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Perry Tastes Societt Lan. 1 Goldington Se., London, N.W.1.) THIS PLAY was produced because of its historical interest. and its peculiarly apt message for the presentelay world, AND THE OTHERS A PLAY by MAXIM GORKI ‘Adapted for the English Stage by GIBSON - COWAN LONDO} UNITY THEATRE BOOKSHOP by artongement with LAWRENCE & WISHART LTD. 194iEnglish Edition First Published 1937 Reprinted in this Edition, June 194i “The Play fist produced in 1994 gis Patho Thue Now Fit English production, June r94t at Unity Theatres London A igh red, Applicaton vepseding performing right re should be addressed to AON eta a Coy Lim, nB8 Peeaily, We Hatstay & Co, (1) London, N.W.5. Dosnicazrr . Exizavera Antonia ALExEr, Pavan. SvontzorF Varvara, Xena. Sma. Grasta Measia Tara . Prororey Trarm . Yaxov Larrerr Berruixe Yost Nestraswy Vicror ‘TzeLovasmy Moxrousorr Lisocoxor Guns ‘TRoERoKorF A Bearpep Sorpmer Doar. CHARACTERS A merchant, lis wife. His daughter. Hlis son. A priest. Late member of the firm of Bulichoff, now Commissat of the Provisional Government. His wife, daughter of the lave Yegor Bulichoff, + Widow of Yegor Bulichoff. + Bulichof’siegitimate daughter, + Bulichoff’sservant and mistress, The abbess, Xenia’s sister. A novice. The blessed. Svontzoft’s nephew, Bulichoff’s godson. A general in one of the govern ment departments, An old priest, Former mayor. Nestrasny’s son, ‘Meat merchant. + Expoliceman, now secretary of the Commercial Club, A manufacturer, A landowner: A miller. ‘The gamekeeper. The action of the play takes place in a Provincial Russian Town.PROLOGUE Maxim Gorki aceds no intaivcton as a writer and a eye human, he rt sr a ly eng any Tagunge Tn igaincomecson th the werk he was doing to help and encourage the new sencration, he planned! te write three plays o tell the sory ef the revolution, “These see ine renee, fe ny iy onelew Gear, andthe second in, November ct the. sume. year threw che capitalise Providonal gosenmen’ under Pace cog know “ Oe emmnces the pay eile "Yeon Bahl 3 the time betore the fist rfeelufon Tn the haw es wealthy business man, Yogor ‘Belchof we hear humour of the bad state of things of the. poverty caused by the way oF the wouble at Court, and of te‘sikes snd the, demonstatons agsinat the profteer,, Yogor's family ciele lke of Sahin inthe fom and stanton inthe eo he es ‘sing asian their maser, and Venor ts frightened. HE kee, that the syste Tice himcle is dying Het ik an ody tnd mind and convineed of the od When is erstwhile misress, Melina, now an abbess, tres out a ‘cure" with the ald ofa hired hlluinaorpeorene Sioa Tapes ul yc” oc Gal, ve them! "Bow, Gabriel, Blow, itis the end’ ofthe worl From hc a he er Efe the wile sry nor appreciated thatthe world oe nat en he only tepece He stapected hi own godson, Yakov, af being Wait Tae He suspected his own daughter Varvara, af match mask se a ‘carers socials, Svontoty who would et all he sao ancl go into society” He even feared Shura, tae happrgcloes Shura who laughet! at formal bchaviour and old fakoned wane When "physically xared by Propowsy + fanaeal pra ake provided by Melani, BulichofPs Gran gave way "Ths it the background of the pay tat fellows: the second of the seis. The sew order going, confidence amone the ‘ins of the old Before the third play could be writen about the frst years of the Soviet reve, Gur die Roveey Mirena ACT I A room in the Commercial Club. Several small tables and chairs. At the back, large double dors. Toth right, doen stage, a door leading ile bublt. Up stage left, a third doo to a card-oom. Along the {Gi wall, below the door, a stle upon which is seated Yasip.. He is a very old priest, quite bald, dressed in a faded cassock and peasant's boas. He wears lasses and is shortsighted filling a black pipe from 4 tobacco-pouch. On the back wall, on either side of the double doors are two gilt frames. That on the right contains @ portrait of Cear Nicholas IL Zhe frame on the left is empty and the voter is atthe moment draping it with red ribbon. “He comes down from the short step-ladder, move, it over to the other frame and remoies the cancas. ‘There is 2 bunt of applause from behind the double doors. The waiter descends from the ladder and goes off rough the card-room. The double dors open and we get a glimpse ofa crowded assembly hall and a speaker's plat form. Lisogonof comes from the hall zwith Troerof. Lisogonaf sees the ladder and glances up to tke empty frames. Luoooxorr: Well, your majesty, so they've had your picture Removed from the club (sight). Well! Well! "(Thy go of into the bufit, Nestrasny comes in with Paclin. They seat thee selees atone ofthe tables. Nestrasny walks with a slight limp and carries a stick.) Nestraswy: They are merely trying to frighten us with their ‘alk of Lenin and the bolsheviks. Leave them to me, there are ways of dealing with them, Pavitw: Lenin thinks only of the bodies of men, and not of their immortal souls. Nestrasxy : While the church looks after their souls and doesn’t care too much about their bodies, Pavuww: That is unjust, the church has always beeu foremost in the field of social reform, Nastrasny: Ifyou ask me, the church has always been opposed to any sort of progress. Paytt: It is not progress we are opposed to, but blasphemy. (Teslocanieo comes back fiom the buffet with Trosokaf. The ‘waiter comes back from the card-reom, and meets Dostigaef by the 1 B2 DOSTICAEFF AND THE OTHERS [ACT and the weiter centre doorway. Dostigagf ads toward the ladder, and t canis it amey. Destigee stands watching th group talking) ‘TesLovantev: What is the discussion about? ' Paviin: Nestrasny is always criticizing the church. The church agrees that the Czar was unfit to govern, but you must find somebody to take his place. (The waiter comes in with drinks; he is followed by Lisogona) ‘Trornoxorr: We live as in a dream. a Lisocoxcrr: You should hear them cursing Svontzoff in the buffet. ‘Tessovatue: Well ow that we have got no Cra, the only thing to do is to curse the nearest commissar of the Pro- vision Goverment. ere ‘nornoKcr#:: How things happen! And to think that not mor ‘ihuna few mont ago be was oting up ledger in Bal choft's office! . Nestasny: What have you got to say about it all, Dostigacff? Dosticarre:: [haven't got anything to say, I am just listening. Nesrrasny: Plotting something? josrrcarrr : No, just listening. . estan: What do you hope get out of all thi? jostiaazev: What do you? Pavuns By the way, his pech jot now, Sono spoke ‘most offensively of the church. Amongst other things he had the impertinence to say that we used a language which Could not be understood by the congregation, and dared suggest that we should hold the service in Russian to make the voice of God more comprehensible to the common ae Zh to fight Dosticazre: If the common people are good enous! q for their God, I suppose that they are good enough to know what they are fighting for. : Lisoconorr: Fighting? ‘They are deserting by hundreds. All nussia is desertin the people ands orth, Hold the service in Rusian indeed. For years the Catholic church has held its services in Latin without the power of Roman Catholicism diminishing. (osip lights kis pipe.) ; INasmasits We have had enough speeches for one evening ONE] DoSTIGAEFF AND THE oTHERs 3 ‘TronoKorr : Let him go on. Nusraswy: Aren’t you ever satisfied, Pavtaw (angry): You are all the same, an accident throws you aitinto the sphere of polities, and you think you know every= thing. There is a higher power that leads us wherever We go, and religion teaches us to follow its guidance, Nesrnasny: I am not arguing against religion, Pavuin: Religion is our only shield against the machinations of the devil. TrozRoxorr: He doesn’t really believe in the devil? Pavtin: Moreover the church realizes that before we can have Peace without we must put our own house in orden. Since We have been deprived of a civil leader in the form of the Cear, we must replace him by a religious leader, Tenovanrev: But tell us, what are we supposed to do? Tasovonorr: I don't care who we have for a leader as long as we have a leader. The devil himself will do as far se 1 am concerned. ‘Tzetovaniev: We don’t seem to be getting much nearer a solution. “There has been nothing but talk. Like a lot of women—worse, the women don't let the revolution interfere with their work, they just keep on in the kitchen. porttcatrr: Here comes Gubin, Father Pavlin! (Ee goer off) Paviiw: I won't meet him, It is not meet that a sevanc or the church should associate with such people. (He goes 19 door on right. To Yosip.) Can't you find somewhere else to smoke your filthy pipe? Your: It's not the pipe, its the tobacco, and there is nothing else to smoke, nothing Pavuun: The place smells like a stable. Nestraswy: You had better hurry. (Paolin casts @ glance over His shoulder and buries out. Nestrsny follows. Dastigaaf comer back with Gubin, a stout man with fabby face.) Guar: You mean the red-haired woman in the green dress? A nice figure, plump, appetizing. What should you say her age was? Dosticanrr: I have no idea, Gunns: Between thirty and forty, the dangerous age. ‘The Trost interesting, But you are always too wrapped up in business to care anything about women.4 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS [acT Your: Pardon me fer nendonng itt thismoment, but there hadn’t been for the bishop, he would have been one of the "bishop at the dinner party, and he saw to it that he wasn’t or Yostr: Good luck. el ers onz] posticArrr awn tHe oTHERs 5 ‘TrozRoxorr: Have a drink. “Yost (teking it): Brandy? That's the first brandy I have tasted pice the revolution. ‘There is no brandy anywhere except home brewed, and you can't even get that. I tell you Ruste is falling to pieces ‘Trozroxorr : Good health. Your: Good health. Ah! Ab! Excellent! (aférs his glass for rare. From the bufet come General Being and Lisgoroff followed by Dostigaef, Mohroussef and Nestramny) Berrunc: Allright, allright, here sit down. (They si what is it you want to know? Lisocoxorr: If you could spare the time to tell me a . Berrune: All right. What is it? Lisogonorr: We hear rumours everywhere. Tales of the bol- sheviks and this man Lenin, Is there such a person or is he a myth? Bermuine: Oh no, Lenin is unforcunately real enough, Lisoconor : Where is he? Moxaoussors: They say that he has escaped to Sweden, (Melania comes in and speaks to Yasip, he gives her a paper and the goes af with him to the main room, through the cenne doorway.) ‘Ber7is0 : Sweden will give him backtous. Butyouare wasting Your time with politics. The duties of a town councillor are 0 look after the town, there is a Provisional Government to Jook after the country. At the moment the streets are in such a state that it is impossible to drive in them. Lisoconorr: But these rumours, you can’t get any idea of the real truth. There are even rumours that there are bol, sheviks in this town, Berruisc: There arc rumours that there ate bolsheviks every= where, the people seem to have nothing better to do thea to invent rumours. Lisoconorr: But yesterday I was speaking to the wife of Come missar Svontzoff, and she says - Berruino: I don’t care what she says, Varvara ought to know better than to talk gossip, Moxnoussorr: She is right, however, there certainly are bole sheviks here, Berriiso: Well, and what are they doing? Now6 DOSTIGAEFY AND THE OTHERS [act ‘TroeRoxorr:: They preach socialism, just as the social revoh« tionaries do. Berruinc: There is always somebody preaching something in any government. You have no need to worry yourselves over the bolsheviks, Prince Lvov cleared them out of Petro- grad, and they will clear them out of here. LisocoxorF:: Lvov, the lion! The donkey. Dosnicatrr: Your excellency, some of us are doubtful of the strength of the Provisional Government. Nesrraswy: We hear stories that people are turning against it everywhere, important people, lawyers, professors, and what not. Berriive : We must support the Provisional Government. Our only chance is to get the country into some kind of order, Any of the foolish ideas of the bolsheviks would only result in chaos. : Nesrraswy: Bulichoff’s godson is still mixed up with these people, ‘TzztovaniEv: He takes after his father; he was off his head. Dostioazrr: There was nothing wrong with Bulichofl’s brain, he was sane enough. Berruino: Yes, certainly he had brains, he worked his way up from a small shopkeeper to die a merchant, Nesrrasty: You mean that he married a fool with money, Riches were too much for him, he became swollen headed, I went to see him on some business shortly before he died. He was as stubborn as Gubin, Berrinc: Oh, yes, he was stubborn. ‘Nestraswy: Stubborn and self-centred, he imagined that the whole world revolved round him, Berzuine (looking at his watch): It’s about time they started. (Dostigaef’ goer into the oufet, followed by Mokroussoffand Lise. gonoff. Nestrasry goes into the hall.) ‘TroeRoKorr : Your excellency. Berruine: Well? ‘TroznoKorr: Your excellency, you may have noticed that the portrait of His Royal Highness Nicholas II has been removed from its frame, It will be necessary for the elub to hold a special meeting to discuss the exact portrait. to replace it. Could I be so bold as to ask your excellency .. . one] Dosticazrr anp tue orHeRs 7 Berrusta: Do you think I care who they putin the fame, Ay 2 ne lit thi when half Rasa Wig chee eae anything beet think about (basi ot ee PO" bute with Etzanes th we awed Ee Of Euzavera:1 el you its secenary we ake eto, (Seng Batting) Abst have been beg ke Berrune: Vill hee ame Exieavera:T have jut bean saying that we mast make some Sot of shew, the commen people we tals mabe Pm ceremony. A goverment Lent eapece oe wofeme tes the people are impress Uscoonorr: And ow ln do you expect the people tobe Content wih your pupee snows Euieavara: They have been content upd now Usocoxorr: That sal the more reso why te wont stand Teeny longer Bernute: Pais! Have goto stand here ll day Itening to poliies? I'm sick of pollen These eg eins fr the ast halhour a nobady hae okey ene YOU Politics, That is what is the matter with Russia. Nobody Knows anying and everybody elise eo Loooxorr: Now even he aloes a Brrrune, Sup i ay hee Euizavera: Very well, we won’t talk any more about it. What are you doing afer te mec ar ost Bernie: Anping along so Tom ne ds ee Tin tied Yanvate om bf): Lia, have you seen Ande? Euzavara: The lst tine T aaw Winnie Oe a, What's the ater you ook see Vanvana Nore oe {nooo Good evening, Mis, Svontof; has your husbane decided to have me exeeuted yer ourhusband Yonvana: Thats eft to Nestasny and his black hondveds Buzaveta: We ae tlk mune pole Sone, (Leads Baiting ino the a. The coed ily Gone tO: Bac itt hl, rng te ene it are dole dos. Metra tas had po ea Mezasta: Varvara, I want you, ° Varvane! Recor he8 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS [act Lisoconor® : Certainly. Maxanta: Varvara, I was listening to Andrej. Why.was he talking all that nonsense about the church? It will do him no good; you should know better than to let him make a speech like that. Without the church you would be power- less. ‘Can you imagine the people with neither the fear of the Czar nor the fear of God? ‘Varvara: But you didn’t understand, Andrej was saying that it is necessary to bring religion nearer to the people, that religion should be more simple ; the church should not rule by fear but by love. MeLasia: Tell him to leave us to lok after the church. For centuries Russia has been ruled by fear, ‘The peasants under stand nothing else, Let him try to run the country by love and he will last five minutes. Now go, I want to talk to Nestrasny. (Varvara goes out left, Nestrasny comes in with Mohroussof. Melania listens.) ‘Moxroussorr: T haven’t found him yet. Nestnassy: When you were working for me in the committee ‘you seemed to manage things better. Moxroussorr : These days people aren’t so reliable. Nestrassv: Or you are not so reliable. Lapteff addresses meetings every day, he must hide somewhere. Mornoussorr: Maybe, but he never gocs out alone at nights, and in the day it is too risky. Nesrrasny: All right, Dl leave it to you, But T trust you ‘won't forget that you are supposed to bea patriot. (Mokrous- off goes.) : Mitten) Are you coming in to the meeting? Nesrnaswv: I beg your pardon, I didn't sce you. Maaia: They have already started. (She goes in with him. Tiatin comes in, he sits datin at a table and begins to write Soonteaf comes out of the hall and hurriedly crosses as tothe bufet) ‘Tian: Twant a word with you. SvowrzorP: It will have to wait, at the moment I have no time. ‘Tuan (tireatoningly) : T am afvaid that you will have to find time. “You have been spreading rumours about Shura and myself SvontzorF: What do you mean rumours? ont] bosticazrr ann tue oruers Tum: You have suggeted that at : stolen money belonging to Yegor. vosrz00¥: Let go my cout, the a public plac want to start a scandal? ee Tiss: That wouldnt be a bad idea votzore: I don’t know who in ited the rumc : wented the rumour, 1 cer tsinly had nothing todo with in You areas anh ee smarty Shura ifyou had doneacTs same, You and you could have joined me in the business 9 my instigation Shura has What is money worth now? What is is tha Nhat mon ? is more important is that You have joined the peasants against us. Whit are then st You? You are an intelligent person, : ‘Tram: You fool. (He ges ou. Sento’ mops his bot with hs plindlchief Verve comes outwith Dostigaef) aakter: Wait here a moment and I will fetch you some thing. (Goes into the buflt.) ee Svonrzorr: What is he after? Varvara: Why didn’t you tell me SvoxtzorF: Why should 1? ‘aRvana: Because you can’t be trusted to speak wi a rusted to speak without TRERIPE fool of yourself. T suppose that yeu think rove that there was a meeting? sheviks, for that matter. Svowrzors: What are you getting heated about? There is ween fo SbOUt at the top of your voice so that the whehs world can hear you. (Blizasta comes out ofthe hal} Euzavera: Ah, my dearest Andre} Svoxrzore: What do you want? tizaveTa: He looks worried, the poor ve Took acs na, 404s wotted, the poor lamb, You should SvoNrzorr: Leave me alone, ZAveta: T shall do nothing of the kind. Come, Varvara, {etjus make him take us to the buffet for a drink, (Tha 0 40 buffet. Melania comes out of the hall with Pazlin.) 710 DOSTICAEFF AND THE OTHERS [ACT Mrania: Well, I have been looking for you foran hour. Have you spoken to Propotej? Pavum: Yes, yes. Very temperamental, Tam also afraid that he is too partial to alcoholic liquors. Mstanta: Never mind that. Are the verses suitable? Pavuin: Good enough, I will speak about them to Yosip. ‘Mranra: Propotej can be of use to us. ‘The people fear him. We shall need someone who can inspire fear. It is the church’s chance to take over the reins of government. Now or never. You can see for yourself there is no agreement among the merchants. (She goes back. Gubin comes in with Trosrokaff and Lisogonoff. All drunk.) Gos: Ah, the priest. And you can tell your friend Yosip that he can go to hell with his geese. (Paolin goes out.) You should have seen the old fool when I shot his geese! Lisocoxorr: Gubin, the question is are we going to make peace with Germany or are we going to go on fighting? ‘TROEROKOFF: But there is no Czar, how can we go on fighting? Gusm: Of course we can’t go on fighting, and shall I tell you why? Not because we've got no Czar, but because we've got no boots. T'll tell you something.” Dostigaeff bribed Bettling for a government order to supply the troops with boots, and when they put them on, their feet went straight through them, (Roars with laughter. The crowd begins to pour back into the room. Gubin and Lisogoneff go back to the bar.) Nestrasnv: I have heard enough, I don’t know how I have ‘managed to sit out as much as | have. But what about you? Mazaxia: I can always hear specches. Tell me, what is the news? (Dastigaef’ comes back and takes up his favourite position at the door, listening.) Nesrraswy: This isn’t the place to talk, Come in to see me to-morrow. MrLanta: Is it true the peasants are revolting? Nesrrasny: They won't cause trouble. ‘The peasant can’t live without a master. Msasta: The peasant, my friend, has been taught dis- content. Nesreaswy : The peasants will be satisfied with a scrap of land, itis the factory workers we have to fear. Dosticasrr: And how will you satisfy them? one] DosTiGAEFF AND THE OTHERS n Nesraasev: In nineteen hundred and se workers their place, we can ¥ gotten? Dowrioaser: T was wond Twas wondering whether they remembered, Muss: Novae aig none Taupe et ing vit you on their side: Vou are as bed Dosriontre:T shall remain silent fer) Genny Nestaany, so eis you. Is you. 1s long ime Nesrrasny: You're drunk. * Gunus Drunk am 1? Well, drunk ? Well, drunk or not drunk, 1 haven forgoten it was you I have to thank for beng puke ane of the council It won't belong belore yous are ated Pushed out, Tsay.” Well, what ate you looking g are you afraid? ow Tooking at me for, Nestaaswy: You're drunk, Gunts: You said that before. T'm drunk, You si " 'm drunk, You sid that. Im drunk "Very wel “Give me yur hac Well akc ends ch? (He pulls the stch ot of Natty fit gather round.) a eae fonts: So you don't want to make frends, ch? Why eh? Do you think you are better than me, ch? Tall you To a peasant of the purest blood the Rusia, Nestease: Let me go. Guniv: Pl show you that Ta with you, Moxotsionr: Come along, come along (eats che ted gather round) aero enn: Who has got hold of me, ch? Let me go. Tl send i meh? Let me go. Tl send in a complaint, Fil burn the club. (He coved wt eo pitt. Ti ved floes te) osricaurr: And when they are tired of talking they squab among themselves, 7 ‘alking dey squabble ven we taught the do so again. Have you for- (Gubin comes back from the Several Purest blood, a true ym good enough to shake hands Curtain,ACT I A room in Bulichoff's house. At the back, a window heavily cur- tained. The furniture is massive and ugly. "A carved table, leather ‘hairs, and too many ornaments and pictures. In the right wall a door leads toa hall and we catch a glimpse ofa staircase to the upper rooms. At the back a door to the kitchen and garden. In feont of the stove down left, Claska is seated, sewing a shirt. At the table Taissia is reading a magazine. ‘Tarssta : Is there really a town of Alexandria or is itjusta story? Grasita: I think it’s a town, ‘Tausta: I never knew that the world was such a big place. Where is it? Gtastta: I believe it’s the capital of somewhere. ‘Taste: T thought that it was just invented, Do you think that I should ever be able to write books? Grastta: Do you want to? Tawsta: No, I think they are silly, they never tell you about any of the things you want to know. What is the good of reading about places that you can’t ever sec? Gras: Books teach us how to make the world a better place to live in. ‘Tawsta: I don't like reading. Grastia: You should persevere, you will get to like it better in time. ‘Tasssta: You are like the abbess, It was she who taught me to read. If] wasn't quick enough she used to rap my knuckles. T hate people. Grastta: Everybody is not like Melania. Taassta: I know all the gospels by heart, but it doesn’t do me any good; they never told me anything about what was happening around me. What is happening here now? Nobody tells me, and you can't read about it, Won't you tell me what is going on, Glasha? You need not be afraid, T won't split on you to the abbess. Gras (smiling) : My dear, I am not afraid of your abbess, but don’t know enough to explain, Here's Donat, you should ask him, DOSTIGAEFF AND THE oTRERS 13 Tatssia: Donat! He's an old man, Isn’t there anyon talk to round here? neta anyone ce to Donar (coming in from kitchen): Well, I have finished the ona swat the matter inthe atte? as Lastia: The door squeaks. Svontzoff says he can't get any ra sq nntzofl says he can't get any Donat: All kitchen, Guastia: I know, he’s waiting to see the abbess. Dovar: Glasha, do something for me. Ask him in here to wait, and give him some tea, Guasna: Why should T? Dowar: Because I want you to. Shall I tell him to come in? Guastta: Very well. (Donat goes out) : Tasssa: Propotej is a crook Grasna: I know, but if Donat wants me to look after him, ahs 0 2 ged reason fore : wsssia: T don’t care for Donat. (Tiatn comes in from the hall ‘eis dese in a solders uniform and oer Mt shader tan at 70) coat. His hair has been cropped else) ‘Tian: Is Shura at home? GLASHA: She's upstairs. ‘Tiatin (loking a biscuit from the table and munching it) : What are tt reading, Tain? Stasta: Tiatin will tell you where Alexandria is, Taissia, ‘Tasssia: Where is it? a Tian: Alexandria? Ie’s in Egypt, Tausia: Where's Egypt? ‘Trammy: [e's along way away; you have to go right through the Black Sea, and into the Mediterranean 8? ‘Tassta: Is ita big place? ‘Tianin: It was once the greatest country in the worl Tass: Like Rusia? ns Ou m he world, ‘Tratm: Russia will be the greatest country again, one da Try i ase NEY noe dy ‘Tram: Don’t you? Never mind, next time I come I will bring you a book with dome pictures of Egypt, Glasha, when Yakov comes tell him I'm waiting for him up in hi room. (He goes outright.) Tassta: Tike him, t, I'l see to it. By the way Propotej is in the4 DOSTIGARFF AND THE OTHERS [act Guasta (smiling): Why? Tarssta: I don’: know. He'd look better if he'd let his hair grow. I like talking to him. Gtasna: He could teach you a lot of things ‘Tatssia: I dare say. T know the sort of things girls learn from men. There were two girls last year in the convent. Tm not a fool, I know what happened to them, Guastta (leasing): I do believe that you've fallen in love with Tiatin. Tasssta: I don't believe in love, and the abbess has told me I am not to talk to men alone. (Gtastta : Religion will never stop people loving. You'll learn, too, that you cannot escape from it. (Donat comes back with Propotej. "The blessed” is now dressed in the drab coat of an erdinary peasant. His head has been shaved. He looks round sule a) Donar (flearantly): Sit down, ‘Tasssta: He's had all his hair cut off Paoporsy: I am not going to talk in front of her; she will go straight to the abbess. Gtasta (rising): Come along, Taissia, Tasssta: I wor’t go. I'm never allowed to listen to anything, Dowar: There is nothing for you to listen to, ‘Tarsta: Well, I won't go. If you turn me out I'l tell the abbess you turned me out, and she will know it was because you were plotting something you didn't want her to hear, YaKov (coming in): Taissia, you are being a silly girl run along. Tasssia: Oh, very well. (Ske goes out with lasha.) Prororgy: A small snake, but poisonous. Doxar: You are just in time, Yakov; this is Propote), Yaxov: I know him, Prororsy: I know you, 100; T have heard you speak in the park and outside Dostigaeit’s factory. ‘Yaxov: While you were walking round chanting your rhymes and collecting money from the erowd. Provoryy: They are not my prophecies, I can’t even write. ‘There isa priest in the suburbs, a gooseherd, he writes them for me Yaxov: So they are written by Father Yosip? ee Two] DOSTIOCAEFF AND THE OTHERS 15 Paororsy: Yes, all of them. T admit I uised to make them up ryself at first, but they weren't much good. ‘Then I mee the abbess and she got Father Yosip to do them for me. Yaxov: So it is Melania who is responsible for all this poison in the ears of the people. Prororey: Yes, that’s just it. What the rhymes say are really nothing to do with me. Donar: What did you do before you started all this nonsense? Provorey: I was a blacksmith. My father was a blacksmith, he died when I was eighteen. He was murdered. ‘The governor of Kharkov had him flogged, and he died of hemorthage. -I ran away and decided to become 2 priest. But why do you ask me all this? Donar: You need not be afraid, you won't come to any harm through us. How did you come to think of the rhyznes? Prororry: One day I met a defrocked priest; he was a vagrant like myself, He gave me some good advice. ‘People,’ he said, ‘are stupid and casily frightened; prey upon their superstitions and you can do what you like with them. If they are afraid of you, they will give you food and money to go away.’. So I began to act so that I would frighten people; and the priest was right; they were so stupid that I sometimes found myself ashamed, Now I pity, them. I have walked through Russia from one end to the other with a belly full of food, and a pocket full of eoppers, and everywhere round me was poverty. You get tired of playing the idiot and it’s @ relief to find someone like you to talk to. Yaxov: And now? Prororsy: I'm afraid, that’s it, afraid: I've spent my life frightening people, and now I'am frightened myself. They are still trying to use me, and they don’t realize that my time is past, the people are waking up, ‘Yaxov: And what made you come here? Proporss: I had heard Donat speaking to a crowd outside ‘Trocrokofl’s mill. They were threatening me, and I thought I would like to teli somebody. Yaxov: Who was threatening you? Dovar: It’s Pavlin and te abbess, they have given him a new setof prophecies, warning the peasants against the bolsheviks.6 DOSTIGAEFY AND THE OTHERS [act Yaxov: Very pretty. Prororsy: I have to threaten them with eternal damnation if they do not support the church Yaxov: Ifyou try, you'll stand a good chance of having your head torn off Prororyy: That's it, I’m frightened. I am at home with peasants, but all this is too much for me. I’m caught up in Something that is too big for me to understand, Yaxov: And what do you expect us to do? Proporey: You see, the abbe Xenta (coming in fiom the hall): Donat, what does this mean? Dowar: Mrs. Bulichof Xana (to Propotg)): How dare you come here after what has happened? Yaxov: Keep calm, why shouldn’t he come here? Xenia: Why shouldn’t he come here? You do nothing but fill the house with your low companions, you treat the house like a tavern. T suppose it sil is my house, isn't it? “And then you expect me to Keep quiet while you entertain your godfather’s murderer. ‘Yaxov: I don’t know what you are talking about. Xenta: You know very well what I ai talking about, If it hhadn’t been for this devil, Yegor would be alive to-day. Tt was a plot, I know it was a plot, they frightened hit to death. Prororey: Frightened him. I've frightened many merchants bbut they didn’t die of it ‘Yaxov: You forget that it was you who brought him here. Proporsy: It was her sister, the abbess. She told me what to say, how was T to know what it would do? She told me to do it, and now she is trying to hold it over me Yakov: Be quiet. Donat, take him into the kitchen, tell Glasha to give him some faod. (Donat and Propolej go out) XENIA (in tears): Yakov, T won't have you bringing all these people into my house, ‘Yakov: What do you mean by all these people? Xenia: What's Tiatin doing here? ‘Yakov: Tiatin? I expect he’s come to see Shura Xenia: Yakov, I didn’t mean to be angry with you, but can’t you be a little nicer to me? After all Yegor was your god Two] DOSTICAEFF AND THE OTHERS y father. Everybody is turning against me; my own daughter plots to get money that should by rights be mine, and now you and Tiatin are turning Shura against me. ‘Yaxov: Shura is not turning against you. Where are the Svontzoffs? Xenta: They are with the Bettlings. Varvara wants to leave ‘me here and go to live in Moscow. Everybody's leaving me, even Melania. Yaxov: Melania? I hear that she’s quarrelled with the bishop and he has kicked her out. I must go up and sce Tiatin. Xenra: No, stay here and talk tome a minute, You told me ‘you wanted Yegor’s guns. Yaxov: I'd like them. ‘Xenia: Take them before Varvara gets hold of them, she’s selling everything. Then there are all his old clothes. ‘Yaxov: Thanks, give them to Glasha, she'll look after them. (He goes out right. Xenia sits in front of the fe for @ moment and then calls.) Xenra: Glasha! Grasuta: Did you call me? Xenia: Yes. What is there for dinner? GrasHa: Why do you ask? You've already been in the kitchen. Xenta: Glasha, why don’t you talk to me, why are you so quiet? GrasHa: What do you expect me to say? Xena: Anything as long as I can hear somebody talk. ‘Things are happening all round me that I don’t understand, T want somebody who can tell me about them. Grasua:: Why should you think I can tell you? ‘XeNt: It's all strange to me. I'm too old to change my ways ‘but you're younger, and Yegor always said that you were quick at grasping things. ‘Glasha,' he used to say, ‘she is clever? Grasia:: Yegor! ‘Xenia: Talk to me. I don’t bear you a grudge because you Joved my husband. Why should you hate me, Glasha? Gzasta: I'don’t hate you, really I'don’t. I’m sorry for you, they are making your life a hell. Xenra: What have I done to them? Why should they want ©8 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE oTHERS [act to harm me? They want to leave me here and go off to ‘Moscow. ‘They will sell up my home and leave me penni- less, and Varvara is my own daughter. Guasa: Ail the Svontzoff’s think of is how to worm their ‘way into society. ‘Xenia: I wouldn't mind if they would take some notice of me, if only they wouldn't treat me as if I was dirt. Gtasua: You mustn’t take any notice of them, Come into the kitchen and let me get you some tea. Xenia: Thank you, Glasha, (They go out left, there is a pause ‘and then Yakoo and Tiatin come downstairs.) ‘Yaxov: I didn’t want you to speak in front of Shura, ‘Tiare: Shura is all right, why don’t you get her to join us? ‘Yakov: At the moment we can only afford to use tried leaders, ‘Well? ‘Tiatm: Its all settled, the rising is fixed for the sixth. Sol- diers will surround the factories and confiscate all food- stuffs, It must be our first duty to see that the people do not starve, The womenfolk must see that the bolsheviks fulfil their promises. Yaxov: We know from what quarter we may expect trouble. T hear that there have already been attempts against your Iife. ‘Travis: Nestrasny is afraid to come out into the open, and the rest of the merchants don’t count. There may be more bloodshed .. . YYaxov: More bloodshed? While Kerenski and the social revolutionaries are in power there can be nothing but bloodshed. Russia is at war without even knowing the reason why, while her people starve. Sura (coming in): What are you two whispering? Yaxov: Secrets. Suura: Will you always have sccrets from me? ‘Yaxov: Shura, you are inquisitive, at a time like this curiosity Sura: I am serious, I want to know what is happening, T ‘want to help. ‘Yaxov: You shall one day, but you must prove that you are capable of dealing with serious matters. ‘Suvra: And how must I do that? Two] DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS 19 Yaxov: Tt means hardship and strugale and strenuous study. Tetakes dme, there are no short cut "Tain (coming in with a ray): Glasha tld me to bring you in font ta ‘Tuam: Good. ‘Fassia (pouring ou): Won't you tell me what you have been talking about? Yaxov: We've been talking about the abbess. ‘Tasssta: You are teasing. The abbess has just come, and she tays that you are ploting to destroy the church, “She says that you are in league with the soldiers who: burnt the monastery. Taariv: And if we are? Tassta:T wouldn't mind really. like it beter here, Bu T think it wrong not to fear God ‘Tuanis: Taissa, do you think spying is a very nice thing to do? ‘Taasta: [wasnt epying, T wasn't really. Yaxov: Do you thitk that we don't know i was Melania who tent you bere ‘Tassa (earul): Well, if twas, how cam I help it? Tuanin: You could refuse to come. Tell her that you won't beter slave and more and tht you are ging to lve your ‘Tassta: How can 12 IFT don't do what she tells me she will tend me avay, and then what will T do? Yarov: You could work, Tass: What work s therefor anyone like me to do? Tianin: There is always work, Taisa, Look at Glasha. She is twice your age, and she is always busy. You could help me ‘Traut: Ob, could 1? Could I really? ‘Tear: If you rally want to. Now Fun along. (She ges ou to ‘Htclen) ¥ Ee Yakov: Now you have even got Taissia enthusiastic. Well, I ‘must go aloag and speak to Donat. (He fishes is cup of tea tnd folees Tots) ‘Tuari¥: Donat’s a good fellow. Simple and transparent, but 2s honest a the day. Have jou ever stepped to think what iemeans for a man of hs age to change his views? Hl wat brought up to believe in God and the Czar, to believe hat 2020 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS [AcT ee ae nse ete ees Bee esc a sieesesaetl a petene ee ce Sonal aee tates eat ; Pe oa eae eee ie mesma ea tee etter ae ener Ne oto en ae eae cone) Ses ; ee only making a fol of me. (Then a ed af and ahr Wl) Sea ee ee eT have loved you fr een ean Peon aba el you" [lsat ‘and she holds the cup up threateningly. Dostigaeff comes in from the hall.) Dosmicarrr: What on earth? Suura: Er...er... 1 was...er we were... 1 was ex- plaining something to Tiatin. (Ske goes out hurriedly.) Dosticarrr : Has everybody gone mad? What are you creep- ing about for? Trarm: I have lost something. Dosticarre: Lost what? Trai: Lost what? Ob, really it doesn’t matter, you see I Two] DOSTIGAEFF AND THE oTHERS ar really don’t know. I heard something drop and I thought I must have dropped it. Dosticater: Are you feeling well? ‘Tiariw: Oh, yes, yes... er... thatis.. er... no. Dosricarer: What is the matter? Head? ‘Tram: Slightly, but it will soon pass. Did you want to see me? Dosmioarer: Yes, I wondered whether you had heard any- thing? You can trust me. Pavlin tells mie that all is not well in Petrograd. ‘Tuam (refusing to be drawn out): No? Dosticatrs: I keep my eyes open. Do you think I don’t know that you have gone over to the bolsheviks? ‘Tuam: If had gone over to the bolsheviks I imagine that I should be opposed to the merchants, If I am not mistaken, ‘you come within that class. Dosmicazrr: All merchants are not fools. I have heard you speak and I respect your views. Trarm: T believe in such cases it is customary to say thank you. I didn’t expect it. Dosmicazrr: Please be serious. If the country is to be ruled by the peasant and the factory worker, what is to happen to the landowner and the merchant?’ Do you intend to destroy us irretrievably? It won't be easy to run the country without the help of experienced people. Trarmy: We will find them. Dosnicarrr: And we are to be consigned to prisons and intern- ‘ment camps. ‘Tram: For those of you who are wi to do. Dosmicazer: Perhaps some little government job. . Tiarm: I am afraid that I must go now, I am busy. (He goes out into te kitchen. Melania appears suddenly from the door right.) ‘Mezanta: T heard everything he said, The devil! To think that we have to let bandits like that be at liberty. And we can’t even have him arrested, Dosticazee: No, times have changed quickly; a few months ago they were being imprisoned right and left, but now there are too many of them. ‘The movement is spreading, no one knows how big it is. They work in the dark, the whole country is seething under the skin. ng, there will be work22 DOSTICAEFF AND THE OTHERS [act Mzasta: And you are going to do nothing? Dosricarr®: The cleverer ones will save themselves, Perhaps fone joins them for a time, and then later. Mecasta: What about the army? Dosricazrr: The army has enough to do to look after its own troubles, If the bolsheviks gain power they will at least put a stop to the farce of this war. Mezaxta: The Czar did not think it was useless. Dostiaarrr: The Czar was a fool, and Europe treated him like a fool. What could Russia gain by a war with Ger- many? Half Russia is dying of famine, and all this petty- fogging lawyer Kerenski can think of is carrying on the war. Mexasta: So you, too, are crying for peace? (Vareara comes in from the hall.)" What kind of a house is this, Varvara? are you running 2 club for bolsheviks? Vanvana: What do you mean? Dosricarse: Where is Svontzoff? ‘Vanvana: He's outside with Alexei they are talking to Shura. (There is a mafied report.) Whats that? Dosricazrr: Some fool starting trouble. There was a row in the market-place yesterday. Mokroussoff lost his head and started shooting at nothing. (There is another report. Varvara rans out right.) Mavanta (at window): Tt looks like Tiatin. Vanvana (of): Quickly, something has happened to Andrej. (Dostigaah’ goes off, Claska and Teissia come out of the kitchen and follow him off through the hall.) Maranta: It is the judgment of God. (Varoara and Alexei come in with Svontzof, exhausted and wildly excited. Alexei is holding a pistol.) Svontzorr: I had to, I was attacked. I swear I was attacked. ‘Varvara: Are you hurt? Svoxtzorr: No, ... it was I who did the shooting. Tt was self-defence. Metasia: Who were you shooting at? Svorrzors: had to.. 1... (he breaks down. Dostigaaff comes in.) Dosroazrr (to Alexei): Put that gun in your pocket. (Ie crosses to Scontzof.) Svoxrzor®: Leave me alone. Two] DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS 23 Dosticazre: Here, sit on the sofa. (To Varvara) Fetch him some water, Mezania: Well, who attacked you? Svontzor¥: I tell you I don’t know, it was dark. I swear it was dark. T was attacked. (Glaska and Yakou bring in Tiatin whose arm is bleding frely. Teisia stands a litle behind them.) Yaxov: You're lying and you know it. I was in front and “Tiatin was behind; you let fly at me, ‘Varvara (coming back): Here is some vodka, Yaxov: Give it to Svontaofl. Dosnicazev: Well, well, it’s lucky it was no worse. One can understand it, the darkness and Swura (coming én): What's happence you hurt? ‘Tiarmi: Tes nothing, it’s barely a scratch. (Glasha has torn up 4 it se ses mening ond i binding the wound. Dostigneh whispers to his som ut. Varvara helps Soontzof i _from the setee.) oe Sons Siwura (to Varvara): Go across the road and fetch the doctor. Varvara (ofinsive)): Have you any more orders? (Glasha 4068 out for the decor.) Melania, will you help me with Andrej? Mtania: Come along, Taissia ‘Tass: You swine! Metasta: How dare you? Tasssia: You swine! MeLaNra: God will punish you for this. Tassta: You filth ! ‘Trariy: Come here, Taissia. Tass: No, I hate her! Go on, hit me! I'm not affaid of you or your God! Go on, hit me! ? Tiatin, My dear, are Curtain,ACT I A room in Dostigaaf’'s house. Evening. In the centre of the back wall «fireplace, and on either side of it doorways covered by curtains, The room behind the door on the left is dimly lit; that on the right is in darkness. In the left wall, downstage, is small door matching the wallpaper and scarcely noticeable. Above this doorway is a piano. Right a setiee and belind it two windows looking on to a yard. It is «a fienily room, thickly carpeted, with comfortable, if old-fashioned (furniture. At a small card table Alexei is seated, playing patience. "Antonia comes in through the small door. Antonia: It’s freezing. Oh, it’s all so hopeless, they started the revolution in February, and now it's November and they don't seem to have got any further. (There isa pause.) What? ‘Auexer: I didn’t say anything. ‘Awrowia: I must say you looked better in your uniform. In that suit you look like an ex-policeman. (She lights the lamp.) How long did the French Revolution take? Auexer: I don’t know. ‘Antonia: Things should be done quickly and neatly or not at all. (She mixes his cards.) Aurxer (good humouredly): Pig! ‘Awroxta: You know, I think I will commit suicide. ‘Ausxer: By the way, what happened to Svontzoff’s revolver? T left it in the drawer of the bureau, Axroxta: You came home abominably drunk last night. ‘Auexet: Yes, we had an officers’ farewell party, they dug out a case of damn good brandy. Have you seen anything of Tiatin? It seems that he is one of the leaders and Nestrasny is after him with his black hundreds. There were two bolsheviks found on Sunday with their heads battered in; that looks like Nestrasny’s work. Awronta: I'm not interested in politics, tell Shura. (She lights « cigarete.) Dosricarer (coming in from the door left). Where is your mother? ‘Auexet: She is in the library with Victor, 24 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS Dosricazrr: A library, a drawing-room, a study, a smoking- room . . . when we lived in two rooms T knew where to find things. “Ask her what has happened to my slippers. (Alexei goes out down left.) Dosticarrr (collecting cards) : Have you been playing patience? Anronta: Tt was Alexei Dostraaere: What's young Nestrasny doing in the library with Elizaveta? Awronta: You've no need to be jealous over Mamma. Ie's my dowery Victor is after. Dostioaeve: You are growing up too fast for me, ‘Anronta: Yes Daddy, we mature early these days Dosmicasrr: When I was your age it wasn’t considered lady- like to smoke, even in the privacy of your own room, and there you sit with a cigarette in your mouth as though it was the most natural thing in the world. Shura is the same. ‘There doesn’t seem to be anything feminine about girls these days, Axowta: Do you mind? Dosricazre: No, but I can’t get used to it, that’s all. Have you seen Shura? Anronta: Not for some time. Dosticazrr: She has changed since Yegor died. I wonder ‘what he would think of her. Varvara turns her out of the house and she takes up with Tiatin and the bolsheviks. I wonder what will happen to her. Anronra: T suppose she will stick to Tiatin, Dosricazre: If it means prison and exile? By the way have you any idea why they are keeping so quiet lately? Axronta: I’m not interested. Dosricarse: I'd like to know. If you meet Shura ey to find out. (Alexei comes back with Victor Nestrasny) Vicror: T suppose that nowhere in the world are books 0 much in demand as they are in Russia at this moment, Good evening. ve just been discussing books with your Dosticazre: I didn’t know Elizaveta ever read books. ‘Victor: We have been discussing them purely from a business point of view. I wondered whether you would be interested. ‘Ata time like this a clever publisher could make a fortune,26 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS [AGT Dosnioarrr: I manufacture boots. Victor: Not only could you make a fortune but I am sure that the Government could be persuaded to make a grant if they were approached in the right way. As part of a campaign against the bolshevik literature which is being distributed everywhere... . Dosticarrr: Excuse me, Alexei has forgotten my slippers (He goes out) Atexer: You can’t trade in books in the same way as you sell ‘boots and shoes. The people will not read what they are told. ‘Victor : It’s useless trying to talk to you highbrows. Business is business and a real control of the Press would do more than anything to stabilize the Government. (Antonia sud- denly gets up and goes off through the door right.) What is the matter with Antonia? Atexer: I think that she is bored with politics ‘Victor : She’s been spoilt. Atexet: Do you think so? ‘Victor: Were you at the party yesterday? Atexer: Yes. ‘Victor : Did you lose? Atexer: A thouisand roubles. Victor : Phew! Atexet: And the devil knows where it’s coming from. I daren’t tell Father, ‘Vicror: Bad luck. ‘The officers are suspiciously lucky at cards. Atexer: I was drunk, I was a fool to play at all ‘Victor : IfT help you out of your mess will you do something for me? Atexer: What is it you want? ‘Victor: T want you to help me with Antonia. Azexer: Don’t worry, Antonia will marry you all right, what else is there for her to do? ‘Victor: She has changed lately. Shura Bulichoff has a bad influence on her. Auexer: Why don’t you speak to her yourself, Nothing I could say would have any effect on Antonia, ‘Victor: Perhaps if you were to mention « .. (Glasha comes in with a tray and clears axvay some things.) Think it over. Atexer: Let's go into the library for a drink, THREE] DOSTIGAEFY AND THE OTHERS 27 ‘Victor (nodding towards Glasha) : What is she doing here? Atrxer: She was kicked out by Svontoff. Mother had her over to look after the new house. (They go out. Glasha con- fines to clear the things, Elizaueta comes in.) Euizavera: Where is Tonia? Gtasa: I think she has gone to her room, Enwzavera: Tonia! What is that child doing always sulking in her room, it’s unhealthy. Tonia! Awronta (appearing) : All right, I am here. (Glasha has finished clearing and goes out.) Euzavera: What are you hiding yourself away for? you know that Victor came here to see you. Anroxta: I wanted to be alone, Enzavera: I can't think what has come over you lately. ‘You do nothing but hide yourself away and pore over books. I suppose it’s Shura’s doing. I’m sure they can’t make you any happier. T may be stupid, my dear, but I haven't got anything to worry about. When I was your age I lived for pleasure; got about; saw things. Men don’t like blue stockings. Your father found me attractive enough, and he’s 2 good judge. Dosticaree (coming in): What are you saying about me? Enizavera: We are praising you. I just said that you were a good judge of women, and I was going on to say that you were the cleverest man in this town. Dosticarr: Don’t let me stop you. Euazavera: Your father is the cleverest man in this town, There! Dostisarsr: I wish I was clever enough to know what is happening. Yosip says that there is important news from Petrograd but nobody knows what it is about. Tonia, are you sure that Shura told you nothing? AwTostA: You asked me that question before. (She goes out to der room.) Dosticarer: Tonia is looking ill. I wish that she would marry Victor and settle down. He's a fool but he’s rich, and she could twist him round her litle finger. It’s better to have @ manageable husband than a clever one. Look at Svont- zoff, Varvara docs what she likes with him, Aren't you sorry that you didn’t marry a fool?28 posTiGAEYF AND THE oTuERS [ACT Euavera: Tam qoite stsied as Tam, and you are not so wise. Dene gerr: Tam wise enough to know that you are not erg arth, Tram too old for you, you need someone tag oe ey men attract you {ean give You esi, Tintin " ee ae eter your affection t anothers love, Youre Sesto, arent you? Pena eiiizocer Ise you talling toa younger man, Mink . pnttk You need never wory, I shaa’t leave you If You anne me, nobody sal ove me sabe. paetcntre: Blan, go you mean that? Pore ald you'you weren't so wie. (Glass coms bak ah e097) “ee : Pee danging Hs tn): es high time that you oo life seriously, we should keep abreast of the times, Even I te ee Meading, T'was fending Darin; he teaches aa eee scadape oumelves or posh Everything lives aan erat eat iu soroundings (They Eo ou ee re ea mesage to say that she will not be here La Shite hen aha T give her any message? rat fps): No, Lent bother Gla ome hing veatly setows vartng? Grasna: I don’t know. > eer a cylin them. Whatwillhappen tome? Fe eee thom nor agenst them, Tam ouside‘ al Centon would go t some of ther meeting, would Trent edema, Theres plenty of oom or helpers in ie party. panne Peres is no room for mes don't ft, T havent Fea REE upto thnk thige out for mya. T don't Crime you fea sony for me. eee tor dha Teel sorry, but T doa't understand Fae eae enong people who lve ely; you read what ee ery opportunity of geting the feseout oflfe and yet Peace ee rT am wscles to mye and everybody elie hare ie isn? THREE] DOSTIGAEFY AND THE OTHERS 29 GiasHa: There are many like you. ANTONIA: That is a poor consolation. What happened to that convent girl who was staying with you? Grasta: Taissia? She will find her place. Antowta: Well, good-bye, Glasha, rasta: Tam not leaving to-day. Antonia: No? Tell Shura I am writing her. Good-bye. (She goes back 10 her room. Glasha looks after her fora few moments and then goes out. A pause. Dostigagf{ comes in with Paslin.) Dosrioazre: I guessed, Yosip said that there was news. Well, in Petrograd there’s a new Government, the Workers’ Government. The country is to be ruled by factory hands. Well, my father worked in a factory, so did my grandfather, and his father before him. One might almost say I have descended from the ruling classes. Pavutn: It’s all very well to joke. Of course this may be only Dosricarrr: You will find that it is more than a rumour, my friend. If it isn't, what has happened to Kerenski and the army. For that matter, where are any officers of the Pro visional Government? Paviin: If it is truc, it means that Petrograd is in the hands of nobodies, aliens, unbelievers. Dosticarrr: Tt will’ happen here, too. Sooner than you expect. If you are wise you will find that it makes no difference. We must change our tactics, that is all: swim with the tide and not against it Pavia: T understand that Nestrasny is raising an armed force. He is coming here to sec you. Dosticaerr (alarmed): Nestrasny! Coming here? Paviin: He was with Gubin at the club, they spoke of elect- ing a leader. Dosticazr: Things may happen at any moment, Exzzavera (coming in): What's the matter? You look il. Dostioazrr: It’s nothing, nothing. I must speak to Glasha. (He goes out.) Exizavera (to Paolin) : Have you brought bad news? Pavun: The Provisional Government has fallen. Petrograd is in the hands of the bolsheviks. Eurzavera: Is that all? T thought it was serious,30 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS [AcT Pavuin: It means the end of Russia. Eiizavera: Nonsense, in a few months everything will quieten ‘down and we shall be exactly as we were. In the ineantime we shall go to live in Paris, T have always wanted to in Paris, (There isa crash of.) What is that? Pavuiw: It sounds as though someone was breaking in. ELizavera (going to window): There are some men outside. Paviis: It’s the bolsheviks! I tell you they are breaking ‘© God, why hast thou forsaken me? Euizavera: There’s someone in the kitchen. (Gubin and “Nestrasny come in hurriedly.) Pavun: Gubin! Gun: Ah! The priest! All right, don’t be affaid, it’s not ‘you we want; at a time like this we can afford to bury old squabbles. Where's Dostigacff? ‘NestRasny (to Elizaceta) : We are sorry to push our way in like this; but the matter is urgent. Euizavera: I don’t understand, my husband Dosticarse (reappearing): A surprise! T am glad to sce you. Guam: You don't look exactly glad. Go straight ahead, Nestrasny. Nestrasny: The Government is under arrest. ‘The soldiers together with the workers have plundered and set fire t0 the Winter Palace. Kerenski has fled. Pavuin: I have just Dosicazre: Keep your mouth shut. Well, what has all this to do with me? Nesraussv: We have come to you because you are one of the few courageous ones left amongst us. Your position here is ‘well known, the people will listen to what you have to say. Dosricazee: Thank you for the compliment, but if you are looking for a leader what about yourself? You have had experience. Your leadership of the black hundreds is now hardly a secret. ‘Nesrnaswy : This is not the time to remember old accomplish- ments, ‘They will be organizing a committee of safety in “Moscow ; someone must represent that committee here. Are ‘you with us or against us? Dosricarsr: Why should you think that I should be against you? THREE] DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS 31 Guom: We want a straight answer. Dosricarre: To what? Nestaaswy: Who's side are you on, ours or theirs? Dostronerr: I am concerned only with my own safety. Nestrasny: So you refuse (0 join us? Dosnieazer: To join you in what? Guat: We interid to defend our position with force. Dosticarsr: That will need men. Nesrrasny: We have the officers, we will find the men. Dosticazrr: Men are not easy to find these days. If you are relying on fools like Mokroussoff you will find that they fade away at the first sign of trouble. Besides, you will have to hurry. Nestmasnv: What do you mean? (Dastigaaf doesnot answer. Have you had any further news? : Anexes (rushing in): Father, there has been an accident. Euizavera: An accident? .Atexer: Tonia! She's been depressed lately, but I didn’t think . DosricareF: Pull yourself together. What has happened? Atext: The revolver, it was missing from the drawer... . Inthe head... Dosricazrr: You are mad. Tonia! (He goes out followed by Alexei, Elizaoeta and Pavlin.) Oe pret ”. Gum: What did he mean, an accident? Nesrrasny: She has shot herself. Guarv: Let us get out of here. Dosmioaerr (returning): My daughter is dead, Nestrasny. Please excuse me. I am not fit to talk about outside affairs. Nestraswy: Outside affairs! Dosmicazrr:: It would be better if you were to leave now, both of you. Nesrrassy: What are you keeping back? You know some- thing. Dosnicazrr: It would be better if you both left my house as soon as you can. (There are noises of shouting off. Blizazeta ‘comes in.) Exizavera: The soldiers! Nestraswy: The soldiers? What is this, a trap? Dostioazre: What do you mean, a trap? Did I ask you to32 DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS [ACT come here? You force your way into my house, try to mix ne up in your schemes... You came here without any invitation from me. Guam: You'll pay for this. (akoo appears in the doorway hald- “ng a pistol, Behind him a Bearded soldier with a rifle and tu hand ipronades in his belt, Through the doorway are sean other soldiers and factory workers.) Nastiasny (in a frightened whisper): What do you want? Yaxov: You, Nestrasny, are under arrest. Nestrasny By what right... Yaxov: You will learn about that in due course, Search the house. Exizavera: This is a house of mourning. My daughter is dead. Yaxov: Tonia dead? What has happened, an accident? Euizaveta: No, by her own hand. She shot herself. ‘There is a letter she has left for Shura; do you know where I can find her? : Yanov: | am sorry. I will deliver it for you. Under the cir- Cumstanees .... You must pardon me for this intrusion, (To the soldiers) Take these men out. Gubin, you are also tunder arrest. Gusts: What about Dostigaeff? He also is a merchant and a landowner. Yaxov (ignoring him): Send an armed escort. Nrsrmasny: By what right are you doing this? Who are you? ‘Who appointed you commander? Yaxov: Blufing won't help you, Nestrasny. You know per~ fectly well who T am, You have me on your black list of persons you wish to assassinate, Your son Victor and Mokroussoff are also under arrest. Nesraasny: Well, you have arrested me, what next? What ‘Court of Justice is going to try me? Sorpir: Don’t you worry; you'll be hanged legally. You don’t remember me, but I have a good memory for faces. {remember you well from the time you broke up the riots yinoe, That will do. You are charged with attempting ‘organize an armed attack upon the Workers’ Soviet, and tupon the Soldiers and Peasants’ Representatives. Are you satisfied? THREE] DOSTIGAEFF AND THE OTHERS 33, Nesrrassy: Very well, we'll go with you. (To Gubin) They won't dare to harm’ us. (They go out followed by several sol diers. The bearded soldier remains inthe doorway.) Yaxov (fo Bligavea) : May I have Antonia’s letter? (She gives it to him.) May I read it? Exizavera: If you wish. Yaxov (reading aloud) : ‘Good-bye, Shura. I don’t regret any- thing. Only with you I felt warm and happy sometimes.’ (He is silent for a moment.) T will give it to her when I think itis the best time. (A pause.) May I see Tonia? (Elicaveta silenly leads the way. Dastgaeff stands motionless. The bearded soldier is fingering the curtains by the doorway.) Sooner: That’s a fine piece of cloth. They don't make our ‘uniforms out of such good material. Dosricazrr: They will in future. Soxpier: There won't be any uniforms in future. We have finished with the war. Dosmicasre : That's even better. SoupieR: One of our first jobs is to convince the world that war is useless. Dosticarr: That's as it should be. Soxpmr: Even you see the folly of fighting. When we have hhanged the last capitalist we shall see the beginnings of a world peace. Death is too good for Nestrasny and those of his kidney. Dosmicanrr: Er... yes. Sovprer: You knew him. I met him in the strike in 907. ‘What were you doing in those days? Dosmioazs®: Would you like a glass of wine? Soxpren: I am afraid that is forbidden while we are on duty. ‘You see, I am sort of sentry here. Dosmicarsr: Does that mean I am under arrest? Sorprer: I am told to stay on guard here, that’s all T know. (Elizaveta comes back.) Dosnicazrr: My wife and I, we'd... Do you mind? Sorprer: Of course. (He retires.) Dosticazre: Has Yakov gone? Eumavera: Yes. Why did he come here? ‘Dosmicazrr: I sent Glasha for him as soon as I heard Nestrasny ‘was coming here.34 DOSTIGAEPF AND THE OTHERS Exizavera: What will happen now? Do you think we are safe? Dosmoarrr: I think so, It wasanear thing. Tt wouldn't have ‘worked if it hadn’t been for... . . (quiet)) Poor Tonia! Pavan (coming in) : You've got rid of them. Dostioazrr: Where have you been hiding? Pavuin: Hiding? I merely decided that my presence was not ‘wanted. If you had called for me, I assure you that T was within earshot. + It won't be safe to go‘out yet. You had better stay the night. Pavtrw: Thank you, I was about to suggest « Dostioater (suddenly very tired and old): So now we are in the hands of Lapteff and the workers. Pavuts, Those people are too young to understand the needs of a great country like ours. Eurzavera (to Dostigaef) : Everything will turn out all right. ‘You mustn’t worry. Would you like a glass of vodka? Pavuiw: A glass of vodka, thanks. Excellent. (Blizaveta pours them both a glass.) Pavuin: Your health, Dostigaeff: I congratulate you. You got tid of them, excellent, admirably done. You fooled them properly. Soxpten {coming back) : Drinking? Eizavera: Why are you still here? Sotpuer: Nothing to be afraid of. T am just staying here in ‘case... (To Paslin) Where have you sprung from? Pavun: Tam... er -. . just going Soupmr: I am afraid not. My orders are to see that nobody Teaves. Euizavera: Do you mean that we are under arrest? Soxpter: No, no! Don’t you take any notice of me. You just sit still and drink your wine: I've just to keep an eye on you, that’s all. Exzaver. Curtain.