván Moséitch advised us at the time. “Put the money in the bank,” he said, “the money will be safe, and you’ll get interest,” he said. Mítritch Having finished his supper. That’s so. I’ve lived with a tradesman.

They all do like that. Put the money in the bank, then lie down on the oven and it will keep coming in. Akím That’s queer talk. How’s that⁠—what d’ye call, coming in, how’s that coming in, and they, who do they get it from I mean, the money I mean? Anísya They take the money out of the bank. Mítritch Get along! ’Tain’t a thing a woman can understand! You look here, I’ll make it all clear to you. Mind and remember.

You see, suppose you’ve got some money, and I, for instance, have spring coming on, my land’s idle, I’ve got no seeds, or I have to pay taxes.

So, you see, I go to you. “Akím,” I say, “give us a ten-rouble note, and when I’ve harvested in autumn I’ll return it, and till two acres for you besides, for having obliged me!” And you, seeing I’ve something to fall back on⁠—a horse say, or a cow⁠—you say, “No, give two or three roubles for the obligation,” and there’s an end of it. I’m stuck in the mud, and can’t do without.

So I say, “All right!” and take a tenner. In the autumn, when I’ve made my turnover, I bring it back, and you squeeze the extra three roubles out of me. Akím Yes, but that’s what peasants do when they what d’ye call it, when they forget God. It’s not honest, I mean, it’s no good, I mean. Mítritch You wait.

You’ll see it comes just to the same thing. Now don’t forget how you’ve skinned me. And Anísya, say, has got some money lying idle. She does not know what to do with it, besides, she’s a woman, and does not know how to use it. She comes to you. “Couldn’t you make some profit with my money too?” she says. “Why not?” say you, and you wait. Before the summer I come again and say, “Give me another tenner, and I’ll be obliged.”

Then you find out if my hide isn’t all gone, and if I can be skinned again you give me Anísya’s money. But supposing I’m clean shorn⁠—have nothing to eat⁠—then you see I can’t be fleeced any more, and you say, “Go your way, friend,” and you look out for another, and lend him your own and Anísya’s money and skin him. That’s what the bank is.

So it goes round and round. It’s a cute thing, old fellow! Akím Excitedly. Gracious me, whatever is that like? It’s what d’ye call it, it’s filthy! The peasants⁠—what d’ye call it, the peasants do so I mean, and know it’s, what d’ye call it, a sin! It’s what d’you call, not right, not right, I mean. It’s filthy! How can people as have learnt⁠ ⁠… what d’ye call it⁠ ⁠… Mítritch That, old fellow, is just what they’re fond of! And remember, them that are stupid, or the women folk, as can’t put their money into use themselves, they take it to the bank, and they there, deuce take ’em, clutch hold of it, and with this money they fleece the people.

It’s a cute thing! Akím Sighing. Oh dear, I see, what d’ye call it, without money it’s bad, and with money it’s worse! How’s that? God told us to work, but you, what d’ye call⁠ ⁠… I mean you put money into the bank and go to sleep, and the money will what d’ye call it, will feed you while you sleep. It’s filthy, that’s what I call it; it’s not right. Mítritch Not right? Eh, old fellow, who cares about that nowadays? And how clean they pluck you, too! That’s the fact of the matter.

Akím Sighs. Ah yes, seems the time’s what d’ye call it, the time’s growing ripe. There, I’ve had a look at the closets in town. What they’ve come to! It’s all polished and polished I mean, it’s fine, it’s what d’ye call it, it’s like inside an inn. And what’s it all for? What’s the good of it? Oh, they’ve forgotten God. Forgotten, I mean.

We’ve forgotten, forgotten God, God I mean! Thank you, my dear, I’ve had enough. I’m quite satisfied. Rises. Mítritch climbs on to the oven. Anísya Eats, and collects the dishes. If his father would only take him to task! But I’m ashamed to tell him. Akím What d’you say? Anísya Oh! it’s nothing. Enter Nan. Akím Here’s a good girl, always busy! You’re cold, I should think? Nan Yes, I am, terribly. How d’you do, grandfather? Anísya Well? Is he there? Nan No. But Andriyán is there. He’s been to town, and he says he saw them at an inn in town.

He says Dad’s as drunk as drunk can be! Anísya Do you want anything to eat? Here you are. Nan Goes to the oven. Well, it is cold. My hands are quite numb. Akím takes off his leg-bands and bast-shoes. Anísya washes up. Anísya Father! Akím Well, what is it? Anísya And is Marína living well? Akím Yes, she’s living all right.

pThe little woman is what d’ye call it, clever and steady; she’s living, and what d’ye call it, doing her best. She’s all right; the little woman’s of the right sort I mean; painstaking and what d’ye call it, submissive; the little woman’s all right I mean, all right, you know. Anísya And is there no talk in your village that a relative of Marína’s husband thinks of marrying our Akoulína? Have you heard nothing of it? Akím Ah; that’s Mirónof. Yes, the women did chatter something.

But I didn’t pay heed, you know. It don’t interest me I mean, I don’t know anything. Yes, the old women did say something, but I’ve a bad memory, bad memory, I mean. But the Mirónofs are what d’ye call it, they’re all right, I mean they’re all right. Anísya I’m that impatient to get her settled. Akím And why? Nan Listens. They’ve come! Anísya Well, don’t you go bothering them.

Goes on washing the spoons without turning her head. Nikíta Enters. Anísya! Wife! who has come? Anísya looks up and turns away in silence. Nikíta Severely. Who has come? Have you forgotten? Anísya Now don’t humbug. Come in! Nikíta Still more severely. Who’s come? Anísya Goes up and takes him by the arm. Well then, husband has come.

Now then, come in! Nikíta Holds back. Ah, that’s it! Husband! And what’s husband called? Speak properly. Anísya Oh bother you! Nikíta! Nikíta Where have you learnt manners? The full name. Anísya Nikíta Akímitch! Now then! Nikíta Still in the doorway. Ah, that’s it! But now⁠—the surname? Anísya Laughs and pulls him by the arm. Tchilíkin. Dear me, what airs! Nikíta Ah, that’s it.

Holds on to the doorpost. No, now say with which foot Tchilíkin steps into this house! Anísya That’s enough! You’re letting the cold in! Nikíta Say with which foot he steps? You’ve got to say it⁠—that’s flat. Anísya Aside. He’ll go on worrying. To Nikíta.

Well then, with the left. Come in! Nikíta Ah, that’s it. Anísya You look who’s in the hut! Nikíta Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I’m not ashamed of my parent. I can pay my respects to my parent. How d’you do, father? Bows and puts out his hand. My respects to you.

Anísya Come in! Nikíta Ah, that’s it. Anísya You look who’s in the hut! Nikíta Ah, my parent! Well, what of that? I’m not ashamed of my parent. Akím Does not answer. Drink, I mean drink, what it does! It’s filthy! Nikíta Drink, what’s that? I’ve been drinking? I’m to blame, that’s flat! I’ve had a glass with a friend, drank his health. Anísya Go and lie down, I say.

Nikíta Wife, say where am I standing? Anísya Now then, it’s all right, lie down! Nikíta No, I’ll first drink a samovar with my parent. Go and light the samovar. Akoulína, I say, come here! Enter Akoulína, smartly dressed and carrying their purchases.

Akoulína Why have you thrown everything about? Where’s the yarn? Nikíta The yarn? The yarn’s there. Hullo, Mítritch, where are you? Asleep? Asleep? Go and put the horse up. Akím Not seeing Akoulína but looking at his son. Dear me, what is he doing? The old man’s what d’ye call it, quite done up, I mean⁠—been thrashing⁠—and look at him, what d’ye call it, putting on airs! Put up the horse! Faugh, what filth! Mítritch Climbs down from the oven, and puts on felt boots.

Oh, merciful Lord! Is the horse in the yard? Done it to death, I dare say. Just see how he’s been swilling, the deuce take him. Up to his very throat. Oh Lord, holy Nicholas! Puts on sheepskin, and exit. Nikíta Sits down.

You must forgive me, father. It’s true I’ve had a drop; well, what of that? Even a hen will drink. Ain’t it true? So you must forgive me. Never mind Mítritch, he doesn’t mind, he’ll put it up. Anísya Shall I really light the samovar? Nikíta Light it! My parent has come. I wish to talk to him, and shall drink tea with him.

To Akoulína. Have you brought all the parcels? Akoulína The parcels? I’ve brought mine, the rest’s in the sledge. Hi, take this, this isn’t mine! Throws a parcel on the table and puts the others into her box. Nan watches her while she puts them away.

Akím does not look at his son, but puts his leg-bands and bast-shoes on the oven. Anísya Going out with the samovar. Her box is full as it is, and still he’s bought more! Nikíta Have you brought all the parcels? Akoulína The parcels? I’ve brought mine, the rest’s in the sledge.

Anísya Her box is full as it is, and still he’s bought more! Nikíta Pretending to be sober. You must not be cross with me, father. You think I’m drunk? I am all there, that’s flat! As they say, “Drink, but keep your wits about you.”

I can talk with you at once, father. I can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is worn-out⁠—I remember! That can all be managed.

That’s all in our hands. If it was an enormous sum that’s wanted, then we might wait; but as it is I can do everything. That’s the case. Akím Goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands. Eh, lad, “It’s ill sledging when the thaw has set in.” Nikíta What d’you mean by that? “And it’s ill talking with one who is drunk”? But don’t you worry, let’s have some tea. And I can do anything; that’s flat! I can put everything to rights. Akím Shakes his head. Eh, eh, eh! Nikíta The money, here it is. Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out pocketbook, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note.

Take this to get a horse; I can’t forget my parent. I shan’t forsake him, that’s flat. Because he’s my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, I don’t grudge it.

Comes up and pushes the note towards Akím who won’t take it. Nikíta catches hold of his father’s hand. Take it, I tell you. I don’t grudge it. Akím I can’t, what d’you call it, I mean, can’t take it! And can’t what d’ye call it, talk to you, because you’re not yourself, I mean.

Nikíta I’ll not let you go! Take it! Puts the money into Akím’s hand. Anísya Enters, and stops. You’d better take it, he’ll give you no peace! Akím Takes it, and shakes his head. Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I mean! Nikíta That’s better! If you repay it you’ll repay it, if not I’ll make no bother. That’s what I am! Sees Akoulína.

Akoulína, show your presents. Akoulína What? Nikíta Show your presents. Akoulína The presents, what’s the use of showing ’em? I’ve put ’em away. Nikíta Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see ’em. Undo the shawl. Give it here. Akím Oh, oh! It’s sickening! Climbs on the oven.

Akoulína Gets out the parcels and puts them on the table. Well, there you are⁠—what’s the good of looking at ’em? Nan Oh how lovely! It’s as good as Stepanída’s. Akoulína Stepanída’s? What’s Stepanída’s compared to this? Brightening up and undoing the parcels. Just look here⁠—see the quality! It’s a French one. Nan The print is fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a blue ground. This is pretty.

Nikíta Ah, that’s it! Anísya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and the chimney of the samovar, and goes up to the table. Anísya Drat you, littering the table! Nikíta You look here! Anísya What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm.

Akoulína What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own things about! Picks up the shawl.

Nikíta Anísya! Look here! Anísya Why am I to look? Nikíta You think I have forgotten you? Look here! Shows her a parcel and sits down on it. It’s a present for you. Only you must earn it! Wife, where am I sitting? Anísya Enough of your humbug. I’m not afraid of you. Whose money are you spreeing on and buying your fat wench presents with? Mine! Akoulína Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal it, but it did not come off! Get out of the way! Pushes her while trying to pass. Anísya What are you shoving for? I’ll teach you to shove! Akoulína Shove me? You try! Presses against Anísya.

Nikíta Now then, now then, you women. Have done now! Steps between them. Akoulína Comes shoving herself in! You ought to keep quiet and remember your doings! You think no one knows! Anísya Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What do they know? Akoulína I know something about you! Anísya You’re a slut who goes with another’s husband! Akoulína And you did yours to death! Anísya Throwing herself on Akoulína.

You’re raving! Nikíta Holding her back. Anísya, you seem to have forgotten! Anísya Want to frighten me! I’m not afraid of you! Nikíta Turns Anísya round and pushes her out. Be off! Anísya Where am I to go? I’ll not go out of my own house! Nikíta Be off, I tell you, and don’t dare to come in here! Anísya I won’t go! Nikíta pushes her, Anísya cries and screams and clings to the door.

What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the scruff of the neck? What are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think there’s no law for you? You wait a bit! Nikíta Now then! Anísya I’ll go to the Elder! To the policeman! Nikíta Off, I tell you! Pushes her out.

Anísya Behind the door. I’ll hang myself! Nikíta No fear! Nan Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! Cries. Nikíta Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What are you crying for? She’ll come back, no fear. Go and see to the samovar. Exit Nan. Akoulína Collects and folds her presents. The mean wretch, how she’s messed it up.

But wait a bit, I’ll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I will! Nikíta I’ve turned her out, what more do you want? Akoulína She’s dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch hadn’t gone away, I’d have torn her eyes out! Nikíta That’s enough.

Why should you be angry? Now if I loved her⁠ ⁠… Akoulína Loved her? She’s worth loving, with her fat mug! If you’d have given her up, then nothing would have happened. You should have sent her to the devil. And the house was mine all the same, and the money was mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her husband? She’s a murderess, that’s what she is! She’ll serve you the same way! Nikíta Oh dear, how’s one to stop a woman’s jaw? You don’t yourself know what you’re jabbering about! Akoulína Yes, I do.

I’ll not live with her! I’ll turn her out of the house! She can’t live here with me. The mistress indeed! She’s not the mistress⁠—that jailbird! Nikíta

That’s enough! What have you to do with her? Don’t mind her. You look at me! I am the master! I do as I like. I’ve ceased to love her, and now I love you. I love who I like! The power is mine, she’s under me. That’s where I keep her. Points to his feet. A pity we’ve no concertina. Sings.

“We have loaves on the stoves, We have porridge on the shelf. So we’ll live and be gay, Making merry every day, And when death comes, Then we’ll die! We have loaves on the stoves, We have porridge on the shelf⁠ ⁠…”

Enter Mítritch. He takes off his outdoor things and climbs on the oven. Mítritch Seems the women have been fighting again! Tearing each other’s hair. Oh Lord, gracious Nicholas! Akím Sitting on the edge of the oven, takes his leg-bands and shoes and begins putting them on. Get in, get into the corner. Mítritch Seems they can’t settle matters between them.

Oh Lord! Nikíta Get out the liquor, we’ll have some with our tea. Nan To Akoulína. Sister, the samovar is just boiling over. Nikíta And where’s your mother? Nan She’s standing and crying out there in the passage. Nikíta Oh, that’s it! Call her, and tell her to bring the samovar. And you, Akoulína, get the tea things.

Akoulína The tea things? All right. Brings the things. Nikíta Unpacks spirits, rusks, and salt herrings. That’s for myself. This is yarn for the wife. The paraffin is out there in the passage, and here’s the money. Wait a bit, takes a counting-frame I’ll add it up. Adds. Wheat-flour, eighty kopecks, oil⁠ ⁠… Father, ten roubles.⁠ ⁠… Father, come let’s have some tea! Silence. Akím sits on the oven and winds the bands round his legs. Enter Anísya with samovar.

Anísya Where shall I put it? Nikíta Here on the table. Well! have you been to the Elder? Ah, that’s it! Have your say and then eat your words. Now then, that’s enough. Don’t be cross, sit down and drink this. Fills a wineglass for her.

And here’s your present. Gives her the parcel he had been sitting on. Anísya takes it silently and shakes her head. Akím Gets down and puts on his sheepskin, then comes up to the table and puts down the money. Here, take your money back! Put it away. Nikíta Does not see the money. Why have you put on your things? Akím I’m going, going I mean; forgive me for the Lord’s sake.

Takes up his cap and belt. Nikíta My gracious! Where are you going to at this time of night? Akím I can’t, I mean what d’ye call ’em, in your house, what d’ye call ’em, can’t stay I mean, stay, can’t stay, forgive me.

Nikíta But are you going without having any tea? Akím Fastens his belt. Going, because, I mean, it’s not right in your house, I mean, what d’you call it, not right, Nikíta, in the house, what d’ye call it, not right! I mean, you are living a bad life, Nikíta, bad⁠—I’ll go. Nikíta Eh now! Have done talking! Sit down and drink your tea! Anísya Why, father, you’ll shame us before the neighbours. What has offended you? Akím Nothing what d’ye call it, nothing has offended me, nothing at all! I mean only, I see, what d’you call it, I mean, I see my son, to ruin I mean, to ruin, I mean my son’s on the road to ruin, I mean.

Nikíta What ruin? Just prove it! Akím Ruin, ruin; you’re in the midst of it! What did I tell you that time? Nikíta You said all sorts of things! Akím I told you, what d’ye call it, I told you about the orphan lass.

That you had wronged an orphan⁠—Marína, I mean, wronged her! Nikíta Eh! he’s at it again. Let bygones be bygones⁠ ⁠… All that’s past! Akím Excited. Past! No, lad, it’s not past. Sin, I mean, fastens on to sin⁠—drags sin after it, and you’ve stuck fast, Nikíta, fast in sin! Stuck fast in sin! I see you’re fast in sin.

Stuck fast, sunk in sin, I mean! Nikíta Sit down and drink your tea, and have done with it! Akím I can’t, I mean can’t what d’ye call it, can’t drink tea. Because of your filth, I mean; I feel what d’ye call it, I feel sick, very sick! I can’t what d’ye call it, I can’t drink tea with you. Nikíta Eh! There he goes rambling! Come to the table. Akím You’re in your riches same as in a net⁠—you’re in a net, I mean.

Ah, Nikíta, it’s the soul that God needs! Nikíta Now really, what right have you to reprove me in my own house? Why do you keep on at me? Am I a child that you can pull by the hair? Nowadays those things have been dropped! Akím That’s true.

I have heard that nowadays, what d’ye call it, that nowadays children pull their fathers’ beards, I mean! But that’s ruin, that’s ruin, I mean! Nikíta Angrily. We are living without help from you, and it’s you who came to us with your wants! Akím The money? There’s your money! I’ll go begging, begging I mean, before I’ll take it, I mean. Nikíta That’s enough! Why be angry and upset the whole company! Holds him by the arm.

Akím Shrieks. Let go! I’ll not stay. I’d rather sleep under some fence than in the midst of your filth! Faugh! God forgive me! Exit. Nikíta Here’s a go! Akím Reopens the door. Come to your senses, Nikíta! It’s the soul that God wants! Exit.

Akoulína Takes cups. Well, shall I pour out the tea? Takes a cup. All are silent. Mítritch Roars. Oh Lord, be merciful to me a sinner! All start. Nikíta Lies down on the bench. Oh, it’s dull, it’s dull! To Akoulína.

Where’s the concertina? Akoulína The concertina? He’s bethought himself of it. Why, you took it to be mended. I’ve poured out your tea. Drink it! Nikíta I don’t want it! Put out the light⁠ ⁠… Oh, how dull I feel, how dull! Sobs.

Curtain.