[ Transcriber's Note: This e-book belongs to Tolstoy's Plays (Complete Edition). The front matter, including the table of contents, can be found in e-book #26660; it lists the other plays in the collection. Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible; changes (corrections of spelling and punctuation) made to the original text are listed at the end of this file. ] 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 nurseher baby herself! She has her troubles, and the child must suffer. Whatcan 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 writingsomething, 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 controlherself? SÁSHA. Well really, mother, you are amazing!... A woman has left herhusband, her child's father, and you expect her to be calm! ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, not calm ... But what's done is done! If I, hermother, not only allowed my daughter to leave her husband, but am evenglad 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 notbad--but on the contrary, he's a wonderful man, in spite of hisweaknesses. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes indeed, a "wonderful" man--as soon as he has money inhis 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 tosquander it all! SÁSHA. Squander or not, I only know that a wife must not separate fromher husband, especially from such a one as Fédya. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Then, in your opinion she ought to wait till he hassquandered 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 youall! But not me--no! He won't come over me! I see through him, and heknows 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 amother, to see my daughter divorced. Believe me it's not! But yet it isbetter than ruining a young life.... No, I'm thankful to God that shehas 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 loveanother. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Why not, when she's free? Many a man a thousand timesbetter than your Fédya might turn up who would be only too happy tomarry Lisa. SÁSHA. Mother, it's not right! I know you're thinking of VictorKarénin.... 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 outof 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'tthink 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 toboil again. Take it, Dounyásha. Maid takes samovár, and exit. ANNA PÁVLOVNA [to Sásha who has risen and is going out] It turns outjust 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 NurseTrífonovna. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, you'll see.... Don't I know her? She has sent forhim 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'sall 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 youto-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 behere directly. [In a melancholy voice] Ah yes! It is a sad time.... Butyou know all about it, don't you? KARÉNIN. I do. I was here, you know, the day before yesterday, when hisletter came. But is it possible that everything is irrevocably settled? ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Why of course! Naturally! To go through it all againwould be intolerable. KARÉNIN. This is a case where the proverb applies: "Measure ten timesbefore 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 arift in it, so that the tearing asunder was easier than one would havethought. He himself sees that, after what has occurred, it is impossiblefor him to return. KARÉNIN. Why so? ANNA PÁVLOVNA. How can you expect it, after all his horridgoings-on--after he swore it should not happen again, and that if it didhe 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 shallinsist on it. KARÉNIN. Yes, but Elisabeth Andréyevna loved him so.... ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Ah, but her love has suffered such trials that there canhardly 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--abroken reed, whom one can never depend on? Don't you know what it cameto ... ? [Looks round at the door, and continues hurriedly] All hisaffairs in a muddle, everything pawned, nothing to pay with! Then theiruncle sends 2, 000 roubles to pay the interest on their mortgagedestates, and he takes the money and disappears. His wife is left athome, with a sick baby, waiting for him--and at last gets a note askingher 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 yoursummons. [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 oneto 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 leavethem 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 aword, 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 isbetter than to be separated from him. In short--I want you to give himthis 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 mightsimply 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'llchange 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'sto find out where he was. I was told he had gone to the gipsies--whichis what I feared most of all. I know he will get carried away if he isnot 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 waitingfor him. KARÉNIN. But where am I to look for him? LISA. He is with the gipsies. I went there myself.... I went as far asthe porch, and wished to send in the letter, but changed my mind anddecided to ask you. Here is the address.... Well, then, tell him toreturn: tell him nothing has happened ... All is forgotten. Do it forlove 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 youthink 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 intoFédya'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 Ican'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 partfrom him? LISA. Why do you torment me! You seem to want to do it.... It's hardenough for me without that. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I torment you! Well then, I'll go. I can't stand by andsee it.... Lisa is silent. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. I see! That's just what you want--I'm in your way.... Ican't live so. I can't make you out at all! It's all sonew-fangled--first you make up your mind to separate, then you suddenlysend 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 fetchyour 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 inyour 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 slammingdoor]. 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 toLisa]. 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 solonow. 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 scaleis somehow different. Look here! [Beckons to a gipsy woman who islooking 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 itinto an opera, he'll only spoil it!... Now, Másha, start off! Let's have"Fateful Hour"--take your guitar. [Rises, sits down opposite her, andgazes into her eyes]. Másha sings. FÉDYA. That's good too! Másha, you're a brick!... Now then, "Not atEve"! AFRÉMOV. No, wait! First, my burial song.... OFFICER. Why _burial_? AFRÉMOV. Because, when I'm dead ... You know, dead and laid in mycoffin, the gipsies will come (you know I shall leave instructions withmy wife) and they will begin to sing "I Walked a Mile" ... And then I'lljump out of my coffin!... Do you understand? [To the musician] You justwrite 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--allthat this music expresses? Ah, it's fine!... And how is it man can reachsuch 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 sitsdown 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, takeit! Másha laughs, takes it, and hides it in her bosom. FÉDYA [to the gipsies] Who can make it out? She opens heaven for me, andthen asks for money to buy scents with! [To Másha] Why, you don't in theleast understand what you're doing! MÁSHA. Not understand indeed! I understand that when I am in love, I tryto 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 Ilove, 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 lettreet 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 mywords irresponsible.... I mean, that I am irresponsible! I am drunk, butin this matter I see quite clearly.... Well, what were you commissionedto 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 comeback. FÉDYA [listens in silence, gazing into Karénin's eyes] Still, I don'tunderstand 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 frommyself.... Come home! FÉDYA. You are a better man than I. (What nonsense! It is easy enough tobe better than I) ... I am a scoundrel, and you are a good--yes, a goodman.... 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 willreturn to-morrow. FÉDYA. And to-morrow, what?... I shall still be I, and she--she. [Goesto 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, Ihave 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 ourmarriage 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 Ł2, 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. Sheloves 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 oughtto 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, andthen finish up. Gipsies sing. FÉDYA. Ah, how good it is! If only one hadn't to wake up!... If onecould 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 doesnot 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 abasket]. 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'sawake, but if he's asleep don't disturb him. You need not paint thethroat. 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 himthe powders: one in the morning and the other at night. I will give youthe 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 liedown!... 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 ofdanger; and above all by your kindness. LISA [presses his hand again and laughs, showing him some money in herhand] 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 tobe 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 lovewith 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 littlebetter he at once began to smile and crow. I must go to him, but I don'tlike 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 thatanxiety!... [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 glumabout?... 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'sjust as if he were her _fiancé_ or her husband.... ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Whatever does it matter to you? Why need you get excitedabout it? Did you mean to marry him yourself? SÁSHA. I? Marry that pikestaff? I'd rather marry I don't know whom, thanhim! 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 sharesher anxiety about her baby, shows sympathy and helps her ... And shefeels 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 Boisis the best horse in Europe.... Will you bet? STÁKHOV. Don't, my dear fellow.... You know very well that nobodybelieves 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 giveyou 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 MoscowDerby? KOROTKÓV. He did--but what of that? It was only chance. If Crakus hadnot 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 inthat! 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 ćsthetics!... I'll go and see who itis. [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 emptydrawing-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 sothat 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 canask 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'ssake 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 tobring back the old state of affairs. But if you were me, if--strange asit sounds--you, dear sensitive girl, were in my place ... You wouldcertainly have done as I did, and have gone away and ceased to spoilsomeone 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 yetbe 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 ofthick paper this way and that a hundred times and still it holdstogether; but fold it once more, and it comes in half.... So it was withLisa and me. It hurts me too much to look into her eyes--and she feelsthe 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 youanswered 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 memoryto me.... But good-bye, dear heart!... Let me kiss you. [Kisses herforehead]. SÁSHA [agitated] No, I don't say good-bye, and I don't believe, andwon'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 andthe father of her child, but I am--superfluous! Wait, wait--don'treply.... You think I'm jealous? Not at all! In the first place, I haveno right; secondly, I have no cause. Victor Karénin is her old friendand mine too. He loves her, and she him. SÁSHA. No! FÉDYA. She does--as an honest, moral woman can, who does not allowherself to love anyone but her husband. But she loves, and will love himwhen 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 oftheir happiness, and it's the best I can do. I shall not return, butshall give them their freedom.... Tell them so.... Don't answer--andgood-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 upbefore the looking-glass]. Enter Abrézkov. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. _J'espčre 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 ętes toujours le bienvenu_[9]--andto-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 estpositivement ensorcelé!_[10] I never before knew him so insistent, soobstinate, so pitiless, and so indifferent to me. He has quite changedsince 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 theabominations--lawyers, proofs of guilt--_tout ça est dégoutant_![11] Andit doesn't seem to repel him. I don't understand him--he was always sosensitive, 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 bepure--could be a loving friendship, lasting through life? That kind oflove I understand and value. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Nowadays the young generation no longer contents itselfwith those ideal relations. _La possession de l'âme ne leur suffitplus. _[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 wereunder a spell. It's just as if he were someone else.... You know, Icalled on her. He begged me so. I went there, did not find her in, andleft my card. _Elle m'a fait demander si je ne pourrais larecevoir_;[13] and to-day [looks at the clock] at two o'clock, that isin a few minutes' time, she will be here. I promised Victor I wouldreceive 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 thewhole matter--Victor's fate! I must either refuse my consent--but howcan I? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Don't you know her at all? ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I have never seen her. But I'm afraid of her. A goodwoman could not consent to leave her husband, and he a good man, too! Asa fellow-student of Victor's he used to visit us, you know, and was verynice. But whatever he may be, _quels que soient les torts qu'il a eusvis-ŕ-vis d'elle_, [14] one must not leave one's husband. She ought tobear her cross. What I don't understand is how Victor, with theconvictions he holds, can think of marrying a divorced woman! Howoften--quite lately--he has argued warmly with Spítsin in my presence, that divorce was incompatible with true Christianity; and now he himselfis going in for it! _Si elle a pu le charmer ŕ un tel point_[15] ... Iam afraid of her! But I sent for you to know what _you_ have to say toit 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? Youhave 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 toloving her; and love has got a great hold on him. He is a man who takesthings slowly but firmly. What has once entered his heart will neverleave it again; and he will never love anyone but her; and he can neverbe happy without her, or with anyone else. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. And how willingly Várya Kazántseva would have marriedhim! What a girl she is, and how she loves him! PRINCE ABRÉZKOV [smiling]. _C'est compter sans son hôte!_[16] That isquite out of the question now. I think it's best to submit, and help himto get married. [16] That's reckoning without your host! ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. To a divorced woman--and have him meet his wife'shusband?... I can't think how you can speak of it so calmly. Is she awoman a mother could wish to see as the wife of her only son--and such ason? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. But what is to be done, my dear friend? Of course itwould be better if he married a girl whom you knew and liked; but sincethat's impossible ... Besides it's not as if he were going to marry agipsy, or goodness knows who ... ! Lisa Protásova is a very nice goodwoman. 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 herhusband! PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. This is not like you! You're unkind and harsh! Herhusband is the kind of man of whom one says that they are their ownworst enemies; but he is an even greater enemy to his wife. He is aweak, fallen, drunken fellow. He has squandered all his property andhers too. She has a child.... How can you condemn her for leaving such aman? Nor has she left him: he left her. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Oh, what mud! What mud! And I have to soil my handswith it! PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. And how about your religion? ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Of course, of course! To forgive, "As we forgive themthat 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 notloved anyone else she would have had to leave him. She would have hadto, for her child's sake. The husband himself--an intelligentkind-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 behere in a minute, and I beg, I implore you--if you still refuse yourconsent to my marriage ... ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA [interrupting him] Of course I still refuse myconsent ... VICTOR [continues his speech and frowns] In that case I beg, I imploreyou, not to speak to her of your refusal! Don't settle mattersnegatively ... ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I don't expect we shall mention the subject. For mypart, I certainly won't begin. VICTOR. And she is even less likely to. I only want you to make heracquaintance. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. The one thing I can't understand is how you reconcileyour desire to marry Mrs. Protásova, who has a husband living, with yourreligious conviction that divorce is contrary to Christianity. VICTOR. Mother, this is cruel of you! Are we really so immaculate thatwe 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 easyfor you and me, with our grey hairs, to understand the young; and it isparticularly difficult for a mother grown accustomed to her own idea ofhow 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 ętes 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 arealways worse than her deeds. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I shall tell her how I think and feel, but I will do itwithout 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 pleasestay here! PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I thought you'd find a _tęte-ŕ-tęte_ easier. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. No, I'm afraid ... [Is restless] If I want to be left_tęte-ŕ-tęte_ with her, I will nod to you. _Cela dépendra. _[19] ... Tobe left alone with her may make it difficult for me. But I'll do likethat if ... [Makes a sign]. [19] It will depend. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I shall understand. I feel sure you will like her. Onlybe 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 kindof you to call. LISA. I never dreamed that you'd be so good as to call.... I am sograteful 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 beingintroduced. [They shake hands and sit down] My niece Nelly has oftenmentioned you to me. LISA. Yes, she and I were great friends [glancing timidly at AnnaDmítrievna], and we are still friendly. [To Anna Dmítrievna] I neverexpected 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 wasthere 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 theDenísovs'. They went off very well; and you were acting. LISA. No ... Yes ... Of course ... I did act. [Silence again]. AnnaDmítrievna, forgive me if what I am going to say displeases you, but Ican't and don't know how to dissemble! I have come because VictorMiháylovich said ... Because he--I mean, because you wished to seeme.... But it is best to speak out [with a catch in her voice] ... It isvery 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 likeyou. But I love Victor. He is the one being I love in the world. I knowhis soul as I know my own. It is a proud soul. He was proud as a boy ofseven.... Not proud of his name or wealth, but proud of his characterand 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 donot say I am not jealous. I am jealous. But we mothers--your son isstill a baby, and it is too soon for you--we are prepared for that. Iwas prepared to give him up to his wife and not to be jealous--but to awife as pure as himself ... LISA. I ... Have I ... ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Forgive me! I know it was not your fault, but you areunfortunate. And I know him. Now he is ready to bear--and willbear--anything, and he would never mention it, but he would suffer. Hiswounded 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 youlove him you must desire his happiness more than your own. And if thatis so, you will not wish to bind him and give him cause torepent--though he would never _say_ a word. LISA. I know he wouldn't! I have thought about it, and have asked myselfthat question. I have thought of it, and have spoken of it to him. Butwhat can I do, when he says he does not wish to live without me? I saidto him: "Let us be friends, but do not spoil your life; do not bind yourpure 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 ownhappiness and not for mine. Only help me! Do not hate me! Let uslovingly work together for his happiness! ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Yes, yes! I have grown fond of you. [Kisses her. Lisacries] And yet, and yet it is dreadful! If only he had loved you beforeyou married ... LISA. He says he did love me then, but did not wish to prevent afriend's happiness. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Ah, how hard it all is! Still, we will love oneanother, and God will help us to find what we want. VICTOR [entering] Mother, dear! I have heard everything! I expectedthis: 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 itwere not for all these unfortunate circumstances, I should have beenglad. [Kisses her]. VICTOR. Only, please don't change! Curtain. SCENE 2 A plainly furnished room; bed, table, sofa. Fédya alone. _A knock at the door. A woman's voice outside. _ Why have you lockedyourself in, Theodore Vasílyevich? Fédya! Open ... ! FÉDYA [gets up and unlocks door] That's right! Thank you for coming. It's dull, terribly dull! MÁSHA. Why didn't you come to us? Been drinking again? Eh, eh! And afteryou'd promised! FÉDYA. D'you know, I've no money! MÁSHA. And why have I taken it into my head to care for you! FÉDYA. Másha! MÁSHA. Well, what about "Másha, Másha"? If you were really in love, you'd have got a divorce long ago. They themselves asked you to. You sayyou don't love her, but all the same you keep to her! I see you don'twish ... FÉDYA. But you know why I don't wish! MÁSHA. That's all rubbish. People say quite truly that you're an emptyfellow. FÉDYA. What can I say to you? That your words hurt me, you know withoutbeing told! MÁSHA. Nothing hurts you! FÉDYA. You know that the one joy I have in life is your love. MÁSHA. _My_ love--yes; but yours doesn't exist. FÉDYA. All right. I'm not going to assure you. Besides, what's the good?You know! MÁSHA. Fédya; why torment me? FÉDYA. Which of us torments? MÁSHA [cries] You are unkind! FÉDYA [goes up and embraces her] Másha! What's it all about? Stop that. One must live, and not whine. It doesn't suit you at all, my lovely one! MÁSHA. You do love me? FÉDYA. Whom else could I love? MÁSHA. Only me? Well then, read what you have been writing. FÉDYA. It will bore you. MÁSHA. It's you who wrote it, so it's sure to be good. FÉDYA. Well then listen. [Reads] "One day, late in autumn, my friend andI agreed to meet on the Murýgin fields, where there was a close thicketwith many young birds in it. The day was dull, warm, and quiet. Themist ... " Enter two old gipsies, Másha's parents, Iván Makárovich and Nastásia Ivánovna. NASTÁSIA [stepping up to her daughter] Here you are then, you damnedrunaway sheep! [To Fédya] My respects to you, sir! [To Másha] Is thathow you treat us, eh? IVÁN [to Fédya] It's wrong, sir, what you're doing! You're ruining thewench! Oh, but it's wrong ... You're doing a dirty deed. NASTÁSIA. Put on your shawl! March at once!... Running away like this!What can I say to the choir? Gallivanting with a beggar--what can youget out of him? MÁSHA. I don't gallivant! I love this gentleman, that's all. I've notleft the choir. I'll go on singing, and what ... IVÁN. Say another word, and I'll pull the hair off your head!... Slut!... Who behaves like that? Not your father, nor your mother, noryour aunt!... It's bad, sir! We were fond of you--often and often wesang to you without pay. We pitied you, and what have you done? NASTÁSIA. You've ruined our daughter for nothing ... Our own, our onlydaughter, the light of our eyes, our priceless jewel--you've trodden herinto the mire, that's what you've done! You've no conscience. FÉDYA. Nastásia Ivánovna, you suspect me falsely. Your daughter is likea sister to me. I care for her honour. You must think no evil ... But Ilove her! What is one to do? IVÁN. But you didn't love her when you had money! If you'd thensubscribed ten thousand roubles or so to the choir, you might have hadher honourably. But now you've squandered everything, and carry her offby stealth! It's a shame, sir, a shame! MÁSHA. He has not carried me off! I came to him myself, and if you takeme away now, I shall come back again. I love him, and there's an end ofit! My love is stronger than all your locks ... I won't! NASTÁSIA. Come, Másha dearest! Come, my own! Don't sulk. You've donewrong, and now come along. IVÁN. Now then, you've talked enough! March! [Seizes her hand] Excuseus, sir! [Exit the three gipsies]. Enter Prince Abrézkov. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Excuse me. I have been an unwilling witness of anunpleasant scene.... FÉDYA. Whom have I the honour?... [Recognises the Prince] Ah, PrinceAbrézkov! [They shake hands]. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. An unwilling witness of an unpleasant scene. I shouldhave been glad not to hear, but having overheard it, I consider it myduty to tell you so. I was directed here, and had to wait at the doorfor those people to come out--more particularly as their very loudvoices rendered my knocking inaudible. FÉDYA. Yes, yes--please take a seat. Thank you for telling me: it givesme the right to explain that scene to you. I don't mind what you maythink of me, but I should like to tell you that the reproaches you heardaddressed to that girl, that gipsy singer, were unjust. That girl is asmorally pure as a dove; and my relations with her are those of a friend. There may be a tinge of romance in them, but it does not destroy thepurity--the honour--of the girl. That is what I wished to tell you; butwhat is it you want of me? In what way can I be of service? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. In the first place, I ... FÉDYA. Forgive me, Prince. My present social standing is such, that myformer slight acquaintance with you does not entitle me to a visit fromyou, unless you have some business with me. What is it? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I won't deny it. You have guessed right. I havebusiness with you; but I beg you to believe that the alteration in yourposition in no wise affects my attitude towards you. FÉDYA. I am sure of it. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. My business is this. The son of my old friend, AnnaDmítrievna Karénina, and she herself, have asked me to ascertaindirectly from you what are your relations ... May I speak out?... Yourrelations with your wife, Elisabeth Andréyevna Protásova. FÉDYA. My relations with my wife, or rather with her who _was_ my wife, are entirely at an end. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. So I understood, and that is why I accepted thisdifficult mission. FÉDYA. At an end, and, I hasten to add, not by her fault, but bymine--by my innumerable faults. She is, as she always was, quiteirreproachable. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Well then, Victor Karénin, or rather his mother, askedme to find out what your intentions are. FÉDYA [growing excited] What intentions? I have none. I set her quitefree! Moreover, I will never disturb her peace. I know she loves VictorKarénin. Well, let her! I consider him a very dull, but very good andhonourable man, and I think that she will, as the phrase goes, be happywith him; and--_que le bon Dieu les bénisse_![20] That's all ... [20] May God bless them! PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Yes, but we ... FÉDYA [interrupting] And don't suppose that I feel the least bitjealous. If I said that Victor is dull, I withdraw the remark. He is anexcellent, honourable, moral man: almost the direct opposite of myself. And he has loved her from childhood. Perhaps she too may have loved himwhen she married me--that happens sometimes! The very best love isunconscious love. I believe she always did love him; but as an honestwoman she did not confess it even to herself. But ... A shadow of somekind always lay across our family life--but why am I confessing to you? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Please do! Believe me, my chief reason for coming toyou was my desire to understand the situation fully.... I understandyou. I understand that the shadow, as you so well express it, may havebeen ... FÉDYA. Yes, it was; and that perhaps is why I could not findsatisfaction in the family life she provided for me, but was alwaysseeking something, and being carried away. However, that sounds likeexcusing myself. I don't want to, and can't, excuse myself. I was (I saywith assurance, _was_) a bad husband. I say _was_, because in myconsciousness I am not, and have long not been, her husband. I considerher perfectly free. So there you have my answer to your question. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Yes, but you know Victor's family, and himself too. Hisrelation to Elisabeth Andréyevna is, and has been all through, mostrespectful and distant. He assisted her when she was in trouble ... FÉDYA. Yes, I by my dissipation helped to draw them together. What's tobe done? It had to be so! PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. You know the strictly Orthodox convictions of thatfamily. Having myself a broader outlook on things, I do not share them;but I respect and understand them. I understand that for him, andespecially for his mother, union with a woman without a Church marriageis unthinkable. FÉDYA. Yes, I know his stu ... His strictness, his conservatism in thesematters. But what do they want? A divorce? I told them long ago that Iam quite willing; but the business of taking the blame on myself, andall the lies connected with it, are very trying.... [21] [21] Under the Russian law divorce was only obtainable if ocular evidence of adultery was forthcoming, and a great deal of perjury was usually involved in such cases. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I quite understand you, and sympathise. But how can itbe avoided? I think it might be arranged that way--but you are right. Itis dreadful, and I quite understand you. FÉDYA [pressing the Prince's hand] Thank you, dear Prince! I always knewyou were a kind and honourable man. Tell me what to do. How am I to act?Put yourself in my place. I am not trying to improve. I am agood-for-nothing; but there are things I cannot do quietly. I cannotquietly tell lies. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. I don't understand you! You, a capable, intelligentman, so sensitive to what is good--how can you let yourself be socarried away--so forget what you expect of yourself? How have you ruinedyour life and come to this? FÉDYA [forcing back tears of emotion] I have led this disorderly lifefor ten years, and this is the first time a man like you has pitied me!I have been pitied by my boon-companions, by rakes and by women; but areasonable, good man like you ... Thank you! How did I come to my ruin?First, through drink. It is not that drink tastes nice; but do what Iwill, I always feel I am not doing the right thing, and I feel ashamed. I talk to you now, and feel ashamed. As for being a _Maréchal de lanoblesse_, or a Bank Director--I should feel ashamed, so ashamed! It isonly when I drink that I do not feel this shame. And music: not operasor Beethoven, but gipsies!... That is life! Energy flows into one'sveins! And then those dear black eyes, and those smiles! And the moredelicious it is, the more ashamed one feels afterwards. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. How about work? FÉDYA. I have tried it, but it's no good. I am always dissatisfied withit--but what's the use of talking about myself! I thank you. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Then what am I to say? FÉDYA. Tell them I will do what they wish. They want to get married, andthat there should be no obstacle to their marriage? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Of course. FÉDYA. I'll do it! Tell them I will certainly do it. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. But when? FÉDYA. Wait a bit. Well, say in a fortnight. Will that do? PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Then I may tell them so? FÉDYA. You may. Good-bye, Prince! Thank you once again! [Exit Prince]. FÉDYA [sits for a long time and smiles silently] That's the way, that'sthe way! It must be so, must be, must be! Splendid! Curtain. ACT IV 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 somepaper 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 whatto say. I should not do it that way--always speak straight out, and actwith 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 ifyou like. I understand you! They wish to humiliate you, and you willshow them the sort of man you are! You will kill yourself with arevolver, and them with magnanimity. I understand you. I understandeverything, 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 allthis. I'm not going to restrain you! Life and death are alike toGenius. I die in life, and live in death. You will kill yourself thattwo people should pity you; and I--I shall kill myself that the wholeworld may understand what it has lost. I won't hesitate, or think aboutit! I seize it [snatches revolver]--now! And all is over. But it is toosoon yet. [Lays down revolver] Nor shall I write anything; they mustunderstand it themselves.... Oh, you ... FÉDYA [writing] Wait a bit. IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Pitiful people! They fuss, they bustle, and don'tunderstand--don't understand anything at all.... I'm not talking to you, I am only expressing my thoughts. And, after all, what does humanityneed? Very little--only to value its geniuses. But they always areexecuted, persecuted, tortured.... No! I'm not going to be your toy! Iwill drag you out into the open! No-o-o! Hypocrites! FÉDYA [having finished writing, drinks and reads over his letter] Goaway, please! IVÁN PETRÓVICH. Go away? Well, good-bye then! I am not going to restrainyou. 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, justone thing: give this to the manager [gives him money] and ask if aparcel and a letter have come for me.... Please do! IVÁN PETRÓVICH. All right--then you'll wait for me? I have stillsomething important to tell you--something that you will not hear inthis world nor in the next, at any rate not till I come there.... Am Ito 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 guessedthat you must be here. [Sees revolver] That's a nice thing! There's afool! 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 forme? Oh, Theodore Vasílyevich, it's a sin, a sin! In return for mylove ... 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 foryou 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 pityme! [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, andquite sufficient. To lie, and do all the dirty work necessary to get adivorce ... I can't! MÁSHA. Granted that it's horrid--I myself ... FÉDYA. Next, they must really be free--my wife and he. After all, theyare 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! Whatelse! FÉDYA. This--that you are a good, dear girlie--and that I love you, andif 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 Iknow that I am a lost good-for-nothing? I am a burden to myself and toeverybody--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 andgoing on the spree--well, you're a living soul! Give it up, and havedone 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'sthat? You've written to them? What have you written? FÉDYA. What have I written?... [Takes the letter and is about to tear itup] 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 init. That what's his name?--Rakhmánov--goes and pretends he has drownedhimself. And you--can you swim? FÉDYA. No. MÁSHA. That's all right. Let me have your clothes--everything, and yourpocket-book too. FÉDYA. How can I? MÁSHA. Wait a bit, wait, wait! Let's go home; then you'll change yourclothes. FÉDYA. But it will be a fraud. MÁSHA. All right! You go to bathe, your clothes remain on the bank, inthe 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 hisword. LISA. I am ashamed to say it, but I must confess that what I heard aboutthat gipsy girl makes me feel quite free. Don't think it is jealousy; itisn'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 chiefthing that tormented me was, that I felt I loved two men; and that meantthat I was an immoral woman. KARÉNIN. _You_ immoral? LISA. But since I knew that he had got someone else, and that hetherefore did not need me, I felt free, and felt that I might truthfullysay that I love you. Now things are clear within me, and only myposition torments me. This divorce! It is such torture--and then thiswaiting! KARÉNIN. It will soon, very soon, be settled. Besides his promise, Isent my secretary to him with the petition ready for signature, and toldhim not to leave till it is signed. If I did not know him so well, Ishould think he was purposely behaving as he does. LISA. He? No, it is the result both of his weakness and his honesty. Hedoesn't want to say what is not true. Only you were wrong to send himmoney. 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 motherlikes 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 Ihave. 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 tome 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 morethan friendship, I was almost happy. I was only tormented by a fear thatI was not being honest towards Fédya. But no! I was always so firmlyconscious that any other relation than one of purest friendship with myfriend's wife was impossible--besides which, I knew you--that I was notreally troubled about that. Afterwards, when Fédya began to cause youanxiety, and I felt that I was of some use to you, and that myfriendship was beginning to alarm you--I was quite happy, and a sort ofvague hope awoke in me. Still later, when he became altogetherimpossible and you decided to leave him, and I spoke to you plainly forthe first time, and you did not say "No, " but went away in tears--then Iwas perfectly happy; and had I then been asked what more I wanted, Ishould have answered "Nothing"! But later on, when there came thepossibility of uniting our lives: when my mother grew fond of you andthe possibility began to be realised; when you told me that you lovedand had loved me, and then (as you did just now) that he no longerexisted 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 hadnot 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 Idon't want a single thought of mine about you to be hidden from you. Ihave purposely told you, to show how bad I am, and how well I know thatI must struggle with and conquer myself.... And now I've done it! I lovehim. LISA. That's as it should be. I did all I could, but it was not I thatdid what you desired: it happened in my heart, from which everything butyou 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, thateverything 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 youand Elisabeth Andréyevna [Takes letter out of his pocket and gives it toKarénin] 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 shouldthen 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 hereads]. 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'tlie and call you 'dear' or anything else. I cannot master the feeling ofbitterness and reproach (I reproach myself, but all the same it ispainful) when I think of you and of your love and happiness. I knoweverything. I know that though I was the husband, I have--by a series ofaccidents--been in your way. _C'est moi qui suis l'intrus. _[22] But allthe same, I cannot restrain a feeling of bitterness and coldness towardsyou. I love you both in theory, especially Lisa, Lisette! But actually Iam 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 ofdiscord within me forces me to fulfil your desire not in the way youwish. Lying, acting so disgusting a comedy, bribing the Consistorium, and all those horrors, are intolerably repulsive to me. Vile as I maybe, I am vile in a different way, and cannot take part in thoseabominations--simply cannot! The solution at which I have arrived is thesimplest: to be happy, you must marry. I am in the way; consequently Imust destroy myself.... " LISA [seizes Victor's hand] Victor! KARÉNIN [reads] "...  must destroy myself. And I will do it. When you getthis 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 sooften made mistakes, why shouldn't you make one? I return the money. Myway of escape is shorter, cheaper, and surer. All I ask is, don't beangry with me, and think kindly of me. And, one thing more--there is aclockmaker, 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 andsacrificed 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 sowonderful! PETUSHKÓV. Yes, in art we call it "value. " You can only get quite brightred by putting green round it. But that's not to the point. Iunderstand, quite understand. FÉDYA. Yes, and I believe the one good action of my life is that I nevertook 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 alwaysrapturous admiration--and when she sang! Ah, how she sang--and perhapsstill 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, happymemory! [Drinks]. PETUSHKÓV. Yes, I understand, I understand. It's ideal. FÉDYA. I'll tell you something. I have had my passions, and once I wasin 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 wastreating the husband shabbily. And it is strange that, even now, when Iremember it I want to feel pleased and to approve of myself for havingacted honourably, but I always repent as if I had committed a sin! Butin the case of Másha, on the contrary, I am always pleased--pleased thatI did not pollute that feeling of mine.... I may fall lower still, sellall 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 adifferent 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 wasborn there are only three careers open to a man--only three. The firstis to enter the civil or military service, to earn money and increasethe abominations amid which we live. That was repulsive to me. Perhaps Ihad not the capacity for it; but above all it repelled me. Then thesecond 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 thespree, drinking and singing. That is what I did. And this is what mysinging has brought me to! [Drinks]. PETUSHKÓV. And what about family life? I should be happy if I had awife. My wife ruined me. FÉDYA. Family life? Yes, my wife was an ideal woman. She is stillliving. 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 inour life: it was flat, and I wanted something to help me to forget--andone can't forget when there's no sparkle in life. Then I began to do allsorts of nasty things. And you know, we love people for the good we dothem, 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 hercreep 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 comehome drunk; and of course, just because of that, I loved her less andless. Yes, yes! [in ecstasy] I have it! The reason I love Másha is thatI did her good and not harm. That's why I love her. The other one Itormented, and therefore I don't like her.... No, after all, I simplydon'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 madeacquaintance 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'twant you. Swine! [Goes to next table and calls for beer. He listens allthe time to Fédya's conversation with Petushkóv, and leans towards themwithout 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, mywords won't come when he is there. Now with you I feel at ease, andcomfortable. Well, what was I saying? PETUSHKÓV. You were speaking about your jealousy. And how was it youparted from your wife? FÉDYA. Ah! [Pauses and considers] It's a curious story. My wife ismarried ... 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 outmy wife and had squandered everything I could lay my hands on, and hadbecome unbearable, a protector turned up for her. Don't imagine thatthere was anything dirty or bad about it--no, he was my friend and avery good fellow--only in everything my exact opposite! And as there isfar more evil than good in me, it follows that he was a good--a verygood man: honourable, firm, self-restrained and, in a word, virtuous. Hehad known my wife from her childhood, and loved her. When she married mehe resigned himself to his fate. But later, when I became horrid andtormented her, he began to come oftener to our house. I myself wishedit. They fell in love with one another, and meanwhile I went altogetherto the bad, and abandoned my wife of my own accord. And besides, therewas Másha. I myself advised them to marry. They did not want to, but Ibecame 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 isa religious man, and considers marriage without the Church's blessing asin. So they began asking me to agree to a divorce. I should have had totake the blame on myself. It would have been necessary to tell all sortsof lies ... And I couldn't! Believe me, it would have been easier for meto take my life than to tell such lies--and I wished to do so. But thena kind friend came and said, "Why do it?" and arranged it all for me. Iwrote a farewell letter, and next day my clothes, pocket-book andletters 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 wifewas called to identify the decomposing body. She just glanced at it. "Isit he?" "It is. " And so it was left. I was buried, and they married andare 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'sshadow crossed the blind. Sometimes it's horrid, and sometimes not. It'shorrid when I've no money ... [Drinks]. ARTÉMYEV [approaches] Excuse me, but I heard your story. It's a verygood story, and more than that--a very useful one! You say it's horridwhen one has no money? There's nothing more horrid. But you, in yourposition, 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 cometo life again? Then they, your wife and that gentleman, who are sohappy--they would be bigamists, and at best would be sent to the lessdistant 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; onlygive 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 youwere 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-ŕ-fait comme son pčre. _[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 pčre 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, "Whyconfuse him?" Sometimes I think I ought to tell him. What is youropinion, _Maman_? ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. I think it is a matter of feeling, Lisa, and if youobey your feelings your heart will tell you what to say and when to sayit. What a wonderful conciliator death is! I confess there was a timewhen Fédya--whom I had known from a child--was repulsive to me; but nowI only remember him as that nice lad, Victor's friend, and as thepassionate man who sacrificed himself--illegally and irreligiously, butstill sacrificed himself--for those he loved. _On aura beau dire, l'action est belle. _[25]... I hope Victor will not forget to bring thewool: 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 havenot 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 hasbrought me here. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. He has done well. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Yes, certainly. I thought to myself, "When shall I seeher again?" and kept putting it off. But now I've come, and if you don'tturn me out I will stay till the last train. KARÉNIN [kisses his wife, mother, and the boy] D'you know what a pieceof luck! Congratulate me--I have two days' holiday. They'll be able toget on without me to-morrow. LISA. Splendid! Two days! It's long since we had that! We'll drive tothe Hermitage, shall we? ANNA PÁVLOVNA. What a likeness! Isn't he a strapping fellow? If only hehas 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 beenrightly guided in childhood ... ANNA PÁVLOVNA. Well, I don't know about that; but I simply can't thinkof 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 everythingsuddenly came right. ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. Well, Victor, did you get the wool? KARÉNIN. Yes, I did. [Brings a bag, and takes out parcels]. Here is thewool, and this is the eau-de-Cologne; and here are letters--one "OnGovernment Service" for you, Lisa [hands her a letter]. Well AnnaPávlovna, if you want to wash your hands I will show you your room. Imust make myself tidy too; it is almost dinner time. Lisa, AnnaPávlovna'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 doesthis 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 acriminal! It's a notice from the Examining Magistrate--a summons forLisa 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 intears. Karénin follows her]. ANNA PÁVLOVNA. How is it he's alive? ANNA DMÍTRIEVNA. All I know is, that as soon as Victor came in contactwith this world of mud--they were sure to draw him in too! And so theyhave. 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. Sheinvented 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 avery 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 onlybeginning 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] Believeme, I much regret to have to question you, but we are under thenecessity ... Please be calm, and remember that you need not answer myquestions. Only, in my opinion, for your own sake--and in fact foreverybody's sake--the truth is best. It is always best, evenpractically. 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 withanother man, knowing your husband to be alive. LISA. I did not know it. EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. And also of having persuaded your husband, andbribed him with money, to commit a fraud--a pretended suicide--in orderto free yourself of him. LISA. That is all untrue. EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Well then, allow me to put a few questions. Didyou send him 1, 200 roubles in July of last year? LISA. It was his own money, the proceeds of the sale of some things ofhis. 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 onthe 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 Consistoriumfor a divorce withdrawn, just at that time--and the lawyer told not toproceed with the case? LISA. I don't know. EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Well, and when the police asked you to identifythe 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 sosure 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 avery natural excitement. And now may I ask why you have sent a monthlyremittance to Sarátov, the very town where your first husband wasliving? LISA. My husband sent that money, and I cannot say what it was for, asthat is not my secret. But it was not sent to Theodore Vasílyevich, forwe 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, thatthe fact of our being servants of the law does not prevent our beingmen; and believe me I quite understand your position and sympathise withyou! You were tied to a man who squandered your property, wasunfaithful--in short, brought misfortune.... LISA. I loved him. EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Yes; but still the desire to free yourself wasnatural, and you chose this simpler way, without realising that it wouldlead you into what is considered a crime--bigamy! I quite understand it. The judges will understand too; and therefore I advise you to confesseverything. LISA. I have nothing to confess. I have never lied. [Cries] Do you wantme any longer? EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I must ask you to remain here. I will not troubleyou with any more questions. Only kindly read this over and sign it. Itis your deposition. See whether your answers have been correctly takendown. Please take that seat. [Points to an armchair by the window. ToClerk] 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 ExaminingMagistrate, am obliged to question you in the capacity of an accusedperson. 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 Protásovwas 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 Sarátovdid 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, 200roubles--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 thatmoney to be his, and having severed all connection with him, consideredit unfair to keep it. EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. One more question--why did you withdraw theapplication 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 convincethe Court of the truth of your evidence should either be lost ornon-existent. KARÉNIN. Do you want anything more? EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I want nothing, except to do my duty; but you'llhave 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 tosay what really happened. Especially as Mr. Protásov is in such acondition that he has already told everything just as it happened, andwill probably do the same in Court, I should advise ... KARÉNIN. I request you to keep within the limits of your duty, and notto give me your advice! May we go? [Approaches Lisa, who rises and takeshis 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 arrestyou. Though that would make it easier to get at the truth, I shall notresort to such a measure. I only want to take Protásov's deposition inyour presence, and to confront him with you--which will make it easierfor 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! Iam 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 whatyou 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 werealive when you left your clothes on the river bank and disappeared? FÉDYA. Certainly not! I wished really to commit suicide, butafterwards--but there's no need to go into that. The thing is, that theyknew nothing about it. EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. How is it that you gave a different account to thepolice 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 thatwas rubbish. Now I am not drunk, and am telling the whole truth! Theyknew nothing. They believed that I was no longer alive, and I was gladof 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 thelaw 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 theaccused did not answer these questions, and this may harm you and themvery 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 athousand times better than yourself! EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I beg ... FÉDYA. You've nothing to beg! I shall say what I think, and you [toClerk] write it down! At least for once there will be sensible humanwords in a police report! [Raises his voice] There are three people: I, he, and she. Our relations to one another are complex--a spiritualstruggle such as you know nothing of, a struggle between good and evilgoes on. That struggle ends in a manner which sets them free. They wereall 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, agood-for-nothing, had gone out of their lives, so as not to stand in theway of people who were good and who had life before them. And so we wereall living, when suddenly a blackmailing scoundrel appears who wants meto take part in his rascality, and I send him about his business. Thenhe 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 whoselittle finger is worth more than your whole body and soul! People whowould not admit you to their anteroom! But you have got so far, and arepleased ... EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I shall have you turned out! FÉDYA. I'm not afraid of anyone, because I'm a corpse and you can't dome 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 speakingto! 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--thisCerberus--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 theCourt. Applause from within. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. And how do the defendants bear their position? YOUNG LAWYER. With great dignity, especially Karénin and ElisabethAndréyevna. It is as if not they were being indicted, but they wereindicting society! That's what is felt, and on that Petrúshin isworking. PRINCE ABRÉZKOV. Well, and Protásov? YOUNG LAWYER. He is terribly excited. He trembles all over; but that isnatural, 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 guiltyof premeditation; but still ... [A gentleman comes out, and PrinceAbrézkov 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 chairjust 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 ishigher! 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 mein. 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 shecould 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 seesPetushkóv] 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 goand 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 matteris now in a nutshell! Only tell them what you told me--that if you arebeing tried, it is only for _not_ having committed suicide: that is, fornot doing what is considered a crime both by civil and ecclesiasticallaw. FÉDYA. I shan't say anything! PETRÚSHIN. Why not? FÉDYA. I don't want to, and shan't. Tell me only, at the worst, whatwill 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 secondmarriage. 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 pleasesay what I told you, and above all, don't say anything superfluous. However [noticing that a circle of listeners has formed round them] I amtired, and will go and sit down; and you'd better take a rest. The chiefthing 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'snot 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 wifeELISABETH 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 eunice. 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. ]]