Act one

Persons

Kharita Ignatievna Ogudalova, middle-aged widow; dressed elegantly, but boldly and beyond her years.

Larisa Dmitrievna, her daughter, maiden; dressed richly but modestly.

Moky Parmevich Knurov, one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune.

Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov, a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company; European in costume.

Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev, a young man, a poor official.

Sergei Sergeich Paratov, a brilliant gentleman, one of the shipowners, over 30 years old.

Robinson.

Gavrilo, club bartender and owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard.

Ivan, servant in the coffee shop.

The action takes place in the present day, in the large city of Bryakhimov on the Volga. City boulevard on the high bank of the Volga, with a platform in front of the coffee shop; To the right of the actors is the entrance to the coffee shop, to the left are the trees; in the depths there is a low cast-iron grate, behind it a view of the Volga, a large expanse: forests, villages, etc.; There are tables and chairs on the landing: one table is on the right side, near the coffee bar, the other is on the left.

First appearance

Gavrilo standing in the doorway of the coffee shop, Ivan tidies up the furniture on the site.

Ivan. There are no people on the boulevard.

Gavrilo. It's always like this on holidays. We live according to the old days: from late mass it’s all about pie and cabbage soup, and then, after bread and salt, seven hours of rest.

Ivan. It's already seven! About three or four hours. This is a good establishment.

Gavrilo. But around vespers they will wake up, drink tea until the third melancholy...

Ivan. To the point of sadness! What is there to be sad about?

Gavrilo. Sit tighter at the samovar, drink boiling water for two hours, and you’ll find out. After the sixth sweat, the first melancholy sets in... They will part with the tea and crawl out onto the boulevard to catch their breath and take a walk. Now the pure public is walking: over there Mokiy Parmenych Knurov is wiping himself out.

Ivan. Every morning he walks the boulevard back and forth, exactly as promised. And why is he bothering himself so much?

Gavrilo. For exercise.

Ivan. What is exercise for?

Gavrilo. For your appetite. And he needs an appetite for dinner. What dinners he has! Can you eat such a lunch without exercise?

Ivan. Why is he still silent?

Gavrilo. "Silent"! You're a weirdo. How do you want him to talk when he has millions! Who should he talk to? There are two or three people in the city, with them he talks, but with no one else; well, he is silent. He doesn’t live here for long because of this; and I wouldn’t live if it weren’t for work. And he goes to Moscow, St. Petersburg and abroad to talk, where he has more space.

Ivan. But Vasily Danilych is coming from under the mountain. This is also a rich man, but he is talkative.

Gavrilo. Vasily Danilych is still young; engages in cowardice; still understands little of himself; and when it comes to years, it will be the same idol.

Left exits Knurov and, not paying attention to the bows of Gavrila and Ivan, sits down at the table, takes a French newspaper out of his pocket and reads. Enters from the right Vozhevatov.

Second phenomenon

Knurov, Vozhevatov, Gavrilo, Ivan.

Vozhevatov (bowing respectfully). Mokiy Parmenych, I have the honor to bow!

Knurov. A! Vasily Danilych! (Offers his hand.) Where?

Vozhevatov. From the pier. (Sits down.)

Gavrilo comes closer.

Knurov. Have you met anyone?

Vozhevatov. I met, but didn’t meet. Yesterday I received a telegram from Sergei Sergeich Paratov. I'm buying a ship from him.

Gavrilo. Isn’t it “Swallow”, Vasily Danilych?

Vozhevatov. Yes, "Swallow". And what?

Gavrilo. Runs briskly, a strong ship.

Vozhevatov. Yes, Sergei Sergeich deceived him and did not come.

Gavrilo. You were waiting for them with the “Airplane”, and maybe they will arrive in their own, in the “Swallow”.

Ivan. Vasily Danilych, there’s a steamer running overhead.

Vozhevatov. There aren't many of them running around the Volga.

Ivan. This is Sergei Sergeich on their way.

Vozhevatov. You think?

Ivan. Yes, it looks like they... The casings on the “Swallow” are painfully noticeable.

Vozhevatov. You can take apart the casings in seven miles!

Ivan. You can take it apart in ten, sir... Yes, and it’s running smoothly, now you can see that it’s with the owner.

Vozhevatov. How far is it?

Ivan. Came out from behind the island. That’s how it’s laid out, and that’s how it’s laid out.

Gavrilo. You say it's lining?

Ivan. Lines it. Passion! It runs faster than the “Airplane” and measures it.

Gavrilo. They're coming, sir.

Vozhevatov (to Ivan). So tell me how they will pester you.

Ivan. I’m listening, sir... Tea, they’ll shoot it out of a cannon.

Gavrilo. Without fail.

Vozhevatov. From what gun?

Gavrilo. They have their own barges in the middle of the Volga at anchor.

Vozhevatov. I know.

Gavrilo. So there is a cannon on the barge. When Sergei Sergeich is greeted or seen off, they always fire. (Looking to the side behind the coffee shop.) There’s a carriage coming after them, sir, a cab driver, Chirkova, sir! Apparently they let Chirkov know that they were coming. The owner himself, Chirkov, is on the box. - It's behind them, sir.

Vozhevatov. How do you know what's behind them?

Gavrilo. Four pacers in a row, for goodness sake, behind them. For whom will Chirkov assemble such quadruples? It’s scary to watch... like lions... all four on bits! And the harness, the harness! - Follow them, sir.

Ivan. And the gypsy sits on the box with Chirkov, in a ceremonial Cossack uniform, with a belt tightened so that, just behold, it will break.

Gavrilo. It's behind them, sir. There is no one else to ride such a four. They, sir.

"Dowry"- play by Alexander Nikolaevich Ostrovsky. Work on it continued for four years - from 1874 to 1878. The premiere performances of “Dowry” took place in the fall of 1878 and caused protests among spectators and theater critics. Success came to the work after the death of the author.

The play was first published in the magazine “Domestic Notes” (1879, No. 1).

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History of creation

In the 1870s, Alexander Ostrovsky served as an honorary justice of the peace in Kineshma district. Participation in trials and familiarity with criminal chronicles gave him the opportunity to find new topics for his works. Researchers suggest that the plot of “Dowry” was suggested to the playwright by life itself: one of the high-profile cases that shook up the entire county was the murder of his young wife by local resident Ivan Konovalov.

When starting a new work in November 1874, the playwright made a note: “Opus 40.” Work, contrary to expectations, proceeded slowly; In parallel with “Dowry,” Ostrovsky wrote and published several more works. Finally, in the fall of 1878, the play was completed. In those days, the playwright told one of his actor acquaintances:

I had already read my play in Moscow five times; among the listeners there were people who were hostile to me, and everyone unanimously recognized “The Dowry” as the best of all my works.

Subsequent events also indicated that the new play was doomed to success: it easily passed censorship, the magazine Otechestvennye Zapiski began preparing the work for publication, and the troupes of first the Maly and then the Alexandrinsky Theater began rehearsals. However, the premiere performances in Moscow and St. Petersburg ended in failure; reviews from critics were replete with harsh assessments. Only ten years after the author’s death, in the second half of the 1890s, did “Dowry” gain recognition from viewers; it was associated primarily with the name of actress Vera Komissarzhevskaya.

Characters

• Kharita Ignatievna Ogudalova - middle-aged widow, mother of Larisa Dmitrievna.
• Larisa Dmitrievna Ogudalova - a young girl surrounded by admirers, but without a dowry.
• Mokiy Parmenych Knurov - a big businessman, an elderly man, with a huge fortune.
• Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov - a young man who has known Larisa since childhood; one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company.
• Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev - poor official
• Sergei Sergeich Paratov - a brilliant gentleman, a shipowner, over 30 years old.
• Robinson - provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev.
• Gavrilo - club bartender and owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard.
• Ivan - servant in a coffee shop

Plot

Act one

The action takes place on the site in front of a coffee shop located on the banks of the Volga. Local merchants Knurov and Vozhevatov are talking here. During the conversation, it turns out that the shipowner Paratov is returning to the city. A year ago, Sergei Sergeevich hastily left Bryakhimov; the departure was so rapid that the master did not have time to say goodbye to Larisa Dmitrievna Ogudalova. She, being a “sensitive” girl, even rushed to catch up with her beloved; she was returned from the second station.

According to Vozhevatov, who has known Larisa since childhood, her main problem is the lack of a dowry. Kharita Ignatievna, the girl’s mother, trying to find a suitable groom for her daughter, keeps the house open. However, after Paratov’s departure, the candidates for the role of Larisa’s husband were unenviable: an old man with gout, the always drunk manager of some prince, and a fraudulent cashier who was arrested right in the Ogudalovs’ house. After the scandal, Larisa Dmitrievna announced to her mother that she would marry the first person she met. It turned out to be a poor official Karandyshev. Listening to a colleague’s story, Knurov notices that this woman was created for luxury; she, like an expensive diamond, needs an “expensive setting.”

Soon the Ogudalov mother and daughter appear on the site, accompanied by Karandyshev. Larisa Dmitrievna's fiance invites coffee shop visitors to his place for a dinner party. Kharita Ignatievna, seeing Knurov’s contemptuous bewilderment, explains that “it’s the same as we have lunch for Larisa.” After the merchants leave, Yuliy Kapitonovich arranges a scene of jealousy for the bride; to his question what is so good about Paratov, the girl replies that she sees in Sergei Sergeevich the ideal of a man.

When a cannon shot is heard on the shore, announcing the arrival of the master, Karandyshev takes Larisa away from the coffee shop. However, the establishment is not empty for long: a few minutes later the owner Gavrilo meets the same merchants and Sergei Sergeevich, who arrived in Bryakhimov along with the actor Arkady Schastlivtsev, nicknamed Robinson. The actor received the name of the book hero, as Paratov explains, because he was found on a deserted island. The conversation between long-time acquaintances revolves around Paratov’s sale of the steamship “Lastochka” - from now on Vozhevatov will become its owner. In addition, Sergei Sergeevich reports that he is going to marry the daughter of an important gentleman, and is taking gold mines as a dowry. The news of Larisa Ogudalova's upcoming marriage makes him think. Paratov admits that he feels a little guilty towards the girl, but now “the old scores are over.”

Act two

The events unfolding in the second act take place in the Ogudalovs' house. While Larisa is changing clothes, Knurov appears in the room. Kharita Ignatievna greets the merchant as a dear guest. Moky Parmenych makes it clear that Karandyshev is not the best match for such a brilliant young lady as Larisa Dmitrievna; in her situation, the patronage of a rich and influential person is much more useful. Along the way, Knurov reminds that the bride’s wedding dress should be exquisite, and therefore the entire wardrobe should be ordered from the most expensive store; he bears all expenses.

After the merchant leaves, Larisa informs her mother that she intends to leave with her husband immediately after the wedding for Zabolotye, a distant county where Yuliy Kapitonich will run for justice of the peace. However, Karandyshev, appearing in the room, does not share the bride’s wishes: he is annoyed by Larisa’s haste. In the heat of the moment, the groom makes a long speech about how all of Bryakhimov has gone crazy; cab drivers, tavern handlers, gypsies - everyone rejoices at the arrival of the master, who, having been wasted in carousing, is forced to sell his “last steamboat.”

Next it is Paratov’s turn to pay a visit to the Ogudalovs. First, Sergei Sergeevich sincerely communicates with Kharita Ignatievna. Later, left alone with Larisa, he wonders how long a woman can live apart from her loved one. This conversation is painful for the girl; When asked if she loves Paratov as before, Larisa answers yes.

Paratov’s acquaintance with Karandyshev begins with a conflict: having uttered a saying that “one loves watermelon, and the other loves pork cartilage,” Sergei Sergeevich explains that he learned the Russian language from barge haulers. These words infuriate Yuli Kapitonovich, who believes that barge haulers are rude, ignorant people. Kharita Ignatievna stops the flaring quarrel: she orders champagne to be brought. Peace has been restored, but later, in a conversation with the merchants, Paratov admits that he will find an opportunity to “make fun” of the groom.

Act three

There is a dinner party at Karandyshev's house. Yulia Kapitonovich's aunt, Efrosinya Potapovna, complains to the servant Ivan that this event takes too much effort, and the expenses are too high. It’s good that we managed to save on wine: the seller sold the batch for six hryvnia per bottle, re-sticking the labels.

Larisa, seeing that the guests did not touch the offered dishes and drinks, feels ashamed for the groom. The situation is aggravated by the fact that Robinson, who is tasked with making his owner drunk until he is completely insensitive, suffers loudly due to the fact that instead of the declared Burgundy he has to use some kind of “Kinder Balsam”.

Paratov, demonstrating affection towards Karandyshev, agrees to have a drink with his rival for brotherhood. When Sergei Sergeevich asks Larisa to sing, Yuliy Kapitonovich tries to protest. In response, Larisa takes the guitar and performs the romance “Don’t tempt me unnecessarily.” Her singing makes a strong impression on those present. Paratov admits to the girl that he is tormented by the fact that he lost such a treasure. He immediately invites the young lady to go beyond the Volga. While Karandyshev proposes a toast in honor of his bride and looks for new wine, Larisa says goodbye to her mother.

Returning with champagne, Yuliy Kapitonovich discovers that the house is empty. The desperate monologue of the deceived groom is dedicated to the drama of a funny man who, when angry, is capable of revenge. Grabbing a pistol from the table, Karandyshev rushes in search of the bride and her friends.

Act four

Knurov and Vozhevatov, returning from a night walk along the Volga, discuss Larisa’s fate. Both understand that Paratov will not exchange a rich bride for a dowry. To remove the question of possible rivalry, Vozhevatov proposes to resolve everything using lots. The thrown coin indicates that Knurov will take Larisa to the exhibition in Paris.

Meanwhile, Larisa, climbing up the mountain from the pier, has a difficult conversation with Paratov. She is interested in one thing: is she now Sergei Sergeevich’s wife or not? The news that her lover is engaged comes as a shock to the girl.

She is sitting at a table not far from the coffee shop when Knurov appears. He invites Larisa Dmitrievna to the French capital, guaranteeing, if she agrees, the highest content and fulfillment of any whims. Karandyshev comes up next. He tries to open the bride's eyes to her friends, explaining that they see her only as a thing. The found word seems successful to Larisa. Having informed her ex-fiancé that he is too petty and insignificant for her, the young lady passionately declares that, having not found love, she will look for gold.

Karandyshev, listening to Larisa, takes out a pistol. The shot is accompanied by the words: “So don’t get it to anyone!” In a fading voice, Larisa informs Paratov and the merchants who have run out of the coffee shop that she is not complaining about anything and is not offended by anyone.

Stage fate. Reviews

The premiere at the Maly Theater, where the role of Larisa Ogudalova was played by Glikeria Fedotova, and Paratov was Alexander Lensky, took place on November 10, 1878. The excitement around the new play was unprecedented; in the hall, as reviewers later reported, “all of Moscow, loving the Russian stage, gathered,” including the writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. Expectations, however, were not met: according to a columnist for the newspaper Russkie Vedomosti, “the playwright tired the entire audience, right down to the most naive spectators.” This was the most deafening failure in Ostrovsky's creative biography.

The first production on the stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater, where Maria Savina played the main role, evoked fewer derogatory responses. Thus, the St. Petersburg newspaper “Novoye Vremya” admitted that the performance of “Dowry” made a “strong impression” on the audience. However, there was no need to talk about success: a critic of the same publication, a certain K., complained that Ostrovsky spent a lot of effort on creating a story about a “stupid seduced girl” that was of little interest to anyone:

Those who expected a new word, new types from the venerable playwright are sorely mistaken; in return, we received updated old motives, we received a lot of dialogue instead of action.

The critics did not spare the actors who participated in “Dowry.” The capital's newspaper Birzhevye Vedomosti (1878, No. 325) noted that Glikeria Fedotova “did not understand the role at all and played poorly.” Journalist and writer Pyotr Boborykin, who published a note in Russian Gazette (1879, March 23), remembered only “the panache and falsehood from the first step to the last word” in the actress’s work. Actor Lensky, according to Boborykin, when creating the image, placed too much emphasis on the white gloves that his hero Paratov put on “unnecessarily every minute.” Mikhail Sadovsky, who played the role of Karandyshev on the Moscow stage, presented, in the words of the New Time columnist, “a poorly conceived type of official-groom.”

In September 1896, the Alexandrinsky Theater undertook to revive the play, which had long been removed from the repertoire. The role of Larisa Ogudalova, performed by Vera Komissarzhevskaya, initially caused the familiar irritation of reviewers: they wrote that the actress “played unevenly, in the last act she fell into melodrama.” However, the audience understood and accepted the new stage version of "Dowry", in which the heroine was not between suitors, and over them; The play gradually began to return to the country's theaters.

Productions

Main characters

Larisa, included in the gallery of notable female images of literature of the second half of the 19th century, strives for independent actions; she feels like a person capable of making decisions. However, the impulses of the young heroine collide with the cynical morality of society, which perceives her as an expensive, sophisticated thing.

The girl is surrounded by four fans, each of whom is trying to get her attention. At the same time, according to researcher Vladimir Lakshin, it is not love that drives Larisa’s suitors. So, Vozhevatov is not very upset when the lot in the form of a thrown coin points to Knurov. He, in turn, is ready to wait until Paratov comes into play, so that later he can “take revenge and take the broken heroine to Paris.” Karandyshev also perceives Larisa as a thing; however, unlike his rivals, he does not want to see his beloved stranger thing The simplest explanation for all the heroine’s troubles, associated with the lack of a dowry, is broken by the theme of loneliness that young Ogudalova carries within herself; her inner orphanhood is so great that the girl looks “incompatible with the world.”

Critics perceived Larisa as a kind of “continuation” of Katerina from Ostrovsky’s play “The Thunderstorm” (they are united by ardor and recklessness of feelings, which led to a tragic ending); at the same time, she revealed features of other heroines of Russian literature - we are talking about some of Turgenev’s girls, as well as Nastasya Filippovna from “The Idiot” and Anna Karenina from the novel of the same name:

The heroines of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Ostrovsky are brought together by the unexpected, illogical, reckless actions they commit, dictated by emotions: love, hatred, contempt, repentance.

Karandyshev, like Larisa, is poor. Against the background of the “masters of life” - Knurov, Vozhevatov and Paratov - he looks like a “little man” who can be humiliated and insulted with impunity. At the same time, unlike the heroine, Yuliy Kapitonovich is not a victim, but Part cruel world. Wanting to connect his life with Larisa, he hopes to settle accounts with his former offenders and demonstrate to them his moral superiority. Even before the wedding, he tries to dictate to the bride how to behave in society; her reciprocal protest is incomprehensible to Karandyshev; he cannot delve into the reasons for their disagreements, because he is “too busy with himself”

Ostrovsky's play "Dowry" was written in 1874 - 1878. The play premiered in the fall of 1878. The play is a striking example of psychological realism in Russian literature. In “The Dowry,” Ostrovsky brought to the fore the conflict between the material world, the world of money (represented by Paratov, Vozhevatov, Knurov, Ogudalova) and the spiritual, world of love (represented in the image of Larisa Dmitrievna). The leading theme of the play is the theme of “little people”.

Main characters

Larisa Dmitrievna – a dowryless daughter of Ogudalova, a very beautiful young girl who sings beautifully and can play several instruments.

Sergei Sergeich Paratov -“a brilliant gentleman from a ship owner, over 30 years old,” a calculating man whom Larisa loved unrequitedly.

Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev -“a young man, a poor official,” a man with a painful sense of self-esteem, Larisa’s fiancé, who at the end of the work shot the girl.

Other characters

Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov – “ a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company,” for whom money is the most important thing in life, has known Larisa from an early age.

Moky Parmevich Knurov- “one of the big businessmen of recent times, an elderly man with a huge fortune,” a married man who wants to become Larisa’s “friend” and patron.

Kharita Ignatievna Ogudalova- “a middle-aged widow”, Larisa’s mother, loves to “live cheerfully”, and begs the necessary funds from her daughter’s suitors.

Robinson- an actor who came with Paratov.

Gavrilo- “the owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard.”

Ivan- “a servant in a coffee shop.”

Act one

Phenomenon 1

The events of the play take place in the large city of Bryakhimov on the Volga. The action begins on City Boulevard near the coffee shop.

Phenomenon 2

Vozhevatov tells Knurov that he was going to buy the steamer “Swallow” from Paratov, but he still can’t wait for Sergei Sergeevich. Gavrilo assures Vasily Danilych that Paratov will definitely come, since the best quadruplets in the city have already been prepared for him.

Vozhevatov orders that champagne be served to them in tea sets and “over tea” he tells Knurov that the beautiful, dowry-less beauty Larisa Dmitrievna, famous in the city, is marrying Karandyshev. Knurov is surprised, because Karandyshev is not a match for the girl. Vozhevatov explained that Larisa Dmitrievna agreed to a modest marriage after she experienced last year’s infatuation with Paratov, who, having beaten off all her suitors, disappeared to no one knows where. After him, an “old man with gout”, an always drunk manager of some prince, and a cashier, who caused a loud scandal in their home, were wooed. Unable to bear it, Larisa Dmitrievna said that she would marry the first one who wooed her. Here Karandyshev, who had been in their house for a long time, “and right there” with a proposal, and now “he’s happy, shining like an orange.” Knurov feels sorry for Larisa Dmitrievna, saying that she was “created for luxury” - “an expensive diamond is expensive and requires a setting.”

Phenomenon 3

Karandyshev and Larisa and their mother join the men. Over tea, Karandyshev, pompous, turns to Knurov and Vozhevatov as equals, inviting them to his place for lunch today. Kharita Ignatievna explains that this dinner is being arranged for Larisa.

Phenomenon 4

Left alone with Larisa Dmitrievna, Karandyshev accuses the girl of taking excessive liberties when communicating with Vozhevatov. The man calls the Ogudalovs’ house a “gypsy camp,” which brings the girl to tears.

Larisa says that in their “camp” there were also noble people - such as Sergei Sergeevich Paratov. Karandyshev, who treats Paratov with hostility, asks why he is worse than Sergei Sergeevich. Larisa Dmitrievna replies that Paratov is “the ideal man.” Suddenly a cannon shot is heard (the salute with which Paratov arrived). Larisa Dmitrievna gets scared and asks to be taken away.

Phenomena 5 – 6

Paratov was not in the city for a whole year. Sergei Sergeevich arrived accompanied by Robinson, the provincial actor Arkady Schastlivtsev. Paratov somehow picked him up from an uninhabited island, where Arkady and his friend were dropped off after they caused a brawl on the ship. Knurov wonders if Sergei Sergeevich feels sorry for “Swallows”. Paratov replied: “what is a pity, I don’t know that”, “I’ll find a profit, so I’ll sell everything, anything,” and immediately said that he would soon marry a very rich girl, who would be given gold mines as a dowry. And that’s why he wants to have a lot of fun before the wedding.

Phenomenon 7

Vozhevatov negotiates with Gavrila to give them a walk along the Volga and a picnic in the evening, but at the last moment he remembers that Karandyshev invited them to his place that evening.

Act two

Phenomenon 1

Ogudalova's house, the main feature of the interior is a piano on which lies a guitar.

Phenomenon 2

Knurov comes to Ogudalova. Moky Parmevych, having learned that Karandyshev is poor, expresses his indignation at the upcoming marriage. According to Knurov, there is no “earthly” or “everyday” in Larisa, she was created “for brilliance.” Knurov believes that the girl will quickly leave her husband, and then she will need a respectable, rich “friend,” and he will not spare anything for the girl. When leaving, Knurov orders Ogudalova to order a nice wedding “wardrobe” for her daughter and send him the bills.

Phenomenon 3

Larisa tells her mother that she wants to go to the village as quickly as possible “even if it is wild, and deaf, and cold; for me, after the life that I experienced here, every quiet corner will seem like paradise.” The girl picks up the guitar, singing “Don’t tempt me unnecessarily,” but the instrument is out of tune. Seeing the gypsy Ilya from the window, the girl invited him into the house.

Phenomenon 4

Ilya reports that the master has arrived, whom they have been waiting for a whole year.

Phenomenon 5

Ogudalova is worried whether they “missed” the groom by rushing into the wedding. Larisa replies that she has had enough humiliation.

Phenomenon 6

Karandyshev comes to see the women. Larisa asks when they will leave for the village, but Yuliy Kapitonich does not want to rush, because he wants, as Ogudalova said, to “glorify himself.”

Karandyshev condemns the morals of society, indignant that in the city there are only rumors that the master - Sergei Sergeich Paratov - has arrived. In fright, Larisa asks to leave for the village immediately. At this time, Paratov himself drives up to the Ogudalovs.

Phenomenon 7

Paratova accepts Ogudalov, he behaves playfully and seriously with her. The man says that a year ago he had to leave to settle matters with his property, and now he is going to marry a bride with a dowry of half a million. At Paratov’s request, Ogudalova calls Larisa.

Phenomenon 8

Paratov, reproaching Larisa for not waiting for him, reduces this to female frivolity: “women” - “your name is nothingness.” Offended, the girl admits that she still loves Sergei Sergeevich, and she has to get married out of despair. Having satisfied his pride, Paratov says that now “I will keep the most pleasant memory of you for the rest of my life, and we will part as best friends.”

Phenomenon 9

They are joined by Ogudalova and Karandyshev. Paratov tries in every possible way to offend Larisa’s fiancé, and they quarrel. Ogudalova asks for an apology and forces her son-in-law to invite Sergei Sergeevich to dinner.

Phenomenon 10

Vozhevatov and Robinson come to see Ogudalova. Vozhevatov passes Robinson off as an Englishman.

Phenomenon 11

Paratov, who really didn’t like Karandyshev, is going to “make fun” of the man during lunch.

Act three

Phenomenon 1

Karandyshev’s office, furnished “with pretensions, but without taste.” On one of the walls “there is a carpet nailed to it, on which weapons are hung.”

Phenomenon 2

Ogudalova and Larisa discuss Karandyshev's evening. The women did not know where to hide from shame. Karandyshev thinks that he surprised everyone with his luxury, but the guests deliberately get him drunk for fun.

Phenomenon 3

Aunt Karandysheva complains to the women about the losses from the dinner, and then calls them to her place. Paratov, Knurov and Vozhevatov enter the office.

Phenomena 4 – 5

Knurov complains about terrible dishes and wines (“a potion that he calls wine”). The men laugh at the stupidity of the owner, who was the first of all to drink himself to death. They managed to get him drunk thanks to the help of the promiscuous Robinson.

Phenomenon 6

Karandyshev enters the office with cigars. He doesn't notice that men are making fun of him.

Phenomena 7–8

Ogudalova, who comes in, tries to reprimand Karandyshev, but he replies that today he is happy and triumphant. Paratov offers a drink for brotherhood and Yuliy Kapitonich leaves to get some cognac.

Phenomena 9 – 10

Paratov, Knurov and Vozhevatov are going for a boat trip.

Phenomenon 11

Paratov asks Larisa to sing something. Karandyshev tries to forbid her, this outrages the girl. Larisa and the gypsy Ilya, who accompanies her, sing “Do not tempt”. Everyone is delighted with the girl’s singing. Karandyshev leaves to get champagne to drink to Larisa’s health.

Phenomenon 12

In private, Paratov tells Larisa that she is a treasure and he is guilty before her for exchanging her for another. Sergei Sergeevich persuades the girl to go with the company for a ride along the Volga. Larisa agrees, calling Paratov her “overlord.”

Phenomenon 13

Everyone drinks champagne for Larisa Dmitrievna. Karandyshev makes a toast, calling the girl’s most important advantage the ability to “appreciate and choose people,” because she chose him among all her fans. Karandyshev is sent for wine. At this time, the men gather and, taking Larisa with them, leave.

Phenomenon 14

Upon returning, Karandyshev is surprised where Larisa went. Ivan informs him that the girl has gone with the gentlemen beyond the Volga for a picnic. Karandyshev is in despair: “I’m funny - well, laugh at me, laugh in my eyes! Come dine with me, drink my wine and swear, laugh at me - I'm worth it. But to break the chest of a funny man, tear out his heart, throw him under his feet and trample him!” Threatening revenge, the man grabs a pistol from the table and runs away.

Act four

Phenomenon 1 – 2

Karandyshev with a pistol comes to the coffee shop where Robinson is at that time and tries to find out from the actor where his comrades have gone. However, Robinson pretends not to know them.

Phenomenon 3 – 5

Knurov and Vozhevatov, who returned from the picnic, sympathize with Larisa - the men understand that Sergei Sergeevich will not give up a profitable marriage for the sake of a girl, and after what happened, Larisa is compromised.

Phenomenon 6

Knurov believes that in the current situation they are obliged to take part in her fate (the man wanted to take the girl with him to Paris, but now an opportunity presented itself). To avoid rivalry, the men toss a coin, and it falls to Knurov to go with Larisa Dmitrievna.

Phenomenon 7

Paratov thanks Larisa for going on a picnic with them. The girl asks to answer her: is she now his wife or not? Sergei Sergeevich replies that he is engaged and cannot break up with his bride. The man assures the girl that her fiancé will take her back in any case.

Phenomenon 8

Paratov gives orders to Robinson to take the girl home and goes to the cafeteria. Larisa asks Vozhevatov for help, but he avoids, leaving the girl with Knurov. Mokiy Parmevych invites Larisa to go with him to Paris and full provision for life. Larisa remained silent in response.

Phenomenon 9

Left alone, Larisa wants to throw herself into the sea, but does not dare commit suicide.

Phenomenon 10 – 11

Robinson leads to Larisa Karandysheva. The man believes that he should be the girl’s protector. Larisa tells Karandyshev that his patronage for her is the gravest insult. The man reproaches her for being undemanding, saying that Knurov and Vozhevatov played a toss with her and generally treated her like a thing. Larisa agreed that she was a thing, but “too expensive a thing” for Karandyshev - “if you are a thing, there is only one consolation - to be expensive, very expensive.”

Larisa asks to call Knurov to her. Karandyshev tries to persuade her to leave with him, but the girl explains that it is too late and she will never be his. With the words “So don’t let anyone get you,” Karandyshev shoots Larisa with a pistol. With words of gratitude, Larisa picks up the pistol that had fallen from Karandyshev’s hands and puts it on the table and slowly lowers herself onto a chair.

Phenomenon 12

Larisa explained to those who came running to the shot: “It’s me myself... No one is to blame, no one... It’s me.” Gypsies begin to sing behind the stage, Paratov orders everyone to be silent, but Larisa, dying to the gypsy choir, asks: “Let them have fun, those who are having fun.”<…>you are all good people... I love you all... I love you all.”

Conclusion

In “The Dowry,” Ostrovsky depicted the tragic fate of a girl who knows how to sincerely love, but finds herself in a society where money is placed much higher than true feelings. Neither her own mother, nor her future husband Karandyshev, nor Larisa’s lover Paratov took her feelings seriously - each of them only wanted to take advantage of the girl. The death of the heroine at the end of the work brings moral purification; despite everything that happened, Larisa still loves everyone.

A brief retelling of the work “Dowry” does not fully convey the intense psychologism of the play by the great playwright, so we advise you to read the full version of the drama.

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A. N. Ostrovsky

Dowryless

Drama in four acts

Complete Works, Volume VIII, Plays 1877-1881, GIHL, M., 1950

ACT ONE

Kharita Ignatievna Ogudalova, a middle-aged widow; dressed elegantly, but boldly and beyond her years. Larisa Dmitrievna, her daughter, a girl; dressed richly but modestly. Moky Parmevich Knurov, one of the big businessmen of recent times, is an elderly man with a huge fortune. Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov, a very young man, one of the representatives of a wealthy trading company; European in costume. Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev, a young man, a poor official. Sergei Sergeich Paratov, a brilliant gentleman, one of the ship owners, over 30 years old. Robinson. Gavrilo, club bartender and owner of a coffee shop on the boulevard. Ivan, servant in the coffee shop.

The action takes place in the present day, in the large city of Bryakhimov on the Volga.

City boulevard on the high bank of the Volga, with a platform in front of the coffee shop; To the right of the actors is the entrance to the coffee shop, to the left are the trees; in the depths there is a low cast-iron grate, behind it a view of the Volga, a large expanse: forests, villages, etc.; There are tables and chairs on the landing: one table is on the right side, near the coffee room, the other is on the left.

SCENE ONE

Gavrilo is standing in the doorway of the coffee shop, Ivan is tidying up the furniture on the landing.

Ivan. There are no people on the boulevard. Gavrilo. It's always like this on holidays. We live according to the old days: from late mass it’s all about pie and cabbage soup, and then, after bread and salt, seven hours of rest. Ivan. It's already seven! About three or four hours. This is a good establishment. Gavrilo. But around vespers they will wake up, drink tea until the third melancholy... Ivan. To the point of sadness! What is there to be sad about? Gavrilo. Sit tighter at the samovar, drink boiling water for two hours, and you’ll find out. After the sixth sweat, the first melancholy sets in... They will part with the tea and crawl out onto the boulevard to catch their breath and take a walk. Now the pure public is walking: over there Mokiy Parmenych Knurov is wiping himself out. Ivan. Every morning he walks the boulevard back and forth, exactly as promised. And why is he bothering himself so much? Gavrilo. For exercise. Ivan. What is exercise for? Gavrilo. For your appetite. And he needs an appetite for dinner. What dinners he has! Can you eat such a lunch without exercise? Ivan. Why is he still silent? Gavrilo. "Silent"! You're a weirdo. How do you want him to talk when he has millions! Who should he talk to? There are two or three people in the city, with them he talks, but with no one else; well, he is silent. He doesn’t live here for long because of this; and I wouldn’t live if it weren’t for work. And he goes to Moscow, St. Petersburg and abroad to talk, where he has more space. Ivan. But Vasily Danilych is coming from under the mountain. This is also a rich man, but he is talkative. Gavrilo. Vasily Danilych is still young; engages in cowardice; still understands little of himself; and when it comes to years, it will be the same idol.

Knurov comes out from the left and, not paying attention to the bows of Gavrila and Ivan, sits down at the table, takes a French newspaper out of his pocket and reads. Vozhevatov enters from the right.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Knurov, Vozhevatov, Gavrilo, Ivan.

Vozhevatov (bowing respectfully). Mokiy Parmenych, I have the honor to bow! Knurov. A! Vasily Danilych! (Offers his hand.) Where? Vozhevatov. From the pier. (Sits down.)

Gavrilo comes closer.

Knurov. Have you met anyone? Vozhevatov. I met, but didn’t meet. Yesterday I received a telegram from Sergei Sergeich Paratov. I'm buying a ship from him. Gavrilo. Isn’t it “Swallow”, Vasily Danilych? Vozhevatov. Yes, "Swallow". And what? Gavrilo. Runs briskly, a strong ship. Vozhevatov. Yes, Sergei Sergeich deceived him and did not come. Gavrilo. You and the "Airplane" were waiting for them, and maybe they will arrive in their own, in the "Swallow". Ivan. Vasily Danilych, there’s a steamer running overhead. Vozhevatov. There aren't many of them running around the Volga. Ivan. This is Sergei Sergeich on their way. Vozhevatov. You think? Ivan. Yes, it looks like they... The casings on the "Swallow" are painfully noticeable. Vozhevatov. You can take apart the casings in seven miles! Ivan. You can take it apart in ten, sir... Yes, and it goes well, now it’s clear that it’s with the owner. Vozhevatov. How far is it? Ivan. Came out from behind the island. That’s how it’s laid out, and that’s how it’s laid out. Gavrilo. You say it's lining? Ivan. Lines it. Passion! It runs faster than the "Airplane" and measures it. Gavrilo. They're coming, sir. Vozhevatov (to Ivan). So tell me how they will pester you. Ivan. I’m listening, sir... Tea, they’ll fire it out of a cannon. Gavrilo. Without fail. Vozhevatov. From what gun? Gavrilo. They have their own barges in the middle of the Volga at anchor. Vozhevatov. I know. Gavrilo. So there is a cannon on the barge. When Sergei Sergeich is greeted or seen off, they always fire. (Looking to the side behind the coffee shop.) There’s a carriage behind them, sir, cab driver, Chirkova, sir! Apparently they let Chirkov know that they were coming. The owner himself, Chirkov, is on the box. - It's behind them, sir. Vozhevatov. How do you know what's behind them? Gavrilo. Four pacers in a row, for goodness sake, behind them. For whom will Chirkov assemble such quadruples? It's scary to watch... like lions... all four on bits! And the harness, the harness! - Follow them, sir. Ivan. And the gypsy sits on the box with Chirkov, in a ceremonial Cossack uniform, with a belt tightened so that, just behold, it will break. Gavrilo. It's behind them, sir. There is no one else to ride such a four. They, sir. Knurov. Paratov lives in style. Vozhevatov. Nothing else, but chic is enough. Knurov. Are you buying a cheap ship? Vozhevatov. Cheap, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. Yes, of course; but what to buy for payment. Why is he selling? Vozhevatov. Know, he finds no benefit. Knurov. Of course, where is he! This is not a lordly thing. You will find benefits, especially if you buy it cheap. Vozhevatov. By the way, we have a lot of cargo down below. Knurov. Didn't you need money? He's a bit of a spendthrift. Vozhevatov. His business. We have the money ready. Knurov. Yes, you can do things with money, you can. (With a smile. ) It’s good for those, Vasily Danilych, who have a lot of money. Vozhevatov. What a bad thing! You yourself, Mokiy Parmenych, know this better than anyone. Knurov. I know, Vasily Danilych, I know. Vozhevatov. Shall we have a cold drink, Mokiy Parmenych? Knurov. What are you saying, this morning! I haven't had breakfast yet. Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. One Englishman - he is a director at a factory - told me that it is good to drink champagne on an empty stomach for a runny nose. And I caught a little cold yesterday. Knurov. How? It's so warm. Vozhevatov. Yes, they caught a cold: they served it very cold. Knurov. No, what's good; people will look and say: it’s not the first light - they’re drinking champagne. Vozhevatov. And so that people don’t say anything bad, we’ll start drinking tea. Knurov. Well, tea is another matter. Vozhevatov (Gavrile). Gavrilo, give us some of my tea, you know?.. _Mine!_ Gavrilo. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.) Knurov. What kind of special drink do you drink? Vozhevatov. Yes, it’s still the same champagne, only he will pour it into teapots and serve glasses and saucers. Knurov. Witty. Vozhevatov. Need will teach you everything, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. Are you going to Paris for an exhibition? Vozhevatov. So I’ll buy a steamer, send it down for cargo and go. Knurov. And one of these days, they’re already waiting for me.

Gavrilo brings two teapots of champagne and two glasses on a tray.

Vozhevatov (pouring). Have you heard the news, Mokiy Parmenych? Larisa Dmitrievna is getting married. Knurov. How to get married? What do you! For whom? Vozhevatov. For Karandyshev. Knurov. What nonsense is this! What a fantasy! Well, what is Karandyshev! He’s not a match for her, Vasily Danilych. Vozhevatov. What a couple! But what should we do, where can we find suitors? After all, she is homeless. Knurov. It is the dowryless women who find good suitors. Vozhevatov. It's not the right time. Before there were many suitors, and there were enough for dowries; and now there are very few suitors: as many dowries, there are so many suitors, there are no extra ones - the dowry-free ones don’t have enough. Would Kharita Ignatievna give it up for Karandyshev if they were better? Knurov. A lively woman. Vozhevatov. She must not be Russian. Knurov. Why? Vozhevatov. She's very agile. Knurov. How did she screw up? The Ogudalovs are still a decent surname; and suddenly for some Karandyshev... Yes, with her dexterity... the house of single people is always full!.. Vozhevatov. Everyone goes to see her, because it’s a lot of fun: she’s a pretty young lady, plays different instruments, sings, has a free manner, and that’s what draws her in. Well, you have to think about getting married. Knurov. After all, she gave away two. Vozhevatov. They gave it away, but we need to ask them if life is sweet for them. The eldest was taken away by some highlander, a Caucasian prince. What fun it was! When he saw it, he began to shake, he even began to cry - and so for two weeks he stood next to her, holding the dagger and sparkling with his eyes, so that no one would approach. He got married and left, but, they say, he didn’t make it to the Caucasus, he killed him on the road out of jealousy. Another one also married some foreigner, and he later turned out to be not a foreigner at all, but a swindler. Knurov. Ogudalova was not foolishly disappointed: her fortune is large, there is nothing to give a dowry from, so she lives openly, accepts everyone. Vozhevatov. She also loves to live a fun life. And her funds are so small that she doesn’t even have enough for such a life... Knurov. Where does she get it? Vozhevatov. Grooms are paid. If someone likes their daughter, then fork out the money. Then he will take the dowry from the groom, but don’t ask for the dowry. Knurov. Well, I think it’s not just the grooms who are paid, but you, for example, often visiting this family is not cheap. Vozhevatov. I won’t go broke, Mokiy Parmenych. What to do! You have to pay for pleasures, they get them for free, and visiting their house is a great pleasure for the Knurovs. It's really a pleasure - tell the truth. Vozhevatov. And you almost never go there yourself. Knurov. Yes, it’s awkward; They have a lot of rabble; then they meet, bow, and start talking! For example, Karandyshev - what an acquaintance for me! Vozhevatov. Yes, it looks like a bazaar in their house. Knurov. Well, what good! One climbs up to Larisa Dmitrievna with compliments, the other with endearments, they buzz and do not allow her to say a word. It’s nice to see her alone more often, without interference. Vozhevatov. I need to get married. Knurov. Marry! Not everyone can do it, and not everyone will want to; For example, I am married. Vozhevatov. There's nothing to do. The grapes are good and green, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. You think? Vozhevatov. Visible matter. People don’t follow these rules: there have been many cases, but they weren’t flattered, even to marry Karandyshev. Knurov. It would be nice to take such a young lady to Paris for an exhibition. Vozhevatov. Yes, it won’t be boring, the walk will be pleasant. What are your plans, Mokiy Parmenych! Knurov. And didn’t you have these plans too? Vozhevatov. Where am I! I'm simple-minded about such things. I don’t have courage with women: you know, I received such a very moral, patriarchal upbringing. Knurov. Well, yes, interpret it! Your chances are better than mine: youth is a great thing. And you won’t regret the money; You buy a ship cheaply, so you can make some profit. But tea wouldn’t cost less than “Swallow”? Vozhevatov. Every product has a price, Mokiy Parmenych. Even though I’m young, I won’t be too presumptuous and won’t give away too much. Knurov. Don't vouch! How long does it take to fall in love at your age? and then what calculations! Vozhevatov. No, somehow I, Mokiy Parmenych, don’t notice this in myself at all. Knurov. What? Vozhevatov. But that's what they call love. Knurov. It's commendable, you will be a good merchant. Still, you are much closer to her than others. Vozhevatov. What is my closeness? Sometimes I pour an extra glass of champagne on the sly from my mother, learn a song, and read novels that girls are not allowed to read. Knurov. You corrupt, that is, little by little. Vozhevatov. What do I care? I don't force it. Why should I care about her morality: I am not her guardian. Knurov. I keep wondering, did Larisa Dmitrievna really have no suitors besides Karandyshev? Vozhevatov. There were, but she’s simple-minded. Knurov. How simple-minded? Do you mean stupid? Vozhevatov. Not stupid, but not cunning, not like my mother. This one is all cunning and flattery, but this one, out of the blue, says that it’s not necessary. Knurov. So the truth? Vozhevatov. Yes, the truth; But homeless women can’t do that. To whom she is disposed, she does not hide it at all. Here Sergei Sergeich Paratov appeared last year, I couldn’t stop looking at him; and he traveled for two months, beat off all the suitors, and there was no trace of him, he disappeared, no one knows where. Knurov. What happened to him? Vozhevatov. Who knows; After all, he is some kind of tricky one. And how much she loved him, she almost died of grief. How sensitive! (Laughs.) I rushed to catch up with him, my mother was the boss from the second station. Knurov. Were there any suitors after Paratov? Vozhevatov. Two people came running: an old man with gout and a rich manager of some prince, always drunk. Larisa has no time for them, but she had to be nice, mommy orders. Knurov. However, her position is unenviable. Vozhevatov. Yes, it's even funny. She sometimes has tears in her eyes, it’s clear she’s planning to cry, but her mother tells her to smile. Then suddenly this cashier appeared... So he threw money and fell asleep on Kharita Ignatievna. He fought them all off, but didn’t show off for long: they arrested him in their house. Scandal healthy! (Laughs.) For about a month, the Ogudalovs couldn’t show their eyes anywhere. At this point Larisa flatly declared to her mother: “That’s enough,” she said, “we’ve had enough of the shame; I’ll marry the first one who wooed me, whether he’s rich or poor, I won’t decide.” And Karandyshev is right there with a proposal. Knurov. Where did this Karandyshev come from? Vozhevatov. He's been hanging around in their house for a long time, about three years. There was no persecution, and there was no great honor. When there was an interruption, none of the rich suitors were in sight, so they held him, slightly invited him, so that the house was not completely empty. And when some rich guy would come running, it was just a pity to look at Karandyshev: they didn’t talk to him and didn’t look at him. And he, sitting in the corner, plays different roles, casts wild glances, pretends to be desperate. Once I wanted to shoot myself, but nothing happened, I just made everyone laugh. And here’s some fun: once, back under Paratov, they had a costume party; So Karandyshev dressed up as a robber, took an ax in his hands and cast brutal glances at everyone, especially at Sergei Sergeich. Knurov. So what? Vozhevatov. The ax was taken away and they told me to change clothes; otherwise, they say, get out! Knurov. This means he was rewarded for his constancy. Glad I guess. Vozhevatov. Still so happy, shining like an orange. What a laugh! After all, he is our eccentric. He would like to get married as soon as possible and go to his own little place before the conversations die down - that’s what the Ogudalovs wanted - but he drags Larisa to the boulevard, walks with her arm, raised his head so high that, just look, he’ll bump into someone something. And he put on glasses for some reason, but he never wore them. He bows - barely nods; what tone he took: before it was unheard of, but now it’s all “I, yes, I, I want, I wish.” Knurov. Like a Russian man: it’s not enough to be happy that you’re drunk, you have to break down for everyone to see; he breaks down, they beat him twice, well, he’s happy and goes to bed. Vozhevatov. Yes, it seems that Karandyshev cannot be avoided. Knurov. Poor girl! I think how she suffers, looking at him. Vozhevatov. I've decided to decorate my apartment - it's weird. In the office he nailed a penny carpet to the wall, hung daggers and Tula pistols: it would be amazing to be a hunter, otherwise he had never even picked up a gun. He drags him towards him, shows him; you need to praise, otherwise you will offend: the person is proud, envious. He ordered a horse from the village, some kind of motley nag, the coachman is small, and the caftan on him is too big. And he carries Larisa Dmitrievna on this camel; sits so proudly, as if he were riding a thousand-horse trotter. He comes out of the boulevard and shouts to the policeman: “Order my carriage to come!” Well, this carriage drives up with music: all the screws, all the nuts are rattling in different voices, and the springs are fluttering as if alive. Knurov. I feel sorry for poor Larisa Dmitrievna! It's a pity. Vozhevatov. Why have you become so compassionate? Knurov. Don't you see that this woman is made for luxury? An expensive diamond is expensive and requires a setting. Vozhevatov. And a good jeweler. Knurov. You told the absolute truth. A jeweler is not a simple artisan: he must be an artist. In a beggarly situation, and even with a fool of a husband, she will either die or become vulgar. Vozhevatov. And I think that she will leave him quickly. Now she still looks like she’s been killed; but she’ll recover and take a closer look at her husband, what he’s like... (Quietly.) Here they are, easy on the surface.

Enter Karandyshev, Ogudalova, Larisa. Vozhevatov stands up and bows. Knurov takes out a newspaper.

PHENOMENA THIRD

Knurov, Vozhevatov, Karandyshev, Ogudalova; Larisa sits in the background on a bench by the grate and looks through binoculars beyond the Volga; Gavrilo, Ivan.

Ogudalova (approaching the table). Hello, gentlemen!

Karandyshev comes up behind her. Vozhevatov gives his hand to Ogudalova and Karandyshev. Knurov, silently and without getting up from his seat, offers his hand to Ogudalova, nods slightly to Karandyshev and immerses himself in reading the newspaper.

Vozhevatov. Kharita Ignatievna, please sit down, you are welcome! (Moves a chair.) Ogudalova sits down. Would you like some tea?

Karandyshev sits down at a distance.

Ogudalova. Perhaps I'll drink a cup. Vozhevatov. Ivan, give me a cup and add some boiling water!

Ivan takes the kettle and leaves.

Karandyshev. What is this strange fantasy of drinking tea at this time? I'm surprised. Vozhevatov. Thirst, Yuliy Kapitonich, but I don’t know what to drink. Please advise - I will be very grateful. Karandyshev (looks at his watch). Now it’s noon, you can drink a glass of vodka, eat a cutlet, drink a glass of good wine. I always have breakfast like this. Vozhevatov (Ogudalova). This is life, Kharita Ignatievna, you’ll envy. (To Karandyshev.) It seems that I could live at least a day if I were you. Vodka and wine! We can’t do this, sir, you’ll probably lose your mind. You can do anything: you won’t be able to live on your capital, that’s why it doesn’t exist, and we were born so bitter in the world, our affairs are very big; So we can’t lose our minds.

Ivan brings a teapot and a cup.

Welcome, Kharita Ignatievna! (Pours and hands a cup.) I also drink cold tea, so that people don’t say that I drink hot drinks. Ogudalova. The tea is cold, but Vasya, you poured it strong for me. Vozhevatov. Nothing, sir. Have a bite, do yourself a favor! The air is not harmful. Karandyshev (to Ivan). Come serve me at lunch today! Ivan. I’m listening, Yuliy Kapitonich. Karandyshev. You, brother, dress better! Ivan. A well-known thing is a tailcoat; We don’t understand something, sir! Karandyshev. Vasily Danilych, here’s what: come and dine with me today! Vozhevatov. I humbly thank you. Would you like me to wear a tailcoat too? Karandyshev. As you wish: don't be shy. However, there will be ladies. Vozhevatov (bowing). I'm listening, sir. I hope I don't drop myself. Karandyshev (passes to Knurov). Moky Parmenych, would you like to dine with me today? Knurov (looks at him in surprise). At yours? Ogudalova. Mokiy Parmenych, it’s the same as with us - this dinner is for Larisa. Knurov. Yes, so are you inviting? Okay, I'll come. Karandashev. That's what I'm hoping for. Knurov. I already said that I would come. (Reads the newspaper.) Ogudalova. Yuliy Kapitonich is my future son-in-law: I am marrying Larisa to him. Knurov (continuing reading). It's up to you. Karandyshev. Yes, sir, Mokiy Parmenych, I took a risk. In general, I have always been above prejudice.

Knurov covers himself with a newspaper.

Vozhevatov (Ogudalova). Mokiy Parmenych is strict. Karandyshev (moving away from Knurov to Vozhevatov). I wish that Larisa Dmitrievna would be surrounded only by selected people. Vozhevatov. So, do I belong to the chosen society? Thank you, I didn't expect it. (To Gavrilo.) Gavrilo, how much for tea? Gavrilo. Are you asking for two servings? Vozhevatov. Yes, two servings. Gavrilo. So you know, Vasily Danilych, not for the first time... Thirteen rubles, sir. Vozhevatov. Well, I thought it had become cheaper. Gavrilo. Why should it be cheaper? Courses, fees, have mercy! Vozhevatov. But I’m not arguing with you: why are you pestering! Get money and leave me alone! (Gives the money.) Karandyshev. Why is it so expensive? I don't understand. Gavrilo. Some value it and some don't. You don't eat this kind of tea. Ogudalova (to Karandyshev). Stop it, don't interfere with your own business! Ivan, Vasily Danilych, "Swallow" is coming. Vozhevatov. Mokiy Parmenych, "Swallow" is coming; Would you like to take a look? We won't go down, we'll look from the mountain. Knurov. Let's go. Curious. (Stands up.) Ogudalova. Vasya, I will ride your horse. Vozhevatov. Go, just send it quickly! (Approaches Larisa and speaks to her quietly.) Ogudalova (approaches Knurov). Mokiy Parmenych, we started a wedding, you won’t believe how much trouble it is. Knurov. Yes. Ogudalova. And suddenly such expenses that could not have been expected... Tomorrow is Larisa’s birthday, I would like to give something. Knurov. Fine; I'll come see you.

Ogudalova leaves.

Larisa (to Vozhevatov). Goodbye, Vasya!

Vozhevatov and Knurov leave. Larisa approaches Karandyshev.

SCENE FOUR

Karandyshev and Larisa.

Larisa. Now I kept looking beyond the Volga: how nice it is there, on the other side! Let's go to the village as soon as possible! Karandyshev. Have you looked beyond the Volga? What did Vozhevatov say to you? Larisa. Nothing, just some nonsense. It just beckons me beyond the Volga, into the forest... (Thinkingly.) Let's leave, let's leave here! Karandyshev. However, this is strange! What could he be talking to you about? Larisa. Oh, no matter what he talks about, what does it matter to you! Karandyshev. Call him Vasya. What familiarity with the young man! Larisa. We have known each other since childhood; Even the little ones played together - well, I got used to it. Karandyshev. You need to quit old habits. What a short story with an empty, stupid boy! You can't tolerate what you've had so far. Larisa (offended). There was nothing wrong with us. Karandyshev. There was a gypsy camp, sir - that's what it was.

Larisa wipes away her tears.

Why are you offended, have mercy! Larisa. Well, maybe a gypsy camp; only it was at least fun. Can you give me something better than this camp? Karandyshev. Of course. Larisa. Why do you constantly reproach me with this camp? Did I really like this kind of life? I was ordered, that’s what my mother needed; This means, willingly or unwillingly, I had to lead such a life. Constantly piercing my eyes with gypsy life is either stupid or merciless. If I hadn’t been looking for silence, solitude, if I hadn’t wanted to run away from people, would I have married you? So be able to understand this and do not attribute my choice to your merits, I do not see them yet. I still just want to love you; I am attracted by a modest family life; it seems to me like some kind of paradise. You see, I stand at a crossroads; support me, I need encouragement, sympathy; treat me gently, with affection! Seize these minutes, don't miss them! Karandyshev. Larisa Dmitrievna, I didn’t want to offend you at all, I said that... Larisa. What does "so" mean? That is, without thinking? You don’t understand that your words are offensive, right? Karandyshev. Of course, I don't mean to. Larisa. So this is even worse. You have to think about what you are talking about. Chat with others if you like, but talk to me carefully! Don't you see that my situation is very serious! Every word that I say and that I hear, I feel. I became very sensitive and impressionable. Karandyshev. In that case, I ask you to excuse me. Larisa. God bless you, just be careful ahead! (Thinkingly.) Gypsy camp... Yes, this is probably true... but in this camp there were both good and noble people. Karandyshev. Who are these noble people? Isn't it Sergei Sergeich Paratov? Larisa. No, I beg you, don't talk about him! Karandyshev. Why not, sir? Larisa. You don’t know him, but even if you did, so... sorry, it’s not for you to judge him. Karandyshev. People are judged by their actions. Did he treat you well? Larisa. That's my business. If I am afraid and do not dare to condemn him, I will not allow you either. Karandyshev. Larisa Dmitrievna, tell me, just, please, speak frankly! Larisa. What do you want? Karandyshev. Well, why am I worse than Paratov? Larisa. Oh no, leave it! Karandyshev. Excuse me, why? Larisa. No need! No need! What kind of comparisons! Karandyshev. And I would be interested to hear from you. Larisa. Don't ask, no need! Karandyshev. Why not? Larisa. Because the comparison will not be in your favor. By yourself you mean something, you are a good, honest person; but by comparison with Sergei Sergeich you lose everything. Karandyshev. After all, these are just words: evidence is needed. Take us apart thoroughly! Larisa. Who do you look up to! Is such blindness possible! Sergei Sergeich... this is the ideal man. Do you understand what an ideal is? Perhaps I’m mistaken, I’m still young, I don’t know people; but this opinion cannot be changed in me, it will die with me. Karandyshev. I don’t understand, I don’t understand what’s special about him; nothing, I don’t see anything. Some kind of courage, audacity... Yes, anyone can do this if they want. Larisa. Do you know what kind of courage this is? Karandyshev. Yes, what is it, what’s unusual about it? You just have to let it on yourself. Larisa. But I’ll tell you one case. A Caucasian officer, an acquaintance of Sergei Sergeich, an excellent shooter, passed here; we had them. Sergei Sergeich says: “I heard you shoot well.” “Yes, not bad,” says the officer. Sergei Sergeich gives him a pistol, puts a glass on his head and goes into another room, about twelve steps away. “Shoot,” he says. Karandyshev. And he shot? Larisa. He shot and, of course, knocked over the glass, but only turned a little pale. Sergei Sergeich says: “You shoot beautifully, but you turned pale, shooting at a man and a person not close to you. Look, I will shoot at the girl who is dearer to me than anything else in the world, and I will not turn pale.” He gives me some coin to hold, indifferently, with a smile, shoots at the same distance and knocks it out. Karandyshev. And did you listen to him? Larisa. How can you not listen to him? Karandyshev. Were you really that confident in him? Larisa. What do you! Is it really possible to be unsure of him? Karandyshev. He has no heart, that’s why he’s so brave. Larisa. No, and there is a heart. I myself saw how he helped the poor, how he gave away all the money that was with him. Karandyshev. Well, let’s say Paratov has some merits, at least in your eyes; and who is this merchant Vozhevatov, this Vasya of yours? Larisa. Aren't you jealous? No, stop this nonsense! This is vulgar, I can’t stand it, I tell you in advance. Don't be afraid, I don't love and won't love anyone. Karandyshev. What if Paratov had appeared? Larisa. Of course, if Sergei Sergeich had appeared and was free, one look from him would be enough... Calm down, he did not appear, and now, even though he will appear, it is too late... We will probably never see each other again.

A cannon shot on the Volga.

What is this? Karandyshev. Some tyrant merchant gets off his barge, and they salute him. Larisa. Oh, how I was scared! Karandyshev. What, for mercy's sake? Larisa. My nerves are upset. I was looking down from this bench now, and my head was spinning. Can you really get hurt here? Karandyshev. Get hurt! There is certain death here: the bottom is paved with stones. Yes, however, it’s so high here that you’ll die before you reach the ground. Larisa. Let's go home, it's time! Karandyshev. Yes, and I need it, I have lunch. Larisa (approaching the bars). Wait a moment. (Looks down.) Ay, ay! hold me! Karandyshev (takes Larisa’s hand). Let's go, what childishness! (They leave.)

Gavrilo and Ivan leave the coffee shop.

SCENE FIFTH

Gavrilo and Ivan.

Ivan. Gun! The master has arrived, the master has arrived, Sergei Sergeich. Gavrilo. I said he was. I already know: you can see a falcon by its flight. Ivan. The empty carriage is going up the hill, which means the gentlemen are walking. Yes, here they are! (Runs off to the coffee shop.) Gavrilo. You are welcome. You can’t think of anything to treat them with.

Paratov enters (a tight black single-breasted frock coat, flat patent leather boots, a white cap, a travel bag over his shoulder), Robinson (in a raincoat, his right coat thrown over his left shoulder, a soft tall hat on one side). Knurov, Vozhevatov; Ivan runs out of the coffee shop with a broom and rushes to sweep Paratov.

SCENE SIX

Paratov, Robinson, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Gavrilo and Ivan.

Paratov (to Ivan). What are you talking about? I’m from the water; it’s not dusty on the Volga. Ivan. Still, sir, it’s impossible... order requires. We haven't seen you for a whole year, but... welcome back, sir. Paratov. Well, okay, thanks! On! (Gives him a ruble note.) Ivan. We humbly thank you, sir. (Leaves.) Paratov. “So you, Vasily Danilych, were waiting for me with the “Airplane”? Vozhevatov. But I didn’t know that you would arrive on your “Swallow”; I thought that she was coming with barges. Paratov. No, I sold the barges. I thought I’d come early this morning, I wanted to overtake the “Airplane”; but the cowardly driver shouted to the stokers: “Hurry!”, and he took the wood from them: “If you,” he says, “Even if you throw another log, I’ll throw myself overboard.” I was afraid that the boiler wouldn’t hold up, he wrote out some numbers for me on a piece of paper, calculated the pressure. He’s a foreigner, he’s Dutch, he’s short of soul; they have arithmetic instead of soul. And I , gentlemen, and forgot to introduce you to my friend. Mokiy Parmenych, Vasily Danilych I recommend: Robinson.

Robinson bows importantly and offers his hand to Knurov and Vozhevatov.

Vozhevatov. What are their names and patronymics? Paratov. So, simply, Robinson, without a name or patronymic. Robinson (to Paratov). Serge! Paratov. What do you want? Robinson. It's noon, my friend, I'm suffering. Paratov. But wait, we’ll get to the hotel. Robinson (pointing to the coffee shop). Voila (Here! Паратов. Ну, ступай, чорт с тобой! !}

Robinson goes to the coffee shop.

Gavrilo, don’t give this gentleman more than one glass; He is of a restless character. Robinson (shrugging his shoulders). Serge! (He goes into the coffee shop. Gavrilo follows him.) Paratov. This, gentlemen, is a provincial actor. Schastlivtsev Arkady. Vozhevatov. Why is he Robinson? Paratov. Here's why: he was traveling on some ship, I don't know, with his friend, the merchant son Neputev; Of course, both were drunk to the last possible degree. They did whatever came into their heads, the public tolerated everything. Finally, to top off the ugliness, they came up with a dramatic performance: they undressed, cut up the pillow, rolled around in the fluff and began to pretend to be wild; here the captain, at the request of the passengers, dropped them off on an empty island. We are running past this island, and I see someone calling out, raising their hands up. I now “stop”, I get into the boat myself and find the artist Schastlivtsev. I took him on board the ship and dressed him from head to toe in my dress, since I have a lot of extra clothes. Gentlemen, I have a soft spot for artists... That's why he's Robinson. Vozhevatov. Did Neputevy remain on the island? Paratov. What do I need it for? let it air out. Judge for yourself, gentlemen, because on the road there is mortal boredom, every comrade is welcome. Knurov. Of course. Vozhevatov. This is such happiness, such happiness! What a golden find! Knurov. Only one thing is unpleasant, drunkenness will overcome you. Paratov. No, gentlemen, you can’t do this with me: I’m strict about this. He has no money, he is not ordered to give it without my permission, but as soon as he asks me, I give him French conversations - luckily I found them; Please learn the page first, I won’t let you do it without that. Well, he teaches and sits. How hard he tries! Vozhevatov. What a blessing to you, Sergei Sergeich! It seems that I would not regret anything for such a person, but no, no. Is he a good actor? Paratov. Well, no, what a good one! He went through all the roles and was a prompter; and now he plays in operettas. Nothing, just funny. Vozhevatov. So, cheerful? Paratov. Amusing gentleman. Vozhevatov. And can you joke with him? Paratov. It's okay, he's not touchy. Here, take your soul, I can give it to you for two, three days. Vozhevatov. Very grateful. If it comes to your liking, it will not be a waste. Knurov. How is it, Sergei Sergeich, that you don’t feel sorry for selling “Swallow”? Paratov. I don’t know what “sorry” is. I, Mokiy Parmenych, have nothing cherished; If I find a profit, I’ll sell everything, anything. And now, gentlemen, I have other matters and other calculations; I am marrying a very rich girl and taking gold mines as a dowry. Vozhevatov. The dowry is good. Paratov. But it doesn’t come cheap to me: I have to say goodbye to my freedom, to my cheerful life; Therefore, we must try to spend the last days as cheerfully as possible. Vozhevatov. We will try, Sergei Sergeich, we will try. Paratov. My fiancee's father is an important official; the old man is strict: he cannot hear about gypsies, about carousing and so on; He doesn’t even like people who smoke a lot of tobacco. Now put on your tailcoat and parlez francais! (Speak French Вот я теперь и практикуюсь с Робинзоном. Только он, для важности, что ли, уж не знаю, зовет меня "ля-Серж", а не просто "Серж". Умора! !}

Robinson appears on the porch of the coffee shop, chewing something, followed by Gavrilo.

SCENE SEVEN

Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Gavrilo and Ivan.

Paratov (to Robinson). Que faites-vous la? Venez! (What are you doing there? Come here Робинзон (с важностью). Comment? {Как?} Паратов. Что за прелесть! Каков тон, господа! (Робинзону.) Оставь ты эту вашу скверную привычку бросать порядочное общество для трактира! Вожеватов. Да, это за ними водится. Робинзон. Ля-Серж, ты уж успел... Очень нужно было. Паратов. Да, извини, я твой псевдоним раскрыл. Вожеватов. Мы, Робинзон, тебя не выдадим, ты у нас так за англичанина и пойдешь. Робинзон. Как, сразу на "ты"? Мы с вами брудершафт не пили. Вожеватов. Это все равно... Что за церемонии! Робинзон. Но я фамильярности не терплю и не позволю всякому... Вожеватов. Да я не всякий. Робинзон. А кто же вы? Вожеватов. Купец. Робинзон. Богатый? Вожеватов. Богатый. Робинзон. И тароватый? Вожеватов. И тароватый. Робинзон. Вот это в моем вкусе. (Подает руку Вожеватову.) Очень приятно! Вот теперь я могу тебе позволить обращаться со мной запросто. Вожеватов. Значит, приятели: два тела -- одна душа. Робинзон. И один карман. Имя-отчество? То есть одно имя, отчество не надо. Вожеватов. Василий Данилыч. Робинзон. Так вот, Вася, для первого знакомства заплати за меня! Вожеватов. Гаврило, запиши! Сергей Сергеич, мы нынче вечером прогулочку сочиним за Волгу. На одном катере цыгане, на другом мы; приедем, усядемся на коврике, жженочку сварим. Гаврило. А у меня, Сергей Сергеич, два ананасика давно вас дожидаются; надо их нарушить для вашего приезда. Паратов (Газриле). Хорошо, срежь! (Вожеватову.) Делайте, господа, со мной, что хотите! Гаврило. Да уж я, Василий Данилыч, все заготовлю, что требуется; у меня и кастрюлечка серебряная водится для таких оказий; уж я и своих людей с вами отпущу. Вожеватов. Ну, ладно. Чтобы к шести часам все было готово; коли что лишнее припасешь, взыску не будет; а за недостачу ответишь. Гаврило. Понимаем-с. Вожеватов. А назад поедем, на катерах разноцветные фонарики зажжем. Робинзон. Давно ли я его знаю, а уж полюбил, господа. Вот чудо-то! Паратов. Главное, чтоб весело. Я прощаюсь с холостой жизнью, так чтоб было чем ее вспомнить. А откушать сегодня, господа, прошу ко мне. Вожеватов. Эка досада! Ведь нельзя, Сергей Сергеич. Кнуров. Отозваны мы. Паратов. Откажитесь, господа. Вожеватов. Отказаться-то нельзя: Лариса Дмитриевна выходит замуж, так мы у жениха обедаем. Паратов. Лариса выходит замуж! (Задумывается.) Что ж... Бог с ней! Это даже лучше... Я немножко виноват перед ней, то есть так виноват, что не должен бы и носу к ним показывать; ну, а теперь она выходит замуж, значит, старые счеты покончены, и я могу опять явиться поцеловать ручки у ней и у тетеньки. Я Хариту Игнатьевну для краткости тетенькой зову. Ведь я было чуть не женился на Ларисе, -- вот бы людей-то насмешил! Да, разыграл было дурака. Замуж выходит... Это очень мило с ее стороны; все-таки на душе у меня немного полегче... и дай ей бог здоровья и всякого благополучия! Заеду я к ним, заеду; любопытно, очень любопытно поглядеть на нее. Вожеватов. Уж наверное и вас пригласят. Паратов. Само собой, как же можно без меня! Кнуров. Я очень рад, все-таки будет с кем хоть слово за обедом перемолвить. Вожеватов. Там и потолкуем, как нам веселее время провести, может, и еще что придумаем. Паратов. Да, господа, жизнь коротка, говорят философы, так надо уметь ею пользоваться. N"est ce pas {Неправда ли?}, Робинзон? Робинзон. Вуй, ля-Серж. Вожеватов. Постараемся; скучать не будете: на том стоим. Мы третий катер прихватим, полковую музыку посадим. Паратов. До свидания, господа! Я в гостиницу. Марш, Робинзон! Робинзон (поднимая шляпу). Да здравствует веселье! Да здравствует Услад! !}

ACT TWO

Ogudalova. Larisa. Karandyshev. Paratov. Knurov. Vozhevatov. Robinson. Ilya the gypsy. Lackey Ogudalova.

A room in Ogudalova’s house; two doors: one, in the back, entrance; another to the left of the actors; window to the right; The furniture is decent, there is a piano and a guitar on it.

SCENE ONE

Ogudalova is alone. He approaches the door to the left, with a box in his hands.

Ogudalova. Larisa, Larisa!

Larisa behind the scenes: “I, mom, am getting dressed.”

Look what a gift Vasya brought you!

Larisa behind the scenes: “I’ll take a look later!”

Some things cost 500 rubles. “Put it,” he says, “tomorrow morning in her room and don’t say from whom.” But he knows, the little rascal, that I can’t stand it, I’ll say it. I asked him to sit, he didn’t stay, he goes with some foreigner, shows him the city. But he’s a buffoon, you can’t tell if he’s doing it on purpose or for real. “It is necessary,” he says, “to show this foreigner all the wonderful tavern establishments.” I wanted to bring this foreigner to us. (Looking out the window.) And here comes Mokiy Parmenych! Don’t go out, I’d rather talk to him alone.

Knurov enters.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Ogudalova and Knurov.

Knurov (at the door). Don't you have anyone? Ogudalova. No one, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov (enters). Well, that's great. Ogudalova. How to record such happiness! Grateful, Mokiy Parmenych, very grateful that they honored me. I’m so glad, I’m really confused... I don’t know where to put you. Knurov. Anyway, I'll sit somewhere. (Sits down.) Ogudalova. And excuse Larisa, she's changing clothes. But you can hurry her up. Knurov. No, why bother! Ogudalova. How did you come up with this? Knurov. I wander around on foot a lot before lunch, so I stopped by. Ogudalova. Rest assured, Mokiy Parmenych, that we honor your visit with special happiness; This cannot be compared with anything. Knurov. So are you marrying off Larisa Dmitrievna? Ogudalova. Yes, get married, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. Found a groom who takes money without money? Ogudalova. Without money, Mokiy Parmenych, where can we get money? Knurov. Well, he has a lot of money, is he your fiancé? Ogudalova. What means! The most limited. Knurov. Yes... Do you think you did well to give Larisa Dmitrievna for a poor man? Ogudalova. I don’t know, Mokiy Parmenych. I had nothing to do with it, it was her will. Knurov. Well, what do you think this young man is doing well? Ogudalova. Well, I think that's commendable of him. Knurov. There is nothing commendable here; on the contrary, it is not commendable. Perhaps, from his point of view, he is not stupid. What is he, who knew him, who paid attention to him! And now the whole city will talk about him, he fits into the best society, he allows himself to invite me to dinner, for example... But here’s what’s stupid: he didn’t think or didn’t want to think about how and how he should live with such a wife. This is what you and I should talk about. Ogudalova. Do me a favor, Mokiy Parmenych! Knurov. What do you think about your daughter, what is she like? Ogudalova. Yes, I don’t know what to say; I have only one thing left: to listen to you. Knurov. After all, in Larisa Dmitrievna there is no earthly, this everyday thing. Well, you know, the trivial things that are needed for a poor family life. Ogudalova. There is nothing, nothing. Knurov. After all, this is ether. Ogudalova. Ether, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. She is made to shine. Ogudalova. For shine, Mokiy Parmenych, Knurov. Well, can your Karandyshev give her this shine? Ogudalova. No, where is it! Knurov. She cannot stand the poor, half-philistine life. What remains for her? Waste away, and then, as usual, consumption. Ogudalova. Oh, what are you, what are you! God forbid! Knurov. It’s good if she realizes to leave her husband as soon as possible and return to you. Ogudalova. Trouble again, Moky Paryuekych: how can we live with our daughter! Knurov. Well, this problem can be fixed. The warm participation of a strong, rich man... Ogudalov. Well, how will this participation be found? Knurov. We must try to buy it. In such cases, it is necessary to have a good, solid, and lasting friend. Ogudalova. How necessary it is. Knurov. You can tell me that she hasn’t gotten married yet, that the time when she can separate from her husband is still very far away. Yes, perhaps, it may be very far, but it may also be very close. So it’s better to warn you so that you don’t make any mistakes yet, so that you know that I won’t regret anything for Larisa Dmitrievna. Why are you smiling? Ogudalova. I am very glad, Mokiy Parmenych, that you are so disposed towards us. Knurov. You might think that such proposals are not disinterested? Ogudalova. Ah, Mokiy Parmenych! Knurov. Be offended, if you like, drive me away. Ogudalova (embarrassed). Ah, Mokiy Parmenych! Knurov. Find people who will promise you tens of thousands for nothing, and then scold me. Don’t bother searching in vain, you won’t find it. But I got carried away, I didn’t come for these conversations. What kind of box do you have? Ogudalova. It was I, Moky Parmenych, who wanted to give my daughter a gift. Knurov (looking at things). Yes... Ogudalova. Yes, it's expensive, I can't afford it. Knurov (gives the box). Well, it's nothing; there is something more important to do. You need to make a good wardrobe for Larisa Dmitrievna, that is, it’s not enough to say good - very good. A wedding dress, well, and everything that follows. Ogudalova. Yes, yes, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. It will be a shame to see her dressed haphazardly. So you order all this in the best store, but don’t count on it, don’t spend a penny! Send me the bills, I'll pay. Ogudalova. Really, I can’t even find the words to thank you! Knurov. That's why I actually came to you. (Stands up.) Ogudalova. Still, I would like to surprise my daughter tomorrow. Mother's heart, you know... Knurov (takes the box). Well, what is it? What is it worth? Ogudalova. Rate it, Mokiy Parmenych! Knurov. What is there to appreciate! Empty business! It costs three hundred rubles. (Takes money out of his wallet and gives it to Ogudalova.) Goodbye! I'll go wander around some more, I'm counting on a good lunch today. I'll see you at lunch. (Goes to the door.) Ogudalova. I am very, very grateful to you for everything, Mokiy Parmenych, for everything!

Knurov leaves. Larisa enters with a basket in her hands.

PHENOMENA THIRD

Ogudalova and Larisa.

Larisa (puts the basket on the table and examines the things in the box). Did Vasya give this to you? Thumbs up. How cute! Ogudalova. "Thumbs up". These are very expensive things. Like you're not happy? Larisa. I don't feel any particular joy. Ogudalova. Thank Vasya, then whisper in his ear: “thank you.” And Knurov too. Larisa. And why Knurov? Ogudalova. It’s so necessary, I know why. Larisa. Oh, mom, you still have secrets and tricks. Ogudalova. Well, well, tricks! You can't live in the world without cunning. Larisa (takes the guitar, sits by the window and starts singing). Mother, my dear, my sunshine, have pity, my dear, your child! Yuliy Kapitonich wants to run for magistrate judge. Ogudalova. Well, that's great. Which county? Larisa. In Zabolotye! Ogudalova. Hey, this is in the forest. Why did he want to go so far? Larisa. There are fewer candidates there: they will probably be chosen. Ogudalova. Well, it’s okay, people live there too. Larisa. I could at least go to the forest, but just get out of here as quickly as possible. Ogudalova. Yes, that’s why it’s good to live in the outback, your Karandyshev will seem nice there; perhaps he will be the first person in the district; Little by little you will get used to it. Larisa. Yes, he’s good here too, I don’t notice anything bad in him. Ogudalova. Well, so what! There are some that good! Larisa. Of course, there are better ones, I know that very well myself. Ogudalova. Yes, but not about our honor. Larisa. Now this one is good for me too. What can I say, the matter is decided. Ogudalova. I'm just glad that you like him. God bless. I will not condemn him before you; and we have no need to pretend to each other - you yourself are not blind. Larisa. I went blind, I lost all my senses, and I’m glad. For a long time now, I’ve definitely been seeing in my dreams everything that’s happening around me. No, we need to leave, get out of here. I will pester Yuliy Kapitonich. Summer will soon pass, and I want to walk through the forests, pick berries, mushrooms... Ogudalova. That's why you prepared the basket! I understand now. Just get a straw hat with a wide brim, and you’ll be a shepherdess. Larisa. And I'll wear a hat. (Sings.) Don’t tempt me unnecessarily. There is peace and quiet there. Ogudalova. But when September comes, it won’t be very quiet, the wind will whistle through the windows. Larisa. Well, what is it? Ogudalova. The wolves will howl in different voices. Larisa. Still better than here. At least my soul will rest. Ogudalova. Am I trying to dissuade you? Go, do yourself a favor, rest your soul! Just know that Zabolotye is not Italy. I have to tell you this; and when you are disappointed, you will blame me for not warning you. Larisa. Thank you. But even if it is wild, and deaf, and cold there; for me, after the life that I experienced here, every quiet corner will seem like paradise. Why Yuliy Kapitonich is delaying, I don’t understand. Ogudalova. How far can he go to the village? He wants to show off. And it’s not surprising: out of nothing, he got into people’s hands. Larisa (singing). Don't tempt me unnecessarily. What a shame, I can’t fix it... (Looking out the window.) Ilya, Ilya! Come in for a minute. I’ll take some romance songs with me to the village and play and sing out of boredom.

Ilya enters.

SCENE FOUR

Ogudalova, Larisa and Ilya.

Ilya. Happy holiday! May God grant you great and happy life! (Puts his cap on the chair by the door.) Larisa. Ilya, fix it for me: “Do not tempt me unnecessarily!” I keep getting confused. (Hands over the guitar.) Ilya. Now, young lady. (Takes the guitar and tunes it.) Good song; she is good in three voices, tenor is necessary: ​​the second knee does... It hurts well. And we have trouble, oh, trouble! Ogudalova. What's the problem? Ilya. We have Anton, he sings in tenor. Ogudalova. I know, I know. Ilya. There is only one tenor, otherwise all basses. What bass, what bass! And the only tenor is Anton. Ogudalova. So what? Ilya. Not suitable for the choir - at least give it up. Ogudalova. Unwell? Ilya. No, healthy, completely unharmed. Ogudalova. What's wrong with him? Ilya. It was bent in half to one side, quite at an angle; so the verb goes, another week. Oh, trouble! Now in the choir, every extra person is expensive; But what can we do without a tenor? I went to the doctor, the doctor said: “In a week, in two, he’ll let you go, you’ll be straight again.” And now we need it. Larisa. Yes, sing. Ilya. Now, young lady. The second is false. What a problem, what a problem! You have to stand bravely in the choir, but he was bent over to one side. Ogudalova. Why is this happening to him? Ilya. From stupidity. Ogudalova. From what stupidity? Ilya. There is such stupidity in us. He said: “Watch, Anton, this caution!” But he doesn't understand. Ogudalova. Yes, and we don’t understand. Ilya. Well, don’t tell me, I walked, I walked, I walked like that. I say: “Anton, watch this caution!” But he doesn't understand. Oh, trouble, oh, trouble! Nowadays a person is worth a hundred rubles, that’s what it’s like for us; We are waiting for such a gentleman. And Anton turned sideways. What a straight gypsy he was, but now he’s crooked. (Sings in a bass voice.) “Don’t tempt...” A voice through the window: “Ilya, Ilya, cha adarik! cha seger!” (*Come here! Come quickly! (Translation by the author.)) Palso? Do you need it with tuke? (Why? What do you want? (Translation by the author.))

Once upon a time, young lady, the master arrived. (Puts down the guitar and takes up his cap.) Ogudalova. What gentleman? Ilya. Such a gentleman, we can’t wait: we’ve been waiting for a year - what a gentleman! (Leaves.)

SCENE FIFTH

Ogudalova and Larisa.

Ogudalova. Who would it be that came? He must be rich and, probably, Larisa, single, if the gypsies were so happy about him. Apparently, this is how the gypsies live. Oh, Larisa, haven't we missed the groom? What was the rush? Larisa. Oh, mom, didn’t I suffer enough? No, enough of the humiliation. Ogudalova. She said such a terrible word: “humiliate”! Are you trying to scare me? We are poor people, we have to humiliate ourselves all our lives. It’s better to humiliate yourself from a young age, so that later you can live like a human being. Larisa. No, I can't; hard, unbearably hard. Ogudalova. But you won’t get anything easily, you’ll remain nothing all your life. Larisa. Pretending again, lying to sleep! Ogudalova. And pretend and lie! Happiness will not follow you if you run from it.

Karandyshev enters.

SCENE SIX

Ogudalova, Larisa and Karandyshev.

Ogudalova. Yuliy Kapitonich, Larisa is going to our village and has prepared a basket for mushrooms! Larisa. Yes, do this favor for me, let's go quickly! Karandyshev. I don't understand you; where are you in a hurry, why)? Larisa. I really want to run away from here. Karandyshev (passionately). Who to run from? Who is driving you? Or are you ashamed of me, or what? Larisa (coldly). No, I'm not ashamed of you. I don’t know what will happen next, but so far you haven’t given me a reason yet. Karandyshev. So why run, why hide from people! Give me time to settle down, come to my senses, come to my senses! I'm glad, I'm happy... give me the opportunity to feel all the pleasantness of my situation! Ogudalova. Glorify yourself. Karandyshev. Yes, I’m not hiding it from boasting. I suffered many, many injections for my pride, my pride was insulted more than once; Now I want and have the right to be proud and boastful. Larisa. When are you thinking of going to the village? Karandyshev. After the wedding, whenever you want, even the next day. Just get married - definitely here; so that they don’t say that we are hiding, because I am not your groom, not your couple, but only the straw that a drowning man grabs. Larisa. But the latter is almost true, Yuli Kapitonich, this is true. Karandyshev (with heart). So you should know this truth for yourself! (Through tears.) - Please take pity on me at least a little! Let strangers at least think that you love me, that your choice was free. Larisa. Why is this? Karandyshev. How why? Do you really not allow pride in a person? Larisa. Self-love! You are only talking about yourself. Everyone loves themselves! When will someone love me? You will bring me to destruction. Ogudalova. Come on, Larisa, what are you doing? Larisa. Mom, I'm afraid, I'm afraid of something. Well, listen: if the wedding is going to be here, then please have fewer people, as quiet and modest as possible! Ogudalova. No, don't fantasize! A wedding is a wedding; I am Ogudalova, I will not allow begging. You will sparkle with me in a way that has never been seen here. Karandyshev. Yes, and I won’t regret anything. Larisa. Well, I'm silent. I see that I am a doll for you; will you play m<ной, изломаете и бросите. Карандышев. Вот и обед сегодня для меня обойдется недешево. Огудалова. А этот обед ваш я считаю уж совсем лишним -- (напрасная трата. Карандышев. Да если б он стоил мне вдвое, втрое, я б не пожалел денег. Огудалова. Никому он не нужен. Карандышев. Мне нужен. Лариса. Да зачем, Юлий Капитоныч? Карандышев. Лариса Дмитриевна, три года я терпел унижения, три года я сносил насмешки прямо в лицо от ваших знакомых; надо же и мне, в свою очередь, посмеяться над ними. Огудалова. Что вы еще придумываете! Ссору, что ли, затеять хотите? Так мы с Ларисой и не поедем. Лариса. Ах, пожалуйста, не обижайте никого! Карандышев, Не обижайте! А меня обижать можно? Да успокойтесь, никакой ссоры не будет, все будет очень мирно, Я предложу за вас тост и поблагодарю вас публично за счастье, которое вы делаете мне своим выбором, то, что вы отнеслись ко мне не так, как другие, что вы оценили меня и поверили в искренность моих чувств. Вот все, вот и вся моя месть! Огудалова. И все это совсем не нужно. Карандышев. Нет, уж эти фаты одолели меня своим фанфаронством. Ведь не сами они нажили богатство; что ж они им хвастаются! По пятнадцати рублей за порцию чаю бросать! Огудалова. Все это вы на бедного Васю нападаете. Карандышев. Да не один Вася, все хороши. Вон смотрите, что в городе делается, какая радость на лицах! Извозчики все повеселели, скачут по улицам, кричат друг другу. "Барин приехал, барин приехал". Половые в трактирах тоже сияют, выбегают на улицу, из трактира в трактир перекликаются: "Барин приехал, барин приехал". Цыгане ума сошли, все вдруг галдят, машут руками. У гостиницы съезд, толпа народу. Сейчас к гостинице четыре цыганки разряженные в коляске подъехали, поздравить с приездом. Чудо, что за картина! А барин-то, я слышал, промотался совсем, последний пароходишко продал. Кто приехал? Промотавшийся кутила, развратный человек, и весь город рад. Хороши нравы! Огудалова. Да кто приехал-то? Карандышев. Ваш Сергей Сергеич Паратов.

Larisa gets up in fright.

Ogudalova. Ah, so that’s who! Larisa. Let's go to the village, let's go now! Karandyshev. Now there is no need to go. Ogudalova. What are you doing, Larisa, why hide from him! He's not a robber. Larisa. Why aren't you listening to me? You are drowning me, pushing me into the abyss! Ogudalova. You're crazy. Karandyshev. What are you afraid of? Larisa. I'm not afraid for myself. Karandyshev. For whom? Larisa. For you. Karandyshev. Oh, don't be afraid for me! I won't be offended. If he just tries to hurt me, he’ll see it like that. Ogudalova. No, what are you talking about! God bless you! This is not Vasya. Be careful with him, otherwise you won’t be happy with life. Karandyshev (at the window). Here, if you please, he has come up to you; four pacers in a row and a gypsy on a box with a coachman. What dust in the eyes! It, of course, does no harm to anyone, let him amuse himself; but in essence it is both vile and stupid. Larisa (to Karandyshev). Come on, let's go to my room. Mom, come here, please, get rid of his visits!

Larisa and Karandyshev leave. Paratov enters.

SCENE SEVEN

Ogudalova and Paratov.

Paratov (conducts the entire scene in a humorously serious tone). Auntie, a pen! Ogudalova (extending her hands). Ah, Sergei Sergeich! Ah, my dear! Paratov. Would you like to embrace me? Can. (They hug and kiss.) Ogudalova. What wind blew it? Passing through, perhaps? Paratov. I came here on purpose, and my first visit to you, auntie. Ogudalova. Thank you. How are you, how are you doing? Paratov. There is no point in angering God, auntie, I live happily, and things are not important. Ogudalova (looking at Paratov). Sergei Sergeich, tell me, my dear, why did you suddenly disappear? Paratov. I received an unpleasant telegram, auntie. Ogudalova. Which one? Paratov. My stewards and stewards have reduced my house to a nutshell without me, sir. Their operations brought my steamships and all movable and immovable property to auction. So I then flew off to save my bellies, sir. Ogudalova. And, of course, everyone was saved and everything was arranged. Paratov. No way, sir; I did it, but not quite, a sizeable gap remained. However, auntie, I haven’t lost my spirit and haven’t lost my cheerful disposition. Ogudalova. I see that I haven’t lost it. Paratov. We'll lose on one, we'll win on the other, aunty; That's our business. Ogudalova. What do you want to win? Have you started to gain new momentum? Paratov. It’s not for us, frivolous gentlemen, to start new turns! For this, go to the debt department, little shadow. I want to sell my willy. Ogudalova. I understand: you want to marry profitably. How much do you value your will? Paratov. Half a million, sir. Ogudalova. Decent. Paratov. Cheaper, aunty, it’s impossible, sir, there’s no calculation, it’s more expensive for yourself, you know. Ogudalova. Well done man. Paratov. Take it with that. Ogudalova. What a falcon! Look at you and rejoice. Paratov. It's very flattering to hear from you. Fry your pen! (Kisses the hand.) Ogudalova. Are there any buyers, that is, female customers? Paratov. Search and you will find them. Ogudalova. Sorry for the indiscreet question! Paratov. If you are very immodest, don’t ask: I’m shy. Ogudalova. It's enough for you to joke! Is there a bride or not? If there is, then who is she? Paratov. Even if you kill me, I won’t tell you. Ogudalova. Well, as you know. Paratov. I would like to pay my respects to Larisa Dmitrievna. Can I see her? Ogudalova. Why? I'll send it to you now. (Takes a case with things.) Well, Sergei Sergeich, Larisa’s birthday is tomorrow, I would like to give her these things, but I don’t have a lot of money. Paratov. Auntie, auntie! After all, she took three people! I remember your tactics. Ogudalova (takes Paratov by the ear). Oh, you prankster! Paratov. Tomorrow I’ll bring a gift myself, better than this. Ogudalova. I'll call Larisa to you. (Leaves.)

Larisa enters.

SCENE EIGHTH

Paratov and Larisa.

Paratov. Didn't expect it? Larisa. No, I didn't expect it now. I've been waiting for you for a long time, but I stopped waiting a long time ago. Paratov. Why did you stop waiting? Larisa. I didn't expect to wait. You disappeared so unexpectedly, and not a single letter... Paratov. I didn’t write because I couldn’t tell you anything pleasant. Larisa. That's what I thought. Paratov. And are you getting married? Larisa. Yes, get married. Paratov. Let me ask you: how long have you been waiting for me? Larisa. Why do you need to know this? Paratov. It’s not for curiosity, Larisa Dmitrievna; I'm interested in purely theoretical considerations. I want to know whether a woman soon forgets a passionately loved person: the next day after separation from him, a week or a month later... did Hamlet have the right to tell his mother that she “hasn’t worn out her shoes yet,” and so on. Larisa. I won’t answer your question, Sergei Sergeich; you can think whatever you want about me. Paratov. I will always think of you with respect; but women in general, after your action, lose a lot in my eyes. Larisa. So what is my action? You don't know anything, Paratov. These “meek, tender glances”, this sweet loving whisper - when each word alternates with a deep sigh - these vows... And all this is repeated a month later to another, like a lesson learned. Oh women! Larisa. What are "women"? Paratov, your name is insignificance! Larisa. Oh, how dare you offend me like that? Do you know that after you I fell in love with someone? Are you sure about this? Paratov. I'm not sure, but I guess. Larisa. To reproach so cruelly, one must know, and not assume. Paratov. Are you getting married? Larisa. But what made me... If it’s impossible to live at home, if in times of terrible, mortal melancholy they force you to be polite, smile, impose suitors on whom you can’t look without disgust, if there are scandals in the house, if you have to run away from home and even from the city ? Paratov. Larisa, is that you?.. Larisa. What is "I"? Well, what did you want to say? Paratov. Sorry! I'm to blame for you. So you haven’t forgotten me, do you still... love me?

Larisa is silent.

Well, tell me, be frank! Larisa. Of course yes. There's no need to ask. Paratov (tenderly kisses Larisa’s hand). Thank you, thank you. Larisa. All you needed was: you are a proud person. Paratov. I can give you up, I must due to circumstances; but it would be hard to give up your love. Larisa, really? Paratov. If you had chosen someone over me, you would have offended me deeply, and I would not easily forgive you for it. Larisa. And now? Paratov. And now I will keep the most pleasant memory of you for the rest of my life, and we will part as best friends. Larisa. So, let a woman cry, suffer, if only she loves you? Paratov. What to do, Larisa Dmitrievna! There is no equality in love, this is not something I started. In love you have to cry sometimes. Larisa. And certainly a woman? Paratov. Certainly not a man. Larisa. Yes why? Paratov. Very simple; because if a man cries, they will call him a woman; and this nickname for a man is worse than anything that the human mind can invent. Larisa. If love were equal on both sides, there would be no tears. Does this ever happen? Paratov. It happens occasionally. Only this is some kind of confectionery cake, some kind of meringue. Larisa. Sergey Sergeich, I told you something I shouldn’t have said; I hope that you will not use my frankness for harm. Paratov. For mercy's sake, who do you take me for! If a woman is free, well, then it’s a different story... I, Larisa Dmitrievna, am a person with rules, marriage is a sacred matter for me. I can't stand this freethinking. Let me find out: your future spouse, of course, has many advantages? Larisa. No, just one. Paratov. A little. Larisa. But expensive. Paratov. Namely? Larisa. He loves me. Paratov. Really expensive; This is very good for household use.

Ogudalova and Karandyshev enter.

SCENE NINE

Paratov, Larisa, Ogudalova, Karandyshev, then the footman.

Ogudalova. Let me introduce you, gentlemen! (To Paratov.) Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev. (To Karandyshev.) Sergei Sergeich Paratov. Paratov (giving his hand to Karandyshev). We already know each other. (Bowing.) A man with a big mustache and little ability. I ask you to love and favor me. An old friend of Kharita Ignatievna and Larisa Dmitrievna. Karandyshev (restrained). Very nice. Ogudalova. Sergei Sergeich is like our own family member. Karandyshev. Very nice. Paratov (Karandyshgvu). Aren't you jealous? Karandyshev. I hope that Larisa Dmitrievna will not give me any reason to be jealous. Paratov. But jealous people are jealous for no reason. Larisa. I guarantee that Yuliy Kapitonich will not be jealous of me. Karandyshev. Yes, sure; but if... Paratov. Oh yes, yes. It would probably be something very terrible. Ogudalova. What are you, gentlemen, up to! Is there no other conversation than jealousy? Larisa. We, Sergei Sergeich, are going to the village soon. Paratov. From the beautiful places here? Karandyshev. What do you find beautiful here? Paratov. After all, it’s like anyone; There is no sample for taste or color. Ogudalova. True, true. Some people like the city, others like the countryside. Paratov. Auntie, everyone has their own taste: one likes watermelon, another likes pork cartilage. Ogudalova. Ah, the prankster! How do you know so many proverbs? Paratov. You hang out with barge haulers, auntie, so you’ll learn the Russian language. Karandyshev. Should you learn Russian from barge haulers? Paratov. Why not learn from them? Karandyshev. Yes, because we consider them... Paratov. Who is it: us? Karandyshev (get excited). We, that is, are educated people, not barge haulers. Paratov. Well, what do you consider barge haulers to be? I am a shipowner and stand up for them; I'm a barge hauler myself. Karandyshev. We consider them to be examples of rudeness and ignorance. Paratov. Well, next, Mr. Karandyshev! Karandyshev. That's it, nothing more. Paratov. No, not everything, the main thing is missing: you need to ask for an apology. Karandyshev. I have to apologize! Paratov. Yes, there’s nothing to do, we have to. Karandyshev. Why on earth? This is my belief. Paratov. But-but-but-but! You can’t turn away. Ogudalova. Gentlemen, gentlemen, what are you doing! Paratov. Don’t worry, I won’t challenge you to a duel for this: your fiance will remain safe; I'll just teach him. I have a rule: don’t forgive anyone anything; otherwise they will forget fear, they will begin to forget. Larisa (to Karandyshev). What are you doing? Apologize now, I command you. Paratov (Ogudalova). It seems it's time to know me. If I want to teach someone, I lock myself at home for a week and invent an execution. Karandyshev (to Paratov). I don't understand. Paratov. So learn to understand first, and then talk! Ogudalova. Sergei Sergeich, I will throw myself on my knees in front of you; Well, for my sake, excuse him! Paratov (to Karandyshev). Thank Kharita Ignatievna. I forgive you. Just, my dear, sort people out! I go and go, I don’t whistle, but if I run into it, I won’t let it go.

Karandyshev wants to answer.

Ogudalova. Don't mind, don't mind! Otherwise I will quarrel with you. Larisa! Order some champagne and pour them a glass and let them drink peace.

Larisa leaves.

And, gentlemen, please don’t quarrel anymore. I am a woman of peaceful character; I love that everything is in harmony, in agreement. Paratov. I myself am of a peaceful nature, I won’t hurt a chicken, I’ll never be the first to start; I vouch for myself... Ogudalova. Yuliy Kapitonich, you are still a young man, you need to be more modest, you shouldn’t get excited. If you please, invite Sergei Sergeich to dinner, if you please, by all means! We are very pleased to be with him. Karandyshev. I wanted it myself. Sergei Sergeich, would you like to have a meal with me today? Paratov (cold). With pleasure.

Larisa enters, followed by a man with a bottle of champagne in his hands and glasses on a tray.

Larisa (pours). Gentlemen, I humbly ask.

Paratov and Karandyshev take glasses.

I ask you to be friends. Paratov. Your request for me is equal to an order. Ogudalova (to Karandyshev). So you take the example of Sergei Sergeich! Karandyshev. There is nothing to say about me: for me, every word of Larisa Dmitrievna is law.

Vozhevatov enters.

SCENE TENTH

Ogudalova, Larisa, Paratov, Karandyshev, Vozhevatov, then Robinson.

Vozhevatov. Where there is champagne, there we are. What a flair! Kharita Ignatievna, Larisa Dmitrievna, let the blond one enter the room! Ogudalova. Which blond one? Vozhevatov. You'll see now. Come in, blond!

Robinson enters.

I have the honor to introduce you to my new friend: Lord Robinson. Ogudalova. Very nice. Vozhevatov (to Robinson). Kiss the hands!

Robinson kisses the hands of Ogudalova and Larisa.

Well, my lord, now come here! Ogudalova. How are you bossing your friend around? Vozhevatov. He was almost never in ladies' company, he was so shy. He traveled more and more, both by water and by land, but recently he became completely wild on a desert island. (To Karandyshev.) Let me introduce you! Lord Robinson, Yuliy Kapitonich Karandyshev! Karandyshev (giving his hand to Robinson). Have you left England for a long time? Robinson. Yes. (Yes) (Yes.). Vozhevatov (to Paratov). I learned three words of his in English and, to admit, I don’t know much more myself. (To Robinson.) Why are you looking at wine? Kharita Ignatievna, can I? Ogudalova. Do me a favor. Vozhevatov. The British drink wine all day long, in the morning. Ogudalova. Do you really drink all day? Robinson. Yes. Vozhevatov. They have breakfast three times and then lunch from six o'clock to twelve. Ogudalova. Is it possible? Robinson. Uev. Vozhevatov (to Robinson). Well, pour it! Robinson (pouring glasses). If you please (If you please)! (Please (Пьют.) Паратов (Карандышеву). Пригласите и его обедать! Мы с ним везде вместе, я без него не могу. Карандышев. Как его зовут? Паратов. Да кто ж их по имени зовет! Лорд, милорд... Карандышев. Разве он лорд? Паратов. Конечно, не лорд; да они так любят. А то просто: сэр Робинзон. Карандышев (Робинзону). Сэр Робинзон, прошу покорно сегодня откушать у меня. Робинзон. I thank you (Ай сенк ю) {Благодарю вас.}. Карандышев (Огудаловой). Харита Игнатьевна, я отправлюсь домой, мне нужно похлопотать кой о чем. (Кланяясь всем.) Я вас жду, господа. Честь имею кланяться! (Уходит.) Паратов (берет шляпу). Да и нам пора, надо отдохнуть с дороги. Вожеватов. К обеду приготовиться. Огудалова. Погодите, господа, не все вдруг. !}

Ogudalova and Larisa follow Karandyshev into the hallway.

SCENE ELEVENTH

Paratov, Vozhevatov and Robinson.

Vozhevatov. Did you like the groom? Paratov. What to like here! Who might like him! And he also talks, the little goose. Vozhevatov. Was there anything? Paratov. There was a small conversation. He also puffed up, like a man, and also decided to cock. Just wait, my friend, I’m making fun of you, my friend. (Hitting himself on the forehead.) Oh, what a brilliant idea! Well, Robinson, you have a difficult job ahead of you, try... Vozhevatov. What's happened? Paratov. Here's what... (Listening.) They're coming. I'll tell you later, gentlemen.

Ogudalova and Larisa enter.

I have the honor to bow. Vozhevatov. Goodbye! (They bow.)

ACT THREE

Evfrosinya Potapovna, Karandyshev's aunt. Karandyshev. Ogudalova. Larisa. Paratov. Knurov. Vozhevatov. Robinson. Ivan. Ilya the gypsy.

Karandyshev's office; a room furnished with pretension, but without taste; on one wall there is a carpet nailed above the sofa, on which weapons are hung; three doors: one in the middle, two on the sides.

SCENE ONE

Evfrosinya Potapovna and Ivan (exit the door to the left)

Ivan. Limonov, please! Evfrosinya Potapovna. What kind of lemons, asp? Ivan. Messinskikh, sir. Evfrosinya Potapovna. What did you need them for? Ivan. After lunch, which gentlemen eat coffee, and which tea, so it is required for tea. Evfrosinya Potapovna. You have exhausted all the darling out of me today. Give me some cranberry juice, doesn't it matter? Take my decanter there; Be careful, the decanter is old, the cork is barely holding on, sealed with sealing wax. Let's go, I'll give it out myself. (He goes out the middle door, Ivan behind her.)

Ogudalova and Larisa enter from the left.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Ogudalova and Larisa.

Larisa. Oh, mom, I didn’t know where to go. Ogudalova. That's what I expected from him. Larisa. What a lunch, what a lunch! And he’s also calling Mokiy Parmenych! What is he doing? Ogudalova. Yes, I treated you, nothing to say. Larisa. Oh, how bad! There is no worse shame than this, when you have to be ashamed of others. We are not guilty of anything, but it’s a shame, a shame, I should have run away somewhere. But he doesn’t seem to notice anything, he’s even cheerful. Ogudalova. Yes, he can’t even notice: he doesn’t know anything, he’s never seen decent people having dinner. He still thinks that he surprised everyone with his luxury, so he is cheerful. Don't you notice? They solder him on purpose. Larisa. Ahah! Stop him, stop him! Ogudalova. How to stop! He is not a minor, it’s time to live without a nanny. Larisa. But he’s not stupid, how can he not see this! Ogudalova. Not stupid, but proud. They make fun of him, praise his wines, and he is happy; They themselves only pretend to drink, but they give him more. Larisa. Oh! I'm afraid, I'm afraid of everything. Why are they doing this? Ogudalova. It’s that simple, they just want to have fun. Larisa. But they're tormenting me, aren't they? Ogudalova. And who needs you tormented? Here, Larisa, still not seeing anything, let alone torment; what will happen next? Larisa. Ah, it's done; You can only regret it, but you can’t fix it.

Evfrosinya Potapovna enters.

PHENOMENA THIRD

Ogudalova, Larisa and Evfrosinya Potapovna.

Evfrosinya Potapovna. Have you already eaten? Would you like some tea? Ogudalova. No, excuse me. Evfrosinya Potapovna. What about men? Ogudalova. They sit there, talking. Evfrosinya Potapovna. Well, we would eat and get up; What else are they waiting for? I already got this dinner; What a hassle, what a flaw! Robber cooks, just what kind of winner will come into the kitchen, don’t you dare say a word to him! Ogudalova. What should I talk to him about? If he is a good cook, there is no need to teach him that way. Evfrosinya Potapovna. Yes, it’s not about learning, but they do a lot of very good things. If it were my material, homely, rustic, I wouldn’t say a word; otherwise it was bought, dear, so I feel sorry for it. For mercy, he demands sugar, vanilla, fish glue; But this vanilla is expensive, and fish glue is even more expensive. Well, I would put a little bit for the spirit, but it’s in vain; my heart dies just looking at him. Ogudalova. Yes, for prudent people, of course... Evfrosinya Potapovna. What kind of calculations are there if a person has gone crazy? Let's take sterlet: isn't it the same taste, whether big or small? And the difference in price is, oh, great! Fifty kopecks would have been worth it, but he paid fifty kopecks a piece. Ogudalova. Well, it wouldn’t hurt to take a walk along the Volga and grow up while we were at lunch. Evfrosinya Potapovna. Oh, but, perhaps, there are both a ruble and two; pay, whoever has crazy money. If only for a high-ranking boss or for a ruler, well, that’s how it’s supposed to be, otherwise for whom! Again I wanted to buy expensive wine for a ruble or more, but an honest merchant was caught; take it, he says, around six hryvnia per bottle, and we’ll stick on whatever labels you want! I’ve already let go of the wine! You could say it's an honor. I tried a glass, and it smells like cloves, and roses, and something else. How can it be cheap when it contains so many expensive perfumes! And a lot of money: six hryvnia per bottle; and it’s worth giving. But we have nothing more to pay, we live on salary. A neighbor of ours got married, and there was nothing but fluff for him: feather beds and pillows, they carried and carried, they carried and carried, and everything was clean; then fur: fox, and marten, and sable! All this goes into the house, so he has something to spend money on. But an official got married nearby, so the only dowry they brought was old pianos. You won't make money. All the same, it is inappropriate for us to force the issue. Larisa (Ogudalova). I would run from here, wherever my eyes look. Ogudalova. Impossible, unfortunately. Evfrosinya Potapovna. Yes, if you feel uneasy, then come to my room; otherwise men will come and smoke so much that you won’t be able to breathe. Why am I worth it! I should run to count the silver and lock it up, now the people are without a cross.

Ogudalova and Larisa go through the door to the right, Evfrosinya Potapovna goes into the middle one.
Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov come out of the door to the left.

SCENE FOUR

Paratov, Knurov and Vozhevatov.

Knurov. Gentlemen, I’m going to the club for dinner, I haven’t eaten anything. Paratov. Wait, Mokiy Parmenych! Knurov. This is the first time in my life that this has happened to me. They invite famous people to dinner, but there is nothing to eat... He is a stupid man, gentlemen. Paratov. We don't argue. We must give him justice: he is really stupid. Knurov. And he got drunk first of all. Vozhevatov. We set it up pretty well. Paratov. Yes, I brought my idea to fruition. It occurred to me just now: give it a good roll and see what happens. Knurov. So was this what you had in mind? Paratov. We agreed before. This, gentlemen, is why Robinsons are so precious. Vozhevatov. Gold, not man. Paratov. To give the owner something to drink, you have to drink with him; Is it possible to swallow this mixture, which he calls wine? And Robinson is a nature matured on foreign wines produced in Yaroslavl, he doesn’t care. He drinks and praises, tries this and that, compares, savors with the air of a connoisseur, but does not agree to drink without the owner; he got caught. An unusual man, how much does he need, he quickly reached the point of delight. Knurov. It's funny; Only I, gentlemen, seriously want to eat. Paratov. You'll still have time. Wait a little, we’ll ask Larisa Dmitrievna to sing something. Knurov. That's a different matter. Where's Robinson? Vozhevatov. They are still finishing their drinks there.

Robinson enters.

SCENE FIFTH

Robinson (falling on the sofa). Fathers, help! Well, Serge, you will answer to God for me! Paratov. Are you drunk or something? Robinson. Drunk! Do I ever complain to Rahab about this? If he were drunk, this would be a delight, it would be better and you couldn’t wish for anything. I came here with this good intention, and with this good intention I live in the world. This is my life's goal. Paratov. What's wrong with you? Robinson. I'm poisoned, I'm about to scream guard. Paratov. Did you drink more, what kind of wine? Robinson. Who knows? Am I a chemist or something? Not a single pharmacist can figure it out. Paratov. What's on the bottle, what's the etiquette? Robinson. On the bottle there is something like “Bourgogne”, and in the bottle there is some kind of “Kindar-balsam”. This spice will not go in vain for me, I can feel it. Vozhevatov. This happens: just as wine is made, something extra is added out of proportion. How long will it take to make a mistake? a man is not a machine. Haven't they moved the fly agarics? Robinson. What fun are you having! A person dies, and you are happy. Vozhevatov. Sabbath! May you die, Robinson. Robinson. Well, this is nonsense, I don’t agree to die... Ah! at least know what kind of injury this wine can cause. Vozhevatov. One eye will definitely burst, just wait for it.

Robinson. Well, if you please hear, it’s Burgonian again! Help me, I'm dying! Serge, at least have pity on me. After all, I am in my prime, gentlemen, I show great promise. Why should art lose... Paratov. Don't cry, I will cure you; I know how to help you; As soon as he takes it off with his hand.

Karandyshev enters with a box of cigars.

SCENE SIX

Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson and Karandyshev.

Robinson (looking at the carpet). What do you have? Karandyshev. Cigars. Robinson. No, what's hanging up? Prop items? Karandyshev. What fake things! This is a Turkish weapon. Paratov. So who is to blame that the Austrians cannot defeat the Turks. Karandyshev. How? What a joke! For mercy's sake, what nonsense is this! What is my fault? Paratov. You took away all their crappy, unusable weapons; Here they are with grief good English! and stocked up. Vozhevatov. Yes, yes, that's who is to blame! now it has been found. Well, the Austrians won’t thank you. Karandyshev. Why is it unsuitable? This pistol, for example. (Picks up a pistol from the wall.) Paratov (takes the pistol from him). This gun? Karandyshev. Oh, be careful, it's loaded. Paratov. Don't be afraid! Whether it is loaded or not, the danger from it is the same: it still won’t fire. Shoot at me five steps away, I allow it. Karandyshev. Well, no, sir, this pistol might come in handy. Paratov. Yes, hammer nails into the wall. (Throws the pistol on the table.) Vozhevatov. Well, no, don't tell me! According to the Russian proverb: “You can shoot with a stick.” Karandyshev (to Paratov). Would you like a cigar? Paratov. Why, tea, dears? Seven hundred rubles, I think. Karandyshev. Yes, sir, about that: a high grade, a very high grade. Paratov. I know this variety: Regalia cabustissima dos amigos, I keep it for my friends, but I don’t smoke it myself. Karandyshev (to Knurov). Would you like to order it? Knurov. I don't want your cigars - I smoke my own. Karandyshev. Nice cigars, nice ones, sir. Knurov. Well, as for the good ones, smoke them yourself. Karandyshev (to Vozhevatov). Wouldn't you like it? Vozhevatov. These are very dear to me; you'll probably get spoiled. It is not our nose to peck at the rowan: the rowan is a delicate berry. Karandyshev. Do you, Sir Robinson, smoke? Robinson. Me? Strange question! Welcome heels! (He selects five pieces, takes a piece of paper out of his pocket and carefully wraps it.) Karandyshev. Why don't you smoke? Robinson. No, how is it possible! These cigars should be smoked in nature, in a good location. Karandyshev. Why not? Robinson. But because if you smoke them in a decent house, they’ll probably kill you, which I can’t stand. Vozhevatov. Don't you like it when they hit you? Robinson. No, I have had an aversion since childhood. Karandyshev. What an original he is! And, gentlemen, what an original! Now it is clear that he is English. (Loudly.) Where are our ladies? (Even louder). Where are the ladies?

Ogudalova enters.

SCENE SEVEN

Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Karandyshev and Ogudalova.

Ogudalova. Ladies here, don't worry. (Quietly to Karandyshev.) What are you doing? Look at yourself! Karandyshev. I, have mercy, I know myself. Look: everyone is drunk, but I’m just cheerful. I am happy today, I am triumphant. Ogudalova. Celebrate, just not so loudly! (Approaches Paratov.) Sergei Sergeich, stop mocking Yuliy Kapitonich! It hurts us to see: you offend me and Larisa. Paratov. Oh, auntie, do I dare! Ogudalova. Have you not yet forgotten the quarrel you had recently? What a shame! Paratov. What do you! I, aunty, am not vindictive. Yes, if you please, I will finish all this at once for your pleasure. Yuliy Kapitonich! Karandyshev. What do you want? Paratov. Would you like to have a brotherhood drink with me? Ogudalova. This is good. Thank you! Karandyshev. Brudershaft, you say? If you please, with pleasure. Paratov (Ogudalova). Yes, ask Larisa Dmitrievna here! That she's hiding from us! Ogudalova. Okay, I'll bring her. (Leaves.) Karandyshev. What are we going to drink? Burgonsky? Paratov. No, get rid of the Burgonian! I'm a simple person. Karandyshev. So what? Paratov. You know what: now you and I are curious to drink some cognac. Do you have any Koviak? Karandyshev. How not to be! I have everything. Hey Ivan, cognac! Paratov. Why come here, we'll drink there; Just tell me to give you some glasses, I don’t accept glasses. Robinson. Why didn’t you say before that you have cognac? How much valuable time has been lost! Vozhevatov. How he came to life! Robinson. I know how to handle this drink, I got used to it.

Paratov and Karandyshev go through the door to the left.

SCENE EIGHTH

Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson.

Robinson (looks through the door to the left). Karandyshev died. I started it, and Serge will finish it. They pour it, set it in a pose; living picture. Look at Serge's smile! Quite Bertram. (Sings from "Robert.") "You are my savior. - I am your savior! - And patron. - And patron." Well, I swallowed it. They kiss. (Sings.) “How happy I am! - My victim!” Ay, Ivan is taking away the cognac, he’s taking away! (Loudly.) What are you doing, what are you doing, leave it alone! I've been waiting for him for a long time. (Runs away.)

Ilya comes out of the middle door.

SCENE NINE

Knurov, Vozhevatov, Ilya, then Paratov.

Vozhevatov. What do you want, Ilya? Ilya. Yes, our people are ready, fully assembled, waiting on the boulevard. When do you want to go? Vozhevatov. Now we'll all go together, wait a little! Ilya. Fine. As you order, so it will be.

Paratov enters.

Paratov. Ah, Ilya, are you ready? Ilya. Ready, Sergei Sergeich. Paratov. Guitar with you? Ilya. Didn't capture it, Sergei Sergeich. Paratov. I need a guitar, do you hear? Ilya. I'm running now, Sergei Sergeich! (Leaves.) Paratov. I want to ask Larisa Dmitrievna to sing something for us, and let’s go beyond the Volga. Knurov. Our walk will not be fun without Larisa Dmitrievna. Now, if only... You can pay dearly for such pleasure. Vozhevatov. If Larisa Dmitrievna had gone, I would, with joy, have given all the rowers a ruble in silver. Paratov. Imagine, gentlemen, I’m thinking the same thing myself; that's how we got together. Knurov. Is there a possibility? Paratov. There is nothing impossible in the world, philosophers say. Knurov. And Robinson, gentlemen, is superfluous. Have fun, and it will happen. He'll get drunk there until he's like a beast - what a good thing! This walk is a serious matter, he is not our company at all. (Pointing to the door.) Look, he’s clinging to cognac. Vozhevatov. So don't take it. Paratov. It will work out somehow! Vozhevatov. Wait, gentlemen, I'll get rid of him. (At the door.) Robinson!

Robinson enters.

SCENE TENTH

Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson.

Robinson. What do you want? Vozhevatov (quietly). Do you want to go to Paris? Robinson. How to go to Paris, when? Vozhevatov. Tonight. Robinson. And we were going for the Volga. Vozhevatov. As you wish; go beyond the Volga, and I’ll go to Paris. Robinson. But I don’t have a passport. Vozhevatov. That's my business. Robinson. I guess. Vozhevatov. So from here we will go together; I'll take you home to my place; wait for me there, rest, sleep. I need to go on business at two places. Robinson. It would be interesting to listen to the gypsies too. Vozhevatov. And also an artist! Shame on you! Gypsy songs are ignorance. Either it’s an Italian opera or a funny operetta! Here's what you need to listen to. Tea, I played myself. Robinson. Of course! I played in "Singing Birds". Vozhevatov. Whom? Robinson. Notary. Vozhevatov. Well, how can such an artist not visit Paris? After Paris, what price will you pay! Robinson. Hand! Vozhevatov. Are you going? Robinson. I'm going. Vozhevatov (to Paratov). How he sang from "Robert"! What a voice! Paratov. But he and I will do some business at the fair in Nizhny. Robinson. Whether I will go again, you need to ask. Paratov. What's so? Robinson. I see enough ignorance even without the fair. Paratov. Wow, how he started talking! Robinson. Nowadays, educated people go to Europe, and not hang out at fairs. Paratov. Which states and which European cities do you want to make happy? Robinson. Of course, Paris, I’ve been going there for a long time. Vozhevatov. We're going with him this evening. Paratov. Ah, that's it! Have a nice trip! You really need to go to Paris. The only thing missing was you. Where is the owner? Robinson. He is there, he said that he was preparing a surprise for us.

Ogudalova and Larisa enter from the right, Karandyshev and Ivan from the left.

SCENE ELEVENTH

Ogudalova, Larisa, Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Karandyshev, Ivan, then Ilya and Evfrosinya Potapovna.

Paratov (to Larisa). Why did you leave us? Larisa. I'm not feeling well. Paratov. And now your fiancé and I drank brotherhood. Now we're friends forever. Larisa. Thank you. (Shakes hands with Paratov.) Karandyshev (to Paratov). Serge! Paratov (to Larisa). You see how short it is. (To Karandyshev.) What do you want? Karandyshev. Someone is asking you. Paratov. Who's there? Ivan. Gypsy Ilya. Paratov. So call him here.

Ivan leaves.

Gentlemen, forgive me for inviting Ilya into our society. This is my best friend. Where I am accepted, my friends should also be accepted. This is my rule. Vozhevatov (quietly to Larisa). I know a new song. Larisa. Good? Vozhevatov. Peerless! “The ropes are ropes, the young lady is wearing shoes.” Larisa. It's funny. Vozhevatov. I'll teach you.

Ilya enters with a guitar.

Paratov (to Larisa). Allow me, Larisa Dmitrievna, to ask you to make us happy! Sing us some romance or song! I haven’t heard from you for a whole year, and I probably won’t hear from you again. Knurov. Let me repeat the same request! Karandyshev. It’s impossible, gentlemen, it’s impossible, Larisa Dmitrievna won’t sing. Paratov. How do you know that it won’t? And maybe it will. Larisa. Sorry, gentlemen, I’m neither in the mood today nor in my voice. Knurov. Anything you like! Karandyshev. If I say it won’t happen, it won’t happen. Paratov. But let's see. We'll ask nicely and get on our knees. Vozhevatov. This is me now, I am a flexible person. Karandyshev. No, no, don’t ask, you can’t; I forbid it. Otudalova. What do you! Ban when you have the right, but now wait a minute, it’s too early to ban. Karandyshev. No no! I positively forbid it. Larisa. Do you prohibit? So I will sing, gentlemen!

Karandyshev, sulking, goes to the corner and sits down.

Paratov. Ilya! Ilya. What shall we sing, young lady? Larisa. "Don't tempt." Ilya (tuning the guitar). We need a third vote! Oh, trouble! What a tenor he was! From my own stupidity. (They sing in two voices.) Do not tempt me unnecessarily with the return of your tenderness! All the seductions of former days are alien to the disappointed.

Everyone expresses delight in different ways. Paratov sits with his hands in his hair. In the second verse Robinson slightly pesters.

I don’t believe in assurances, I don’t believe in love, and I don’t want to indulge again in dreams that have once deceived me. Ilya (to Robinson). Thank you, master. Helped me out. Knurov (to Larisa). It is a great pleasure to see you, and an even greater pleasure to listen to you. Paratov (with a gloomy look). I think I'm going crazy. (Kisses Larisa’s hand.) Vozhevatov. Listen and die - that's it! (To Karandyshev.) And you wanted to deprive us of this pleasure. Karandyshev. I, gentlemen, admire Larisa Dmitrievna’s singing no less than you. We will now drink champagne to her health. Vozhevatov. Smart speech is nice to hear. Karandyshev (loudly). Bring on the champagne! Ogudalova (quietly). Quiet! Why are you shouting! Karandyshev. For mercy's sake, I'm at home. I know what I'm doing. (Loudly.) Bring me some champagne!

Evfrosinya Potapovna enters.

Evfrosinya Potapovna. What other champagne would you like? Every minute one thing or another. Karandyshev. Don't mind your own business! Do what you are ordered! Evfrosinya Potapovna. So go ahead! And I was already leaving my legs; I may not have eaten since morning (Leaves.)

Karandyshev goes through the door to the left.

Ogudalova. Listen, Yuliy Kapitonich!.. (He leaves to fetch Karandyshev.) Paratov. Ilya, go! so that the boats are ready! We'll be there now.

Ilya leaves through the middle door.

Vozhevatov (to Knurov). Let's leave him alone with Larisa Dmitrievna. (To Robinson.) Robinson, look, Ivan is putting away the cognac. Robinson. Yes, I'll kill him. It’s easier for me to part with life!

Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson go to the left.

SCENE TWELVE

Larisa and Paratov.

Paratov. Enchantress! (Looks passionately at Larisa.) How I cursed myself when you sang! Larisa. For what? Paratov. After all, I am not a tree; Is it easy to lose a treasure like you? Larisa. Who is to blame? Paratov. Of course I am, and much more to blame than you think. I should despise myself. Larisa. Why, tell me! Paratov. Why did I run from you! What did he exchange you for? Larisa. Why did you do this? Paratov. Oh, why! Of course, cowardice. I needed to improve my condition. God bless him and his fortune! I have lost more than a fortune, I have lost you; I myself suffer, and I made you suffer. Larisa. Yes, I must tell the truth, you have poisoned my life for a long time. Paratov. Wait, wait, blame me! I have not yet become completely vulgar, not completely coarse; I don’t have any innate hucksterism; noble feelings are still stirring in my soul. A few more minutes like this, yes... a few more minutes like this... Larisa (quietly). Speak! Paratov. I will give up all calculations, and no force will snatch you from me, except along with my life. Larisa. What do you want? Paratov. Seeing you, listening to you... I'm leaving tomorrow. Larisa (lowering her head). Tomorrow. Paratov. Listen to your charming voice, forget the whole world and dream only of one bliss. Larisa (quietly). Which one? Paratov. About the bliss of being your slave, of being at your feet. Larisa. But how? Paratov. Listen: the whole group is going for a boat ride along the Volga - let's go! Larisa. Oh, and here? I don’t know, really... What about here? Paratov. What is "here"? People will come here now: Aunt Karandysheva, ladies in dyed silk dresses; The conversation will be about salted mushrooms. Larisa. When should you go? Paratov. Now. Larisa. Now? Paratov. It's now or never. Larisa. Let's go. Paratov. How do you decide to go beyond the Volga? Larisa. Wherever you want. Paratov. With us, now? Larisa. Whenever you want. Paratov. Well, I admit, I can’t imagine anything higher and nobler than this. Charming creation! My lady! Larisa. You are my master.

Enter Ogudalova, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Karandyshev and Ivan with a tray with glasses of champagne.

SCENE THIRTEEN

Ogudalova, Larisa, Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Karandyshev and Ivan.

Paratov (Knurov and Vozhevatov). She will go. Karandyshev. Gentlemen, I propose a toast to Larisa Dmitrievna. (Everyone takes glasses.) Gentlemen, you just admired Larisa Dmitrievna’s talent. Your praise is nothing new to her; Since childhood, she has been surrounded by fans who praise her to her face at every opportunity. Yes, sir, she really has a lot of talents. But it’s not for them that I want to praise her. The main, invaluable dignity of Larisa Dmitrievna is that, gentlemen... that, gentlemen... Vozhevatov. It will get confused. Paratov. No, he will emerge, he learned it. Karandyshev. That, gentlemen, is that she knows how to value and choose people. Yes, sir, Larisa Dmitrievna knows that not all that glitters is gold. She knows how to distinguish gold from tinsel. Many brilliant young people surrounded her; but she was not seduced by the tinsel glitter. She was looking for a man not brilliant, but worthy... Paratov (approvingly). Bravo, bravo! Karandyshev. And she chose... Paratov. You! Bravo! Bravo! Vozhevatov and Robinson. Bravo, bravo! Karandyshev. Yes, gentlemen, I not only dare, I have the right to be proud and am proud. She crushed me, appreciated me and preferred me to everyone. Sorry, gentlemen, maybe not everyone is pleased to hear this; but I considered it my duty to publicly thank Larisa Dmitrievna for such a flattering preference for me. Gentlemen, I drink myself and propose to drink to the health of my bride! Paratov, Vozhevatov and Robinson. Hooray! Paratov (to Karandyshev). Is there still wine? Karandyshev. Of course there is; how could it not be? What are you saying? I'll get it. Paratov. I need to drink some more toast. Karandyshev. Which? Paratov. For the health of the happiest of mortals, Yuli Kapitonich Karandysheva. Karandyshev. Oh yes. So will you offer? You suggest it, Serge! And I’ll go and do some work; I'll get it. (Leaves.) Knurov. Well, a little of the good stuff. Farewell. I'll stop by for something to eat and head to the assembly point right away. (Bows to the ladies.) Vozhevatov (pointing to the middle door). Come here, Mokiy Parmenych. There is a direct exit to the hallway, no one will see you.

Knurov leaves.

Pirates (to Vozhevatov.). And now we are going. (To Larisa.) Get ready!

Larisa goes to the right.

Vozhevatov. Not waiting for the toast? Paratov. It's better that way. Vozhevatov. But what? Paratov. Funnier.

Larisa comes out with a hat in her hands.

Vozhevatov. And even funnier. Robinson! let's go. Robinson. Where? Vozhevatov. Home to get ready for Paris Robinson and Vozhevatov bow and leave. Paratov (to Larisa quietly). Let's go! (Leaves.) Larisa (Ogudalova). Goodbye mom! Ogudalova. What you! Where are you going? Larisa. Either you should be happy, mom, or look for me in the Volga. Ogudalova. God be with you! What you! Larisa. Apparently, you can’t escape your destiny. (Leaves.) Ogudalova. This is what it has finally come to: general flight! Ah, Larisa!.. Should I catch up with her or not? No, why!.. Whatever it is, there are still people around her... But even if you give up here, the loss is not great.

Karandyshev and Ivan enter with a bottle of champagne.

SCENE FOURTEEN

Ogudalova, Karandyshev, Ivan, then Evfrosinya Potapovna.

Karandyshev. Me, gentlemen... (Looks around the room.) Where are they? Have you left? This is polite, nothing to say! Well, so much the better! However, when did they have time? And you, perhaps, will leave? No, just wait with Larisa Dmitrievna! Are you offended? -- Understand! Well, that's great. And we will remain in a close family circle... And where is Larisa Dmitrievna? (At the door to the right.) Auntie, is Larisa Dmitrievna with you? Euphrosyne Potapvna (entering). I don’t have your Larisa Dmitrievna. Karandyshev. But what is this, really? Ivan, where have all the gentlemen and Larisa Dmitrievna gone? Ivan. Larisa Dmitrievna, presumably, left with the gentlemen together... Because the gentlemen were gathering for the Volga, it was like they were having a picnic. Karandyshev. How about the Volga? Ivan. On boats, sir. And the dishes, and the wines, everything came from us, sir; they sent it just now; Well, and the servants - everything is as it should be, sir. Karandyshev (sits down and grabs his head). Oh, what is this, what is this! Ivan. Both the gypsies and the music with them - everything is as it should be. Karandyshev (with fervor). Kharita Ignatievna, where is your daughter? Answer me, where is your daughter? Ogudalova. I brought my daughter to you, Yuliy Kapitonich; tell me where my daughter is! Karandyshev. And all this is deliberate, deliberate - you all conspired in advance... (With tears.) Cruel, inhumanly cruel! Ogudalova. It was too early to celebrate! Karandyshev. Yes, it's funny... I'm a funny person... I know myself that I'm a funny person. Do people really get executed for being funny? I'm funny - well, laugh at me, laugh out loud! Come dine with me, drink my wine and swear, laugh at me - I'm worth it. But to break the chest of a funny man, tear out his heart, throw him under his feet and trample on him! Oh, oh! How can I live! How can I live! Evfrosinya Potapovna. Come on, stop it! There is nothing to lament about! Karandyshev. And these are not robbers, these are honorable people... These are all friends of Kharita Ignatievna. Ogudalova. I don't know anything. Karandyshev. No, you have one gang, you are all together. But know, Kharita Ignatievna, that even the meekest person can be driven to rage. Not all criminals are villains, and a humble person will decide to commit a crime when he has no other choice. If all I can do in this world is either hang myself out of shame and despair, or take revenge, then I will take revenge. For me now there is no fear, no law, no pity; Only fierce anger and thirst for revenge choke me. I will take revenge on each of them, each one, until they kill me myself. (He grabs a pistol from the table and runs away.) Ogudalova. What did he take? Ivan. Gun. Ogudalova. Run, run after him, shout for him to stop.

ACT FOUR

Paratov. Knurov. Vozhevatov. Robinson. Larisa. Karandyshev. Ilya. Gavrilo. Ivan.

Gypsies and gypsies. The scenery of the first act. Bright summer night.

SCENE ONE

Robinson with the ointment in his hands and Ivan leave the coffee shop.

Ivan. Mazik, please! Robinson. I won't give it away. You play with me! Why don't you play? Ivan. How can I play with you when you don’t pay money! Robinson. I'll give it back later. Vasily Danilych has my money, he took it with him. Don't you believe? Ivan. How come you didn’t go on a picnic with them? Robinson. I fell asleep; but he didn’t dare to disturb me, to wake me up, and so he left alone. Let's play! Ivan. It’s impossible, sir, the game is not equal; I bet money and you don’t; If you win, you take it, but if you lose, you don’t give it back. Bet your money, sir! Robinson. Well, don't I have a loan? This is weird! This is the first city I’ve seen like this; I'm everywhere, all over Russia, increasingly on credit. Ivan. I really believe this, sir. If you ask for anything, we will give it to you; Having known Sergei Sergeich and Vasily Danilych, what kind of gentlemen they are, we are obliged to make a loan for you, sir; and the game requires money, sir. Robinson. That's what you would say. Take the ointment and give me a bottle of... what?.. Ivan. Port wine is not bad, sir. Robinson. I don't drink cheap stuff. Ivan. We'll give you an expensive one, sir. Robinson. Yes, tell me to cook... you know, this... what is it... Ivan. You can fry great snipes; won't you order? Robinson. Yes, that's exactly the snipe. Ivan. I'm listening, sir. (Leaves.) Robinson. They wanted to joke with me; Well, that’s great, and I’ll joke with them. Out of chagrin, I owe twenty rubles, let them pay. They think that I really need their company - they are mistaken; I just want a loan; Otherwise I won’t get bored even on my own, I can play solo too and it’s very fun. To complete the pleasure, I would like to borrow money...

Ivan enters with a bottle.

Ivan (puts down the bottle). Great snipes have been ordered, sir. Robinson. I'm filming a theater here. Ivan. It's a good thing, sir. Robinson. I don’t know who to rent the buffet to. Won't your master take it? Ivan. Why not take it, sir! Robinson. Only for me - to keep it properly! And, to be sure, make a bigger deposit now! Ivan. No, he’s already learned, he doesn’t give a deposit: he’s been deceived by two people. Robinson. Already two? Yes, if there are two... Ivan. So he won’t believe the third one. Robinson. What a people! I'm surprised. They will keep up everywhere; Wherever you can get it, everything has already been taken, there are no leftover places. Well, no, I don’t need him. Don’t tell him anything, otherwise he’ll think that I want to deceive him too; and I'm proud. Ivan. Yes, sir, of course... And how Mr. Karandyshev got angry just now when all the guests suddenly left! They were very angry, they even wanted to kill someone, so they left the house with a pistol. Robinson. With a pistol? This is not good. Ivan. They were tipsy; I believe that this will gradually pass for them, sir. They walked along the boulevard a couple of times... and there they are now. Robinson (shocked). Are you talking about a gun? He wanted to kill someone - not me, right? Ivan. I really can’t help you! say. (Leaves.)

Karandyshev enters, Robinson tries to hide behind a bottle.

PHENOMENA SECOND

Robinson, Karandyshev, then Ivan.

Karandyshev (approaches Robinson). Where are your comrades, Mr. Robinson? Robinson. What comrades? I have no comrades. Karandyshev. And those gentlemen who dined with you with me? Robinson. What kind of comrades these are! This is so... a fleeting acquaintance. Karandyshev. So do you know where they are now? Robinson. I can’t say, I’m trying to distance myself from this company; I’m a quiet person, you know... family-oriented... Karandyshev. Are you a family man? Robinson. Very family-friendly... For me, a quiet family life is above all; but any displeasure or quarrel - God forbid; I also like to talk, just to have an intelligent, polite conversation, about art, for example... Well, with a noble person, like you, you can have a little drink. Would you like to order it? Karandyshev. Don't want. Robinson. Whatever. The main thing is that there is no trouble. Karandyshev. Yes, you should know where they are. Robinson. They're partying somewhere: what else can they do? Karandyshev. They say they went beyond the Volga? Robinson. It may very well be. Karandyshev. They didn't invite you along? Robinson. No; I'm a family man. Karandyshev. When will they return? Robinson. They don’t know that themselves, I think. They'll be back by morning. Karandyshev. By morning? Robinson. Maybe earlier. Karandyshev. Still, we have to wait; I need to explain to one of them. Robinson. If you wait, then at the pier; why would they come here! They will go straight home from the pier. What else do they need? Tea, and so full. Karandyshev. On what pier? You have many marinas. Robinson. Yes, anywhere, but not here; You won't find them here. Karandyshev. Well, okay, I'll go to the pier. Farewell. (Gives his hand to Robinson.) Would you like to accompany me? Robinson. No, for mercy's sake, I'm a family man.

Karandyshev leaves. Ilya, the gypsies and gypsies, Gavrilo go to the coffee shop. Knurov and Vozhevatov come out.

SCENE FIFTH

Knurov and Vozhevatov.

Knurov. Looks like the drama is about to begin. Vozhevatov. It seems. Knurov. I’ve already seen Larisa Dmitrievna’s tears. Vozhevatov. But they are cheap. Knurov. Whatever you want, her position is unenviable. Vozhevatov. Things will work out somehow. Knurov. Well, hardly. Vozhevatov. Karandyshev will get a little angry, break down as much as he needs, and then he will be the same again. Knurov. Yes, she's not the same. After all, in order to leave the groom almost on the eve of the wedding, you need to have a reason. Just think: Sergei Sergeich came for one day, and she leaves her fiancé for him, with whom she will live for the rest of her life. This means that she has hope in Sergei Sergeich; Otherwise why would she need him! Vozhevatov. So do you think that there was some deception here, that he again lured her with words? Knurov. Yes, absolutely. And the promises must have been definite and serious; Otherwise, how could she trust a man who had already deceived her! Vozhevatov. There is no tricky thing; Sergei Sergeich will not think about anything: a brave man, Knurov. But no matter how brave he is, he won’t exchange his million-dollar bride for Larisa Dmitrievna. Vozhevatov. Of course! what a calculation! Knurov. So judge what it’s like for her, poor thing! Vozhevatov. What should I do? It's not our fault, it's our business.

Robinson appears on the porch of the coffee shop.

SCENE SIX

Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson.

Vozhevatov. Ah, my lord! What did you see in your dream? Robinson. Rich fools; the same thing that I see in reality. Vozhevatov. Well, how are you, poor smart guy, spending your time here? Robinson. Perfect. I live for my own pleasure and, moreover, in debt, at your expense. What could be better! Vozhevatov. I'll envy you. How long do you intend to enjoy such a pleasant life? Robinson. Yes, you are an eccentric, I see. Just think: what reason can I give up such delights! Vozhevatov. I don’t remember something: as if I didn’t give you an open sheet of paper? Robinson. So you promised to go to Paris with me - isn’t that all the same? Vozhevatov. No, it doesn't matter! What I promised, I will fulfill; for me the word is the law, what is said is sacred. You ask: have I deceived anyone? Robinson. And while you're going to Paris, shouldn't I be able to eat air? Vozhevatov. There was no agreement about this. To Paris right now. Robinson. It's late now; Let's go, Vasya, tomorrow. Vozhevatov. Well, tomorrow, then tomorrow. Listen, here's what: you better go alone, I'll give you passes back and forth. Robinson. How alone? I won't find the way. Vozhevatov. They'll take you there. Robinson. Listen, Vasya, I’m not entirely fluent in French... I want to learn, but I don’t have time. Vozhevatov. Why do you need French? Robinson. How can you not speak French in Paris? Vozhevatov. And it’s not necessary at all, and no one there speaks French. Robinson. The capital of France, so that they don’t speak French there! What kind of a fool do you think I am? Vozhevatov. What a capital! What are you, are you out of your mind? Which Paris are you thinking about? We have a tavern on the square called “Paris”, that’s where I wanted to go with you. Robinson. Bravo, bravo! Vozhevatov. Did you think it was real? At least you thought a little. And you also consider yourself a smart person! Well, why would I take you there, why on earth? Should I make a cage and show you off? Robinson. Have a good school, Vasya, good; You will become a serious merchant. Vozhevatov. Nothing; I heard from the side that they approve. Knurov. Vasily Danilych, leave him! I need to tell you something. Vozhevatov (approaching). What do you want? Knurov. I kept thinking about Larisa Dmitrievna. It seems to me that she is now in such a position that we, close people, are not only allowed, but we are even obliged to take part in her fate.

Robinson listens.

Vozhevatov. So you mean that now is an opportunity to take her with you to Paris? Knurov. Yes, perhaps, if you like: it’s the same thing. Vozhevatov. So what was the matter? Who's stopping? Knurov. You bother me, and I bother you. Maybe you are not afraid of competition? I'm not very afraid either; but still awkward, restless; it's much better when the field is clear. Vozhevatov. I won’t take any compensation, Mokiy Parmenych. Knurov. Why compensation? It can be done differently somehow. Vozhevatov. Yes, this is best, (Takes a coin out of his pocket and puts it under his arm.) Heads or hash marks? Knurov (thoughtfully). If I say: heads, then I will lose; eagle, of course you are. (Decisively.) Lattice. Vozhevatov (raising his hand). Yours. So, I have to go to Paris alone. I'm not at a loss; costs less. Knurov. Only, Vasily Danilych, having given your word, hold on; and if you don’t give, be strong! You are a merchant, you must understand what the word means. Vozhevatov. You offend me. I myself know what a merchant’s word is. After all, I am dealing with you, and not with Robinson. Knurov. There Sergei Sergeich is walking with Larisa Dmitrievna! Let's go into the coffee shop, let's not disturb them.

Knurov and Vozhevatov go to the coffee shop. Paratov and Larisa enter.

SCENE SEVEN

Paratov, Larisa and Robinson.

Larisa. Oh, how tired I am. I am losing strength, I climbed the mountain by force. (Sits at the back of the stage on a bench near the bars.) Paratov. Ah, Robinson! Well, are you going to Paris soon? Robinson. Who is this with? With you, La Serge, wherever you want, but I won’t go with the merchant. No, the merchants are finished. Paratov. What's so? Robinson. Ignorant people! Paratov. As if? How long ago did you figure it out? Robinson. I always knew. I'm always for the nobles. Paratov. It does you credit, Robinson. But you are proud out of time. Adapt to circumstances, my poor friend! The time of enlightened patrons, the time of philanthropists has passed; now the triumph of the bourgeoisie, now art is worth its weight in gold, in the full sense a golden age is coming. But, no matter what, sometimes they’ll give you blackening to drink, and they’ll give you a ride in a barrel from the mountain, for your own pleasure—which Medicis you’ll attack. Don't leave, I will need you! Robinson. For you through fire and water. (He goes into the coffee shop.) Paratov (to Larisa). Let me now thank you for the pleasure - no, this is not enough - for the happiness that you brought to us. Larisa. No, no, Sergei Sergeich, you don’t tell me phrases! Just tell me: am I your wife or not? Paratov. First of all, Larisa Dmitrievna, you need to go home. We will have time to talk in detail tomorrow. Larisa. I'm not going home. Paratov. But you can’t stay here either. Taking a ride along the Volga with us during the day is still possible; but to carouse all night in a tavern, in the center of the city, with people known for bad behavior! What food will you provide for conversation? Larisa. What do I care about talking! With you I can be everywhere. You took me away, you must bring me home. Paratov. You will ride my horses—is it all the same? Larisa. No, it doesn't matter. You took me away from my fiancé, my mother saw us leave - she will not worry, no matter how late we return... She is calm, she is confident in you, she will only wait for us, wait... to bless. I must either come with you or not come home at all. Paratov. What's happened? What does it mean: “not to appear at all”? Where should you go? Larisa. For unfortunate people there is a lot of space in God's world: here is the garden, here is the Volga. Here you can hang yourself on every branch, on the Volga - choose any place. It’s easy to drown yourself anywhere if you have the desire and the strength to do so. Paratov. What exaltation! You can live and you should. Who will deny you love and respect! Yes, the same is your fiance: he will be happy if you caress him again. Larisa. What are you saying? If I don’t love my husband, I must at least respect him; But how can I respect a person who indifferently endures ridicule and all kinds of insults! This matter is over: he does not exist for me. I have one groom: it’s you. Paratov. Sorry, don't be offended by my glory! But you hardly have the right to be so demanding of me. Larisa. What are you saying? Have you forgotten? So I will repeat everything to you from the beginning again. I suffered for a year, I couldn’t forget you for a year, life became empty for me; I finally decided to marry Karandyshev, almost the first person I met. I thought that family responsibilities would fill my life and reconcile me with her. You appeared and said: “Drop everything, I’m yours.” Isn't that right? I thought that your word was sincere, that I had suffered through it. Paratov. All this is wonderful, and we will talk about everything tomorrow. Larisa. No, today, now. Paratov. Are you demanding? Larisa. I demand it.

Knurov and Vozhevatov are visible in the doorway of the coffee shop.

Paratov. If you please. Listen, Larisa Dmitrievna! Do you allow instant infatuation? Larisa. I admit it. I can get carried away myself. Paratov. No, I didn't put it that way; Do you admit that a person, chained hand and foot with unbreakable chains, can get so carried away that he forgets everything in the world, forgets the reality that oppresses him, forgets his chains? Larisa. Well then! And it’s good that he will forget. Paratov. This state of mind is very good, I don’t argue with you; but it doesn't last long. The frenzy of passion soon passes, what remains are the chains and common sense, which says that these chains cannot be broken, that they are inseparable. Larisa (thoughtfully). Unbreakable chains! (Quickly.) Are you married? Paratov. No. Larisa. And all sorts of other chains are not a hindrance! We will carry them together, I will share this burden with you, I will take on most of the weight. Paratov. I'm engaged. Larisa. Oh! Paratov (showing a wedding ring). These are the golden chains with which I am bound for life. Larisa. Why were you silent? Godless, godless! (Sits on a chair.) Paratov. Was I able to remember anything! I saw you, and nothing else existed for me. Larisa. Look at me!

Paratov looks at her.

“In the eyes, as in the sky, there is light...” Ha, ha, ha! (Laughs hysterically.) Get away from me! Enough! I'll think about myself. (Rests his head on his hand.)

Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson go out onto the porch of the coffee shop.

SCENE EIGHTH

Paratov, Larisa, Knurov, Vozhevatov and Robinson.

Paratov (approaching the coffee shop). Robinson, go find my stroller! She's here by the boulevard. You will take Larisa Dmitrievna home. Robinson. La Serge! He's here, he's walking around with a gun. Paratov. Who is "he"? Robinson. Karandyshev. Paratov. So what does it matter to me! Robinson. He'll kill me. Paratov. Well, this is of great importance! Do what they tell you! No reasoning! I don't like this, Robinson. Robinson. I'm telling you: when he sees me with her together, he will kill me. Paratov. Whether he will kill you or not is still unknown; but if you don’t do what I order you right now, I’ll probably kill you. (He goes into the coffee shop.) Robinson, (shaking his fist). Oh, barbarians, oh, robbers! Well, I got into the company! (Leaves.)

Vozhevatov approaches Larisa.

Larisa (looking at Vozhevatov). Vasya, I'm dying! Vozhevatov. Larisa Dmitrievna, my dear! What should I do? There's nothing you can do about it. Larisa. Vasya, you and I have known each other since childhood, almost family; what should I do - teach me! Vozhevatov. Larisa Dmitrievna, I respect you and would be glad... I can’t do anything. Take my word for it! Larisa. Yes, I don’t demand anything from you; I only ask you to have pity on me. Well, at least cry with me! Vozhevatov. I can't, I can't do anything. Larisa. Do you have chains too? Vozhevatov. Shackles, Larisa Dmitrievna. Larisa. Which? Vozhevatov. The merchant's word of honor. (He goes to the coffee shop.) Knurov (approaches Larisa). Larisa Dmitrievna, listen to me and don’t be offended! I have no intention of offending you. I only wish you well and happiness, which you richly deserve. Would you like to go with me to Paris for the exhibition?

Larisa shakes her head negatively.

And full security for life?

Larisa is silent.

Don't be afraid of shame, there will be no condemnation. There are boundaries beyond which condemnation does not cross: I can offer you such enormous content that the most evil critics of other people's morality will have to shut up and open their mouths in surprise.

Larisa turns her head in the other direction.

I wouldn't think for one minute about offering you my hand, but I'm married.

Larisa is silent.

You are upset, I don’t dare rush you into an answer. Think! If you would like to favorably accept my proposal, notify me, and from that moment I will become your most devoted servant and the most accurate fulfiller of all your desires and even whims, no matter how strange and expensive they may be. For me, the impossible is not enough. (Bows respectfully and goes into the coffee shop.)

SCENE NINE

Larisa is alone.

Larisa. Just now I was looking down through the bars, my head was spinning, and I almost fell. And if you fall, they say... certain death. (Thinking.) It would be nice to rush! No, why rush!.. Stand by the bars and look down, you’ll get dizzy and fall... Yes, that’s better... unconscious, no pain... you won’t feel anything! (He approaches the bars and looks down. He bends down, grabs the bars tightly, then runs away in horror.) Oh, oh! How scary! (Almost falls, grabs the gazebo.) What dizziness! I'm falling, falling, ouch! (Sits down at the table near the gazebo.) Oh, no... (Through tears.) Parting with life is not at all as easy as I thought. So I have no strength! How unhappy I am! But there are people for whom this is easy. Apparently, it’s impossible to live like that at all; nothing seduces them, nothing is sweet to them, nothing is pitying them. Oh, what am I!.. But nothing is nice to me, and I can’t live, and I have no reason to live! Why am I hesitant? What keeps me above this abyss? What's stopping you? (Thinks.) Oh, no, no... Not Knurov... luxury, brilliance... no, no... I'm far from vanity... (Shuddering.) Debauchery... oh, no... I just don't have the resolve. Pathetic weakness: to live, at least somehow, but to live... when you can’t live and don’t need to. How pathetic and unhappy I am. If only someone would kill me now... How good it would be to die... I still have nothing to reproach myself with. Or get sick and die... Yes, I think I’ll get sick. How bad I feel!.. To be sick for a long time, to calm down, to come to terms with everything, to forgive everyone and to die... Oh, how bad, how dizzy. (He props his head up with his hand and sits in oblivion.)

Robinson and Karandyshev enter.

SCENE TENTH

Larisa, Robinson and Karandyshev.

Karandyshev. Are you saying you were told to take her home? Robinson. Yes, sir, ordered. Karandyshev. And you said they insulted her? Robinson. What’s even worse, what’s more offensive! Karandyshev. She herself is to blame: her action deserved punishment. I told her what kind of people they were; Finally she herself could, she herself had time to notice the difference between me and them. Yes, she is guilty, but no one except me has the right to judge her, much less insult her. It’s my business whether I ask her or not; but I am obliged to appear as her defender. She has no brothers or relatives; I alone, I alone am obliged to stand up for her and punish the offenders. Where is she? Robinson. She was here. Here she is! Karandyshev. There should be no outsiders in our explanation; you will be redundant. Leave us! Robinson. With the greatest pleasure. I'll tell you that I sold Larisa Dmitrievna to you. I have the honor to bow! (He goes into the coffee shop.)

Karandyshev comes to the table and sits down opposite Larisa.

SCENE ELEVENTH

Larisa and Karandyshev.

Larisa (raising her head). How disgusting you are to me, if only you knew! Why are you here? Karandyshev. Where should I be? Larisa. Don't know. Wherever you want, just not where I am. Karandyshev. You are mistaken, I should always be with you to protect you. And now I'm here to celebrate your insult. Larisa. For me, the gravest insult is your patronage; I didn’t receive any insults from anyone or anything else. Karandyshev. You are too undemanding. Knurov and Vozhevatov are drawing lots to see who will get you, they are playing toss - and this is not an insult? Your friends are good! What respect for you! They do not look at you as a woman, as a person - a person controls his own destiny; they look at you like you are a thing. Well, if you are a thing, that's a different matter. The thing, of course, belongs to the one who won it; the thing cannot be offended. Larisa (deeply offended). The thing... yes, the thing! They are right, I am a thing, not a person. I am now convinced that I have tested myself... I am a thing! (With fervor.) Finally the word has been found for me, you have found it. Go away! Please leave me! Karandyshev: Leave you? How will I leave you, who will I leave you with? Larisa. Every thing must have an owner, I will go to the owner. Karandyshev (fervently). I take you, I am your master. (Grabs her hand.) Larisa (pushing him away). Oh no! Every thing has its own price... Ha, ha, ha... I'm too, too expensive for you. Karandyshev. What are you saying? could I have expected such shameless words from you? Larisa (with tears). If it is to be a thing, there is only one consolation - to be expensive, very expensive. Do me one last service: go and send Knurov to me. Karandyshev. What are you, what are you, come to your senses! Larisa. Well, then I'll go myself. Karandyshev. Larisa Dmitrievna! Stop! I forgive you, I forgive everything. Larisa (with a bitter smile). Do you forgive me? Thank you. Only I don’t forgive myself for deciding to link my fate with such a nonentity as you. Karandyshev. Let's leave, let's leave this city now, I agree to everything. Larisa. Late. I asked you to take me quickly from the gypsy camp, but you didn’t know how to do this; Apparently, I have to live and die in a gypsy camp. Karandyshev. Well, I beg you, make me happy. Larisa. Late. Now gold and diamonds sparkled before my eyes. Karandyshev. I am ready for any sacrifice, ready to endure any humiliation for you. Larisa (with disgust). Come on, you are too small, too insignificant for me. Karandyshev. Tell me: how can I deserve your love? (Falls to his knees.) I love you, I love you. Larisa. You're lying. I was looking for love and didn't find it. They looked at me and look at me as if I was funny. No one ever tried to look into my soul, I didn’t see sympathy from anyone, I didn’t hear a warm, heartfelt word. But it’s cold to live like this. It’s not my fault, I was looking for love and didn’t find it... it doesn’t exist in the world... there’s nothing to look for. I haven't found love, so I'll look for gold. Come on, I can’t be yours. Karandyshev (standing up). Oh, don't repent! (Places his hand over the side of his coat.) You must be mine. Larisa. It may be anyone's, but not yours. Karandyshev (passionately). Not mine? Larisa. Never! Karandyshev. So don’t let anyone get you! (Shoots her with a pistol.) Larisa (grabbing her chest). Oh! Thank you! (Sits down on a chair.) Karandyshev. What am I, what am I... ah, crazy! (Drops the gun.) Larisa (gently). My dear, what a blessing you have done for me! The gun is here, here, on the table! It's me... myself. Oh, what a blessing... (He picks up the pistol and puts it on the table.)

Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Gavrilo and Ivan come out of the coffee shop.

SCENE TWELVE

Larisa, Karandyshev, Paratov, Knurov, Vozhevatov, Robinson, Gavrilo and Ivan.

All. What is it, what is it? Larisa. It's me myself... No one is to blame, no one... It's me myself.

Behind the stage, the gypsies begin to sing a song.

Paratov. Tell him to shut up! Tell him to shut up! Larisa (in a gradually weakening voice). No, there’s no reason... Let those who have fun have fun... I don’t want to disturb anyone! Live, live everything! You need to live, but I need... to die... I don’t complain about anyone, I don’t take offense at anyone... you are all good people... I love you all... you all. (Sends a kiss.)

Loud gypsy choir.

1 action

All events take place in the small non-existent town of Bryakhimov. An open gazebo near a coffee shop on the boulevard, located near the river. One of the heroes of the work is Knurov, a very elderly man with a large fortune. Another character named Vozhevatov, a young man, is a representative of the wealthy class, who owns a trading company. Two of these merchants are sitting in a gazebo and, having asked for champagne to be served at the table, and certainly served in a tea set, they discuss the news, which describes a certain beautiful girl who does not have any dowry.

This beautiful young lady's name is Larisa. She is going to marry the poor Karandeshev. Mr. Vozhevatov tells the story that recently Larisa had many admirers, but she unsuccessfully fell in love with Paratov, who, having managed to turn the lady’s head, left in a direction unknown to anyone.

Larisa decided to marry the first person she met, and this person was a poor official who had been hanging around the girl for a long time. Vozhevatov says that he is just waiting for a careless runaway groom, since they agreed to sell a steamship called “Swallow”. This news will cheer up the owner of the establishment.

The Ogudalovs and Karandyshevs approach the coffee shop. Mrs. Ogudalova is offered tea. Karandyshev shows his importance with all his appearance and invites Knurov to dinner. Ogudalova reports that this dinner will be held in honor of Larisa. Karandyshev says that Larisa is slightly familiar towards Vozhevaty.

The conversation switches to Piratov, whom Karandyshev, let’s say, slightly dislikes, and Larisa Ogudalova treats him very kindly. The bride is a little outraged that the groom compares himself to Pirate. She says that she considers Sergei Sergeevich the most wonderful man she has met in her life.

Cannon shots are heard. Ogudalova is very frightened, and Karandyshev tells her that it is most likely some narcissistic merchant who has moored to the pier. Larisa and her fiance leave the coffee shop.

Paratov appears on the threshold with Arkady Schastlivtsev, who is an actor from the provinces. The pirates jokingly call Arkady Robinson, since he took him from the island where he ended up for brawling on a ship. Knurov asks Paratov a question, it says that Knurov would be sorry to sell his favorite steamship.

But Paratov says that he can sell anything, as long as there is profit from it, and after that he says that the main reason for his arrival is farewell to his free bachelor life, and invites all the men at the table to go with him into nature. He calls the waiter over, places a very large order and invites everyone to his place for lunch.

Knurov and Vozhevatov have to refuse this invitation, since they have already promised to come to dinner with the groom and Ogudalova.

Act 2

The Ogudalovs' house has a grand piano standing in the middle of the room. Knurov tells Ogudalova that he is very dissatisfied with the fact that Larisa is being given in marriage to a beggar. After such a message, he offers to pay for the dowry and wedding dress. Larisa announces that she wants to go to the village. Karandyshev does not intend to leave for the village yet. Larisa behaves very capriciously, not even trying to pretend that she loves him even a little, and grumbles at him for this decision.

Karandyshev is very dissatisfied that the whole city has gone wild because of the master’s arrival. He asks the first person he meets a question about who this gentleman is, to which he is answered that it is Paratov. Larisa gets scared and leaves.

Mrs. Ogudalova asks Paratov why he left her daughter, and he reports that he had to sell all his estate, and now he will have to marry a girl with a large fortune. Larisa and Paratov meet, he reproaches her for quickly forgetting him, but Larisa explains to him that she loves, and gets married only to be spared humiliation. The runaway groom is satisfied.

Paratov meets Karandyshev, and they immediately quarrel, as Paratov constantly tries to offend the groom. Vozhatov enters with his escort. Paratov and Vozhatov agree to do something weird at the groom’s dinner.

Act 3

The beginning of the third act takes place in Karandyshev’s office. The office is very poorly furnished. Larisa and her mother enter. They are talking about lunch. Ogudalova reports that the guests deliberately got the owner drunk and laughed at his situation. The women leave.

Knurov appears with Paratov and Vozhevaty, they are outraged by the dinner, but they are glad that they managed to get Karandyshev drunk. The groom enters, and does so very importantly, completely oblivious to the fact that he is being ridiculed. Karandyshev is sent for a drink, and they themselves talk about how it would be nice to take Larisa with them on vacation.

Larisa is persuaded to sing a song, the groom forbids it, after which the bride sings anyway. Karandyshev leaves to get champagne. Paratov is left alone with Larisa. She agrees to go with him, hoping to return Paratov. Karandyshev returns and makes a toast. He is sent again for drinks.

When he returns, he learns that Larisa is leaving. He realizes that everyone was laughing at him and leaves, grabbing his gun.

4 action.

Coffee shop. Robinson learns that Darissa's fiancé was seen with a gun. Karandyshev finds Robinson and asks where his friends are, to which he replies that he barely knows them. The groom leaves.

Everyone is returning from a picnic, at which Paratov promised Larisa a lot of things, and he has absolutely no intention of fulfilling them. Larisa wants to hear that she will become Pirates’ wife, but he says that he will not leave his rich bride.

Larisa wants to die, but does not dare. She meets her groom, he promises to forgive her everything, but she decides to go to Knurov, for which Karandyshev shoots at her. Larisa dies to the accompaniment of a gypsy choir. Before her death, she says that no one is to blame for her death, and she still loves everyone.

A short retelling of “The Dowry” in abbreviation was prepared by Oleg Nikov for the reader’s diary.