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THE LIVE CORPSE
A PLAY IN SIX ACTS
CHARACTERS
THEODORE VASÍLYEVICH PROTÁSOV (FÉDYA).
ELISABETH ANDRÉYEVNA PROTÁSOVA (LISA). His wife.
MÍSHA. Their son.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Lisa's mother.
SÁSHA. Lisa's younger, unmarried sister.
VICTOR MIHÁYLOVICH KARÉNIN.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA KARÉNINA.
PRINCE SERGIUS DMÍTRIEVICH ABRÉZKOV.
MÁSHA. A gipsy girl.
IVÁN MAKÁROVICH. An old gipsy man. }
} Másha's parents.
NASTÁSIA IVÁNOVNA. An old gipsy woman. }
OFFICER.
MUSICIAN.
FIRST GIPSY MAN.
SECOND GIPSY MAN.
GIPSY WOMAN.
GIPSY CHOIR.
DOCTOR.
MICHAEL ALEXÁNDROVICH AFRÉMOV.
STÁKHOV. }
}
BUTKÉVICH. } Fédya's boon companions.
}
KOROTKÓV. }
IVÁN PETRÓVICH ALEXÁNDROV.
VOZNESÉNSKY. Karénin's secretary.
PETUSHKÓV. An artist.
ARTÉMYEV.
WAITER IN THE PRIVATE ROOM AT THE RESTAURANT.
WAITER IN A LOW-CLASS RESTAURANT.
MANAGER OF THE SAME.
POLICEMAN.
INVESTIGATING MAGISTRATE.
MÉLNIKOV.
CLERK.
USHER.
YOUNG LAWYER.
PETRÚSHIN. A lawyer.
LADY.
ANOTHER OFFICER.
ATTENDANT AT LAW COURTS.
THE PROTÁSOVS' NURSE.
THE PROTÁSOVS' MAID.
AFRÉMOV'S FOOTMAN.
KARÉNIN'S FOOTMAN.
THE LIVE CORPSE
ACT I
SCENE 1
Protásov's[1] flat in Moscow. The scene represents a small
dining-room.
[1] Protásov is his family name, but the name by which he is usually
addressed is Fédya, an abbreviation of his Christian name--Theodore.
The ceremonious form of address would be Theodore Vasílyevich.
Anna Pávlovna, a stout grey-haired lady, tightly laced, is sitting
alone at the tea-table on which is a samovár. Enter nurse, carrying
a teapot.
NURSE. May I have a little hot water, ma'am?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes. How's Baby?
NURSE. He's restless.... There's nothing worse than for a lady to nurse
her baby herself! She has her troubles, and the child must suffer. What
can her milk be like, when she lies awake crying all night?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. But she seems quieter now.
NURSE. Quiet, indeed! It makes one ill to see her. She's been writing
something, and crying.
Enter Sásha.
SÁSHA [to Nurse] Lisa is looking for you.
NURSE. I'm coming, I'm coming. [Exit].
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Nurse says she keeps on crying.... Why can't she control
herself?
SÁSHA. Well really, mother, you are amazing!... A woman has left her
husband, her child's father, and you expect her to be calm!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, not calm ... But what's done is done! If I, her
mother, not only allowed my daughter to leave her husband, but am even
glad she has done it, that shows he deserved it. One ought to rejoice,
not to grieve, at the chance of freeing oneself from such a bad man!
SÁSHA. Mother, why say such things? You know it's not true! He's not
bad--but on the contrary, he's a wonderful man, in spite of his
weaknesses.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes indeed, a "wonderful" man--as soon as he has money in
his pocket--his own or other people's....
SÁSHA. Mother! He has never taken other people's!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes he has--his wife's! Where's the difference?
SÁSHA. But he gave all his property to his wife!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Of course, when he knew that otherwise he was sure to
squander it all!
SÁSHA. Squander or not, I only know that a wife must not separate from
her husband, especially from such a one as Fédya.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Then, in your opinion she ought to wait till he has
squandered everything, and brought his gipsy mistresses into the house?
SÁSHA. He has no mistresses!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. That's the misfortune--he seems to have bewitched you
all! But not me--no! He won't come over me! I see through him, and he
knows it. Had I been in Lisa's place I should have left him a year ago.
SÁSHA. How lightly you say it!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Not lightly at all. It's not a light thing for me, as a
mother, to see my daughter divorced. Believe me it's not! But yet it is
better than ruining a young life.... No, I'm thankful to God that she
has at last made up her mind, and that it is all over.
SÁSHA. Perhaps it's not all over!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Oh! If he only consents to a divorce....
SÁSHA. What good will that do?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. This good; that she is young, and may again be happy.
SÁSHA. Oh mother! It's dreadful to hear you speak so! Lisa can't love
another.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Why not, when she's free? Many a man a thousand times
better than your Fédya might turn up who would be only too happy to
marry Lisa.
SÁSHA. Mother, it's not right! I know you're thinking of Victor
Karénin....
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. And why shouldn't I? He has loved her these ten years,
and she loves him.
SÁSHA. Yes, but not as a husband! They have been friends from childhood.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. We know those friendships! If only the obstacles were out
of the way!
Enter Maid.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What is it?
MAID. The mistress has sent the porter with a note for Mr. Karénin.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What mistress?
MAID. _Our_ mistress--Mrs. Protásova.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well?
MAID. Mr. Karénin has sent back word that he will come round at once.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [surprised] We were just speaking of him! Only I can't
think why ... [to Sásha] Do you know?
SÁSHA. Perhaps I do, and perhaps I don't!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. You always have secrets!
SÁSHA. Lisa will tell you herself when she comes.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [shakes her head. To Maid] The samovár must be made to
boil again. Take it, Dounyásha.
Maid takes samovár, and exit.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [to Sásha who has risen and is going out] It turns out
just as I told you! She sent for him at once....
SÁSHA. She may have sent for him for quite a different reason.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What for, then?
SÁSHA. Now, at this moment, Karénin is the same to her as old Nurse
Trífonovna.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, you'll see.... Don't I know her? She has sent for
him to comfort her.
SÁSHA. Oh mother, how little you know her, to be able to suppose ...!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, we'll see!... And I am very, very glad.
SÁSHA. We _shall_ see! [Exit, humming a tune].
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [alone, shakes her head and mutters] It's all right, it's
all right!
Enter Maid.
MAID. Mr. Karénin has come.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well then, show him in, and tell your mistress.
Maid exit by inner door. Enter Karénin, who bows to Anna Pávlovna.
KARÉNIN. Your daughter wrote to me to come. I meant to come and see you
to-night, anyhow. So I was very pleased ... Is Elisabeth Andréyevna[2]
well?
[2] Elisabeth Andréyevna is the polite way of speaking of Mrs.
Protásova, otherwise Lisa.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes, she is well, but Baby is a bit restless. She will be
here directly. [In a melancholy voice] Ah yes! It is a sad time.... But
you know all about it, don't you?
KARÉNIN. I do. I was here, you know, the day before yesterday, when his
letter came. But is it possible that everything is irrevocably settled?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Why of course! Naturally! To go through it all again
would be intolerable.
KARÉNIN. This is a case where the proverb applies: "Measure ten times
before you cut once." ... It is very painful to cut into the quick.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Of course it is; but then their marriage has long had a
rift in it, so that the tearing asunder was easier than one would have
thought. He himself sees that, after what has occurred, it is impossible
for him to return.
KARÉNIN. Why so?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. How can you expect it, after all his horrid
goings-on--after he swore it should not happen again, and that if it did
he would renounce all rights as a husband and set her perfectly free?
KARÉNIN. Yes, but how can a woman be free when she is bound by marriage?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. By divorce. He promised her a divorce, and we shall
insist on it.
KARÉNIN. Yes, but Elisabeth Andréyevna loved him so....
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Ah, but her love has suffered such trials that there can
hardly be anything left of it! Drunkenness, deception, and infidelity
... Can one love such a husband?
KARÉNIN. Nothing is impossible to love.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. You talk of love! But how can one love such a man--a
broken reed, whom one can never depend on? Don't you know what it came
to ...? [Looks round at the door, and continues hurriedly] All his
affairs in a muddle, everything pawned, nothing to pay with! Then their
uncle sends 2,000 roubles to pay the interest on their mortgaged
estates, and he takes the money and disappears. His wife is left at
home, with a sick baby, waiting for him--and at last gets a note asking
her to send him his clothes and things!
KARÉNIN. Yes, yes; I know.
Enter Lisa and Sásha.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, here is Victor Miháylovich,[3] obedient to your
summons.
[3] The polite way of naming Mr. Karénin.
KARÉNIN. Yes, but I am sorry I was delayed for a few minutes.
LISA. Thank you. I have a great favour to ask of you, and I have no one
to turn to but you.
KARÉNIN. Anything in my power ...
LISA. You know all about ...?
KARÉNIN. I do.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well then, I shall leave you [To Sásha] Come, we'll leave
them alone. [Exit with Sásha].
LISA. Yes, he wrote to me saying that he considers everything at an end
... [struggling with her tears] ... and I was hurt!... and so ... In a
word, I consented to break--I answered, accepting his renunciation.
KARÉNIN. And now you repent?
LISA. Yes. I feel that I was wrong, and that I cannot do it. Anything is
better than to be separated from him. In short--I want you to give him
this letter.... Please, Victor, give him the letter, and tell him ...
and bring him back!
KARÉNIN [surprised] Yes, but how?
LISA. Tell him I ask him to forget everything, and to return. I might
simply send the letter, but I know him: his first impulse, as always,
will be the right one--but then someone will influence him, and he'll
change his mind and not do what he really wants to....
KARÉNIN. I will do what I can.
LISA. You're surprised at my asking _you_?
KARÉNIN. No.... Yet, to tell you the truth--yes, I am surprised.
LISA. But you are not angry?
KARÉNIN. As if I could be angry with you!
LISA. I asked you because I know you care for him.
KARÉNIN. Him, and you too! You know that. I am thinking not of myself,
but of you. Thank you for trusting me! I will do what I can.
LISA. I know.... I will tell you everything. To-day I went to Afrémov's
to find out where he was. I was told he had gone to the gipsies--which
is what I feared most of all. I know he will get carried away if he is
not stopped in time--and that's what has to be done.... So you'll go?
KARÉNIN. Of course, and at once.
LISA. Go!... Find him, and tell him all is forgotten and I am waiting
for him.
KARÉNIN. But where am I to look for him?
LISA. He is with the gipsies. I went there myself.... I went as far as
the porch, and wished to send in the letter, but changed my mind and
decided to ask you. Here is the address.... Well, then, tell him to
return: tell him nothing has happened ... all is forgotten. Do it for
love of him, and for the sake of our friendship!
KARÉNIN. I will do all in my power! [Bows, and exit].
LISA. I can't, I can't! Anything rather than ... I can't!
Enter Sásha.
SÁSHA. Well, have you sent?
Lisa nods affirmatively.
SÁSHA. And he agreed?
LISA. Of course.
SÁSHA. But why just _him_? I don't understand.
LISA. But who else?
SÁSHA. Don't you know he is in love with you?
LISA. That's dead and gone. Whom would you have had me send?... Do you
think he _will_ come back?
SÁSHA. I am sure of it, because ...
Enter Anna Pávlovna. Sásha is silent.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. And where is Victor Miháylovich?
LISA. He's gone.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Gone! How's that?
LISA. I asked him to do something for me.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. "Do something?" Another secret!
LISA. It's not a secret. I simply asked him to give a letter into
Fédya's own hands.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Fédya? What--to Theodore Vasílyevich?
LISA. Yes, to Fédya.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I thought all relations between you were over!
LISA. I can't part from him.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What? Are you going to begin all over again?
LISA. I wanted to, and tried ... but I can't! Anything you like--only I
can't part from him!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Then do you want to have him back again?
LISA. Yes.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. To let that skunk into the house again?
LISA. Mother, I beg you not to speak so of my husband!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. He _was_ your husband.
LISA. No, he is my husband still.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. A spendthrift, a drunkard, a rake ... and you can't part
from him?
LISA. Why do you torment me! You seem to want to do it.... It's hard
enough for me without that.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I torment you! Well then, I'll go. I can't stand by and
see it....
Lisa is silent.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I see! That's just what you want--I'm in your way.... I
can't live so. I can't make you out at all! It's all so
new-fangled--first you make up your mind to separate, then you suddenly
send for a man who is in love with you ...
LISA. Nothing of the kind.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Karénin proposed to you ... and you send him to fetch
your husband! Why? To arouse jealousy?
LISA. Mother, what you are saying is terrible! Leave me alone!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Very well! Turn your mother out of the house, and let in
your rake of a husband!... Yes, I will not remain here! Good-bye,
then--I leave you to your fate; you can do as you please! [Exit slamming
door].
LISA [drops into a chair] That's the last straw!
SÁSHA. Never mind.... It will be all right; we'll soon pacify Mother.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [passing through] Dounyásha! My trunk!
SÁSHA. Mother, listen!... [follows her out with a significant glance to
Lisa].
Curtain.
SCENE 2
A room in the gipsies' house. The choir is singing "Kanavela." Fédya
in his shirt-sleeves is lying prone on the sofa. Afrémov sits
astride a chair in front of the leader of the choir. An officer sits
at a table, on which are bottles of champagne and glasses. A
musician is taking notes.
AFRÉMOV. Fédya, are you asleep?
FÉDYA [rising] Don't talk.... Now let's have "Not at Eve."
GIPSY LEADER. That won't do, Theodore Vasílyevich! Let Másha sing a solo
now.
FÉDYA. All right! And then, "Not at Eve." [Lies down again].
OFFICER. Sing "Fateful Hour."
GIPSY. All agreed?
AFRÉMOV. Go on!
OFFICER [to musician] Have you taken it down?
MUSICIAN. Quite impossible! It's different every time.... And the scale
is somehow different. Look here! [Beckons to a gipsy woman who is
looking on] Is this right? [Hums].
GIPSY. That's it, that's splendid!
FÉDYA. He'll never get it; and if he does take it down and shoves it
into an opera, he'll only spoil it!... Now, Másha, start off! Let's have
"Fateful Hour"--take your guitar. [Rises, sits down opposite her, and
gazes into her eyes].
Másha sings.
FÉDYA. That's good too! Másha, you're a brick!... Now then, "Not at
Eve"!
AFRÉMOV. No, wait! First, my burial song....
OFFICER. Why _burial_?
AFRÉMOV. Because, when I'm dead ... you know, dead and laid in my
coffin, the gipsies will come (you know I shall leave instructions with
my wife) and they will begin to sing "I Walked a Mile" ... and then I'll
jump out of my coffin!... Do you understand? [To the musician] You just
write this down. [To the gipsies] Well, rattle along!
Gipsies sing.
AFRÉMOV. What do you think of that?... Now then, "My Brave Lads"!
Gipsies sing.
Afrémov gesticulates and dances. The gipsies smile and continue
singing, clapping their hands. Afrémov sits down and the song ends.
GIPSIES. Bravo! Michael Andréyevich![4] He's a real gipsy!
[4] The polite way of addressing Mr. Afrémov.
FÉDYA. Well, _now_ "Not at Eve"!
Gipsies sing.
FÉDYA. That's it! It's wonderful ... And where does it all happen--all
that this music expresses? Ah, it's fine!... And how is it man can reach
such ecstasy, and cannot keep it?
MUSICIAN [taking notes] Yes, it's most original.
FÉDYA. Not original--but the real thing!
AFRÉMOV [to gipsies] Well, have a rest now. [Takes the guitar and sits
down beside Kátya, one of the gipsies].
MUSICIAN. It's really simple, except the rhythm....
FÉDYA [waves his hand, goes to Másha, and sits down on sofa beside her]
Oh, Másha, Másha! How you do turn me inside-out!
MÁSHA. And how about what I asked you for?
FÉDYA. What? Money?... [Takes some out of his trouser-pocket] Here, take
it!
Másha laughs, takes it, and hides it in her bosom.
FÉDYA [to the gipsies] Who can make it out? She opens heaven for me, and
then asks for money to buy scents with! [To Másha] Why, you don't in the
least understand what you're doing!
MÁSHA. Not understand indeed! I understand that when I am in love, I try
to please my man, and sing all the better.
FÉDYA. Do you love me?
MÁSHA. Looks like it!
FÉDYA. Wonderful! [Kisses her].
Exeunt most of the gipsies. Some couples remain: Fédya with Másha,
Afrémov with Kátya, and the officer with Gásha. The musician writes.
A gipsy man strums a valse tune on the guitar.
FÉDYA. But I'm married, and your choir won't allow it....
MÁSHA. The choir is one thing, one's heart's another! I love those I
love, and hate those I hate.
FÉDYA. Ah! This is good! Isn't it?
MÁSHA. Of course it's good--we've jolly visitors, and are all merry.
Enter gipsy man.
GIPSY [to Fédya] A gentleman is asking for you.
FÉDYA. What gentleman?
GIPSY. I don't know.... Well dressed, wears a sable overcoat--
FÉDYA. A swell? Well, ask him in. [Exit Gipsy].
AFRÉMOV. Who has come to see you here?
FÉDYA. The devil knows! Who can want me?
Enter Karénin. Looks round.
FÉDYA. Ah, Victor! I never expected _you_!... Take off your coat!...
What wind has blown you here? Come, sit down and listen to "Not at Eve."
KARÉNIN. _Je voudrais vous parler sans témoins._[5]
[5] I wanted to speak to you alone.
FÉDYA. What about?
KARÉNIN. _Je viens de chez vous. Votre femme m'a chargé de cette lettre
et puis ..._[6]
[6] I have come from your home. Your wife has entrusted me with this
letter and besides ...
FÉDYA [takes letter, reads, frowns, then smiles affectionately] I say,
Karénin, of course you know what is in this letter?
KARÉNIN. I know ... and I want to say ...
FÉDYA. Wait, wait a bit! Please don't imagine that I am drunk and my
words irresponsible.... I mean, that I am irresponsible! I am drunk, but
in this matter I see quite clearly.... Well, what were you commissioned
to say?
KARÉNIN. I was commissioned to find you, and to tell you ... that ...
she ... is waiting for you. She asks you to forget everything and come
back.
FÉDYA [listens in silence, gazing into Karénin's eyes] Still, I don't
understand why _you_ ...
KARÉNIN. Elisabeth Andréyevna sent for me, and asked me ...
FÉDYA. So ...
KARÉNIN. But I ask you, not so much in your wife's name as from
myself.... Come home!
FÉDYA. You are a better man than I. (What nonsense! It is easy enough to
be better than I) ... I am a scoundrel, and you are a good--yes, a good
man.... And that is the very reason why I won't alter my decision....
No! Not on that account either--but simply because I can't and won't....
How could I return?
KARÉNIN. Let us go to my rooms now, and I'll tell her that you will
return to-morrow.
FÉDYA. And to-morrow, what?... I shall still be I, and she--she. [Goes
to the table and drinks] It's best to have the tooth out at one go....
Didn't I say that if I broke my word she was to throw me over? Well, I
have broken it, and that's the end of it.
KARÉNIN. For you, but not for her!
FÉDYA. It is extraordinary that _you_ should take pains to prevent our
marriage being broken up!
KARÉNIN [is about to speak, but Másha comes up] ...
FÉDYA [interrupting him] Just hear her sing "The Flax"!... Másha!
The gipsies re-enter.
MÁSHA [whispers] An ovation, eh?
FÉDYA [laughs] An ovation!... "Victor, my Lord! Son of Michael!" ...
Gipsies sing a song of greeting and laudation.
KARÉNIN [listens in confusion then asks] How much shall I give them?
FÉDYA. Well, give them twenty-five roubles.[7]
[7] About £2, 10s.
Karénin gives the money.
FÉDYA. Splendid! And now, "The Flax!"
Gipsies sing.
FÉDYA [looks round] Karénin's bunked!... Well, devil take him!
Gipsy group breaks up.
FÉDYA [sits down by Másha] Do you know who that was?
MÁSHA. I heard his name.
FÉDYA. He's an excellent fellow! He came to take me home to my wife. She
loves a fool like me, and see what I am doing here ...!
MÁSHA. Well, and it's wrong! You ought to go back to her.... You ought
to pity her.
FÉDYA. You think I ought to? Well, I think I ought not.
MÁSHA. Of course, if you don't love her you need not. Only love counts.
FÉDYA. And how do you know that?
MÁSHA. Seems I do!
FÉDYA. Well, kiss me then!... Now, let's have "The Flax" once more, and
then finish up.
Gipsies sing.
FÉDYA. Ah, how good it is! If only one hadn't to wake up!... If one
could die so!
Curtain.
ACT II
SCENE 1
Two weeks have passed since Act I. Anna Pávlovna and Karénin are
discovered sitting in Lisa's dining-room. Enter Sásha.
KARÉNIN. Well, what news?
SÁSHA. The doctor says there is no danger at present, as long as he does
not catch cold.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes, but Lisa is quite worn out.
SÁSHA. He says it's false croup, and a very mild attack. [Points to a
basket]. What's that?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Grapes. Victor brought them.
KARÉNIN. Won't you have some?
SÁSHA. Yes, she likes grapes. She has become terribly nervous.
KARÉNIN. Naturally--after not sleeping for two nights, and not eating.
SÁSHA. And how about you.
KARÉNIN. That's quite another matter.
Enter doctor and Lisa.
DOCTOR [impressively] Yes, that's it. Change it every half-hour if he's
awake, but if he's asleep don't disturb him. You need not paint the
throat. The room must be kept at its present temperature ...
LISA. But if he again begins to choke?
DOCTOR. He probably won't, but if he should, use the spray. And give him
the powders: one in the morning and the other at night. I will give you
the prescription now.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Have a cup of tea, doctor?
DOCTOR. No thanks.... My patients are expecting me.
Sits down to the table. Sásha brings him paper and ink.
LISA. So you're sure it is not croup?
DOCTOR [smiling] Perfectly certain!
KARÉNIN [to Lisa] And now have some tea, or, better still, go and lie
down!... Just see what you look like....
LISA. Oh, now I am alive again. Thank you, you are a true friend!
[Presses his hand. Sásha moves away angrily] I am so grateful to you,
dear friend! At such times one recog ...
KARÉNIN. What have I done? There's really no cause at all to thank me.
LISA. And who stopped up all night? Who fetched the very best doctor?
KARÉNIN. I am already fully rewarded by the fact that Mísha is out of
danger; and above all by your kindness.
LISA [presses his hand again and laughs, showing him some money in her
hand] That's for the doctor; but I never know how to give it....
KARÉNIN. Neither do I.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Don't know what?
LISA. How to give money to a doctor.... He has saved more than my life,
and I give him money! It seems so unpleasant.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Let me give it. I know how. It's quite simple.
DOCTOR [rises and hands the prescription to Lisa] These powders are to
be well mixed in a tablespoonful of boiled water ... [goes on talking].
Karénin sits at the table drinking tea; Sásha and Anna Pávlovna come
forward.
SÁSHA. I can't bear the way they go on! It's just as if she were in love
with him.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, can it be wondered at?
SÁSHA. It's disgusting!
Doctor takes leave of everybody, and exit. Anna Pávlovna goes with
him.
LISA [to Karénin] He's so sweet now! As soon as even he was a little
better he at once began to smile and crow. I must go to him, but I don't
like leaving you.
KARÉNIN. You had better have a cup of tea, and eat something.
LISA. I don't want anything now. I am so happy after all that
anxiety!... [Sobs].
KARÉNIN. There! You see how worn out you are!
LISA. I'm so happy!... Would you like to have a look at him?
KARÉNIN. Of course.
LISA. Then come with me. [Exeunt].
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [returning to Sásha] What are you looking so glum
about?... I gave him the money quite well, and he took it.
SÁSHA. It's disgusting! She has taken him with her to the nursery. It's
just as if he were her _fiancé_ or her husband....
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Whatever does it matter to you? Why need you get excited
about it? Did you mean to marry him yourself?
SÁSHA. I? Marry that pikestaff? I'd rather marry I don't know whom, than
him! Such a thing never entered my head.... I am only disgusted that,
after Fédya, Lisa can be so attracted by a stranger.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Not a stranger, but an old playfellow!
SÁSHA. Don't I see by their smiles and looks that they are in love?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, what is there to be surprised at in that? He shares
her anxiety about her baby, shows sympathy and helps her ... and she
feels grateful. Besides, why should she not love and marry Victor?
SÁSHA. That would be disgusting--disgusting....
Enter Karénin and Lisa. Karénin silently takes leave. Sásha goes of
angrily.
LISA [to Anna Pávlovna] What's the matter with her?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I really don't know.
Lisa sighs, and is silent.
Curtain.
SCENE 2
Afrémov's sitting-room. Glasses of wine on the table. Afrémov,
Fédya, Stákhov (shaggy), Butkévich (close-shaven), and Korotkóv (a
tuft-hunter).
KOROTKÓV. And I tell you that he'll be out of the running! La Belle Bois
is the best horse in Europe.... Will you bet?
STÁKHOV. Don't, my dear fellow.... You know very well that nobody
believes you, or will bet with you.
KOROTKÓV. I tell you your Cartouche won't be in it!
AFRÉMOV. Stop quarrelling! Let me settle it ... ask Fédya--he'll give
you the right tip.
FÉDYA. Both horses are good. All depends on the jockey.
STÁKHOV. Gúsev is a rascal, and needs a firm hand on him.
KOROTKÓV [shouts] No!
FÉDYA. Wait a bit--I'll settle your differences.... Who won the Moscow
Derby?
KOROTKÓV. He did--but what of that? It was only chance. If Crakus had
not fallen ill.... [Enter footman].
AFRÉMOV. What is it?
FOOTMAN. A lady has come, and is asking for Mr. Protásov.
AFRÉMOV. What is she like? A real lady?
FOOTMAN. I don't know her name, but she's a real lady.
AFRÉMOV. Fédya! a lady to see you!
FÉDYA [startled] Who is it?
AFRÉMOV. He doesn't know.
FOOTMAN. Shall I ask her into the dining-room?
FÉDYA. No, wait.... I'll go myself and see.
Exeunt Fédya and footman.
KOROTKÓV. Who can it be? It must be Másha.
STÁKHOV. Which Másha?
KOROTKÓV. The gipsy. She's in love with him, like a cat.
STÁKHOV. What a darling she is ...! And how she sings!
AFRÉMOV. Charming! Tanyúsha and she! They sang with Peter yesterday.
STÁKHOV. What a lucky fellow that is!
AFRÉMOV. Why? Because the girls are all sweet on him? Not much luck in
that!
KOROTKÓV. I can't bear gipsies--nothing refined about them.
BUTKÉVICH. No, you can't say that!
KOROTKÓV. I'd give the whole lot for one French woman!
AFRÉMOV. Yes, we know you--and your æsthetics!... I'll go and see who it
is. [Exit].
STÁKHOV. If it's Másha, bring her in here! We'll make her sing.... No,
the gipsies aren't what they used to be. Tanyúsha, now--by Gad!
BUTKÉVICH. And I believe they're just the same.
STÁKHOV. Just the same? When instead of their own pieces they sing empty
drawing-room songs?
BUTKÉVICH. Some drawing-room songs are very good.
KOROTKÓV. Will you bet I don't get them to sing a drawing-room song so
that you won't know it from one of their own?
STÁKHOV. Korotkóv always wants to bet!
Enter Afrémov.
AFRÉMOV. I say, you fellows, it's not Másha--and there's no room he can
ask her into but this. Let us clear out to the billiard room. [Exeunt].
Enter Fédya and Sásha.
SÁSHA [confused] Fédya, forgive me if it's unpleasant--but for God's
sake hear me!... [Her voice trembles].
Fédya walks up and down the room. Sásha sits down, and follows him
with her eyes.
SÁSHA. Fédya! Come home!
FÉDYA. Just listen to me, Sásha ... I quite understand you, Sásha dear,
and in your place I should do the same--I should try to find some way to
bring back the old state of affairs. But if you were me, if--strange as
it sounds--you, dear sensitive girl, were in my place ... you would
certainly have done as I did, and have gone away and ceased to spoil
someone else's life.
SÁSHA. Spoil? How? As if Lisa could live without you!
FÉDYA. Oh, Sásha dear! Dear heart!... She can, she can! And she will yet
be happy--far happier than with me.
SÁSHA. Never!
FÉDYA. It seems so to you [Takes her hand] ... But that's not the point.
The chief thing is, that _I_ can't!... You know, one folds a piece of
thick paper this way and that a hundred times and still it holds
together; but fold it once more, and it comes in half.... So it was with
Lisa and me. It hurts me too much to look into her eyes--and she feels
the same, believe me!
SÁSHA. No, no!
FÉDYA. You say "No," but you yourself know that it is "Yes"!
SÁSHA. I can only judge by myself. If I were in her place, and you
answered as you are doing, it would be dreadful!
FÉDYA. Yes, for _you_ ... [Pause; both are agitated].
SÁSHA [rises] Must things really remain so?
FÉDYA. I suppose ...
SÁSHA. Fédya come back!
FÉDYA. Thank you, Sásha dear! You will always remain a precious memory
to me.... But good-bye, dear heart!... Let me kiss you. [Kisses her
forehead].
SÁSHA [agitated] No, I don't say good-bye, and I don't believe, and
won't believe ... Fédya!
FÉDYA. Well then, listen! But give me your word that what I tell you,
you won't repeat to anybody--do you promise?
SÁSHA. Of course!
FÉDYA. Well then, listen, Sásha.... It's true that I am her husband and
the father of her child, but I am--superfluous! Wait, wait--don't
reply.... You think I'm jealous? Not at all! In the first place, I have
no right; secondly, I have no cause. Victor Karénin is her old friend
and mine too. He loves her, and she him.
SÁSHA. No!
FÉDYA. She does--as an honest, moral woman can, who does not allow
herself to love anyone but her husband. But she loves, and will love him
when this obstacle [points to himself] is removed; and I will remove it,
and they shall be happy! [His voice trembles].
SÁSHA. Fédya, don't talk like that!
FÉDYA. Why, you know very well that it's true! And I shall be glad of
their happiness, and it's the best I can do. I shall not return, but
shall give them their freedom.... Tell them so.... Don't answer--and
good-bye!
Kisses her on the forehead, and opens the door for her.
SÁSHA. Fédya--you are wonderful!
FÉDYA. Good-bye, good-bye!... [Exit Sásha].
FÉDYA. Yes, yes.... That's the thing ... that's the thing!... [Rings].
Enter footman.
FÉDYA. Call your master.... [Exit footman].... And it's true--it's true.
Enter Afrémov.
FÉDYA. Come along!
AFRÉMOV. Have you settled matters?
FÉDYA. Splendidly! [Sings]
"And she swore by ev'ry power ..."
Splendidly!... Where are they all?
AFRÉMOV. They're playing billiards.
FÉDYA. That's right--we will too [Sings]
"Rest here, just an hour ..."
Come along!
Curtain.
ACT III
SCENE 1
Prince Abrézkov, a sixty-year-old bachelor with moustaches, a
retired army man, elegant, very dignified and melancholy-looking.
Anna Dmítrievna Karénina (Victor's mother), a fifty-year-old "grande
dame" who tries to appear younger, and intersperses her remarks with
French expressions.
Anna Dmítrievna's sitting-room, furnished with expensive simplicity,
and filled with souvenirs.
Anna Dmítrievna is writing. Footman enters.
FOOTMAN. Prince Abrézkov ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Yes, certainly ... [Turns round and touches herself up
before the looking-glass].
Enter Abrézkov.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. _J'espère que je ne force pas la consigne...._[8]
[Kisses her hand].
[8] I hope I am not forcing myself on you.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. You know that _vous êtes toujours le bienvenu_[9]--and
to-day especially! You got my note?
[9] You are always welcome.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I did, and this is my answer.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Ah, my friend! I begin quite to despair. _Il est
positivement ensorcelé!_[10] I never before knew him so insistent, so
obstinate, so pitiless, and so indifferent to me. He has quite changed
since that woman dismissed her husband!
[10] He is positively bewitched!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. What are the facts? How do matters actually stand?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. He wants to marry her come what may.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. And how about the husband?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. He agrees to a divorce.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Dear me!
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. And he, Victor, lends himself to it, with all the
abominations--lawyers, proofs of guilt--_tout ça est dégoutant_![11] And
it doesn't seem to repel him. I don't understand him--he was always so
sensitive, so reserved ...
[11] It is all disgusting!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. He is in love! Ah, when a man really loves ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Yes, but how is it that in our day love could be
pure--could be a loving friendship, lasting through life? That kind of
love I understand and value.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Nowadays the young generation no longer contents itself
with those ideal relations. _La possession de l'âme ne leur suffit
plus._[12] It can't be helped!... What can one do with him?
[12] For them, to possess the soul is no longer enough.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. You must not say that of _him_--but it's as if he were
under a spell. It's just as if he were someone else.... You know, I
called on her. He begged me so. I went there, did not find her in, and
left my card. _Elle m'a fait demander si je ne pourrais la
recevoir_;[13] and to-day [looks at the clock] at two o'clock, that is
in a few minutes' time, she will be here. I promised Victor I would
receive her, but you understand how I am placed! I am not myself at all;
and so, from old habit, I sent for you. I need your help!
[13] She inquired whether I would receive her.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Thank you.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. This visit of hers, you understand, will decide the
whole matter--Victor's fate! I must either refuse my consent--but how
can I?
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Don't you know her at all?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I have never seen her. But I'm afraid of her. A good
woman could not consent to leave her husband, and he a good man, too! As
a fellow-student of Victor's he used to visit us, you know, and was very
nice. But whatever he may be, _quels que soient les torts qu'il a eus
vis-à-vis d'elle_,[14] one must not leave one's husband. She ought to
bear her cross. What I don't understand is how Victor, with the
convictions he holds, can think of marrying a divorced woman! How
often--quite lately--he has argued warmly with Spítsin in my presence,
that divorce was incompatible with true Christianity; and now he himself
is going in for it! _Si elle a pu le charmer à un tel point_[15] ... I
am afraid of her! But I sent for you to know what _you_ have to say to
it all, and instead of that I have been doing all the talking myself!
What do you think of it? Tell me your opinion. What ought I to do? You
have spoken with Victor?
[14] However he may have wronged her.
[15] If she has been able to charm him to such a degree ...
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I have: and I think he loves her. He has grown used to
loving her; and love has got a great hold on him. He is a man who takes
things slowly but firmly. What has once entered his heart will never
leave it again; and he will never love anyone but her; and he can never
be happy without her, or with anyone else.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. And how willingly Várya Kazántseva would have married
him! What a girl she is, and how she loves him!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV [smiling]. _C'est compter sans son hôte!_[16] That is
quite out of the question now. I think it's best to submit, and help him
to get married.
[16] That's reckoning without your host!
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. To a divorced woman--and have him meet his wife's
husband?... I can't think how you can speak of it so calmly. Is she a
woman a mother could wish to see as the wife of her only son--and such a
son?
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. But what is to be done, my dear friend? Of course it
would be better if he married a girl whom you knew and liked; but since
that's impossible ... Besides it's not as if he were going to marry a
gipsy, or goodness knows who ...! Lisa Protásova is a very nice good
woman. I know her, through my niece Nelly, and know her to be a modest,
kind-hearted, affectionate and moral woman.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. A moral woman--who makes up her mind to leave her
husband!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. This is not like you! You're unkind and harsh! Her
husband is the kind of man of whom one says that they are their own
worst enemies; but he is an even greater enemy to his wife. He is a
weak, fallen, drunken fellow. He has squandered all his property and
hers too. She has a child.... How can you condemn her for leaving such a
man? Nor has she left him: he left her.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Oh, what mud! What mud! And I have to soil my hands
with it!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. And how about your religion?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Of course, of course! To forgive, "As we forgive them
that trespass against us." _Mais, c'est plus fort que moi!_[17]
[17] But it's beyond me!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. How could she live with such a man? If she had not
loved anyone else she would have had to leave him. She would have had
to, for her child's sake. The husband himself--an intelligent
kind-hearted man when he is in his senses--advises her to do it....
Enter Victor, who kisses his mother's hand and greets Prince
Abrézkov.
VICTOR. Mother, I have come to say this: Elisabeth Andréyevna will be
here in a minute, and I beg, I implore you--if you still refuse your
consent to my marriage ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA [interrupting him] Of course I still refuse my
consent ...
VICTOR [continues his speech and frowns] In that case I beg, I implore
you, not to speak to her of your refusal! Don't settle matters
negatively ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I don't expect we shall mention the subject. For my
part, I certainly won't begin.
VICTOR. And she is even less likely to. I only want you to make her
acquaintance.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. The one thing I can't understand is how you reconcile
your desire to marry Mrs. Protásova, who has a husband living, with your
religious conviction that divorce is contrary to Christianity.
VICTOR. Mother, this is cruel of you! Are we really so immaculate that
we must always be perfectly consistent when life is so complex? Mother,
why are you so cruel to me?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I love you. I desire your happiness.
VICTOR [to Prince Abrézkov] Prince!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Of course you desire his happiness. But it is not easy
for you and me, with our grey hairs, to understand the young; and it is
particularly difficult for a mother grown accustomed to her own idea of
how her son is to be happy. Women are all like that.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Yes, yes indeed! You are all against me! You may do it,
of course. _Vous êtes majeur._[18] ... But you will kill me!
[18] You are of age.
VICTOR. You are not yourself. This is worse than cruelty!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV [to Victor] Be quiet, Victor. Your mother's words are
always worse than her deeds.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I shall tell her how I think and feel, but I will do it
without offending her.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Of that I am sure.
Enter footman.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Here she is.
VICTOR. I'll go.
FOOTMAN. Elisabeth Andréyevna Protásova.
VICTOR. I am going. _Please_, Mother! [Exit.]
Prince Abrézkov also rises.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Ask her in. [To Prince Abrézkov] No, you must please
stay here!
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I thought you'd find a _tête-à-tête_ easier.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. No, I'm afraid ... [Is restless] If I want to be left
_tête-à-tête_ with her, I will nod to you. _Cela dépendra._[19] ... To
be left alone with her may make it difficult for me. But I'll do like
that if ... [Makes a sign].
[19] It will depend.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I shall understand. I feel sure you will like her. Only
be just.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. How you are all against me!
Enter Lisa, in visiting dress and hat.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA [rising] I was sorry not to find you in, and it is kind
of you to call.
LISA. I never dreamed that you'd be so good as to call.... I am so
grateful to you for wishing to see me.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA [pointing to Prince Abrézkov] You are acquainted?
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Yes, certainly. I have had the pleasure of being
introduced. [They shake hands and sit down] My niece Nelly has often
mentioned you to me.
LISA. Yes, she and I were great friends [glancing timidly at Anna
Dmítrievna], and we are still friendly. [To Anna Dmítrievna] I never
expected that you would wish to see me.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I knew your husband well. He was friendly with Victor,
and used to come to our house before he left for Tambóv. I think it was
there you married?
LISA. Yes, it was there we married.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. But after his return to Moscow he never visited us.
LISA. Yes, he hardly went out anywhere.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. And he never introduced you to me.
Awkward silence.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. The last time I met you was at the theatricals at the
Denísovs'. They went off very well; and you were acting.
LISA. No ... Yes ... Of course ... I did act. [Silence again]. Anna
Dmítrievna, forgive me if what I am going to say displeases you, but I
can't and don't know how to dissemble! I have come because Victor
Miháylovich said ... because he--I mean, because you wished to see
me.... But it is best to speak out [with a catch in her voice] ... It is
very hard for me.... But you are kind.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I'd better go.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Yes, do.
Prince Abrézkov takes leave of both women, and exit.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Listen, Lisa ... I am very sorry for you, and I like
you. But I love Victor. He is the one being I love in the world. I know
his soul as I know my own. It is a proud soul. He was proud as a boy of
seven.... Not proud of his name or wealth, but proud of his character
and innocence, which he has guarded. He is as pure as a maiden.
LISA. I know.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. He has never loved any woman. You are the first. I do
not say I am not jealous. I am jealous. But we mothers--your son is
still a baby, and it is too soon for you--we are prepared for that. I
was prepared to give him up to his wife and not to be jealous--but to a
wife as pure as himself ...
LISA. I ... have I ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Forgive me! I know it was not your fault, but you are
unfortunate. And I know him. Now he is ready to bear--and will
bear--anything, and he would never mention it, but he would suffer. His
wounded pride would suffer, and he would not be happy.
LISA. I have thought of that.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Lisa, my dear, you are a wise and good woman. If you
love him you must desire his happiness more than your own. And if that
is so, you will not wish to bind him and give him cause to
repent--though he would never _say_ a word.
LISA. I know he wouldn't! I have thought about it, and have asked myself
that question. I have thought of it, and have spoken of it to him. But
what can I do, when he says he does not wish to live without me? I said
to him: "Let us be friends, but do not spoil your life; do not bind your
pure life to my unfortunate one!" But he does not wish for that.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. No, not at present....
LISA. Persuade him to leave me, and I will agree. I love him for his own
happiness and not for mine. Only help me! Do not hate me! Let us
lovingly work together for his happiness!
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Yes, yes! I have grown fond of you. [Kisses her. Lisa
cries] And yet, and yet it is dreadful! If only he had loved you before
you married ...
LISA. He says he did love me then, but did not wish to prevent a
friend's happiness.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Ah, how hard it all is! Still, we will love one
another, and God will help us to find what we want.
VICTOR [entering] Mother, dear! I have heard everything! I expected
this: you are fond of her, and all will be well!
LISA. I am sorry you heard. I should not have said it if ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Still, nothing is settled. All I can say is, that if it
were not for all these unfortunate circumstances, I should have been
glad. [Kisses her].
VICTOR. Only, please don't change!
Curtain.