The same and Anna Andreyevna.
ANNA [seeing Khlestakov on his knees]. Oh, what a situation!
KHLESTAKOV [rising]. Oh, the devil!
ANNA [to Marya]. What does this mean? What does this behavior mean?
MARYA. I, mother--
ANNA. Go away from here. Do you hear? And don't you dare to show your
face to me. [Marya goes out in tears.] Excuse me. I must say I'm greatly
astonished.
KHLESTAKOV [aside]. She's very appetizing, too. She's not bad-looking,
either. [Flings himself on his knees.] Madam, you see I am burning with
love.
ANNA. What! You on your knees? Please get up, please get up. This floor
isn't very clean.
KHLESTAKOV. No, I must be on my knees before you. I must. Pronounce the
verdict. Is it life or death?
ANNA. But please--I don't quite understand the significance of your
words. If I am not mistaken, you are making a proposal for my daughter.
KHLESTAKOV. No, I am in love with you. My life hangs by a thread. If you
don't crown my steadfast love, then I am not fit to exist in this world.
With a burning flame in my bosom, I pray for your hand.
ANNA. But please remember I am in a certain way--married.
KHLESTAKOV. That's nothing. Love knows no distinction. It was Karamzin
who said: "The laws condemn." We will fly in the shadow of a brook. Your
hand! I pray for your hand!