Profitable place Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky. A. N. Ostrovsky. Plum. Some famous productions

Are you here: Protection

Comedy in five acts

Act one

CHARACTERS:

Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky, a decrepit old man, with signs of gout.

Anna Pavlovna, his wife, a young woman.

Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov, a young man, his nephew.

Akim Akimych Yusov, an old official serving under Vyshnevsky.

Onisim Panfilich Belogubov, a young official subordinate to Yusov.

Anton, a man in Vyshnevsky's house.

Boy.

A large hall in Vyshnevsky's house, richly furnished. To the left is the door to Vyshnevsky's office, to the right - to Anna Pavlovna's rooms; on both sides there are mirrors on the walls and tables under them; right at the front door.

Ostrovsky. Plum. Maly Theater performance, 1981

First appearance

Vyshnevsky in a flannel coat and without a wig and Vyshnevskaya in morning attire. They leave the half of Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevskaya. Not at all.

Vyshnevsky. I think. Was it not for you that I bought and decorated this house magnificently? Wasn't it for you that I built a dacha last year? What don't you have enough of? I think no merchant’s wife has as many diamonds as you.

Vyshnevskaya. Thank you. However, I didn’t demand anything from you.

Vyshnevsky. You didn't demand; but I had to compensate you with something for the difference in years. I thought I would find in you a woman who would appreciate the sacrifices I have made for you. I’m not a wizard, I can’t build marble chambers with one gesture. Silk, gold, sable, velvet, in which you are wrapped from head to toe, require money. They need to be taken out. And they are not always easy to get.

Vyshnevskaya. I do not need anything. I've already told you about this more than once.

Vyshnevsky. But I need to finally win your heart. Your coldness is driving me crazy. I am a passionate person: out of love for a woman I am capable of anything! I bought you one near Moscow this year. Do you know that the money with which I bought it... how can I tell you this?.. well, in a word, I took more risks than prudence allowed. I may be subject to liability.

Vyshnevskaya. For God's sake, do not make me a participant in your actions if they are not entirely honest. Don't justify them by loving me. I ask you. This is unbearable for me. However, I don't believe you. While you didn't know me, you lived and acted exactly the same way. I don’t even want to answer to my conscience for your behavior.

Vyshnevsky. Behavior! Behavior! Out of love for you, I am even ready to commit a crime. Just to buy your love, I am ready to pay with my dishonor. (Gets up and approaches Vyshnevskaya.)

Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, I can’t pretend.

Vyshnevsky (takes her hand). Pretend! Pretend!

Vyshnevskaya (turning away). Never.

Vyshnevsky. But I love you!.. (Trembling, he kneels.) I love you!

Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, do not humiliate yourself! It's time for you to get dressed. (Rings.)

Vyshnevsky rises. Anton enters from the office.

Dress for Aristarkh Vladimirych.

Anton. Please, it's ready, sir. (He goes into the office.)

Vyshnevsky follows him.

Vyshnevsky (in the door). Snake! snake! (Leaves.)

Second phenomenon

Vyshnevskaya (alone, sitting for a while, thinking).

A boy enters, hands over a letter and leaves.

Who is this from? (Prints it out and reads it.) That's still cute! Love message. And from whom? An elderly man, a beautiful wife. Disgusting! Offensive! What should a woman do in this case? And what vulgarities are written! What stupid endearments! Should I send him back? No, it’s better to show it to some of your friends and laugh together, after all, it’s entertainment... ugh, how disgusting! (Leaves.)

Anton leaves the office and stands at the door; Yusov enters, then Belogubov.

The third phenomenon

Anton, Yusov and Belogubov.

Yusov (with briefcase). Report back, Antosha.

Anton leaves. Yusov adjusts himself in front of the mirror.

Anton (in the door). Please.

Yusov leaves.

Belogubov (enters, takes a comb out of his pocket and combs his hair). What, Akim Akimych is here, sir?

Anton. Now we went into the office.

Belogubov. How are you today? Affectionate, sir?

Anton. Don't know. (Leaves.)

Belogubov stands at the table near the mirror.

Yusov (as he leaves, he puts on a noticeable air of importance). Oh, you're here.

Belogubov. Here, sir.

Yusov (looking through the paper). Belogubov!

Belogubov. What do you want, sir?

Yusov. Here, my brother, take it home and rewrite this more clearly. Ordered.

Belogubov. They ordered me to rewrite it, sir?

Yusov (sitting down). You. They said his handwriting is good.

Belogubov. I'm very pleased to hear, sir.

Yusov. So listen, brother: don’t rush. The main thing is that it is cleaner. Do you see where to send...

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, understand, sir. I’ll write it in calligraphy, sir, I’ll sit up all night.

Yusov (sighs). Oho-ho-ho! oho-ho-ho!

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, if only they would pay attention.

Yusov (strictly). Why are you kidding me with this, or what?

Belogubov. How is it possible, sir!..

Yusov. Noticed... Easy to say! What more does an official need? What more could he want?

Belogubov. Yes, sir!

Yusov. They paid attention to you, well, you are a person, you breathe; but they didn’t pay attention - what are you doing?

Belogubov. Well, so what?

Yusov. Worm!

Belogubov. I, it seems, Akim Akimych, am trying, sir.

Yusov. You? (Looks at him.) You're on my good side.

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, even deny myself food in order to be cleanly dressed. A cleanly dressed official is always in sight of his superiors, sir. Here, if you please, take a look at how the waist... (Turns around.)

Yusov. Wait. (looks at him and sniffs tobacco.) Talia is good... Moreover, Belogubov, look, be more literate.

Belogubov. My spelling, Akim Akimych, is bad... So, believe me, it’s a shame.

Yusov. Eka importance, spelling! It’s not all sudden, you’ll get used to it. Write a draft first, and ask for corrections, and then write from there. Do you hear what I'm saying?

Belogubov. I’ll ask someone to correct it, otherwise Zhadov is still laughing.

Yusov. Who?

Belogubov. Zhadov, sir.

Yusov (strictly). What is he himself? What kind of bird? Still laughing!

Belogubov. Why, sir, you have to show that you are a scientist, sir.

Yusov. Ugh! That's what he is.

Belogubov. I can’t even identify him Akim Akimych, what kind of person he is, sir.

Yusov. Nonentity!..

Silence.

Now I was there (pointing to the office) that's what they said (quiet): I don’t know what to do with my nephew! Take it from this.

Belogubov. But he dreams a lot about himself, sir.

Yusov. He flies high and lands somewhere! What’s better: I lived here with everything ready. What do you think, did he feel any gratitude? Have you seen any respect from him? How could it not be! Rudeness, free-thinking... After all, even though he is a relative, he is still a person... who will tolerate it? Well, so they told him, a dear friend: go and live with your mind, for ten rubles a month, maybe you’ll be smarter.

Belogubov. This is what stupidity leads to, sir, Akim Akimych! It seems, that is... Lord... such happiness! I must thank God every minute. After all, that’s what I say, Akim Akimych, should he thank God, sir?

Yusov. Still would!

Belogubov. He runs around out of his own happiness. What else does he need, sir! The rank, in relation to such a person, had a ready-made content; If he wanted, he could have a good place, with a big income, sir. After all, Aristarkh Vladimirych would not have refused him!

Yusov. Well, here you go!

Belogubov. My opinion is, Akim Akimych, that another person, with feeling, in his place would begin to clean Aristarkh Vladimirych’s boots, but he still upsets such a person.

Yusov. All pride and reasoning.

Belogubov. What reasoning! What can we talk about? I, Akim Akimych, never...

Yusov. You bet!

Belogubov. I never, sir... because this leads to nothing good, except trouble.

Yusov. How can he not talk! You need to show him that you were at the university.

Belogubov. What is the use of learning when a person has no fear... no trepidation before his superiors?

Yusov. What?

Belogubov. I'm in awe, sir.

Yusov. Well, yes.

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, would be the head of the office, sir.

Yusov. Your lip is not stupid.

Belogubov. I do it more because I now have a fiancée, sir. A young lady and well educated, sir. But it’s impossible without a place, sir, who’s going to give it away?

Yusov. Why won't you show it?

Belogubov. The first duty, sir... at least now... as instead of a relative, sir.

Yusov. And I'll report on the location. We will think about it.

Belogubov. I would like this place for the rest of my life, sir. I’ll at least give you a subscription, because I can’t go any higher, sir. I'm beyond my abilities.

Zhadov enters.

The fourth phenomenon

Same with Zhadov.

Zhadov. What, uncle is busy?

Yusov. Busy.

Zhadov. Oh, what a pity! And I really need to see him.

Yusov. You can wait, they have more important things to do than you.

Zhadov. How do you know my affairs?

Yusov (looks at him and laughs). What are you doing? So, some nonsense.

Zhadov. It’s better not to talk to you, Akim Akimych; you are always asking for rudeness. (He leaves and sits down on the front stage.)

Yusov (To Belogubov). What?

Belogubov (loud). There's no point in talking! Only you, in your old age, should worry about yourself. Farewell, sir. (Leaves.)

Fifth appearance

Zhadov and Yusov.

Yusov (About myself). Ha, ha, ha! They lived, they lived, yes, thank God, they lived. The boys began to raise their noses.

Zhadov (looks around). Why are you grumbling there?

Yusov (continues). We don’t like to do what we’re ordered, but reasoning is our business. How can we sit in the office! Make us all ministers! Well, what to do, we made a mistake, sorry, please, we didn’t know your talents. We’ll make them ministers, we’ll definitely do it... wait a little... tomorrow.

Zhadov (About myself). I'm tired of it!

Yusov. My God! My God! No shame, no conscience. The other one’s lips aren’t even dry yet, but it’s already showing ambition. Who am I! Dont touch me!

Anton enters.

Anton (to Yusov). Come to the master.

Yusov goes into the office.

Zhadov. Tell Anna Pavlovna that I want to see them.

Anton. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.)

Appearance Six

Zhadov (one). Why is this old bastard so upset? What have I done to him? He says I can’t stand university ones. Is it my fault? So serve under this kind of leadership. But what will he do to me if I behave well? But as soon as a vacancy opens, they will probably bypass the place. It will happen from them.

Vyshnevskaya enters.

Seventh Appearance

Zhadov and Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevskaya. Hello, Vasily Nikolaich!

Zhadov. Oh, auntie, hello! (Kisses her hand.) I'll tell you the news.

Vyshnevskaya. Sit down.

They sit down.

What's the news?

Zhadov. I want to get married.

Vyshnevskaya. Is not it too early?

Zhadov. In love, auntie, in love. And what a girl! Perfection!

Vyshnevskaya. Is she rich?

Zhadov. No, auntie, she has nothing.

Vyshnevskaya. How will you live?

Zhadov. What about the head and what about the hands? Do I really have to live for the rest of my life at someone else’s expense? Of course, someone else would be happy, fortunately there is an opportunity, but I can’t. Not to mention the fact that to do this I must, to please my uncle, contradict my own beliefs. And who will work? Why did they teach us? Uncle advises you to first make money, in any way, buy a house, get horses, and then get a wife. Can I agree with him? I fell in love with a girl, as people only do at my age. Should I really give up happiness just because she doesn’t have a fortune?

Vyshnevskaya. They suffer not only from poverty, they also suffer from wealth.

Zhadov. Remember our conversations with my uncle? Whatever you say, it happened, against bribes or in general against any untruth, he had one answer: wait a little, or you’ll talk. Well, I want to live, and not alone, but with my young wife.

Vyshnevskaya (sighing). Yes, you will envy the women who are loved by people like you.

Zhadov (kissing the hand). How I will work, auntie! My wife probably won’t demand more from me. And even if it happens that I endure need for some time, Polina, out of love for me, will probably not show any sign of displeasure. But, in any case, no matter how bitter life is, I will not give up even a millionth part of those convictions that I owe to my upbringing.

Vyshnevskaya. I can vouch for you; but your wife... a young woman! It will be difficult for her to bear any kind of disadvantage. Our girls are raised very poorly. You young people imagine us as angels, but believe me, Vasily Nikolaich, we are worse than men. We are more selfish, more partial. What to do! I must admit: we have much less sense of honor and strict justice. What else is bad about us is a lack of delicacy. A woman is capable of reproaching what a rare developed man will allow himself to do. The most offensive barbs are not uncommon between short friends. Sometimes a stupid reproach from a woman is worse than any insult.

Zhadov. This is true. But I will raise her myself. She is still just a child, you can still do anything out of her. We just need to quickly tear her out of the family before they ruin her with her vulgar upbringing. And once they make her a young lady, in the full sense of the word, then it’s too late.

Vyshnevskaya. I don’t dare doubt it and I don’t want to disappoint you. It would be ignoble of me to cool you down at first. Give more free rein to your heart before it becomes stale. Don't be afraid of poverty. God bless you. Believe me, no one will wish you happiness as much as I do.

Zhadov. I was always sure of this, auntie.

Vyshnevskaya. One thing worries me: your intolerance. You are constantly making enemies for yourself.

Zhadov. Yes, everyone tells me that I’m intolerant, that I’m losing a lot from this. Is intolerance a disadvantage? Is it better to look indifferently at the Yusovs, Belogubovs and all the abominations that are constantly happening around you? Indifference is not far from vice. Anyone who is not disgusted by vice will gradually get involved.

Vyshnevskaya. I don’t call intolerance a shortcoming, I just know from experience how inconvenient it is in life. I've seen examples... someday you'll find out.

Zhadov. Do you think my uncle will refuse me or not? I want to ask for a salary increase. It would be very useful for me now.

Vyshnevskaya. Don't know. Ask.

Vyshnevsky enters in a tailcoat and wig, followed by Yusov.

The eighth phenomenon

The same ones, Vyshnevsky and Yusov.

Vyshnevsky (To Zhadov). Ah, hello! (Sits down.) Sit down! Sit down, Akim Akimych! You are always lazy and rarely go to work.

Zhadov. Nothing to do. They don't give cases.

Yusov. We never have enough to do!

Zhadov. Rewrite something? No, I am your humble servant! You have officials more capable of this than me.

Vyshnevsky. You still haven't left, my dear! You read all the sermons. (To his wife.) Imagine: he reads morals to the clerks in the office, and they, naturally, do not understand anything, they sit with their mouths open, their eyes bulging. Funny, my dear!

Zhadov. How can I remain silent when I see abominations at every step? I have not yet lost faith in the person, I think that my words will have an effect on them.

Vyshnevsky. That's what they did: you became the laughing stock of the entire office. You have already achieved your goal, you have managed to make everyone look at each other with a smile and whisper when you enter, and general laughter spreads when you leave.

Yusov. Yes, sir.

Zhadov. However, what is funny in my words?

Vyshnevsky. That's it, my friend. Starting from unnecessary, inappropriate hobbies, to childish, impractical conclusions. Believe that every scribe knows life better than you; knows from his own experience that it is better to be a well-fed philosopher than a hungry philosopher, and your words naturally seem stupid to them.

Zhadov. But it seems to me that they only know that it is more profitable to be a bribe taker than an honest person.

Yusov. Hmm, hmm...

Vyshnevsky. Stupid, my dear! Both daring and stupid.

Zhadov. Allow me, uncle! Why were we taught, why were we developed such concepts that cannot be spoken out loud without being accused of stupidity or impudence?

Vyshnevsky. I don’t know who taught you there and what. It seems to me that it is better to teach how to do things and respect your elders than to talk nonsense.

Yusov. Yes, sir, it would be much better.

Zhadov. If you please, I will remain silent; but I cannot part with my convictions: they are the only consolation for me in life.

Vyshnevsky. Yes, in the attic, behind a piece of black bread. Glorious consolation! Out of hunger, praise your virtue and scold your comrades and bosses for the fact that they knew how to organize their lives and live in contentment, family and happiness. Wonderful! This is where envy comes in handy.

Zhadov. My God!

Vyshnevskaya. It's cruel.

Vyshnevsky. Please don't think you're saying anything new. It has always been and always will be. A person who did not know how or did not have time to make a fortune for himself will always envy a person with a fortune - this is in human nature. It’s also easy to justify envy. Envious people usually say: I don’t want wealth; I am poor but noble.

Yusov. Mellifluous lips!

Vyshnevsky. Noble poverty is good only on the stage. Try to carry it through in life. This, my friend, is not as easy and pleasant as we think. You’re used to obeying only yourself, and perhaps you’ll get married. What will happen then? That's interesting!

Zhadov. Yes, uncle, I’m getting married and wanted to talk to you about it.

Vyshnevsky. And, probably, out of love, on a poor girl, and also, perhaps, on a fool, who has as much knowledge about life as you do; but, probably, she is educated and sings to an out-of-tune piano: “With my dear one, heaven is in the hut.”

Zhadov. Yes, she's a poor girl.

Vyshnevsky. And great.

Yusov. For the reproduction of beggars, sir...

Zhadov. Akim Akimych, don’t insult me. I didn't give you any right to do this. Uncle, marriage is a great thing, and I think that everyone in this matter should follow their own inspiration.

Vyshnevsky. Do me a favor, no one is bothering you. Have you just thought about this? Of course you love your bride?

Zhadov. Of course I do.

Vyshnevsky. What are you preparing for her, what joys in life? Poverty, all kinds of deprivation. In my opinion, whoever loves a woman tries to strew her path, so to speak, with all the pleasures.

Yusov. Yes, sir.

Vyshnevsky. Instead of hats and various fashions that women consider necessary, you will lecture her on virtue. She, of course, will listen to you out of love, but she still won’t have hats and cloaks.

Vyshnevskaya. At his age they still don’t buy love.

Zhadov. Auntie is telling the truth.

Vyshnevsky. I agree, you don’t need to buy love; but everyone is obliged to reward it, to repay love, otherwise the most selfless love will cool down. There will be reproaches and complaints about fate. I don’t know what it will be like for you to bear it when your wife continually repents out loud that, out of inexperience, she has thrown in her lot with a beggar. In a word, you must make the woman you love happy. And without wealth, or at least contentment, there is no happiness for a woman. You, perhaps, as usual, will begin to contradict me; so I will prove to you that this is true. Look around you: what smart girl would think of marrying a rich old man or a freak? What mother would hesitate to give her daughter away in this way, even against her will, considering her daughter’s tears as stupidity, childishness and thanking God that he sent her Mashenka or Annushka such happiness. Every mother is sure in advance that her daughter will thank her later. And for his own peace of mind, which is also worth something, the husband must provide for his wife completely in material terms; then even... even if the wife is not entirely happy, she has no right... she doesn’t dare complain. (With fervor.) To a woman taken from poverty and surrounded by care and luxury, who will believe that she is unhappy? Ask your wife if I'm telling the truth.

Vyshnevskaya. Your words are so smart and convincing that they can do without my consent. (Leaves.)

Appearance Ninth

The same, without Vyshnevskaya.

Zhadov. Not all women are what you say.

Vyshnevsky. Almost all. There are, of course, exceptions; but it is surprising that this exception should fall to your lot. To do this, you need to live, search, and not fall in love, like you, with the first person you meet. Listen, I will talk to you like a relative, because I feel sorry for you. What do you really think about yourself? How will you live with your wife without funds?

Zhadov. I will live by work. I hope that peace of conscience can replace earthly blessings for me.

Vyshnevsky. Your labor will not be enough to support your family. You will not get a good place, because with your stupid character you will not be able to win over any boss in your favor, but rather arm him. Peace of conscience will also not save you from hunger. You see, my friend, luxury is noticeably spreading in society, but your Spartan virtues do not live with luxury. Your mother entrusted me with taking care of you, and I am obliged to do everything I can for you. This is what I advise you for the last time: tame your character a little, give up false ideas, come on, it’s stupid, serve like all decent people serve, that is, look at life and service practically. Then I can help you with advice, money, and patronage. You're not little anymore - you're getting married.

Zhadov. Never!

Vyshnevsky. How loud it is: “never!” and how stupid it is at the same time! I think that you will come to your senses; I've seen quite a few examples like this, just be careful not to be late. Now you have opportunity and protection, but then you may not have it: you will ruin your career, your comrades will go ahead, it will be difficult for you to start over again. I'm telling you as an official.

Zhadov. Never ever!

Vyshnevsky. Well, then live as you know, without support. Don't rely on me. I'm tired of talking to you.

Zhadov. My God! There will be support for me in public opinion.

Vyshnevsky. Yes, wait! We have no public opinion, my friend, and there cannot be, in the sense in which you understand. Here's public opinion: if you're not caught, you're not a thief. What does society care about what income you live on, as long as you live decently and behave like a decent person. Well, if you walk around without boots and read morals to everyone, then excuse me if you are not accepted in decent houses and they talk about you as an empty person. I served in provincial cities: they know each other shorter than in the capitals; they know that everyone has something to live by, therefore, public opinion can be formed more easily. No, people are people everywhere. And there they laughed in front of me at one official who lived only on a salary with a large family, and they said throughout the city that he sews his own coats; and there the whole city respected the chief bribe-taker because he lived openly and had evenings twice a week.

Zhadov. Is that really true?

Vyshnevsky. Live and you'll find out. Let's go, Akim Akimych. (Rises.)

Zhadov. Uncle!

Vyshnevsky. What's happened?

Zhadov. I receive very little salary, I have nothing to live on. Now there is a vacancy - let me take it, I’ll get married...

Vyshnevsky. Hm... For this place I need not a married man, but a capable man. I cannot, in good conscience, give you more salary: firstly, you are not worth it, and secondly, you are my relative, they will consider it partiality.

Zhadov. As you please. I will live on the means I have.

Vyshnevsky. Yes, here you go, my dear! I’ll tell you once and for all: I don’t like your conversation, your expressions are harsh and disrespectful, and I don’t see any need for you to be upset. Don't think I think your opinions are offensive - it's too much honor for you, I just think they're stupid. And therefore, you can consider all my relationships with you, except those of a boss, to be completely over.

Zhadov. So I'd better move to another place.

Vyshnevsky. Do me a favor. (Leaves.)

The tenth phenomenon

Zhadov and Yusov.

Yusov (looking into his eyes). Ha, ha, ha, ha!..

Zhadov. Why are you laughing?

Yusov. Ha, ha, ha!.. How can you not laugh? Who are you arguing with? ha, ha, ha! So what does it look like?

Zhadov. What's so funny?

Yusov. Well, is uncle stupider than you? Eh, stupider? Does he understand you less in life? But this is a joke for the chickens. After all, this way you will someday die of laughter. Have mercy, have mercy, I have a family.

Zhadov. You don’t understand this, Akim Akimych.

Yusov. There is nothing to understand here. Even if you brought a thousand people, everyone would die of laughter looking at you. You should have listened to this man with your mouth open, so as not to let out a word, but his words would have been cut off on his nose, and you are arguing! After all, this is a comedy, by God, a comedy, ha, ha, ha! not enough yet. Or should it. If I were in his place... (Makes a stern grimace and goes into the office.)

Appearance eleventh

Zhadov (alone, after thinking). Yes, talk! I don't believe you. I also don’t believe that an educated person cannot provide for himself and his family through honest work. I don’t want to believe that society is so depraved! This is a common way of old people to disappoint young people: to present everything to them in a black light. People of the old century are jealous that we look at life so cheerfully and with such hope. Ah, uncle! I understand you. You have now achieved everything - both nobility and money, you have no one to envy. You envy only us, people with a clear conscience and peace of mind. You can't buy this for any money. Tell me what you want, but I will still get married and live happily. (Leaves.)

Vyshnevsky and Yusov leave the office.

Appearance Twelfth

Yusov and Vyshnevsky.

Vyshnevsky. Who will he marry?

Yusov. On Kukushkina. Daughter of the widow of a collegiate assessor.

Vyshnevsky. Do you know her?

Yusov. Well, I knew my husband. Belogubov wants to marry another sister.

Vyshnevsky. Well, Belogubov is a different matter. In any case, go see her. Explain to her so that she does not ruin her daughter, does not give her away to this fool. (Nods his head and leaves.)

Appearance thirteen

Yusov (one). What kind of time is this! You won’t believe your eyes what is happening in the world now! How to live in the world! The boys started talking! Who's talking? Who's arguing? Yes, nonentity! Blowed on him, ugh! (blows)- so there is no person. And who else is he arguing with? - With a genius. Aristarkh Vladimirych is a genius... a genius, Napoleon. Immense intelligence, speed, courage in business. One thing is missing: the law is not entirely firm, from another department. If Aristarkh Vladimirych, with his intelligence, knew the laws and all the rules like his predecessor, well, that’s the end... the end... and there’s nothing to talk about. Follow him like a train. So grab hold of it and go. And ranks, and orders, and all sorts of lands, and houses, and villages with wastelands... It’s breathtaking! (Leaves.)

Act two

CHARACTERS:

Felisata Gerasimovna Kukushkina, widow of a collegiate assessor.

Yulinka and Polina are her daughters.

Akim Akimych Yusov.

Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov.

Onisim Panfilich Belogubov.

Stesha, the maid girl.

A room in Kukushkina’s house: an ordinary living room in poor houses. There is a door in the middle and a door to the left.

First appearance

Yulinka, Polina stand in front of the mirror and Stesha with a brush and a wing in her hands.

Stesha. Well, my young ladies are ready. At least now the suitors come, as if they were exhibited at the exhibition, the first grade. If we show such force, it will catch your nose. What general is not ashamed to show it!

Pauline. Well, Yulinka, take your places; Let's sit down like smart young ladies sit. Now mummy will show us. The person sells the product.

Stesha (wiping off the dust). No matter how you look at it, everything is in order, everything is in its place, everything is pinned and pinned.

Yulinka. She is such an auditor for us; will find something.

They sit down.

Stesha (stops in the middle of the room). In fact, young ladies, you can’t live from her at all. He drills and drills, like a soldier in training. Everything is at traction and at traction - it just doesn’t force you to raise your legs. And she’s already bullying me, bullying me - she overcame me only with cleanliness. (Wipes off the dust.)

Yulinka. Do you like your fiance, Vasily Nikolaich?

Pauline. Oh, just a darling! How about your Belogubov?

Yulinka. No, it's terrible rubbish!

Pauline. Why don't you tell mommy?

Yulinka. Here's another! God forbid! I’m glad, I’m glad to at least marry him, just to get out of the house.

Pauline. Yes, the truth is yours! If Vasily Nikolaich didn’t get caught, it seems that he would be glad to throw himself on the neck of the first person he meets: even if it’s a bad one, if only he could help me out of trouble, take me out of the house. (Laughs.)

Stesha (bending under the sofa). Truly the torment of martyrdom. That's the truth, young lady, tell me.

Pauline. Other girls cry, Yulinka, as they get married: how can it be to part with the house! Every corner will be paid for. And you and I - even far away now, even if some gorynych snake carried us away. (Laughs.)

Stesha. Now, if I don’t erase it here, it will be like nuts. And whoever sees it here, who needs it! (Washes it under the mirror.)

Yulinka. You are happy, Polina; everything is funny to you; and I'm starting to think so seriously. Getting married is not tricky - we know this science; You also need to think about how you will live married.

Pauline. What is there to think about? It certainly won't be worse than at home.

Yulinka. No worse! This is not enough. It needs to be better. If you get married, you need to be a lady, as you should be a lady.

Pauline. It would be very good, what would be better, but how to do it? You're a smart girl with us: teach us!

Yulinka. You need to notice from the conversation who has what, who hopes for what. If he’s not there now, what does he mean? Now it’s clear from the words who the person is. What is your Zhadov talking to you about, how are you left alone?

Pauline. Well, Yulinka, I’m about to cut off my head, I don’t understand anything he’s saying. He’ll squeeze my hand so tightly and start talking and start... he wants to teach me something.

Yulinka. Why?

Pauline. Really, Yulinka, I don’t know. Something very tricky. Wait, maybe I’ll remember, but I can’t help but laugh, the words are so funny! Wait, wait, I remembered! (Teasingly.)“What is the purpose of a woman in society?” He spoke about some other civic virtues. I don’t even know what it is. We weren't taught this, were we?

Yulinka. No, they didn't.

Pauline. He must have read in those books that were not given to us. Remember... at the boarding house? True, we haven’t read any.

Yulinka. There is something to regret! and without them there is mortal melancholy! It would be a different matter to go out for a walk or to the theater.

Pauline. Yes, sister, yes.

Yulinka. Well, Polina, I must admit, there is little hope for you. No, mine is not like that.

Pauline. Which one is yours?

Yulinka. My Belogubov, although a little disgusting, shows great hope. “You,” he says, “will love me, sir.” Now is not the time for me to get married, but as soon as they make me a head clerk, then I’ll get married.” I asked him what a clerk is. “This, he says, is first grade, sir.” Must be something good. “Even though I’m an uneducated person,” he says, “I have a lot of business with merchants, sir: so I’ll bring you silk and various materials from the city, and everything will be sorted out about provisions, sir.” Well? this is very good, Polina, let him carry it. There is nothing to think about here; you have to go for such a person.

Pauline. And mine must not have any merchant acquaintances; he doesn’t tell me anything about it. Well, how can he not bring me anything?

Yulinka. No, yours must have it too. After all, he is an employee, and employees are given what they need to everyone. For whom the matter is different, if you are married; and if single - cloth, tights; whoever has horses gets oats or hay, or even money. Last time Belogubov was wearing a vest, remember, it was so colorful, the merchant gave it to him. He told me himself.

Pauline. Still, you need to ask if Zhadov has any merchants he knows.

Kukushkina enters.

Second phenomenon

The same and Kukushkina.

Kukushkina. How can you not praise yourself! I have cleanliness, I have order, I have everything in order! (Sits down.) And what's that? (Points to the maid under the sofa.)

Stesha. For mercy's sake, I don't have enough strength, my entire lower back is broken.

Kukushkina. How dare you, vile thing, talk like that! You receive a salary for that. I have cleanliness, I have order, I have a thread to follow.

The maid sweeps and leaves.

Yulinka gets up.

I want to talk to you.

Yulinka. What do you want, mummy?

Kukushkina. You know, madam, that I have nothing behind me or in front of me.

Yulinka. I know, mom.

Kukushkina. It's time to know, madam! I have no income from anywhere, just a pension. Make ends meet as best you can. I deny myself everything. I turn around like a thief at a fair, but I’m not an old woman yet, I can find a match. Do you understand this?

Yulinka. I understand, sir.

Kukushkina. I make fashionable dresses and various trinkets for you, and for myself I repaint and remake them from old ones. Don't you think that I dress you up for your pleasure, for dandy? You are so wrong. All this is being done in order to get you married, to get away with it. In my condition, I could only take you around in cotton and shabby dresses. If you don’t want or don’t know how to find a groom, so be it. I don’t intend to cut off and cut myself off for you in vain.

Pauline. We, Mama, have heard this for a long time. You tell me what's the matter.

Kukushkina. Shut up! They're not talking to you. God gave you happiness for your stupidity, so keep quiet. No matter how much of a fool this Zhadov is, it would be a shame for you to spend your life in prison for your frivolity. Which smart person will take you? Who needs? You have nothing to brag about, you weren’t even smart enough here: you can’t say that you bewitched him - he ran himself, he climbed into the noose himself, no one pulled him. And Yulinka is a smart girl, she must create happiness for herself with her mind. Let me find out whether your Belogubov will be of any use or not?

Yulinka. Mama, I don’t know.

Kukushkina. Who knows? You know, madam, that I do not accept young strangers into my house. I only accept grooms or potential grooms. If I look more or less like the groom, you are welcome, the house is open, and as the tail wags, so does the gate turn away. We don't need those. I take care of my reputation, and yours too.

Yulinka. What should I do, Mama?

Kukushkina. Do as ordered. You remember one thing: you can’t stay as girls. You will have to live in the kitchen.

Yulinka. I, mamma, did everything you ordered.

Kukushkina. What were you doing? If you please speak, I will listen to you.

Yulinka. When he came to us for the second time, remember, you also brought him by force, I made eyes at him.

Kukushkina. Well, what about him?

Yulinka. And he somehow strangely pursed his lips and licked his lips. It seems to me that he is so stupid that he did not understand anything. Nowadays every high school student is more dexterous than him.

Kukushkina. I don’t know your science there, but I see that he is respectful, and there is in him some kind of pleasant seeking of his superiors. So he will go far. I understood this immediately.

Yulinka. When he was with us for the third time, remember, on Friday, I read love poems to him; he, too, seemed to understand nothing. And for the fourth time I wrote him a note.

Kukushkina. What is he?

Yulinka. He came and said: “My heart never turned away from you, but always was, is and will be.”

Polina laughs.

Kukushkina (threatening her with his finger). What's next?

Yulinka. He says: “As soon as I get the position of chief, I will tearfully ask your mother for your hand in marriage.”

Kukushkina. Will he get it soon?

Yulinka. He says it will be soon.

Kukushkina. Come, Yulinka, kiss me. (Kisses her.) Getting married, my friend, is a great thing for a girl. You will understand this later. I am a mother, and a strict mother; Do whatever you want with the groom, I will turn a blind eye, I am silent, my friend, I am silent; but with a stranger, no, you’re being naughty, I won’t allow it! Come, Yulinka, sit in your place.

Yulinka sits down.

And when you get married, children, here’s my advice: don’t give your husbands any favors, so sharpen them every minute so that they can get money; Otherwise you’ll get lazy, and then you’ll cry yourself. A lot of instructions would need to be given; but now you girls still can’t tell everything; if something happens, come straight to me, I always have a reception for you, there is never a ban. I know all the remedies and can give any advice, even on the doctoral side.

Pauline. Mama, someone has arrived.

Yulinka (looking out the window). Belogubov with some old man.

Kukushkina. Take your seats. Yulinka, lower the mantilla a little from your right shoulder.

Yusov and Belogubov enter.

The third phenomenon

The same ones, Yusov and Belogubov.

Kukushkina. You are welcome, you are welcome! We humbly ask you to sit down.

Akim Akimych and Belogubov sit down.

Here I recommend to you: my two daughters, Yulinka and Polina. Perfect children have no idea about anything; They should still be playing with dolls, let alone getting married. And it’s a pity to leave, but there is nothing to do. You can't keep such a product at home.

Yusov. Yes, sir, this is the law of fate, sir, the circle of life, sir! What is destined from time immemorial, man cannot do, sir...

Kukushkina. I’ll tell you the truth, Akim Akimych, they were raised in strictness, they are distant from everything. I can’t give a lot of money for them, but my husbands will be grateful for their morality. I love children, Akim Akimych, but I am strict, very strict. (Strictly.) Polina, go and arrange the tea.

Pauline (rises). Now, mommy. (Leaves.)

Yusov. I'm strict myself, sir. (Strictly.) Belogubov!

Belogubov. What do you want, sir?

Yusov. Am I strict?

Belogubov. Be strict, sir. (Yulinka.) I have a new vest again, sir. Look here, sir.

Yulinka. Very good. Did the same merchant give this to you?

Belogubov. No, another one, sir. This one has a better factory.

Yulinka. Let's go to the living room, I'll show you my work. (They leave.)

The fourth phenomenon

Yusov and Kukushkina.

Yusov (sniffing tobacco). Little by little, Felisata Gerasimovna, little by little.

Kukushkina. However, you should know whether he will get a position soon. Maybe even this depends on you. I am a petitioner for him. (Bows.) You will not be able to disrespect my request; I am a mother, a tender mother, I work hard for the happiness of my children, my chicks.

Yusov (making a serious face). Soon, soon it will be. I already reported to our general about him. And the general is entirely in my hands: what I say will happen. We will make him the head of the office. If I want, he will be the head of the office, but if I don’t want to, he will not be the head of the office... Heh, heh, he will, he will! This is where my general is. (Shows his hand.)

Kukushkina. Frankly, I don’t even like single people. What are they doing? This is how they only burden the earth.

Yusov (important). A burden on earth, a burden... and idle talk.

Kukushkina. Yes, sir. And it is dangerous to accept a single person into the house, especially those who have daughters or a young wife. Who knows what's on his mind. In my opinion, the young man should be married as soon as possible, he himself will be grateful later, otherwise they are stupid, they don’t understand their own benefits.

Yusov. Yes, sir. From absent-mindedness. After all, life is the sea of everyday life... it consumes.

Kukushkina. A single person cannot start a household, does not take care of the house, and goes to taverns.

Yusov. But we also walk, sir... a rest from work...

Kukushkina. Ah, Akim Akimych, there’s a big difference. You will go when they call you, they want to treat you, to show you their respect, but you won’t go to your own.

Yusov. How can I, no, sir, I won’t go.

Kukushkina. Now take this: a petitioner will call a single man to a tavern for some business, treat him to dinner, and that’s it. They will spend a lot of money, but not a penny of benefit. And the married man, Akim Akimych, will say to the petitioner: what do I need your dinners for? I’d rather go and dine with my wife, in a family way, quietly, in my own corner, and you give me clean ones. Yes, it will bring money. So there are two benefits: he will come sober and with money... How long have you been married?

Yusov. Forty-third year...

Kukushkina. Tell! How young you look!

Yusov. Regularity in life... I placed the jars yesterday.

Kukushkina. Everything is great for a healthy person, especially when a person is at peace in soul and lives in contentment.

Yusov. I will tell you what a game of nature happens... to a person... from poverty to wealth. I, madam, - it was a long time ago - was brought into the presence in a shabby dressing gown, I only just knew how to read and write... They were sitting, I saw, all the people were elderly, important, angry, then they didn’t shave often, so it’s even more important gives. Fear attacked me, I couldn’t utter words. For two years I was on errands, correcting various commissions: I ran for vodka, and for pies, and for kvass, for those with a hangover, and I sat not at the table, not on a chair, but at the window on a bunch of papers, and I wrote not from an inkwell, but from an old lipstick jar. But he came out into the public. Of course, all this is not from us... from above... to know, it was so necessary for me to be a person and occupy an important post. Sometimes my wife and I think: why did God seek us with His mercy? It's all destiny... and good deeds must be done... to help the poor. Yes, sir, now I have three houses, although they are far away, but this does not bother me; I keep quarter horses. It’s better further away: there’s more land, and it’s not so noisy, and there’s less conversation and gossip.

Kukushkina. Yes, sure. Do you have a garden or tea at your home?

Yusov. Of course, sir. In the summer heat, coolness and relaxation for members. But I have no pride, sir. Pride blinds... At least I have a man... I’m with him as with my brother... everything is fine, my neighbor... I can’t do it in the service... I especially don’t like superstitions, the educated ones of today. With these he is strict and demanding. We dreamed very much. I don’t believe this prejudice that scientists snatch stars from the sky. I have seen them: no better than us sinners, and not so attentive to the service. My rule is to squeeze them in every possible way for the benefit of the service... because they cause harm. Somehow, Felisata Gerasimovna, my heart lies more with ordinary people. With the current strictness, a misfortune happens to a person, he is expelled from the district school for failure or from the lower classes of the seminary: how can one not look after him? He is already killed by fate, he is deprived of everything, he is offended by everyone. And people are more understanding and obsequious about our business, their souls are more open. Out of Christian duty, if you bring such a person into the public eye, he will be grateful to you all his life: he will call you to be a father figure, and he will call you to be a godfather. Well, in the next century there will be bribes... Belogubov, he doesn’t know how to read and write, but I love him, Felisata Gerasimovna, like a son: he has feeling. And let me tell you, your other fiancé... he’s also under my command... So I can judge...

Kukushkina. What is it?

Yusov (makes a serious face). Unreliable.

Kukushkina. From what? After all, he’s not a drunkard, he’s not a spendthrift, he’s not lazy when it comes to service?

Yusov. Yes, sir. But… (sniffs tobacco) unreliable.

Kukushkina. How, explain to me, father, Akim Akimych, because I am a mother.

Yusov. But, if you please, see. Has such a person as a relative... Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky.

Kukushkina. I know.

Yusov. A person, one might say, a person.

Kukushkina. I know.

Yusov. And he shows disrespect.

Kukushkina. I know I know.

Yusov. He is rude against his superiors... arrogance beyond boundaries... and even such thoughts... corrupt youth... and especially freethinking. The authorities must take a strict look.

Kukushkina. I know.

Yusov. And if you know, you can judge for yourself. What times have come, Felisata Gerasimovna, there is no life! And from whom? From rubbish, from boys. Hundreds of them are released; will completely fill us.

Kukushkina. Eh, Akim Akimych, if he gets married, he will change. But I couldn’t not know all this, I’m not that kind of mother, I won’t do anything without caution. I have this rule: as soon as a young man gets into the habit of visiting us, I’ll send someone to find out all the ins and outs about him, or I’ll find out from outsiders myself. All this stupidity in him, in my opinion, comes from his single life. If he gets married and we will marry him, he will make peace with his uncle and serve well.

Yusov. He will change, and the authorities will change towards him... (Pause.) There are no former officials, Felisata Gerasimovna! Officials are falling. The spirit doesn't have it. And what a life it was, Felisata Gerasimovna, simply paradise! There is no need to die. We swam, just swam, Felisata Gerasimovna. The former officials were eagles, eagles, but now there are young people, supercilious people, a kind of emptiness.

Zhadov enters.

Fifth appearance

Same with Zhadov.

Zhadov. Sorry, Felisata Gerasimovna, I'm a little late. Ah, Akim Akimych! (Bows.) How are you doing?

Kukushkina. Akim Akimych is so kind, he cares so much about his officials... I don’t know how to be grateful to them. They took the trouble to come and meet us.

Zhadov (to Yusov). Thank you. However, there was no need to worry.

Yusov. I, Felisata Gerasimovna, am more for Belogubov. He has no relatives, I am his father...

Kukushkina. Don’t tell me, Akim Akimych, you yourself are a family man, and I just saw that you are trying in every possible way to encourage young people to have a family life. I myself am of the same opinion, Akim Akimych. (To Zhadov.) You can’t imagine, Vasily Nikolaich, how I suffer when I see that two loving hearts are separated by some obstacles. When you read a novel, you see how circumstances prohibit lovers from seeing each other, or parents do not agree, or state does not allow it - how you suffer at that moment. I'm crying, I'm just crying! And how cruel parents can sometimes be who do not want to respect the feelings of their children. Some even die of love on this occasion. But when you see that everything is coming to a successful conclusion, all obstacles are destroyed, (enthusiastically) love triumphs and young people are united in legal marriage, how sweet it becomes in the soul. So even some kind of bliss for all members.

Polina enters.

Pauline. Please, the tea is ready. (Seeing Zhadov.) Vasily Nikolaich! Isn't it a shame to make people suffer like this? I've been waiting, waiting for you.

Zhadov (kisses hand). Guilty.

Kukushkina. Come, my child, kiss me.

Pauline (To Zhadov). Let's go.

Kukushkina. Let's go, Akim Akimych!

They leave. Belogubov and Yulinka enter with cups in their hands.

Appearance Six

Belogubov and Yulinka.

Yulinka. As I see, you are all deceiving me.

Belogubov. How dare I deceive you, sir? What does this mean?

They sit down.

Yulinka. Men cannot be trusted in anything, absolutely in nothing.

Belogubov. Why is there such criticism of men?

Yulinka. What kind of criticism is there when this is the true truth?

Belogubov. It can’t be, sir. This is one conversation; men usually give compliments, but young ladies don’t believe them, they say that men are deceivers.

Yulinka. You know everything. You must have given a lot of compliments in your life.

Belogubov. I had no one, and I don’t know how, sir. You know that I recently began to enter the house, sir, but before that I had no acquaintance.

Yulinka. And you didn't deceive anyone?

Belogubov. What are you asking about?

Yulinka. Do not speak. I don't believe a single word you say. (Turns away.)

Belogubov. Why, sir? It's even insulting.

Yulinka. It seems you can understand.

Belogubov. I don’t understand, sir.

Yulinka. You do not want! (Closes his eyes with a handkerchief.)

Belogubov. I can assure you with anything, sir, that I have always, sir... both when I was in love and now... I already reported to you...

Yulinka. Love, but hesitate.

Belogubov. Yes, sir... Now I understand, sir. So this is not that kind of thing, sir... it’s impossible soon, sir.

Yulinka. Why is Zhadov allowed?

Belogubov. It's a completely different matter, sir. His uncle is rich, sir, and he himself is an educated man, he can have a place everywhere. Even if he becomes a teacher, it’s all bread, sir. What about me? Until they give me a position as head of the table, I can’t do anything, sir... And you yourself won’t want to eat cabbage soup and porridge, sir. Only we can do this, sir, but you, young lady, you can’t, sir. But if I get a place, then there will be a completely different revolution.

Yulinka. When will this revolution happen?

Belogubov. Now soon, sir. They promised. As soon as I get a place, that very minute... I’ll just sew a new dress... I already told my mother, sir. Don’t be angry, Yulia Ivanovna, because you don’t depend on me. Please give me a pen.

Yulinka extends her hand without looking at him. He kisses.

I can’t wait myself.

Zhadov and Polina enter.

Yulinka. Let's go away and leave them alone.

They leave.

Seventh Appearance

Zhadov and Polina (sit down).

Pauline. Do you know what I'll tell you?

Zhadov. No, I do not know.

Pauline. Just please don’t tell your mother.

Zhadov. I won’t tell you, rest assured.

Pauline (after thinking). I would tell you, but I’m afraid that you will stop loving me.

Zhadov. To stop loving you? Is this really possible?

Pauline. Are you telling the truth?

Zhadov (takes hand). I won’t stop loving you, believe me.

Pauline. Well, look. I'll tell you in simplicity. (Quiet.) Everything in our house is deception, everything, everything, absolutely everything. Please don't believe anything they tell you. There is nothing behind us. Mama says that she loves us, but she doesn’t love us at all, she just wants to get rid of it as quickly as possible. He flatters the grooms in the eyes, but scolds them behind the eyes. It forces us to pretend.

Zhadov. Does this outrage you? Outrageous?

Pauline. But I'm not pretending, I really love you.

Zhadov. You're driving me crazy! (Kisses his hand.)

Pauline. Moreover, I’ll tell you this: we are not educated at all. Yulia also knows something, I’m such a fool.

Zhadov. How stupid?

Pauline. The way fools are. I don’t know anything, I haven’t read anything... what you sometimes say, I don’t understand anything, absolutely nothing.

Zhadov. You are an angel! (Kisses her hands.)

Pauline. I’m just kinder than Yulinka, but much stupider than her.

Zhadov. That’s why I love you, because we didn’t have time to teach you anything, we didn’t have time to spoil your hearts. We need to get you out of here as soon as possible. You and I will start a new life. I will take care of your upbringing with love. What pleasure awaits me!

Pauline. Oh, hurry up!

Zhadov. What to put off? I've already made up my mind. (Looks at her passionately.)

Silence.

Pauline. Do you know merchants?

Zhadov. What a question? What do you need?

Pauline. So. I want to know.

Zhadov. I don't understand, however, why do you need this?

Pauline. But here's why. Belogubov says that he knows merchants and that they give him vests, and when he gets married, then they will give his wife material for a dress.

Zhadov. That's what! Well, no, they won’t give it to us. You and I will work on our own. Right, Polina?

Pauline (absently). Yes, sir.

Zhadov. No, Polina, you do not yet know the sublime bliss of living by your own labor. You are provided with everything, God willing, you will find out. Everything we acquire will be ours, we will not be obliged to anyone. Do you understand this? There are two pleasures here: the pleasure of work and the pleasure of freely and with a clear conscience to dispose of your goods, without giving an account to anyone. And this is better than any gifts. Isn’t it better, Polina?

Pauline. Yes, sir, better.

Silence.

Do you want me to tell you a riddle?

Zhadov. Make a wish.

Pauline. What goes without legs?

Zhadov. What a mystery! Rain.

Pauline. How do you know everything? It's a shame, really. I just couldn’t guess, Yulinka already said it.

Zhadov. Child! Always remain such a child.

Pauline. Can you count the stars in the sky?

Zhadov. Can.

Pauline. No you can not. I won't believe you.

Pauline. You are laughing at me. (Turns away.)

Zhadov (gently). I should laugh at you, Polina! I want to devote my whole life to you. Take a good look at me, can I laugh at you?

Pauline (looks at him). No no…

Zhadov. You say you are a fool, I am a fool. Laugh at me! Yes, many people laugh. Without means, without fortune, with only hopes for the future, I will marry you. Why are you getting married? - they tell me. For what? Because I love you, that I believe in people. That I act rashly - I agree with that. When should I think, I love you so much that I have no time to think.

Kukushkina and Yusov enter.

Pauline ( With some feeling). I love you myself.

Zhadov kisses her hand.

Kukushkina (to Yusov). Look, just like doves are cooing. Don't bother them. Touching to see!

Belogubov and Yulinka enter.

The eighth phenomenon

Zhadov, Polina, Kukushkina, Yusov, Belogubov and Yulinka.

Zhadov (turning around, takes Polina by the hand and leads her to Kukushkina). Felisata Gerasimovna, give me this treasure.

Kukushkina. I confess to you, it’s hard for me to part with her. This is my beloved daughter... she would be a consolation to me in my old age... but God bless her, take her... her happiness is more important to me. (Covers his face with a scarf.)

Zhadov and Polina kiss her hands. Belogubov hands her a chair. Sits down.

Yusov. You are a true mother, Felisata Gerasimovna.

Kukushkina. Yes, I can brag about it. (With fervor.) No, raising daughters is a thankless task! You will grow up, nurture next to yourself, and then give it to a stranger... you will remain an orphan... terrible! (Closes his eyes with a handkerchief.)

Belogubov. Mama, we will not leave you.

Polina and Yulinka (together.) Mama, we will not leave you.

About a year passes between the second and third acts.

Act three

CHARACTERS:

Mykin, his friend, teacher.

Belogubov.

1st, 2nd – officials.

Grigory, Vasily – sexual

Guests and sex in another room.

Tavern. The back curtain is in the background, there is a car in the middle, an open door to the right revealing a room, a dress hanger to the left, tables with sofas on both sides of the proscenium.

First appearance

Vasily is standing by the car and reading a newspaper. Grigory stands at the door and looks into another room. Zhadov and Mykin enter. Grigory sees them off, wipes the table and lays out a napkin.

Mykin. Well, old friend, how are you?

Zhadov. It's bad, brother. (Grigory.) Give us some tea.

Gregory leaves.

Mykin. Nothing. I live for myself and teach a little.

They sit down.

Zhadov. How much do you get?

Mykin. Two hundred rubles.

Zhadov. Are you satisfied?

Mykin. This is how I live, depending on my means. As you can see, I don’t make any unnecessary arrangements.

Zhadov. Yes, you can live single.

Mykin. And you shouldn't have gotten married! There is no reason for our brother to get married. Where are we, naked people! Well-fed, covered with something from the influence of the elements - and that’s enough. You know the proverb: one head is not poor, but even if it is poor, it is alone.

Zhadov. It is done.

Mykin. Look at yourself, are you like this before? Well, brother, apparently the steep hills have taken Sivka down? No, our brother cannot marry. We are workers.

Gregory serves tea. Mykin pours.

To serve, to serve; We’ll have time to live for ourselves after, if we have to.

Zhadov. What should we do? I loved her very much.

Mykin. You never know, I loved it! Don't others love it? Eh, brother, I loved you too, but I didn’t marry. And you shouldn't have gotten married.

Zhadov. But why?

Mykin. Very simple. A single man thinks about service, and a married man thinks about his wife. A married person is unreliable.

Zhadov. Well, that's nonsense.

Mykin. No, not nonsense. I don't know what I wouldn't do for the girl I loved. But I decided to make a better sacrifice. It is better, brother, to suppress this very legitimate feeling in yourself than to be subjected to temptation.

Zhadov. I guess it wasn't easy for you?

Mykin. Well, what can I say! Giving up is not easy at all; and to abandon the woman you love when there are no obstacles except poverty... Do you love your wife very much?

Zhadov. Crazy.

Mykin. Well, that's bad! Is she smart?

Zhadov. Really, I don't know. I only know that she is incredibly sweet. Some trifle will upset her, she will cry so sweetly, so sincerely that, looking at her, you yourself will cry.

Mykin. Tell me frankly how you live. I haven’t seen you for a year and a half.

Zhadov. Please. My story is short. I married for love, as you know, I took an undeveloped girl, brought up in social prejudices, like almost all of our young ladies, I dreamed of raising her in our beliefs, and now I’ve been married for a year...

Mykin. And what?

Zhadov. Of course, nothing. I don’t have time to raise her, and I don’t know how to take on this task. She remained with her ideas; in disputes, of course, I must yield to her. The situation, as you see, is unenviable, and there is nothing to improve it. Yes, she doesn’t listen to me, she simply doesn’t consider me an intelligent person. According to their concept, an intelligent person must certainly be rich.

Mykin. This is where it went! Well, what about the funds?

Zhadov. I work from morning to night.

Mykin. And everything is not enough?

Zhadov. No, you can live.

Mykin. Well, what about the wife?

Zhadov. He sulks a little and sometimes cries. What to do!

Mykin. I feel sorry for you. No, brother, we can’t get married. I was without a job for a year, I ate only black bread. What would I do with my wife?

Dosuzhev enters.

Second phenomenon

Same with Dosuzhev.

Dosuzhev (sitting down at another table). Garson, life!

Basil. Which one do you want?

Dosuzhev. Ryabinova. With a snack befitting our rank.

Basil. I'm listening, sir. (Goes to the door.)

Dosuzhev. French mustard! Do you hear? I'll seal the tavern. Grigory, start the barrel organ.

Gregory. Now, sir. (Starts the car.)

Mykin. This must be a bachelor!

Dosuzhev. Why are you looking at me? I'm waiting for the crucian carp.

Zhadov. What crucian carp?

Dosuzhev. He will come with a red beard, I will eat him.

Vasily brings vodka.

You, Vasily, look at him there. When he comes, tell me.

The machine is playing.

Gentlemen, have you seen how drunken Germans cry? (Represents a crying German.)

Zhadov and Mykin laugh. The car goes silent.

Mykin (To Zhadov). Well, goodbye! I'll come see you sometime.

Zhadov. Goodbye.

Mykin leaves.

Basil (Dosuzhev). Please come, sir.

Dosuzhev. Call here.

Basil. No way, sir. Sat in the back room.

Dosuzhev (To Zhadov). Confused. Farewell! If you sit here, I’ll come talk to you, I liked your face. (Leaves.)

Zhadov (to Vasily). Let me read something.

Basil (hands over the book). Please read the article here. They approve, sir.

Zhadov is reading. Enter: Yusov, Belogubov, 1st and 2nd officials.

The third phenomenon

Zhadov, Yusov, Belogubov, 1st and 2nd officials.

Belogubov. Akim Akimych, sir, we had lunch there, let me treat you to wine here, and the music will play, sir.

Yusov. Treat, treat!

Belogubov. Which one do you want? Champagne, sir?

Yusov. Well him...

Belogubov. So to the Rhine wine, sir? Gentlemen, sit down!

Everyone sits down except Belogubov.

Basil! Bring me some foreign bottled Rhine wine.

Vasily leaves.

Oh, brother, hello! Would you like to join us for company? (Approaches Zhadov.)

Zhadov. Thank you. I do not drink.

Belogubov. What is this, brother, have mercy! For me!.. one drink... you and I are now relatives!

Vasily brings wine. Belogubov approaches his desk.

Vasily pours it.

Yusov. Well, brother, to your health! (Takes a glass and stands up.)

1st and 2nd officials. For your health, sir. (They take glasses and stand up.)

Yusov (pointing a finger at Belogubov’s head). I always saw good in this forehead, in this head.

They clink glasses.

Let's kiss!

They kiss.

Belogubov. No, allow me a pen, sir.

Yusov (hides his hand). No need, no need. (Sits down.)

Belogubov. Through you, man became, sir.

1st and 2nd officials. Allow me, sir. (Clink glasses with Belogubov, drink and sit down.)

Belogubov (pours a glass and serves it to Zhadov on a tray.) Brother, do me a favor.

Zhadov. I told you I don't drink.

Belogubov. You can't, brother, you can offend me.

Zhadov. It's finally boring.

Belogubov. If you don’t want wine, what would you like me to treat you with? Whatever you want, brother, all with pleasure.

Zhadov. I don't need anything. Leave me alone! (Is reading.)

Belogubov. Well, whatever. I don’t know, brother, why you offend me. With all my affection... (He goes to his desk.)

Yusov (quiet). Leave him alone.

Belogubov (sits down). Gentlemen, another glass! (Pours.) Would you like some cake? Vasily, bring more cake!

Vasily leaves.

Yusov. You've been on a rampage today! Must have been clever enough?

Belogubov (pointing to his pocket). Got it! And to whom? I owe everything to you.

Yusov. Must have caught it?

Belogubov (takes out a stack of banknotes). Here they are, sir.

Yusov. Yes, I know you, your hand is not out of tune.

Belogubov (hides the money). No, let me! To whom am I obliged? Would I have understood that if it weren’t for you? From whom did I become a people, from whom did I begin to live, if not from you? I grew up under your wing! Anyone else wouldn’t have learned that even at ten years old, all the subtleties and turns that I learned at four years old. I took your example in everything, otherwise where would I be with my intelligence! No other father will do for his son what you did for me. (Wipes his eyes.)

Yusov. You have a noble soul, you can feel, but others cannot.

Vasily brings a cake.

Basil. You can get it, sir.

Belogubov. This is for the wife, sir. (to Vasily). Well, then wrap it in more paper. Take whatever you want, I won’t regret anything.

Vasily is coming.

Wait! And put some cake there.

Yusov. You'll spoil her, she'll be spoiled.

Belogubov. It’s impossible, sir. (To Vasily.) Put it all in, do you hear?

Basil. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.)

Belogubov. I love, I love my wife very much, sir. If you please, she will love you more, Akim Akimych. What am I in front of her, sir? She’s educated, sir... I bought a dress today, sir... that is, I didn’t buy it, but I took it, and we’ll settle things later.

Yusov. Doesn't matter. Is it really worth paying money? Maybe something will happen, and so be it. Mountain does not converge with mountain, but man does with man.

Vasily brings sweets in paper.

Belogubov. Put it in your hat. Another glass, sir. (Pours.) Basil! Another bottle.

Yusov. Will.

Belogubov. No, please excuse me. It is not you who is in charge here, but me.

Vasily leaves.

1st official. What an incident it was! Our scrivener is such a crappy little thing, what a thing he threw away! I wrote a fake copy of the decision (what came into his head!) and signed for everyone present, and took it to the plaintiff. But it’s an interesting matter, it’s about money. Only he didn’t give the copy away, it was on his own mind, he only showed it. Well, he took a lot of money. He later came to court, but that’s not the case at all.

Belogubov. This is meanness! You need to get kicked out for this.

Yusov. Just kick him out. Don't spoil the officials. Take it for business, not for fraud. Take it in such a way that the applicant is not offended and that you are satisfied. Live by the law; live so that the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe. Why chase after more! The chicken pecks at the grain, but is full. And what a man this is! If not today, then tomorrow he will fall under the red hat.

Belogubov (pours a glass). Welcome, Akim Akimych! What do I ask of you, will you refuse me? I will bow at your feet.

Yusov. Ask.

Belogubov. Remember last time you walked under a car: “On the pavement street,” sir?

Yusov. Look what you made up!

Belogubov. Make me happy, Akim Akimych! So that I remember it all my life.

Yusov. Please, please. Just for you! They told him to let him go “On the pavement street.”

Belogubov. Hey Vasily! Let him go along the pavement street, but stand at the door, make sure no one comes in.

Basil. I'm listening, sir. (Starts the car.)

Yusov (pointing to Zhadov). This one! I don't love him. Perhaps he'll think something.

Belogubov (sitting down with Zhadov). Brother, be with us like a kin. Here Akim Akimych will embarrass you.

Zhadov. Why is he embarrassed?

Belogubov. Yes, they want to dance. It is necessary, brother, to have some kind of entertainment after work. Not everything works. What is this! This is an innocent pleasure, we do not offend anyone!

Zhadov. Dance as much as you like, I won’t bother you.

Belogubov (to Yusov). Nothing, sir, Akim Akimych, he is like family with us.

Basil. Would you like to let me in?

Yusov. Let it go!

The machine plays “On the Pavement Street.” Yusov is dancing. At the end, everyone except Zhadov claps.

Belogubov. No, now it’s impossible, sir! We need to drink champagne! Vasily, a bottle of champagne! Is there a lot of money for everything?

Basil (counts on the abacus). Fifteen rubles, sir.

Belogubov. Get it! (Gives it away.) Here's a fifty-kopeck tip for you.

Basil. Thank you humbly, sir. (Leaves.)

Yusov (loud). You young people are suckers, tea, laugh at the old man!

1st official. How is it possible, Akim Akimych, we don’t know how to thank you!

2nd official. Yes, sir.

Yusov. I can dance. I have done everything in life that is prescribed for a person. My soul is at peace, there is no burden behind me, I have provided for my family - now I can dance. Now I just rejoice in God’s peace! I see a bird, and I rejoice at it; I see a flower, and I rejoice at it: I see wisdom in everything.

Vasily brings a bottle, uncorks it and pours it as Yusov continues his speech.

Belogubov (raising his glass). Gentlemen! For the health of Akim Akimych! Hooray!

1st and 2nd officials. Hooray!

Belogubov. If only you, Akim Akimych, would make us happy by visiting us sometime. My wife and I are still young people, they would give us advice, teach us how to live in the law and fulfill all our duties. It seems that if a man were made of stone, he would come to his senses as soon as he listens to you.

Yusov. I'll come by sometime. (Takes a newspaper.)

Belogubov (pours a glass and brings it to Zhadov). Brother, I won’t leave you alone.

Belogubov (sitting down next to Zhadov). Brother, you are wrong to make a claim against me. Give up, brother, all this hostility. Eat it! It means nothing to me now, sir. Let's live like relatives.

Zhadov. You and I cannot live like relatives.

Belogubov. Why, sir?

Zhadov. We are not a couple.

Belogubov. Yes, of course, who cares what fate. I am now in happiness, and you are in poverty. Well, I'm not proud. After all, it’s like someone’s destiny. Now I support the whole family, including my mother. I know, brother, that you are in need; maybe you need money; don't be offended as much as I can! I wouldn't even consider it a favor. What a score between relatives!

Zhadov. Why did you come up with the idea of offering me money!

Belogubov. Brother, I am now content, my duty tells me to help. I, brother, see your poverty.

Zhadov. What a brother I am to you! Leave me.

Belogubov. As you wish! I offered from the bottom of my heart. I, brother, do not remember any evil, not in you. I'm just sorry to see you and your wife with yours. (Goes to Yusov.)

Yusov (throwing away the newspaper). What are they writing these days? There is nothing moralizing! (Pours Belogubov.) Well, finish your drink. Let's go!

Belogubov (finishes his drink). Let's go!

Vasily and Grigory serve overcoats.

Basil (gives Belogubov two packages). Here, grab it, sir.

Belogubov (touchingly). For the wife, sir. I love you, sir.

They leave. Dosuzhev enters.

The fourth phenomenon

Zhadov and Dosuzhev.

Dosuzhev. Not a flock of ravens flew in!

Zhadov. The truth is yours.

Dosuzhev. Let's go to Maryina Roshcha.

Zhadov. I can't.

Dosuzhev. From what? Family, or what? Do you need to babysit children?

Zhadov. There is no babysitting for the children, but the wife is waiting at home.

Dosuzhev. Haven't you seen her for a long time?

Zhadov. How long ago? This morning.

Dosuzhev. Well, that's just recently. I thought we hadn’t seen each other for three days.

Zhadov looks at him.

Zhadov. To be honest, I can’t figure out what kind of person you are.

Dosuzhev. But, if you please, see, firstly, I am a cheerful person, and secondly, I am a wonderful lawyer. You studied, I see it, and I studied too. I entered on a small salary; I can’t take bribes - my soul can’t stand it, but I have to live somehow. So I came to my senses: I took up lawyering and began writing tearful petitions to merchants. If we don’t have to go, let’s have a drink. Vasily, vodka!

Vasily leaves.

Zhadov. I do not drink.

Dosuzhev. Where were you born? Well, that's nonsense! It's possible with me. Well, sir, I began to write tearful petitions, sir. After all, you don’t know what kind of people they are! I'll tell you now.

Vasily enters.

Pour two. Get it for the whole decanter. (Gives money.)

Zhadov. And from me for tea. (Gives it away.)

Vasily leaves.

Dosuzhev. Let's have a drink!

Zhadov. If you please; only for you, otherwise, really, I don’t drink.

They clink glasses and drink. Dosuzhev pours more.

Dosuzhev. Just write a petition to the beard and take it inexpensively from him, so he will saddle you. Where does familiarity come from: “Well, you scribbler! on you for vodka.” I felt an indomitable anger towards them! Let's have a drink! Drink to death, don't drink to death; It’s better to drink it dead anyway.

They drink.

I began to write to them according to their taste. For example: you need to submit a bill of exchange for collection - and there are only ten lines of the letter, and you write four sheets of paper to him. I begin like this: “Being burdened with the number of members in a large family.” And you will insert all his ornaments. So you write that he is crying, and the whole family is crying hysterically. You laugh at him and take a lot of money from him, so he respects you and bows to you. At least weave ropes out of it. All their fat mothers-in-law, all the grandmothers of brides are wooing rich people for you. The man is very good, they liked him. Let's have a drink!

Zhadov. Will!

Dosuzhev. For my health!

Zhadov. Is it for your health?

They drink.

Dosuzhev. It takes a lot of mental strength not to take bribes from them. They themselves will laugh at an honest official; They are ready to humiliate - they can’t do it. You have to be flint! And, really, there’s nothing to be brave about! Take off his fur coat, and that’s all. Sorry, I can't. I just take money from them for their ignorance and drink them away. Eh! you wanted to get married! Let's have a drink. What is your name?

Zhadov. Basil.

Dosuzhev. Namesake. Let's have a drink, Vasya.

They drink.

I see you are a good person.

Zhadov. What kind of person am I? I am a child, I have no idea about life. All this is new to me that I hear from you. It's hard for me! I don't know if I can stand it! There is debauchery all around, there is little strength! Why were we taught!

Dosuzhev. Drink, it will be easier.

Zhadov. No no! (Loves his head in his hands.)

Dosuzhev. So won't you come with me?

Zhadov. I will not go. Why did you give me drink! What have you done to me!

Dosuzhev. Well, goodbye! Let's get to know each other! I'm drunk, brother! (Shakes Zhadov’s hand.) Vasily, coat! (Puts on an overcoat.) Don't judge me harshly! I'm a lost man. Try to be better than me if you can. (He goes to the door and returns.) Yes! Here's my other advice for you. Maybe, with my light hand, you’ll drink it, so don’t drink wine, but drink vodka. We can’t afford wine, but vodka, brother, is best: you’ll forget your grief, and it’s cheap! Adieu*! (Leaves.)[*Goodbye - French]

Zhadov. No! drinking is not good! Nothing is easier - it’s even harder. (Thinks.)

Vasily, on orders from another room, starts the car. The machine plays “Luchinushka”.

(Sings.)“Luchina, splinter, birch!..”

Basil. Please, sir! Not good, sir! Ugly, sir!

Zhadov mechanically puts on his overcoat and leaves.

Act four

CHARACTERS

Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov.

Polina, his wife.

Yulinka, Belogubov's wife.

Felisata Gerasimovna Kukushkina.

The scene represents a very poor room. There is a window to the right, a table by the window, a mirror on the left side.

First appearance

Pauline (alone, looking out the window). How boring, just death! (Sings.) (Laughs.) What song came to mind! (Thinks again.) I would have collapsed, it seems, from boredom. Is it possible to make a wish on the cards? Well, that won't be the case. It's possible, it's possible. What else, but we have this. (Takes cards from the table.) How I want to talk to someone. If only someone had come, I would be glad, I would be cheerful now. And what does it look like! sit alone, all alone... There’s nothing to say, I like to talk. It used to be that we were at Mama’s, and the morning would come, crackling, crackling, and you wouldn’t see how it would pass. And now there is no one to talk to. Should I run to my sister? It's too late. What a fool, I didn’t think of it sooner. (Sings.)“Mother, my dear...” Oh, I forgot to tell my fortune!.. What should I tell my fortune about? But I wonder if I will have a new hat? (Lays out cards.) It will be, it will be... it will be, it will be! (Claps his hands, thinks and then sings.)“Mother, my dear, my sunshine! have pity, my dear, on your child.”

Yulinka enters.

Second phenomenon

Polina and Yulinka.

Pauline. Hello hello!

They kiss.

I'm so glad to see you. Throw off your hat!

Yulinka. No, I'll come to you in a minute.

Pauline. Oh, how well you are dressed, sister!

Yulinka. Yes, now I buy myself everything that is best and new from abroad.

Pauline. Happy you, Yulinka!

Yulinka. Yes, I can say to myself that I am happy. And you, Polinka, how are you living? Terrible! This is not the same tone these days. Nowadays it is common for everyone to live in luxury.

Pauline. What should I do? Am I to blame?

Yulinka. And we were in the park yesterday. How fun it was - wonderful! Some merchant treated us to dinner, champagne, and various fruits.

Pauline. And I sit at home alone, dying of boredom.

Yulinka. Yes, Polina, I’m not the same now. You can't imagine how money and a good life ennoble a person. Now I don’t do anything on the farm; I consider it low. Now I neglect everything except the toilet. And you! You! it's horrible! What is your husband doing, please tell me?

Pauline. He doesn’t even let me see you, he keeps telling me to stay at home and work.

Yulinka. How stupid this is! He presents himself as an intelligent person, but does not know the current tone. He must know that man was created for society.

Pauline. As you say?

Yulinka. Man is created for society. Who doesn't know this! This is now absolutely known to everyone.

Pauline. Okay, I'll tell him that.

Yulinka. You should try to quarrel with him.

Pauline. I tried, but what's the point? He always turns out to be right, but I remain guilty.

Yulinka. Does he love you?

Pauline. Loves very much.

Yulinka. And you him?

Pauline. And I love.

Yulinka. Well, it’s your own fault, my soul. You can't make anything out of men with affection. You fawn on him - so he sits with his hands folded, thinking neither about himself nor about you.

Pauline. He works a lot.

Yulinka. What's the use of his work? Mine works a little, but look how we live. I must tell the truth, Onisim Panfilich is an excellent person for the house, a real master: what, what do we not have, if only you could look. And in what a short time! Where does he get it from? And your! What is this? It's a shame to watch how you live.

Pauline. He keeps saying: sit, work, don’t envy others; We too will live well.

Yulinka. When will this happen? You'll grow old while you wait. What's the point of pleasure then? All patience will run out.

Pauline. What should I do?

Yulinka. He's just a tyrant. Why talk to him a lot! Say you don't love him - that's all there is to it. Or what’s better: tell him that you’re tired of this kind of life, that you don’t want to live with him and will move in with your mother, and so that he doesn’t know you. And I’ll warn mom about this.

Pauline. Good good! I will handle this in the best possible way.

Yulinka. Can you do it?

Pauline. Still would! I’ll play whatever scene you want, no worse than any actress. Firstly, we were taught this at home from an early age, and now I’m still sitting alone, it’s boring to work; I keep talking to myself. That’s how I learned, it’s a miracle. I'll just feel a little sorry for him.

Yulinka. Don't be sorry! And I brought you a hat, Polina. (Takes it out of the cardboard.)

Pauline. Oh, how lovely! Thank you, sister, darling! (Kisses her.)

Yulinka. Otherwise your old one is no good.

Pauline. Horrible abomination! It's bad to go outside. Now I’m going to tease my husband. Well, I’ll tell you, my dear, strangers bought it, but you won’t guess.

Yulinka. There’s really nothing to do, Polinka, for now, we will support you as much as we can. Just don't listen to your husband, please. Explain to him well that you will not love him for nothing. You, stupid, understand why you love them for nothing, their husbands? This is quite strange! Provide me, they say, with everything so that I shine in society, then I will begin to love you. Out of whim, he doesn’t want your happiness, but you are silent. Just ask his uncle, and he will be given the same lucrative position as my husband.

Pauline. I'll come to him now.

Yulinka. Just imagine: you’re so pretty, dress you up tastefully and put you in a theater... with the fire on... all the men will stare at you with their lorgnettes.

Pauline. Don't tell me, sister, I'll cry.

Yulinka. Here's some money for you (takes it out of his wallet) Sometimes whatever you need, you can do without your husband. We now have the means, so we even decided to do good to others.

Pauline. Thank you, sister! Only he will probably get angry.

Yulinka. Great importance! Why look at him! From relatives, not from strangers. Well, by his grace, sit hungry! Goodbye Polina!

Pauline. Goodbye sister! (He sees her off, Yulinka leaves.)

The third phenomenon

Pauline. How smart Yulinka is! And I'm a fool, a fool! (Seeing the cardboard.) New hat! new hat! (Claps his hands.) Now I will be cheerful for a whole week, unless my husband upsets me. (Sings.)“Mother, darling...”, etc.

Kukushkina enters.

The fourth phenomenon

Polina and Kukushkina.

Kukushkina. You have all the songs on your mind.

Pauline. Hello, mummy! Boredom.

Kukushkina. I didn’t even want to come to you at all.

Pauline. Why, mummy?

Kukushkina. It’s disgusting for me, madam, it’s disgusting to be with you. Yes, I was just passing by and came to see you. Beggary, poverty... ugh... I can’t see it! I have cleanliness, I have order, but here, what is this! Village hut! Nasty!

Pauline. What is my fault?

Kukushkina. There are such scoundrels in the world! However, I don’t blame him: I never had hope for him. Why are you silent, madam? Didn’t I tell you: don’t give your husband any favors, grind him every minute, day and night: give him money, give him where you want, take him, give him. I need it for this, I need it for something else. Mama, they say, I have a thin lady, I need to accept her decently. He will say: I don’t have it. What do I care? Either steal it or give it to me. Why did you take it? He knew how to get married, and he knew how to support his wife decently. Yes, I would have pounded his head from morning until night, maybe he would come to his senses. If I were you, I wouldn’t have a conversation any other way.

Pauline. What can I do, mummy, I don’t have any severity in my character.

Kukushkina. No, you’d better say that you have a lot of stupidity and self-indulgence in your character. Do you know that your pampering spoils men? You have all tenderness on your mind, everything would hang around his neck. I was glad that I got married and waited. But no, to think about life. Shameless! And who are you born into? In our family, everyone is decidedly cold towards their husbands: everyone thinks more about outfits, how to dress more decently, to show off in front of others. Why not caress your husband, but he needs to feel why he is being caressed. For example, Yulinka, when her husband brings her something from the city, will throw herself on his neck, freeze, and forcefully steal it. That’s why he brings her gifts almost every day. If he doesn’t bring it, she’ll pout and won’t speak to him for two days. Hang on their neck, perhaps, they are happy, that’s all they need. Shame on you!

Pauline. I feel like I'm stupid; he caresses me, and I’m glad.

Kukushkina. But wait, we’ll both sit on him, and maybe he’ll give in. The main thing is not to indulge and not listen to his nonsense: he is his, and you are yours; argue until you faint, and don’t give in. Give in to them, they are ready to at least carry water for us. Yes, his pride, his pride needs to be knocked down. Do you know what's on his mind?

Pauline. Where should I know.

Kukushkina. This, you see, is such a stupid philosophy, I recently heard it in one house, now it has become fashionable. They got it into their heads that they were smarter than everyone else in the world, otherwise they were all fools and bribe-takers. What stupidity is unforgivable! We, they say, do not want to take bribes, we want to live on one salary. There will be no life after this! Who should we give our daughters to? After all, this way, what good, the human race will end. Bribes! What is the word bribe? They themselves invented it to offend good people. Not bribes, but gratitude! But it’s a sin to refuse gratitude; you have to offend a person. If you are a single person, there is no trial against you, act like a fool as you know. Perhaps, at least don’t take a salary. And if you get married, then learn to live with your wife, don’t deceive your parents. Why do they torment their parents' hearts? Another crazy person suddenly takes a well-mannered young lady, who has understood life since childhood and whom her parents, sparing nothing, raise with completely different rules, even trying as best they can to distance her from such stupid conversations, and suddenly locks her in some kind of kennel! What kind of well-mannered young ladies do they think they want to turn into laundresses? If they want to get married, they would marry some deluded people who don’t care whether they are a lady or a cook, who, out of love for them, will be happy to wash their own skirts and trudge through the mud to the market. But there are some women who have no idea.

Pauline. He must be trying to do the same with me.

Kukushkina. What does it take for a woman... to be educated, who sees and understands all of life like the back of her hand? They don't understand this. For a woman, it is necessary that she is always well dressed, that there is a servant, and most importantly, she needs calmness, so that she can be distant from everything, in her nobility, and not get involved in any economic squabbles. Yulinka does just that for me; she is decidedly far from everything except being preoccupied with herself. She sleeps for a long time; In the morning the husband must give orders for the table and absolutely everything; then the girl gives him tea and he leaves for the presence. Finally she gets up; tea, coffee, all this is ready for her, she eats, dressed in the most excellent manner and sat down with a book by the window to wait for her husband. In the evening she puts on her best dresses and goes to the theater or to visit. That's life! Here's the order! This is how a lady should behave! What could be more noble, what could be more delicate, what could be more tender? I praise you.

Pauline. Ah, what bliss! If only I could live like this for a week.

Kukushkina. Yes, you can wait with your husband, of course!

Pauline. Well done to him, Mama! And then, really, I’m envious. Yulinka, no matter how she arrives, is all in a new dress, and I’m still in one and the same. Here he comes. (Goes to the door.)

Zhadov enters with a briefcase. They kiss.

Fifth appearance

Same with Zhadov.

Zhadov. Hello, Felisata Gerasimovna! (Sits down.) Oh, how tired!

Polina sits down next to her mother.

I'm so overworked that I don't know how to rest. I’m present in the morning, in class during the day, and at night doing things: I take the job of writing out statements - they pay me decently. And you, Polina, are always without work, always sitting with folded hands! You will never be caught doing anything.

Kukushkina. They are not brought up like that, they are not accustomed to work.

Zhadov. Very bad. It’s hard to get used to it when you haven’t been accustomed to it since childhood. But it will be necessary.

Kukushkina. She doesn't need to get used to it. I didn’t prepare them to be maids, but to marry noble people.

Zhadov. You and I have different opinions, Felisata Gerasimovna. I want Polina to listen to me.

Kukushkina. That is, you want to make her a worker; So they would have been looking for someone like that as a mate. And excuse us, we are people who do not have such concepts in life, we have innate nobility.

Zhadov. What nobility, this empty fanfare! But we, really, have no time for that.

Kukushkina. Listening to you makes my ears wither. But here’s what needs to be said: if I had known that she, the unfortunate one, would lead such a miserable life, I would never have given it for you.

Zhadov. Please don’t tell her that she is an unhappy woman; I ask you. Otherwise she will probably really think that she is unhappy.

Kukushkina. Are you happy? Of course, the woman is in the most bitter position. If anyone else were in her place, I don’t know what I would have done.

Polina is crying.

Zhadov. Polina, stop fooling around, have pity on me!

Pauline. You're all fooling around. Apparently you don’t like it when people tell you the truth.

Zhadov. What truth?

Pauline. Certainly the truth; Mommy won't lie.

Zhadov. We'll talk about this already.

Pauline. There's nothing to talk about. (Turns away.)

Kukushkina. Of course.

Zhadov (sighs). What a misfortune!

Kukushkina and Polina do not pay attention to him and talk in whispers. Zhadov takes papers out of his briefcase, lays them out on the table, and looks back at them during the next conversation.

Kukushkina (loud). Imagine, Polina, I was at Belogubov’s; he bought his wife a velvet dress.

Pauline (through tears). Velvet! What colour?

Kukushkina. Cherry.

Pauline (cries). Oh my god! I think how it goes to her!

Kukushkina. Miracle! Just imagine what a prankster Belogubov is! Made me laugh, really made me laugh. Here, mamma, I say, I’m complaining to you about my wife: I bought her a velvet dress, she kissed me so much, she even bit me very painfully. That's life! That's love! Not like others.

Zhadov. It is unbearable! (Rises.)

Kukushkina (rises). Let me ask, dear sir, why is she suffering? Give me the report.

Zhadov. She has already left your care and entered mine, and therefore leave me to manage her life. Believe that it will be better.

Kukushkina. But I am a mother, dear sir.

Zhadov. And I'm a husband.

Kukushkina. Now we see what kind of husband you are! A husband's love can never compare with a parent's.

Zhadov. What parents are like!

Kukushkina. Whatever they are, they are still no match for you. We, dear sir, are what kind of parents! My husband and I scraped together money to raise our daughters so that we could send them to a boarding school. What is this for, do you think? So that they have good manners, do not see poverty around them, do not see low things, so as not to burden the child and from childhood accustom them to a good life, nobility in words and deeds.

Zhadov. Thank you. I’ve been trying to get your upbringing out of her for almost a year now, but I just can’t. It seems that he would give half his life just so that she would forget him.

Kukushkina. Did I really prepare her for such a life? I would rather give my hand to be cut off than to see my daughter in this position: in poverty, in suffering, in squalor.

Zhadov. Leave your regrets, I beg you.

Kukushkina. Did they really live like that with me? I have order, I have cleanliness. My means are the most insignificant, and yet they lived like duchesses, in the most innocent state; They didn’t know where the entrance to the kitchen was; they didn’t know what cabbage soup was made from; All they did was, as young ladies should, talk about the feelings and objects of the most refined.

Zhadov (pointing to his wife). Yes, I have never seen such deep depravity as in your family.

Kukushkina. How can people like you appreciate a noble upbringing! My fault, I was in a hurry! If she had married a person with tender feelings and education, he would not have known how to thank me for my upbringing. And she would be happy, because decent people do not force their wives to work, for this they have servants, and the wife only for...

Zhadov (fast). For what?

Kukushkina. How for what? Who doesn't know this? Well, it is known... in order to dress her in the best possible way, admire her, take her out to people, give her all the pleasures, fulfill her every whim, like a law... idolize her.

Zhadov. Shame on you! You are an elderly woman, you have lived to old age, raised daughters and raised them, but you don’t know why a person is given a wife. Shame on you! A wife is not a toy, but a helper to her husband. You are a bad mother!

Kukushkina. Yes, I know that you are very happy to make your wife a cook. You are an insensitive person!

Zhadov. Stop talking nonsense!

Pauline. Mama, leave him.

Kukushkina. No, I won't leave. Why did you come up with the idea that I should leave him?

Zhadov. Stop it. I won’t listen to you and I won’t let my wife. In your old age, everything in your head is nonsense.

Kukushkina. What's the conversation, what's the conversation, huh?

Zhadov. There can be no other conversation between you and me. Leave us alone, I beg you. I love Polina and I have to take care of her. Your conversations are harmful to Polina and immoral.

Kukushkina. Don't get too excited, dear sir!

Zhadov. You understand absolutely nothing.

Kukushkina (with bitterness). I don't understand? No, I understand very well. I have seen examples of women dying from poverty. Poverty leads to everything. The other one struggles and struggles and then goes astray. You can't even blame him.

Zhadov. What? How can you say such things in front of your daughter! Dismiss us from your visit... now, now.

Kukushkina. If it’s cold at home and you’re hungry, and your husband is lazy, you’ll inevitably look for money...

Zhadov. Leave us, I ask you with honor. You will drive me out of patience.

Kukushkina. Of course I will leave, and my foot will never be with you. (Polina.) What kind of husband do you have? What a disaster! What a misfortune!

Pauline. Goodbye, mummy! (Cries.)

Kukushkina. Weep, weep, unfortunate victim, bemoan your fate! Cry to the grave! Yes, you’d better die, unfortunate one, so that my heart doesn’t break. It will be easier for me. (To Zhadov.) Celebrate! You did your job: you deceived, pretended to be in love, seduced with words and then destroyed. This was your whole goal, I understand you now. (Leaves.)

Polina accompanies her.

Zhadov. It will be necessary to talk more strictly with Polina. And what the hell, they’ll completely confuse her.

Polina returns.

Appearance Six

Zhadov and Polina (sits by the window, sulking).

Pauline. Would you order your entire family to be abandoned?

Zhadov. Not for me, but for yourself. They all have such wild ideas! I teach you goodness, but they corrupt you.

Pauline. It's too late to teach me, I'm already learned.

Zhadov. It would be terrible for me to be convinced of what you say. No, I hope that you will understand me at last. Now I have a lot of work; but if it’s smaller, you and I will deal with it. In the morning you will work, and in the evenings we will read. You have a lot to read, you haven’t read anything.

Pauline. How can I sit with you! How much fun! Man is created for society.

Zhadov. What?

Pauline. Man is created for society.

Zhadov. Where did you get that?

Pauline. You really think I'm a fool. Who doesn't know this! Everyone knows. Why did you pick me up from the street?

Zhadov. Yes, for society you need to prepare yourself, educate yourself.

Pauline. None of this is needed, it’s all nonsense, you just need to dress in fashion.

Zhadov. Well, we can’t do that either, so there’s nothing to interpret. Better get busy with some work, and I’ll get down to business. (Takes a pen.)

Pauline. Get to work! Why did you come up with this? You'll be bossing me around... pushing me around in every possible way and making fun of me!

Zhadov (turning around). What is this, Polina?

Pauline. And the same thing is that I want to live like people live, and not like beggars. I'm tired of it. And so I ruined my youth with you.

Zhadov. Here's the news! I haven't heard this yet.

Pauline. I haven't heard, so listen. Do you think that I have been silent for almost a year, so I will remain silent? No, sorry! Well, what can I say! I want to live like Yulinka lives, like all noble ladies live. Here's a story for you!

Zhadov. That's what! Just let me ask you: on what means do we have to live like this?

Pauline. What do I care? He who loves will find the means.

Zhadov. Yes, you have pity on me; I already work like an ox.

Pauline. Whether you work or don’t work, I don’t care at all. I didn’t marry you for ordeal, not for tyranny.

Zhadov. You have completely tormented me today. Shut up, for God's sake!

Pauline. Just wait, I’ll be silent! By your grace, everyone laughs at me. What a shame I have suffered! My sister took pity. Today she arrived: “You, she says, are alarming us, our whole family: what are you wearing!” And isn't it a shame for you? And he assured you that you love him. My sister bought and brought the hat for me with her own money.

Zhadov (rises). A hat?

Pauline. Yes, here she is. Look at. What, good?

Zhadov (strictly). Take it back now.

Pauline. Back?

Zhadov. Yes, now, now take it down! And don't you dare take anything from them.

Pauline. Well, that won't happen; be calm.

Zhadov. So I'll throw it out the window.

Pauline. A! so this is how you became? Okay, my friend, I'll take it down.

Zhadov. And take it down.

Pauline (with tears). I'll take it down, I'll take it down. (Puts on a hat, mantilla, takes an umbrella.) Farewell!

Zhadov. Goodbye!

Pauline. Let's say goodbye well; you won't see me again.

Zhadov. What kind of nonsense is this?

Pauline. I’ll go to my mother’s and stay there; don't come to us.

Zhadov. What nonsense are you talking about, Polina!

Pauline. No, I've been thinking about it for a long time! (Draws an umbrella on the floor.) What kind of life is my life? One torment, and no joy!

Zhadov. Isn't it a sin to tell you? Have you really not seen any joy with me?

Pauline. What joys! If you were rich, that would be a different matter, otherwise you would have to endure poverty. What a joy! The other day he came drunk; You'll probably still beat me.

Zhadov. Oh my god! What are you saying? One time he came drunk... But who among the young people is not drunk?

Pauline. We know what poverty can lead to. Mama told me. You'll probably start drinking, and I'll die with you.

Zhadov. All the nonsense that pops into your head!

Pauline. What good things should I expect? I’ve already guessed about my fate using cards, and asked the fortune teller: it turns out that I’m the most unfortunate.

Zhadov (grabs his head). Guessing with cards! He goes to see fortune tellers!

Pauline. In your opinion, tea, cards are nonsense! No, sorry, I won’t believe it in my life! The cards never lie. They always tell the truth. What is even on a person’s mind can now be seen on the cards. You don’t believe anything, everything is nonsense; That’s why we have no happiness.

Zhadov (gently). Pauline! (Approaches her.)

Pauline (leaving). Do me a favor, leave it.

Zhadov. No, you do not love me.

Pauline. Why do we love you? It is very necessary to love something for nothing!

Zhadov (hot). How for nothing? how for nothing? For love I pay you with love. But you are my wife! Have you forgotten this? You are obliged to share both grief and joy with me... even if I were the last beggar.

Pauline (sits on a chair and, throwing his head back, laughs). Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Zhadov. This is really disgusting! this is immoral!

Pauline (gets up quickly). I don’t understand why you want to live with an immoral wife. Farewell!

Zhadov. God be with you, goodbye! If you can leave your husband indifferently, then goodbye! (Sits down at the table and rests his head on his hands.)

Pauline. What is this! The fish looks where it is deeper, and the person where it is better.

Zhadov. Well, goodbye, goodbye!

Pauline (in front of the mirror). Here's a hat, just a hat, not like mine. (Sings.)“Mother, my darling, my darling...” Even if you walk down this street, someone will look and say: oh, how pretty! Farewell! (He crouches and leaves.)

Seventh Appearance

Zhadov (one). What a character I have! Where is it good for? I couldn’t even get along with my wife! What should I do now? Oh my God! I'll go crazy. Without her, I have no reason to live in the world. I really don’t understand how this happened. How could I let her go from me! What will she do at her mother's? There she will die completely. Marya! Marya!

Marya offstage: “Anything?”

Go catch up with the lady and tell her that I need to talk to her. Hurry, hurry! What is this really, Marya, how clumsy you are! Yes, run, run quickly!

Marya behind the scenes: “Now!”

Well, how can she not want to come back? Yes, and it will do great! She has every right. How is it her fault that I can’t support her decently? She is only eighteen years old, she wants to live, she wants pleasure. And I keep her in one room, I’m not at home all day. Good love! Well, live alone! Wonderful! very good!.. An orphan again! what's better! In the morning I’ll go to the presence, after being present there’s no need to go home - I’ll sit in the tavern until the evening; and in the evening I’ll go home, alone, on a cold bed... I’ll burst into tears! And so every day! Very good! (Cries.) Well! If you didn’t know how to live with your wife, then live alone. No, we need to decide on something. I must either break up with her, or... live... live... like people live. We need to think about this. (Thinks.) Breake down? Am I able to part with her? Oh, what a torment! what a torment! No, it’s better... what to fight with the mills! What am I saying! What thoughts come into my head!

Polina enters.

The eighth phenomenon

Zhadov and Polina.

Pauline (sits down without undressing). What do you want?!

Zhadov (runs up to her). She has come, she has come! She's here again! Aren't you ashamed! You upset me so much, you upset me so much, Polina, that I can’t even gather my thoughts. I was completely confused. (Kisses hands.) Polina, my friend!

Pauline. Don't come to me with tenderness.

Zhadov. You were joking, Polina, right? Won't you leave me?

Pauline. How interesting it is to live with you, woe is it!

Zhadov. You're killing me, Polina! If you don’t love me, then at least have pity on me. You know how much I love you.

Pauline. Yes, you can see it! that's how they love it.

Zhadov. How else can they love? How? Tell me, I will do everything you order me.

Pauline. Go to your uncle now, make peace with him and ask for the same place as Belogubov, and ask for money by the way; Then we’ll give it back when we get rich.

Zhadov. Not for anything in the world, not for anything in the world! And don't tell me that.

Pauline. Why did you turn me back? Do you want to laugh at me? It will be so, I have become smarter now. Goodbye! (Rises.)

Zhadov. Wait! Wait, Polina! Let me talk to you.

Pauline (in front of the mirror). What to talk about? We've already talked about everything.

Zhadov (with a pleading look). No, no, Polina, not yet. There is much, much more I need to tell you. There's a lot you don't know. If only I could suddenly convey my soul to you, convey what I thought and dreamed about, how happy I would be! Let's talk, Polina, let's talk. Just, for God's sake, listen, I ask you for one favor.

Pauline. Speak.

Zhadov (hot). Listen, listen! (Takes her hand.) There have always been people, Polina, at all times, and they still exist today, who go against outdated social habits and conditions. Not by whim, not by their own will, no, but because the rules they know are better, more honest than the rules that govern society. And they did not invent these rules themselves: they heard them from pastoral and professorial departments, they read them in the best literary works of ours and foreign ones. They were brought up in them and want to carry them out in life. That it's not easy, I agree. Social vices are strong, the ignorant majority is strong. The struggle is difficult and often disastrous; but much more glory for the elect: upon them is the blessing of posterity; without them, lies, evil, violence would grow to the point that they would block the light of the sun from people...

Pauline (looks at him in amazement). You're crazy, really, crazy! And you want me to listen to you; I don’t have much sense anyway, and you’ll lose the last one with you.

Zhadov. Yes, listen to me, Polina!

Pauline. No, I’d rather listen to smart people.

Zhadov. Who will you listen to? Who are these smart people?

Pauline. Who? Sister, Belogubov.

Zhadov. And you compared me to Belogubov!

Pauline. Tell me please! What kind of important person are you? It is known that Belogubov is better than you. He is respected by his superiors, loves his wife, is an excellent owner, has his own horses... What about you? just to brag... (Teasing him.) I'm smart, I'm noble, everyone is a fool, everyone is a bribe-taker!

Zhadov. What a tone you have! What manners! What an abomination!

Pauline. You're swearing again! Goodbye! (Wants to go.)

Zhadov (holds her). Wait, wait a little.

Pauline. Let me go!

Zhadov. No, wait, wait! Polinochka, my friend, wait! (Grabs her by the dress.)

Pauline (laughs). Well, why are you holding me with your hands? what a weirdo you are! I want to leave, but you can’t stop me.

Zhadov. What should I do with you? What should I do with you, with my dear Polina?

Pauline. Go to your uncle and make peace.

Zhadov. Wait, wait, let me think.

Pauline. Think about it.

Zhadov. After all, I love you, I’m ready to do anything in the world for you... But what are you offering me!.. Terrible!.. No, I have to think. Yes, yes, yes, yes... I need to think... I need to think... Well, if I don’t go to my uncle, will you leave me?

Pauline. I'll leave.

Zhadov. Will you leave completely?

Pauline. At all. I can’t tell you ten times, I’m already tired. Goodbye!

Zhadov. Wait, wait! (Sits down at the table, rests his head in his hands and thinks.)

Pauline. How long should I wait?

Zhadov (almost with tears). But you know what, Polina? After all, it’s good when a pretty wife is well dressed?

Pauline (with feeling). Very good!

Zhadov. Well, yes, yes... (Shouts.) Yes Yes! (Stomps his feet.) And is it good to travel with her in a good carriage?

Pauline. Oh, how good!

Zhadov. After all, a young, pretty wife must be loved, she must be cherished... (Shouts.) Yes Yes Yes! I need to dress her up... (Calming down.) Well, nothing... nothing... It's easy to do! (With despair.) Farewell, my youthful dreams! Farewell great lessons! Farewell, my honest future! After all, I will be an old man, I will have gray hair, I will also have children...

Pauline. What you? what you?

Zhadov. No no! We will raise our children according to strict rules. Let them follow the century. They have no reason to look at their fathers.

Pauline. Stop it!

Zhadov. Let me cry; after all, this is the last time I cry in my life. (Sobbing.)

Pauline. What happened to you?

Zhadov. Nothing... nothing... easy... easy... everything is easy in the world. It’s just necessary that nothing reminds you of it! It's easy to do! I will do this... I will stay away, hide from my former comrades... I will not go where they talk about honesty, about the sanctity of duty... I will work for a whole week, and on Friday and Saturday I will gather different Belogubovs and drink with stolen money, like robbers... yes, yes... And then you’ll get used to it...

Pauline (almost crying). You are saying something bad.

Zhadov. Sing songs... Do you know this song? (Sings.)

Take it, there is no big science here.

Take what you can take.

Why are our hands hung on?

Why not take, take, take...

Is this song good?

Pauline. I don’t even understand what’s wrong with you.

Zhadov. Let's go to my uncle to ask for a lucrative position! (Puts on his hat casually and takes his wife’s hand.)

They leave.

Act five

CHARACTERS:

Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky.

Anna Pavlovna Vyshnevskaya.

Akim Akimych Yusov.

Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov.

Room of the first act.

First appearance

Vyshnevskaya and Anton (hands the letter on a tray and leaves).

Vyshnevskaya (is reading). “Dear Madam, Anna Pavlovna! Forgive me if you don't like my letter; your actions towards me justify mine. I heard that you laugh at me and show strangers my letters, written with enthusiasm and in a fit of passion. You cannot help but know my position in society and how much your behavior compromises me. I am not a boy. And by what right do you do this to me? My search was completely justified by your behavior, which, you yourself must admit, was not impeccable. And although I, as a man, am allowed some liberties, I don’t want to be funny. And you made me the topic of conversation in the whole city. You know my relationship with Lyubimov, I have already told you that among the papers that he left behind, I found several of your letters. I suggested that you get them from me. You just had to overcome your pride and agree with public opinion that I am one of the most handsome men and more successful among the ladies than others. You were pleased to treat me with contempt; in that case, you must excuse me: I decided to give these letters to your husband.” This is noble! Ugh, what an abomination! Well, it doesn’t matter, it had to end someday. I am not the kind of woman who would agree to correct with cold debauchery an offense committed out of passion. We have good men! A man who is forty years old and has a beautiful wife starts courting me, saying and doing stupid things. What can justify him? Passion? What passion! I think that at the age of eighteen he lost the ability to fall in love. No, it’s very simple: he has heard various gossip about me, and he considers me an accessible woman. And so, without any ceremony, he begins to write passionate letters to me, filled with the most vulgar endearments, obviously very cold-bloodedly invented. He will visit ten living rooms, where he will tell the most terrible things about me, and then come to console me. He says that he despises public opinion, that passion in his eyes justifies everything. He swears his love, says vulgar phrases, wanting to give his face a passionate expression, makes some strange, sour smiles. He doesn’t even bother to pretend to be in love. Why bother, it will do just fine, as long as the form is respected. If you laugh at such a person or show him the contempt he deserves, he considers himself entitled to take revenge. For him, the funny is worse than the dirtiest vice. He will brag about his relationship with a woman himself - this does him honor; but showing his letters is a disaster, it compromises him. He himself feels that they are funny and stupid. Who do they think the women they write such letters to are? Unscrupulous people! And now he, in a fit of noble indignation, commits meanness against me and probably considers himself right. Yes, he’s not the only one, everyone is like that... Well, so much the better, at least I’ll explain it to my husband. I even want this explanation. He will see that if I am guilty before him, then he is more guilty before me. He killed my whole life. With his selfishness he dried up my heart, took away from me the opportunity for family happiness; he made me cry about something that cannot be turned back - about my youth. I spent it with him vulgarly, insensitively, while my soul asked for life and love. In the empty, petty circle of his acquaintances, into which he introduced me, all the best spiritual qualities in me died out, all the noble impulses froze. And in addition, I feel remorse for an offense that was not in my power to avoid.

Yusov enters, visibly upset.

Second phenomenon

Vyshnevskaya and Yusov.

Yusov (bowing). Haven't arrived yet, sir?

Vyshnevskaya. Not yet. Sit down.

Yusov sits down.

Are you worried about something?

Yusov. There are no words... my lips are numb.

Vyshnevskaya. What is it?

Yusov (shakes his head). A person is all the same... a ship on the sea... suddenly there is a shipwreck, and there is no one to save!..

Vyshnevskaya. I do not understand.

Yusov. I'm talking about frailty... what is durable in this life? What will we come with? what will we face?.. Some deeds... one might say, like a burden behind your back... in reproof... and even thoughts... (waving his hand) everything is recorded.

Vyshnevskaya. What, did someone die or something?

Yusov. No, sir, a revolution in life. (Sniffs tobacco.) In wealth and nobility there is an eclipse... of our feelings... we forget the poor brethren... pride, carnality... For this reason, punishment occurs according to our deeds.

Vyshnevskaya. I've known this for a long time; I just don’t understand why you are wasting your eloquence in front of me.

Yusov. Close to my heart... Let’s face it, even though I’m not subject to much responsibility here... but still over such a special one! What is strong?.. when even dignity does not protect.

Vyshnevskaya. Over what special one?

Yusov. It fell on us, sir.

Vyshnevskaya. Yes, speak up!

Yusov. Alleged omissions, shortfalls in amounts and various abuses were discovered.

Vyshnevskaya. What?

Yusov. So we are being put on trial, sir... That is, I, in fact, am not subject to much responsibility, but Aristarkh Vladimirych will have to...

Vyshnevskaya. What should they do?

Yusov. Be responsible with all your property and be put on trial for allegedly illegal actions.

Vyshnevskaya (raising his eyes). The reckoning begins!

Yusov. Of course, mortal... They will start to find fault, and perhaps they will find something; I believe that, according to the current strictures, they will dismiss me... I will have to live in poverty without a piece of bread.

Vyshnevskaya. You seem to be far from this.

Yusov. Why, children, sir.

Silence.

I kept thinking dear, I thought with regret: why is this permission given to us? For pride... Pride blinds a person, clouds his eyes.

Vyshnevskaya. Come on, what pride is there! just for bribes.

Yusov. Bribes? Bribes are an unimportant thing... many are susceptible. There is no humility, that’s the main thing... Fate is the same as fortune... as depicted in the picture... a wheel, and people on it... rises up and falls down again, rises and then humbles itself, exalts itself and is nothing again... everything is so circular. Build your well-being, work, acquire property... rise in your dreams... and suddenly naked!.. The inscription is signed under this fortune... (With feeling.)

Wonderful man in the world!

The whole century is fussing,

Wants to find happiness

And he doesn’t imagine that

That fate controls him.

This is what you need to figure out! What should a person remember? We are born, have nothing, and go to the grave. Why are we working? That's philosophy! What is our mind? What can he comprehend?

Vyshnevsky enters and silently walks into the office. Yusov gets up.

Vyshnevskaya. How he has changed!

Yusov. I should send for a doctor. Something bad happened to them in their presence just now. Such a blow... to a man of noble feelings... how can he bear it!

Vyshnevskaya (calls).

A boy comes in.

Go get a doctor and ask him to come quickly.

Vyshnevsky comes out and sits down in a chair.

The third phenomenon

Same with Vyshnevsky.

Vyshnevskaya (approaching him). I heard from Akim Akimych that you are in trouble. Do not give up.

Silence.

You have changed terribly. Are you feeling unwell? I sent for the doctor.

Vyshnevsky. What hypocrisy! What a vile lie! What meanness!

Vyshnevskaya (proudly). No lies! I pity you, as I would pity anyone in misfortune - no more, no less. (Moves away and sits down.)

Vyshnevsky. I don't need your regrets. Don't feel sorry for me! I am dishonored, ruined! For what?

Vyshnevskaya. Ask your conscience.

Vyshnevsky. Don't talk about conscience! You have no right to talk about her... Yusov! Why did I die?

Yusov. Vicissitude... fate, sir.

Vyshnevsky. Nonsense, what fate! Strong enemies are the reason! That's what ruined me! Damn you! They envied my well-being. How not to envy! In just a few years, a person rises to the occasion, becomes rich, boldly creates his own prosperity, builds houses and dachas, buys village after village, and grows head and shoulders above them. How not to envy! A person goes to wealth and honors as if on a ladder. To overtake or even catch up with him, you need intelligence, genius. There’s no place to get a brain, so let’s give him a leg. I'm choking with rage...

Yusov. Envy can motivate a person to do anything...

Vyshnevsky. It’s not the fall that infuriates me, no, but the triumph that I will give them with my fall. What can I talk about now! what joy! Oh, damn it, I won't survive! (Rings.)

Anton enters.

Anton serves and leaves.

Now I need to talk to you.

Vyshnevskaya. What do you want?

Vyshnevsky. I would like to tell you that you are a depraved woman.

Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, there are strangers here.

Yusov. Will you order me to leave?

Vyshnevsky. Stay! I will say the same thing in front of all the courtiers.

Vyshnevskaya. Why are you insulting me? You have no one to vent your impotent anger on. Isn't it a sin for you?

Vyshnevsky. Here is the proof of my words. (Throws away the envelope with letters.)

Yusov picks it up and serves it to Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevskaya. Thank you. (He examines them frantically and puts them in his pocket.)

Vyshnevsky. Yusov, what do they do with a woman who, despite all the good deeds of her husband, forgets her duty?

Yusov. Hm... hmm...

Vyshnevsky. I'll tell you: they throw you out in disgrace! Yes, Yusov, I am unhappy, quite unhappy, I am alone! At least don't leave me. A person, no matter how highly placed he is, when he is in grief, still seeks consolation in the family. (With anger.) And I find in my family...

Vyshnevskaya. Don't talk about family! You never had it. You don't even know what a family is! Allow me now, Aristarkh Vladimirych, to tell you everything that I suffered while living with you.

Vyshnevsky. There are no excuses for you.

Vyshnevskaya. I don’t want to make excuses - I have nothing to justify myself with. During my momentary infatuation, I suffered a lot of grief, a lot of humiliation, but, believe me, without complaining about fate and without cursing, like you. I just want to tell you that if I am guilty, then it is only to myself, and not to you. You shouldn't blame me. If you had a heart, you would feel that you have ruined me.

Vyshnevsky. Ha, ha! Blame someone else for your behavior, not me.

Vyshnevskaya. No, you. Did you take a wife for yourself? Remember how you wooed me! When you were a groom, I did not hear a single word from you about family life; you behaved like an old red tape seducing young girls with gifts, you looked at me like a satyr. You saw my disgust for you, and, despite this, you still bought me for money from my relatives, as slaves are bought in Turkey. What do you want from me?

Vyshnevsky. You are my wife, don't forget! and I have the right to always demand that you fulfill your duty.

Vyshnevskaya. Yes, you, I won’t say, sanctified your purchase, no, but you closed it, disguised it as a defect. It couldn’t be otherwise: my family wouldn’t agree, but it doesn’t matter to you. And then, when you were already my husband, you did not look at me as a wife: you bought my caresses with money. If you noticed my disgust for you, you rushed to me with some expensive gift and then you approached me boldly, with full right. What could I do?.. you are my husband after all: I submitted. ABOUT! you will stop respecting yourself. What is it like to feel contempt for yourself! This is what you have brought me to! But what happened to me later, when I found out that even the money you give me is not yours; that they were not acquired honestly...

Vyshnevsky (gets up). Shut up!

Vyshnevskaya. If you please, I’ll shut up about this, you’ve already been punished enough; but I will continue about myself.

Vyshnevsky. Say what you want, I don't care; you won't change my opinion of you.

Vyshnevskaya. Maybe you will change your opinion about yourself after my words. You remember how I shunned society, I was afraid of it. And not without reason. But you demanded - I had to give in to you. And so, completely unprepared, without advice, without a leader, you brought me into your circle, in which temptation and vice are at every step. There was no one to warn me or support me! However, I myself recognized all the pettiness, all the depravity of those people who make up your acquaintance. I took care of myself. At that time I met Lyubimov in society, you knew him. Remember his open face, his bright eyes, how smart and how pure he was! How heatedly he argued with you, how boldly he spoke about all kinds of lies and untruths! He was saying what I already felt, although not clearly. I was expecting objections from you. There were no objections from you; you only slandered him, invented vile gossip behind his back, tried to bring him down in public opinion, and nothing more. How I wanted to stand up for him then; but I had neither the opportunity nor the intelligence for this. All I could do was... love him.

Vyshnevsky. Is that what you did?

Vyshnevskaya. So I did. I saw later how you ruined him, how little by little you achieved your goal. That is, you are not alone, but everyone who needed it. You first armed society against him, said that his acquaintance was dangerous for young people, then you constantly insisted that he was a freethinker and a harmful person, and turned his superiors against him; he was forced to leave his service, his family, his acquaintance, to leave here... (Closes his eyes with a handkerchief.) I saw it all, suffered through it all myself. I saw the triumph of malice, and you still consider me the girl you bought and who should be grateful and love you for your gifts. They made a vile gossip out of my pure relationship with him; the ladies began to openly slander me and secretly envy me; young and old red tape began to persecute me without ceremony. This is what you have brought me to, a woman worthy, perhaps, of a better fate, a woman capable of understanding the true meaning of life and hating evil! That's all I wanted to tell you - you will never hear a reproach from me ever again.

Vyshnevsky. In vain. I am now a poor man, and poor people allow their wives to swear. They can do it. If I were the Vyshnevsky that I was before this day, I would have sent you away without a word; but now, thanks to my enemies, we must descend from the circle of decent people. In the lower circles, husbands quarrel with their wives and sometimes fight - and this does not create any scandal.

Zhadov enters with his wife.

The fourth phenomenon

The same ones, Zhadov and Polina.

Vyshnevsky. Why are you there?

Zhadov. Uncle, I'm sorry...

Pauline. Hello, uncle! Hello, aunty! (Whispers to Vyshnevskaya.) I came to ask for a place. (Sits down next to Vyshnevskaya.)

Vyshnevskaya. How! Really? (Looks curiously at Zhadov.)

Vyshnevsky. You came to laugh at your uncle!

Zhadov. Uncle, I may have insulted you. Excuse me... the passion of youth, ignorance of life... I should not have... you are my relative.

Vyshnevsky. Well?

Zhadov. I experienced what it means to live without support... without protection... I'm married.

Vyshnevsky. Well, what do you want?

Zhadov. I live very poorly... For me it would be; but for my wife, whom I love very much... Let me serve under your command again... uncle, provide for me! Give me a place where I... could... (quiet) buy something.

Pauline (Vishnevskaya). More approachable.

Vyshnevsky (laughs). Ha, ha, ha!.. Yusov! Here they are, heroes! The young man who shouted at all the crossroads about bribe takers, talked about some new generation, is coming to us to ask for a profitable position in order to take bribes! Good new generation! ha, ha, ha!

Zhadov (rises). Oh! (Grabs his chest.)

Yusov. He was young! Did he really say it? Just words... So they will remain words. Life will make itself known! (Sniffs tobacco.) Give up philosophy. The only bad thing is that before, you should have listened to smart people, and not been rude.

Vyshnevsky (to Yusov). No, Yusov, remember what the tone was! What self-confidence! What indignation towards vice! (To Zhadov, getting more and more excited.) Didn’t you say that some new generation of educated, honest people, martyrs of truth, is growing up, who will expose us, throw dirt at us? Isn't it you? I confess to you, I believed. I deeply hated you... I was afraid of you. Yes, not kidding. And what happens! You are honest until the lessons that have been drilled into your head are exhausted; honest only until the first meeting with need! Well, you made me happy, there is nothing to say!.. No, you are not worth hatred - I despise you!

Zhadov. Despise, despise me. I despise myself.

Vyshnevsky. These are the people who have taken the privilege of honesty! You and I are disgraced! We were put on trial...

Zhadov. What do I hear!

Yusov. People are always people.

Zhadov. Uncle, I didn’t say that our generation is more honest than others. There have always been and will be honest people, honest citizens, honest officials; There have always been and will be weak people. Here's proof for you - myself. I only said that in our time... (starts quietly and gradually becomes animated) society is gradually abandoning its former indifference to vice, energetic cries against social evil are heard... I said that the consciousness of our shortcomings is awakening in us; and in the mind there is hope for a better future. I said that public opinion is beginning to be created... that a sense of justice, a sense of duty is being instilled in young men, and it is growing, growing and will bear fruit. If you don’t see it, we will see it and thank God. You have nothing to rejoice in my weakness. I'm not a hero, I'm an ordinary, weak person; I have little will, like almost all of us. Need, circumstances, the lack of education of my relatives, the surrounding debauchery can drive me like a post horse. But one lesson is enough, at least like this one... thank you for it; One meeting with a decent person is enough to revive me, to maintain my firmness. I may hesitate, but I will not commit a crime; I may stumble, but not fall. My heart has already been softened by education; it will not harden in vice.

Silence.

I don’t know where to go from shame... Yes, I’m ashamed, ashamed that I’m with you.

Vyshnevsky (rising). So get out!

Zhadov (meekly). I'll go. Polina, now you can go to mummy; I won't hold you. Now I won't change myself. If fate leads me to eat one black bread, I will eat one black bread. No blessings will tempt me, no! I want to retain my dear right to look everyone straight in the eye, without shame, without secret remorse, to read and watch satires and comedies about bribe-takers and to laugh from the bottom of my heart, with open laughter. If my whole life consists of labors and hardships, I will not grumble... I will ask God for one consolation, I will wait for one reward. What do you think?

A short silence.

I will wait for the time when the bribe-taker fears a public court more than a criminal one.

Vyshnevsky (rises). I will strangle you with my own hands! (Wobbles.) Yusov, I feel sick! Take me to the office. (Leaves with Yusov.)

Fifth appearance

Vyshnevskaya, Zhadov, Polina and then Yusov.

Pauline (approaches Zhadov). Did you think that I really wanted to leave you? I did this on purpose. I was taught.

Vyshnevskaya. Make peace, my children.

Zhadov and Polina kiss.

Yusov (in the door). The doctors! The doctors!

Vyshnevskaya (rising up in his chair). I'm sorry, what?

Yusov. A blow to Aristarkh Vladimirych!

Vyshnevskaya (screaming weakly). Oh! (Sinks into a chair.)

Polina clings to Zhadov in fear; Zhadov leans his hand on the table and lowers his head. Yusov stands at the door, completely confused.

It remains for us to give an account of the last of Ostrovsky’s great works, his comedy "Plum". <...>What can I say about this mysterious, wonderful, unfinished and discordant work - the only discordant work among all the works of Ostrovsky.<...>If the comedy “A Profitable Place” seemed to us to be a work full of only sharp and easily noticeable shortcomings, we would point out these sins without any difficulty, but the trouble is that the said comedy with its shortcomings and advantages is not easily amenable to critical analysis.

It is a chaos of strange colors, brilliant undertakings, dramatic ideas, the most impeccable, and didactic tirades, the most inexplicable. All the faces are new and remarkable in design, but only one of them (Yusov) was processed in accordance with the design. The rest, with the exception of one or two very minor ones, seem to have been spoiled on purpose. In minor details of the action we see the usual, amazing language of Ostrovsky, in most of the main action of the comedy - an unprecedented thing! - the language comes out bookish. Zhadov, captivating us with the drama of his production, sometimes speaks tirades as if taken from a magazine of the forties; Vyshnevsky is a Moscow dignitary and bribe-taker, a person almost equal in design to Famusov, either expressing his own vices, like a classic villain, or speaking as an allegorical personification of an entire vicious class of people. Other faces are half finished, half spoiled by incomprehensible arbitrariness. Thus, the widow of Kukushkin, directly taken from life, in the monotonous tone of her speeches only tries to reveal the bad side of her personality, as if it were not already as clear as possible. To top it all off, the very end of the play, sharply whimsical, still leaves the intrigue unfinished and the focus of light, brightly thrown by the author in this part of the work, seems to intensify the darkness spread everywhere.

Where exactly, to complete the comparison we have begun, is that corner of the picture that is striking in its execution, where is that amazing detail, because of which the strongest artists should stop with respect before the comedy “A Profitable Place”?<...> What strikes us is not the small detail of the picture, executed artistically, but the whole large scene, which completely stands out from everything that is in the comedy of the failed, with the exception of the first and last phenomena. Zhadov, the hero of the comedy, married for love and has already drank to the bottom the cup of hardship, disaster and fruitless struggle, which no honest young man in his position can avoid. He works tirelessly and barely earns his daily bread, he passionately loves his wife, and his wife foolishly complains about his unselfishness in office; he is imbued with noble convictions, and these convictions only harm him in the eyes of his family and comrades. In a bitter moment of reflection, he enters the tavern, where his relative Belogubov had previously had a cheerful lunch with his boss Yusov and other officials of his debrief. These people look at Zhadov without malice. Belogubov even asks, embarrassed by the gloomy guest; the officials are having fun and talking to each other to their heart's content. Zhadov silently listens to their conversation. There is nothing blatantly immoral in their speeches. They are even kind and kind in their own way, they are completely serene in spirit, they do not have the slightest doubt about the purity of their moral code, they are even right in their own way, pure before society in their own way. What a contrast with the gloomy thoughts of the honest worker! In front of him, Belogubov touchingly recalls his family happiness, and with sincere tears thanks Yusov for his instructions and patronage. The officials are amused and ask Yusov to dance to the music of the tavern organ, the old man agrees, without breaking down or doing anything indecent; he dances with all his heart, and his friends are in complete admiration. Perhaps Zhadov smiled at this, but even here Yusov did not get very angry. “I can dance,” says the old official, in all the clarity of his spirit, “I can dance. I have done everything in life that is prescribed for a person. My soul is calm, the burden does not pull behind me, I have provided for my family; now I can dance. I Now I just rejoice in God's peace. I see a bird, and I rejoice at that; I see a flower, and I rejoice at it: I see wisdom in everything. Remembering my poverty, I don’t forget my poor brethren. I don’t condemn others, like some suckers among scientists. Whom we can condemn? We don’t know what else we will do... Today you laughed at me for dancing, but tomorrow, perhaps, you will dance worse than me. Maybe you will go for alms and extend your hand. That’s pride before what does it bring! Pride, pride! I’m not afraid of anyone! I’ll even dance in the square in front of all the people. Those passing by will say: “This man is dancing, he must have a pure soul! “—and everyone will go about his business!”

This speech evokes a loud, unprepared “hurray!” from Belogubov and other officials.

Is it necessary to explain the power and deep meaning of the scene we have conveyed, is it necessary to indicate its importance among all the provisions of the comedy, is it necessary to interpret the meaning of this unshakable self-confident gaiety of immoral members of society before its only honest viewer, a viewer poor in pocket, suspected of service? , bitter about family life and already deeply shocked in the depths of your consciousness? It is impossible to depict such a contrast from one’s own head, no matter how smart it may be; the power of a true, spontaneous artist is at work here, although, apparently, dancing in front of a car and the tirade of an old bribe taker are subjects that are far from speaking with inspiration. This is the result of a truly dramatic vocation in a writer. Yusov's scene obviously poured out on its own, without preparation, without witty considerations, and, having poured out, suppressed the entire comedy with its merits and sins, with everything that should not even be suppressed in it. The scene conveyed now marks one of the highest points to which Ostrovsky's talent has ever risen. It is less poetic than, for example, the fifth act of “The Poor Bride”, it will shock you less than the catastrophe of the comedy “We Will Be Numbered,” but it has its own special power over them, a special depth of worldly wisdom that can surprise anyone, how many... some developed connoisseur.

Our article has long gone beyond the scope of an ordinary journal review, and we have not yet had time to say a word about the dramatic scenes and individual dramatic essays of Mr. Ostrovsky, which, both in merit and in their diversity, alone can serve as a reason for an article of very serious content. Only now, having re-read these small works, one after another in a general connection and in a general collection, do you appreciate them with dignity and rejoice that the scattered works of our author have finally been collected and published in a worthy manner. The fact that among the things we are examining there is not a single one that does not deserve attention in any respect, that almost all of them are distinguished by first-class beauty, of course, every lover of literature knows, but not all readers and not even all connoisseurs have given complete justice to the endless versatility of the essays sketched by the hand of Mr. Ostrovsky. What an amazing language they are written!<...>How many faces, living, true, very often typical, in the highest sense of this expression, rise up before us as soon as we want to recall these dramatic essays one after another. Some of the faces that appear to us are suitable for the most extensive and correct comedy - you can’t add a single additional feature to them, not a single extra touch. Such are Puzatov and Shiryalov in “Family Picture”, old Bruskov in the scenes “At Someone Else’s Feast There’s a Hangover”, the incomparable Serafima Karpovna in the play “The Characters Didn’t Match”, Nadya and Vasilisa Peregrinovna in “The Kindergarten”.

How many other persons are outlined and outlined in such a way that they can be developed according to the author’s discretion, elevated to types, and made the protagonists of new, harmonious works! Let's remember Paul Prezhnev and Misha Balzaminov, whose lives, of course, are not completely exhausted by an unsuccessful marriage or expulsion from the house of a rich bride, let's name Andrei Titych Bruskov, who barely flashed before us, but has all the guarantees of wonderful positions in the future. But how can one list the entire collection of secondary, secondary persons, persons who barely utter a few phrases, persons who do not have an important influence on the course of the action and, for all that, new, truthful, true to reality, smart and stupid, serious and funny. The practical and quick-tongued Matryona, the stuffed fool Nichkina, who suffers so much from the hot weather (“Holiday sleep before lunch”), the merchant son Kapitosh, who recites in a theatrical manner, smokes shag and has a bass voice such that “it’s like someone shot out of a cannon.” ("In someone else's feast there is a hangover"), thoughtful coachmen talking about military subjects, sentimental m-me Prezhneva and talkative Ulita Savishna ("Didn't get along in character"), politician Potapych and clerk Neglintov ("Pupil") - all these faces barely make up half of what should be noticed. In the scenes we are analyzing, in all of them without exception, life itself is in full swing and is constantly expressing itself to us in different aspects, very often important and sad, even more often funny and cheerful.

/Alexander Vasilyevich Druzhinin (1824-1864).
Works by A. Ostrovsky. Two volumes (SPb., 1859)/

A. N. Ostrovsky

Plum

Comedy in five acts

Moscow, EKSMO Publishing House, 2004 OCR & spellcheck: Olga Amelina, November 2004

ACT ONE

CHARACTERS

Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky, a decrepit old man with signs of gout. Anna Pavlovna, his wife, a young woman. Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov, a young man, his nephew. Akim Akimych Yusov, an old official serving under the command of Vyshnevsky. Onisim Panfilich Belogubov, a young official subordinate to Yusov. Anton, the man in Vyshnevsky's house. Boy.

A large hall in Vyshnevsky's house, richly furnished. To the left is the door to Vyshnevsky’s office, to the right to Anna Pavlovna’s rooms; on both sides there are mirrors on the walls and tables under them; right at the front door.

SCENE ONE

Vyshnevsky in a flannel coat and without a wig and Vyshnevskaya in morning attire. They leave the half of Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevsky. What ingratitude! What wickedness! (Sits down.) You have been married to me for five years, and for five years I cannot do anything to earn your affection. Strange! Maybe you are unhappy with something? Vyshnevskaya. Not at all. Vyshnevsky. I think. Was it not for you that I bought and decorated this house magnificently? Wasn't it for you that I built a dacha last year? What don't you have enough of? I think no merchant’s wife has as many diamonds as you. Vyshnevskaya. Thank you. However, I didn’t demand anything from you. Vyshnevsky. You didn't demand; but I had to compensate you with something for the difference in years. I thought I would find in you a woman who would appreciate the sacrifices I have made for you. I’m not a wizard, I can’t build marble chambers with one gesture. Silk, gold, sable, velvet, in which you are wrapped from head to toe, require money. They need to be taken out. And they are not always easy to get. Vyshnevskaya. I do not need anything. I've already told you about this more than once. Vyshnevsky. But I need to finally win your heart. Your coldness is driving me crazy. I am a passionate person: out of love for a woman I am capable of anything! I bought you one near Moscow this year. Do you know that the money with which I bought it... how can I tell you this?.. well, in a word, I took more risks than prudence allowed. I may be subject to liability. Vyshnevskaya. For God's sake, do not make me a participant in your actions if they are not entirely honest. Don't justify them by loving me. I ask you. This is unbearable for me. However, I don't believe you. While you didn't know me, you lived and acted exactly the same way. I don’t even want to answer to my conscience for your behavior. Vyshnevsky. Behavior! Behavior! Out of love for you, I am even ready to commit a crime. Just to buy your love, I am ready to pay with my dishonor. (Gets up and approaches Vyshnevskaya.) Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, I can’t pretend. Vyshnevsky(takes her hand). Pretend! Pretend! Vyshnevskaya(turning away). Never. Vyshnevsky. But I love you!.. (Trembling, he kneels.) I love you! Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, do not humiliate yourself! It's time for you to get dressed. (Rings.)

Vyshnevsky rises. Anton enters from the office.

Dress for Aristarkh Vladimirych. Anton. Please, it's ready, sir. (He goes into the office.)

Vyshnevsky follows him.

Vyshnevsky (in the door). Snake! snake! (Leaves.)

PHENOMENA SECOND

Vyshnevskaya (alone, sitting for a while, thinking).

A boy enters, hands over a letter and leaves.

Anton leaves the office and stands at the door; Yusov enters, then Belogubov.

PHENOMENA THIRD

Anton, Yusov and Belogubov.

Yusov (with briefcase). Report back, Antosha. Anton leaves. Yusov adjusts himself in front of the mirror. Anton (in the door). Please.

Yusov leaves.

Belogubov (enters, takes a comb out of his pocket and combs his hair). What, Akim Akimych is here, sir? Anton. Now we went into the office. Belogubov. How are you today? Affectionate, sir? Anton. Don't know. (Leaves.)

Belogubov stands at the table near the mirror.

Yusov (as he leaves, he puts on a noticeable air of importance). Oh, you're here. Belogubov. Here, sir. Yusov (looking through the paper). Belogubov! Belogubov. What do you want, sir? Yusov. Here, my brother, take it home and rewrite this cleaner. Ordered. Belogubov. They ordered me to rewrite it, sir? Yusov (sitting down). You. They said his handwriting is good. Belogubov. I'm very pleased to hear, sir. Yusov. So listen, brother: don’t rush. The main thing is that it is cleaner. Do you see where to send... Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, understand, sir. I’ll write it in calligraphy, sir, I’ll sit up all night. Yusov (sighs). Oho-ho-ho! oho-ho-ho! Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, if only they would pay attention. Yusov (strictly). Why are you kidding me with this, or what? Belogubov. How is it possible, sir!.. Yusov. Noticed... It's easy to say! What more does an official need? What more could he want? Belogubov. Yes, sir! Yusov. They paid attention to you, well, you are a person, you breathe; but they didn’t - what are you doing? Belogubov. Well, so what? Yusov. Worm! Belogubov. I, it seems, Akim Akimych, am trying, sir. Yusov. You? (Looks at him.) You're on my good side. Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, even deny myself food in order to be cleanly dressed. A cleanly dressed official is always in sight of his superiors, sir. Here, if you please, take a look at how the waist... (Turns around.) Yusov. Wait. (looks at him and sniffs tobacco.) Thalia is good... Moreover, Belogubov, look, be more literate. Belogubov. My spelling, Akim Akimych, is bad... So, believe me, it’s a shame. Yusov. Eka importance, spelling! It’s not all sudden, you’ll get used to it. Write a draft first, and ask for corrections, and then write from there. Do you hear what I'm saying? Belogubov. I’ll ask someone to correct it, otherwise Zhadov is still laughing. Yusov. Who? Belogubov. Zhadov, sir. Yusov (strictly). What is he himself? What kind of bird? Still laughing! Belogubov. Why, sir, you have to show that you are a scientist, sir. Yusov. Ugh! That's what he is. Belogubov. I can’t even identify him Akim Akimych, what kind of person he is, sir. Yusov. Nonentity!..

Silence.

Now I was there (pointing to the office) that's what they said (quiet): I don’t know what to do with my nephew! Take it from this. Belogubov. But he dreams a lot about himself, sir. Yusov. He flies high and lands somewhere! What’s better: I lived here with everything ready. What do you think, did he feel any gratitude? Have you seen any respect from him? How could it not be! Rudeness, free-thinking... After all, even though he is a relative, he is still a person... who will tolerate it? Well, so they told him, a dear friend: go and live with your mind, for ten rubles a month, maybe you’ll be smarter. Belogubov. This is what stupidity leads to, sir, Akim Akimych! It seems, that is... Lord... such happiness! I must thank God every minute. After all, that’s what I say, Akim Akimych, should he thank God, sir? Yusov. Still would! Belogubov. He runs around out of his own happiness. What else does he need, sir! The rank, in relation to such a person, had a ready-made content; If he wanted, he could have a good place, with a big income, sir. After all, Aristarkh Vladimirych would not have refused him! Yusov. Well, here you go! Belogubov. My opinion is, Akim Akimych, that another person, with feeling, in his place would begin to clean Aristarkh Vladimirych’s boots, but he still upsets such a person. Yusov. All pride and reasoning. Belogubov. What reasoning! What can we talk about? I, Akim Akimych, never... Yusov. You bet! Belogubov. I never, sir... because this leads to nothing good, except trouble. Yusov. How can he not talk! You need to show him that you were at the university. Belogubov. What is the use of learning when a person has no fear... no trepidation before his superiors? Yusov. What? Belogubov. I'm in awe, sir. Yusov. Well, yes. Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, would be the head of the office, sir. Yusov. Your lip is not stupid. Belogubov. I do it more because I now have a fiancée, sir. A young lady and well educated, sir. But it’s impossible without a place, sir, who’s going to give it away? Yusov. Why won't you show it? Belogubov. The first duty, sir... even today... as instead of a relative, sir. Yusov. And I'll report on the location. We will think about it. Belogubov. I would like this place for the rest of my life, sir. I’ll at least give you a subscription, because I can’t go any higher, sir. I'm beyond my abilities.

Zhadov enters.

SCENE FOUR

Same with Zhadov.

Zhadov. What, uncle is busy? Yusov. Busy. Zhadov. Oh, what a pity! And I really need to see him. Yusov. You can wait, they have more important things to do than you. Zhadov. How do you know my affairs? Yusov (looks at him and laughs). What are you doing? So, some nonsense. Zhadov. It’s better not to talk to you, Akim Akimych; you are always asking for rudeness. (He leaves and sits down on the front stage.) Yusov (To Belogubov). What? Belogubov (loud). There's no point in talking! Only you, in your old age, should worry about yourself. Farewell, sir. (Leaves.)

SCENE FIFTH

Zhadov and Yusov.

Yusov (About myself). Ha, ha, ha! They lived, they lived, yes, thank God, they lived. The boys began to raise their noses. Zhadov (looks around). Why are you grumbling there? Yusov (continues). We don’t like to do what we’re ordered, but reasoning is our business. How can we sit in the office! Make us all ministers! Well, what to do, we made a mistake, sorry, please, we didn’t know your talents. We'll make them ministers, we'll definitely do it... wait a little... tomorrow. Zhadov (About myself). I'm tired of it! Yusov. My God! My God! No shame, no conscience. The other one’s lips aren’t even dry yet, but it’s already showing ambition. Who am I! Dont touch me!

Anton enters.

Anton (to Yusov). Come to the master.

Yusov goes into the office.

Zhadov. Tell Anna Pavlovna that I want to see them. Anton. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.)

SCENE SIX

Vyshnevskaya enters.

SCENE SEVEN

Zhadov and Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevskaya. Hello, Vasily Nikolaich! Zhadov. Oh, auntie, hello! (Kisses her hand.) I'll tell you the news. Vyshnevskaya. Sit down.

What's the news? Zhadov. I want to get married. Vyshnevskaya. Is not it too early? Zhadov. In love, auntie, in love. And what a girl! Perfection! Vyshnevskaya. Is she rich? Zhadov. No, auntie, she has nothing. Vyshnevskaya. How will you live? Zhadov. What about the head and what about the hands? Do I really have to live for the rest of my life at someone else’s expense? Of course, someone else would be happy, fortunately there is an opportunity, but I can’t. Not to mention the fact that to do this I must, to please my uncle, contradict my own beliefs. And who will work? Why did they teach us? Uncle advises you to first make money, in any way, buy a house, get horses, and then get a wife. Can I agree with him? I fell in love with a girl, as people only do at my age. Should I really give up happiness just because she doesn’t have a fortune? Vyshnevskaya. They suffer not only from poverty, they also suffer from wealth. Zhadov. Remember our conversations with my uncle? Whatever you say, it happened, against bribes or in general against any untruth, he had one answer: wait a little, or you’ll talk. Well, I want to live, and not alone, but with my young wife. Vyshnevskaya (sighing). Yes, you will envy the women who are loved by people like you. Zhadov (kissing the hand). How I will work, auntie! My wife probably won’t demand more from me. And even if it happens that I endure need for some time, Polina, out of love for me, will probably not show any sign of displeasure. But, in any case, no matter how bitter life is, I will not give up even a millionth part of those convictions that I owe to my upbringing. Vyshnevskaya. I can vouch for you; but your wife... a young woman! It will be difficult for her to bear any kind of disadvantage. Our girls are raised very poorly. You young people imagine us as angels, but believe me, Vasily Nikolaich, we are worse than men. We are more selfish, more partial. What to do! I must admit: we have much less sense of honor and strict justice. What else is bad about us is a lack of delicacy. A woman is capable of reproaching what a rare developed man will allow himself to do. The most offensive barbs are not uncommon between short friends. Sometimes a stupid reproach from a woman is worse than any insult. Zhadov. This is true. But I will raise her myself. She is still just a child, you can still do anything out of her. We just need to quickly tear her out of the family before they ruin her with her vulgar upbringing. And once they make her a young lady, in the full sense of the word, then it’s too late. Vyshnevskaya. I don’t dare doubt it and I don’t want to disappoint you. It would be ignoble of me to cool you down at first. Give more free rein to your heart before it becomes stale. Don't be afraid of poverty. God bless you. Believe me, no one will wish you happiness as much as I do. Zhadov. I was always sure of this, auntie. Vyshnevskaya. One thing worries me: your intolerance. You are constantly making enemies for yourself. Zhadov. Yes, everyone tells me that I’m intolerant, that I’m losing a lot from this. Is intolerance a disadvantage? Is it better to look indifferently at the Yusovs, Belogubovs and all the abominations that are constantly happening around you? Indifference is not far from vice. Anyone who is not disgusted by vice will gradually get involved. Vyshnevskaya. I don’t call intolerance a shortcoming, I just know from experience how inconvenient it is in life. I've seen examples... someday you'll find out. Zhadov. Do you think my uncle will refuse me or not? I want to ask for a salary increase. It would be very useful for me now. Vyshnevskaya. Don't know. Ask.

Vyshnevsky enters in a tailcoat and wig, followed by Yusov.

SCENE EIGHTH

The same ones, Vyshnevsky and Yusov.

Vyshnevsky (To Zhadov). Ah, hello! (Sits down.) Sit down! Sit down, Akim Akimych! You are always lazy and rarely go to work. Zhadov. Nothing to do. They don't give cases. Yusov. We never have enough to do! Zhadov. Rewrite something? No, I am your humble servant! You have officials more capable of this than me. Vyshnevsky. You still haven't left, my dear! You read all the sermons. (To his wife.) Imagine: he reads morals to the clerks in the office, and they, naturally, do not understand anything, they sit with their mouths open, their eyes bulging. Funny, my dear! Zhadov. How can I remain silent when I see abominations at every step? I have not yet lost faith in the person, I think that my words will have an effect on them. Vyshnevsky. That's what they did: you became the laughing stock of the entire office. You have already achieved your goal, you have managed to make everyone look at each other with a smile and whisper when you enter, and general laughter spreads when you leave. Yusov. Yes, sir. Zhadov. However, what is funny in my words? Vyshnevsky. That's it, my friend. Starting from unnecessary, inappropriate hobbies, to childish, impractical conclusions. Believe that every scribe knows life better than you; knows from his own experience that it is better to be a well-fed philosopher than a hungry philosopher, and your words naturally seem stupid to them. Zhadov. But it seems to me that they only know that it is more profitable to be a bribe taker than an honest person. Yusov. Hmm, hmm... Vyshnevsky. Stupid, my dear! Both daring and stupid. Zhadov. Allow me, uncle! Why were we taught, why were we developed such concepts that cannot be spoken out loud without being accused of stupidity or impudence? Vyshnevsky. I don’t know who taught you there and what. It seems to me that it is better to teach how to do things and respect your elders than to talk nonsense. Yusov. Yes, sir, it would be much better. Zhadov. If you please, I will remain silent; but I cannot part with my convictions: they are the only consolation for me in life. Vyshnevsky. Yes, in the attic, behind a piece of black bread. Glorious consolation! Out of hunger, praise your virtue and scold your comrades and bosses for the fact that they knew how to organize their lives and live in contentment, family and happiness. Wonderful! This is where envy comes in handy. Zhadov. My God! Vyshnevskaya. It's cruel. Vyshnevsky. Please don't think you're saying anything new. It has always been and always will be. A person who did not know how or did not have time to make a fortune for himself will always envy a person with a fortune - this is in human nature. It’s also easy to justify envy. Envious people usually say: I don’t want wealth; I am poor but noble. Yusov. Mellifluous lips! Vyshnevsky. Noble poverty is good only on the stage. Try to carry it through in life. This, my friend, is not as easy and pleasant as we think. You’re used to obeying only yourself, and perhaps you’ll get married. What will happen then? That's interesting! Zhadov. Yes, uncle, I’m getting married and wanted to talk to you about it. Vyshnevsky. And, probably, out of love, on a poor girl, and also, perhaps, on a fool, who has as much knowledge about life as you do; but, probably, she is educated and sings to an out-of-tune piano: “With my dear one, heaven is in the hut.” Zhadov. Yes, she's a poor girl. Vyshnevsky. And great. Yusov. For the reproduction of beggars... Zhadov. Akim Akimych, don’t insult me. I didn't give you any right to do this. Uncle, marriage is a great thing, and I think that everyone in this matter should follow their own inspiration. Vyshnevsky. Do me a favor, no one is bothering you. Have you just thought about this? Of course you love your bride? Zhadov. Of course I do. Vyshnevsky. What are you preparing for her, what joys in life? Poverty, all kinds of deprivation. In my opinion, whoever loves a woman tries to strew her path, so to speak, with all the pleasures. Yusov. Yes, sir. Vyshnevsky. Instead of hats and various fashions that women consider necessary, you will lecture her on virtue. She, of course, will listen to you out of love, but she still won’t have hats and cloaks. Vyshnevskaya. At his age they still don’t buy love. Zhadov. Auntie is telling the truth. Vyshnevsky. I agree, you don’t need to buy love; but everyone is obliged to reward it, to repay love, otherwise the most selfless love will cool down. There will be reproaches and complaints about fate. I don’t know what it will be like for you to bear it when your wife continually repents out loud that, out of inexperience, she has thrown in her lot with a beggar. In a word, you must make the woman you love happy. And without wealth, or at least contentment, there is no happiness for a woman. You, perhaps, as usual, will begin to contradict me; so I will prove to you that this is true. Look around you: what smart girl would think of marrying a rich old man or a freak? What mother would hesitate to give her daughter away in this way, even against her will, considering her daughter’s tears as stupidity, childishness and thanking God that he sent her Mashenka or Annushka such happiness. Every mother is sure in advance that her daughter will thank her later. And for his own peace of mind, which is also worth something, the husband must provide for his wife completely in material terms; then even... even if the wife is not entirely happy, she has no right... she doesn’t dare complain. (With fervor.) To a woman taken from poverty and surrounded by care and luxury, who will believe that she is unhappy? Ask your wife if I'm telling the truth. Vyshnevskaya. Your words are so smart and convincing that they can do without my consent. (Leaves.)

SCENE NINE

The same, without Vyshnevskaya.

Zhadov. Not all women are what you say. Vyshnevsky. Almost all. There are, of course, exceptions; but it is surprising that this exception should fall to your lot. To do this, you need to live, search, and not fall in love, like you, with the first person you meet. Listen, I will talk to you like a relative, because I feel sorry for you. What do you really think about yourself? How will you live with your wife without funds? Zhadov. I will live by work. I hope that peace of conscience can replace earthly blessings for me. Vyshnevsky. Your labor will not be enough to support your family. You will not get a good place, because with your stupid character you will not be able to win over any boss in your favor, but rather arm him. Peace of conscience will also not save you from hunger. You see, my friend, luxury is noticeably spreading in society, but your Spartan virtues do not live with luxury. Your mother entrusted me with taking care of you, and I am obliged to do everything I can for you. This is what I advise you for the last time: tame your character a little, give up false ideas, come on, it’s stupid, serve like all decent people serve, that is, look at life and service practically. Then I can help you with advice, money, and patronage. You're not little anymore - you're getting married. Zhadov. Never! Vyshnevsky. How loud it is: “never!” and how stupid it is at the same time! I think that you will come to your senses; I've seen quite a few examples like this, just be careful not to be late. Now you have opportunity and protection, but then you may not have it: you will ruin your career, your comrades will go ahead, it will be difficult for you to start over again. I'm telling you as an official. Zhadov. Never ever! Vyshnevsky. Well, then live as you know, without support. Don't rely on me. I'm tired of talking to you. Zhadov. My God! There will be support for me in public opinion. Vyshnevsky. Yes, wait! We have no public opinion, my friend, and there cannot be, in the sense in which you understand. Here's public opinion: if you're not caught, you're not a thief. What does society care about what income you live on, as long as you live decently and behave like a decent person. Well, if you walk around without boots and read morals to everyone, then excuse me if you are not accepted in decent houses and they talk about you as an empty person. I served in provincial cities: they know each other shorter than in the capitals; they know that everyone has something to live by, therefore, public opinion can be formed more easily. No, people are people everywhere. And there they laughed in front of me at one official who lived only on a salary with a large family, and they said throughout the city that he sews his own coats; and there the whole city respected the chief bribe-taker because he lived openly and had evenings twice a week. Zhadov. Is that really true? Vyshnevsky. Live and you'll find out. Let's go, Akim Akimych. (Rises.) Zhadov. Uncle! Vyshnevsky. What's happened? Zhadov. I receive very little salary, I have nothing to live on. Now there is a vacancy - let me fill it, I'm getting married... Vyshnevsky. Hm... For this place I need not a married man, but a capable man. I cannot, in good conscience, give you more salary: firstly, you are not worth it, and secondly, you are my relative, they will consider it partiality. Zhadov. As you please. I will live on the means I have. Vyshnevsky. Yes, here you go, my dear! I’ll tell you once and for all: I don’t like your conversation, your expressions are harsh and disrespectful, and I don’t see any need for you to be upset. Don't think I think your opinions are offensive - it's too much honor for you, I just think they're stupid. And therefore, you can consider all my relationships with you, except those of a boss, to be completely over. Zhadov. So I'd better move to another place. Vyshnevsky. Do me a favor. (Leaves.)

SCENE TENTH

Zhadov and Yusov.

Yusov (looking into his eyes). Ha, ha, ha, ha!.. Zhadov. Why are you laughing? Yusov. Ha, ha, ha!.. How can you not laugh? Who are you arguing with? ha, ha, ha! So what does it look like? Zhadov. What's so funny? Yusov. Well, is uncle stupider than you? Eh, stupider? Does he understand you less in life? But this is a joke for the chickens. After all, this way you will someday die of laughter. Have mercy, have mercy, I have a family. Zhadov. You don’t understand this, Akim Akimych. Yusov. There is nothing to understand here. Even if you brought a thousand people, everyone would die of laughter looking at you. You should have listened to this man with your mouth open, so as not to let out a word, but his words would have been cut off on his nose, and you are arguing! After all, this is a comedy, by God, a comedy, ha, ha, ha! not enough yet. Or should it. If I were in his place... (Makes a stern grimace and goes into the office.)

SCENE ELEVENTH

Vyshnevsky and Yusov leave the office.

SCENE TWELVE

Yusov and Vyshnevsky.

Vyshnevsky. Who will he marry? Yusov. On Kukushkina. Daughter of the widow of a collegiate assessor. Vyshnevsky. Do you know her? Yusov. Well, I knew my husband. Belogubov wants to marry another sister. Vyshnevsky. Well, Belogubov is a different matter. In any case, go see her. Explain to her so that she does not ruin her daughter, does not give her away to this fool. (Nods his head and leaves.)

SCENE THIRTEEN

Yusov (one). What kind of time is this! You won’t believe your eyes what is happening in the world now! How to live in the world! The boys started talking! Who's talking? Who's arguing? Yes, nonentity! Blowed on him, ugh! (blows) -- there is no man. And who else is he arguing with? - With a genius. Aristarkh Vladimirych is a genius... a genius, Napoleon. Immense intelligence, speed, courage in business. One thing is missing: the law is not entirely firm, from another department. If Aristarkh Vladimirych, with his intelligence, knew the laws and all the rules like his predecessor, well, that’s the end... the end... and there’s nothing to talk about. Follow him like a train. So grab hold of it and go. And ranks, and orders, and all sorts of lands, and houses, and villages with wastelands... It’s breathtaking! (Leaves.)

ACT TWO

CHARACTERS

Felisata Gerasimovna Kukushkina, widow of a collegiate assessor. Yulinka | Polina) her daughter. Akim Akimych Yusov. Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov. Onisim Panfilich Belogubov. Stesha, the maid girl.

A room in Kukushkina’s house: an ordinary living room in poor houses. There is a door in the middle and a door to the left.

SCENE ONE

Yulinka, Polina stand in front of the mirror and Stesha with a brush and a wing in her hands.

Stesha. Well, my young ladies are ready. At least now the suitors come, as if they were exhibited at the exhibition, the first grade. Let's show such a force - it will catch your nose. What general is not ashamed to show it! Pauline. Well, Yulinka, take your places; Let's sit down like smart young ladies sit. Now mummy will show us. The person sells the product. Stesha (wiping off the dust). No matter how you look at it, everything is in order, everything is in its place, everything is pinned and pinned. Yulinka. She is such an auditor for us; will find something. Stesha (stops in the middle of the room). In fact, young ladies, you can’t live from her at all. He drills and drills, like a soldier in training. Everything is at traction and at traction, but it just doesn’t force you to raise your legs. And she’s already tormenting me, tormenting me - she overcame me only with cleanliness. (Wipes off the dust.) Yulinka. Do you like your fiance, Vasily Nikolaich? Pauline. Oh, just a darling! How about your Belogubov? Yulinka. No, it's terrible rubbish! Pauline. Why don't you tell mommy? Yulinka. Here's another! God forbid! I’m glad, I’m glad to at least marry him, just to get out of the house. Pauline. Yes, the truth is yours! If Vasily Nikolaich didn’t get caught, it seems that he would be glad to throw himself on the neck of the first person he meets: even if it’s a bad one, if only he could help me out of trouble, take me out of the house. (Laughs.) Stesha (bending under the sofa). Truly the torment of martyrdom. That's the truth, young lady, tell me. Pauline. Other girls cry, Yulinka, as they get married: how can it be to part with the house! Every corner will be paid for. And you and I - even far away now, even if some gorynych snake carried us away. (Laughs.) Stesha. Now, if I don’t erase it here, it will be nothing. And whoever sees it here, who needs it! (Washes it under the mirror.) Yulinka. You are happy, Polina; everything is funny to you; and I'm starting to think so seriously. Getting married is not tricky - we know this science; You also need to think about how you will live married. Pauline. What is there to think about? It certainly won't be worse than at home. Yulinka. No worse! This is not enough. It needs to be better. If you get married, you need to be a lady, as you should be a lady. Pauline. It would be very good, what would be better, but how to do it? You're a smart girl with us: teach us! Yulinka. You need to notice from the conversation who has what, who hopes for what. If he’s not there now, what does he mean? Now it’s clear from the words who the person is. What is your Zhadov talking to you about, how are you left alone? Pauline. Well, Yulinka, I’m about to cut off my head, I don’t understand anything he’s saying. He’ll squeeze my hand so tightly and start talking and start... he wants to teach me something. Yulinka. Why? Pauline. Really, Yulinka, I don’t know. Something very tricky. Wait, maybe I’ll remember, but I can’t help but laugh, the words are so funny! Wait, wait, I remembered! (Teasingly.)"What is the purpose of a woman in society?" He spoke about some other civic virtues. I don’t even know what it is. We weren't taught this, were we? Yulinka. No, they didn't. Pauline. He must have read in those books that were not given to us. Remember... at the boarding house? True, we haven’t read any. Yulinka. There is something to regret! and without them there is mortal melancholy! It would be a different matter to go out for a walk or to the theater. Pauline. Yes, sister, yes. Yulinka. Well, Polina, I must admit, there is little hope for you. No, mine is not like that. Pauline. Which one is yours? Yulinka. My Belogubov, although a little disgusting, shows great hope. “You,” he says, “will love me, sir. Now is not the time for me to get married, sir, but when they make me head of the office, then I’ll get married.” I asked him what a clerk is. “This, he says, is first grade, sir.” Must be something good. “Even though I’m an uneducated person,” he says, “I have a lot of business with merchants, sir: so I’ll bring you silk and various materials from the city, and everything will be sorted out about provisions, sir.” Well? this is very good, Polina, let him carry it. There is nothing to think about here; you have to go for such a person. Pauline. And mine must not have any merchant acquaintances; he doesn’t tell me anything about it. Well, how can he not bring me anything? Yulinka. No, yours must have it too. After all, he is an employee, and employees are given what they need to everyone. For whom the matter is different, if you are married; and if single - cloth, tights; whoever has horses gets oats or hay, or even money. Last time Belogubov was wearing a vest, remember, it was so colorful, the merchant gave it to him. He told me himself. Pauline. Still, you need to ask if Zhadov has any merchants he knows.

Kukushkina enters.

PHENOMENA SECOND

The same and Kukushkina.

Kukushkina. How can you not praise yourself! I have cleanliness, I have order, I have everything in order! (Sits down.) And what's that? (Points to the maid under the sofa.) Stesha. For mercy's sake, I don't have enough strength, my entire lower back is broken. Kukushkina. How dare you, vile thing, talk like that! You receive a salary for that. I have cleanliness, I have order, I have a thread to follow.

The maid sweeps and leaves.

Yulinka!

Yulinka gets up.

I want to talk to you. Yulinka. What do you want, mummy? Kukushkina. You know, madam, that I have nothing behind me or in front of me. Yulinka. I know, mom. Kukushkina. It's time to know, madam! I have no income from anywhere, just a pension. Make ends meet as best you can. I deny myself everything. I turn around like a thief at a fair, but I’m not an old woman yet, I can find a match. Do you understand this? Yulinka. I understand, sir. Kukushkina. I make fashionable dresses and various trinkets for you, and for myself I repaint and remake them from old ones. Don't you think that I dress you up for your pleasure, for dandy? You are so wrong. All this is being done in order to get you married, to get away with it. In my condition, I could only take you around in cotton and shabby dresses. If you don’t want or don’t know how to find a groom, so be it. I don’t intend to cut off and cut myself off for you in vain. Pauline. We, Mama, have heard this for a long time. You tell me what's the matter. Kukushkina. Shut up! They're not talking to you. God gave you happiness for your stupidity, so keep quiet. No matter how much of a fool this Zhadov is, it would be a shame for you to spend your life in prison for your frivolity. Which smart person will take you? Who needs? You have nothing to brag about, you weren’t even smart enough here: you can’t say that you bewitched him - he ran up on his own, he climbed into the noose himself, no one pulled him. And Yulinka is a smart girl, she must create happiness for herself with her mind. Let me find out whether your Belogubov will be of any use or not? Yulinka. Mama, I don’t know. Kukushkina. Who knows? You know, madam, that I do not accept young strangers into my house. I only accept grooms or potential grooms. If I look more or less like the groom, you are welcome, the house is open, and as the tail wags, so does the gate turn away. We don't need those. I take care of my reputation, and yours too. Yulinka. What should I do, Mama? Kukushkina. Do as ordered. You remember one thing: you can’t stay as girls. You will have to live in the kitchen. Yulinka. I, mamma, did everything you ordered. Kukushkina. What were you doing? If you please speak, I will listen to you. Yulinka. When he came to us for the second time, remember, you also brought him by force, I made eyes at him. Kukushkina. Well, what about him? Yulinka. And he somehow strangely pursed his lips and licked his lips. It seems to me that he is so stupid that he did not understand anything. Nowadays every high school student is more dexterous than him. Kukushkina. I don’t know your science there, but I see that he is respectful, and there is in him some kind of pleasant seeking of his superiors. So he will go far. I understood this immediately. Yulinka. When he was with us for the third time, remember, on Friday, I read love poems to him; he, too, seemed to understand nothing. And for the fourth time I wrote him a note. Kukushkina. What is he? Yulinka. He came and said: “My heart has never turned away from you, but always was, is and will be.”

Polina laughs.

Kukushkina (threatening her with his finger). What's next? Yulinka. He says: “As soon as I get the position of chief, I will tearfully ask your mother for your hand in marriage.” Kukushkina. Will he get it soon? Yulinka. He says it will be soon. Kukushkina. Come, Yulinka, kiss me. (Kisses her.) Getting married, my friend, is a great thing for a girl. You will understand this later. I am a mother, and a strict mother; Do whatever you want with the groom, I will turn a blind eye, I am silent, my friend, I am silent; but with a stranger, no, you’re being naughty, I won’t allow it! Come, Yulinka, sit in your place.

Yulinka sits down.

Yusov and Belogubov enter.

PHENOMENA THIRD

The same ones, Yusov and Belogubov.

Belogubov (To the young ladies.) Hello. (Pointing to Yusov.) That's what they wanted... This is my boss and benefactor, Akim Akimych Yusov. Still, it’s better, Felisata Gerasimovna, when the authorities... Kukushkina. You are welcome, you are welcome! We humbly ask you to sit down. Akim Akimych and Belogubov sit down. Here I recommend to you: my two daughters, Yulinka and Polina. Perfect children have no idea about anything; They should still be playing with dolls, let alone getting married. And it’s a pity to leave, but there is nothing to do. You can't keep such a product at home. Yusov. Yes, sir, this is the law of fate, sir, the circle of life, sir! What is destined from time immemorial, man cannot do... Kukushkina. I’ll tell you the truth, Akim Akimych, they were raised in strictness, they are distant from everything. I can’t give a lot of money for them, but my husbands will be grateful for their morality. I love children, Akim Akimych, but I am strict, very strict. (Strictly.) Polina, go and arrange the tea. Pauline (rises). Now, mommy. (Leaves.) Yusov. I'm strict myself, sir. (Strictly.) Belogubov! Belogubov. What do you want, sir? Yusov. Am I strict? Belogubov. Be strict, sir. (Yulinka.) I have a new vest again, sir. Look here, sir. Yulinka. Very good. Did the same merchant give this to you? Belogubov. No, another one, sir. This one has a better factory. Yulinka. Let's go to the living room, I'll show you my work. (They leave.)

SCENE FOUR

Yusov and Kukushkina.

Kukushkina. It’s touching to watch how they love each other. The young man lacks one thing - there is no good place, he says. I can’t, he says, provide my wife with complete peace of mind. If only they had made me head of the office, he says, I could support my wife. But it’s a pity, Akim Akimych! Such a wonderful young man, so in love... Yusov(sniffing tobacco). Little by little, Felisata Gerasimovna, little by little. Kukushkina. However, you should know whether he will get a position soon. Maybe even this depends on you. I am a petitioner for him. (Bows.) You will not be able to disrespect my request; I am a mother, a tender mother, I work hard for the happiness of my children, my chicks. Yusov (making a serious face). Soon, soon it will be. I already reported to our general about him. And the general is entirely in my hands: what I say will happen. We will make him the head of the office. If I want, he will be the head of the office, but if I don’t want to, he will not be the head of the office... Heh, heh, he will, he will! This is where my general is. (Shows his hand.) Kukushkina. Frankly, I don’t even like single people. What are they doing? This is how they only burden the earth. Yusov (important). A burden on earth, a burden... and idle talk. Kukushkina. Yes, sir. And it is dangerous to accept a single person into the house, especially those who have daughters or a young wife. Who knows what's on his mind. In my opinion, the young man should be married as soon as possible, he himself will be grateful later, otherwise they are stupid, they don’t understand their own benefits. Yusov. Yes, sir. From absent-mindedness. After all, life is the sea of everyday life... it consumes. Kukushkina. A single person cannot start a household, does not take care of the house, and goes to taverns. Yusov. But we also walk, sir... a rest from work... Kukushkina. Ah, Akim Akimych, there’s a big difference. You will go when they call you, they want to treat you, to show you their respect, but you won’t go to your own. Yusov. How can I, no, sir, I won’t go. Kukushkina. Now take this: a petitioner will call a single man to a tavern for some business, treat him to dinner, and that’s it. They will spend a lot of money, but not a penny of benefit. And the married man, Akim Akimych, will say to the petitioner: what do I need your dinners for? I’d rather go and dine with my wife, in a family way, quietly, in my own corner, and you give me clean ones. Yes, it will bring money. So there are two benefits: he will come sober and with money... How long have you been married? Yusov. Forty-third year... Kukushkina. Tell! How young you look! Yusov. Regularity in life... I placed the jars yesterday. Kukushkina. Everything is great for a healthy person, especially when a person is at peace in soul and lives in contentment. Yusov. I will tell you what a game of nature happens to a person... from poverty to wealth. I, madam, - it was a long time ago - was brought into the presence in a shabby dressing gown, I only just knew how to read and write... I see all the people sitting there are elderly, important, angry, they didn’t shave often back then, This makes it even more important. Fear attacked me, I couldn’t utter words. For two years I was on errands, correcting various commissions: I ran for vodka, and for pies, and for kvass, for those with a hangover, and I sat not at the table, not on a chair, but at the window on a bunch of papers, and I wrote not from an inkwell, but from an old lipstick jar. But he came out into the public. Of course, all this is not from us... from above... to know, it was so necessary for me to be a person and occupy an important post. Sometimes my wife and I think: why did God seek us with His mercy? It's all destiny... and good deeds must be done... to help the poor. Yes, sir, now I have three houses, although they are far away, but this does not bother me; I keep quarter horses. It’s better further away: there’s more land, and it’s not so noisy, and there’s less conversation and gossip. Kukushkina. Yes, sure. Do you have a garden or tea at your home? Yusov. Of course, sir. In the summer heat, coolness and relaxation for members. But I have no pride, sir. Pride blinds... At least I have a man... I’m with him as with my brother... everything is fine, my neighbor... It’s impossible in the service... I especially don’t like the supercilious, the educated ones of today. With these he is strict and demanding. We dreamed very much. I don’t believe this prejudice that scientists snatch stars from the sky. I have seen them: no better than us sinners, and not so attentive to the service. My rule is to squeeze them in every possible way for the benefit of the service... because they cause harm. Somehow, Felisata Gerasimovna, my heart lies more with ordinary people. With the current strictness, a misfortune happens to a person, he is expelled from the district school for failure or from the lower classes of the seminary: how can one not look after him? He is already killed by fate, he is deprived of everything, he is offended by everyone. And people are more understanding and obsequious about our business, their souls are more open. Out of Christian duty, if you bring such a person into the public eye, he will be grateful to you all his life: he will call you to be a father figure, and he will call you to be a godfather. Well, in the next century there will be bribes... Belogubov, because he doesn’t know how to read and write, but I love him, Felisata Gerasimovna, like a son: he has feeling. And let me tell you, your other fiancé... he’s also under my command... So I can judge... Kukushkina. What is it? Yusov (makes a serious face). Unreliable. Kukushkina. From what? After all, he’s not a drunkard, he’s not a spendthrift, he’s not lazy when it comes to service? Yusov. Yes, sir. But... (sniffs tobacco) unreliable. Kukushkina. How, explain to me, father, Akim Akimych, because I am a mother. Yusov. But, if you please, see. Has such a person as a relative... Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky. Kukushkina. I know. Yusov. A person, one might say, a person. Kukushkina. I know. Yusov. And he shows disrespect. Kukushkina. I know I know. Yusov. It is rude against the authorities... arrogance beyond boundaries... and even such thoughts... corrupt youth... and especially freethinking. The authorities must take a strict look. Kukushkina. I know. Yusov. And if you know, you can judge for yourself. What times have come, Felisata Gerasimovna, there is no life! And from whom? From rubbish, from boys. Hundreds of them are released; will completely fill us. Kukushkina. Eh, Akim Akimych, if he gets married, he will change. But I couldn’t not know all this, I’m not that kind of mother, I won’t do anything without caution. I have this rule: as soon as a young man gets into the habit of visiting us, I’ll send someone to find out all the ins and outs about him, or I’ll find out from outsiders myself. All this stupidity in him, in my opinion, comes from his single life. If he gets married and we will marry him, he will make peace with his uncle and serve well. Yusov. He will change, and the authorities will change towards him... (Pause.) There are no former officials, Felisata Gerasimovna! Officials are falling. The spirit doesn't have it. And what a life it was, Felisata Gerasimovna, simply paradise! There is no need to die. We swam, just swam, Felisata Gerasimovna. The former officials were eagles, eagles, but now there are young people, supercilious people, a kind of emptiness.

Zhadov enters.

SCENE FIFTH

Same with Zhadov.

Kukushkina. You are welcome, Vasily Nikolaich, you are welcome. Polina really misses you. She looked through all her eyes, then she would run to this window, then to the other. To love so much, to love so much!.. I really have never seen it. You are happy, Vasily Nikolaich. Why do they love you so much, tell me? Zhadov. Sorry, Felisata Gerasimovna, I'm a little late. Ah, Akim Akimych! (Bows.) How are you doing? Kukushkina. Akim Akimych is so kind, he cares so much about his officials... I don’t know how to be grateful to them. They took the trouble to come and meet us. Zhadov (to Yusov). Thank you. However, there was no need to worry. Yusov. I, Felisata Gerasimovna, am more for Belogubov. He has no relatives, I am his father... Kukushkina. Don’t tell me, Akim Akimych, you yourself are a family man, and I just saw that you are trying in every possible way to encourage young people to have a family life. I myself am of the same opinion, Akim Akimych. (To Zhadov.) You can’t imagine, Vasily Nikolaich, how I suffer when I see that two loving hearts are separated by some obstacles. When you read a novel, you see how circumstances prohibit lovers from seeing each other, or parents do not agree, or state does not allow it - how you suffer at that moment. I'm crying, I'm just crying! And how cruel parents can sometimes be who do not want to respect the feelings of their children. Some even die of love on this occasion. But when you see that everything is coming to a successful conclusion, all obstacles are destroyed, (enthusiastically) love triumphs and young people are united in legal marriage, how sweet it becomes in the soul. So even some kind of bliss for all members. Polina enters. Pauline. Please, the tea is ready. (Seeing Zhadov.) Vasily Nikolaich! Isn't it a shame to make people suffer like this? I've been waiting, waiting for you. Zhadov (kisses hand). Guilty. Kukushkina. Come, my child, kiss me. Pauline (To Zhadov). Let's go. Kukushkina. Let's go, Akim Akimych!

They leave. Belogubov and Yulinka enter with cups in their hands.

SCENE SIX

Belogubov and Yulinka.

Yulinka. As I see, you are all deceiving me. Belogubov. How dare I deceive you, sir? What does this mean? They sit down. Yulinka. Men cannot be trusted in anything, absolutely in nothing. Belogubov. Why is there such criticism of men? Yulinka. What kind of criticism is there when this is the true truth? Belogubov. It can’t be, sir. This is one conversation; men usually give compliments, but young ladies don’t believe them, they say that men are deceivers. Yulinka. You know everything. You must have given a lot of compliments in your life. Belogubov. I had no one, and I don’t know how, sir. You know that I recently began to enter the house, sir, but before that I had no acquaintance. Yulinka. And you didn't deceive anyone? Belogubov. What are you asking about? Yulinka. Do not speak. I don't believe a single word you say. (Turns away.) Belogubov. Why, sir? It's even insulting. Yulinka. It seems you can understand. Belogubov. I don’t understand, sir. Yulinka. You do not want! (Closes his eyes with a handkerchief.) Belogubov. I can assure you with anything, sir, that I have always, sir... both when I was in love and now... I already reported to you... Yulinka. Love, but hesitate. Belogubov. Yes, sir... Now I understand, sir. Well, this is not that kind of thing, sir... It’s impossible soon, sir. Yulinka. Why is Zhadov allowed? Belogubov. It's a completely different matter, sir. His uncle is rich, sir, and he himself is an educated man, he can have a place everywhere. Even if he becomes a teacher, that’s all bread, sir. What about me? Until they give me a position as head of the table, I can’t do anything, sir... And you yourself won’t want to eat cabbage soup and porridge, sir. Only we can do this, sir, but you, young lady, you can’t, sir. But if I get a place, then there will be a completely different revolution. Yulinka. When will this revolution happen? Belogubov. Now soon, sir. They promised. As soon as I get a place, that very minute... I’ll just sew a new dress... I already told my mother, sir. Don’t be angry, Yulia Ivanovna, because you don’t depend on me. Please give me a pen.

Yulinka extends her hand without looking at him. He kisses.

I can’t wait myself.

Zhadov and Polina enter.

Yulinka. Let's go away and leave them alone.

SCENE SEVEN

Zhadov and Polina (sit down).

Pauline. Do you know what I'll tell you? Zhadov. No, I do not know. Pauline. Just please don’t tell your mother. Zhadov. I won’t tell you, rest assured. Pauline (after thinking). I would tell you, but I’m afraid that you will stop loving me. Zhadov. To stop loving you? Is this really possible? Pauline. Are you telling the truth? Zhadov (takes hand). I won’t stop loving you, believe me. Pauline. Well, look. I'll tell you in simplicity. (Quiet.) Everything in our house is deception, everything, everything, absolutely everything. Please don't believe anything they tell you. There is nothing behind us. Mama says that she loves us, but she doesn’t love us at all, she just wants to get rid of it as quickly as possible. He flatters the grooms in the eyes, but scolds them behind the eyes. It forces us to pretend. Zhadov. Does this outrage you? Outrageous? Pauline. But I'm not pretending, I really love you. Zhadov. You're driving me crazy! (Kisses his hand.) Pauline. Moreover, I’ll tell you this: we are not educated at all. Yulia also knows something, I’m such a fool. Zhadov. How stupid? Pauline. The way fools are. I don’t know anything, I haven’t read anything... what you sometimes say, I don’t understand anything, absolutely nothing. Zhadov. You are an angel! (Kisses her hands.) Pauline. I’m just kinder than Yulinka, but much stupider than her. Zhadov. That’s why I love you, because we didn’t have time to teach you anything, we didn’t have time to spoil your hearts. We need to get you out of here as soon as possible. You and I will start a new life. I will take care of your upbringing with love. What pleasure awaits me! Pauline. Oh, hurry up! Zhadov. What to put off? I've already made up my mind. (Looks at her passionately.) Silence. Pauline. Do you know merchants? Zhadov. What a question? What do you need? Pauline. So. I want to know. Zhadov. I don't understand, however, why do you need this? Pauline. But here's why. Belogubov says that he knows merchants and that they give him vests, and when he gets married, then they will give his wife material for a dress. Zhadov. That's what! Well, no, they won’t give it to us. You and I will work on our own. Right, Polina? Pauline (absently). Yes, sir. Zhadov. No, Polina, you do not yet know the sublime bliss of living by your own labor. You are provided with everything, God willing, you will find out. Everything we acquire will be ours, we will not be obliged to anyone. Do you understand this? There are two pleasures here: the pleasure of work and the pleasure of freely and with a clear conscience to dispose of your goods, without giving an account to anyone. And this is better than any gifts. Isn’t it better, Polina? Pauline. Yes, sir, better.

Silence.

Do you want me to tell you a riddle? Zhadov. Make a wish. Pauline. What goes without legs? Zhadov. What a mystery! Rain. Pauline. How do you know everything? It's a shame, really. I just couldn’t guess, Yulinka already said it. Zhadov. Child! Always remain such a child. Pauline. Can you count the stars in the sky? Zhadov. Can. Pauline. No you can not. I won't believe you. Zhadov. There’s no point in even bothering to count, they’ve already been counted. Pauline. You are laughing at me. (Turns away.) Zhadov(gently). I should laugh at you, Polina! I want to devote my whole life to you. Take a good look at me, can I laugh at you? Pauline (looks at him). No no... Zhadov. You say you are a fool, I am a fool. Laugh at me! Yes, many people laugh. Without means, without fortune, with only hopes for the future, I will marry you. Why are you getting married? - they tell me. For what? Because I love you, that I believe in people. That I act rashly - I agree with that. When should I think, I love you so much that I have no time to think.

Kukushkina and Yusov enter.

Pauline ( With some feeling). I love you myself. Zhadov kisses her hand. Kukushkina (to Yusov). Look, just like doves are cooing. Don't bother them. Touching to see!

Belogubov and Yulinka enter.

SCENE EIGHTH

Zhadov, Polina, Kukushkina, Yusov, Belogubov and Yulinka.

Zhadov (turning around, takes Polina by the hand and leads her to Kukushkina). Felisata Gerasimovna, give me this treasure. Kukushkina. I confess to you, it’s hard for me to part with her. This is my beloved daughter... she would be a consolation to me in my old age... but God bless her, take her... her happiness is more important to me. (Covers his face with a scarf.) Zhadov and Polina kiss her hands. Belogubov hands her a chair. Sits down. Yusov. You are a true mother, Felisata Gerasimovna. Kukushkina. Yes, I can brag about it. (With fervor.) No, raising daughters is a thankless task! You will grow up, nurture next to yourself, and then give it to a stranger... you will remain an orphan... terrible! (Closes his eyes with a handkerchief.) Belogubov. Mama, we will not leave you. Polina and Yulinka (together.) Mama, we will not leave you.

About a year passes between the second and third acts.

ACT THREE

CHARACTERS

Zhadov. Mykin, his friend, teacher. Dosuzhev. Yusov. Belogubov. 1st | 2nd) officials. Gregory | Vasily) sex guests and sex in another room.

Tavern. The back curtain is in the background, there is a car in the middle, an open door to the right revealing a room, a dress hanger to the left, tables with sofas on both sides of the proscenium.

SCENE ONE

Vasily is standing by the car and reading a newspaper. Grigory stands at the door and looks into another room. Zhadov and Mykin enter. Grigory sees them off, wipes the table and lays out a napkin.

Mykin. Well, old friend, how are you? Zhadov. It's bad, brother. (Grigory.) Give us some tea.

Gregory leaves.

And how are you? Mykin. Nothing. I live for myself and teach a little. They sit down. Zhadov. How much do you get? Mykin. Two hundred rubles. Zhadov. Are you satisfied? Mykin. This is how I live, depending on my means. As you can see, I don’t make any unnecessary arrangements. Zhadov. Yes, you can live single. Mykin. And you shouldn't have gotten married! There is no reason for our brother to get married. Where are we, naked people! Well-fed, covered with something from the influence of the elements - and that’s enough. You know the proverb: one head is not poor, but even if it is poor, it is alone. Zhadov. It is done. Mykin. Look at yourself, are you like this before? Well, brother, apparently the steep hills have taken Sivka down? No, our brother cannot marry. We are workers. Gregory serves tea. Mykin pours. To serve, to serve; We’ll have time to live for ourselves after, if we have to. Zhadov. What should we do? I loved her very much. Mykin. You never know, I loved it! Don't others love it? Eh, brother, I loved you too, but I didn’t marry. And you shouldn't have gotten married. Zhadov. But why? Mykin. Very simple. A single man thinks about service, and a married man thinks about his wife. A married person is unreliable. Zhadov. Well, that's nonsense. Mykin. No, not nonsense. I don't know what I wouldn't do for the girl I loved. But I decided to make a better sacrifice. It is better, brother, to suppress this very legitimate feeling in yourself than to be subjected to temptation. Zhadov. I guess it wasn't easy for you? Mykin. Well, what can I say! Giving up is not easy at all; But to abandon the woman you love when there are no obstacles except poverty... Do you love your wife very much? Zhadov. Crazy. Mykin. Well, that's bad! Is she smart? Zhadov. Really, I don't know. I only know that she is incredibly sweet. Some trifle will upset her, she will cry so sweetly, so sincerely that, looking at her, you yourself will cry. Mykin. Tell me frankly how you live. I haven’t seen you for a year and a half. Zhadov. Please. My story is short. I married for love, as you know, I took an undeveloped girl, brought up in social prejudices, like almost all of our young ladies, I dreamed of raising her in our beliefs, and now I’ve been married for a year... Mykin. And what? Zhadov. Of course, nothing. I don’t have time to raise her, and I don’t know how to take on this task. She remained with her ideas; in disputes, of course, I must yield to her. The situation, as you see, is unenviable, and there is nothing to improve it. Yes, she doesn’t listen to me, she simply doesn’t consider me an intelligent person. According to their concept, an intelligent person must certainly be rich. Mykin. This is where it went! Well, what about the funds? Zhadov. I work from morning to night. Mykin. And everything is not enough? Zhadov. No, you can live. Mykin. Well, what about the wife? Zhadov. He sulks a little and sometimes cries. What to do! Mykin. I feel sorry for you. No, brother, we can’t get married. I was without a job for a year, I ate only black bread. What would I do with my wife?

Dosuzhev enters.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Same with Dosuzhev.

Dosuzhev (sitting down at another table). Garson, life! Basil. Which one do you want? Dosuzhev. Ryabinova. With a snack befitting our rank. Basil. I'm listening, sir. (Goes to the door.) Dosuzhev. French mustard! Do you hear? I'll seal the tavern. Grigory, start the barrel organ. Gregory. Now, sir. (Starts the car.) Mykin. This must be a bachelor! Dosuzhev. Why are you looking at me? I'm waiting for the crucian carp. Zhadov. What crucian carp? Dosuzhev. He will come with a red beard, I will eat him.

Vasily brings vodka.

You, Vasily, look at him there. When he comes, tell me.

The machine is playing.

Gentlemen, have you seen how drunken Germans cry? (Represents a crying German.)

Zhadov and Mykin laugh. The car goes silent.

Mykin (To Zhadov). Well, goodbye! I'll come see you sometime. Zhadov. Goodbye.

Mykin leaves.

Basil (Dosuzhev). Please come, sir. Dosuzhev. Call here. Basil. No way, sir. Sat in the back room. Dosuzhev (To Zhadov). Confused. Farewell! If you sit here, I’ll come talk to you, I liked your face. (Leaves.) Zhadov (to Vasily). Let me read something. Basil (hands over the book). Please read the article here. They approve, sir.

Zhadov is reading. Enter: Yusov, Belogubov, 1st and 2nd officials.

PHENOMENA THIRD

Zhadov, Yusov, Belogubov, 1st and 2nd officials.

Belogubov. Akim Akimych, sir, we had lunch there, let me treat you to wine here, and the music will play, sir. Yusov. Treat, treat! Belogubov. Which one do you want? Champagne, sir? Yusov. Well him... Belogubov. So to the Rhine wine, sir? Gentlemen, sit down!

Everyone sits down except Belogubov.

Basil! Bring me some foreign bottled Rhine wine.

Vasily leaves.

Oh, brother, hello! Would you like to join us for company? (Approaches Zhadov.) Zhadov. Thank you. I do not drink. Belogubov. What is this, brother, have mercy! For me!.. one drink... you and I are now relatives!

Vasily brings wine. Belogubov approaches his desk.

Pour it up!

Vasily pours it.

Yusov. Well, brother, to your health! (Takes a glass and stands up.) 1st and 2nd officials. For your health, sir. (They take glasses and stand up.) Yusov (pointing a finger at Belogubov’s head). I always saw good in this forehead, in this head.

They clink glasses.

Let's kiss!

They kiss.

Belogubov. No, allow me a pen, sir. Yusov (hides his hand). No need, no need. (Sits down.) Belogubov. Through you, man became, sir. 1st and 2nd officials. Allow me, sir. (Clink glasses with Belogubov, drink and sit down.) Belogubov(pours a glass and serves it to Zhadov on a tray.) Brother, do me a favor. Zhadov. I told you I don't drink. Belogubov. You can't, brother, you can offend me. Zhadov. It's finally boring. Belogubov. If you don’t want wine, what would you like me to treat you with? Whatever you want, brother, all with pleasure. Zhadov. I don't need anything. Leave me alone! (Is reading.) Belogubov. Well, whatever. I don’t know, brother, why you offend me. With all my heart I... (He goes to his desk.) Yusov (quiet). Leave him alone. Belogubov (sits down). Gentlemen, another glass! (Pours.) Would you like some cake? Vasily, bring more cake!

Vasily leaves.

Yusov. You've been on a rampage today! Must have been clever enough? Belogubov (pointing to his pocket). Got it! And to whom? I owe everything to you. Yusov. Must have caught it? Belogubov (takes out a stack of banknotes). Here they are, sir. Yusov. Yes, I know you, your hand is not out of tune. Belogubov (hides the money). No, let me! To whom am I obliged? Would I have understood that if it weren’t for you? From whom did I become a people, from whom did I begin to live, if not from you? I grew up under your wing! Anyone else wouldn’t have learned that even at ten years old, all the subtleties and turns that I learned at four years old. I took your example in everything, otherwise where would I be with my intelligence! No other father will do for his son what you did for me. (Wipes his eyes.) Yusov. You have a noble soul, you can feel, but others cannot.

Vasily brings a cake.

Belogubov. What would I be? Fool, sir! And now I’m a member of society, everyone respects me, I walk around the city, all the merchants bow, they’ll invite me to visit, they don’t know where to sit me, my wife loves me. Why would she love me, a fool? Basil! Do you have any expensive sweets? Basil. You can get it, sir. Belogubov. This is for the wife, sir. (to Vasily). Well, then wrap it in more paper. Take whatever you want, I won’t regret anything.

Vasily is coming.

Wait! And put some cake there. Yusov. You'll spoil her, she'll be spoiled. Belogubov. It’s impossible, sir. (To Vasily.) Put it all in, do you hear? Basil. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.) Belogubov. I love, I love my wife very much, sir. If you please, she will love you more, Akim Akimych. What am I in front of her, sir? She’s educated, sir... I bought a dress today, sir... that is, I didn’t buy it, but I took it, and we’ll settle things later. Yusov. Doesn't matter. Is it really worth paying money? Maybe something will happen, and so be it. Mountain does not converge with mountain, but man does with man. Vasily brings sweets in paper. Belogubov. Put it in your hat. Another glass, sir. (Pours.) Basil! Another bottle. Yusov. Will. Belogubov. No, please excuse me. It is not you who is in charge here, but me.

Vasily leaves.

1st official. What an incident it was! Our scrivener is such a crappy little thing, what a thing he threw away! He wrote a false copy of the decision (whatever occurred to him!) and signed for everyone present, and took it to the plaintiff. But it’s an interesting matter, it’s about money. Only he didn’t give the copy away, it was on his own mind, he only showed it. Well, he took a lot of money. He later came to court, but that’s not the case at all. Belogubov. This is meanness! You need to get kicked out for this. Yusov. Just kick him out. Don't spoil the officials. Take it for business, not for fraud. Take it in such a way that the applicant is not offended and that you are satisfied. Live by the law; live so that the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe. Why chase after more! The chicken pecks at the grain, but is full. And what a man this is! If not today, then tomorrow he will fall under the red hat. Belogubov (pours a glass). Welcome, Akim Akimych! What do I ask of you, will you refuse me? I will bow at your feet. Yusov. Ask. Belogubov. Remember the last time you walked under a car: “On the pavement street,” sir? Yusov. Look what you made up! Belogubov. Make me happy, Akim Akimych! So that I remember it all my life. Yusov. Please, please. Just for you! They told him to go “along the pavement street.” Belogubov. Hey Vasily! Let him go along the pavement street, but wait at the door, make sure no one comes in. Basil. I'm listening, sir. (Starts the car.) Yusov(pointing to Zhadov). This one! I don't love him. Perhaps he'll think something. Belogubov (sitting down with Zhadov). Brother, be with us like a kin. Here Akim Akimych will embarrass you. Zhadov. Why is he embarrassed? Belogubov. Yes, they want to dance. It is necessary, brother, to have some kind of entertainment after work. Not everything works. What is this! This is an innocent pleasure, we do not offend anyone! Zhadov. Dance as much as you like, I won’t bother you. Belogubov (to Yusov). Nothing, sir, Akim Akimych, he is like family with us. Basil. Would you like to let me in? Yusov. Let it go!

The machine plays "On the Pavement Street." Yusov is dancing. At the end, everyone except Zhadov claps.

Belogubov. No, now it’s impossible, sir! We need to drink champagne! Vasily, a bottle of champagne! Is there a lot of money for everything? Basil (counts on the abacus). Fifteen rubles, sir. Belogubov. Get it! (Gives it away.) Here's a fifty-kopeck tip for you. Basil. Thank you humbly, sir. (Leaves.) Yusov (loud). You young people are suckers, tea, laugh at the old man! 1st official. How is it possible, Akim Akimych, we don’t know how to thank you! 2nd official. Yes, sir. Yusov. I can dance. I have done everything in life that is prescribed for a person. My soul is at peace, there is no burden behind me, I have provided for my family - now I can dance. Now I just rejoice in God’s peace! I see a bird, and I rejoice at it; I see a flower, and I rejoice at it: I see wisdom in everything.

Vasily brings a bottle, uncorks it and pours it as Yusov continues his speech.

Remembering my poverty, I do not forget my poor brethren. I don’t judge others like some scoundrel scientists do! Who can we blame? We don’t know what else we will be! You laughed at the drunkard today, but tomorrow you yourself may be a drunkard; You will condemn a thief today, but maybe tomorrow you yourself will be a thief. How do we know our definition of who is assigned what? We know one thing, that we will all be there. You laughed today (pointing with eyes at Zhadov), that I was dancing; and tomorrow, perhaps, you will dance worse than me. May be (nodding his head at Zhadov), and you will go for alms and stretch out your hand. This is what pride can lead to! Pride, pride! I danced with the fullness of my soul. The heart is happy, the soul is at peace! I'm not afraid of anyone! At least I’ll dance in the square in front of all the people. Those passing by will say: “This man is dancing, his soul must be pure!” - and everyone will go about their business. Belogubov (raising his glass). Gentlemen! For the health of Akim Akimych! Hooray! 1st and 2nd officials. Hooray! Belogubov. If only you, Akim Akimych, would make us happy by visiting us sometime. My wife and I are still young people, they would give us advice, teach us how to live in the law and fulfill all our duties. It seems that if a man were made of stone, he would come to his senses as soon as he listens to you. Yusov. I'll come by sometime. (Takes a newspaper.) Belogubov (pours a glass and brings it to Zhadov). Brother, I won’t leave you alone. Zhadov. Why won’t you let me read! I came across an interesting article, but you keep getting in the way. Belogubov (sitting down next to Zhadov). Brother, you are wrong to make a claim against me. Give up, brother, all this hostility. Eat it! It means nothing to me now, sir. Let's live like relatives. Zhadov. You and I cannot live like relatives. Belogubov. Why, sir? Zhadov. We are not a couple. Belogubov. Yes, of course, who cares what fate. I am now in happiness, and you are in poverty. Well, I'm not proud. After all, it’s like someone’s destiny. Now I support the whole family, including my mother. I know, brother, that you are in need; maybe you need money; don't be offended as much as I can! I wouldn't even consider it a favor. What a score between relatives! Zhadov. Why did you come up with the idea of offering me money! Belogubov. Brother, I am now content, my duty tells me to help. I, brother, see your poverty. Zhadov. What a brother I am to you! Leave me. Belogubov. As you wish! I offered from the bottom of my heart. I, brother, do not remember any evil, not in you. I'm just sorry to see you and your wife with yours. (Goes to Yusov.) Yusov (throwing away the newspaper). What are they writing these days? There is nothing moralizing! (Pours Belogubov.) Well, finish your drink. Let's go! Belogubov (finishes his drink). Let's go!

Vasily and Grigory serve overcoats.

Basil (gives Belogubov two packages). Here, grab it, sir. Belogubov (touchingly). For the wife, sir. I love you, sir.

They leave. Dosuzhev enters.

SCENE FOUR

Zhadov and Dosuzhev.

Dosuzhev. Not a flock of ravens flew in! Zhadov. The truth is yours. Dosuzhev. Let's go to Maryina Rosha. Zhadov. I can't. Dosuzhev. From what? Family, or what? Do you need to babysit children? Zhadov. There is no babysitting for the children, but the wife is waiting at home. Dosuzhev. Haven't you seen her for a long time? Zhadov. How long ago? This morning. Dosuzhev. Well, that's just recently. I thought we hadn’t seen each other for three days.

Zhadov looks at him.

Why are you looking at me! I know what you think about me. You think that I am the same as those dandies who left; you are so wrong. Donkeys in lion's clothing! Only the skin is scary. Well, they scare people. Zhadov. To be honest, I can’t figure out what kind of person you are. Dosuzhev. But, if you please, see, firstly, I am a cheerful person, and secondly, I am a wonderful lawyer. You studied, I see it, and I studied too. I entered on a small salary; I can’t take bribes - my soul can’t stand it, but I have to live somehow. So I came to my senses: I took up lawyering and began writing tearful petitions to merchants. If we don’t have to go, let’s have a drink. Vasily, vodka!

Vasily leaves.

Zhadov. I do not drink. Dosuzhev. Where were you born? Well, that's nonsense! It's possible with me. Well, sir, I began to write tearful petitions, sir. After all, you don’t know what kind of people they are! I'll tell you now.

Vasily enters.

Pour two. Get it for the whole decanter. (Gives money.) Zhadov. And from me for tea. (Gives it away.)

Vasily leaves.

Dosuzhev. Let's have a drink! Zhadov. If you please; only for you, otherwise, really, I don’t drink.

They clink glasses and drink. Dosuzhev pours more.

Dosuzhev. Just write a petition to the beard and take it inexpensively from him, so he will saddle you. Where does familiarity come from: “Well, you scribbler! You’re wearing vodka.” I felt an indomitable anger towards them! Let's have a drink! Drink to death, don't drink to death; It’s better to drink it dead anyway.

I began to write to them according to their taste. For example: you need to submit a bill for collection - and there are only ten lines of the letter, and you write four sheets of paper to him. I begin like this: “Being burdened with the number of members in a large family.” And you will insert all his ornaments. So you write that he is crying, and the whole family is crying hysterically. You laugh at him and take a lot of money from him, so he respects you and bows to you. At least weave ropes out of it. All their fat mothers-in-law, all the grandmothers of brides are wooing rich people for you. The man is very good, they liked him. Let's have a drink! Zhadov. Will! Dosuzhev. For my health! Zhadov. Is it for your health? Dosuzhev. It takes a lot of mental strength not to take bribes from them. They themselves will laugh at an honest official; they are ready to humiliate - they can’t do it. You have to be flint! And, really, there’s nothing to be brave about! Take off his fur coat, and that’s all. Sorry, I can't. I just take money from them for their ignorance and drink them away. Eh! you wanted to get married! Let's have a drink. What is your name? Zhadov. Basil. Dosuzhev. Namesake. Let's have a drink, Vasya.

I see you are a good person. Zhadov. What kind of person am I? I am a child, I have no idea about life. All this is new to me that I hear from you. It's hard for me! I don't know if I can stand it! There is debauchery all around, there is little strength! Why were we taught! Dosuzhev. Drink, it will be easier. Zhadov. No no! (Loves his head in his hands.) Dosuzhev. So won't you come with me? Zhadov. I will not go. Why did you give me drink! What have you done to me! Dosuzhev. Well, goodbye! Let's get to know each other! I'm drunk, brother! (Shakes Zhadov’s hand.) Vasily, coat! (Puts on an overcoat.) Don't judge me harshly! I'm a lost man. Try to be better than me if you can. (He goes to the door and returns.) Yes! Here's my other advice for you. Maybe, with my light hand, you’ll drink it, so don’t drink wine, but drink vodka. We can’t afford wine, but vodka, brother, is best: you’ll forget your grief, and it’s cheap! Adieu*! (Leaves.)[*Goodbye - French] Zhadov. No! drinking is not good! Nothing is easier - it’s even harder. (Thinks.) Vasily, on orders from another room, starts the car. The machine plays "Luchinushka". (Sings.)"Luchina, splinter, birch!.." Basil. Please, sir! Not good, sir! Ugly, sir!

Zhadov mechanically puts on his overcoat and leaves.

ACT FOUR

CHARACTERS

Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov. Polina, his wife. Yulinka, Belogubov's wife. Felisata Gerasimovna Kukushkina.

The scene represents a very poor room. There is a window to the right, a table by the window, a mirror on the left side.

SCENE ONE

Pauline (alone, looking out the window). How boring, just death! (Sings.)“Mother, my dear, my sunshine! Have pity, my dear, on your child.” (Laughs.) What song came to mind! (Thinks again.) I would have collapsed, it seems, from boredom. Is it possible to make a wish on the cards? Well, that won't be the case. It's possible, it's possible. What else, but we have this. (Takes cards from the table.) How I want to talk to someone. If only someone had come, I would be glad, I would be cheerful now. And what does it look like! sit alone, all alone... There’s nothing to say, I like to talk. It used to be that we were at Mama’s, and the morning would come, crackling, crackling, and you wouldn’t see how it would pass. And now there is no one to talk to. Should I run to my sister? It's too late. What a fool, I didn’t think of it sooner. (Sings.)“Mother, my dear...” Oh, I forgot to tell my fortune!.. What should I tell my fortune about? But I wonder if I will have a new hat? (Lays out cards.) It will be, it will be... it will be, it will be! (Claps his hands, thinks and then sings.)“Mother, my dear, my sunshine! Have pity, my dear, on your child.”

Yulinka enters.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Polina and Yulinka.

Pauline. Hello hello!

They kiss.

I'm so glad to see you. Throw off your hat! Yulinka. No, I'll come to you in a minute. Pauline. Oh, how well you are dressed, sister! Yulinka. Yes, now I buy myself everything that is best and new from abroad. Pauline. Happy you, Yulinka! Yulinka. Yes, I can say to myself that I am happy. And you, Polinka, how are you living? Terrible! This is not the same tone these days. Nowadays it is common for everyone to live in luxury. Pauline. What should I do? Am I to blame? Yulinka. And we were in the park yesterday. How fun it was - a miracle! Some merchant treated us to dinner, champagne, and various fruits. Pauline. And I sit at home alone, dying of boredom. Yulinka. Yes, Polina, I’m not the same now. You can't imagine how money and a good life ennoble a person. Now I don’t do anything on the farm; I consider it low. Now I neglect everything except the toilet. And you! You! it's horrible! What is your husband doing, please tell me? Pauline. He doesn’t even let me see you, he keeps telling me to stay at home and work. Yulinka. How stupid this is! He presents himself as an intelligent person, but does not know the current tone. He must know that man was created for society. Pauline. As you say? Yulinka. Man is created for society. Who doesn't know this! This is now absolutely known to everyone. Pauline. Okay, I'll tell him that. Yulinka. You should try to quarrel with him. Pauline. I tried, but what's the point? He always turns out to be right, but I remain guilty. Yulinka. Does he love you? Pauline. Loves very much. Yulinka. And you him? Pauline. And I love. Yulinka. Well, it’s your own fault, my soul. You can't make anything out of men with affection. You fawn on him - so he sits with his hands folded, thinking neither about himself nor about you. Pauline. He works a lot. Yulinka. What's the use of his work? Mine works a little, but look how we live. I must tell the truth, Onisim Panfilich is an excellent person for the house, a real master: what, what do we not have, if only you could look. And in what a short time! Where does he get it from? And your! What is this? It's a shame to watch how you live. Pauline. He keeps saying: sit, work, don’t envy others; We too will live well. Yulinka. When will this happen? You'll grow old while you wait. What's the point of pleasure then? All patience will run out. Pauline. What should I do? Yulinka. He's just a tyrant. Why talk to him a lot! Say you don't love him - that's all there is to it. Or what’s better: tell him that you’re tired of this kind of life, that you don’t want to live with him and will move in with your mother, and so that he doesn’t know you. And I’ll warn mom about this. Pauline. Good good! I will handle this in the best possible way. Yulinka. Can you do it? Pauline. Still would! I’ll play whatever scene you want, no worse than any actress. Firstly, we were taught this at home from an early age, and now I’m still sitting alone, it’s boring to work; I keep talking to myself. That’s how I learned, it’s a miracle. I'll just feel a little sorry for him. Yulinka. Don't be sorry! And I brought you a hat, Polina. (Takes it out of the cardboard.) Pauline. Oh, how lovely! Thank you, sister, darling! (Kisses her.) Yulinka. Otherwise your old one is no good. Pauline. Horrible abomination! It's bad to go outside. Now I’m going to tease my husband. Well, I’ll tell you, my dear, strangers bought it, but you won’t guess. Yulinka. There’s really nothing to do, Polinka, for now, we will support you as much as we can. Just don't listen to your husband, please. Explain to him well that you will not love him for nothing. You, stupid, understand why you love them for nothing, their husbands? This is quite strange! Provide me, they say, with everything so that I shine in society, then I will begin to love you. Out of whim, he doesn’t want your happiness, but you are silent. Just ask his uncle, and he will be given the same lucrative position as my husband. Pauline. I'll come to him now. Yulinka. Just imagine: you’re so pretty, dress you up tastefully and put you in a theater... with the fire on... all the men will stare at you with their lorgnettes. Pauline. Don't tell me, sister, I'll cry. Yulinka. Here's some money for you (takes it out of his wallet) Sometimes whatever you need, you can do without your husband. We now have the means, so we even decided to do good to others. Pauline. Thank you, sister! Only he will probably get angry. Yulinka. Great importance! Why look at him! From relatives, not from strangers. Well, by his grace, sit hungry! Goodbye Polina! Pauline. Goodbye sister! (He sees her off, Yulinka leaves.)

PHENOMENA THIRD

Kukushkina enters.

SCENE FOUR

Polina and Kukushkina.

Kukushkina. You have all the songs on your mind. Pauline. Hello, mummy! Boredom. Kukushkina. I didn’t even want to come to you at all. Pauline. Why, mummy? Kukushkina. It’s disgusting for me, madam, it’s disgusting to be with you. Yes, I was just passing by and came to see you. Beggary, poverty... ugh... I can't see it! I have cleanliness, I have order, but here, what is this! Village hut! Nasty! Pauline. What is my fault? Kukushkina. There are such scoundrels in the world! However, I don’t blame him: I never had hope for him. Why are you silent, madam? Didn’t I tell you: don’t give your husband any favors, grind him every minute, day and night: give him money, give him where you want, take him, give him. I need it for this, I need it for something else. Mama, they say, I have a thin lady, I need to accept her decently. He will say: I don’t have it. What do I care? Either steal it or give it to me. Why did you take it? He knew how to get married, and he knew how to support his wife decently. Yes, I would have pounded his head from morning until night, maybe he would come to his senses. If I were you, I wouldn’t have a conversation any other way. Pauline. What can I do, mummy, I don’t have any severity in my character. Kukushkina. No, you’d better say that you have a lot of stupidity and self-indulgence in your character. Do you know that your pampering spoils men? You have all tenderness on your mind, everything would hang around his neck. I was glad that I got married and waited. But no, to think about life. Shameless! And who are you born into? In our family, everyone is decidedly cold towards their husbands: everyone thinks more about outfits, how to dress more decently, to show off in front of others. Why not caress your husband, but he needs to feel why he is being caressed. For example, Yulinka, when her husband brings her something from the city, will throw herself on his neck, freeze, and forcefully steal it. That’s why he brings her gifts almost every day. If he doesn’t bring it, she’ll pout and won’t speak to him for two days. Hang on their neck, perhaps, they are happy, that’s all they need. Shame on you! Pauline. I feel like I'm stupid; he caresses me, and I’m glad. Kukushkina. But wait, we’ll both sit on him, and maybe he’ll give in. The main thing is not to indulge and not listen to his nonsense: he is his, and you are yours; argue until you faint, and don’t give in. Give in to them, they are ready to at least carry water for us. Yes, his pride, his pride needs to be knocked down. Do you know what's on his mind? Pauline. Where should I know. Kukushkina. This, you see, is such a stupid philosophy, I recently heard it in one house, now it has become fashionable. They got it into their heads that they were smarter than everyone else in the world, otherwise they were all fools and bribe-takers. What stupidity is unforgivable! We, they say, do not want to take bribes, we want to live on one salary. There will be no life after this! Who should we give our daughters to? After all, this way, what good, the human race will end. Bribes! What is the word bribe? They themselves invented it to offend good people. Not bribes, but gratitude! But it’s a sin to refuse gratitude; you have to offend a person. If you are a single person, there is no trial against you, act like a fool as you know. Perhaps, at least don’t take a salary. And if you get married, then learn to live with your wife, don’t deceive your parents. Why do they torment their parents' hearts? Another crazy person suddenly takes a well-mannered young lady, who has understood life since childhood and whom her parents, sparing nothing, raise with completely different rules, even trying as best they can to distance her from such stupid conversations, and suddenly locks her in some kind of kennel! What kind of well-mannered young ladies do they think they want to turn into laundresses? If they want to get married, they would marry some deluded people who don’t care whether they are a lady or a cook, who, out of love for them, will be happy to wash their own skirts and trudge through the mud to the market. But there are some women who have no idea. Pauline. He must be trying to do the same with me. Kukushkina. What does it take for a... educated woman who sees and understands all of life like the back of her hand? They don't understand this. For a woman, it is necessary that she is always well dressed, that there are servants, and most importantly, she needs calmness, so that she can be distant from everything, in her nobility, and not get involved in any economic squabbles. Yulinka does just that for me; she is decidedly far from everything except being preoccupied with herself. She sleeps for a long time; In the morning the husband must give orders for the table and absolutely everything; then the girl gives him tea and he leaves for the presence. Finally she gets up; tea, coffee, all this is ready for her, she eats, dressed in the most excellent manner and sat down with a book by the window to wait for her husband. In the evening she puts on her best dresses and goes to the theater or to visit. That's life! Here's the order! This is how a lady should behave! What could be more noble, what could be more delicate, what could be more tender? I praise you. Pauline. Ah, what bliss! If only I could live like this for a week. Kukushkina. Yes, you can wait with your husband, of course! Pauline. Well done to him, Mama! And then, really, I’m envious. Yulinka, no matter how she arrives, is all in a new dress, and I’m still in one and the same. Here he comes. (Goes to the door.)

Zhadov enters with a briefcase. They kiss.

SCENE FIFTH

Same with Zhadov.

Zhadov. Hello, Felisata Gerasimovna! (Sits down.) Oh, how tired! Polina sits down next to her mother. I'm so overworked that I don't know how to rest. I’m present in the morning, in class during the day, and at night doing things: I take the job of writing out statements—they pay me decently. And you, Polina, are always without work, always sitting with folded hands! You will never be caught doing anything. Kukushkina. They are not brought up like that, they are not accustomed to work. Zhadov. Very bad. It’s hard to get used to it when you haven’t been accustomed to it since childhood. But it will be necessary. Kukushkina. She doesn't need to get used to it. I didn’t prepare them to be maids, but to marry noble people. Zhadov. You and I have different opinions, Felisata Gerasimovna. I want Polina to listen to me. Kukushkina. That is, you want to make her a worker; So they would have been looking for someone like that as a mate. And excuse us, we are people who do not have such concepts in life, we have innate nobility. Zhadov. What nobility, this empty fanfare! But we, really, have no time for that. Kukushkina. Listening to you makes my ears wither. But here’s what needs to be said: if I had known that she, the unfortunate one, would lead such a miserable life, I would never have given it for you. Zhadov. Please don’t tell her that she is an unhappy woman; I ask you. Otherwise she will probably really think that she is unhappy. Kukushkina. Are you happy? Of course, the woman is in the most bitter position. If anyone else were in her place, I don’t know what I would have done.

Polina is crying.

Zhadov. Polina, stop fooling around, have pity on me! Pauline. You're all fooling around. Apparently you don’t like it when people tell you the truth. Zhadov. What truth? Pauline. Certainly the truth; Mommy won't lie. Zhadov. We'll talk about this already. Pauline. There's nothing to talk about. (Turns away.) Kukushkina. Of course. Zhadov (sighs). What a misfortune!

Kukushkina and Polina do not pay attention to him and talk in whispers. Zhadov takes papers out of his briefcase, lays them out on the table, and looks back at them during the next conversation.

Kukushkina (loud). Imagine, Polina, I was at Belogubov’s; he bought his wife a velvet dress. Pauline (through tears). Velvet! What colour? Kukushkina. Cherry. Pauline (cries). Oh my god! I think how it goes to her! Kukushkina. Miracle! Just imagine what a prankster Belogubov is! Made me laugh, really made me laugh. Here, mamma, I say, I’m complaining to you about my wife: I bought her a velvet dress, she kissed me so much, she even bit me very painfully. That's life! That's love! Not like others. Zhadov. It is unbearable! (Rises.) Kukushkina (rises). Let me ask, dear sir, why is she suffering? Give me the report. Zhadov. She has already left your care and entered mine, and therefore leave me to manage her life. Believe that it will be better. Kukushkina. But I am a mother, dear sir. Zhadov. And I'm a husband. Kukushkina. Now we see what kind of husband you are! A husband's love can never compare with a parent's. Zhadov. What parents are like! Kukushkina. Whatever they are, they are still no match for you. We, dear sir, are what kind of parents! My husband and I scraped together money to raise our daughters so that we could send them to a boarding school. What is this for, do you think? So that they have good manners, do not see poverty around them, do not see low things, so as not to burden the child and from childhood accustom them to a good life, nobility in words and deeds. Zhadov. Thank you. I’ve been trying to get your upbringing out of her for almost a year now, but I just can’t. It seems that he would give half his life just so that she would forget him. Kukushkina. Did I really prepare her for such a life? I would rather give my hand to be cut off than to see my daughter in this position: in poverty, in suffering, in squalor. Zhadov. Leave your regrets, I beg you. Kukushkina. Did they really live like that with me? I have order, I have cleanliness. My means are the most insignificant, and yet they lived like duchesses, in the most innocent state; They didn’t know where the entrance to the kitchen was; they didn’t know what cabbage soup was made from; All they did was, as young ladies should, talk about the feelings and objects of the most refined. Zhadov (pointing to his wife). Yes, I have never seen such deep depravity as in your family. Kukushkina. How can people like you appreciate a noble upbringing! My fault, I was in a hurry! If she had married a person with tender feelings and education, he would not have known how to thank me for my upbringing. And she would be happy, because decent people do not force their wives to work, for this they have servants, and the wife only for... Zhadov(fast). For what? Kukushkina. How for what? Who doesn't know this? Well, it is known... in order to dress her in the best possible way, admire her, take her out into the world, give her all the pleasures, fulfill her every whim, like a law... idolize her. Zhadov. Shame on you! You are an elderly woman, you have lived to old age, raised daughters and raised them, but you don’t know why a person is given a wife. Shame on you! A wife is not a toy, but a helper to her husband. You are a bad mother! Kukushkina. Yes, I know that you are very happy to make your wife a cook. You are an insensitive person! Zhadov. Stop talking nonsense! Pauline. Mama, leave him. Kukushkina. No, I won't leave. Why did you come up with the idea that I should leave him? Zhadov. Stop it. I won’t listen to you and I won’t let my wife. In your old age, everything in your head is nonsense. Kukushkina. What's the conversation, what's the conversation, huh? Zhadov. There can be no other conversation between you and me. Leave us alone, I beg you. I love Polina and I have to take care of her. Your conversations are harmful to Polina and immoral. Kukushkina. Don't get too excited, dear sir! Zhadov. You understand absolutely nothing. Kukushkina (with bitterness). I don't understand? No, I understand very well. I have seen examples of women dying from poverty. Poverty leads to everything. The other one struggles and struggles and then goes astray. You can't even blame him. Zhadov. What? How can you say such things in front of your daughter! Dismiss us from your visit... now, now. Kukushkina. If it’s cold at home and you’re hungry, and your husband is lazy, you’ll inevitably look for money... Zhadov. Leave us, I ask you with honor. You will drive me out of patience. Kukushkina. Of course I will leave, and my foot will never be with you. (Polina.) What kind of husband do you have? What a disaster! What a misfortune! Pauline. Goodbye, mummy! (Cries.) Kukushkina. Weep, weep, unfortunate victim, bemoan your fate! Cry to the grave! Yes, you’d better die, unfortunate one, so that my heart doesn’t break. It will be easier for me. (To Zhadov.) Celebrate! You did your job: you deceived, pretended to be in love, seduced with words and then destroyed. This was your whole goal, I understand you now. (Leaves.) Polina accompanies her. Zhadov. It will be necessary to talk more strictly with Polina. And what the hell, they’ll completely confuse her.

Polina returns.

SCENE SIX

Zhadov and Polina (sits by the window, sulking).

Zhadov(having laid out the papers, he sits down at the table). Felisata Gerasimovna will probably not come to us again, which I am very happy about. I would like, Polina, that you would not go to her, and also to the Belogubovs. Pauline. Would you order your entire family to be abandoned? Zhadov. Not for me, but for yourself. They all have such wild ideas! I teach you goodness, but they corrupt you. Pauline. It's too late to teach me, I'm already learned. Zhadov. It would be terrible for me to be convinced of what you say. No, I hope that you will understand me at last. Now I have a lot of work; but if it’s smaller, you and I will deal with it. In the morning you will work, and in the evenings we will read. You have a lot to read, you haven’t read anything. Pauline. How can I sit with you! How much fun! Man is created for society. Zhadov. What? Pauline. Man is created for society. Zhadov. Where did you get that? Pauline. You really think I'm a fool. Who doesn't know this! Everyone knows. Why did you pick me up from the street? Zhadov. Yes, for society you need to prepare yourself, educate yourself. Pauline. None of this is needed, it’s all nonsense, you just need to dress in fashion. Zhadov. Well, we can’t do that either, so there’s nothing to interpret. Better get busy with some work, and I’ll get down to business. (Takes a pen.) Pauline. Get to work! Why did you come up with this? You'll be bossing me around... pushing me around in every possible way and making fun of me! Zhadov(turning around). What is this, Polina? Pauline. And the same thing is that I want to live like people live, and not like beggars. I'm tired of it. And so I ruined my youth with you. Zhadov. Here's the news! I haven't heard this yet. Pauline. I haven't heard, so listen. Do you think that I have been silent for almost a year, so I will remain silent? No, sorry! Well, what can I say! I want to live like Yulinka lives, like all noble ladies live. Here's a story for you! Zhadov. That's what! Just let me ask you: on what means do we have to live like this? Pauline. What do I care? He who loves will find the means. Zhadov. Yes, you have pity on me; I already work like an ox. Pauline. Whether you work or don't work is of no concern to me. I didn’t marry you for ordeal, not for tyranny. Zhadov. You have completely tormented me today. Shut up, for God's sake! Pauline. Just wait, I’ll be silent! By your grace, everyone laughs at me. What a shame I have suffered! My sister took pity. Today she arrived: “You, she says, are alarming us, our whole family: what are you wearing!” And isn't it a shame for you? And he assured you that you love him. My sister bought and brought the hat for me with her own money. Zhadov (rises). A hat? Pauline. Yes, here she is. Look at. What, good? Zhadov(strictly). Take it back now. Pauline. Back? Zhadov. Yes, now, now take it down! And don't you dare take anything from them. Pauline. Well, that won't happen; be calm. Zhadov. So I'll throw it out the window. Pauline. A! so this is how you became? Okay, my friend, I'll take it down. Zhadov. And take it down. Pauline (with tears). I'll take it down, I'll take it down. (Puts on a hat, mantilla, takes an umbrella.) Farewell! Zhadov. Goodbye! Pauline. Let's say goodbye well; you won't see me again. Zhadov. What kind of nonsense is this? Pauline. I’ll go to my mother’s and stay there; don't come to us. Zhadov. What nonsense are you talking about, Polina! Pauline. No, I've been thinking about it for a long time! (Draws an umbrella on the floor.) What kind of life is my life? One torment, and no joy! Zhadov. Isn't it a sin to tell you? Have you really not seen any joy with me? Pauline. What joys! It would be a different matter if you were rich, otherwise you would have to endure poverty. What a joy! The other day he came drunk; You'll probably still beat me. Zhadov. Oh my god! What are you saying? One time he came drunk... But who among the young people is not drunk? Pauline. We know what poverty can lead to. Mama told me. You'll probably start drinking, and I'll die with you. Zhadov. All the nonsense that pops into your head! Pauline. What good things should I expect? I’ve already guessed about my fate using cards, and asked the fortune teller: it turns out that I’m the most unfortunate. Zhadov(grabs his head). Guessing with cards! He goes to see fortune tellers! Pauline. In your opinion, tea, cards are nonsense! No, sorry, I won’t believe it in my life! The cards never lie. They always tell the truth. What is even on a person’s mind can now be seen on the cards. You don’t believe anything, everything is nonsense; That’s why we have no happiness. Zhadov(gently). Pauline! (Approaches her.) Pauline (leaving). Do me a favor, leave it. Zhadov. No, you do not love me. Pauline. Why do we love you? It is very necessary to love something for nothing! Zhadov(hot). How for nothing? how for nothing? For love I pay you with love. But you are my wife! Have you forgotten this? You are obliged to share both grief and joy with me... even if I were the last beggar. Pauline (sits on a chair and, throwing his head back, laughs). Ha, ha, ha, ha! Zhadov. This is really disgusting! this is immoral! Pauline (gets up quickly). I don’t understand why you want to live with an immoral wife. Farewell! Zhadov. God be with you, goodbye! If you can leave your husband indifferently, then goodbye! (Sits down at the table and rests his head on his hands.) Pauline. What is this! The fish looks where it is deeper, and the person where it is better. Zhadov. Well, goodbye, goodbye! Pauline (in front of the mirror). Here's a hat, just a hat, not like mine. (Sings.)“Mother, my dear, my darling...” You walk down this street, and someone will still look and say: oh, how pretty! Farewell! (He crouches and leaves.)

SCENE SEVEN

Zhadov(one). What a character I have! Where is it good for? I couldn’t even get along with my wife! What should I do now? Oh my God! I'll go crazy. Without her, I have no reason to live in the world. I really don’t understand how this happened. How could I let her go from me! What will she do at her mother's? There she will die completely. Marya! Marya!

Marya off stage: "Anything?"

Go catch up with the lady and tell her that I need to talk to her. Hurry, hurry! What is this really, Marya, how clumsy you are! Yes, run, run quickly!

Marya off stage: "Now!"

Polina enters.

SCENE EIGHTH

Zhadov and Polina.

Pauline (sits down without undressing). What do you want?! Zhadov (runs up to her). She has come, she has come! She's here again! Aren't you ashamed! You upset me so much, you upset me so much, Polina, that I can’t even gather my thoughts. I was completely confused. (Kisses hands.) Polina, my friend! Pauline. Don't come to me with tenderness. Zhadov. You were joking, Polina, right? Won't you leave me? Pauline. How interesting it is to live with you, woe is it! Zhadov. You're killing me, Polina! If you don’t love me, then at least have pity on me. You know how much I love you. Pauline. Yes, you can see it! that's how they love it. Zhadov. How else can they love? How? Tell me, I will do everything you order me. Pauline. Go to your uncle now, make peace with him and ask for the same place as Belogubov, and ask for money by the way; Then we’ll give it back when we get rich. Zhadov. Not for anything in the world, not for anything in the world! And don't tell me that. Pauline. Why did you turn me back? Do you want to laugh at me? It will be so, I have become smarter now. Goodbye! (Rises.) Zhadov. Wait! Wait, Polina! Let me talk to you. Pauline (in front of the mirror). What to talk about? We've already talked about everything. Zhadov(with a pleading look). No, no, Polina, not yet. There is much, much more I need to tell you. There's a lot you don't know. If only I could suddenly convey my soul to you, convey what I thought and dreamed about, how happy I would be! Let's talk, Polina, let's talk. Just, for God's sake, listen, I ask you for one favor. Pauline. Speak. Zhadov (hot). Listen, listen! (Takes her hand.) There have always been people, Polina, at all times, and they still exist today, who go against outdated social habits and conditions. Not by whim, not by their own will, no, but because the rules they know are better, more honest than the rules that govern society. And they did not invent these rules themselves: they heard them from pastoral and professorial departments, they read them in the best literary works of ours and foreign ones. They were brought up in them and want to carry them out in life. That it's not easy, I agree. Social vices are strong, the ignorant majority is strong. The struggle is difficult and often disastrous; but much more glory for the elect: upon them is the blessing of posterity; without them, lies, evil, violence would grow to the point that they would block the light of the sun from people... Pauline (looks at him in amazement). You're crazy, really, crazy! And you want me to listen to you; I don’t have much sense anyway, and you’ll lose the last one with you. Zhadov. Yes, listen to me, Polina! Pauline. No, I’d rather listen to smart people. Zhadov. Who will you listen to? Who are these smart people? Pauline. Who? Sister, Belogubov. Zhadov. And you compared me to Belogubov! Pauline. Tell me please! What kind of important person are you? It is known that Belogubov is better than you. He is respected by his superiors, loves his wife, is an excellent owner, has his own horses... What about you? just to brag... (Teasing him.) I'm smart, I'm noble, everyone is a fool, everyone is a bribe-taker! Zhadov. What a tone you have! What manners! What an abomination! Pauline. You're swearing again! Goodbye! (Wants to go.) Zhadov (holds her). Wait, wait a little. Pauline. Let me go! Zhadov. No, wait, wait! Polinochka, my friend, wait! (Grabs her by the dress.) Pauline (laughs). Well, why are you holding me with your hands? what a weirdo you are! I want to leave, but you can’t stop me. Zhadov. What should I do with you? What should I do with you, with my dear Polina? Pauline. Go to your uncle and make peace. Zhadov. Wait, wait, let me think. Pauline. Think about it. Zhadov. After all, I love you, I’m ready to do anything in the world for you... But what are you offering me!.. Terrible!.. No, I have to think. Yes, yes, yes, yes... I need to think... I need to think... Well, if I don’t go to my uncle, will you leave me? Pauline. I'll leave. Zhadov. Will you leave completely? Pauline. At all. I can’t tell you ten times, I’m already tired. Goodbye! Zhadov. Wait, wait! (Sits down at the table, rests his head in his hands and thinks.) Pauline. How long should I wait? Zhadov (almost with tears). But you know what, Polina? After all, it’s good when a pretty wife is well dressed? Pauline (with feeling). Very good! Zhadov. Well, yes, yes... (Shouts.) Yes Yes! (Stomps his feet.) And is it good to travel with her in a good carriage? Pauline. Oh, how good! Zhadov. After all, a young, pretty wife must be loved, she must be cherished... (Shouts.) Yes Yes Yes! I need to dress her up... (Calming down.) Well, nothing... nothing... It's easy to do! (With despair.) Farewell, my youthful dreams! Farewell great lessons! Farewell, my honest future! After all, I will be an old man, I will have gray hair, I will also have children... Pauline. What you? what you? Zhadov. No no! We will raise our children according to strict rules. Let them follow the century. They have no reason to look at their fathers. Pauline. Stop it! Zhadov. Let me cry; after all, this is the last time I cry in my life. (Sobbing.) Pauline. What happened to you? Zhadov. Nothing... nothing... easy... easy... everything is easy in the world. It’s just necessary that nothing reminds you of it! It's easy to do! I will do this... I will stay away, hide from my former comrades... I will not go where they talk about honesty, about the sanctity of duty... I will work for a whole week, and on Friday and Saturday I will gather different Belogubovs and get drunk with stolen money , like robbers... yes, yes... And then you’ll get used to it... Pauline (almost crying). You are saying something bad. Zhadov. Sing songs... Do you know this song? (Sings.) Take it, there is no big science here. Take what you can take. What are our hands for, if not to take, take, take... Is this song good? Pauline. I don’t even understand what’s wrong with you. Zhadov. Let's go to my uncle to ask for a lucrative position! (Puts on his hat casually and takes his wife’s hand.)

ACT FIVE

CHARACTERS

Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky. Anna Pavlovna Vyshnevskaya. Akim Akimych Yusov. Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov. Pauline. Anton. Boy.

Room of the first act.

SCENE ONE

Vyshnevskaya and Anton (hands the letter on a tray and leaves).

Vyshnevskaya (is reading). “Dear Madam, Anna Pavlovna! Excuse me if you don’t like my letter; your actions towards me justify mine. I heard that you laugh at me and show strangers my letters, written with enthusiasm and in a fit of passion. You cannot not to know my position in society and how much your behavior compromises me. I am not a boy. And by what right do you do this to me? My seeking was completely justified by your behavior, which, you yourself must admit, was not impeccable. And although to me, As a man, some liberties are allowed, but I don’t want to be funny. And you made me the subject of conversation in the whole city. You know my relationship with Lyubimov, I already told you that among the papers that remained after him, I found several of your letters ". I suggested that you receive them from me. As soon as you overcome your pride and agree with public opinion that I am one of the most handsome men and more successful among the ladies than others. You wanted to treat me with contempt; in that case, you must excuse me: I decided to give these letters to your husband." This is noble! Ugh, what an abomination! Well, it doesn’t matter, it was necessary to end it someday. I’m not the kind of woman who would agree to correct with cold debauchery an offense committed out of passion. We have good men! A man who is forty years old, whose wife is beautiful, begins to court me, say and do stupid things. What can justify him? Passion? What passion! He is already, I think, eighteen years old, he lost the ability to fall in love. No, it’s very simple: he heard various gossip about me, and he considers me an accessible woman. And so, without any ceremony, he begins to write passionate letters to me, filled with the most vulgar endearments, obviously very cold-bloodedly invented. He will visit ten living rooms, where he will tell the most terrible things about me, and then come to console me. He says that he despises public opinion, that passion in his eyes justifies everything. He swears his love, says vulgar phrases, wanting to give his face a passionate expression, makes some strange, sour smiles. He doesn’t even bother to pretend to be in love. Why bother, it will do just fine, as long as the form is respected. If you laugh at such a person or show him the contempt he deserves, he considers himself entitled to take revenge. For him, the funny is worse than the dirtiest vice. He himself will boast about his relationship with a woman - this does him honor; but showing his letters is a disaster, it compromises him. He himself feels that they are funny and stupid. Who do they think the women they write such letters to are? Unscrupulous people! And now he, in a fit of noble indignation, commits meanness against me and probably considers himself right. Yes, he’s not the only one, everyone is like that... Well, so much the better, at least I’ll explain it to my husband. I even want this explanation. He will see that if I am guilty before him, then he is more guilty before me. He killed my whole life. With his selfishness he dried up my heart, took away from me the opportunity for family happiness; he made me cry about something that cannot be turned back - about my youth. I spent it with him vulgarly, insensitively, while my soul asked for life and love. In the empty, petty circle of his acquaintances, into which he introduced me, all the best spiritual qualities in me died out, all the noble impulses froze. And in addition, I feel remorse for an offense that was not in my power to avoid.

Yusov enters, visibly upset.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Vyshnevskaya and Yusov.

Yusov (bowing). Haven't arrived yet, sir? Vyshnevskaya. Not yet. Sit down.

Yusov sits down.

Are you worried about something? Yusov. There are no words... my lips are numb. Vyshnevskaya. What is it? Yusov (shakes his head). A person is all the same... a ship on the sea... suddenly there is a shipwreck, and there is no one to save!.. Vyshnevskaya. I do not understand. Yusov. I'm talking about frailty... what is durable in this life? What will we come with? what will we face?.. Some deeds... one might say, like a burden behind one's back... in reproof... and even thoughts... (waving his hand) everything is recorded. Vyshnevskaya. What, did someone die or something? Yusov. No, sir, a revolution in life. (Sniffs tobacco.) In wealth and nobility there is an eclipse... of our feelings... we forget the poor brethren... pride, carnal knowledge... For this reason, punishment occurs according to our deeds. Vyshnevskaya. I've known this for a long time; I just don’t understand why you are wasting your eloquence in front of me. Yusov. Close to my heart... Let’s face it, even though I’m not subject to much responsibility here... but still over such a special one! What is strong?.. when even dignity does not protect. Vyshnevskaya. Over what special one? Yusov. It fell on us, sir. Vyshnevskaya. Yes, speak up! Yusov. Alleged omissions, shortfalls in amounts and various abuses were discovered. Vyshnevskaya. What? Yusov. So we are being put on trial, sir... That is, I, in fact, am not subject to much responsibility, but Aristarkh Vladimirych will have to... Vyshnevskaya. What should they do? Yusov. Be responsible with all your property and be put on trial for allegedly illegal actions. Vyshnevskaya (raising his eyes). The reckoning begins! Yusov. Of course, mortal... They will start to find fault, and perhaps they will find something; I believe that, due to the current strictures, they will dismiss me... I will have to live in poverty without a piece of bread. Vyshnevskaya. You seem to be far from this. Yusov. Why, children, sir.

Silence.

I kept thinking dear, I thought with regret: why is this permission given to us? For pride... Pride blinds a person, clouds his eyes. Vyshnevskaya. Come on, what pride is there! just for bribes. Yusov. Bribes? Bribes are an unimportant thing... many are susceptible. There is no humility, that's the main thing... Fate is the same as fortune... as depicted in the picture... a wheel, and people on it... rises up and falls down again, rises and then humbles itself, exalts itself and again is nothing. .. everything is so circular. Build your well-being, work, acquire property... rise in your dreams... and suddenly naked!.. The inscription is signed under this fortune... (With feeling.) Wonderful man in the world! A whole century has been fussing, wanting to find happiness, but not imagining that fate controls it. This is what you need to figure out! What should a person remember? We are born, have nothing, and go to the grave. Why are we working? That's philosophy! What is our mind? What can he comprehend?

Vyshnevsky enters and silently walks into the office. Yusov gets up.

Vyshnevskaya. How he has changed! Yusov. I should send for a doctor. Something bad happened to them in their presence just now. Such a blow... to a man of noble feelings... how can he bear it! Vyshnevskaya (calls).

A boy comes in.

Go get a doctor and ask him to come quickly.

Vyshnevsky comes out and sits down in a chair.

PHENOMENA THIRD

Same with Vyshnevsky.

Vyshnevskaya (approaching him). I heard from Akim Akimych that you are in trouble. Do not give up.

Silence.

You have changed terribly. Are you feeling unwell? I sent for the doctor. Vyshnevsky. What hypocrisy! What a vile lie! What meanness! Vyshnevskaya (proudly). No lies! I feel sorry for you, as I would feel sorry for anyone in misfortune - no more, no less. (Moves away and sits down.) Vyshnevsky. I don't need your regrets. Don't feel sorry for me! I am dishonored, ruined! For what? Vyshnevskaya. Ask your conscience. Vyshnevsky. Don't talk about conscience! You have no right to talk about her... Yusov! Why did I die? Yusov. Vicissitude... fate, sir. Vyshnevsky. Nonsense, what fate! Strong enemies - that's the reason! That's what ruined me! Damn you! They envied my well-being. How not to envy! In just a few years, a person rises to the occasion, becomes rich, boldly creates his own prosperity, builds houses and dachas, buys village after village, and grows head and shoulders above them. How not to envy! A person goes to wealth and honors as if on a ladder. To overtake or even catch up with him, you need intelligence, genius. There’s no place to get a brain, so let’s give him a leg. I'm choking with rage... Yusov. Envy can motivate a person to do anything... Vyshnevsky. It’s not the fall that infuriates me, no, but the triumph that I will bring to them with my fall. What can I talk about now! what joy! Oh, damn it, I won't survive! (Rings.)

Anton enters.

Water!..

Anton serves and leaves.

Now I need to talk to you. Vyshnevskaya. What do you want? Vyshnevsky. I would like to tell you that you are a depraved woman. Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, there are strangers here. Yusov. Will you order me to leave? Vyshnevsky. Stay! I will say the same thing in front of all the courtiers. Vyshnevskaya. Why are you insulting me? You have no one to vent your impotent anger on. Isn't it a sin for you? Vyshnevsky. Here is the proof of my words. (Throws away the envelope with letters.) Yusov picks it up and serves it to Vyshnevskaya. Vyshnevskaya. Thank you. (He examines them frantically and puts them in his pocket.) Vyshnevsky. Yusov, what do they do with a woman who, despite all the good deeds of her husband, forgets her duty? Yusov. Hm... hmm... Vyshnevsky. I'll tell you: they throw you out in disgrace! Yes, Yusov, I am unhappy, quite unhappy, I am alone! At least don't leave me. A person, no matter how highly placed he is, when he is in grief, still seeks consolation in the family. (With anger.) And I find in my family... Vyshnevskaya. Don't talk about family! You never had it. You don't even know what a family is! Allow me now, Aristarkh Vladimirych, to tell you everything that I suffered while living with you. Vyshnevsky. There are no excuses for you. Vyshnevskaya. I don’t want to make excuses - I have nothing to justify myself with. During my momentary infatuation, I suffered a lot of grief, a lot of humiliation, but, believe me, without complaining about fate and without cursing, like you. I just want to tell you that if I am guilty, then it is only to myself, and not to you. You shouldn't blame me. If you had a heart, you would feel that you have ruined me. Vyshnevsky. Ha, ha! Blame someone else for your behavior, not me. Vyshnevskaya. No, you. Did you take a wife for yourself? Remember how you wooed me! When you were a groom, I did not hear a single word from you about family life; you behaved like an old red tape seducing young girls with gifts, you looked at me like a satyr. You saw my disgust for you, and, despite this, you still bought me for money from my relatives, as slaves are bought in Turkey. What do you want from me? Vyshnevsky. You are my wife, don't forget! and I have the right to always demand that you fulfill your duty. Vyshnevskaya. Yes, you, I won’t say, sanctified your purchase, no, but you closed it, disguised it as a defect. It couldn’t be otherwise: my family wouldn’t agree, but it doesn’t matter to you. And then, when you were already my husband, you did not look at me as a wife: you bought my caresses with money. If you noticed my disgust for you, you rushed to me with some expensive gift and then you approached me boldly, with full right. What could I do?.. you are my husband after all: I submitted. ABOUT! you will stop respecting yourself. What is it like to feel contempt for yourself! This is what you have brought me to! But what happened to me later, when I found out that even the money you give me is not yours; that they were not acquired honestly... Vyshnevsky(gets up). Shut up! Vyshnevskaya. If you please, I’ll shut up about this, you’ve already been punished enough; but I will continue about myself. Vyshnevsky. Say what you want, I don't care; you won't change my opinion of you. Vyshnevskaya. Maybe you will change your opinion about yourself after my words. You remember how I shunned society, I was afraid of it. And not without reason. But you demanded - I had to give in to you. And so, completely unprepared, without advice, without a leader, you brought me into your circle, in which temptation and vice are at every step. There was no one to warn me or support me! However, I myself recognized all the pettiness, all the depravity of those people who make up your acquaintance. I took care of myself. At that time I met Lyubimov in society, you knew him. Remember his open face, his bright eyes, how smart and how pure he was! How heatedly he argued with you, how boldly he spoke about all kinds of lies and untruths! He was saying what I already felt, although not clearly. I was expecting objections from you. There were no objections from you; you only slandered him, invented vile gossip behind his back, tried to bring him down in public opinion, and nothing more. How I wanted to stand up for him then; but I had neither the opportunity nor the intelligence for this. All I could do was... love him. Vyshnevsky. Is that what you did? Vyshnevskaya. So I did. I saw later how you ruined him, how little by little you achieved your goal. That is, you are not alone, but everyone who needed it. You first armed society against him, said that his acquaintance was dangerous for young people, then you constantly insisted that he was a freethinker and a harmful person, and turned his superiors against him; he was forced to leave his service, his family, his acquaintance, to leave here... (Closes his eyes with a handkerchief.) I saw it all, suffered through it all myself. I saw the triumph of malice, and you still consider me the girl you bought and who should be grateful and love you for your gifts. They made a vile gossip out of my pure relationship with him; the ladies began to openly slander me and secretly envy me; young and old red tape began to persecute me without ceremony. This is what you have brought me to, a woman worthy, perhaps, of a better fate, a woman capable of understanding the true meaning of life and hating evil! That's all I wanted to tell you - you will never hear a reproach from me ever again. Vyshnevsky. In vain. I am now a poor man, and poor people allow their wives to swear. They can do it. If I were the Vyshnevsky that I was before this day, I would have sent you away without a word; but now, thanks to my enemies, we must descend from the circle of decent people. In the lower circles, husbands quarrel with their wives and sometimes fight - and this does not create any scandal.

Zhadov enters with his wife.

SCENE FOUR

The same ones, Zhadov and Polina.

Vyshnevsky. Why are you there? Zhadov. Uncle, I'm sorry... Pauline. Hello, uncle! Hello, aunty! (Whispers to Vyshnevskaya.) I came to ask for a place. (Sits down next to Vyshnevskaya.) Vyshnevskaya. How! Really? (Looks curiously at Zhadov.) Vyshnevsky. You came to laugh at your uncle! Zhadov. Uncle, I may have insulted you. Excuse me... the passion of youth, ignorance of life... I should not have... you are my relative. Vyshnevsky. Well? Zhadov. I experienced what it means to live without support... without protection... I'm married. Vyshnevsky. Well, what do you want? Zhadov. I live very poorly... For me it would be; but for my wife, whom I love very much... Let me serve under your command again... uncle, provide for me! Give me a place where I... can... (quiet) buy something. Pauline (Vishnevskaya). More approachable. Vyshnevsky (laughs). Ha, ha, ha!.. Yusov! Here they are, heroes! The young man who shouted at all the crossroads about bribe takers, talked about some new generation, is coming to us to ask for a profitable position in order to take bribes! Good new generation! ha, ha, ha! Zhadov (rises). Oh! (Grabs his chest.) Yusov. He was young! Did he really say it? Just words... So they will remain words. Life will make itself known! (Sniffs tobacco.) Give up philosophy. The only bad thing is that before, you should have listened to smart people, and not been rude. Vyshnevsky(to Yusov). No, Yusov, remember what the tone was! What self-confidence! What indignation towards vice! (To Zhadov, getting more and more excited.) Didn’t you say that some new generation of educated, honest people, martyrs of truth, is growing up, who will expose us, throw dirt at us? Isn't it you? I confess to you, I believed. I deeply hated you... I was afraid of you. Yes, not kidding. And what happens! You are honest until the lessons that have been drilled into your head are exhausted; honest only until the first meeting with need! Well, you made me happy, there is nothing to say!.. No, you are not worth hatred - I despise you! Zhadov. Despise, despise me. I despise myself. Vyshnevsky. These are the people who have taken the privilege of honesty! You and I are disgraced! We were put on trial... Zhadov. What do I hear! Yusov. People are always people. Zhadov. Uncle, I didn’t say that our generation is more honest than others. There have always been and will be honest people, honest citizens, honest officials; There have always been and will be weak people. Here's proof for you - myself. I only said that in our time... (starts quietly and gradually becomes animated) society is gradually abandoning its former indifference to vice, energetic cries against social evil are heard... I said that the consciousness of our shortcomings is awakening in us; and in the mind there is hope for a better future. I said that public opinion is beginning to be created... that a sense of justice, a sense of duty is being instilled in young men, and it is growing, growing and will bear fruit. If you don’t see it, we will see it and thank God. You have nothing to rejoice in my weakness. I'm not a hero, I'm an ordinary, weak person; I have little will, like almost all of us. Need, circumstances, the lack of education of my relatives, the surrounding debauchery can drive me like a post horse. But one lesson is enough, at least like this one.... thank you for it; One meeting with a decent person is enough to revive me, to maintain my firmness. I may hesitate, but I will not commit a crime; I may stumble, but not fall. My heart has already been softened by education; it will not harden in vice.

Silence.

I don’t know where to go from shame... Yes, I’m ashamed, ashamed that I’m with you. Vyshnevsky (rising). So get out! Zhadov (meekly). I'll go. Polina, now you can go to mummy; I won't hold you. Now I won't change myself. If fate leads me to eat one black bread, I will eat one black bread. No blessings will tempt me, no! I want to retain my dear right to look everyone straight in the eye, without shame, without secret remorse, to read and watch satires and comedies about bribe-takers and to laugh from the bottom of my heart, with open laughter. If my whole life consists of labors and hardships, I will not grumble... I will ask God for one consolation, I will wait for one reward. What do you think?

A short silence.

I will wait for the time when the bribe-taker fears a public court more than a criminal one. Vyshnevsky (rises). I will strangle you with my own hands! (Wobbles.) Yusov, I feel sick! Take me to the office. (Leaves with Yusov.)

SCENE FIFTH

Vyshnevskaya, Zhadov, Polina and then Yusov.

Pauline (approaches Zhadov). Did you think that I really wanted to leave you? I did this on purpose. I was taught. Vyshnevskaya. Make peace, my children. Zhadov and Polina kiss. Yusov (in the door). The doctors! The doctors! Vyshnevskaya (rising up in his chair). I'm sorry, what? Yusov. A blow to Aristarkh Vladimirych! Vyshnevskaya (screaming weakly). Oh! (Sinks into a chair.)

Polina clings to Zhadov in fear; Zhadov leans his hand on the table and lowers his head.
Yusov stands at the door, completely confused.

Act one

Characters

Aristarkh Vladimirych Vyshnevsky, a decrepit old man with signs of gout.

Anna Pavlovna, his wife, a young woman.

Vasily Nikolaich Zhadov, a young man, his nephew.

Akim Akimych Yusov, an old official serving under the command of Vyshnevsky.

Onisim Panfilich Belogubov, a young official subordinate to Yusov.

Anton, the man in Vyshnevsky's house.

First appearance

Vyshnevsky in a flannel coat and without a wig and Vyshnevskaya in morning attire. They leave the half of Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevskaya. Not at all.

Vyshnevskaya. Thank you. However, I didn’t demand anything from you.

Vyshnevskaya. I do not need anything. I've already told you about this more than once.

Vyshnevsky. Behavior! Behavior! Out of love for you, I am even ready to commit a crime. Just to buy your love, I am ready to pay with my dishonor. (Gets up and approaches Vyshnevskaya.)

Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, I can’t pretend.

Vyshnevsky (takes her hand). Pretend! Pretend!

Vyshnevskaya (turning away). Never.

Vyshnevsky. But I love you!.. (Trembling, he kneels.) I love you!

Vyshnevskaya. Aristarkh Vladimirych, do not humiliate yourself! It's time for you to get dressed. (Rings.)

Vyshnevsky rises. Anton enters from the office.

Dress for Aristarkh Vladimirych.

Anton. Please, it's ready, sir. (He goes into the office.)

Vyshnevsky follows him.

Vyshnevsky (in the door). Snake! snake! (Leaves.)

Second phenomenon

Vyshnevskaya (alone, sitting for a while, thinking).

A boy enters, hands over a letter and leaves.

Anton leaves the office and stands at the door; Yusov enters, then Belogubov.

The third phenomenon

Anton, Yusov and Belogubov.

Yusov (with briefcase). Report back, Antosha.

Anton leaves.

Yusov adjusts himself in front of the mirror.

Anton (in the door). Please.

Yusov leaves.

Belogubov (enters, takes a comb out of his pocket and combs his hair). What, Akim Akimych is here, sir?

Anton. Now we went into the office.

Belogubov. How are you today? Affectionate, sir?

Anton. Don't know. (Leaves.)

Belogubov stands at the table near the mirror.

Yusov (as he leaves, he puts on a noticeable air of importance). Oh, you're here.

Belogubov. Here, sir.

Yusov (looking through the paper). Belogubov!

Belogubov. What do you want, sir?

Yusov. Here, my brother, take it home and rewrite this cleaner. Ordered.

Belogubov. They ordered me to rewrite it, sir?

Yusov (sitting down). You. They said his handwriting is good.

Belogubov. I'm very pleased to hear, sir.

Yusov. So listen, brother: don’t rush. The main thing is that it is cleaner. Do you see where to send...

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, understand, sir. I’ll write it in calligraphy, sir, I’ll sit up all night.

Yusov (sighs). Oho-ho-ho! oho-ho-ho!

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, if only they would pay attention.

Yusov (strictly). Why are you kidding me with this, or what?

Belogubov. How is it possible, sir!..

Yusov. Noticed... Easy to say! What more does an official need? What more could he want?

Belogubov. Yes, sir!

Yusov. They paid attention to you, well, you are a person, you breathe; but they didn’t – what are you doing?

Belogubov. Well, so what?

Yusov. Worm!

Belogubov. I, it seems, Akim Akimych, am trying, sir.

Yusov. You? (Looks at him.) You're on my good side.

Yusov. Wait. (looks at him and sniffs tobacco.) Talia is good... Moreover, Belogubov, look, be more literate.

Belogubov. My spelling, Akim Akimych, is bad... So, believe me, it’s a shame.

Yusov. Eka importance, spelling! It’s not all sudden, you’ll get used to it. Write a draft first, and ask for corrections, and then write from there. Do you hear what I'm saying?

Belogubov. I’ll ask someone to correct it, otherwise Zhadov is still laughing.

Yusov. Who?

Belogubov. Zhadov, sir.

Yusov (strictly). What is he himself? What kind of bird? Still laughing!

Belogubov. Why, sir, you have to show that you are a scientist, sir.

Yusov. Ugh! That's what he is.

Belogubov. I can’t even define him, Akim Akimych, what kind of person he is, sir.

Yusov. Nonentity!..

Silence.

Now I was there (pointing to the office), so they said (quiet): I don’t know what to do with my nephew! Take it from this.

Belogubov. But he dreams a lot about himself, sir.

Yusov. Still would!

Yusov. Well, here you go!

Belogubov. My opinion is, Akim Akimych, that another person, with feeling, in his place would begin to clean Aristarkh Vladimirych’s boots, but he still upsets such a person.

Yusov. All pride and reasoning.

Belogubov. What reasoning! What can we talk about? I, Akim Akimych, never...

Yusov. You bet!

Belogubov. I never, sir... because this does not lead to anything good, except for trouble.

Yusov. How can he not talk! You need to show him that you were at the university.

Belogubov. What is the use of learning when a person has no fear... no trepidation before his superiors?

Yusov. What?

Belogubov. I'm in awe, sir.

Yusov. Well, yes.

Belogubov. I, Akim Akimych, would be the head of the office, sir.

Yusov. Your lip is not stupid.

Belogubov. I do it more because I now have a fiancée, sir. A young lady and well educated, sir. But it’s impossible without a place, sir, who’s going to give it away?

Yusov. Why won't you show it?

Belogubov. The first duty, sir... at least now... as instead of a relative, sir.

Yusov. And I'll report on the location. We will think about it.

Belogubov. I would like this place for the rest of my life, sir. I’ll at least give you a subscription, because I can’t go any higher, sir. I'm beyond my abilities.

Zhadov enters.

The fourth phenomenon

Same with Zhadov.

Zhadov. What, uncle is busy?

Yusov. Busy.

Zhadov. Oh, what a pity! And I really need to see him.

Yusov. You can wait, they have more important things to do than you.

Zhadov. How do you know my affairs?

Yusov (looks at him and laughs). What are you doing? So, some nonsense.

Zhadov. It’s better not to talk to you, Akim Akimych; you are always asking for rudeness. (He leaves and sits down on the front stage.)

Yusov (to Belogubov). What?

Belogubov (loud). There's no point in talking! Only you, in your old age, should worry about yourself. Farewell, sir. (Leaves.)

Fifth appearance

Zhadov and Yusov.

Yusov (About myself). Ha, ha, ha! They lived, they lived, yes, thank God, they lived. The boys began to raise their noses.

Zhadov (looks around). Why are you grumbling there?

Yusov (continues). We don’t like to do what we’re ordered, but reasoning is our business. How can we sit in the office! Make us all ministers! Well, what to do, we made a mistake, sorry, please, we didn’t know your talents. We’ll make them ministers, we’ll definitely do it... wait a little... tomorrow.

Zhadov (About myself). I'm tired of it!

Yusov. My God! My God! No shame, no conscience. The other one’s lips aren’t even dry yet, but it’s already showing ambition. Who am I! Dont touch me!

Anton enters.

Anton (to Yusov). Come to the master.

Yusov goes into the office.

Zhadov. Tell Anna Pavlovna that I want to see them.

Anton. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.)

Appearance Six

Zhadov (one). Why is this old bastard so upset? What have I done to him? He says I can’t stand university ones. Is it my fault? So serve under this kind of leadership. But what will he do to me if I behave well? But as soon as a vacancy opens, they will probably bypass the place. It will happen from them.

Vyshnevskaya enters.

Seventh Appearance

Zhadov and Vyshnevskaya.

Vyshnevskaya. Hello, Vasily Nikolaich!

Zhadov. Oh, auntie, hello! (Kisses her hand.) I'll tell you the news.

Vyshnevskaya. Sit down.

They sit down.

What's the news?

Zhadov. I want to get married.

Vyshnevskaya. Is not it too early?

Zhadov. In love, auntie, in love. And what a girl! Perfection!

Vyshnevskaya. Is she rich?

Zhadov. No, auntie, she has nothing.

Vyshnevskaya. How will you live?

Vyshnevskaya. They suffer not only from poverty, they also suffer from wealth.

Vyshnevskaya (sighing). Yes, you will envy the women who are loved by people like you.

Zhadov (kissing hand). How I will work, auntie! My wife probably won’t demand more from me. And even if it happens that I endure need for some time, Polina, out of love for me, will probably not show any sign of displeasure. But, in any case, no matter how bitter life is, I will not give up even a millionth part of those convictions that I owe to my upbringing.

Zhadov. I was always sure of this, auntie.

Vyshnevskaya. One thing worries me: your intolerance. You are constantly making enemies for yourself.

Vyshnevskaya. I don’t call intolerance a shortcoming, I just know from experience how inconvenient it is in life. I've seen examples... someday you'll find out.

Zhadov. Do you think my uncle will refuse me or not? I want to ask for a salary increase. It would be very useful for me now.

Vyshnevskaya. Don't know. Ask.

Vyshnevsky enters in a tailcoat and wig, followed by Yusov.

The eighth phenomenon

The same ones, Vyshnevsky and Yusov.

Vyshnevsky (to Zhadov). Ah, hello! (Sits down.) Sit down! Sit down, Akim Akimych! You are always lazy and rarely go to work.

Zhadov. Nothing to do. They don't give cases.

Yusov. We never have enough to do!

Zhadov. Rewrite something? No, I am your humble servant! You have officials more capable of this than me.

Zhadov. How can I remain silent when I see abominations at every step? I have not yet lost faith in the person, I think that my words will have an effect on them.

Yusov. Yes, sir.

Zhadov. However, what is funny in my words?

Zhadov. But it seems to me that they only know that it is more profitable to be a bribe taker than an honest person.

Yusov. Hmm, hmm...

Vyshnevsky. Stupid, my dear! Both daring and stupid.

Zhadov. Allow me, uncle! Why were we taught, why were we developed such concepts that cannot be spoken out loud without being accused of stupidity or impudence?

Vyshnevsky. I don’t know who taught you there and what. It seems to me that it is better to teach how to do things and respect your elders than to talk nonsense.

Yusov. Yes, sir, it would be much better.

Zhadov. If you please, I will remain silent; but I cannot part with my convictions: they are the only consolation for me in life.

Zhadov. My God!

Vyshnevskaya. It's cruel.

Yusov. Mellifluous lips!

Zhadov. Yes, uncle, I’m getting married and wanted to talk to you about it.

Zhadov. Yes, she's a poor girl.

Vyshnevsky. And great.

Yusov. For the reproduction of beggars, sir...

Zhadov. Akim Akimych, don’t insult me. I didn't give you any right to do this. Uncle, marriage is a great thing, and I think that everyone in this matter should follow their own inspiration.

Vyshnevsky. Do me a favor, no one is bothering you. Have you just thought about this? Of course you love your bride?

Zhadov. Of course I do.

Yusov. Yes, sir.

Vyshnevskaya. At his age they still don’t buy love.

Zhadov. Auntie is telling the truth.

Vyshnevskaya. Your words are so smart and convincing that they can do without my consent. (Leaves.)

The comedy takes place in Moscow, during the first years of the reign of Alexander II. The old important official Aristarkh Vladimirovich Vyshnevsky, coming out into the large “richly furnished hall” together with his young wife Anna Pavlovna (both in a morning negligee) from her rooms, reproaches her for her coldness, complains that he cannot overcome her indifference. Vyshnevsky goes into the office, and the Vyshnevsky boy brings a letter, which turns out to be a love letter from an elderly man with a beautiful wife. The indignant Vyshnevskaya gathers with her friends to laugh at the unpleasant admirer and leaves.

An old, experienced official, Yusov, who came to Vyshnevsky with business in his department, appears and goes into the office. Belogubov, Yusov’s young subordinate, enters. Visibly pompous, Yusov leaves the boss and orders Belogubov to rewrite the paper cleaner, reporting that Vyshnevsky himself chose him as a copyist, pleased with his handwriting. This delights Belogubov. He only complains that he is not good at reading and writing, and for this Zhadov, Vyshnevsky’s nephew, who lives in his house with everything ready and also serves under the command of Yusov, laughs at him. Belogubov asks for the position of chief executive, which will be his “for the rest of his life,” and explains his request by his desire to get married. Yusov promises favorably and also reports that Vyshnevsky, dissatisfied with his nephew, intends to invite him to leave the house and try to live independently on a ten-ruble salary. Zhadov appears to talk to his uncle, but he has to wait in the company of Belogubov and Yusov, who grumbles at him and reproaches him for being overly ambitious and unwilling to do menial clerical work. Zhadov tells his aunt, with whom he is friendly, that he has decided to marry a poor girl and live with her through his labor. The aunt expresses doubt that the young wife will want to live in poverty, but Zhadov thinks of raising her in his own way, assures that, no matter how hard it is for him, he will not give in even “a millionth share of those convictions that he owes to his upbringing.” However, he reports that he wants to ask his uncle for an increase in salary. Vyshnevsky and Yusov appear and begin to scold Zhadov for his careless approach to office, for the “stupid speeches” that he makes in front of his colleagues, who laugh at him behind his back. Vyshnevsky sharply condemns the intention of his nephew, who has no means, to marry a dowryless woman, they quarrel, and Vyshnevsky, declaring that he is ending his family relationship with Zhadov, leaves.

Vyshnevsky asks Yusov who his nephew is going to marry, and learns that he is marrying one of the daughters of the poor widow of an official, Kukushkina. Vyshnevsky orders to warn the widow so that she does not ruin her daughter, does not give her away “for this fool.” Left alone, Yusov scolds the new times, when “boys began to talk,” and admires the “genius” and scope of Vyshnevsky. However, he expresses concern due to the fact that he “is not entirely firm in the law, from another department.”

The second act takes place in the poor living room in the house of the widow Kukushkina. Sisters Yulenka and Polina are talking about their suitors. It turns out that Yulenka doesn’t like Belogubov (“horrible rubbish”), but she is glad to at least marry him in order to get rid of her mother’s grumbling and reproaches. Polina says that she is in love with Zhadov. Kukushkina appears and begins to nag Yulia because Belogubov has not proposed for a long time. It turns out that Belogubov intends to get married as soon as he receives the position of chief executive. Kukushkina is satisfied, but at the end of the conversation she says to her daughters: “Here’s my advice to you: don’t give your husbands indulging, so sharpen them every minute so that they can get money.”

Belogubov and Yusov arrive. Kukushkina, left alone with Yusov, asks for a place for Belogubov, who promises. Yusov warns Kukushkina about the “unreliability” and “freethinking” of Polina Zhadov’s fiancé. But Kukushkina is sure that all of Zhadov’s “vices” come from his single life; if he gets married, he will change. Zhadov appears, the elders leave the young people alone with the girls. Belogubov talks with Yulenka and promises that the wedding is just around the corner. From Polina’s conversation with Zhadov, it is clear that, unlike her sister, she sincerely loves Zhadov, honestly talks about her poverty, that at home “everything is a deception.” However, he asks Zhadov if he has merchant friends who, according to Belogubov, will give them gifts. Zhadov explains that this will not happen and that he will reveal to her “the sublime bliss of living by one’s own labor.” Zhadov declares his love and asks Kukushkina for Polina’s hand in marriage.

The third act takes place in a tavern, about a year later. Zhadov and his university friend Mykin enter, drink tea and ask each other about life. Mykin teaches, lives “according to his means”, this is enough for a bachelor. “It’s not right for our brother to get married,” he lectures Zhadov. Zhadov justifies himself by saying that he fell in love with Polina very much and “married for love.” He took an undeveloped girl, brought up in social prejudices,” and the wife suffers from poverty, “sulks a little, and sometimes cries.” Yusov, Belogubov and two young officials appear, who came to party on the occasion of a successful business that brought a “jackpot” to Belogubov, who treats the company. He good-naturedly tries to invite “brother” Zhadov (now they are related by marriage), but he rather sharply refuses. Yusov formulates a kind of bribe-taker ethics: “Live by the law, live so that the wolves are fed and the sheep are safe.” Pleased with his youth, Yusov starts dancing and makes a speech about his virtues: father of the family, mentor of youth, philanthropist, not forgetting the poor. Before leaving, Belogubov offers Zhadov money “in a family-like way,” but he indignantly refuses. The officials leave. Solicitor Dosuzhev sits down with Zhadov and ironically comments on the scene he saw. They are drinking. Left alone, the tipsy Zhadov begins to sing “Luchinushka,” and the policeman sends him away with the words: “Please, sir!” Not good, sir! Ugly, sir!”

The fourth act takes place in Zhadov’s “very poor room,” where Polina sits alone by the window, complains of boredom and begins to sing. The sister comes and tells how well things are going with her husband, how Belogubov spoils her, Yulia feels sorry for Polina, scolds Zhadov, indignant that he “doesn’t know the current tone. He must know that man was created for society.” Yulia gives her sister a hat and orders her to explain to Zhadov that his wife “will not love him for nothing.” Left alone, Polina admires her sister’s intelligence and rejoices at the hat. Here comes Kukushkina. She scolds Polina for not demanding money from Zhadov, considers her daughter “shameless” because she has “all tenderness on her mind,” praises Yulia, and talks about the harm of smart people who believe that taking bribes is dishonorable. “What kind of word is bribe? They themselves invented it to offend good people. Not bribes, but gratitude!”

Zhadov appears, Kukushkina begins to scold him, and Polina agrees with her. A quarrel occurs, Zhadov asks his mother-in-law to leave. He sits down to work, but Polina, remembering the lessons of her relatives, begins to nag him for the lack of money for pleasures and outfits, repeating Yulia’s words. They quarrel and Polina leaves. Zhadov feels that he is unable to part with his wife, and sends his servants to catch up with Polina. Returning Polina demands that he go to his uncle to ask for a lucrative position. Zhadov surrenders, sobbing, he sings the song of bribe takers from Kapnist’s comedy “The Yabeda”. Frightened Polina is ready to retreat, but Zhadov calls her to go to Vyshnevsky together.

The last action takes us back to Vyshnevsky’s house. Vyshnevskaya alone reads a letter from her ridiculed admirer, who informs her that, in retaliation for her behavior with him, he will forward to her husband the letters from Vyshnevskaya to the young official Lyubimov that he accidentally received. She’s not even scared, she’s going to reproach her husband for buying her from her relatives and ruining her life. At this time, Yusov appears, muttering vague phrases about the vicissitudes of fate and the destructiveness of pride. Finally it turns out that Vyshnevsky is being put on trial “for omissions” and “discovered shortcomings in the amounts,” and the cautious Yusov says that he himself “is not subject to great responsibility,” although given the current severity, he will probably be sent into retirement. Vyshnevsky appears. Angrily pushing away his wife, who is expressing compassion, he turns to Yusov: “Yusov! Why did I die? “Vacity... fate, sir,” he replies. "Nonsense! What fate? Strong enemies are the reason!” - Vyshnevsky objects. Then he gives Vyshnevskaya the letters sent to him to Lyubimov and calls her a “depraved woman.” In an extensive monologue, Vyshnevskaya denies the accusations.

Then the Zhadovs appear. Reluctantly, Zhadov humbly asks for a lucrative position for his wife. The amazed Vyshnevsky shows malicious delight at this turn of events. He and Yusov mock Zhadov and see in his fall the essence of the new generation. Zhadov came to his senses, spoke about his personal weakness and that in any generation there are honest people, promises that he will never stray from the straight path again, and, turning to his wife, he sets her free if it is difficult for her to live in poverty, but Polina assures that she had no intention of leaving him, but only followed the advice of her relatives. The Zhadovs kiss and leave, Vyshnevskaya wishes them happiness. Yusov runs in with the message that Vyshnevsky has a stroke.

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