ACT ONE.

_A cellar resembling a cave. The ceiling, which merges into stone walls, is low and grimy, and the plaster and paint are peeling off. There is a window, high up on the right wall, from which comes the light. The right corner, which constitutes Pepel's room, is partitioned off by thin boards. Close to the corner of this room is Bubnoff's wooden bunk. In the left corner stands a large Russian stove. In the stone wall, left, is a door leading to the kitchen where live Kvashnya, the Baron, and Nastya. Against the wall, between the stove and the door, is a large bed covered with dirty chintz. Bunks line the walls. In the foreground, by the left wall, is a block of wood with a vise and a small anvil fastened to it, and another smaller block of wood somewhat further towards the back. Kleshtch is seated on the smaller block, trying keys into old locks. At his feet are two large bundles of various keys, wired together, also a battered tin samovar, a hammer, and pincers. In the centre are a large table, two benches, and a stool, all of which are of dirty, unpainted wood. Behind the table Kvashnya is busying herself with the samovar. The Baron sits chewing a piece of black bread, and Nastya occupies the stool, leans her elbows on the table, and reads a tattered book. In the bed, behind curtains, Anna lies coughing. Bubnoff is seated on his bunk, attempting to shape a pair of old trousers with the help of an ancient hat shape which he holds between his knees. Scattered about him are pieces of buckram, oilcloth, and rags. Satine, just awakened, lies in his bunk, grunting. On top of the stove, the Actor, invisible to the audience, tosses about and coughs._

_It is an early spring morning._

THE BARON. And then?

KVASHNYA. No, my dear, said I, keep away from me with such proposals. I've been through it all, you see--and not for a hundred baked lobsters would I marry again!

BUBNOFF [_to Satine_] What are you grunting about? [_Satine keeps on grunting_]

KVASHNYA. Why should I, said I, a free woman, my own mistress, enter my name into somebody else's passport and sell myself into slavery--no! Why--I wouldn't marry a man even if he were an American prince!

KLESHTCH. You lie!

KVASHNYA. Wha-at?

KLESHTCH. You lie! You're going to marry Abramka. . . .

THE BARON [_snatching the book out of Nastya's hand and reading the title_] "Fatal Love" . . . [_Laughs_]

NASTYA [_stretching out her hand_] Give it back--give it back! Stop fooling!

[_The Baron looks at her and waves the book in the air_]

KVASHNYA [_to Kleshtch_] You crimson goat, you--calling me a liar! How dare you be so rude to me?

THE BARON [_hitting Nastya on the head with the book_] Nastya, you little fool!

NASTYA [_reaching for the book_] Give it back!

KLESHTCH. Oh--what a great lady . . . but you'll marry Abramka just the same--that's all you're waiting for . . .

KVASHNYA. Sure! Anything else? You nearly beat your wife to death!

KLESHTCH. Shut up, you old bitch! It's none of your business!

KVASHNYA. Ho-ho! can't stand the truth, can you?

THE BARON. They're off again! Nastya, where are you?

NASTYA [_without lifting her head_] Hey--go away!

ANNA [_putting her head through the curtains_] The day has started. For God's sake, don't row!

KLESHTCH. Whining again!

ANNA. Every blessed day . . . let me die in peace, can't you?

BUBNOFF. Noise won't keep you from dying.

KVASHNYA [_walking up to Anna_] Little mother, how did you ever manage to live with this wretch?

ANNA. Leave me alone--get away from me. . . .

KVASHNYA. Well, well! You poor soul . . . how's the pain in the chest--any better?

THE BARON. Kvashnya! Time to go to market. . . .

KVASHNYA. We'll go presently. [_To Anna_] Like some hot dumplings?

ANNA. No, thanks. Why should I eat?

KVASHNYA. You must eat. Hot food--good for you! I'll leave you some in a cup. Eat them when you feel like it. Come on, sir! [_To Kleshtch_] You evil spirit! [_Goes into kitchen_]

ANNA [_coughing_] Lord, Lord . . .

THE BARON [_painfully pushing forward Nastya's head_] Throw it away--little fool!

NASTYA [_muttering_] Leave me alone--I don't bother you . . .

[_The Baron follows Kvashnya, whistling._]

SATINE [_sitting up in his bunk_] Who beat me up yesterday?

BUBNOFF. Does it make any difference who?

SATINE. Suppose they did--but why did they?

BUBNOFF. Were you playing cards?

SATINE. Yes!

BUBNOFF. That's why they beat you.

SATINE. Scoundrels!

THE ACTOR [_raising his head from the top of the stove_] One of these days they'll beat you to death!

SATINE. You're a jackass!

THE ACTOR. Why?

SATINE. Because a man can die only once!

THE ACTOR [_after a silence_] I don't understand--

KLESHTCH. Say! You crawl from that stove--and start cleaning house! Don't play the delicate primrose!

THE ACTOR. None of your business!

KLESHTCH. Wait till Vassilisa comes--she'll show you whose business it is!

THE ACTOR. To hell with Vassilisa! To-day is the Baron's turn to clean. . . . Baron!

[_The Baron comes from the kitchen._]

THE BARON. I've no time to clean . . . I'm going to market with Kvashnya.

THE ACTOR. That doesn't concern me. Go to the gallows if you like. It's your turn to sweep the floor just the same--I'm not going to do other people's work . . .

THE BARON. Go to blazes! Nastya will do it. Hey there--fatal love! Wake up! [_Takes the book away from Nastya_]

NASTYA [_getting up_] What do you want? Give it back to me! You scoundrel! And that's a nobleman for you!

THE BARON [_returning the book to her_] Nastya! Sweep the floor for me--will you?

NASTYA [_goes to kitchen_] Not so's you'll notice it!

KVASHNYA [_to the Baron through kitchen door_] Come on--you! They don't need you! Actor! You were asked to do it, and now you go ahead and attend to it--it won't kill you . . .

THE ACTOR. It's always I . . . I don't understand why. . . .

[_The Baron comes from the kitchen, across his shoulders a wooden beam from which hang earthen pots covered with rags._]

THE BARON. Heavier than ever!

SATINE. It paid you to be born a Baron, eh?

KVASHNYA [_to Actor_] See to it that you sweep up! [_Crosses to outer door, letting the Baron pass ahead_]

THE ACTOR [_climbing down from the stove_] It's bad for me to inhale dust. [_With pride_] My organism is poisoned with alcohol. [_Sits down on a bunk, meditating_]

SATINE. Organism--organon. . . .

ANNA. Andrei Mitritch. . . .

KLESHTCH. What now?

ANNA. Kvashnya left me some dumplings over there--you eat them!

KLESHTCH [_coming over to her_] And you--don't you want any?

ANNA. No. Why should I eat? You're a workman--you need it.

KLESHTCH. Frightened, are you? Don't be! You'll get all right!

ANNA. Go and eat! It's hard on me. . . . I suppose very soon . . .

KLESHTCH [_walking away_] Never mind--maybe you'll get well--you can never tell! [_Goes into kitchen_]

THE ACTOR [_loud, as if he had suddenly awakened_] Yesterday the doctor in the hospital said to me: "Your organism," he said, "is entirely poisoned with alcohol . . ."

SATINE [_smiling_] Organon . . .

THE ACTOR [_stubbornly_] Not organon--organism!

SATINE. Sibylline. . . .

THE ACTOR [_shaking his fist at him_] Nonsense! I'm telling you seriously . . . if the organism is poisoned . . . that means it's bad for me to sweep the floor--to inhale the dust . . .

SATINE. Macrobistic . . . hah!

BUBNOFF. What are you muttering?

SATINE. Words--and here's another one for you--transcendentalistic . . .

BUBNOFF. What does it mean?

SATINE. Don't know--I forgot . . .

BUBNOFF. Then why did you say it?

SATINE. Just so! I'm bored, brother, with human words--all our words. Bored! I've heard each one of them a thousand times surely.

THE ACTOR. In Hamlet they say: "Words, words, words!" It's a good play. I played the grave-digger in it once. . . .

[_Kleshtch comes from the kitchen._]

KLESHTCH. Will you start playing with the broom?

THE ACTOR. None of your business. [_Striking his chest_] Ophelia! O--remember me in thy prayers!

[_Back stage is heard a dull murmur, cries, and a police whistle. Kleshtch sits down to work, filing screechily._]

SATINE. I love unintelligible, obsolete words. When I was a youngster--and worked as a telegraph operator--I read heaps of books. . . .

BUBNOFF. Were you really a telegrapher?

SATINE. I was. There are some excellent books--and lots of curious words . . . Once I was an educated man, do you know?

BUBNOFF. I've heard it a hundred times. Well, so you were! That isn't very important! Me--well--once I was a furrier. I had my own shop--what with dyeing the fur all day long, my arms were yellow up to the elbows, brother. I thought I'd never be able ever to get clean again--that I'd go to my grave, all yellow! But look at my hands now--they're plain dirty--that's what!

SATINE. Well, and what then?

BUBNOFF. That's all!

SATINE. What are you trying to prove?

BUBNOFF. Oh, well--just matching thoughts--no matter how much dye you get on yourself, it all comes off in the end--yes, yes--

SATINE. Oh--my bones ache!

THE ACTOR [_sits, nursing his knees_] Education is all rot. Talent is the thing. I knew an actor--who read his parts by heart, syllable by syllable--but he played heroes in a way that . . . why--the whole theatre would rock with ecstasy!

SATINE. Bubnoff, give me five kopecks.

BUBNOFF. I only have two--

THE ACTOR. I say--talent, that's what you need to play heroes. And talent is nothing but faith in yourself, in your own powers--

SATINE. Give me five kopecks and I'll have faith that you're a hero, a crocodile, or a police inspector--Kleshtch, give me five kopecks.

KLESHTCH. Go to hell! All of you!

SATINE. What are you cursing for? I know you haven't a kopeck in the world!

ANNA. Andrei Mitritch--I'm suffocating--I can't breathe--

KLESHTCH. What shall I do?

BUBNOFF. Open the door into the hall.

KLESHTCH. All right. You're sitting on the bunk, I on the floor. You change places with me, and I'll let you open the door. I have a cold as it is.

BUBNOFF [_unconcernedly_] I don't care if you open the door--it's your wife who's asking--

KLESHTCH [_morosely_] I don't care who's asking--

SATINE. My head buzzes--ah--why do people have to hit each other over the heads?

BUBNOFF. They don't only hit you over the head, but over the rest of the body as well. [_Rises_] I must go and buy some thread--our bosses are late to-day--seems as if they've croaked. [_Exit_]

[_Anna coughs; Satine is lying down motionless, his hands folded behind his head._]

THE ACTOR [_looks about him morosely, then goes to Anna_] Feeling bad, eh?

ANNA. I'm choking--

THE ACTOR. If you wish, I'll take you into the hallway. Get up, then, come! [_He helps her to rise, wraps some sort of a rag about her shoulders, and supports her toward the hall_] It isn't easy. I'm sick myself--poisoned with alcohol . . .

[_Kostilyoff appears in the doorway._]

KOSTILYOFF. Going for a stroll? What a nice couple--the gallant cavalier and the lady fair!

THE ACTOR. Step aside, you--don't you see that we're invalids?

KOSTILYOFF. Pass on, please! [_Hums a religious tune, glances about him suspiciously, and bends his head to the left as if listening to what is happening in Pepel's room. Kleshtch is jangling his keys and scraping away with his file, and looks askance at the other_] Filing?

KLESHTCH. What?

KOSTILYOFF. I say, are you filing? [_Pause_] What did I want to ask? [_Quick and low_] Hasn't my wife been here?

KLESHTCH. I didn't see her.

KOSTILYOFF [_carefully moving toward Pepel's room_] You take up a whole lot of room for your two rubles a month. The bed--and your bench--yes--you take up five rubles' worth of space, so help me God! I'll have to put another half ruble to your rent--

KLESHTCH. You'll put a noose around my neck and choke me . . . you'll croak soon enough, and still all you think of is half rubles--

KOSTILYOFF. Why should I choke you? What would be the use? God be with you--live and prosper! But I'll have to raise you half a ruble--I'll buy oil for the ikon lamp, and my offering will atone for my sins, and for yours as well. You don't think much of your sins--not much! Oh, Andrushka, you're a wicked man! Your wife is dying because of your wickedness--no one loves you, no one respects you--your work is squeaky, jarring on every one.

KLESHTCH [_shouts_] What do you come here for--just to annoy me?

[_Satine grunts loudly._]

KOSTILYOFF [_with a start_] God, what a noise!

[_The Actor enters._]

THE ACTOR. I've put her down in the hall and wrapped her up.

KOSTILYOFF. You're a kindly fellow. That's good. Some day you'll be rewarded for it.

THE ACTOR. When?

KOSTILYOFF. In the Beyond, little brother--there all our deeds will be reckoned up.

THE ACTOR. Suppose you reward me right now?

KOSTILYOFF. How can I do that?

THE ACTOR. Wipe out half my debt.

KOSTILYOFF. He-ho! You're always jesting, darling--always poking fun . . . can kindliness of heart be repaid with gold? Kindliness--it's above all other qualities. But your debt to me--remains a debt. And so you'll have to pay me back. You ought to be kind to me, an old man, without seeking for reward!

THE ACTOR. You're a swindler, old man! [_Goes into kitchen_]

[_Kleshtch rises and goes into the hall._]

KOSTILYOFF [_to Satine_] See that squeaker--? He ran away--he doesn't like me!

SATINE. Does anybody like you besides the Devil?

KOSTILYOFF [_laughing_] Oh--you're so quarrelsome! But I like you all--I understand you all, my unfortunate down-trodden, useless brethren . . . [_Suddenly, rapidly_] Is Vaska home?

SATINE. See for yourself--

KOSTILYOFF [_goes to the door and knocks_] Vaska!

[_The Actor appears at the kitchen door, chewing something._]

PEPEL. Who is it?

KOSTILYOFF. It's I--I, Vaska!

PEPEL. What do you want?

KOSTILYOFF [_stepping aside_] Open!

SATINE [_without looking at Kostilyoff_] He'll open--and she's there--

[_The Actor makes a grimace._]

KOSTILYOFF [_in a low, anxious tone_] Eh? Who's there? What?

SATINE. Speaking to me?

KOSTILYOFF. What did you say?

SATINE. Oh--nothing--I was just talking to myself--

KOSTILYOFF. Take care, brother. Don't carry your joking too far! [_Knocks loudly at door_] Vassily!

PEPEL [_opening door_] Well? What are you disturbing me for?

KOSTILYOFF [_peering into room_] I--you see--

PEPEL. Did you bring the money?

KOSTILYOFF. I've something to tell you--

PEPEL. Did you bring the money?

KOSTILYOFF. What money? Wait--

PEPEL. Why--the seven rubles for the watch--well?

KOSTILYOFF. What watch, Vaska? Oh, you--

PEPEL. Look here. Yesterday, before witnesses, I sold you a watch for ten rubles, you gave me three--now let me have the other seven. What are you blinking for? You hang around here--you disturb people--and don't seem to know yourself what you're after.

KOSTILYOFF. Sh-sh! Don't be angry, Vaska. The watch--it is--

SATINE. Stolen!

KOSTILYOFF [_sternly_] I do not accept stolen goods--how can you imagine--

PEPEL [_taking him by the shoulder_] What did you disturb me for? What do you want?

KOSTILYOFF. I don't want--anything. I'll go--if you're in such a state--

PEPEL. Be off, and bring the money!

KOSTILYOFF. What ruffians! I--I--[_Exit_]

THE ACTOR. What a farce!

SATINE. That's fine--I like it.

PEPEL. What did he come here for?

SATINE [_laughing_] Don't you understand? He's looking for his wife. Why don't you beat him up once and for all, Vaska?

PEPEL. Why should I let such trash interfere with my life?

SATINE. Show some brains! And then you can marry Vassilisa--and become our boss--

PEPEL. Heavenly bliss! And you'd smash up my household and, because I'm a soft-hearted fool, you'll drink up everything I possess. [_Sits on a bunk_] Old devil--woke me up--I was having such a pleasant dream. I dreamed I was fishing--and I caught an enormous trout--such a trout as you only see in dreams! I was playing him--and I was so afraid the line would snap. I had just got out the gaff--and I thought to myself--in a moment--

SATINE. It wasn't a trout, it was Vassilisa--

THE ACTOR. He caught Vassilisa a long time ago.

PEPEL [_angrily_] You can all go to the devil--and Vassilisa with you--

[_Kleshtch comes from the hall._]

KLESHTCH. Devilishly cold!

THE ACTOR. Why didn't you bring Anna back? She'll freeze, out there--

KLESHTCH. Natasha took her into the kitchen--

THE ACTOR. The old man will kick her out--

KLESHTCH [_sitting down to his work_] Well--Natasha will bring her in here--

SATINE. Vassily--give me five kopecks!

THE ACTOR [_to Satine_] Oh, you--always five kopecks--Vassya--give us twenty kopecks--

PEPEL. I'd better give it to them now before they ask for a ruble. Here you are!

SATINE. Gibraltar! There are no kindlier people in the world than thieves!

KLESHTCH [_morosely_] They earn their money easily--they don't work--

SATINE. Many earn it easily, but not many part with it so easily. Work? Make work pleasant--and maybe I'll work too. Yes--maybe. When work's a pleasure, life's, too. When it's toil, then life is a drudge. [_To the Actor_] You, Sardanapalus! Come on!

THE ACTOR. Let's go, Nebuchadnezzar! I'll get as drunk as forty thousand topers!

[_They leave._]

PEPEL [_yawning_] Well, how's your wife?

KLESHTCH. It seems as if soon--[_Pause._]

PEPEL. Now I look at you--seems to me all that filing and scraping of yours is useless.

KLESHTCH. Well--what else can I do?

PEPEL. Nothing.

KLESHTCH. How can I live?

PEPEL. People manage, somehow.

KLESHTCH. Them? Call them people? Muck and dregs--that's what they are! I'm a workman--I'm ashamed even to look at them. I've slaved since I was a child. . . . D'you think I shan't be able to tear myself away from here? I'll crawl out of here, even if I have to leave my skin behind--but crawl out I will! Just wait . . . my wife'll die . . . I've lived here six months, and it seems like six years.

PEPEL. Nobody here's any worse off than you . . . say what you like . . .

KLESHTCH. No worse is right. They've neither honor nor conscience.

PEPEL [_indifferently_] What good does it do--honor or conscience? Can you get them on their feet instead of on their uppers--through honor and conscience? Honor and conscience are needed only by those who have power and energy . . .

BUBNOFF [_coming back_] Oh--I'm frozen . . .

PEPEL. Bubnoff! Got a conscience?

BUBNOFF. What? A conscience?

PEPEL. Exactly!

BUBNOFF. What do I need a conscience for? I'm not rich.

PEPEL. Just what I said: honor and conscience are for the rich--right! And Kleshtch is upbraiding us because we haven't any!

BUBNOFF. Why--did he want to borrow some of it?

PEPEL. No--he has plenty of his own . . .

BUBNOFF. Oh--are you selling it? You won't sell much around here. But if you had some old boxes, I'd buy them--on credit . . .

PEPEL [_didactically_] You're a jackass, Andrushka! On the subject of conscience you ought to hear Satine--or the Baron . . .

KLESHTCH. I've nothing to talk to them about!

PEPEL. They have more brains than you--even if they're drunkards . . .

BUBNOFF. He who can be drunk and wise at the same time is doubly blessed . . .

PEPEL. Satine says every man expects his neighbor to have a conscience, but--you see--it isn't to any one's advantage to have one--that's a fact.

[_Natasha enters, followed by Luka who carries a stick in his hand, a bundle on his back, a kettle and a teapot slung from his belt._]

LUKA. How are you, honest folks?

PEPEL [_twisting his mustache_] Aha--Natasha!

BUBNOFF [_to Luka_] I was honest--up to spring before last.

NATASHA. Here's a new lodger . . .

LUKA. Oh, it's all the same to me. Crooks--I don't mind them, either. For my part there's no bad flea--they're all black--and they all jump-- . . . Well, dearie, show me where I can stow myself.

NATASHA [_pointing to kitchen door_] Go in there, grand-dad.

LUKA. Thanks, girlie! One place is like another--as long as an old fellow keeps warm, he keeps happy . . .

PEPEL. What an amusing old codger you brought in, Natasha!

NATASHA. A hanged sight more interesting than you! . . . Andrei, your wife's in the kitchen with us--come and fetch her after a while . . .

KLESHTCH. All right--I will . . .

NATASHA. And be a little more kind to her--you know she won't last much longer.

KLESHTCH. I know . . .

NATASHA. Knowing won't do any good--it's terrible--dying--don't you understand?

PEPEL. Well--look at me--I'm not afraid . . .

NATASHA. Oh--you're a wonder, aren't you?

BUBNOFF [_whistling_] Oh--this thread's rotten . . .

PEPEL. Honestly, I'm not afraid! I'm ready to die right now. Knife me to the heart--and I'll die without making a sound . . . even gladly--from such a pure hand . . .

NATASHA [_going out_] Spin that yarn for some one else!

BUBNOFF. Oh--that thread is rotten--rotten--

NATASHA [_at hallway door_] Don't forget your wife, Andrei!

KLESHTCH. All right.

PEPEL. She's a wonderful girl!

BUBNOFF. She's all right.

PEPEL. What makes her so curt with me? Anyway--she'll come to no good here . . .

BUBNOFF. Through you--sure!

PEPEL. Why through me? I feel sorry for her . . .

BUBNOFF. As the wolf for the lamb!

PEPEL. You lie! I feel very sorry for her . . . very . . . very sorry! She has a tough life here--I can see that . . .

KLESHTCH. Just wait till Vassilisa catches you talking to her!

BUBNOFF. Vassilisa? She won't give up so easily what belongs to her--she's a cruel woman!

PEPEL [_stretching himself on the bunk_] You two prophets can go to hell!

KLESHTCH. Just wait--you'll see!

LUKA [_singing in the kitchen_] "In the dark of the night the way is black . . ."

KLESHTCH. Another one who yelps!

PEPEL. It's dreary! Why do I feel so dreary? You live--and everything seems all right. But suddenly a cold chill goes through you--and then everything gets dreary . . .

BUBNOFF. Dreary? Hm-hm--

PEPEL. Yes--yes--

LUKA [_sings_] "The way is black . . ."

PEPEL. Old fellow! Hey there!

LUKA [_looking from kitchen door_] You call me?

PEPEL. Yes. Don't sing!

LUKA [_coming in_] You don't like it?

PEPEL. When people sing well I like it--

LUKA. In other words--I don't sing well?

PEPEL. Evidently!

LUKA. Well, well--and I thought I sang well. That's always the way: a man imagines there's one thing he can do well, and suddenly he finds out that other people don't think so . . .

PEPEL [_laughs_] That's right . . .

BUBNOFF. First you say you feel dreary--and then you laugh!

PEPEL. None of your business, raven!

LUKA. Who do they say feels dreary?

PEPEL. I do.

[_The Baron enters._]

LUKA. Well, well--out there in the kitchen there's a girl reading and crying! That's so! Her eyes are wet with tears . . . I say to her: "What's the matter, darling?" And she says: "It's so sad!" "What's so sad?" say I. "The book!" says she.--And that's how people spend their time. Just because they're bored . . .

THE BARON. She's a fool!

PEPEL. Have you had tea, Baron?

THE BARON. Yes. Go on!

PEPEL. Well--want me to open a bottle?

THE BARON. Of course. Go on!

PEPEL. Drop on all fours, and bark like a dog!

THE BARON. Fool! What's the matter with you? Are you drunk?

PEPEL. Go on--bark a little! It'll amuse me. You're an aristocrat. You didn't even consider us human formerly, did you?

THE BARON. Go on!

PEPEL. Well--and now I am making you bark like a dog--and you will bark, won't you?

THE BARON. All right. I will. You jackass! What pleasure can you derive from it since I myself know that I have sunk almost lower than you. You should have made me drop on all fours in the days when I was still above you.

BUBNOFF. That's right . . .

LUKA. I say so, too!

BUBNOFF. What's over, is over. Remain only trivialities. We know no class distinctions here. We've shed all pride and self-respect. Blood and bone--man--just plain man--that's what we are!

LUKA. In other words, we're all equal . . . and you, friend, were you really a Baron?

THE BARON. Who are you? A ghost?

LUKA [_laughing_] I've seen counts and princes in my day--this is the first time I meet a baron--and one who's decaying--at that!

PEPEL [_laughing_] Baron, I blush for you!

THE BARON. It's time you knew better, Vassily . . .

LUKA. Hey-hey--I look at you, brothers--the life you're leading . . .

BUBNOFF. Such a life! As soon as the sun rises, our voices rise, too--in quarrels!

THE BARON. We've all seen better days--yes! I used to wake up in the morning and drink my coffee in bed--coffee--with cream! Yes--

LUKA. And yet we're all human beings. Pretend all you want to, put on all the airs you wish, but man you were born, and man you must die. And as I watch I see that the wiser people get, the busier they get--and though from bad to worse, they still strive to improve--stubbornly--

THE BARON. Who are you, old fellow? Where do you come from?

LUKA. I?

THE BARON. Are you a tramp?

LUKA. We're all of us tramps--why--I've heard said that the very earth we walk on is nothing but a tramp in the universe.

THE BARON [_severely_] Perhaps. But have you a passport?

LUKA [_after a short pause_] And what are you--a police inspector?

PEPEL [_delighted_] You scored, old fellow! Well, Barosha, you got it this time!

BUBNOFF. Yes--our little aristocrat got his!

THE BARON [_embarrassed_] What's the matter? I was only joking, old man. Why, brother, I haven't a passport, either.

BUBNOFF. You lie!

THE BARON. Oh--well--I have some sort of papers--but they have no value--

LUKA. They're papers just the same--and no papers are any good--

PEPEL. Baron--come on to the saloon with me--

THE BARON. I'm ready. Good-bye, old man--you old scamp--

LUKA. Maybe I am one, brother--

PEPEL [_near doorway_] Come on--come on!

[_Leaves, Baron following him quickly._]

LUKA. Was he really once a Baron?

BUBNOFF. Who knows? A gentleman--? Yes. That much he's even now. Occasionally it sticks out. He never got rid of the habit.

LUKA. Nobility is like small-pox. A man may get over it--but it leaves marks . . .

BUBNOFF. He's all right all the same--occasionally he kicks--as he did about your passport . . .

[_Alyoshka comes in, slightly drunk, with a concertina in his hand, whistling._]

ALYOSHKA. Hey there, lodgers!

BUBNOFF. What are you yelling for?

ALYOSHKA. Excuse me--I beg your pardon! I'm a well-bred man--

BUBNOFF. On a spree again?

ALYOSHKA. Right you are! A moment ago Medyakin, the precinct captain, threw me out of the police station and said: "Look here--I don't want as much as a smell of you to stay in the streets--d'you hear?" I'm a man of principles, and the boss croaks at me--and what's a boss anyway--pah!--it's all bosh--the boss is a drunkard. I don't make any demands on life. I want nothing--that's all. Offer me one ruble, offer me twenty--it doesn't affect me. [_Nastya comes from the kitchen_] Offer me a million--I won't take it! And to think that I, a respectable man, should be ordered about by a pal of mine--and he a drunkard! I won't have it--I won't!

[_Nastya stands in the doorway, shaking her head at Alyoshka._]

LUKA [_good-naturedly_] Well, boy, you're a bit confused--

BUBNOFF. Aren't men fools!

ALYOSHKA [_stretches out on the floor_] Here, eat me up alive--and I don't want anything. I'm a desperate man. Show me one better! Why am I worse than others? There! Medyakin said: "If you show yourself on the streets I smash your face!" And yet I shall go out--I'll go--and stretch out in the middle of the street--let them choke me--I don't want a thing!

NASTYA. Poor fellow--only a boy--and he's already putting on such airs--

ALYOSHKA [_kneeling before her_] Lady! Mademoiselle! _Parlez français--? Prix courrant?_ I'm on a spree--

NASTYA [_in a loud whisper_] Vassilisa!

VASSILISA [_opens door quickly; to Alyoshka_] You here again?

ALYOSHKA. How do you do--? Come in--you're welcome--

VASSILISA. I told you, young puppy, that not a shadow of you should stick around here--and you're back--eh?

ALYOSHKA. Vassilisa Karpovna . . . shall I tune up a funeral march for you?

VASSILISA [_seizing him by the shoulders_] Get out!

ALYOSHKA [_moving towards the door_] Wait--you can't put me out this way! I learned this funeral march a little while ago! It's refreshing music . . . wait--you can't put me out like that!

VASSILISA. I'll show whether I can or not. I'll rouse the whole street against you--you foul-mouthed creature--you're too young to bark about me--

ALYOSHKA [_running out_] All right--I'll go--

VASSILISA. Look out--I'll get you yet!

ALYOSHKA [_opens the door and shouts_] Vassilisa Karpovna--I'm not afraid of you--[_Hides_]

[_Luka laughs._]

VASSILISA. Who are you?

LUKA. A passer-by--a traveler . . .

VASSILISA. Stopping for the night or going to stay here?

LUKA. I'll see.

VASSILISA. Have you a passport?

LUKA. Yes.

VASSILISA. Give it to me.

LUKA. I'll bring it over to your house--

VASSILISA. Call yourself a traveler? If you'd say a tramp--that would be nearer the truth--

LUKA [_sighing_] You're not very kindly, mother!

[_Vassilisa goes to door that leads to Pepel's room, Alyoshka pokes his head through the kitchen door._]

ALYOSHKA. Has she left?

VASSILISA [_turning around_] Are you still here?

[_Alyoshka disappears, whistling. Nastya and Luka laugh._]

BUBNOFF [_to Vassilisa_] He isn't here--

VASSILISA. Who?

BUBNOFF. Vaska.

VASSILISA. Did I ask you about him?

BUBNOFF. I noticed you were looking around--

VASSILISA. I am looking to see if things are in order, you see? Why aren't the floors swept yet? How often did I give orders to keep the house clean?

BUBNOFF. It's the actor's turn to sweep--

VASSILISA. Never mind whose turn it is! If the health inspector comes and fines me, I'll throw out the lot of you--

BUBNOFF [_calmly_] Then how are you going to earn your living?

VASSILISA. I don't want a speck of dirt! [_Goes to kitchen; to Nastya_] What are you hanging round here for? Why's your face all swollen up? Why are you standing there like a dummy? Go on--sweep the floor! Did you see Natalia? Was she here?

NASTYA. I don't know--I haven't seen her . . .

VASSILISA. Bubnoff! Was my sister here?

BUBNOFF. She brought him along.

VASSILISA. That one--was he home?

BUBNOFF. Vassily? Yes--Natalia was here talking to Kleshtch--

VASSILISA. I'm not asking you whom she talked to. Dirt everywhere--filth--oh, you swine! Mop it all up--do you hear? [_Exit rapidly_]

BUBNOFF. What a savage beast she is!

LUKA. She's a lady that means business!

NASTYA. You grow to be an animal, leading such a life--any human being tied to such a husband as hers . . .

BUBNOFF. Well--that tie isn't worrying her any--

LUKA. Does she always have these fits?

BUBNOFF. Always. You see, she came to find her lover--but he isn't home--

LUKA. I guess she was hurt. Oh-ho! Everybody is trying to be boss--and is threatening everybody else with all kinds of punishment--and still there's no order in life . . . and no cleanliness--

BUBNOFF. All the world likes order--but some people's brains aren't fit for it. All the same--the room should be swept--Nastya--you ought to get busy!

NASTYA. Oh, certainly? Anything else? Think I'm your servant? [_Silence_] I'm going to get drunk to-night--dead-drunk!

BUBNOFF. Fine business!

LUKA. Why do you want to get drunk, girlie? A while ago you were crying--and now you say you'll get drunk--

NASTYA [_defiantly_] I'll drink--then I cry again--that's all there's to it!

BUBNOFF. That's nothing!

LUKA. But for what reason--tell me! Every pimple has a cause! [_Nastya remains silent, shaking her head_] Oh--you men--what's to become of you? All right--I'll sweep the place. Where's your broom?

BUBNOFF. Behind the door--in the hall--

[_Luka goes into the hall._]

Nastinka!

NASTYA. Yes?

BUBNOFF. Why did Vassilisa jump on Alyoshka?

NASTYA. He told her that Vaska was tired of her and was going to get rid of her--and that he's going to make up to Natasha--I'll go away from here--I'll find another lodging-house--

BUBNOFF. Why? Where?

NASTYA. I'm sick of this--I'm not wanted here!

BUBNOFF [_calmly_] You're not wanted anywhere--and, anyway, all people on earth are superfluous--

[_Nastya shakes her head. Rises and slowly, quietly, leaves the cellar. Miedviedieff comes in. Luka, with the broom, follows him._]

MIEDVIEDIEFF. I don't think I know you--

LUKA. How about the others--d'you know them all?

MIEDVIEDIEFF. I must know everybody in my precinct. But I don't know you.

LUKA. That's because, uncle, the whole world can't stow itself away in your precinct--some of it was bound to remain outside . . . [_Goes into kitchen_]

MIEDVIEDIEFF [_crosses to Bubnoff_] It's true--my precinct is rather small--yet it's worse than any of the very largest. Just now, before getting off duty, I had to bring Alyoshka, the shoemaker, to the station house. Just imagine--there he was, stretched right in the middle of the street, playing his concertina and yelping: "I want nothing, nothing!" Horses going past all the time--and with all the traffic going on, he could easily have been run over--and so on! He's a wild youngster--so I just collared him--he likes to make mischief--

BUBNOFF. Coming to play checkers to-night?

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Yes--I'll come--how's Vaska?

BUBNOFF. Same as ever--

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Meaning--he's getting along--?

BUBNOFF. Why shouldn't he? He's able to get along all right.

MIEDVIEDIEFF [_doubtfully_] Why shouldn't he? [_Luka goes into hallway, carrying a pail_] M-yes--there's a lot of talk about Vaska. Haven't you heard?

BUBNOFF. I hear all sorts of gossip . . .

MIEDVIEDIEFF. There seems to have been some sort of talk concerning Vassilisa. Haven't you heard about it?

BUBNOFF. What?

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Oh--why--generally speaking. Perhaps you know--and lie. Everybody knows--[_Severely_] You mustn't lie, brother!

BUBNOFF. Why should I lie?

MIEDVIEDIEFF. That's right. Dogs! They say that Vaska and Vassilisa . . . but what's that to me? I'm not her father. I'm her uncle. Why should they ridicule me? [_Kvashnya comes in_] What are people coming to? They laugh at everything. Aha--you here?

KVASHNYA. Well--my love-sick garrison--? Bubnoff! He came up to me again on the marketplace and started pestering me about marrying him . . .

BUBNOFF. Go to it! Why not? He has money and he's still a husky fellow.

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Me--? I should say so!

KVASHNYA. You ruffian! Don't you dare touch my sore spot! I've gone through it once already, darling. Marriage to a woman is just like jumping through a hole in the ice in winter. You do it once, and you remember it the rest of your life . . .

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Wait! There are different breeds of husbands . . .

KVASHNYA. But there's only one of me! When my beloved husband kicked the bucket, I spent the whole day all by my lonely--just bursting with joy. I sat and simply couldn't believe it was true. . . .

MIEDVIEDIEFF. If your husband beat you without cause, you should have complained to the police.

KVASHNYA. I complained to God for eight years--and he didn't help.

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Nowadays the law forbids to beat your wife . . . all is very strict these days--there's law and order everywhere. You can't beat up people without due cause. If you beat them to maintain discipline--all right . . .

LUKA [_comes in with Anna_] Well--we finally managed to get here after all. Oh, you! Why do you, weak as you are, walk about alone? Where's your bunk?

ANNA [_pointing_] Thank you, grand-dad.

KVASHNYA. There--she's married--look at her!

LUKA. The little woman is in very bad shape . . . she was creeping along the hallway, clinging to the wall and moaning--why do you leave her by herself?

KVASHNYA. Oh, pure carelessness on our part, little father--forgive us! Her maid, it appears, went out for a walk . . .

LUKA. Go on--poke fun at me . . . but, all the same, how can you neglect a human being like that? No matter who or what, every human life has its worth . . .

MIEDVIEDIEFF. There should be supervision! Suppose she died suddenly--? That would cause a lot of bother . . . we must look after her!

LUKA. True, sergeant!

MIEDVIEDIEFF. Well--yes--though I'm not a sergeant--ah--yet!

LUKA. No! But you carry yourself most martially!

[_Noise of shuffling feet is heard in the hallway. Muffled cries._]

MIEDVIEDIEFF. What now--a row?

BUBNOFF. Sounds like it?

KVASHNYA. I'll go and see . . .

MIEDVIEDIEFF. I'll go, too. It is my duty! Why separate people when they fight? They'll stop sooner or later of their own accord. One gets tired of fighting. Why not let them fight all they want to--freely? They wouldn't fight half as often--if they'd remember former beatings . . .

BUBNOFF [_climbing down from his bunk_] Why don't you speak to your superiors about it?

KOSTILYOFF [_throws open the door and shouts_] Abram! Come quick--Vassilisa is killing Natasha--come quick!

[_Kvashnya, Miedviedieff, and Bubnoff rush into hallway; Luka looks after them, shaking his head._]

ANNA. Oh God--poor little Natasha . . .

LUKA. Who's fighting out there?

ANNA. Our landladies--they're sisters . . .

LUKA [_crossing to Anna_] Why?

ANNA. Oh--for no reason--except that they're both fat and healthy . . .

LUKA. What's your name?

ANNA. Anna . . . I look at you . . . you're like my father--my dear father . . . you're as gentle as he was--and as soft. . . .

LUKA. Soft! Yes! They pounded me till I got soft! [_Laughs tremulously_]

CURTAIN.

[Portrait: MAXIM GORKY: RUSSIA'S GREATEST LIVING PLAYWRIGHT]