SCENE 1
A private room in a restaurant. A waiter shows in Fédya and Iván
Petróvich Alexándrov.
WAITER. Here, please. No one will disturb you here. I'll bring some
paper directly.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Protásov, I'll come in too.
FÉDYA [seriously] If you like, but I'm busy and ... All right, come in.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. You wish to reply to their demands? I'll tell you what
to say. I should not do it that way--always speak straight out, and act
with decision.
FÉDYA [to waiter] A bottle of champagne!
Exit waiter.
FÉDYA [taking out a revolver and putting it on the table] Wait a bit!
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. What's that? Do you want to shoot yourself? You can if
you like. I understand you! They wish to humiliate you, and you will
show them the sort of man you are! You will kill yourself with a
revolver, and them with magnanimity. I understand you. I understand
everything, because I am a genius.
FÉDYA. Of course--of course. Only ... [Enter waiter with paper and ink].
FÉDYA [covers the revolver with a napkin] Uncork it--let's have a drink.
[They drink. Fédya writes] Wait a bit!
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Here's to your ... great journey! You know I'm above all
this. I'm not going to restrain you! Life and death are alike to
Genius. I die in life, and live in death. You will kill yourself that
two people should pity you; and I--I shall kill myself that the whole
world may understand what it has lost. I won't hesitate, or think about
it! I seize it [snatches revolver]--now! And all is over. But it is too
soon yet. [Lays down revolver] Nor shall I write anything; they must
understand it themselves.... Oh, you ...
FÉDYA [writing] Wait a bit.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Pitiful people! They fuss, they bustle, and don't
understand--don't understand anything at all.... I'm not talking to you,
I am only expressing my thoughts. And, after all, what does humanity
need? Very little--only to value its geniuses. But they always are
executed, persecuted, tortured.... No! I'm not going to be your toy! I
will drag you out into the open! No-o-o! Hypocrites!
FÉDYA [having finished writing, drinks and reads over his letter] Go
away, please!
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Go away? Well, good-bye then! I am not going to restrain
you. I shall do the same. But not yet. I only want to tell you ...
FÉDYA. All right! You'll tell me afterwards. And now, dear chap, just
one thing: give this to the manager [gives him money] and ask if a
parcel and a letter have come for me.... Please do!
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. All right--then you'll wait for me? I have still
something important to tell you--something that you will not hear in
this world nor in the next, at any rate not till I come there.... Am I
to let him have _all_ of this?
FÉDYA. As much as is necessary. [Exit Iván Petróvich.]
Fédya sighs with relief; locks the door behind Iván Petróvich; takes
up the revolver, cocks it, puts it to his temple; shudders, and
carefully lowers it again. Groans.
FÉDYA. No; I can't! I can't! I can't! [Knock at the door] Who's there?
[Másha's voice from outside] It's me!
FÉDYA. Who's "me"? Oh, Másha ... [opens door].
MÁSHA. I've been to your place, to Popóv's, to Afrémov's, and guessed
that you must be here. [Sees revolver] That's a nice thing! There's a
fool! A regular fool! Is it possible you really meant to?
FÉDYA. No, I couldn't.
MÁSHA. Do I count for nothing at all? You heathen! You had no pity for
me? Oh, Theodore Vasílyevich, it's a sin, a sin! In return for my
love ...
FÉDYA. I wished to release them. I promised to, and I can't lie.
MÁSHA. And what about me?
FÉDYA. What about you? It would have set you free too. Is it better for
you to be tormented by me?
MÁSHA. Seems it's better. I can't live without you.
FÉDYA. What sort of life could you have with me? You'd have cried a bit,
and then gone on living your own life.
MÁSHA. I shouldn't have cried at all! Go to the devil, if you don't pity
me! [Cries].
FÉDYA. Másha, dearest! I meant to do it for the best.
MÁSHA. Best for yourself!
FÉDYA [smiles] How's that, when I meant to kill myself?
MÁSHA. Of course, best for yourself! But what is it you want? Tell me.
FÉDYA. What I want? I want a great deal.
MÁSHA. Well, what? What?
FÉDYA. First of all, to keep my promise. That is the first thing, and
quite sufficient. To lie, and do all the dirty work necessary to get a
divorce ... I can't!
MÁSHA. Granted that it's horrid--I myself ...
FÉDYA. Next, they must really be free--my wife and he. After all, they
are good people; and why should they suffer? That's the second thing.
MÁSHA. Well, there isn't much good in her, if she's thrown you over.
FÉDYA. She didn't--I threw her over.
MÁSHA. All right, all right! It's always you. She is an angel! What
else!
FÉDYA. This--that you are a good, dear girlie--and that I love you, and
if I live I shall ruin you.
MÁSHA. That's not your business. I know quite well what will ruin me.
FÉDYA [sighs] But above all, above all ... What use is my life? Don't I
know that I am a lost good-for-nothing? I am a burden to myself and to
everybody--as your father said. I'm worthless....
MÁSHA. What rubbish! I shall stick to you. I've stuck to you already,
and there's an end of it! As to your leading a bad life, drinking and
going on the spree--well, you're a living soul! Give it up, and have
done with it!
FÉDYA. That's easily said.
MÁSHA. Well, then, do it.
FÉDYA. Yes, when I look at you I feel as if I could really do anything.
MÁSHA. And so you shall! Yes, you'll do it! [Sees the letter] What's
that? You've written to them? What have you written?
FÉDYA. What have I written?... [Takes the letter and is about to tear it
up] It's no longer wanted now.
MÁSHA [snatches the letter] You've said you would kill yourself? Yes?
You did not mention the revolver--only said that you'd kill yourself?
FÉDYA. Yes, that I should be no more.
MÁSHA. Give it me--give it, give it!... Have you read _What to Do_?
FÉDYA. I think I have.
MÁSHA. It's a tiresome novel, but there's one very, very good thing in
it. That what's his name?--Rakhmánov--goes and pretends he has drowned
himself. And you--can you swim?
FÉDYA. No.
MÁSHA. That's all right. Let me have your clothes--everything, and your
pocket-book too.
FÉDYA. How can I?
MÁSHA. Wait a bit, wait, wait! Let's go home; then you'll change your
clothes.
FÉDYA. But it will be a fraud.
MÁSHA. All right! You go to bathe, your clothes remain on the bank, in
the pocket is your pocket-book and this letter.
FÉDYA. Yes, and then?
MÁSHA. And then? Why, then we'll go off together and live gloriously.
Enter Iván Petróvich.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. There now! And the revolver? I'll take it.
MÁSHA. Take it; take it! We're off.
Curtain.
SCENE 2
The Protásovs' drawing-room.
KARÉNIN. He promised so definitely, that I am sure he will keep his
word.
LISA. I am ashamed to say it, but I must confess that what I heard about
that gipsy girl makes me feel quite free. Don't think it is jealousy; it
isn't, but you know--it sets me free. I hardly know how to tell you....
KARÉNIN. You don't know how to tell me ... Why?
LISA [smiling] Never mind! Only let me explain what I feel. The chief
thing that tormented me was, that I felt I loved two men; and that meant
that I was an immoral woman.
KARÉNIN. _You_ immoral?
LISA. But since I knew that he had got someone else, and that he
therefore did not need me, I felt free, and felt that I might truthfully
say that I love you. Now things are clear within me, and only my
position torments me. This divorce! It is such torture--and then this
waiting!
KARÉNIN. It will soon, very soon, be settled. Besides his promise, I
sent my secretary to him with the petition ready for signature, and told
him not to leave till it is signed. If I did not know him so well, I
should think he was purposely behaving as he does.
LISA. He? No, it is the result both of his weakness and his honesty. He
doesn't want to say what is not true. Only you were wrong to send him
money.
KARÉNIN. I had to. The want of it might be the cause of the delay.
LISA. No, there is something bad about money.
KARÉNIN. Well, anyhow, _he_ need not have been so punctilious ...
LISA. How selfish we are becoming!
KARÉNIN. Yes, I confess it. It's your own fault. After all that waiting,
that hopelessness, I am now so happy! And happiness makes one selfish.
It's your fault!
LISA. Do you think it's you only? I too--I feel full of happiness,
bathed in bliss! I have everything--Mísha has recovered, your mother
likes me, and you--and above all, I, I love!
KARÉNIN. Yes? And no repenting? No turning back?
LISA. Since that day everything has changed in me.
KARÉNIN. And will not change again?
LISA. Never! I only wish you to have done with it all as completely as I
have.
Enter nurse, with baby. Lisa takes the baby on her lap.
KARÉNIN. What wretched people we are!
LISA [kissing baby] Why?
KARÉNIN. When you married, and I heard of it on my return from abroad,
and was wretched because I felt that I had lost you, it was a relief to
me to find that you still remembered me. I was content even with that.
Then when our friendship was established and I felt your kindness to me,
and even a little gleam of something in our friendship that was more
than friendship, I was almost happy. I was only tormented by a fear that
I was not being honest towards Fédya. But no! I was always so firmly
conscious that any other relation than one of purest friendship with my
friend's wife was impossible--besides which, I knew you--that I was not
really troubled about that. Afterwards, when Fédya began to cause you
anxiety, and I felt that I was of some use to you, and that my
friendship was beginning to alarm you--I was quite happy, and a sort of
vague hope awoke in me. Still later, when he became altogether
impossible and you decided to leave him, and I spoke to you plainly for
the first time, and you did not say "No," but went away in tears--then I
was perfectly happy; and had I then been asked what more I wanted, I
should have answered "Nothing"! But later on, when there came the
possibility of uniting our lives: when my mother grew fond of you and
the possibility began to be realised; when you told me that you loved
and had loved me, and then (as you did just now) that he no longer
existed for you and that you love only me--what more, one would think,
could I wish for? But no! Now the past torments me! I wish that past had
not existed, and that there were nothing to remind me of it.
LISA [reproachfully] Victor!
KARÉNIN. Lisa, forgive me! If I tell you this, it is only because I
don't want a single thought of mine about you to be hidden from you. I
have purposely told you, to show how bad I am, and how well I know that
I must struggle with and conquer myself.... And now I've done it! I love
him.
LISA. That's as it should be. I did all I could, but it was not I that
did what you desired: it happened in my heart, from which everything but
you has vanished.
KARÉNIN. Everything?
LISA. Everything, everything--or I would not say so.
Enter footman.
FOOTMAN. Mr. Voznesénsky.
KARÉNIN. He's come with Fédya's answer.
LISA [to Karénin] Ask him in here.
KARÉNIN [rising and going to the door] Well, here is the answer!
LISA [gives baby to nurse; exit nurse] Is it possible, Victor, that
everything will now be decided? [Kisses Karénin].
Enter Voznesénsky.
KARÉNIN. Well?
VOZNESÉNSKY. He has gone.
KARÉNIN. Gone! And without signing the petition?
VOZNESÉNSKY. The petition is not signed, but a letter was left for you
and Elisabeth Andréyevna [Takes letter out of his pocket and gives it to
Karénin] I went to his lodgings, and was told he was at the restaurant.
I went there, and Mr. Protásov told me to return in an hour and I should
then have his answer. I went back, and then ...
KARÉNIN. Is it possible that this means another delay? More excuses! No,
that would be downright wicked. How he has fallen!
LISA. But do read the letter! [Karénin opens letter].
VOZNESÉNSKY. You do not require me any longer?
KARÉNIN. Well, no. Good-bye! Thank you ... [Pauses in astonishment as he
reads].
Exit Voznesénsky.
LISA. What--what is it?
KARÉNIN. This is awful!
LISA [takes hold of letter] Read!
KARÉNIN [reads] "Lisa and Victor, I address myself to you both. I won't
lie and call you 'dear' or anything else. I cannot master the feeling of
bitterness and reproach (I reproach myself, but all the same it is
painful) when I think of you and of your love and happiness. I know
everything. I know that though I was the husband, I have--by a series of
accidents--been in your way. _C'est moi qui suis l'intrus._[22] But all
the same, I cannot restrain a feeling of bitterness and coldness towards
you. I love you both in theory, especially Lisa, Lisette! But actually I
am more than cold towards you. I know I am wrong, but cannot change."
[22] It is I who am the intruder.
LISA. How can he ...
KARÉNIN [continues reading] "But to business! This very feeling of
discord within me forces me to fulfil your desire not in the way you
wish. Lying, acting so disgusting a comedy, bribing the Consistorium,
and all those horrors, are intolerably repulsive to me. Vile as I may
be, I am vile in a different way, and cannot take part in those
abominations--simply cannot! The solution at which I have arrived is the
simplest: to be happy, you must marry. I am in the way; consequently I
must destroy myself...."
LISA [seizes Victor's hand] Victor!
KARÉNIN [reads] "... must destroy myself. And I will do it. When you get
this letter, I shall be no more.
"_P.S._ What a pity you sent me money to pay for the divorce proceedings!
It is unpleasant, and unlike you! But it can't be helped. I have so
often made mistakes, why shouldn't you make one? I return the money. My
way of escape is shorter, cheaper, and surer. All I ask is, don't be
angry with me, and think kindly of me. And, one thing more--there is a
clockmaker, Evgényev, here. Can't you help him, and set him on his feet?
He's a good man, though weak.--Good-bye,
"FÉDYA."
LISA. He has taken his life! Yes ...
KARÉNIN [rings, and runs out to the hall] Call Mr. Voznesénsky back!
LISA. I knew it! I knew it! Fédya, dear Fédya!
KARÉNIN. Lisa!
LISA. It's not true, not true that I didn't love him and don't love him!
I love only him! I love him! And I've killed him. Leave me!
Enter Voznesénsky.
KARÉNIN. Where is Mr. Protásov? What did they tell you?
VOZNESÉNSKY. They told me he went out this morning, left this letter,
and had not returned.
KARÉNIN. We shall have to find out about it, Lisa. I must leave you.
LISA. Forgive me, but I too can't lie! Go now--go, and find out ...
Curtain.
ACT V
SCENE 1
A dirty room in a low-class restaurant. A table, at which people sit
drinking tea and vódka. In the foreground a small table, at which
sits Fédya, tattered, and much come down in the world. With him is
Petushkóv, a gentle, mild man with long hair, of clerical
appearance. Both are slightly drunk.
PETUSHKÓV. I understand, I understand. That is true love! Yes? Go on.
FÉDYA. Well, you know, if a woman of our class showed such feeling and
sacrificed everything for the man she loved.... But she was a gipsy,
brought up to money-hunting, and yet she had this self-sacrificing love!
Gave everything, and wanted nothing herself! The contrast was so
wonderful!
PETUSHKÓV. Yes, in art we call it "value." You can only get quite bright
red by putting green round it. But that's not to the point. I
understand, quite understand.
FÉDYA. Yes, and I believe the one good action of my life is that I never
took advantage of her love. And do you know why?
PETUSHKÓV. Pity.
FÉDYA. Oh no! I never felt pity for her. What I felt for her was always
rapturous admiration--and when she sang! Ah, how she sang--and perhaps
still sings! I always regarded her as far above me. I did not ruin her,
simply because I loved her; loved her truly. And now she's a good, happy
memory! [Drinks].
PETUSHKÓV. Yes, I understand, I understand. It's ideal.
FÉDYA. I'll tell you something. I have had my passions, and once I was
in love with a lady--very handsome--and I loved her nastily, like a dog.
She gave me a _rendezvous_. And I did not go, because I thought it was
treating the husband shabbily. And it is strange that, even now, when I
remember it I want to feel pleased and to approve of myself for having
acted honourably, but I always repent as if I had committed a sin! But
in the case of Másha, on the contrary, I am always pleased--pleased that
I did not pollute that feeling of mine.... I may fall lower still, sell
all I have on me, be covered with lice and sores--but this jewel ... no,
not jewel, but ray of sunshine, is still with me and in me.
PETUSHKÓV. I understand, I understand! And where is she now?
FÉDYA. I don't know! And I'd rather not know. All _that_ belonged to a
different life; and I don't want to mix it up with this....
A woman is heard screaming at a table behind. The manager and a
policeman come in and take her out. Fédya and Petushkóv listen, and
look on in silence. When all is quiet again,
PETUSHKÓV. Yes, your life is astonishing.
FÉDYA. No, it's most simple! You know, in the society in which I was
born there are only three careers open to a man--only three. The first
is to enter the civil or military service, to earn money and increase
the abominations amid which we live. That was repulsive to me. Perhaps I
had not the capacity for it; but above all it repelled me. Then the
second is to destroy those abominations. To do that you must be a hero;
and I am not a hero. And the third is to forget it all by going on the
spree, drinking and singing. That is what I did. And this is what my
singing has brought me to! [Drinks].
PETUSHKÓV. And what about family life? I should be happy if I had a
wife. My wife ruined me.
FÉDYA. Family life? Yes, my wife was an ideal woman. She is still
living. But how shall I tell you? There was no yeast in it--you know,
the yeast that makes the beer froth! Well, there was nothing of that in
our life: it was flat, and I wanted something to help me to forget--and
one can't forget when there's no sparkle in life. Then I began to do all
sorts of nasty things. And you know, we love people for the good we do
them, and dislike them for the harm we do them; and I did her much harm.
She seemed to love me ...
PETUSHKÓV. Why do you say "seemed"?
FÉDYA. I say it because there was never anything about her that made her
creep into my soul as Másha did. But that's not what I meant to say.
When she was pregnant, or nursing her baby, I used to vanish, and come
home drunk; and of course, just because of that, I loved her less and
less. Yes, yes! [in ecstasy] I have it! The reason I love Másha is that
I did her good and not harm. That's why I love her. The other one I
tormented, and therefore I don't like her.... No, after all, I simply
don't like her! Was I jealous? Yes, but that too is past....
Enter Artémyev, with a cockade on his cap, dyed moustaches, and old
renovated clothes.
ARTÉMYEV. Wish you a good appetite! [Bows to Fédya] I see you've made
acquaintance with our painter, our artist.
FÉDYA [coldly] Yes, we are acquainted.
ARTÉMYEV [to Petushkóv] And have you finished the portrait?
PETUSHKÓV. No, I lost the order.
ARTÉMYEV [Sits down] I'm not in your way?
Fédya and Petushkóv do not answer.
PETUSHKÓV. Theodore Vasílyevich was telling me about his life.
ARTÉMYEV. Secrets? Then I won't disturb you--go on? I'm sure I don't
want you. Swine! [Goes to next table and calls for beer. He listens all
the time to Fédya's conversation with Petushkóv, and leans towards them
without their noticing it.]
FÉDYA. I don't like that gentleman.
PETUSHKÓV. He was offended.
FÉDYA. Well, let him be! I can't stand him. He is such a fellow, my
words won't come when he is there. Now with you I feel at ease, and
comfortable. Well, what was I saying?
PETUSHKÓV. You were speaking about your jealousy. And how was it you
parted from your wife?
FÉDYA. Ah! [Pauses and considers] It's a curious story. My wife is
married ...
PETUSHKÓV. How's that? Are you divorced?
FÉDYA [smiles] No, I left her a widow.
PETUSHKÓV. What do you mean?
FÉDYA. I mean that she's a widow! I don't exist.
PETUSHKÓV. Don't exist?
FÉDYA. No, I'm a corpse! Yes ... [Artémyev leans over, listening] Well,
you see--I _can_ tell _you_ about it; and besides, it happened long ago;
and you don't know my real name. It was this way. When I had tired out
my wife and had squandered everything I could lay my hands on, and had
become unbearable, a protector turned up for her. Don't imagine that
there was anything dirty or bad about it--no, he was my friend and a
very good fellow--only in everything my exact opposite! And as there is
far more evil than good in me, it follows that he was a good--a very
good man: honourable, firm, self-restrained and, in a word, virtuous. He
had known my wife from her childhood, and loved her. When she married me
he resigned himself to his fate. But later, when I became horrid and
tormented her, he began to come oftener to our house. I myself wished
it. They fell in love with one another, and meanwhile I went altogether
to the bad, and abandoned my wife of my own accord. And besides, there
was Másha. I myself advised them to marry. They did not want to, but I
became more and more impossible, and it ended in ...
PETUSHKÓV. The usual thing?
FÉDYA. No. I am sure; I know for certain that they remained pure. He is
a religious man, and considers marriage without the Church's blessing a
sin. So they began asking me to agree to a divorce. I should have had to
take the blame on myself. It would have been necessary to tell all sorts
of lies ... and I couldn't! Believe me, it would have been easier for me
to take my life than to tell such lies--and I wished to do so. But then
a kind friend came and said, "Why do it?" and arranged it all for me. I
wrote a farewell letter, and next day my clothes, pocket-book and
letters were found on the river bank. I can't swim.
PETUSHKÓV. Yes, but how about the body? They did not find that!
FÉDYA. They did! Fancy! A week later somebody's body was found. My wife
was called to identify the decomposing body. She just glanced at it. "Is
it he?" "It is." And so it was left. I was buried, and they married and
are living in this town, happily. And I--here I am, living and drinking!
Yesterday I passed their house. The windows were lit up, and someone's
shadow crossed the blind. Sometimes it's horrid, and sometimes not. It's
horrid when I've no money ... [Drinks].
ARTÉMYEV [approaches] Excuse me, but I heard your story. It's a very
good story, and more than that--a very useful one! You say it's horrid
when one has no money? There's nothing more horrid. But you, in your
position, should always have money. Aren't you a corpse? Well then ...
FÉDYA. Excuse me! I did not speak to you and don't want your advice.
ARTÉMYEV. But I want to give it! You are a corpse; but suppose you come
to life again? Then they, your wife and that gentleman, who are so
happy--they would be bigamists, and at best would be sent to the less
distant parts of Siberia. So why should you lack money?
FÉDYA. I beg you to leave me alone.
ARTÉMYEV. Simply write a letter. I'll write it for you if you like; only
give me their address, and you'll be grateful to me.
FÉDYA. Be off, I tell you! I have told you nothing!
ARTÉMYEV. Yes, you have! Here's my witness. The waiter heard you say you
were a corpse.
WAITER. I know nothing about it.
FÉDYA. You scoundrel!
ARTÉMYEV. Am I a scoundrel? Eh, police! I'll give him in charge!
Fédya rises to go, but Artémyev holds him. Enter policeman.
Curtain.
SCENE 2
The ivy-covered verandah of a bungalow in the country. Anna
Dmítrievna Karénina. Lisa (pregnant), nurse, and boy.
LISA. Now he's on his way from the station.
BOY. Who is?
LISA. Papa.
BOY. Papa's coming from the station?
LISA. _C'est étonnant comme il l'aime, tout-à-fait comme son père._[23]
[23] It is surprising how he loves him--just as if he were his father.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. _Tant mieux! Se souvient-il de son père véritable?_[24]
[24] So much the better! Does he remember his real father?
LISA [sighs] I never speak to him about it. I say to myself, "Why
confuse him?" Sometimes I think I ought to tell him. What is your
opinion, _Maman_?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I think it is a matter of feeling, Lisa, and if you
obey your feelings your heart will tell you what to say and when to say
it. What a wonderful conciliator death is! I confess there was a time
when Fédya--whom I had known from a child--was repulsive to me; but now
I only remember him as that nice lad, Victor's friend, and as the
passionate man who sacrificed himself--illegally and irreligiously, but
still sacrificed himself--for those he loved. _On aura beau dire,
l'action est belle._[25]... I hope Victor will not forget to bring the
wool: I've hardly any left. [Knits].
[25] Say what one likes--it is a fine action.
LISA. I hear him coming.
The sound of wheels and bells is heard. Lisa rises, and goes to the
edge of the veranda.
LISA. There's someone with him, a lady in a bonnet--It's Mother! I have
not seen her for an age. [Goes to the door].
Enter Karénin and Anna Pávlovna.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [kisses Lisa and Anna Dmítrievna] Victor met me, and has
brought me here.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. He has done well.
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes, certainly. I thought to myself, "When shall I see
her again?" and kept putting it off. But now I've come, and if you don't
turn me out I will stay till the last train.
KARÉNIN [kisses his wife, mother, and the boy] D'you know what a piece
of luck! Congratulate me--I have two days' holiday. They'll be able to
get on without me to-morrow.
LISA. Splendid! Two days! It's long since we had that! We'll drive to
the Hermitage, shall we?
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What a likeness! Isn't he a strapping fellow? If only he
has not inherited everything--his father's heart ...
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. But not his weakness.
LISA. No, everything! Victor agrees with me that if only he had been
rightly guided in childhood ...
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, I don't know about that; but I simply can't think
of him without tears.
LISA. No more can we. How much higher he stands now in our recollection!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes, I am sure of it.
LISA. How it all seemed insoluble at one time--and then everything
suddenly came right.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Well, Victor, did you get the wool?
KARÉNIN. Yes, I did. [Brings a bag, and takes out parcels]. Here is the
wool, and this is the eau-de-Cologne; and here are letters--one "On
Government Service" for you, Lisa [hands her a letter]. Well Anna
Pávlovna, if you want to wash your hands I will show you your room. I
must make myself tidy too; it is almost dinner time. Lisa, Anna
Pávlovna's room is the corner one downstairs, isn't it?
Lisa is pale; holds the letter in trembling hands, and reads it.
KARÉNIN. What's the matter? Lisa, what is it?
LISA. He is alive!... Oh God! When will he release me! Victor, what does
this mean? [Sobs].
KARÉNIN [Takes letter and reads] This is dreadful!
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. What is it? Why don't you tell me?
KARÉNIN. It is dreadful! He's alive, she's a bigamist, and I a
criminal! It's a notice from the Examining Magistrate--a summons for
Lisa to appear before him.
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. What a dreadful man! Why has he done this?
KARÉNIN. All lies, lies!
LISA. Oh, how I hate him! I don't know what I am saying ... [Exit in
tears. Karénin follows her].
ANNA PÁVLOVNA. How is it he's alive?
ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. All I know is, that as soon as Victor came in contact
with this world of mud--they were sure to draw him in too! And so they
have. It's all fraud--all lies!
Curtain.
ACT VI
SCENE 1
The room of an Examining Magistrate, who sits at a table talking to
Mélnikov. At a side table a clerk is sorting papers.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. But I never said anything of the kind to her. She
invented it, and now reproaches me.
MÉLNIKOV. She does not reproach you, but is grieved.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. All right, I'll come to dinner. But now I have a
very interesting case on. [To Clerk] Ask her in.
CLERK. Shall I ask them both?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE [finishes his cigarette and hides it] No, only Mrs.
Karénina, or rather--by her first husband--Protásova.
MÉLNIKOV [going out] Ah, Karénina!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Yes, it's a nasty affair. It's true I am only
beginning to look into it, but it's a bad business. Well, good-bye!
[Exit Mélnikov].
Enter Lisa, in black and veiled.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Take a seat, please. [Points to a chair] Believe
me, I much regret to have to question you, but we are under the
necessity ... Please be calm, and remember that you need not answer my
questions. Only, in my opinion, for your own sake--and in fact for
everybody's sake--the truth is best. It is always best, even
practically.
LISA. I have nothing to conceal.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Well then [looks at paper]--your name, position,
religion--all that I have put down. Is it correct?
LISA. Yes.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. You are accused of contracting a marriage with
another man, knowing your husband to be alive.
LISA. I did not know it.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. And also of having persuaded your husband, and
bribed him with money, to commit a fraud--a pretended suicide--in order
to free yourself of him.
LISA. That is all untrue.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Well then, allow me to put a few questions. Did
you send him 1,200 roubles in July of last year?
LISA. It was his own money, the proceeds of the sale of some things of
his. At the time I parted from him, and when I was expecting a divorce,
I sent him the money.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Just so! Very well. That money was sent to him on
the 17th of July, two days before his disappearance?
LISA. I think it was on the 17th, but I don't remember.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. And why was the application to the Consistorium
for a divorce withdrawn, just at that time--and the lawyer told not to
proceed with the case?
LISA. I don't know.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Well, and when the police asked you to identify
the body, how was it you recognised it as your husband's?
LISA. I was so excited that I did not look at the body, and I felt so
sure it was he, that when they asked me I answered, "I think it is he."
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Yes, you did not see well, in consequence of a
very natural excitement. And now may I ask why you have sent a monthly
remittance to Sarátov, the very town where your first husband was
living?
LISA. My husband sent that money, and I cannot say what it was for, as
that is not my secret. But it was not sent to Theodore Vasílyevich, for
we were firmly convinced of his death. That I can say for certain.[26]
[26] Had Tolstoy lived to give a final revision to this play, he would
probably have made it clearer that Karénin sent a monthly payment to
the clockmaker Evgényev, in response to the request contained in the
last letter Fédya addressed to Lisa and himself; and that this money
found its way to Fédya.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Very well. Only allow me to remark, madam, that
the fact of our being servants of the law does not prevent our being
men; and believe me I quite understand your position and sympathise with
you! You were tied to a man who squandered your property, was
unfaithful--in short, brought misfortune....
LISA. I loved him.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Yes; but still the desire to free yourself was
natural, and you chose this simpler way, without realising that it would
lead you into what is considered a crime--bigamy! I quite understand it.
The judges will understand too; and therefore I advise you to confess
everything.
LISA. I have nothing to confess. I have never lied. [Cries] Do you want
me any longer?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I must ask you to remain here. I will not trouble
you with any more questions. Only kindly read this over and sign it. It
is your deposition. See whether your answers have been correctly taken
down. Please take that seat. [Points to an armchair by the window. To
Clerk] Ask Mr. Karénin to come in.
Enter Karénin, stern and solemn.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Please take a seat.
KARÉNIN. Thank you! [Remains standing] What do you want of me?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I have to take your deposition.
KARÉNIN. In what capacity?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE [smiling] I, in the capacity of Examining
Magistrate, am obliged to question you in the capacity of an accused
person.
KARÉNIN. Indeed! Accused of what?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Of marrying a woman whose husband was alive.
However, allow me to question you properly. Kindly sit down.
KARÉNIN. Thank you.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Your name?
KARÉNIN. Victor Karénin.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Your calling?
KARÉNIN. Chamberlain and Member of Council.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Age?
KARÉNIN. Thirty-eight.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Religion?
KARÉNIN. Orthodox; and I have never before been tried or questioned!
Well?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Did you know that Theodore Vasílyevich Protásov
was alive when you married his wife?
KARÉNIN. I did not know it. We were both convinced that he was drowned.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. After Protásov's alleged death, to whom in Sarátov
did you send a monthly remittance?
KARÉNIN. I do not wish to reply to that question.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Very well. Why did you send money--1,200
roubles--to Mr. Protásov just before his pretended death on 17th July?
KARÉNIN. That money was given to me by my wife ...
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. By Mrs. Protásova?
KARÉNIN. ... by my wife, to send to her husband. She considered that
money to be his, and having severed all connection with him, considered
it unfair to keep it.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. One more question--why did you withdraw the
application for divorce?
KARÉNIN. Because Theodore Vasílyevich undertook to apply for a divorce,
and wrote me about it.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Have you got his letter?
KARÉNIN. It has been lost.[27]
[27] Karénin does not produce Fédya's letter because it would have
proved connivance in the divorce proceedings.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. It is strange that everything which might convince
the Court of the truth of your evidence should either be lost or
non-existent.
KARÉNIN. Do you want anything more?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I want nothing, except to do my duty; but you'll
have to exonerate yourselves, and I have just advised Mrs. Protásova,
and I advise you also, not to try to hide what everyone can see, but to
say what really happened. Especially as Mr. Protásov is in such a
condition that he has already told everything just as it happened, and
will probably do the same in Court, I should advise ...
KARÉNIN. I request you to keep within the limits of your duty, and not
to give me your advice! May we go? [Approaches Lisa, who rises and takes
his arm].
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I am very sorry to be obliged to detain you ...
[Karénin looks round in astonishment] Oh, I don't mean that I arrest
you. Though that would make it easier to get at the truth, I shall not
resort to such a measure. I only want to take Protásov's deposition in
your presence, and to confront him with you--which will make it easier
for you to detect any falsehood in what he says. Please take a seat.
Call in Mr. Protásov!
Enter Fédya, dirty and shabby.
FÉDYA [addresses Lisa and Karénin] Lisa! Elisabeth Andréyevna! Victor! I
am not guilty! I wished to act for the best. But if I am guilty ...
forgive me, forgive me! [Bows low to them].
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Please to answer my questions.
FÉDYA. Ask, then.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Your name?
FÉDYA. Why, you know it!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Please answer.
FÉDYA. Well then, Theodore Protásov.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Your calling, age and religion?
FÉDYA [after a pause] Aren't you ashamed to ask such nonsense? Ask what
you want to know, and not such rubbish!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I beg you to be more careful in your expressions,
and to answer my questions!
FÉDYA. Well, if you're not ashamed of it, here you are: Calling,
graduate; age, forty; religion, Orthodox. What next!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Did Mr. Karénin and your wife know that you were
alive when you left your clothes on the river bank and disappeared?
FÉDYA. Certainly not! I wished really to commit suicide, but
afterwards--but there's no need to go into that. The thing is, that they
knew nothing about it.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. How is it that you gave a different account to the
police officer?
FÉDYA. What police officer? Oh, when he came to see me at the dosshouse?
I was drunk, and was romancing. I don't remember what I said. All that
was rubbish. Now I am not drunk, and am telling the whole truth! They
knew nothing. They believed that I was no longer alive, and I was glad
of it. And everything would have gone on as it was, but for that rascal,
Artémyev! If anyone is guilty, it is I alone.
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I understand your wish to be magnanimous, but the
law demands the truth. Why was money sent to you?
Fédya is silent.
You received through Semyónov the money sent to you in Sarátov?
Fédya is silent.
Why don't you answer? It will be put down in the depositions that the
accused did not answer these questions, and this may harm you and them
very much. Well then, how was it?
FÉDYA [after a pause] Oh, Mr. Magistrate, how is it you are not ashamed!
Why do you pry into other people's lives? You are glad to have power,
and to show it, you torment not physically but morally--torment people a
thousand times better than yourself!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I beg ...
FÉDYA. You've nothing to beg! I shall say what I think, and you [to
Clerk] write it down! At least for once there will be sensible human
words in a police report! [Raises his voice] There are three people: I,
he, and she. Our relations to one another are complex--a spiritual
struggle such as you know nothing of, a struggle between good and evil
goes on. That struggle ends in a manner which sets them free. They were
all at peace. They were happy, and remembered me with affection. I,
fallen as I was, was glad that I had acted as I ought, and that I, a
good-for-nothing, had gone out of their lives, so as not to stand in the
way of people who were good and who had life before them. And so we were
all living, when suddenly a blackmailing scoundrel appears who wants me
to take part in his rascality, and I send him about his business. Then
he comes to you, to the champion of Justice! The guardian of Morality!
And you, who receive each month a few pounds for doing your dirty work,
put on your uniform, and calmly bully these people--bully people whose
little finger is worth more than your whole body and soul! People who
would not admit you to their anteroom! But you have got so far, and are
pleased ...
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I shall have you turned out!
FÉDYA. I'm not afraid of anyone, because I'm a corpse and you can't do
me any harm. No position could be worse than mine! So turn me out!
KARÉNIN. May we go?
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Immediately, but first sign your deposition.
FÉDYA. You'd be quite comic, if you weren't so vile!
EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Take him away! I arrest you.
FÉDYA [to Lisa and Karénin] Forgive me!
KARÉNIN [approaches and holds out his hand] It had to happen!
Lisa passes by. Fédya bows low to her.
Curtain.
SCENE 2
A corridor of the Law Courts. In the background a door with glass
panels, beside which stands an usher. Further to the right another
door through which the accused are led.
Iván Petróvich Alexándrov comes to the first door and wishes to
enter.
USHER. Where are you going? You mustn't! Shoving in like that!
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Why mustn't I? The law says the proceedings are public.
[Applause is heard from inside the Court].
USHER. Anyhow, you mustn't, and that's all about it.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Ignorant fellow! You don't know whom you are speaking
to!
A Young Lawyer in a dress-suit enters from the Court.
YOUNG LAWYER. Are you concerned in this case?
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. No, I am the public, and this ignoramus--this
Cerberus--won't let me in!
YOUNG LAWYER. But this door is not for the public.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. I know, but I am a man who should be admitted.
YOUNG LAWYER. Wait a bit--they'll adjourn in a minute. [Is just going,
when he meets Prince Abrézkov].
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. May I ask how the case stands?
YOUNG LAWYER. The Counsel are speaking--Petrúshin is addressing the
Court.
Applause from within.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. And how do the defendants bear their position?
YOUNG LAWYER. With great dignity, especially Karénin and Elisabeth
Andréyevna. It is as if not they were being indicted, but they were
indicting society! That's what is felt, and on that Petrúshin is
working.
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Well, and Protásov?
YOUNG LAWYER. He is terribly excited. He trembles all over; but that is
natural, considering the life he leads. He is particularly irritable,
and interrupted the Public Prosecutor and Counsel several times ...
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. What do you think the result will be?
YOUNG LAWYER. It is hard to say. In any case they won't be found guilty
of premeditation; but still ... [A gentleman comes out, and Prince
Abrézkov moves towards the door] You wish to go in?
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I should like to.
YOUNG LAWYER. You are Prince Abrézkov?
PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I am.
YOUNG LAWYER [to Usher] Let this gentleman pass. There is an empty chair
just to the left.
Usher lets Prince Abrézkov pass. As the door opens, Counsel is seen
speaking.
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Aristocrats! I am an aristocrat of the soul, and that is
higher!
YOUNG LAWYER. Well, excuse me ... [Exit].
Petushkóv enters hurriedly, and approaches Iván Petróvich.
PETUSHKÓV. Ah, how are you, Iván Petróvich? How are things going?
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Counsel are still speaking, but this fellow won't let me
in.
USHER. Don't make a noise here! This is not a public-house!
Applause. The doors open. Lawyers, and the public--men and
women--come out.
A LADY. Splendid! He really moved me to tears.
OFFICER. It's better than any novel. Only I don't understand how she
could love him so. Dreadful object!
The other door opens. The accused come out: first Lisa, then
Karénin. They pass along the corridor. Fédya follows alone.
LADY. Hush--here he is! Look how excited he seems!
Lady and Officer pass on.
FÉDYA [approaches Iván Petróvich] Have you brought it?
IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Here it is. [Hands Fédya something].
FÉDYA [Hides it in his pocket, and wishes to pass out, but sees
Petushkóv] Stupid! Vile! Dreary, dreary! Senseless. [Wishes to pass].
Enter Counsel Petrúshin; stout, red, and animated. He approaches
Fédya.
PETRÚSHIN. Well, friend! Our affairs are going well--only don't you go
and spoil things for me in your last speech!
FÉDYA. I won't speak. What is the use? I shan't do it.
PETRÚSHIN. Yes, you must speak. But don't be excited. The whole matter
is now in a nutshell! Only tell them what you told me--that if you are
being tried, it is only for _not_ having committed suicide: that is, for
not doing what is considered a crime both by civil and ecclesiastical
law.
FÉDYA. I shan't say anything!
PETRÚSHIN. Why not?
FÉDYA. I don't want to, and shan't. Tell me only, at the worst, what
will it be?
PETRÚSHIN. I have already told you--at worst, exile to Siberia.
FÉDYA. Who will be exiled?
PETRÚSHIN. You and your wife.
FÉDYA. And at best?
PETRÚSHIN. Church penance, and of course annulment of the second
marriage.
FÉDYA. Then they will again tie me to her--or rather, her to me?
PETRÚSHIN. Yes, that must be so. But don't excite yourself, and please
say what I told you, and above all, don't say anything superfluous.
However [noticing that a circle of listeners has formed round them] I am
tired, and will go and sit down; and you'd better take a rest. The chief
thing is, not to lose courage!
FÉDYA. No other sentence is possible?
PETRÚSHIN [going] No other.
Enter Attendant.
ATTENDANT. Pass on! Pass on! No loitering in the corridor!
FÉDYA. Directly! [Takes out revolver and shoots himself in the heart.
Falls. All rush on him] All right, I think it is done.... Lisa!...
The audience, judges, accused, and witnesses rush out from all the
doors.
In front of all is Lisa. Behind her Másha, Karénin, Iván Petróvich
and Prince Abrézkov.
LISA. Fédya, what have you done! Why?
FÉDYA. Forgive me that I could not ... free you any other way.... It's
not for you ... it's best for me. I have long ... been ready ...
LISA. You will live!
A Doctor bends over Fédya and listens.
FÉDYA. I need no doctor to tell me ... Good-bye, Victor ... Ah,
Másha!... it's too late this time ... [Weeps] How good ... how good!
[Dies].
Curtain.
END OF "THE LIVE CORPSE."
[ Transcriber's Note:
The following is a list of corrections made to the original. The first
line is the original line, the second the corrected one.
ELISABETH ANDRÉYEVNA PROTÁSOVA (LISA). His wife
ELISABETH ANDRÉYEVNA PROTÁSOVA (LISA). His wife.
PROTÁSOVS' NURSE.
THE PROTÁSOVS' NURSE.
PROTÁSOVS' MAID.
THE PROTÁSOVS' MAID.
LISA. I can't, I can't! Anything rather than . . I can't!
LISA. I can't, I can't! Anything rather than ... I can't!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [passing through] Dunyásha! My trunk!
ANNA PÁVLOVNA [passing through] Dounyásha! My trunk!
Two weeks have passed since Act 1. Anna Pávlovna and Karénin are
Two weeks have passed since Act I. Anna Pávlovna and Karénin are
Fédya Stákhov (shaggy), Butkévich (close-shaven), and Korotkóv (a
Fédya, Stákhov (shaggy), Butkévich (close-shaven), and Korotkóv (a
plus._[12] It can't be helped!.. What can one do with him?
plus._[12] It can't be helped!... What can one do with him?
nice. But whatever he may be, _quels-que soient les torts qu'il a eu
nice. But whatever he may be, _quels que soient les torts qu'il a eus
that trespass against us." _Mais, c'est plus fort qui moi!
that trespass against us." _Mais, c'est plus fort que moi!_[17]
VICTOR. I am going. _Please_, Mother! [Exit.
VICTOR. I am going. _Please_, Mother! [Exit.]
[Awkward silence.
Awkward silence.
The Protasovs' drawing-room.
The Protásovs' drawing-room.
am more than cold towards you. I know I am wrong, but cannot change.
am more than cold towards you. I know I am wrong, but cannot change."
without their noticing it.
without their noticing it.]
]