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VERA; OR, THE NIHILISTS.
private circulation. This is No....
VERA
OR, THE NIHILISTS.
IN A PROLOGUE, AND FOUR ACTS.
BY
OSCAR WILDE.
1902.
This Play was written in 1881, and is now published from the author's own copy, showing his corrections of and additions to the original text.
This Play was written in 1881 and is now published from the author's own copy, highlighting his corrections and additions to the original text.
Transcriber's Note: Inconsistent hyphenation has been standardised. Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note, whilst significant amendments have been listed at the end of the text.
Transcriber's Note: Inconsistent hyphenation has been standardized. Minor typos have been corrected without note, while major changes have been listed at the end of the text.
Although not present in the original publication, the following list of contents has been provided for convenience:
Although not included in the original publication, the following table of contents has been provided for your convenience:
PERSONS IN THE PROLOGUE.
Peter Sabouroff (an Innkeeper).
Vera Sabouroff (his Daughter).
Michael (a Peasant).
Colonel Kotemkin.
Peter Sabouroff (an innkeeper).
Vera Sabouroff (his daughter).
Michael (a peasant).
Colonel Kotemkin.
Scene, Russia. Time, 1795.
Scene: Russia, 1795.
PERSONS IN THE PLAY.
Ivan the Czar.
Prince Paul Maraloffski (Prime Minister of Russia).
Prince Petrovitch.
Count Rouvaloff.
Marquis de Poivrard.
Baron Raff.
General Kotemkin.
A Page.
Ivan the Tsar.
Prince Paul Maraloffski (Prime Minister of Russia).
Prince Petrovich.
Count Rouvaloff.
Marquis de Poivrard.
Baron Raff.
General Kotemkin.
A web page.
Nihilists.
Nihilists.
Peter Tchernavitch, President of the Nihilists.
Michael.
Alexis Ivanacievitch, known as a Student of Medicine.
Professor Marfa.
Vera Sabouroff.
Peter Tchernavitch, President of the Nihilists.
Michael.
Alexis Ivanacievitch, known as a Medical Student.
Prof. Marfa.
Vera Sabouroff.
Soldiers, Conspirators, &c.
Soldiers, Conspirators, etc.
Scene, Moscow. Time, 1800.
Scene, Moscow. Time, 1800.
PROLOGUE.
Scene.—A Russian Inn.
Scene.—A Russian Inn.
Large door opening on snowy landscape at back of stage.
Big door opening to a snowy landscape at the back of the stage.
Peter Sabouroff and Michael.
Peter Sabouroff and Michael.
Peter (warming his hands at a stove). Has Vera not come back yet, Michael?
Peter (warming his hands at a stove). Has Vera not returned yet, Michael?
Mich. No, Father Peter, not yet; 'tis a good three miles to the post office, and she has to milk the cows besides, and that dun one is a rare plaguey creature for a wench to handle.
Michigan. No, Father Peter, not yet; it's a good three miles to the post office, and she has to milk the cows too, and that gray one is a real pain for a girl to deal with.
Peter. Why didn't you go with her, you young fool? she'll never love you unless you are always at her heels; women like to be bothered.
Peter. Why didn’t you go with her, you young fool? She’ll never love you unless you’re always around; women like to be pursued.
Mich. She says I bother her too much already, Father Peter, and I fear she'll never love me after all.
MI She says I bother her too much already, Father Peter, and I worry that she'll never love me after all.
Peter. Tut, tut, boy, why shouldn't she? you're young and wouldn't be ill-favoured either, had God or thy mother given thee another face. Aren't you one of Prince Maraloffski's gamekeepers; and haven't you got a good grass farm, and the best cow in the village? What more does a girl want?
Peter. Come on, why shouldn’t she? You’re young and you wouldn’t be unattractive either if God or your mother had given you a different face. Aren't you one of Prince Maraloffski's gamekeepers? And don’t you have a nice patch of land and the best cow in the village? What more could a girl want?
Mich. But Vera, Father Peter—
Mich. But Vera, Father Peter—
Peter. Vera, my lad, has got too many ideas; I don't think much of ideas myself; I've got on well enough in life without 'em; why shouldn't my children? There's Dmitri! could have stayed here and kept the inn; many a young lad would have jumped at the offer in these hard times; but he, scatter-brained featherhead of a boy, must needs go off to Moscow to study the law! What does he want knowing about the law! let a man do his duty, say I, and no one will trouble him.[8]
Peter. Vera, my boy, has too many ideas; I don’t think much of ideas myself; I’ve done fine in life without them; why shouldn’t my kids? Look at Dmitri! He could have stayed here and run the inn; many young guys would have jumped at that opportunity in these tough times; but he, that scatterbrained kid, has to go off to Moscow to study law! What does he need to know about the law for? I say let a man do his job, and no one will bother him.[8]
Mich. Ay! but Father Peter, they say a good lawyer can break the law as often as he likes, and no one can say him nay.
Michigan. Oh! But Father Peter, they say a good lawyer can break the law whenever they want, and no one can challenge them.
Peter. That is about all they are good for; and there he stays, and has not written a line to us for four months now—a good son that, eh?
Peter. That's pretty much all they're good for; and there he is, not having written a single line to us in four months now—a great son, right?
Mich. Come, come, Father Peter, Dmitri's letters must have gone astray—perhaps the new postman can't read; he looks stupid enough, and Dmitri, why, he was the best fellow in the village. Do you remember how he shot the bear at the barn in the great winter?
Michigan. Come on, Father Peter, Dmitri's letters must have gotten lost—maybe the new postman can't read; he looks dumb enough, and Dmitri, well, he was the best guy in the village. Do you remember how he shot the bear in the barn that brutal winter?
Peter. Ay, it was a good shot; I never did a better myself.
Peter. Yeah, that was a great shot; I've never done better myself.
Mich. And as for dancing, he tired out three fiddlers Christmas come two years.
Michigan. And when it came to dancing, he wore out three fiddlers by Christmas two years in a row.
Peter. Ay, ay, he was a merry lad. It is the girl that has the seriousness—she goes about as solemn as a priest for days at a time.
Peter. Yeah, he was a cheerful guy. It's the girl who has the seriousness—she walks around looking as solemn as a priest for days on end.
Mich. Vera is always thinking of others.
Vera always puts others first.
Peter. There is her mistake, boy. Let God and our Little Father look to the world. It is none of my work to mend my neighbour's thatch. Why, last winter old Michael was frozen to death in his sleigh in the snowstorm, and his wife and children starved afterwards when the hard times came; but what business was it of mine? I didn't make the world. Let God and the Czar look to it. And then the blight came, and the black plague with it, and the priests couldn't bury the people fast enough, and they lay dead on the roads—men and women both. But what business was it of mine? I didn't make the world. Let God and the Czar look to it. Or two autumns ago, when the river overflowed on a sudden, and the children's school was carried away and drowned every girl and boy in it. I didn't make the world—let God and the Czar look to it.
Peter. That's her mistake, kid. It’s up to God and our Little Father to take care of the world. Fixing my neighbor's roof isn’t my job. Last winter, old Michael froze to death in his sleigh during the snowstorm, and his wife and kids starved when tough times hit; but what was I supposed to do? I didn't create this world. God and the Czar can handle it. Then the blight came, along with the black plague, and the priests couldn't bury the dead fast enough—they were lying in the streets, men and women alike. But still, what was it to me? I didn't create this world. God and the Czar can deal with it. And two autumns ago, when the river suddenly flooded, taking away the children's school and drowning every single girl and boy inside. I didn't make the world—God and the Czar can take care of it.
Mich. But, Father Peter—
Mich. But, Dad—
Peter. No, no, boy; no man could live if he[9] took his neighbour's pack on his shoulders. (Enter Vera in peasant's dress.) Well, my girl, you've been long enough away—where is the letter?
Peter. No, no, kid; no one could survive if he[9] carried his neighbor's burdens. (Enter Vera in peasant's dress.) Well, my girl, you've been gone long enough—where’s the letter?
Vera. There is none to-day, Father.
Vera. None today, Dad.
Peter. I knew it.
Peter. I knew it.
Vera. But there will be one to-morrow, Father.
Vera. But there will be one tomorrow, Dad.
Peter. Curse him, for an ungrateful son.
Peter. Damn him, for being such an ungrateful son.
Vera. Oh, Father, don't say that; he must be sick.
Vera. Oh, Dad, don't say that; he must be feeling unwell.
Peter. Ay! sick of profligacy, perhaps.
Peter. Ay! tired of excess, perhaps.
Vera. How dare you say that of him, Father? You know that is not true.
Vera. How can you say that about him, Dad? You know it's not true.
Peter. Where does the money go, then? Michael, listen. I gave Dmitri half his mother's fortune to bring with him to pay the lawyer folk of Moscow. He has only written three times, and every time for more money. He got it, not at my wish, but at hers (pointing to Vera), and now for five months, close on six almost, we have heard nothing from him.
Peter. So, where's the money going? Michael, listen. I gave Dmitri half of his mother's fortune to bring along to pay the lawyers in Moscow. He's only written three times, and each time it's been for more money. He got it, not because I wanted it, but because she did (pointing to Vera), and now for almost six months, we haven't heard a thing from him.
Vera. Father, he will come back.
Vera. Dad, he will return.
Peter. Ay! the prodigals always return; but let him never darken my doors again.
Peter. Oh! The wayward always come back; but he better not ever show his face around here again.
Vera (sitting down pensive). Some evil has come on him; he must be dead! Oh! Michael, I am so wretched about Dmitri.
Vera (sitting down thoughtfully). Something terrible has happened to him; he must be dead! Oh! Michael, I feel so miserable about Dmitri.
Mich. Will you never love any one but him, Vera?
MI Will you ever love anyone but him, Vera?
Vera (smiling). I don't know; there is so much else to do in the world but love.
Vera (smiling). I don’t know; there’s so much else to do in the world besides love.
Mich. Nothing else worth doing, Vera.
Mich. Nothing else to do, Vera.
Peter. What noise is that, Vera? (A metallic clink is heard.)
Peter. What’s that noise, Vera? (A metallic clink is heard.)
Vera (rising and going to the door). I don't know, Father; it is not like the cattle bells, or I would think Nicholas had come from the fair. Oh! Father! it is soldiers!—coming down the hill—there is one of them on horseback. How pretty they look! But there are some men with them with[10] chains on! They must be robbers. Oh! don't let them in, Father; I couldn't look at them.
Vera (getting up and heading to the door). I don’t know, Dad; it doesn’t sound like the cattle bells, or I’d think Nicholas had come back from the fair. Oh! Dad! It’s soldiers!—coming down the hill—there’s one of them on a horse. They look so handsome! But there are some men with them with[10] chains on! They must be robbers. Oh! Don’t let them in, Dad; I can’t bear to look at them.
Peter. Men in chains! Why, we are in luck, my child! I heard this was to be the new road to Siberia, to bring the prisoners to the mines; but I didn't believe it. My fortune is made! Bustle, Vera, bustle! I'll die a rich man after all. There will be no lack of good customers now. An honest man should have the chance of making his living out of rascals now and then.
Peter. Men in chains! Wow, we're lucky, my child! I heard this was going to be the new road to Siberia, to take the prisoners to the mines; but I didn't really believe it. My fortune is made! Hurry up, Vera, hurry up! I'm going to die a rich man after all. There will be no shortage of good customers now. An honest man should get the chance to make a living off rascals every once in a while.
Vera. Are these men rascals, Father? What have they done?
Vera. Are these guys troublemakers, Dad? What have they done?
Peter. I reckon they're some of those Nihilists the priest warns us against. Don't stand there idle, my girl.
Peter. I think they're some of those Nihilists the priest cautions us about. Don't just stand there, my girl.
Vera. I suppose, then, they are all wicked men.
Vera. I guess that means they’re all bad guys.
(Sound of soldiers outside; cry of "Halt!" enter Russian officer with a body of soldiers and eight men in chains, raggedly dressed; one of them on entering hurriedly puts his coat above his ears and hides his face; some soldiers guard the door, others sit down; the prisoners stand.)
(Sounds of soldiers outside; a shout of "Halt!" as a Russian officer enters with a group of soldiers and eight men in chains, dressed in tattered clothes. One of the prisoners quickly pulls his coat over his ears and hides his face as they enter. Some soldiers guard the door while others sit down; the prisoners remain standing.)
Colonel. Innkeeper!
Colonel. Bartender!
Peter. Yes, Colonel.
Peter. Yes, Colonel.
Colonel (pointing to Nihilists). Give these men some bread and water.
Colonel (pointing to Nihilists). Give these guys some bread and water.
Peter (to himself). I shan't make much out of that order.
Peter (to himself). I won't get much out of that order.
Colonel. As for myself, what have you got fit to eat?
Colonel. As for me, what do you have to eat?
Peter. Some good dried venison, your Excellency—and some rye whisky.
Peter. Some good dried deer meat, your Excellency—and some rye whiskey.
Colonel. Nothing else?
Colonel. Anything else?
Peter. Why, more whisky, your Excellency.
Peter. Why, more whiskey, Your Excellency.
Colonel. What clods these peasants are! You have a better room than this?
Colonel. What clumsy fools these peasants are! You have a nicer room than this?
Peter. Yes, sir.
Peter. Yes, boss.
Colonel. Bring me there. Sergeant, post your picket outside, and see that these scoundrels do not[11] communicate with any one. No letter writing, you dogs, or you'll be flogged for it. Now for the venison. (To Peter bowing before him.) Get out of the way, you fool! Who is that girl? (sees Vera).
Colonel. Take me there. Sergeant, set up your lookout outside, and make sure these guys don’t[11] talk to anyone. No letter writing, you rogues, or you’ll be punished for it. Now, about the venison. (To Peter bowing before him.) Get out of the way, you idiot! Who is that girl? (sees Vera).
Peter. My daughter, your Highness.
Peter. My daughter, Your Highness.
Colonel. Can she read and write?
Colonel. Can she read and write?
Peter. Ay, that she can, sir.
Peter. Yes, she can, sir.
Colonel. Then she is a dangerous woman. No peasant should be allowed to do anything of the kind. Till your fields, store your harvests, pay your taxes, and obey your masters—that is your duty.
Colonel. So she is a dangerous woman. No peasant should be allowed to do anything like that. Work your fields, store your harvests, pay your taxes, and obey your masters—that's your responsibility.
Vera. Who are our masters?
Vera. Who are our bosses?
Colonel. Young woman, these men are going to the mines for life for asking the same foolish question.
Colonel. Young woman, these men are going to spend their lives in the mines for asking the same foolish question.
Vera. Then they have been unjustly condemned.
Vera. So, they've been falsely accused.
Peter. Vera, keep your tongue quiet. She is a foolish girl, sir, who talks too much.
Peter. Vera, don't say too much. She's a silly girl, sir, who just can't stop talking.
Colonel. Every woman does talk too much. Come, where is this venison? Count, I am waiting for you. How can you see anything in a girl with coarse hands? (He passes with Peter and his aide-de-camp into an inner room.)
Colonel. Every woman definitely talks too much. Come on, where's the venison? Count, I'm waiting for you. How can you notice anything in a girl with rough hands? (He walks past with Peter and his aide-de-camp into an inner room.)
Vera (to one of the Nihilists). Won't you sit down? you must be tired.
Vera (to one of the Nihilists). Why don’t you sit down? You must be exhausted.
Sergeant. Come now, young woman, no talking to my prisoners.
Sgt. Come on, young woman, no talking to my prisoners.
Vera. I shall speak to them. How much do you want?
Vera. I'll talk to them. How much do you need?
Sergeant. How much have you?
Sergeant. How much do you have?
Vera. Will you let these men sit down if I give you this? (Takes off her peasant's necklace.) It is all I have; it was my mother's.
Vera. Will you let these guys sit down if I give you this? (Takes off her peasant's necklace.) It's all I have; it belonged to my mom.
Sergeant. Well, it looks pretty enough, and is heavy too. What do you want with these men?
Sgt. Well, it looks nice enough, and it's heavy too. What do you need with these guys?
Vera. They are hungry and tired. Let me go to them?
Vera. They’re hungry and tired. Can I go to them?
One of the Soldiers. Let the wench be, if she pays us.[12]
One of the Soldiers. Leave the girl alone, as long as she pays us.[12]
Sergeant. Well, have your way. If the Colonel sees you, you may have to come with us, my pretty one.
Sgt. Alright, do it your way. If the Colonel spots you, you might have to join us, my dear.
Vera (advances to the Nihilists). Sit down; you must be tired. (Serves them food.) What are you?
Vera (moves toward the Nihilists). Have a seat; you must be exhausted. (Serves them food.) What are you?
A Prisoner. Nihilists.
A Prisoner. Nihilists.
Vera. Who put you in chains?
Vera. Who locked you up?
Prisoner. Our Father the Czar.
Inmate. Our Father the Czar.
Vera. Why?
Vera. Why?
Prisoner. For loving liberty too well.
Prisoner. For loving freedom too much.
Vera (to prisoner who hides his face). What did you want to do?
Vera (to prisoner who hides his face). What did you want to do?
Dmitri. To give liberty to thirty millions of people enslaved to one man.
Dmitri. To grant freedom to thirty million people who are under the control of one man.
Vera (startled at the voice). What is your name?
Vera (surprised by the voice). What’s your name?
Dmitri. I have no name.
Dmitri. I have no identity.
Vera. Where are your friends?
Vera. Where are your friends at?
Dmitri. I have no friends.
Dmitri. I have no friends.
Vera. Let me see your face!
Vera. Show me your face!
Dmitri. You will see nothing but suffering in it. They have tortured me.
Dmitri. You will see nothing but pain in it. They have tormented me.
Vera (tears the cloak from his face). Oh, God! Dmitri! my brother!
Vera (tears the cloak from his face). Oh, God! Dmitri! My brother!
Dmitri. Hush! Vera; be calm. You must not let my father know; it would kill him. I thought I could free Russia. I heard men talk of Liberty one night in a café. I had never heard the word before. It seemed to be a new god they spoke of. I joined them. It was there all the money went. Five months ago they seized us. They found me printing the paper. I am going to the mines for life. I could not write. I thought it would be better to let you think I was dead; for they are bringing me to a living tomb.
Dmitri. Hush! Vera, stay calm. You can’t let my father find out; it would kill him. I thought I could help free Russia. I heard some guys talking about Liberty one night in a café. I had never heard that word before. It sounded like a new god they were talking about. I got involved with them. That’s where all the money went. Five months ago, they caught us. They found me printing the paper. I’m going to the mines for life. I couldn’t write. I thought it would be better for you to believe I was dead, because they’re taking me to a living tomb.
Vera (looking round). You must escape, Dmitri. I will take your place.
Vera (looking around). You need to get out, Dmitri. I’ll take your spot.
Dmitri. Impossible! You can only revenge us.
Dmitri. No way! You can only get back at us.
Vera. I shall revenge you.
Vera. I will get revenge for you.
Dmitri. Listen! there is a house in Moscow—
Dmitri. Listen! There's a house in Moscow—
Sergeant. Prisoners, attention!—the Colonel is coming—young woman, your time is up.[13]
Sgt. Prisoners,
Peter. I hope your Highness is pleased with the venison. I shot it myself.
Peter. I hope you’re happy with the venison. I hunted it myself.
Colonel. It had been better had you talked less about it. Sergeant, get ready. (Gives purse to Peter.) Here, you cheating rascal!
Colonel. It would have been better if you had said less about it. Sergeant, get ready. (Hands purse to Peter.) Here, you deceitful scoundrel!
Peter. My fortune is made! long live your Highness. I hope your Highness will come often this way.
Peter. I'm set for life! Long live your Highness. I hope you'll come around here often.
Colonel. By Saint Nicholas, I hope not. It is too cold here for me. (To Vera.) Young girl, don't ask questions again about what does not concern you. I will not forget your face.
Colonel. By Saint Nicholas, I hope not. It's way too cold for me here. (To Vera.) Listen, young lady, don't ask questions again about things that don't involve you. I won't forget your face.
Vera. Nor I yours, or what you are doing.
Vera. Neither do I yours, or what you're up to.
Colonel. You peasants are getting too saucy since you ceased to be serfs, and the knout is the best school for you to learn politics in. Sergeant, proceed.
Colonel. You farmers are getting too bold since you stopped being serfs, and the whip is the best way for you to learn about politics. Sergeant, continue.
(The Colonel turns and goes to top of stage. The prisoners pass out double file; as Dmitri passes Vera he lets a piece of paper fall on the ground; she puts her foot on it and remains immobile.)
(The Colonel turns and walks to the top of the stage. The prisoners exit two by two; as Dmitri walks by Vera, he drops a piece of paper on the ground; she steps on it and stays still.)
Peter (who has been counting the money the Colonel gave him). Long life to your Highness. I will hope to see another batch soon. (Suddenly catches sight of Dmitri as he is going out of the door, and screams and rushes up.) Dmitri! Dmitri! my God! what brings you here? he is innocent, I tell you. I'll pay for him. Take your money (flings money on the ground), take all I have, give me my son. Villains! Villains! where are you bringing him?
Peter (who has been counting the money the Colonel gave him). Long live your Highness. I hope to see another batch soon. (Suddenly notices Dmitry as he is leaving the door, and screams and rushes over.) Dmitri! Dmitri! Oh my God! What are you doing here? He’s innocent, I swear. I’ll pay for him. Take your money (throws money on the ground), take everything I have, just give me my son. You scoundrels! You scoundrels! Where are you taking him?
Colonel. To Siberia, old man.
Colonel. To Siberia, dude.
Peter. No, no; take me instead.
Peter. No, no; take me instead.
Colonel. He is a Nihilist.
Colonel. He’s a nihilist.
Peter. You lie! you lie! He is innocent. (The soldiers force him back with their guns and shut the door against him. He beats with his fists against it.) Dmitri! Dmitri! a Nihilist! (Falls down on floor.)[14]
Peter. You're lying! You’re lying! He’s innocent. (The soldiers push him back with their guns and slam the door shut. He pounds on it with his fists.) Dmitri! Dmitri! a Nihilist! (Collapses onto the floor.)[14]
Vera (who has remained motionless, picks up paper now from under her feet and reads). "99 Rue Tchernavaya, Moscow. To strangle whatever nature is in me; neither to love nor to be loved; neither to pity nor to be pitied; neither to marry nor to be given in marriage, till the end is come." My brother, I shall keep the oath. (Kisses the paper.) You shall be revenged!
Vera (who has remained still, picks up a piece of paper from under her feet and reads). "99 Rue Tchernavaya, Moscow. To crush whatever nature is in me; neither to love nor to be loved; neither to feel pity nor to receive it; neither to marry nor to be married, until the end comes." My brother, I will keep the oath. (Kisses the paper.) You will be avenged!
(Vera stands immobile, holding paper in her lifted hand. Peter is lying on the floor. Michael, who has just come in, is bending over him.)
(Vera stands still, holding a piece of paper in her raised hand. Peter is lying on the floor. Michael, who has just arrived, is leaning over him.)
ACT I.1
Scene.—99 Rue Tchernavaya, Moscow. A large garret lit by oil lamps hung from ceiling. Some masked men standing silent and apart from one another. A man in a scarlet mask is writing at a table. Door at back. Man in yellow with drawn sword at it. Knocks heard. Figures in cloaks and masks enter.
Scene.—99 Rue Tchernavaya, Moscow. A large loft illuminated by oil lamps hanging from the ceiling. Several masked men stand silently, keeping their distance from each other. A man in a red mask is writing at a table. There's a door at the back. A man in yellow with a drawn sword stands by it. Knocks are heard. Figures in cloaks and masks enter.
First Consp. Nabat.
First Consp. Nabat.
Pres. The answer?
Pres. The solution?
Second Consp. Kalit.
Second Consp. Kalit.
Pres. What hour is it?
Pres. What time is it?
Third Consp. The hour to suffer.
Third Consp. Time to endure.
Pres. What day?
Pres. What day is it?
Fourth Consp. The day of oppression.
Fourth Consp. Day of oppression.
Pres. What year?
Pres. What year is it?
Fifth Consp. Since the Revolution of France, the ninth year.2
Fifth Conspiracy. Since the French Revolution, the ninth year.2
Pres. How many are we in number?
Pres. How many of us are there?
Sixth Consp. Ten, nine, and three.
Sixth Consp. 10, 9, and 3.
Pres. The Galilæan had less to conquer the world; but what is our mission?
President The Galilean had less to achieve in conquering the world; but what is our purpose?
Seventh Consp. To give freedom.
Seventh Consp. To grant freedom.
Pres. Our creed?
Pres. Our mission statement?
Eighth Consp. To annihilate.
Eighth Consp. To destroy.
Pres. Our duty?[16]
Pres. Our duty?
Ninth Consp. To obey.
Ninth Consp. To follow.
Pres. Brothers, the questions have been answered well. There are none but Nihilists present. Let us see each other's faces. (The Conspirators unmask.) Michael, recite the oath.
Prez. Brothers, the questions have been answered clearly. There are only Nihilists here. Let's show our faces. (The Plotters unmask.) Michael, please recite the oath.
Michael. To strangle whatever nature is in us; neither to love nor to be loved, neither to pity nor to be pitied, neither to marry nor to be given in marriage, till the end is come; to stab secretly by night; to drop poison in the glass; to set father against son, and husband against wife; without fear, without hope, without future, to suffer, to annihilate, to revenge.
Michael. To suppress whatever is natural in us; to neither love nor be loved, to neither feel pity nor receive pity, to neither marry nor be married off, until the end arrives; to attack stealthily at night; to poison someone's drink; to turn father against son, and husband against wife; without fear, without hope, without a future, to endure, to destroy, to seek revenge.
Pres. Are we all agreed?
Pres. Are we all on the same page?
Conspirators. We are all agreed. (They disperse in various directions about the stage.)
Plotters. We're all in agreement. (They scatter in different directions across the stage.)
Pres. 'Tis after the hour, Michael, and she is not yet here.
Pres. It's past the hour, Michael, and she still isn't here.
Mich. Would that she were! We can do little without her.
MI I wish she were here! We can do very little without her.
Alexis. She cannot have been seized, President? but the police are on her track, I know.
Alexis. She can't have been captured, right, President? But the police are after her, I know.
Mich. You always seem to know a good deal about the movements of the police in Moscow—too much for an honest conspirator.
MI You always seem to know a lot about the police movements in Moscow—too much for someone who's supposed to be an honest conspirator.
Alexis. Gone to the State ball?
Alexis. Gone to the state party?
Mich. I have no fear. She is as hard to capture as a she-wolf is, and twice as dangerous; besides, she is well disguised. But is there any news from the Palace to-night, President? What is that bloody4 despot doing now besides torturing his only son? Have any of you seen him? One hears strange stories about him. They say he loves the[17] people; but a king's son never does that. You cannot breed them like that.
MI I'm not afraid. She's as hard to catch as a she-wolf and twice as dangerous; plus, she's really well hidden. But is there any news from the Palace tonight, President? What is that bloody4 tyrant doing now besides torturing his only son? Has anyone here seen him? People are saying some weird things about him. They claim he cares about the[17] people, but a king's son never really does that. You can’t raise them that way.
Pres. Since he came back from abroad a year ago his father has kept him in close prison in his palace.
Pres. Ever since he returned from overseas a year ago, his father has locked him in the palace.
Mich. An excellent training to make him a tyrant in his turn; but is there any news, I say?
MI A great training to turn him into a tyrant; but is there any news, I ask?
Pres. A council is to be held to-morrow, at four o'clock, on some secret business the spies cannot find out.
President A council will be held tomorrow at four o'clock to discuss some secret business that the spies can't uncover.
Mich. A council in a king's palace is sure to be about some bloody work or other. But in what room is this council to be held?
MI A meeting in a king's palace is bound to involve some kind of violent business. But in which room will this meeting take place?
Pres. (reading from letter). In the yellow tapestry room called after the Empress Catherine.
Pres. (reading from letter). In the yellow tapestry room named after Empress Catherine.
Mich. I care not for such long-sounding names. I would know where it is.
Michigan. I don't care about such long names. I just want to know where it is.
Pres. I cannot tell, Michael. I know more about the insides of prisons than of palaces.
Pres. I can't say, Michael. I know more about the insides of prisons than about palaces.
Mich. (speaking suddenly to Alexis). Where is this room, Alexis?
MI (speaking suddenly to Alex) Where’s this room, Alexis?
Alexis. It is on the first floor, looking out on to the inner courtyard. But why do you ask, Michael?
Alexis. It's on the first floor, facing the inner courtyard. But why are you asking, Michael?
Mich. Nothing, nothing, boy! I merely take a great interest in the Czar's life and movements, and I knew you could tell me all about the palace. Every poor student of medicine in Moscow knows all about king's houses. It is their duty, is it not?
MI It's nothing, nothing, kid! I'm just really interested in the Czar's life and what he does, and I knew you could tell me everything about the palace. Every broke med student in Moscow knows all about royal residences. It’s part of their job, right?
Alexis (aside). Can Michael suspect me? There is something strange in his manner to-night. Why doesn't she come? The whole fire of revolution seems fallen into dull ashes when she is not here.
Alexis (aside). Could Michael be onto me? There's something off about him tonight. Why isn't she here? The excitement of the revolution feels lifeless when she’s not around.
5Mich. Have you cured many patients lately, at your hospital, boy?
5Michigan. Have you treated many patients recently at your hospital, buddy?
Alex. There is one who lies sick to death I would fain cure, but cannot.
Alex. There’s someone who’s seriously ill that I wish I could help, but I can’t.
Mich. Ay, and who is that?
Mich. Yeah, and who is that?
Mich. The curing of Russia is surgeon's business, and must be done by the knife. I like not your method of medicine.5
Michigan Fixing Russia is a surgeon's job, and it has to be done with a scalpel. I don't like your approach to medicine.5
Pres. Professor, we have read the proofs of your last article; it is very good indeed.
Pres. Professor, we have read the proofs of your latest article; it’s really excellent.
Mich. What is it about, Professor?
Mich. What's it about, Professor?
Professor. The subject, my good brother, is assassination considered as a method of political reform.
Professor. The topic, my dear brother, is assassination viewed as a way to achieve political change.
Mich. I think little of pen and ink in revolutions. One dagger will do more than a hundred epigrams. Still, let us read this scholar's last production. Give it to me. I will read it myself.
Michigan I don’t think much of writing during revolutions. One dagger can do more than a hundred clever sayings. But let’s check out this scholar’s latest work. Hand it over. I’ll read it myself.
Prof. Brother, you never mind your stops; let Alexis read it.
Prof. Brother, you don't worry about your breaks; let Alexis handle it.
Mich. Ay! he is as tripping of speech as if he were some young aristocrat; but for my own part I care not for the stops so that the sense be plain.
MI Oh! he's as smooth-talking as if he were some young aristocrat; but as for me, I don't care about the pauses as long as the meaning is clear.
Alex. (reading). "The past has belonged to the tyrant, and he has defiled it; ours is the future, and we shall make it holy." Ay! let us make the future holy; let there be one revolution at least which is not bred in crime, nurtured in murder!
Alex. (reading). "The past has been controlled by the tyrant, and he has corrupted it; the future is ours, and we will make it sacred." Yes! Let's make the future sacred; let there be at least one revolution that is not born from crime, raised in murder!
Mich. They have spoken to us by the sword, and by the sword we shall answer! You are too delicate for us, Alexis. There should be none here but men whose hands are rough with labour or red with blood.
Michigan. They've communicated with us through force, and by force we will respond! You're too soft for us, Alexis. Only those with hands calloused from work or stained with blood should be here.
Pres. Peace, Michael, peace! He is the bravest heart among us.
President Calm down, Michael, calm down! He’s the bravest of us all.
Mich. (aside). He will need to be brave to-night.
Michigan (aside). He’s going to need to be brave tonight.
Voice (outside). Per crucem ad lucem.
Voice (outside). Through the cross to the light.
Answer of man on guard. Per sanguinem ad libertatem.
Response from the person on duty. Through blood to freedom.
Mich. Who is that?
Mich. Who's that?
Vera. God save the people!
Vera. God bless the people!
Vera. To-morrow martial law is to be proclaimed in Russia.
Vera. Tomorrow, martial law will be declared in Russia.
Omnes. Martial law! We are lost! We are lost!
Everyone. Martial law! We’re doomed! We’re doomed!
Alex. Martial law! Impossible!
Alex. Martial law? No way!
Mich. Fool, nothing is impossible in Russia but reform.
MI Fool, nothing is impossible in Russia except for reform.
Vera. Ay, martial law. The last right to which the people clung has been taken from them. Without trial, without appeal, without accuser even, our brothers will be taken from their houses, shot in the streets like dogs, sent away to die in the snow, to starve in the dungeon, to rot in the mine. Do you know what martial law means? It means the strangling of a whole nation. 9The streets will be filled with soldiers night and day; there will be sentinels at every door.9 No man dare walk abroad now but the spy or the traitor. Cooped up in the dens we hide in, meeting by stealth, speaking with bated breath; what good can we do now for Russia?
Vera. Ugh, martial law. The last bit of freedom that the people had is gone. Without a trial, without the chance to appeal, and without even an accuser, our brothers will be taken from their homes, shot in the streets like animals, sent away to die in the snow, starve in dungeons, or rot in mines. Do you understand what martial law really means? It means the suffocation of an entire nation. 9The streets will be filled with soldiers day and night; there will be guards at every door.9 No one can walk outside now except for spies or traitors. Hiding in our cramped spaces, meeting secretly, whispering in fear; what can we do for Russia now?
Pres. We can suffer at least.
We can endure at least.
Vera. We have done that too much already. The hour is now come to annihilate and to revenge.
Vera. We’ve done that way too much already. The time has come to destroy and get revenge.
Pres. Up to this the people have borne everything.
Pres. Until now, the people have put up with everything.
Vera. Because they have understood nothing. But now we, the Nihilists, have given them the tree of knowledge to eat of and the day of silent suffering is over for Russia.
Vera. Because they haven't understood anything. But now we, the Nihilists, have provided them with the tree of knowledge to eat from, and the time of silent suffering is over for Russia.
Mich. Martial law, Vera! This is fearful tidings you bring.
Michigan. Martial law, Vera! This is terrifying news you bring.
Pres. It is the death warrant of liberty in Russia.
Pres. It is the death sentence for freedom in Russia.
Vera. Or the tocsin of10 revolution.
Vera. Or the alarm of __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ revolution.
Vera. Here is the proclamation. I stole it myself at the ball to-night from a young fool, one of Prince Paul's secretaries, who had been given it to copy. It was that which made me so late.
Vera. Here’s the announcement. I took it myself at the party tonight from a young idiot, one of Prince Paul's secretaries, who was given it to copy. That’s what made me so late.
Mich. "To ensure the public safety—martial law. By order of the Czar, father of his people." The father of his people!
MI "To ensure public safety—martial law. By order of the Czar, father of his people." The father of his people!
Vera. Ay! a father whose name shall not be hallowed, whose kingdom shall change to a republic, whose trespasses shall not be forgiven him, because he has robbed us of our daily bread; with whom is neither might, nor right, nor glory, now or for ever.
Vera. Oh! a father whose name will not be honored, whose kingdom will turn into a republic, whose wrongdoings will never be forgiven, because he has taken away our daily bread; with whom there is no power, no justice, and no glory, now or forever.
Pres. It must be about this that the council meet to-morrow. It has not yet been signed.
Pres. The council must meet about this tomorrow. It hasn't been signed yet.
Alex. It shall not be while I have a tongue to plead with.
Alex. It won’t happen as long as I can speak out.
Mich. Or while I have hands to smite with.
MI Or while I still have hands to strike with.
Vera. Martial law! O God, how easy it is for a king to kill his people by thousands, but we cannot rid ourselves of one crowned man in Europe! What is there of awful majesty in these men which makes the hand unsteady, the dagger treacherous, the pistol-shot harmless? Are they not men of like passions with ourselves, vulnerable to the same diseases, of flesh and blood not different from our own? What made Olgiati tremble at the supreme crisis of that Roman life, 11and Guido's nerve fail him when he should have been of iron and of steel? A plague, I say, on these fools of Naples, Berlin, and Spain!11 Methinks that if I stood face to face with one of the crowned men my eye would see more clearly, my aim be more sure, my whole body gain a strength and power that was not my own! Oh, to think what stands between us and freedom in Europe! a few old men, wrinkled, feeble, tottering dotards whom a boy could strangle for a ducat, or a woman stab in a night-time. And these are the things that keep us from democracy,[21] that keep us from liberty. But now methinks the brood of men is dead and the dull earth grown sick of child-bearing, else would no crowned dog pollute God's air by living.
Vera. Martial law! Oh God, how easy it is for a king to kill thousands of his people, yet we can’t seem to get rid of one crowned man in Europe! What is it about these guys that makes us hesitate, turning the dagger untrustworthy and the gunshot harmless? Aren't they just as human as we are, subject to the same illnesses, made of flesh and blood just like us? What made Olgiati tremble at the critical moment in that Roman life, 11and why did Guido lose his nerve when he should have been strong and steadfast? I curse these fools in Naples, Berlin, and Spain!11 I feel that if I stood face to face with one of these crowned men, my sight would sharpen, my aim would be steadier, and I would feel a strength and power that wasn't my own! Oh, to think about what stands between us and freedom in Europe! Just a few old men, wrinkled, weak, and unsteady, whom a boy could choke for a ducat, or a woman could stab at night. And these are the obstacles that keep us from democracy,[21] that prevent us from achieving liberty. It seems to me that the generation of men is dead, and the weary earth has grown tired of giving birth; otherwise, no crowned fool would pollute God's air by living.
Omnes. Try us! Try us! Try us!
All. Give us a shot! Give us a shot! Give us a shot!
Mich. We shall try thee, too, some day, Vera.
Michigan. We'll give you a try, too, one day, Vera.
Vera. I pray God thou mayest! Have I not strangled whatever nature is in me, and shall I not keep my oath?
Vera. I hope to God you will! Haven't I suppressed everything that’s natural in me, and shouldn’t I stick to my promise?
(Michael and the President retire to one corner of the stage and sit whispering. Vera takes up the proclamation, and reads it to herself; Alexis watches and suddenly rushes up to her.)
(Michael and the President move to a corner of the stage and sit quietly talking. Vera picks up the proclamation and reads it to herself; Alexis observes and then suddenly rushes over to her.)
Alex. Vera!
Alex! Vera!
Vera. Alexis, you here! Foolish boy, have I not prayed you to stay away? All of us here are doomed to die before our time, fated to expiate by suffering whatever good we do; but you, with your 14bright boyish face,14 you are too young to die yet.
Vera. Alexis, you're here! Silly boy, haven’t I asked you to stay away? We’re all doomed to die young, destined to pay for whatever good we do with suffering; but you, with your __bright boyish face,14 you’re too young to die yet.
Alex. One is never too young to die for one's country!
Alex. You’re never too young to die for your country!
Vera. Why do you come here night after night?
Vera. Why do you keep coming here night after night?
Alex. Because I love the people.
Alex. Because I love people.
Vera. But your fellow-students must miss you. Are there no traitors among them? You know what spies there are in the University here. O Alexis, you must go! You see how desperate suffering has made us. There is no room here for a nature like yours. You must not come again.
Vera. But your classmates must really miss you. Aren't there any traitors among them? You know how many spies there are at the University. Oh Alexis, you have to leave! Look at how desperate all this suffering has made us. There's no place here for someone like you. You can't come back.
Alex. Why do you think so poorly of me? Why should I live while my brothers suffer?
Alex. Why do you think so little of me? Why should I go on living while my brothers are in pain?
Vera. You spake to me of your mother once. You said you loved her. Oh, think of her![22]
Vera. You told me about your mom once. You said you loved her. Oh, think of her![22]
Alex. I have no mother now but Russia, my life is hers to take or give away; but to-night I am here to see you. They tell me you are leaving for Novgorod to-morrow.
Alex. I don’t have a mother anymore, just Russia; my life is hers to take or give as she wishes. But tonight, I’m here to see you. They say you’re leaving for Novgorod tomorrow.
Vera. I must. They are getting faint-hearted there, and I would fan the flame of this revolution into such a blaze that the eyes of all kings in Europe shall be blinded. If martial law is passed they will need me all the more there. There is no limit, it seems, to the tyranny of one man; but there shall be a limit to the suffering of a whole people.
Vera. I have to. They're losing their courage over there, and I want to stoke the fire of this revolution into such a blaze that all the kings in Europe will be blinded by it. If they enforce martial law, they'll need me even more there. It seems there's no end to one man's tyranny, but there will be a limit to the suffering of an entire people.
Alex. God knows it, I am with you. But you must not go. 15The police are watching every train for you.15 When you are seized they have orders to place you without trial in the lowest dungeon of the palace.16 I know it—no matter how. 17Oh, think how without you the sun goes from our life, how the people will lose their leader and liberty her priestess.17 Vera, you must not go!
Alex. I swear, I'm with you. But you can't leave. 15The police are tracking every train for you.15 If they catch you, they have orders to throw you into the lowest dungeon of the palace without a trial.16 I know it—no matter what. 17Oh, just imagine how the sun dims in our lives without you, how the people will lose their leader and freedom will lose its champion.17 Vera, you can't go!
Vera. If you wish it, I will stay. I would live a little longer for freedom, a little longer for Russia.
Vera. If you want me to, I will stay. I would live a bit longer for freedom, a bit longer for Russia.
Alex. When you die then Russia is smitten indeed; when you die then I shall lose all hope—all.... Vera, this is fearful news you bring—martial law—it is too terrible. I knew it not, by my soul, I knew it not!
Alex. When you die, Russia will truly be in trouble; when you die, I will lose all hope—all.... Vera, this is shocking news you bring—martial law—it’s just too awful. I didn’t know it, I swear, I didn’t know!
Vera. How could you have known it? It is too well laid a plot for that. This great White Czar, whose hands are red with the blood of the people he has murdered, whose soul is black with his iniquity, is the cleverest conspirator of us all. Oh, how could Russia bear two hearts like yours and his!
Vera. How could you have known? The plan is way too intricate for that. This great White Czar, whose hands are stained with the blood of the people he's killed, whose soul is tainted by his wickedness, is the smartest conspirator of all of us. Oh, how could Russia handle two hearts like yours and his!
Alex. Vera, the Emperor was not always like this. There was a time when he loved the people. It is that devil, whom God curse, Prince Paul Maraloffski who has brought him to this. To-morrow, I swear it, I shall plead for the people to the Emperor.
Alex. Vera, the Emperor wasn’t always this way. There was a time he cared about the people. It’s that devil, cursed by God, Prince Paul Maraloffski, who has caused this. Tomorrow, I swear, I will advocate for the people to the Emperor.
Vera. Plead to the Czar! Foolish boy, it is[23] only those who are sentenced to death that ever see our Czar. Besides, what should he care for a voice that pleads for mercy? The cry of a strong nation in its agony has not moved that heart of stone.
Vera. Appeal to the Czar! Silly boy, it is[23] only those facing execution who get to see our Czar. Besides, why would he care about a voice that begs for mercy? The plea of a powerful nation in its suffering has never touched that heart of stone.
Alex. (aside). Yet shall I plead to him. They can but kill me.
Alex. (aside). But I will still plead with him. They can only kill me.
Prof. Here are the proclamations, Vera. Do you think they will do?
Prof. Here are the announcements, Vera. Do you think they'll work?
Alex. Well, President, what are you deep in?
Alex. So, President, what are you really focused on?
Mich. We are thinking of the best way of killing bears. (Whispers to President and leads him aside.)
MI We're trying to figure out the best way to take down bears. (Whispers to President and leads him aside.)
Vera (takes them mechanically). Had I not strangled nature, sworn neither to love nor be loved, methinks20 I might have loved him. Oh, I am a fool, a traitor myself, a traitor myself! But why did he come amongst us with his bright21 young face, his heart aflame for liberty, his pure white soul? Why does he make me feel at times as if I would have him as my king, Republican though I be? Oh, fool, fool, fool! False to your oath! weak as water! Have done! Remember what you are—a Nihilist, a Nihilist!
Vera (takes them mechanically). If I hadn’t fought against my feelings, promising myself I wouldn’t love or be loved, I might have loved him. Oh, what a fool I am, a traitor to myself, a traitor to myself! But why did he come among us with his bright20 young face, his heart burning for freedom, his pure, innocent soul? Why does he sometimes make me feel like I’d want him as my king, even though I'm a Republican? Oh, fool, fool, fool! Disloyal to your oath! weak as water! Enough! Remember what you are—a Nihilist, a Nihilist!
Pres. (to Michael). But you will be seized, Michael.
Pres. (to Michael). But you'll be caught, Michael.
Mich. I think not. I will wear the uniform of the Imperial Guard, and the Colonel on duty is one of us. It is on the first floor, you remember; so I can take a long shot.
Michigan. I don’t think so. I’ll wear the uniform of the Imperial Guard, and the Colonel on duty is one of us. It's on the first floor, you remember; so I can take a long shot.
Pres. Shall I tell the brethren?
Pres. Should I inform the group?
22Mich. Not a word, not a word! There is a traitor amongst us.
22MI Not a word, not a word! There’s a traitor in our midst.
Vera. Come, are these the proclamations? Yes, they will do; yes, they will do. Send five hundred to[24] Kiev and Odessa and Novgorod, five hundred to Warsaw, and have twice the number distributed among the Southern Provinces, though these dull Russian peasants care little for our proclamations, and less for our martyrdoms. When the blow is struck, it must be from the town, not from the country.
Vera. Come on, are these the announcements? Yeah, they'll work; yeah, they'll work. Send five hundred to [24] Kiev, Odessa, and Novgorod, five hundred to Warsaw, and have twice that amount spread out among the Southern Provinces, even though these dull Russian peasants don't care much about our announcements, and even less about our sacrifices. When the time comes, it has to come from the city, not from the countryside.
Mich. Ay, and by the sword not by the goose-quill.
MI Yes, and by the sword, not by the pen.
Vera. Where are the letters from Poland?
Vera. Where are the letters from Poland?
Prof. Here.
Prof. Here.
Vera. Unhappy Poland! The eagles of Russia have fed on her heart. We must not forget our brothers there.22
Vera. Unhappy Poland! The eagles of Russia have preyed on her heart. We must not forget our brothers there.22
Pres. Is this true, Michael?
Pres. Is that true, Michael?
Mich. Ay, I stake my life on it.
MI Yeah, I bet my life on it.
Alex. I, President?
Alex. Me, President?
Mich. Ay, you! You knew it, none better. Such weapons as these are not forged in a day. Why did you not tell us of it? A week ago there had been time 25to lay the mine, to raise the barricade, to strike one blow at least for liberty.25 But now the hour is past. It is too late, 26it is too late!26 Why did you keep it a secret from us, I say?
MI Hey, you! You knew it better than anyone else. These kinds of weapons aren't made overnight. Why didn't you tell us about it? A week ago, there would have been time 25to set the trap, to build the barrier, to at least strike one blow for freedom.25 But now the moment has passed. It’s too late, 26it’s too late!26 Why did you keep it a secret from us, I ask?
Alex. Now by the hand of freedom, Michael, my brother, you wrong me. I knew nothing of this hideous law. By my soul, my brothers, I knew not of it! How should I know?
Alex. Now, with the hand of freedom, Michael, my brother, you're misunderstanding me. I had no idea about this dreadful law. I swear, my brothers, I didn't know anything about it! How could I possibly know?
Mich. Because you are a traitor! Where did you go when you left us the night of our last meeting here?
MI Because you're a traitor! Where did you go when you left us the night of our last meeting here?
Mich. Liar! I was on your track. You left here an hour after midnight. Wrapped in a large cloak, you crossed the river in a boat a mile below[25] the second bridge, and gave the ferryman a gold piece, you, the poor student of medicine! You doubled back twice, and hid in an archway so long that I had almost made up my mind to stab you at once, only that I am fond of hunting. So! you thought that you had baffled all pursuit, did you? Fool! I am a bloodhound that never loses the scent. I followed you from street to street. At last I saw you pass swiftly across the Place St. Isaac, whisper to the guards the secret password, enter the palace by a private door with your own key.
Michigan. Liar! I was following you. You left here an hour after midnight. Wrapped in a big cloak, you crossed the river in a boat a mile downstream from[25] the second bridge and paid the ferryman with a gold coin, you, the poor medical student! You doubled back twice and hid in an archway for so long that I almost decided to stab you right then, but I enjoy hunting. So! You thought you could escape all pursuit, did you? Fool! I’m a bloodhound that never loses the trail. I tracked you from street to street. Finally, I saw you move quickly across the Place St. Isaac, whisper to the guards the secret password, and enter the palace through a private door with your own key.
Conspirators. The palace!
Plotters. The palace!
Vera. Alexis!
Vera. Alexis!
Mich. I waited. All through the dreary watches of our long Russian night I waited, that I might kill you with your Judas hire still hot in your hand. But you never came out; you never left that palace at all. I saw the blood-red sun rise through the yellow fog over the murky town; I saw a new day of oppression dawn on Russia; but you never came out. So you pass nights in the palace, do you? You know the password for the guards! you have a key to a secret door. Oh, you are a spy—you are a spy! I never trusted you, 28with your soft white hands, your curled hair, your pretty graces.28 You have no mark of suffering about you; you cannot be of the people. You are a spy—29a spy—traitor.29
Michigan. I waited. All through the dull hours of our long Russian night, I waited, so I could kill you with your Judas money still warm in your hand. But you never came out; you never left that palace at all. I saw the blood-red sun rise through the yellow fog over the grim town; I saw a new day of oppression begin in Russia; but you never came out. So you spend nights in the palace, do you? You know the password for the guards! You have a key to a secret door. Oh, you are a spy—you are a spy! I never trusted you, 28with your soft hands, your curled hair, your pretty charms.28 You show no signs of suffering; you can't be one of the people. You are a spy—29a spy—traitor.29
Omnes. Kill him! Kill him! (draw their knives.)
Everyone. Kill him! Kill him! (draw their knives.)
Omnes. Kill him! Kill him! He is a spy!
Everyone. Kill him! Kill him! He's a spy!
Vera. Dare to lay a finger on him, and I leave you all to yourselves.
Vera. Touch him, and I’ll leave you all to your own devices.
Pres. Vera, did you not hear what Michael said of him? He stayed all night in the Czar's palace. He has a password and a private key. What else should he be but a spy?[26]
Pres. Vera, didn't you hear what Michael said about him? He spent the whole night in the Czar's palace. He has a password and a private key. What else could he possibly be but a spy?[26]
Vera. Bah! I do not believe Michael. It is a lie! It is31 a lie! Alexis, say it is a lie!
Vera. Ugh! I don’t believe Michael. It’s a lie! It’s31 a lie! Alexis, tell me it’s a lie!
Alex. It is true. Michael has told what he saw. I did pass that night in the Czar's palace. Michael has spoken the truth.
Alex. It's true. Michael has shared what he witnessed. I spent that night in the Czar's palace. Michael has told the truth.
Vera. Stand back, I say; stand back! Alexis, I do not care. I trust you; you would not betray us; you would not sell the people for money. You are honest, true! Oh, say you are no spy!
Vera. Step back, I'm telling you; step back! Alexis, I don't care. I trust you; you wouldn't betray us; you wouldn't sell the people for cash. You are honest, true! Oh, please say you’re not a spy!
Alex. Spy? You know I am not. I am with you, my brothers, to the death.
Alex. Spy? You know I'm not. I'm with you, my brothers, till the end.
Mich. Ay, to your own death.
Mich. Yeah, to your own death.
Alex. Vera, you32 know I am true.
Alex. Vera, you know I’m genuine.
Vera. I know it well.
Vera. I'm familiar with it.
Pres. Why are you here, traitor?
Pres. Why are you here, traitor?
Alex. Because I love the people.
Alex. Because I care about people.
Mich. Then you can be a martyr for them?
MI So you can be a martyr for them?
Vera. You must kill me first, Michael, before you lay a finger on him.
Vera. You need to kill me first, Michael, before you touch him.
Pres. Michael, we dare not lose Vera. It is her whim to let this boy live. We can keep him here to-night. Up to this he has not betrayed us.
Pres. Michael, we can't afford to lose Vera. It's her decision to let this boy live. We can keep him here tonight. So far, he hasn't betrayed us.
Voice. Open in the name of the Emperor!
Sound. Open in the name of the Emperor!
Mich. He has betrayed us. This is your doing, spy!
MI He has betrayed us. This is your fault, spy!
Pres. Come, Michael, come. We have no time to cut one another's throats while we have our own heads to save.
Pres. Come on, Michael, let's go. We don't have time to attack each other when we need to save our own necks.
Voice. Open in the name of the Emperor!
Voice. Open up in the name of the Emperor!
Gen. All honest citizens should be in their own houses at an hour before midnight, and not more than five people have a right to meet privately. Have you not noticed the proclamation, fellows?
Gen. All law-abiding citizens should be at home an hour before midnight, and no more than five people are allowed to meet in private. Haven't you seen the announcement, guys?
Vera. Peace, Michael, peace. Nay, Sir, we knew it not. We are a company of strolling players travelling from Samara to Moscow to amuse His Imperial Majesty the Czar.
Vera. Calm down, Michael, calm down. No, Sir, we didn’t know. We are a group of traveling actors on our way from Samara to Moscow to entertain His Imperial Majesty the Czar.
Gen. But I heard loud voices before I entered. What was that?
Gen. But I heard loud voices before I walked in. What was that?
Vera. We were rehearsing a new tragedy.
Vera. We were practicing a new drama.
Gen. Your answers are too honest to be true. Come, let me see who you are. Take off those players' masks. By St. Nicholas, my beauty, if your face matches your figure, you must be a choice morsel! Come, I say, pretty one; I would sooner see your face than those of all the others.
Gen. Your answers are too honest to be true. Come, let me see who you are. Take off those players' masks. By St. Nicholas, my beauty, if your face is as lovely as your figure, you must be a real catch! Come on, I insist, pretty one; I would rather see your face than all the others combined.
Pres. O God! if he sees it is Vera, we are all lost!
Pres. Oh God! If he realizes it's Vera, we're all doomed!
Gen. No coquetting, my girl. Come, unmask, I say, or I shall tell my guards to do it for you.
Gen. No flirting, my girl. Come on, take off your mask, or I’ll have my guards do it for you.
Alex. Stand back, I say, General Kotemkin!
Alex. Step back, I tell you, General Kotemkin!
Gen. Who are you, fellow, that talk with such a tripping tongue to your betters? (Alexis takes his mask off.) His Imperial Highness the Czarevitch!
Gen. Who are you, dude, that speaks so smoothly to your superiors? (Alexis takes off his mask.) His Imperial Highness the Czarevitch!
Mich. (to Vera). Why did you not let me kill him? Come, we must fight to the death for it.
MI (to Vera). Why didn’t you let me kill him? Come on, we have to fight to the death over this.
Vera. Peace! he will not betray us.
Vera. Calm down! He won't let us down.
Alex. A whim of mine, General! You know how my father keeps me from the world and imprisons me in the palace. I should really be bored to death if I could not get out at night in disguise sometimes, and have some romantic adventure in town. I fell in with these honest folks a few hours ago.
Alex. Just a little impulse of mine, General! You know how my dad keeps me sheltered from everything and locks me up in the palace. I'd honestly be bored out of my mind if I couldn't sneak out at night in disguise sometimes and have some exciting adventure in town. I ran into these good people a few hours ago.
Gen. But, your Highness—
Gen. But, Your Highness—
Alex. Oh, they are excellent actors, I assure you. If you had come in ten minutes ago, you would have witnessed a most interesting scene.
Alex. Oh, they're great actors, I promise you. If you had walked in ten minutes ago, you would have seen a really interesting scene.
Gen. Actors, are they, Prince?[28]
Gen. Actors, right, Prince?
Alex. Ay, and very ambitious actors, too. They only care to play before kings.
Alex. Yeah, and they’re really ambitious actors, too. They only want to perform for kings.
Gen. I' faith, your Highness, I was in hopes I had made a good haul of Nihilists.38
Gen. Honestly, your Highness, I was really hoping I had caught a bunch of Nihilists.38
Alex. Nihilists in Moscow, General! with you as head of the police? Impossible!
Alex. Nihilists in Moscow, General! With you leading the police? No way!
Gen. So I always tell your Imperial father. But I heard at the council to-day that that woman Vera Sabouroff, the head of them, had been seen in this very city. The Emperor's face turned as white as the snow outside. I think I never saw such terror in any man before.
Gen. So I always tell your Imperial father. But I heard at the council today that Vera Sabouroff, their leader, was seen right here in this city. The Emperor's face went as pale as the snow outside. I don't think I've ever seen such fear in any man before.
Alex. She is a dangerous woman, then, this Vera Sabouroff?
Alex. So, Vera Sabouroff is a dangerous woman, huh?
Gen. The most dangerous in all Europe.
Gen. The most dangerous in all of Europe.
Alex. Did you ever see her, General?
Alex. Have you ever seen her, General?
Gen. Why, five years ago, when I was a plain Colonel, I remember her, your Highness, a common waiting girl in an inn. If I had known then what she was going to turn out, I would have flogged her to death on the roadside. She is not a woman at all; she is a sort of devil! For the last eighteen months I have been hunting her, and caught sight of her once last September outside Odessa.
Gen. Five years ago, when I was just a Colonel, I remember her, Your Highness; she was a regular waitress at an inn. If I had known then how she would turn out, I would have beaten her to death on the roadside. She's not even a woman; she's like some kind of devil! For the past eighteen months, I’ve been looking for her, and I only caught a glimpse of her once last September outside Odessa.
Alex. How did you let her go, General?
Alex. How could you let her slip away, General?
Gen. I was by myself, and she shot one of my horses just as I was gaining on her. If I see her again I shan't miss my chance. The Emperor has put twenty thousand roubles on her head.
Gen. I was alone when she shot one of my horses just as I was catching up to her. If I see her again, I won’t let the opportunity slip by. The Emperor has put a bounty of twenty thousand roubles on her head.
Alex. I hope you will get it, General; but meanwhile you are frightening these honest people out of their wits, and disturbing the tragedy. Good night, General.
Alex. I hope you understand, General; but in the meantime, you're scaring these honest folks out of their minds and disrupting the tragedy. Good night, General.
Gen. Yes; but I should like to see their faces, your Highness.
Gen. Yes; but I’d like to see their faces, Your Highness.
Alex. No, General; you must not ask that; you know how these gipsies hate to be stared at.
Alex. No, General; you can't ask that; you know how much these gypsies hate being watched.
Gen. Yes. But, your Highness—
Gen. Yes. But, Your Highness—
Alex. (haughtily). General, they are my friends,[29] that is enough. And, General, not a word of this little adventure here, you understand. I shall rely on you.
Alex. (with arrogance). General, they are my friends,[29] that's all that matters. And, General, let’s keep this little adventure between us, alright? I’m counting on you.
Gen. I shall not forget, Prince. But shall we not see you back to the palace? The State ball is almost over and you are expected.
Gen. I won’t forget, Prince. But shouldn’t we get you back to the palace? The State ball is almost over, and everyone is waiting for you.
Alex. I shall be there; but I shall return alone. Remember, not a word about my strolling players.
Alex. I'll be there; but I'll be coming back alone. Remember, not a word about my street performers.
Gen. Or your pretty gipsy, eh, Prince? your pretty gipsy! I' faith, I should like to see her before I go; she has such fine eyes through her mask. Well, good night, your Highness; good night.
Gen. Or your beautiful gypsy, right, Prince? your beautiful gypsy! I swear, I’d love to see her before I leave; she has such lovely eyes behind her mask. Well, good night, your Highness; good night.
Alex. Good night, General.
Alex. Good night, General.
Vera (throwing off her mask). Saved! and by you!
Vera (taking off her mask). I’m saved! And it’s because of you!
Alex. (clasping her hand). Brothers, you trust me now?
Alex. (holding her hand). Brothers, do you trust me now?
ACT II.
Scene.—Council Chamber in the Emperor's Palace, hung with yellow tapestry. Table, with chair of State, set for the Czar; window behind, opening on to a balcony. As the scene progresses the light outside gets darker.
Scene.—Council Chamber in the Emperor's Palace, decorated with yellow tapestry. A table with a chair of State is prepared for the Czar; there’s a window behind that opens onto a balcony. As the scene unfolds, the light outside dims.
Present.—Prince Paul Maraloffski, Prince Petrovitch, Count Rouvaloff, Baron Raff, Count Petouchof.
Present.—Prince Paul Maraloffski, Prince Petrovitch, Count Rouvaloff, Baron Raff, Count Petouchof.
Prince Petro. So our young scatter-brained Czarevitch has been forgiven at last, and is to take his seat here again.
Prince Peter. So, our young, absent-minded Czarevitch has finally been forgiven and will be taking his seat here again.
Prince Paul. Yes; if that is not meant as an extra punishment. For my own part, at least, I find these Cabinet Councils extremely exhausting.
Prince Paul. Yes; unless that’s just a way to punish us more. Personally, I find these Cabinet Councils really exhausting.
Prince Petro. Naturally; you are always speaking.
Prince Peter. Of course; you’re always talking.
Prince Paul. No; I think it must be that I have to listen sometimes.
Prince Paul. No; I think it’s just that I need to listen sometimes.
Count R. Still, anything is better than being kept in a sort of prison, like he was—never allowed to go out into the world.
Count R. Still, anything is better than being stuck in a kind of prison, like he was—never allowed to go out into the world.
Prince Paul. My dear Count, for romantic young people like he is, the world always looks best at a distance; and a prison where one's allowed to order one's own dinner is not at all a bad place. (Enter the Czarevitch. The courtiers rise.) Ah! good afternoon, Prince. Your Highness is looking a little pale to-day.
Prince Paul. My dear Count, for romantic young people like him, the world always seems more beautiful from afar; and a prison where you get to choose your own meals isn't such a bad place. (Enter the Crown Prince. The courtiers rise.) Ah! good afternoon, Prince. You look a bit pale today, Your Highness.
Czare. (slowly, after a pause). I want change of air.
Czare. (slowly, after a pause). I want a change of scenery.
Prince Paul (smiling). A most revolutionary[31] sentiment! Your Imperial father would highly disapprove of any reforms with the thermometer in Russia.
Prince Paul (smiling). That's a truly revolutionary[31] thought! Your Imperial father would be totally against any changes involving the temperature in Russia.
Czare. (bitterly). My Imperial father had kept me for six months in this dungeon of a palace. This morning he has me suddenly woke up to see some wretched Nihilists hung; it sickened me, the bloody butchery, though it was a noble thing to see how well these men can die.
Czar. (bitterly). My Imperial father kept me locked away in this palace dungeon for six months. This morning, he suddenly woke me up to see some poor Nihilists being hanged; it made me sick, the bloody slaughter, even though it was impressive to see how bravely these men could face death.
Prince Paul. When you are as old as I am, Prince, you will understand that there are few things easier than to live badly and to die well.
Prince Paul. When you’re as old as I am, Prince, you’ll realize that there are few things easier than living poorly and dying well.
Czare. Easy to die well! A lesson experience cannot have taught you, whatever you may know of a bad life.
Czar. It's easy to die well! That's a lesson that experience can't teach you, no matter what you know about a bad life.
Prince Paul (shrugging his shoulders). Experience, the name men give to their mistakes. I never commit any.
Prince Paul (shrugging his shoulders). Experience, the term people use for their mistakes. I don’t make any.
Czare. (bitterly). No; crimes are more in your line.
Czar. (bitterly). No; crimes are more your thing.
Prince Petro. (to the Czarevitch). The Emperor was a good deal agitated about your late appearance at the ball last night, Prince.
Prince Pete. (to the Crown prince). The Emperor was quite upset about your late arrival at the ball last night, Prince.
1Count R. (laughing). I believe he thought the Nihilists had broken into the palace and carried you off.
1Count R. (laughing). I think he thought the Nihilists had invaded the palace and taken you away.
Baron Raff. If they had you would have missed a charming dance.1
Baron Raff. If they had, you would have missed a lovely dance. 1
Prince Paul. And2 an excellent supper. Gringoire really excelled himself in his salad. Ah! you may laugh, Baron; but to make a good salad is a much more difficult thing than cooking accounts. To make a good salad is to be a brilliant diplomatist—the problem is so entirely the same in both cases. To know exactly how much oil one must put with one's vinegar.
Prince Paul. And2 an amazing dinner. Gringoire really outdid himself with his salad. Ah! you might laugh, Baron; but making a great salad is a lot harder than managing finances. Crafting a good salad requires the skill of a great diplomat—the challenge is completely the same in both situations. It's all about knowing the perfect balance of oil to vinegar.
Baron Raff. A cook and a diplomatist! an excellent parallel. If I had a son who was a fool I'd make him one or the other.[32]
Baron Raff. A chef and a diplomat! What a perfect comparison. If I had a son who was an idiot, I’d choose for him to be one or the other.[32]
Prince Paul. I see your father did not hold the same opinion, Baron. But, believe me, you are wrong to run down cookery. For myself, the only immortality I desire is to invent a new sauce. I have never had time enough to think seriously about it, but I feel it is in me, I feel it is in me.
Prince Paul. I can see your dad didn't share the same view, Baron. But trust me, you're mistaken to put down cooking. Personally, the only kind of immortality I want is to create a new sauce. I've never had enough time to really think about it, but I know it's in me, I know it's in me.
Czare. You have certainly missed your metier,3 Prince Paul; the cordon bleu would have suited you much better than the Grand Cross of Honour. But you know you could never have worn your white apron well; you would have soiled it too soon, your hands are not clean enough.
Czare. You really missed your calling,3 Prince Paul; being a chef would have suited you much better than the Grand Cross of Honour. But you know you could never have pulled off that white apron; you would have dirtied it too quickly, your hands just aren't clean enough.
Prince Paul (bowing). Que voulez vous? I manage your father's business.
Prince Paul (bowing). What do you want? I handle your father's business.
Czare. (bitterly). You mismanage my father's business, you mean! Evil genius of his life that you are! before you came there was some love left in him. It is you who have embittered his nature, poured into his ear the poison of treacherous counsel, made him hated by the whole people, made him what he is—a tyrant!
Czar. (bitterly). You’re ruining my father's business, aren’t you? You wicked mastermind of his life! Before you showed up, he still had some love in him. It's you who have soured his nature, whispered toxic advice into his ear, turned him into someone hated by everyone, and made him what he is— a tyrant!
Prince Paul (calmly). I see your Highness does want change of air. But I have been an eldest son myself. (Lights a cigarette.) I know what it is when a father won't die to please one.
Prince Paul (calmly). I can tell your Highness wants a change of scenery. But I’ve been the eldest son too. (Lights a cigarette.) I understand what it feels like when a father refuses to die just to make you happy.
Baron Raff. Yes.5 What a mistake it is to be sincere!
Baron Raff. Yes.5 Being sincere is such a mistake!
Prince Petro. The only folly you have never committed, Baron.
Prince Peter. That's the only mistake you've never made, Baron.
Baron Raff. One has only one head, you know, Prince.
Baron Raff. You only have one head, you know, Prince.
Prince Paul. My dear Baron, your head is the[33] last thing any one would wish to take from you. (Pulls out snuffbox and offers it to Prince Petrovitch.)
Prince Paul. My dear Baron, your head is the[33] last thing anyone would want to take away from you. (Pulls out a snuffbox and offers it to Prince Petrovich.)
Prince Petro. Thanks, Prince! Thanks!
Prince Petro. Thanks, Prince! Thanks!
Prince Paul. Very delicate, isn't it? I get it direct from Paris. But under this vulgar Republic everything has degenerated over there. "Cotelettes à l'impériale" vanished, of course, with the Bourbon, and omelettes went out with the Orleanists. La belle France is entirely ruined, Prince, through bad morals and worse cookery. (Enter the Marquis de Poivrard.) Ah! Marquis. I trust Madame la Marquise is well.
Prince Paul. Quite delicate, isn't it? I get it straight from Paris. But with this crude Republic, everything has gone downhill over there. "Cotelettes à l'impériale" disappeared along with the Bourbons, and omelettes vanished with the Orleanists. Beautiful France is completely ruined, Prince, due to poor morals and even worse cooking. (Enter the Marquis de Poivrard.) Ah! Marquis. I hope Madame la Marquise is doing well.
Marquis de P. You ought to know better than I do, Prince Paul; you see more of her.
Marquis de P. You should know better than I do, Prince Paul; you see her more often.
Prince Paul (bowing). Perhaps I see more in her, Marquis. Your wife is really a charming woman, so full of esprit, and so satirical too; she talks continually of you when we are together.
Prince Paul (bowing). Maybe I see more in her, Marquis. Your wife is truly a lovely woman, so full of spirit, and quite sarcastic too; she can't stop talking about you when we're together.
Prince Petro. (looking at the clock). His Majesty is a little late to-day, is he not?
Prince Peter. (looking at the clock). Is His Majesty running a bit late today?
Prince Paul. What has happened to you, my dear Petrovitch? you seem quite out of sorts. You haven't quarrelled with your cook, I hope? What a tragedy that would be for you; you would lose all your friends.
Prince Paul. What’s going on with you, my dear Petrovitch? You look really off. I hope you haven't had a fight with your cook? That would be such a disaster for you; you’d lose all your friends.
Prince Paul. Then your creditors or Mademoiselle Vera Sabouroff have been writing to you? I find both of them such excellent correspondents. But really you needn't be alarmed. I find the most violent proclamations from the Executive Committee, as they call it, left all over my house. I never read them; they are so badly spelt as a rule.
Prince Paul. So, have your creditors or Mademoiselle Vera Sabouroff been writing to you? I think both of them are such great correspondents. But honestly, you don’t need to worry. I find all these intense announcements from the Executive Committee, as they call it, lying around my house. I never read them; they’re usually so poorly spelled.
Prince Petro. Wrong again, Prince; the Nihilists leave me alone for some reason or other.[34]
Prince Peter. You're wrong again, Prince; the Nihilists leave me alone for some reason.[34]
Prince Paul (aside). Ah! true. I forgot. Indifference is the revenge the world takes on mediocrities.
Prince Paul (aside). Oh! right. I forgot. Indifference is the way the world gets back at average people.
Prince Petro. I am bored with life,8 Prince. Since the opera season ended I have been a perpetual martyr to ennui.
Prince Peter. I'm so bored with life,8 Prince. Ever since the opera season wrapped up, I've been stuck in a constant state of boredom.
Prince Paul. The maladie du siècle! You want a new excitement, Prince. Let me see—you have been married twice already; suppose you try—falling in love, for once.
Prince Paul. The illness of the century! You want a new thrill, Prince. Let me think—you’ve been married twice already; how about you try—falling in love, for once.
Baron R. Prince, I have been thinking a good deal lately—
Baron R. Prince, I’ve been reflecting a lot recently—
Prince Paul (interrupting). You surprise me very much, Baron.
Prince Paul (interrupting). You really surprise me, Baron.
Baron R. I cannot understand your nature.
Baron R. I can't figure you out.
Prince Paul (smiling). If my nature had been made to suit your comprehension rather than my own requirements, I am afraid I would have made a very poor figure in the world.
Prince Paul (smiling). If I had been shaped to meet your understanding instead of my own needs, I fear I would have ended up being a total failure in the world.
Count R. There seems to be nothing in life about which you would not jest.
Count R. It seems like there's nothing in life that you wouldn't make a joke about.
Prince Paul. Ah! my dear Count, life is much too important a thing ever to talk seriously about it.
Prince Paul. Ah! my dear Count, life is way too important to take it seriously.
Czare. (coming back from the window). I don't think Prince Paul's nature is such a mystery. He would stab his best friend for the sake of writing an epigram on his tombstone, or experiencing a new sensation.
Czar. (coming back from the window). I don't think Prince Paul's character is that mysterious. He would betray his best friend just to write an epigram on his tombstone or to have a new experience.
Prince Paul. Parbleu! I would sooner lose my best friend than my worst enemy. To have friends, you know, one need only be good-natured; but when a man has no enemy left there must be something mean about him.
Prince Paul. Honestly! I would rather lose my best friend than my worst enemy. To have friends, you see, you just need to be pleasant; but when a guy has no enemies left, there’s got to be something unlikable about him.
Czare. (bitterly). If to have enemies is a measure of greatness, then you must be a Colossus, indeed, Prince.
Czare. (bitterly). If having enemies is a sign of greatness, then you must truly be a giant, Prince.
Prince Paul. Yes, I know I'm the most hated man in Russia, except your father, 9except your father, of course,9 Prince. He doesn't seem to like it[35] much, by the way, but I do, I assure you. (Bitterly.) I love to drive through the streets and see how the canaille scowl at me from every corner. It makes me feel I am a power in Russia; one man against a hundred millions! Besides, I have no ambition to be a popular hero, to be crowned with laurels one year and pelted with stones the next; I prefer dying peaceably in my own bed.
Prince Paul. Yes, I know I'm the most hated guy in Russia, except for your dad, 9except your dad, of course,9 Prince. He doesn’t seem to like it[35] much, by the way, but I do, I promise. (Bitterly.) I love driving through the streets and seeing how the common people scowl at me from every corner. It makes me feel like I’m a force in Russia; one man against a hundred million! Besides, I have no desire to be a popular hero, to be celebrated one year and stoned the next; I’d rather die peacefully in my own bed.
Czare. And after death?
Czare. And what happens after death?
Prince Paul (shrugging his shoulders). Heaven is a despotism. I shall be at home there.
Prince Paul (shrugging his shoulders). Heaven is a dictatorship. I will feel at home there.
Czare. Do you never think of the people and their rights?
Czare. Don't you ever think about the people and their rights?
Prince Paul. The people and their rights bore me. I am sick of both. In these modern days to be vulgar, illiterate, common and vicious, seems to give a man a marvellous infinity of rights that his honest fathers never dreamed of. Believe me, Prince, in good democracy every man should be an aristocrat; but these people in Russia who seek to thrust us out are no better than the animals in one's preserves, and made to be shot at, most of them.
Prince Paul. I'm tired of the people and their rights. I'm done with both. Nowadays, being vulgar, uneducated, ordinary, and immoral seems to give someone a ridiculous amount of rights that their decent ancestors never imagined. Trust me, Prince, in a true democracy, every person should be an aristocrat; but these people in Russia trying to push us out are no better than the animals in a hunting reserve, and most of them are just meant to be shot at.
Czare. (excitedly). If they are10 common, illiterate, vulgar, no better than the beasts of the field, who made them so?
Czare. (excitedly). If they are10 common, uneducated, rude, no better than the animals in the field, who made them that way?
Aide-de-Camp. His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor! (Prince Paul looks at the Czarevitch, and smiles.)
Aide-de-Camp. His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor! (Prince Paul looks at the Crown prince, and smiles.)
Czare. (rushing forward to meet him). Sire!
Czare. Sir!
Czar (nervous and frightened). Don't come too near me, boy! Don't come too near me, I say! There is always something about an heir to a crown unwholesome to his father. Who is that man over there? I don't know him. What is he doing? Is he a conspirator? Have you searched him? Give him till to-morrow to confess, then hang him!—hang him![36]
Emperor (nervous and frightened). Don’t come too close to me, kid! Don’t come too close, I said! There’s always something unsettling about a crown prince to his father. Who is that guy over there? I don’t recognize him. What is he doing? Is he a conspirator? Have you searched him? Give him until tomorrow to confess, then hang him!—hang him![36]
Prince Paul. Sire, you are anticipating history. This is Count Petouchof, your new ambassador to Berlin. He is come to kiss hands on his appointment.
Prince Paul. Sir, you are looking ahead to history. This is Count Petouchof, your new ambassador to Berlin. He has come to be received for his appointment.
Czar. To kiss my hand? There is some plot in it. He wants to poison me. There, kiss my son's hand; it will do quite as well.
Tsar. To kiss my hand? There's something suspicious about this. He wants to poison me. Instead, kiss my son's hand; that will work just as well.
(Prince Paul signs to Count Petouchof to leave the room. Exit Petouchof and the guards. Czar sinks down into his chair. The courtiers remain silent.)
(Prince Paul gestures to Count Petouchof to leave the room. Exit Petouchof and the guards. Tsar slumps into his chair. The courtiers stay quiet.)
Prince Paul (approaching). Sire! will your Majesty—
Prince Paul (approaching). Your Majesty! Will you—
Czar. What do you startle me like that for? No, I won't. (Watches the courtiers nervously.) Why are you clattering your sword, sir? (To Count Rouvaloff.) Take it off, I shall have no man wear a sword in my presence (looking at Czarevitch), least of all my son. (To Prince Paul.) You are not angry with me, Prince? You won't desert me, will you? Say you won't desert me. What do you want? You can have anything—anything.
Tsar. Why are you startling me like that? No, I won't. (Watches the courtiers nervously.) Why are you clanking your sword, sir? (To Count Rouvaloff.) Take it off, I don't want anyone wearing a sword in my presence (looking at Crown prince), especially not my son. (To Prince Paul.) You’re not angry with me, are you, Prince? You won’t abandon me, will you? Please say you won’t abandon me. What do you want? You can have anything—anything.
Prince Paul (bowing very low). Sire, 'tis enough for me to have your confidence. (Aside.) I was afraid he was going to revenge himself and give me another decoration.
Prince Paul (bowing very low). Your Highness, it’s more than enough for me to have your trust. (Aside.) I was worried he was going to get back at me and award me another medal.
Czar (returning to his chair). Well, gentlemen.
Tsar (returning to his chair). Alright, gentlemen.
Marq. de Poiv. Sire, I have the honour to present to you a loyal address from your subjects in the Province of Archangel, expressing their horror at the last attempt on your Majesty's life.
Marquis de Poivre Your Majesty, I have the honor to present to you a heartfelt message from your subjects in the Province of Archangel, expressing their shock at the recent attempt on your life.
Prince Paul. The last attempt but two, you ought to have said, Marquis. Don't you see it is dated three weeks back?
Prince Paul. The last attempt but two, you should have said, Marquis. Don’t you see it’s dated three weeks ago?
Czar. They are good people in the Province of Archangel—honest, loyal people. They love me very much—simple, loyal people; give them a new[37] saint, it costs nothing. Well, Alexis (turning to the Czarevitch)—how many traitors were hung this morning?
Tsar. There are good people in the Province of Archangel—honest, loyal folks. They care about me a lot—simple, loyal people; give them a new[37] saint, and it doesn’t cost anything. Well, Alexis (turning to the Crown prince)—how many traitors were hanged this morning?
Czare. There were three men strangled, Sire.
Czare. Three men were strangled, Your Majesty.
Czar. There should have been three11 thousand. I would to God that this people had but one neck that I might strangle them with one noose! Did they tell anything? whom did they implicate? what did they confess?
Tsar. There should have been three11 thousand. I wish to God that these people had just one neck so I could strangle them all with one noose! Did they say anything? Who did they involve? What did they admit?
Czare. Nothing, Sire.
Czare. Nothing, Your Majesty.
Czar. They should have been tortured then; why weren't they tortured? Must I always be fighting in the dark? Am I never to know from what root these traitors spring?
Tsar. They should have been tortured then; why weren't they? Do I always have to be fighting in the dark? Am I never going to find out where these traitors come from?
Czare. What root should there be of discontent among the people but tyranny and injustice amongst their rulers?
Czar. What reason could the people have for discontent except for the tyranny and injustice from their leaders?
Czar. What did you say, boy? tyranny! tyranny! Am I a tyrant? I'm not. I love the people. I'm their father. I'm called so in every official proclamation. Have a care, boy; have a care. You don't seem to be cured yet of your foolish tongue. (Goes over to Prince Paul, and puts his hand on his shoulder.) Prince Paul, tell me were there many people there this morning to see the Nihilists hung?
Tsar. What did you say, kid? Tyranny! Tyranny! Am I a tyrant? I’m not. I care about the people. I’m their father. I’m referred to that way in every official announcement. Watch yourself, kid; watch yourself. You don’t seem to have gotten rid of that foolish tongue yet. (Goes over to Prince Paul and puts his hand on his shoulder.) Prince Paul, tell me, were there a lot of people there this morning to see the Nihilists hanged?
Prince Paul. Hanging is of course a good deal less of a novelty in Russia now, Sire, than it was three or four years ago; and you know how easily the people get tired even of their best amusements. But the square and the tops of the houses were really quite crowded, were they not, Prince? (To the Czarevitch who takes no notice.)
Prince Paul. Hanging is definitely not as much of a novelty in Russia now, Your Majesty, as it was three or four years ago; and you know how quickly people lose interest in even their favorite pastimes. But the square and the rooftops were really quite packed, weren't they, Prince? (To the Crown Prince who takes no notice.)
Czar. That's right; all loyal citizens should be there. It shows them what to look forward to. Did you arrest any one in the crowd?
Tsar. That's right; all loyal citizens should be there. It shows them what to expect. Did you arrest anyone in the crowd?
Prince Paul. Yes, Sire, a woman for cursing your name. (The Czarevitch starts anxiously.) She was the mother of the two criminals.[38]
Prince Paul. Yes, Sire, a woman who curses your name. (The Crown Prince starts anxiously.) She was the mother of the two criminals.[38]
Czar (looking at Czarevitch). She should have blessed me for having rid her of her children. Send her to prison.
Tsar (looking at Crown prince). She should have thanked me for freeing her from her children. Put her in jail.
Czare. The prisons of Russia are too full already, Sire. There is no room in them for any more victims.
Czare. The prisons in Russia are already overcrowded, Your Majesty. There's no space left for any more victims.
12Czar. They don't die fast enough, then. You should put more of them into one cell at once. You don't keep them long enough in the mines. If you do they're sure to die; but you're all too merciful. I'm too merciful myself. Send her to Siberia.12 She is sure to die on the way. (Enter an Aide-de-Camp.) Who's that? Who's that?
12Tsar. They don't die quickly enough, do they? You should cram more of them into one cell at a time. You don't leave them long enough in the mines. If you did, they'd definitely die; but you all show too much mercy. I'm too merciful myself. Send her to Siberia.12 She'll probably die on the way. (Enter an Assistant to the commander.) Who's that? Who's that?
Aide-de-Camp. A letter for his Imperial Majesty.
Aide-de-Camp. A letter for the Emperor.
Czar (to Prince Paul). I won't open it. There may be something in it.
Tsar (to Prince Paul). I'm not going to open it. There could be something inside.
Prince Paul. It would be a very disappointing letter, Sire, if there wasn't. (Takes letter himself, and reads it.)
Prince Paul. It would be a really disappointing letter, Your Highness, if there wasn't. (Takes the letter himself and reads it.)
Prince Petro. (to Count Rouvaloff). It must be some sad news. I know that smile too well.
Prince Peter. (to Count Rouvaloff). It must be some unfortunate news. I recognize that smile all too well.
Prince Paul. From the Chief of the Police at Archangel, Sire. "The Governor of the province was shot this morning by a woman as he was entering the courtyard of his own house. The assassin has been seized."
Prince Paul. From the Chief of Police in Archangel, Sir. "The province's governor was shot this morning by a woman while he was entering the courtyard of his own home. The attacker has been apprehended."
Czar. I never trusted the people of Archangel. It's a nest of Nihilists and conspirators. Take away their saints; they don't deserve them.
Tsar. I never trusted the people of Archangel. It's a hub of Nihilists and conspirators. Remove their saints; they don't deserve them.
Prince Paul. Your Highness would punish them more severely by giving them an extra one. Three governors shot in two months. (Smiles to himself.) Sire, permit me to recommend your loyal subject, the Marquis de Poivrard, as the new governor of your Province of Archangel.
Prince Paul. Your Highness would be punishing them even more by giving them an extra one. Three governors shot in two months. (Smiles to himself.) Sire, please allow me to suggest your loyal subject, the Marquis de Poivrard, as the new governor of your Province of Archangel.
Marq. de Poiv. (hurriedly). Sire, I am unfit for this post.
Marquis de Poivre. (hurriedly). Your Majesty, I am not suited for this position.
Prince Paul. Marquis, you are too modest.[39] Believe me, there is no man in Russia I would sooner see Governor of Archangel than yourself. (Whispers to Czar.)
Prince Paul. Marquis, you're too humble.[39] Honestly, there’s no one in Russia I’d rather see as Governor of Archangel than you. (Whispers to Tsar.)
Czar. Quite right, Prince Paul; you are always right. See that the Marquis's letters are made out at once.
Tsar. Exactly, Prince Paul; you’re always correct. Make sure the Marquis's letters are prepared immediately.
Prince Paul. He can start to-night, Sire. I shall really miss you very much, Marquis. I always liked your taste in wines and wives extremely.
Prince Paul. He can leave tonight, Your Majesty. I'm really going to miss you a lot, Marquis. I've always really appreciated your taste in wines and women.
Marq. de Poiv. (to the Czar). Start to-night, Sire? (Prince Paul whispers to the Czar.)
Marquis de Poivre. (to the Tsar). Are we leaving tonight, Your Majesty? (Prince Paul whispers to the Tsar.)
Czar. Yes, Marquis, to-night; it is better to go at once.
Tsar. Yeah, Marquis, tonight; it's better to leave right away.
Prince Paul. I shall see that Madame la Marquise is not too lonely while you are away; so you need not be alarmed for her.
Prince Paul. I’ll make sure Madame la Marquise isn’t too lonely while you’re gone, so you don’t need to worry about her.
Count R. (to Prince Petrovitch). I should be more alarmed for myself.
Count R. (to Prince Petrovich). I should be more worried about myself.
Czar. The Governor of Archangel shot in his own courtyard by a woman! I'm not safe here. I'm not safe anywhere, with that she devil of the revolution, Vera Sabouroff, here in Moscow. Prince Paul, is that woman still here?
Tsar. The Governor of Archangel was shot in his own courtyard by a woman! I'm not safe here. I'm not safe anywhere, with that she-devil of the revolution, Vera Sabouroff, in Moscow. Prince Paul, is that woman still around?
Prince Paul. They tell me she was at the Grand Duke's ball last night. I can hardly believe that; but she certainly had intended to leave for Novgorod to-day, Sire. The police were watching every train for her; but, for some reason or other, she did not go. Some traitor must have warned her. But I shall catch her yet. A chase after a beautiful woman is always exciting.
Prince Paul. I heard she was at the Grand Duke's ball last night. I can hardly believe that, but she definitely planned to leave for Novgorod today, Sire. The police were keeping an eye on every train for her, but for some reason, she didn't go. Some traitor must have tipped her off. But I will catch her eventually. Chasing after a beautiful woman is always thrilling.
Czar. You must hunt her down with bloodhounds, and when she is taken I shall hew her limb from limb. I shall stretch her on the rack till her pale white body is twisted and curled like paper in the fire.
Tsar. You need to track her down with bloodhounds, and once she's captured, I will tear her apart. I will stretch her on the rack until her pale body is twisted and curled like paper in the fire.
Prince Paul. Oh, we shall have another hunt immediately for her, Sire! Prince Alexis will assist us, I am sure.[40]
Prince Paul. Oh, we’ll go on another hunt for her right away, Your Majesty! I'm sure Prince Alexis will help us.[40]
Czare. You never require any assistance to ruin a woman, Prince Paul.
Czare. You never need any help to destroy a woman, Prince Paul.
Czar. Vera, the Nihilist, in Moscow! O God,13 were it not better to die at once the dog's death they plot for me than to live as I live now! Never to sleep, or, if I do, to dream such horrid dreams that Hell itself were peace when matched with them. To trust none but those I have bought, to buy none worth trusting! To see a traitor in every smile, poison in every dish, a dagger in every hand! To lie awake at night, listening from hour to hour for the stealthy creeping of the murderer, for the laying of the damned mine! You are all spies! you are all spies! You worst of all—you, my own son! Which of you is it who hides these bloody proclamations under my own pillow, or at the table where I sit? Which of ye all is the Judas who betrays me? O God! O God! methinks there was a time once, in our war with England, when nothing could make me afraid. (This with more calm and pathos.) I have ridden into the crimson heart of war, and borne back an eagle which those wild islanders had taken from us. Men said I was brave then. My father gave me the Iron Cross of valour. Oh, could he see me now with this coward's livery ever in my cheek! (Sinks into his chair.) I never knew any love when I was a boy. I was ruled by terror myself, how else should I rule now? (Starts up.) But I will have revenge; I will have revenge. For every hour I have lain awake at night, waiting for the noose or the dagger, they shall pass years in Siberia, centuries in the mines! Ay! I shall have revenge.
Tsar. Vera, the Nihilist, in Moscow! Oh God,13 wouldn’t it be better to just die the dog's death they want for me than to live like this? Never to sleep, or if I do, to have such horrifying dreams that Hell itself would feel peaceful in comparison. To trust no one but those I've paid off, and even then, to realize they’re not trustworthy! To see a traitor in every smile, poison in every meal, a dagger in every hand! To lie awake at night, listening for the sneaky approach of a murderer, for the setting of a damnable trap! You're all spies! You're all spies! You, the worst of all—you, my own son! Which one of you is hiding these bloody proclamations under my pillow or on the table where I eat? Which of you is the Judas who betrays me? Oh God! Oh God! I think there was a time, back in our war with England, when I had no fear at all. (This with more calm and pathos.) I rode into the thick of battle and came back with an eagle that those wild islanders had taken from us. People said I was brave then. My father awarded me the Iron Cross for courage. Oh, if he could see me now with this coward’s fear always on my face! (Sinks into his chair.) I never knew love as a boy. I was controlled by fear myself; how else could I rule now? (Starts up.) But I will take revenge; I will take revenge. For every hour I’ve stayed awake at night, fearing the noose or the dagger, they shall spend years in Siberia, centuries in the mines! Yes! I will have my revenge.
Czare. Father! have mercy on the people. Give them what they ask.
Czar. Father! Have mercy on the people. Grant them what they request.
Prince Paul. And begin, Sire, with your own head; they have a particular liking for that.
Prince Paul. And start, Your Majesty, with your own head; they have a special fondness for that.
Czar. The people! the people! A tiger which I have let loose upon myself; but I will fight with it to the death. 14I am done with half measures.14 I[41] shall crush these Nihilists at a blow. There shall not be a man of them, ay, or a woman either, left alive in Russia. 15Am I Emperor for15 nothing, that a woman should hold me at bay? Vera Sabouroff shall be in my power, I swear it, before a week is ended, 16though I burn my whole city to find her.16 She shall be flogged by the knout, stifled in the fortress, strangled in the square!
Tsar. The people! The people! I've unleashed a tiger on myself, but I will fight it to the death. 14I'm done with half measures.14 I[41] will crush these Nihilists in one blow. Not a single one of them, not a man or a woman, will be left alive in Russia. 15Am I Emperor for15 nothing, that a woman should challenge me? Vera Sabouroff will be in my control, I swear it, before the week is out, 16even if I have to burn my entire city to find her.16 She will be punished with the knout, imprisoned in the fortress, or executed in the square!
Czare. O God!
Czare. Oh God!
Czar. For two years her hands have been clutching at my throat; for two years she has made my life a hell; but I shall have revenge. Martial law, Prince, martial law over the whole Empire; that will give me revenge. A good measure, Prince, eh? a good measure.
Tsar. For two years, her hands have been around my throat; for two years she has turned my life into a nightmare; but I will have my revenge. Martial law, Prince, martial law across the entire Empire; that will give me my revenge. Sounds like a solid plan, right, Prince? A solid plan.
Prince Paul. And an economical one too, Sire. It would carry off your surplus population in six months, and save you many expenses in courts of justice; they will not be needed now.
Prince Paul. And it’s cost-effective too, Your Majesty. It would relocate your excess population in six months and save you a lot on court expenses; those won’t be necessary anymore.
Czar. Quite right. There are too many people in Russia, too much money spent on them, too much money in courts of justice. I'll shut them up.
Tsar. That's true. There are too many people in Russia, too much money being spent on them, too much money in the justice system. I'll put an end to it.
Czare. Sire, reflect before—
Czare. Sir, think before—
Czar. When can you have the proclamations ready, Prince Paul?
Tsar. When will you have the proclamations ready, Prince Paul?
Prince Paul. They have been printed for the last six months, Sire. I knew you would need them.
Prince Paul. They've been printed for the last six months, Sire. I knew you'd need them.
Czar. That's good! That's very good! Let us begin at once. Ah, Prince, if every king in Europe had a minister like you—
Tsar. That's great! That's really great! Let's get started right away. Ah, Prince, if every king in Europe had a minister like you—
Czare. There would be less kings in Europe than there are.
Czare. There would be fewer kings in Europe than there are now.
Czar (in frightened whisper, to Prince Paul). What does he mean? Do you trust him? His prison hasn't cured him yet. Shall I banish him? Shall I (whispers)...? The Emperor Paul did it. The Empress Catherine there17 (points to picture on the wall) did it. Why shouldn't I?
Tsar (in a frightened whisper, to Prince Paul). What does he mean? Do you trust him? His time in prison hasn’t fixed him yet. Should I kick him out? Should I (whispers)...? Emperor Paul did that. Empress Catherine there17 (points to the picture on the wall) did that. Why shouldn’t I?
Prince Paul. Your Majesty, there is no need[42] for alarm. The Prince is a very ingenuous young man. He pretends to be devoted to the people, and lives in a palace; preaches socialism, and draws a salary that would support a province. He'll find out one day that the best cure for Republicanism is the Imperial crown, and will cut up the "bonnet rogue" of Democracy to make decorations for his Prime Minister.
Prince Paul. Your Majesty, there's no need[42] to worry. The Prince is a very clever young man. He acts like he's devoted to the people while living in a palace; talks about socialism but earns a salary that could support a whole province. One day, he’ll realize that the best remedy for Republicanism is the Imperial crown, and will chop up the "bonnet rogue" of Democracy to make decorations for his Prime Minister.
Czar. You are right. If he really loved the people, he could not be my son.
Tsar. You're right. If he truly loved the people, he couldn't be my son.
Prince Paul. If he lived with the people for a fortnight, their bad dinners would soon cure him of his democracy. Shall we begin, Sire?
Prince Paul. If he spent two weeks with the people, their terrible dinners would quickly change his mind about democracy. Should we get started, Your Majesty?
Czar. At once. Read the proclamation. Gentlemen, be seated. Alexis, Alexis, I say, come and hear it! It will be good practice for you; you will be doing it yourself some day.
Tsar. Right away. Read the announcement. Gentlemen, please take a seat. Alexis, Alexis, I’m calling you, come and listen! This will be good practice for you; you’ll be doing this yourself someday.
Czare. I have heard too much of it already. (Takes his seat at the table. Count Rouvaloff whispers to him.)
Czare. I've heard enough about that already. (Sits down at the table. Count Rouvaloff whispers to him.)
Czar. What are you whispering about there, Count Rouvaloff?
Tsar. What are you whispering about over there, Count Rouvaloff?
Count R. I was giving his Royal Highness some good advice, your Majesty.
Count R. I was giving your Royal Highness some solid advice, your Majesty.
Prince Paul. Count Rouvaloff is the typical spendthrift, Sire; he is always giving away what he needs most. (Lays papers before the Czar.) I think, Sire, you will approve of this:—"Love of the people," "Father of his people," "Martial law," and the usual allusions to Providence in the last line. All it requires now is your Imperial Majesty's signature.
Prince Paul. Count Rouvaloff is a typical spendthrift, Your Majesty; he’s always giving away what he needs most. (Lays papers before the Tsar.) I think, Your Majesty, you will approve of this:—"Love of the people," "Father of his people," "Martial law," and the usual references to Providence in the last line. All it needs now is your Imperial Majesty's signature.
Czare. Sire!
Czare. Sir!
Prince Paul (hurriedly). I promise your Majesty to crush every Nihilist in Russia in six months if you sign this proclamation; every Nihilist in Russia.
Prince Paul (hurriedly). I promise, Your Majesty, to take down every Nihilist in Russia within six months if you sign this proclamation; every Nihilist in Russia.
Czar. Say that again! To crush every Nihilist in Russia; to crush this woman, their leader, who makes war upon me in my own city. Prince Paul[43] Maraloffski, I create you Marechale of the whole Russian Empire to help you to carry out martial law.
Tsar. Say that again! To eliminate every Nihilist in Russia; to take down this woman, their leader, who attacks me in my own city. Prince Paul[43] Maraloffski, I appoint you Marshal of the entire Russian Empire to assist you in enforcing martial law.
Czar. Give me the proclamation. I will sign it at once.
Tsar. Hand me the proclamation. I'll sign it right away.
Prince Paul (points on paper). Here, Sire.
Prince Paul (points on paper). Here you go, Your Majesty.
Czare. (starts up and puts his hands on the paper). Stay! I tell you, stay! The priests have taken heaven from the people, and you would take the earth away too.
Czar. (gets up and places his hands on the paper). Wait! I'm telling you, wait! The priests have taken heaven from the people, and you want to take the earth away too.
Prince Paul. We have no time, Prince, now. This boy will ruin everything. The pen, Sire.
Prince Paul. We don't have time, Prince, not right now. This kid is going to mess everything up. The pen, Your Highness.
Czare. What! is it so small a thing to strangle a nation, to murder a kingdom, to wreck an empire? Who are we who dare lay this ban of terror on a people? Have we less vices than they have, that we bring them to the bar of judgment before us?
Czare. What! Is it such a small thing to strangle a nation, to murder a kingdom, to destroy an empire? Who are we to impose this reign of terror on a people? Do we have fewer vices than they do, that we put them on trial before us?
Prince Paul. What a Communist the Prince is! He would have an equal distribution of sin as well as of property.
Prince Paul. What a Communist the Prince is! He wants everyone to share sin just like they share property.
Czare. Warmed by the same sun, nurtured by the same air, fashioned of flesh and blood like to our own, wherein are they different to us, save that they starve while we surfeit, that they toil while we idle, that they sicken while we poison, that they die while we strangle?
Czare. Warmed by the same sun, nurtured by the same air, made of flesh and blood like ours, how are they different from us, except that they starve while we indulge, they work hard while we sit back, they suffer while we harm, and they die while we suffocate?
Czar. How dare—?
Czar. How dare you—?
Czare. I dare all for the people; but you would rob them of common rights of common men.
Czare. I risk everything for the people; but you want to take away their basic rights as ordinary individuals.
Czar. The people have no rights.
Czar. The people have no rights.
Czare. Then they have great wrongs. Father, they have won your battles for you; from the pine forests of the Baltic to the palms of India they have ridden on victory's mighty wings in search of your glory! Boy as I am in years, I have seen wave after wave of living men sweep up the heights of battle to their death; ay, and snatch perilous conquest from the scales of war when the bloody crescent seemed to shake above our eagles.[44]
Czar. Then they have been deeply wronged. Father, they have fought your battles for you; from the pine forests of the Baltic to the palms of India, they have soared on the wings of victory in pursuit of your glory! Even though I’m still young, I’ve watched wave after wave of brave men charge up the heights of battle, facing death; yes, and seize dangerous victories from the chaos of war when the bloody crescent seemed to loom over our eagles.[44]
Czar (somewhat moved). Those men are dead. What have I to do with them?
Tsar (a bit affected). Those guys are gone. What does it matter to me?
Czare. Nothing! The dead are safe; you18 cannot harm them now. They sleep their last long sleep. Some in Turkish waters, others by the windswept heights of Norway and the Dane! But these, the living, our brothers, what have you done for them? They asked you for bread, you gave them a stone. They sought for freedom, you scourged them with scorpions. You have sown the seeds of this revolution yourself!—
Czare. Nothing! The dead are at peace; you18 cannot hurt them anymore. They rest in their final sleep. Some lie in Turkish waters, others on the windswept heights of Norway and Denmark! But what about the living, our brothers? What have you done for them? They asked you for bread, and you gave them a stone. They sought freedom, and you whipped them with scorpions. You are the one who planted the seeds of this revolution!—
Prince Paul. And are we not cutting down the harvest?
Prince Paul. Are we not reaping the harvest?
Czare. Oh, my brothers! better far that ye had died in the iron hail and screaming shell of battle than to come back to such a doom as19 this! The beasts of the forests have their lairs, and the wild beasts their caverns, but the people of Russia, conquerors of the world, have not where to lay their heads.
Czar. Oh, my brothers! It would have been better if you had died in the iron storm and the screaming shells of battle than to return to a fate like this! The animals in the forests have their dens, and the wild creatures have their caves, but the people of Russia, conquerors of the world, have no place to rest their heads.
Prince Paul. They have the headsman's block.
Prince Paul. They have the executioner's block.
Czare. The headsman's block! Ay! you have killed their souls at your pleasure, you would kill their bodies now.
Czare. The executioner's block! Yes! you have destroyed their spirits at will, and now you want to take their lives.
Czar. Insolent boy! Have you forgotten who is Emperor of Russia?
Tsar. Insolent boy! Have you forgotten who the Emperor of Russia is?
Czare. No! The people reign now, by the grace of God.20 You should have been their shepherd; you have fled away like the hireling, and let the wolves in upon them.
Czar. No! The people are in charge now, thanks to God.20 You should have been their leader; instead, you've run off like a hired hand and let the wolves come in on them.
Czar. Take him away! Take him away, Prince Paul!
Tsar. Get him out of here! Get him out of here, Prince Paul!
Czare. God hath given this people tongues to speak with; you would cut them out that they may be dumb in their agony, silent in their torture! But God hath given them hands to smite with, and they shall smite! Ay! from the sick and labouring womb of this unhappy land some revolution, like a bloody child, shall21 rise up and slay you.[45]
Czare. God has given these people voices; you want to silence them so they suffer in silence! But God has given them the strength to fight back, and they will fight! Yes! From the struggling and suffering heart of this troubled land, a revolution, fierce and unstoppable, will rise up and bring you down.[45]
Czar (leaping up). Devil! Assassin! Why do you beard me thus to my face?
Tsar (jumping up). Damn it! Murderer! Why are you confronting me like this?
Czare. Because I22 am a Nihilist! (The ministers start to their feet; there is dead silence for a few minutes.)
Czare. Because I22 am a Nihilist! (The ministers jump to their feet; a heavy silence hangs in the air for a few minutes.)
Czar. A Nihilist! a Nihilist! Scorpion whom I have nurtured, traitor whom I have fondled, is this your bloody secret? Prince Paul Maraloffski, Marechale of the Russian Empire, arrest the Czarevitch!
Tsar. A Nihilist! A Nihilist! The scorpion I’ve raised, the traitor I’ve cared for, is this your bloody secret? Prince Paul Maraloffski, Marshal of the Russian Empire, arrest the Czarevitch!
Ministers. Arrest the Czarevitch!
Ministers. Arrest the Crown Prince!
Czar. A Nihilist! If you have sown with them, you shall reap with them! If you have talked with them, you shall rot with them! If you have lived with them, with them you shall die!
Tsar. A Nihilist! If you’ve associated with them, you’ll face the consequences! If you’ve conversed with them, you’ll decay alongside them! If you’ve lived with them, you’ll die with them!
Prince Petro. Die!
Prince Petro. Get lost!
Czar. A plague on all sons, I say! There should be no more marriages in Russia when one can breed such vipers as you are! Arrest the Czarevitch, I say!
Tsar. A curse on all sons, I say! There shouldn't be any more marriages in Russia when one can create such vipers as you! Arrest the Czarevitch, I say!
Prince Paul. Czarevitch! by order of the Emperor, I demand your sword. (Czarevitch gives up sword; Prince Paul places it on the table.) Foolish boy! you are not made for a conspirator; you have not learned to hold your tongue. Heroics are out of place in a palace.
Prince Paul. Crown Prince! By the Emperor's order, I need your sword. (Crown Prince hands over sword; Prince Paul puts it on the table.) Silly boy! You’re not cut out to be a conspirator; you haven’t learned to keep quiet. There’s no room for drama in a palace.
Czar (sinks into his chair with his eyes fixed on the Czarevitch). O God!
Tsar (sinks into his chair with his eyes fixed on the Crown Prince). Oh God!
Czare. If I am to die for the people, I am ready; one Nihilist more or less in Russia, what does that matter?
Czar. If I have to die for the people, I'm ready; one more Nihilist in Russia, what does it really matter?
Prince Paul (aside). A good deal I should say to the one Nihilist.
Prince Paul (aside). There's a lot I want to say to that Nihilist.
Prince Paul (to Prince Petrovitch). In that case you and I had better learn how to swim.[46]
Prince Paul (to Prince Petrovitch). In that case, you and I should probably learn to swim.[46]
Czare. Father, Emperor, Imperial Master, I plead not for my own life, but for the lives of my brothers, the people.
Czar. Father, Emperor, Imperial Master, I’m not asking for my own life, but for the lives of my brothers, the people.
Prince Paul (bitterly). Your brothers, the people, Prince, are not content with their own lives, they always want to take their neighbour's too.
Prince Paul (bitterly). Your brothers, the people, Prince, aren't happy with their own lives; they always want to take their neighbor's too.
Czar (standing up). I am sick of being afraid. I have done with terror now. From this day I proclaim war against the people—war to their annihilation. As they have dealt with me, so shall I deal with them. I shall grind them to powder, and strew their dust upon the air. There shall be a spy in every man's house, a traitor on every hearth, a hangman in every village, a gibbet in every square. Plague, leprosy, or fever shall be less deadly than my wrath; I will make every frontier a grave-yard, every province a lazar-house, and cure the sick by the sword. I shall have peace in Russia, though it be the peace of the dead. Who said I was a coward? Who said I was afraid? See, thus shall I crush this people beneath my feet! (Takes up sword of Czarevitch off table and tramples on it.)
Tsar (standing up). I'm tired of being scared. I'm done with fear now. From this day on, I declare war on the people—war to wipe them out. As they have treated me, so I will treat them. I will grind them to dust and scatter their remains in the air. There will be a spy in every home, a traitor in every household, an executioner in every village, a gallows in every square. Plague, leprosy, or fever will be less deadly than my rage; I will turn every border into a graveyard, every province into a house of illness, and heal the sick with the sword. I will have peace in Russia, even if it’s a peace for the dead. Who said I was a coward? Who said I was afraid? See, I will crush these people beneath my feet! (Takes up sword of Crown Prince off table and tramples on it.)
Czare. Father, beware, the sword you tread on may turn and wound you. The people suffer long, but vengeance comes at last, vengeance with red hands and bloody purpose.
Czare. Father, be careful; the sword you’re walking on may turn and cut you. The people endure for a long time, but revenge will come eventually, revenge with bloody hands and a deadly aim.
Prince Paul. Bah! the people are bad shots; they always miss one.
Prince Paul. Ugh! The people are terrible at aiming; they always miss one.
Czare. There are times when the people are instruments of God.
Czare. There are moments when people act as instruments of God.
Czar. Ay! and when kings are God's scourges for the people. Oh, my own son, in my own house! My own flesh and blood against me! Take him away! Take him away! Bring in my guards. (Enter the Imperial Guard. Czar points to Czarevitch, who stands alone at the side of the stage.) To the blackest prison in Moscow! Let me never see his face again. (Czarevitch is being led out.) No, no, leave him! I don't trust guards. They are all Nihilists! They[47] would let him escape and he would kill me, kill me! No, I'll bring him to prison myself, you and I (to Prince Paul). I trust you, you have no mercy. I shall have no mercy. Oh, my own son against me! How hot it is! The air stifles me! I feel as if I were going to faint, as if something were at my throat. Open the windows, I say! Out of my sight! Out of my sight! I can't bear his eyes. Wait, wait for me. (Throws window open and goes out on balcony.)
Tsar. Ah! and when kings are God's punishment for the people. Oh, my own son, in my own home! My own flesh and blood turned against me! Take him away! Take him away! Bring in my guards. (Enter the Imperial Guard. Tsar points to Heir apparent, who stands alone at the side of the stage.) To the darkest prison in Moscow! Let me never see his face again. (Crown prince is being led out.) No, no, leave him! I don't trust the guards. They are all Nihilists! They[47] would let him escape and he would kill me, kill me! No, I’ll take him to prison myself, just you and me (to Prince Paul). I trust you; you have no mercy. I shall have no mercy. Oh, my own son against me! It’s so hot! The air suffocates me! I feel like I’m going to faint, like something’s choking me. Open the windows, I say! Get him out of my sight! Get him out of my sight! I can't stand his gaze. Wait, wait for me. (Throws window open and goes out on balcony.)
Prince Paul (looking at his watch). The dinner is sure to be spoiled. How annoying politics are and eldest sons!
Prince Paul (checking his watch). The dinner is definitely going to be ruined. Ugh, politics and being the oldest son are so frustrating!
Voice (outside, in the street). God save the people! (Czar is shot, and staggers back into the room.)
Voice (outside, in the street). God save the people! (Tsar is shot, and staggers back into the room.)
Czare. (breaking from the guards, and rushing over). Father!
Czare. (breaking away from the guards and hurrying over). Dad!
Czar. Murderer! Murderer! You did it! Murderer! (Dies.)
Tsar. Killer! You did it! Killer! (Dies.)
ACT III.
Same scene and business as Act I. Man in yellow dress, with drawn sword, at the door.
Same scene and situation as Act I. A man in a yellow outfit, holding a drawn sword, stands at the door.
President. What hour is it?
President. What time is it?
First Consp. The hour to strike.
First Consp. Time to act.
Pres. What day?
Pres. What day is it?
Pres. In what month?
Pres. What month?
Second Consp. The month of liberty.
Second Consp. Freedom month.
Pres. What is our duty?
Pres. What’s our responsibility?
Fourth Consp. To obey.
Fourth Consp. To follow.
Pres. Our creed?
Pres. Our mission?
Fifth Consp. Parbleu, Mons. le President, I never knew you had one.
Fifth Conspiracy Wow, Mr. President, I had no idea you had one.
Consps. A spy! A spy! Unmask! Unmask! A spy!
Concepts. A spy! A spy! Reveal yourself! Reveal yourself! A spy!
Vera. Devil! Who lured you into the lion's den?
Vera. Wow! Who tricked you into this dangerous situation?
Prince Paul. En vérité, Messieurs, you are not over-hospitable in your welcome.
Prince Paul. Honestly, gentlemen, you aren't very welcoming in your greeting.
Vera. Welcome! What welcome should we give you but the dagger or the noose?
Vera. Welcome! What greeting can we offer you but the dagger or the noose?
Prince Paul. I had no idea, really, that the Nihilists were so exclusive. Let me assure you that[49] if I had not always had an entree to the very best society, and the very worst conspiracies, I could never have been Prime Minister in Russia.
Prince Paul. I genuinely had no clue that the Nihilists were so selective. Trust me when I say that[49] if I hadn't always been connected with the top-tier social circles and the most dangerous conspiracies, I would never have become Prime Minister in Russia.
Vera. The tiger cannot change its nature, nor the snake lose its venom; but are you turned a lover of the people?
Vera. A tiger can't change its nature, and a snake can't lose its venom; but have you become a lover of the people?
Prince Paul. Mon Dieu, non, Mademoiselle! I would much sooner talk scandal in a drawing-room than treason in a cellar. Besides, I hate the common mob, who smell of garlic, smoke bad tobacco, get up early, and dine off one dish.
Prince Paul. Oh no, Miss! I would much rather gossip in a living room than discuss treason in a basement. Plus, I can’t stand the common crowd, who smell like garlic, smoke cheap cigarettes, wake up early, and eat from just one dish.
Pres. What have you to gain, then, by a revolution?
Pres. What do you hope to achieve with a revolution?
Prince Paul. Mon ami, I have nothing left to lose. That scatter-brained boy, this new Czar, has banished me.
Prince Paul. My friend, I have nothing left to lose. That scatter-brained kid, this new Czar, has kicked me out.
Vera. To Siberia?
Vera. Going to Siberia?
Prince Paul. No, to Paris. He has confiscated my estates, robbed me of my office and my cook. I have nothing left but my decorations. I am here for revenge.5
Prince Paul. No, to Paris. He has taken my lands, stripped me of my position and my chef. I have nothing left but my medals. I'm here for revenge.5
Prince Paul. You want money, of course. No one ever joins a conspiracy who has any. Here. (Throws money on table.) You have so many spies that I should think you want information. Well, you will find me the best informed man in Russia on the abuses of our Government. I made them nearly all myself.
Prince Paul. You want money, right? No one ever gets involved in a conspiracy if they have any cash. Here. (Throws money on table.) You have so many spies that I would assume you’re after information. Well, you’ll find that I’m the most well-informed person in Russia about the abuses of our Government. I was behind almost all of them myself.
Vera. President, I don't trust this man. He has done us too much harm in Russia to let him go in safety.
Vera. President, I don't trust this guy. He's caused us too much trouble in Russia to let him go free.
Prince Paul. Believe me, Mademoiselle, you are wrong; I will be a most valuable addition to your circle; as for you, gentlemen, if I had not thought that you would be useful to me I shouldn't have risked my neck among you, or dined an hour earlier than usual so as to be in time.[50]
Prince Paul. Trust me, Miss, you're mistaken; I'll be a great asset to your group. And as for you, gentlemen, if I didn't believe you'd be helpful to me, I wouldn't have put myself in danger by being around you or changed my dinner time to be here on time.[50]
Pres. Ay, if he had wanted to spy on us, Vera, he wouldn't have come himself.
Pres. Yeah, if he wanted to spy on us, Vera, he wouldn't have come himself.
Prince Paul (aside). No; I should have sent my best friend.
Prince Paul (aside). No; I should have sent my closest friend.
Pres. Besides, Vera, he is just the man to give us the information we want about some business we have in hand to-night.
Pres. Besides, Vera, he’s exactly the person to give us the information we need about some business we have going on tonight.
Vera. Be it so if you wish it.
Vera. If that's what you want, then fine.
Pres. Brothers, is it your will that Prince Paul Maraloffski be admitted, and take the oath of the Nihilist?
Pres. Brothers, do you agree that Prince Paul Maraloffski should be admitted and take the oath of the Nihilist?
Consps. It is! it is!
Consps. It is! It is!
Pres. (holding out dagger and a paper). Prince Paul, the dagger or the oath?
Pres. (holding out a dagger and a piece of paper). Prince Paul, the dagger or the promise?
Prince Paul (smiles sardonically). I would sooner annihilate than be annihilated. (Takes paper.)
Prince Paul (smirks sarcastically). I would rather destroy than be destroyed. (Picks up paper.)
Prince Paul. Really? I did not think you were so civilized.
Prince Paul. Seriously? I didn't think you were this civilized.
Vera (pacing up and down). Why is he not here? He will not keep the crown. I know him well.
Vera (walking back and forth). Why isn't he here? He won't hold onto the crown. I know him too well.
Pres. Sign. (Prince Paul signs.) You said you thought we had no creed. You were wrong. Read it!
Pres. Sign. (Prince Paul signs.) You said you thought we didn’t have a creed. You were mistaken. Read it!
Vera. This is a dangerous thing, President. What can we do with this man?
Vera. This is a risky situation, President. What should we do about this guy?
Pres. We can use him.
We can use him.
Vera. And afterwards?
Vera. What happens next?
Pres. (shrugging his shoulders). Strangle him.
Pres. (shrugging). Strangle him.
Prince Paul (reading). "The rights of humanity!" In the old times men carried out their rights for themselves as they lived, but nowadays every baby seems born with a social manifesto in[51] its mouth much bigger than itself.7 "Nature is not a temple, but a workshop: we demand the right to labour." Ah, I shall surrender my own rights in that respect.
Prince Paul (reading). "The rights of humanity!" In the past, people fought for their own rights as they lived, but nowadays every baby seems to be born with a social manifesto in[51] its mouth that’s way bigger than they are.7 "Nature is not a temple, but a workshop: we demand the right to work." Ah, I will give up my own rights in that area.
Vera (pacing up and down behind). Oh, will he never come? will he never come?
Vera (walking back and forth behind). Oh, is he ever going to arrive? Is he ever going to arrive?
Prince Paul. "The family as subversive of true socialistic and communal unity is to be annihilated." Yes, President, I agree completely with Article 5. A family is a terrible incumbrance, especially when one is not married. (Three knocks at the door.)
Prince Paul. "The family undermines true socialistic and communal unity and needs to be destroyed." Yes, President, I fully agree with Article 5. A family is a huge burden, especially when you're not married. (Three knocks at the door.)
Vera. Alexis at last!
Vera. Finally, Alexis!
Password. Væ tyrannis!
Password. We are tyranny!
Answer. Væ victis!
Answer. Woe to the conquered!
Pres.8 Michael, the regicide! Brothers, let us do honour to a man who has killed a king.
Pres.8 Michael, the king killer! Brothers, let's pay tribute to a man who has taken a king's life.
Pres. Michael, you have saved Russia.
Pres. Michael, you've saved Russia.
Mich. Ay, Russia was free for a moment 10when the tyrant fell, but the sun of liberty has set again like that false dawn which cheats our eyes in autumn.
MI Yeah, Russia was free for a moment 10when the tyrant fell, but the sun of freedom has set again like that false dawn that deceives us in autumn.
Pres. The dread night of tyranny is not yet past for Russia.
President. The terrifying days of tyranny are not over for Russia.
Mich. (clutching his knife).10 One more blow, and the end is come indeed.
MI (holding his knife tightly).10 Just one more strike, and it will really be over.
Vera (aside). One more blow! What does he mean? Oh, impossible! but why is he not with us? Alexis! Alexis! why are you not here?
Vera (aside). One more hit! What does he mean? Oh, no way! But why isn’t he with us? Alexis! Alexis! Why aren't you here?
Pres. But how did you escape, Michael? They said you had been seized.
Prez. But how did you get away, Michael? They said you were captured.
Mich. I was dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Guard. The Colonel on duty was a brother, and gave me the password. I drove through the troops in safety with it, and, thanks to my good horse, reached the walls before the gates were closed.[52]
MI I was wearing the uniform of the Imperial Guard. The Colonel on duty was my brother, and he gave me the password. I safely passed through the troops with it, and, thanks to my good horse, I arrived at the walls before the gates closed.[52]
Pres. What a chance his coming out on the balcony was!
Pres. What an opportunity it was for him to step out onto the balcony!
Mich. A chance? There is no such thing as chance. It was God's finger led him there.
MI A chance? There’s no such thing as chance. It was God’s hand that guided him there.
Pres. And where have you been these three days?
Pres. So, where have you been for the last three days?
Mich. Hiding in the house of the priest Nicholas at the cross-roads.
Michigan. Hiding in the priest Nicholas's house at the crossroads.
Pres. Nicholas is an honest man.
Pres. Nicholas is an honest man.
Mich. Ay, honest enough for a priest. I am here now for vengeance on a traitor!
MI Yeah, honest enough for a priest. I'm here now for revenge on a traitor!
Vera (aside). O God, will he never come? Alexis! why are you not here? You cannot have turned traitor!
Vera (aside). Oh God, will he ever show up? Alexis! Why aren’t you here? You can’t have betrayed us!
Mich. (seeing Prince Paul). Prince Paul Maraloffski here! By St. George, a lucky capture! This must have been Vera's doing. She is the only one who could have lured that serpent into the trap.
Michigan. (seeing Prince Paul). Prince Paul Maraloffski is here! By St. George, what a lucky catch! This has to be Vera's doing. She's the only one who could have lured that snake into the trap.
Pres. Prince Paul has just taken the oath.
Pres. Prince Paul has just taken the oath.
Vera. Alexis, the Czar, has banished him from Russia.
Vera. Alexis, the Czar, has exiled him from Russia.
Prince Paul (approaching Michael). That was a long shot of yours, mon camarade.
Prince Paul (approaching Michael). That was a bold move you made, my friend.
Mich. I have had a good deal of practice shooting, since I have been a boy, off your Highness's wild boars.
MI I have had plenty of practice shooting wild boars since I was a boy, thanks to your Highness.
Prince Paul. Are my gamekeepers like moles, then, always asleep?
Prince Paul. Are my gamekeepers like moles, then, always dozing off?
Mich. No, Prince. I am one of them; but, like you, I am fond of robbing what I am put to watch.
MI No, Prince. I'm one of them; but, like you, I enjoy stealing what I'm supposed to watch over.
Pres. This must be a new atmosphere for you, Prince Paul. We speak the truth to one another here.[53]
Pres. This must feel like a whole new vibe for you, Prince Paul. We are honest with each other here.[53]
Prince Paul. How misleading you must find it. You have an odd medley here, President—a little rococo, I am afraid.
Prince Paul. You must find it very misleading. You have a strange mix here, President—a bit over-the-top, I’m afraid.
Pres. You recognise a good many friends, I dare say?
Pres. You recognize quite a few friends, I assume?
Prince Paul. Yes, there is always more brass than brains in an aristocracy.
Prince Paul. Yes, there's usually more show than substance in the aristocracy.
Pres. But you are here yourself?
Pres. But you're here, right?
Prince Paul. I? As I cannot be Prime Minister, I must be a Nihilist. There is no alternative.
Prince Paul. Me? Since I can't be Prime Minister, I have to be a Nihilist. There's no other option.
Vera. O God, will he never come? The hand is on the stroke of the hour. Will he never come?
Vera. Oh God, will he ever arrive? The clock is about to strike the hour. Will he ever show up?
Mich. (aside). President, you know what we have to do? 'Tis but a sorry hunter who leaves the wolf cub alive to avenge his father. How are we to get at this boy? It must be to-night. To-morrow he will be throwing some sop of reform to the people, and it will be too late for a Republic.
Michigan. (aside). President, you know what we need to do? It's a pathetic hunter who lets a wolf cub live to take revenge for its father. How do we get to this boy? It has to be tonight. Tomorrow, he’ll be offering some half-hearted reform to the people, and it will be too late for a Republic.
Prince Paul. You are quite right. Good kings are the enemies of Democracy, and when he has begun by banishing me you may be sure he intends to be a patriot.
Prince Paul. You’re absolutely right. Good kings are the foes of Democracy, and once he’s started by exiling me, you can bet he plans to be a patriot.
Prince Paul. Messieurs, I have brought you two documents which I think will interest you—the proclamation this young Czar intends publishing to-morrow, and a plan of the Winter Palace, where he sleeps to-night. (Hands paper.)
Prince Paul. Gentlemen, I have brought you two documents that I believe will be of interest—the proclamation that this young Czar plans to publish tomorrow, and a layout of the Winter Palace, where he is staying tonight. (Hands paper.)
Pres. Prince, this is most valuable information. Michael, you were right. If it is not to-night it will be too late. Read that.
Pres. Prince, this is really important information. Michael, you were correct. If it’s not tonight, it will be too late. Read that.
Prince Paul. The key of the private door in the street. (Hands key.)
Prince Paul. The key to the private door on the street. (Hands key.)
Pres. Prince, we are in your debt.
Pres. Prince, we owe you a lot.
Prince Paul (smiling). The normal condition of the Nihilists.
Prince Paul (smiling). The usual state of the Nihilists.
Mich. Ay, but we are paying our debts off with interest now. Two Emperors in one week. That will make the balance straight. We would have thrown in a Prime Minister if you had not come.
Michigan. Yes, but we're settling our debts with interest now. Two Emperors in one week. That will even things out. We would have added a Prime Minister if you hadn't shown up.
Prince Paul. Ah, I am sorry you told me. It robs my visit of all its picturesqueness and adventure. I thought I was perilling my head by coming here, and you tell me I have saved it. One is sure to be disappointed if one tries to get romance out of modern life.
Prince Paul. Ah, I’m sorry you told me. It takes away all the excitement and adventure from my visit. I thought I was risking my life by coming here, and you tell me I’ve actually saved it. You’re bound to be disappointed if you try to find romance in modern life.
Mich. It is not so romantic a thing to lose one's head, Prince Paul.
MI It's not exactly romantic to lose your head, Prince Paul.
Prince Paul. No, but it must often be very dull to keep it. Don't you find that sometimes? (Clock strikes six.)
Prince Paul. No, but it must often be really boring to hold onto it. Don't you think that sometimes? (Clock strikes six.)
Vera (sinking into a seat). Oh, it is past the hour! It is past the hour!
Vera (sinking into a seat). Oh, it's past the hour! It's past the hour!
Mich. (to President). Remember to-morrow will be too late.
Michigan. (to President). Just a reminder that tomorrow will be too late.
Pres. Brothers, it is full time. Which of us is absent?
Pres. Brothers, it's about time. Who among us is absent?
Consps. Alexis! Alexis!
Consps. Alexis! Alexis!
Pres. Michael, read Rule 7.
Pres. Michael, read Rule 7.
Mich. "When any brother shall have disobeyed a summons to be present, the President shall enquire if there is anything alleged against him."
MI "If any brother fails to respond to a summons to be present, the President shall ask if there are any accusations against him."
Pres. Is there anything against our brother Alexis?
Pres. Is there any reason to be concerned about our brother Alexis?
Consps. He wears a crown! He wears a crown!
Concepts. He’s wearing a crown! He’s wearing a crown!
Pres. Michael, read Article 7 of the Code of Revolution.
Pres. Michael, please read Article 7 of the Code of Revolution.
Mich. "Between the Nihilists and all men who wear crowns above their fellows, there is war to the death."[55]
Michigan. "There’s a fight to the finish between the Nihilists and anyone who puts themselves above others with a crown."[55]
Pres. Brothers, what say you? Is Alexis, the Czar, guilty or not?
Pres. Brothers, what do you think? Is Alexis, the Czar, guilty or not?
Omnes. He is guilty!
Everyone. He’s guilty!
Pres. What shall the penalty be?
Pres. What will the penalty be?
Omnes. Death!
Everyone. Death!
Pres. Let the lots be prepared; it shall be to-night.
Pres. Get the lots ready; it will be tonight.
Prince Paul. Ah, this is really interesting! I was getting afraid conspiracies were as dull as courts are.
Prince Paul. Ah, this is really interesting! I was starting to worry that conspiracies were as boring as courts are.
Prof. Marfa. My forte is more in writing pamphlets than in taking shots. Still a regicide has always a place in history.
Prof. Marfa. I'm better at writing pamphlets than at taking risks. Still, a regicide always has a spot in history.
Mich. If your pistol is as harmless as your pen, this young tyrant will have a long life.
MI If your gun is as safe as your writing, this young dictator is going to live a long life.
Prince Paul. You ought to remember, too, Professor, that if you were seized, as you probably would be, and hung, as you certainly would be, there would be nobody left to read your own articles.
Prince Paul. You should also remember, Professor, that if you were captured, which you likely would be, and hanged, which you definitely would be, there would be no one left to read your own articles.
Pres. Brothers, are you ready?
Pres. Guys, are you ready?
Vera (starting up). Not yet! Not yet! I have a word to say.
Vera (starting up). Not yet! Not yet! I have something to say.
Vera. He is no tyrant. I know him well! He loves the people.
Vera. He is not a tyrant. I know him well! He cares about the people.
Pres. We know him too; he is a traitor.
Pres. We know him too; he’s a traitor.
Consps. (brandishing daggers). To-night! to-night! to-night!
Consps. (holding daggers). Tonight! Tonight! Tonight!
Vera. Peace, you gorged adders; peace!
Vera. Chill out, you greedy snakes; chill!
Mich. What, are we not here to annihilate? shall we not keep our oath?
MI What, are we not here to destroy? Are we not going to keep our promise?
Vera. Your oath! your oath! 21Greedy that you are of gain, every man's hand lusting for his neighbour's pelf, every heart set on pillage and rapine;21 who, of ye all, if the crown were set on his head, would give an empire up for the mob to scramble for? The people are not yet fit for a Republic in Russia.
Vera. Your promise! your promise! 21You're so greedy for profit, with everyone wanting what their neighbor has, every heart focused on looting and plundering;21 who among you would, if the crown were placed on his head, give up an empire for the crowd to fight over? The people aren't ready for a Republic in Russia yet.
Pres. Every nation is fit for a Republic.
Pres. Every nation is suitable for a Republic.
Mich. The man is a tyrant.
Mich. The man is a dictator.
Vera. A tyrant! Hath he not dismissed his evil counsellors. That ill-omened raven of his father's life hath had his wings clipped and his claws pared, and comes to us croaking for revenge. Oh, have mercy on him!22 Give him a week to live!
Vera. A tyrant! Has he not gotten rid of his corrupt advisors? That dreaded figure from his father's life has had his wings clipped and his claws trimmed, and now he comes to us, croaking for revenge. Oh, have mercy on him!22 Give him a week to live!
Pres. Vera pleading for a king!
Pres. Vera asking for a king!
Vera (proudly). I plead not for a king, but for a brother.
Vera (proudly). I'm not asking for a king, but for a brother.
Mich. For a traitor to his oath, for a coward who should have flung the purple back to the fools that gave it to him. No, Vera, no. The brood of men is not dead yet, nor the dull earth grown sick of child-bearing. No crowned man in Russia shall pollute God's air by living.
Michigan. For someone who betrays his oath, for a coward who should have thrown the crown back at the idiots who gave it to him. No, Vera, no. The generation of men is not dead yet, nor is the weary earth too tired of giving birth. No crowned man in Russia will contaminate God's air by living.
Pres. You bade us try you once; we have tried you, and you are found wanting.[57]
Pres. You asked us to give you a chance; we did, and you came up short.[57]
Mich. Vera, I am not blind; I know your secret. You love this boy, this young prince with his pretty face, his curled hair, his soft white hands. Fool that you are, dupe of a lying tongue, do you know what he would have done to you, this boy you think loved you? He would have made you his mistress, used your body at his pleasure, thrown you away when he was wearied of you; you, the priestess of liberty, the flame of Revolution, the torch of democracy.
MI Vera, I'm not blind; I know your secret. You love this boy, this young prince with his pretty face, his curly hair, and his soft white hands. Fool that you are, tricked by a lying tongue, do you realize what he would have done to you, this boy you think loves you? He would have made you his mistress, used your body for his pleasure, and discarded you when he grew tired of you; you, the priestess of liberty, the flame of Revolution, the torch of democracy.
Vera. What he would have done to me matters little. To the people, at least, he will be true. He loves the people—at least, he loves liberty.
Vera. What he would have done to me doesn't matter much. To the people, at least, he will be loyal. He loves the people—at least, he loves freedom.
Mich. And you whose very name made every despot tremble for his life, you, Vera Sabouroff, you would betray liberty for a lover and the people for a paramour!
MI And you, whose very name made every tyrant fear for their life, you, Vera Sabouroff, would sell out freedom for a lover and the people for a fling!
Vera. In thy throat thou liest, Michael! I love him not. He loves me not.
Vera. You're wrong, Michael! I don't love him. He doesn't love me.
Mich. You love him not? Shall he not die then?
Michigan. You don't love him? Is he not going to die then?
Vera (with an effort, clenching her hands). Ay, it is right that he should die. He hath broken his oath. 25There should be no crowned man in Europe. Have I not sworn it? To be strong our new Republic should be drunk with the blood of kings. He hath broken his oath. As the father died so let the son die too.25 Yet not to-night, not to-night. Russia, that hath borne her centuries of wrong, can wait a week for liberty. Give him a week.
Vera (with effort, clenching her fists). Yes, it's right that he should die. He broke his oath. 25There shouldn't be any crowned person in Europe. Haven't I sworn to that? For our new Republic to be strong, it needs to be fueled by the blood of kings. He broke his oath. Just as the father died, so should the son die too.25 But not tonight, not tonight. Russia, which has endured centuries of suffering, can wait a week for freedom. Give him a week.
Pres. We will have none of you! Begone from us to this boy you love.[58]
Pres. We want nothing to do with you! Go away to this boy you love.[58]
Mich. Though I find him in your arms I shall kill him.
MI Even though I see him in your arms, I'm going to kill him.
Consps. To-night! To-night! To-night!
Consps. Tonight! Tonight! Tonight!
Mich. (holding up his hand). A moment! I have something to say. (Approaches Vera; speaks very slowly.) Vera Sabouroff, have you forgotten your brother? (Pauses to see effect; Vera starts.) Have you forgotten that young face, pale with famine; those young limbs twisted with torture; the iron chains they made him walk in? What week of liberty did they give him? What pity did they show him for a day? (Vera falls in a chair.) Oh! you could talk glibly enough then of vengeance, glibly enough of liberty. When you said you would come to Moscow, your old father caught you by the knees and begged you not to leave him childless and alone.26 I seem to hear his cries still ringing in my ears, but you were as deaf to him as the rocks on the roadside; as chill and cold as the snow on the hill. You left your father that night, and three weeks after he died of a broken heart. You wrote to me to follow you here. I did so; first because I loved you; but you soon cured me of that; whatever gentle feeling, whatever pity, whatever humanity, was in my heart you withered up and destroyed, as the canker worm eats the corn, and the plague kills the child. You bade me cast out love from my breast as a vile thing, you turned my hand to iron, and my heart to stone; you told me to live for freedom and for revenge. I have done so; but you, what have you done?
MI (holding up his hand). Wait a moment! I have something to say. (Approaches Vera; speaks very slowly.) Vera Sabouroff, have you forgotten your brother? (Pauses to see effect; Vera starts.) Have you forgotten that young face, pale from starvation; those young limbs twisted with agony; the iron chains they forced him to walk in? What week of freedom did they give him? What compassion did they show him for even a day? (Vera falls into a chair.) Oh! you could talk easily enough then about vengeance, easily enough about freedom. When you said you were coming to Moscow, your old father grabbed you by the knees and begged you not to leave him childless and alone.26 I still seem to hear his cries ringing in my ears, but you were as deaf to him as the rocks by the roadside; as cold and unfeeling as the snow on the hill. You left your father that night, and three weeks later, he died of a broken heart. You wrote to me to follow you here. I did, first because I loved you; but you quickly cured me of that; every gentle feeling, every bit of pity, every ounce of humanity that was in my heart you withered and destroyed, just like the canker worm eats the corn, and the plague kills the child. You told me to cast love from my heart like a worthless thing, you turned my hand to iron, and my heart to stone; you instructed me to live for freedom and revenge. I have done that; but you, what have you done?
Vera. Let the lots be drawn! (Conspirators applaud.)
Vera. Let's pick the lots! (Conspirators applaud.)
Prince Paul (aside). Ah, the Grand Duke will come to the throne sooner than he expected. He is sure to make a good king under my guidance. He is so cruel to animals, and never keeps his word.
Prince Paul (aside). Ah, the Grand Duke is going to take the throne sooner than he thought. With my guidance, he’ll be a great king. He’s really cruel to animals and never keeps his promises.
Mich. Now you are yourself at last, Vera.
You're finally back to yourself, Vera.
Vera (standing motionless in the middle). The[59] lots, I say, the lots! I am no woman now. My blood seems turned to gall; my heart is as cold as steel is; my hand shall be more deadly. From the desert and the tomb the voice of my prisoned brother cries aloud, and bids me strike one blow for liberty. The lots, I say, the lots!
Vera (standing completely still in the center). The[59] lots, I’m telling you, the lots! I’m not a woman anymore. My blood feels like poison; my heart is as cold as steel; my hand will be even more lethal. From the desert and the grave, the voice of my imprisoned brother calls out, urging me to strike one blow for freedom. The lots, I’m saying, the lots!
Pres. Are you ready. Michael, you have the right to draw first; you are a Regicide.
Prez. Are you ready? Michael, you have the right to go first; you are a Regicide.
Vera. O God, into my hands! Into my hands! (They draw the lots from a bowl surmounted by a skull.)
Vera. Oh God, into my hands! Into my hands! (They take the lots from a bowl topped with a skull.)
Pres. Open your lots.
Pres. Open your spaces.
Vera (opening her lot). The lot is mine! see the bloody sign upon it! Dmitri, my brother, you shall have your revenge now.
Vera (opening her lot). This lot is mine! Look at the damn sign on it! Dmitri, my brother, you’ll finally get your revenge now.
Pres. Vera Sabouroff, you are chosen to be a regicide. God has been good to you. The dagger or the poison? (Offers her dagger and vial.)
Pres. Vera Sabouroff, you've been selected to be a regicide. God has blessed you. The dagger or the poison? (Offers her dagger and vial.)
Vera. I can trust my hand better with the dagger; it never fails. (Take dagger.) I shall stab him to the heart, as he has stabbed me. Traitor, to leave us for a ribbon, a gaud, a bauble, to lie to me every day he came here, to forget us in an hour. 27Michael was right, he loved me not, nor the people either.27 Methinks that if I was a mother and bore a man-child I would poison my breast to him, lest he might grow to a traitor or to a king. (Prince Paul whispers to the President.)
Vera. I can trust my hand more with the dagger; it never lets me down. (Take dagger.) I will stab him to the heart, just like he has stabbed me. It's a betrayal to leave us for a ribbon, a trinket, a useless treasure, to lie to me every day he was here, and to forget us in an hour. 27Michael was right, he didn't love me, nor did he care about the people.27 I think that if I were a mother and had a son, I would poison my milk so he wouldn't grow up to be a traitor or a king. (Prince Paul whispers to the President.)
Pres. Ay, Prince Paul, that is the best way. Vera, the Czar28 sleeps to-night in his own room in the north wing of the palace. Here is the key of the private door in the street. The passwords of the guards will be given to you. His own servants will be drugged. You will find him alone.
Pres. Yes, Prince Paul, that’s the best way. Vera, the Czar28 is sleeping tonight in his own room in the north wing of the palace. Here’s the key to the private door on the street. You’ll get the passwords for the guards. His own servants will be drugged. You’ll find him alone.
Vera. It is well. I shall not fail.
Vera. It’s all good. I won’t let you down.
Pres. We will wait outside in the Place St. Isaac, under the window. As the clock strikes twelve from the tower of St. Nicholas you will give us the sign that the dog is dead.[60]
Pres. We’ll wait outside in Place St. Isaac, under the window. When the clock strikes twelve from the St. Nicholas tower, you’ll give us the signal that the dog is dead.[60]
Vera. And what shall the sign be?
Vera. So, what will the sign be?
Pres. You are to throw us out the bloody dagger.
Pres. You need to throw us the bloody dagger.
Mich. Dripping with the traitor's life.
Mich. Dripping with the traitor's essence.
Pres. Else we shall know that you have been seized, and we will burst our way in, drag you from his guards.
Pres. Otherwise, we'll know that you've been captured, and we'll force our way in and pull you away from his guards.
Mich. And kill him in the midst of them.
MI And take him out right in front of them.
Pres. Michael, you will head us?
Pres. Michael, will you lead us?
Mich. Ay, I shall head you. See that your hand fails not, Vera Sabouroff.
MI Yeah, I’ll guide you. Make sure your aim is steady, Vera Sabouroff.
Prince Paul (aside). This is the ninth conspiracy I have been in in Russia. They always end in a "voyage en Siberie" for my friends and a new decoration for myself.
Prince Paul (aside). This is the ninth conspiracy I’ve been a part of in Russia. They always end with my friends being sent on a "trip to Siberia" and me getting a new medal.
Mich. It is your last conspiracy, Prince.
Michigan This is your final plot, Prince.
Pres. At twelve o'clock, the bloody dagger.
Pres. At twelve o'clock, the bloody knife.
Vera. Ay, red with the blood of that false heart. I shall not forget it. (Standing in the middle of the stage.) 30To strangle whatever nature is in me, neither to love nor to be loved, neither to pity nor to be pitied. Ay! it is an oath, an oath. Methinks the spirit of Charlotte Corday has entered my soul now. I shall carve my name on the world, and be ranked among the great heroines. Ay! the spirit of Charlotte Corday beats in each petty vein, and nerves my woman's hand to strike, as I have nerved my woman's heart to hate. Though he laughs in his dreams, I shall not falter. Though he sleep peacefully I shall not miss my blow.30 Be glad, my brother, in your stifled cell; be glad and laugh to-night. To-night this new-fledged Czar shall post with bloody feet to Hell, and greet his father there! 31This Czar! O traitor, liar, false to his oath, false to me! To play the patriot amongst us, and now to wear a crown; to sell us, like Judas, for thirty silver pieces, to betray us with a[61] kiss!31 (With more passion.) O Liberty, O mighty mother of eternal time, thy robe is purple with the blood of those who have died for thee! Thy throne is the Calvary of the people, thy crown the crown of thorns. O crucified mother, the despot has driven a nail through thy right hand, and the tyrant through thy left! Thy feet are pierced with their iron. When thou wert athirst thou calledst on the priests for water, and they gave thee bitter drink. They thrust a sword into thy side. They mocked thee in thine agony of age on age. 32Here, on thy altar, O Liberty, do I dedicate myself to thy service; do with me as thou wilt!32 (Brandishing dagger.) The end has come now, and by thy sacred wounds, O crucified mother, O Liberty, I swear that Russia shall be saved!
Vera. Yes, stained red with the blood of that deceitful heart. I won't forget it. (Standing in the middle of the stage.) 30I will suppress whatever nature I have in me, to neither love nor be loved, to neither feel pity nor be pitied. Yes! It’s a vow, a vow. I feel as if the spirit of Charlotte Corday has entered my soul now. I will leave my mark on the world and be counted among the great heroines. Yes! The spirit of Charlotte Corday pulses in every vein, empowering my woman's hand to strike, just as I have steeled my woman's heart to hate. Even if he laughs in his sleep, I will not hesitate. Even if he sleeps peacefully, I will not miss my chance to strike.30 Be glad, my brother, in your cramped cell; be glad and laugh tonight. Tonight this newly crowned Czar will march with bloody feet to Hell, and greet his father there! 31This Czar! Oh, traitor, liar, untrue to his oath, untrue to me! To act as a patriot among us, and now to wear a crown; to sell us, like Judas, for thirty silver coins, to betray us with a[61] kiss!31 (With more passion.) Oh Liberty, oh mighty mother of eternal time, your robe is purple with the blood of those who have died for you! Your throne is the Calvary of the people, your crown the crown of thorns. Oh crucified mother, the despot has driven a nail through your right hand, and the tyrant through your left! Your feet are pierced with their iron. When you were thirsty, you called on the priests for water, and they gave you bitter drink. They thrust a sword into your side. They mocked you in your agony throughout the ages. 32Here, at your altar, oh Liberty, I dedicate myself to your service; do with me as you will!32 (Brandishing dagger.) The end has come now, and by your sacred wounds, oh crucified mother, oh Liberty, I swear that Russia shall be saved!
ACT IV.
Scene.—Antechamber of the Czar's private room. Large window at the back, with drawn curtains over it.
Scene.—Antechamber of the Tsar's private room. Large window at the back, with the curtains closed.
Present.—Prince Petrovitch, Baron Raff, Marquis de Poivrard, Count Rouvaloff.
Present.—Prince Petrovitch, Baron Raff, Marquis de Poivrard, Count Rouvaloff.
Prince Petro. He is beginning well, this young Czar.
Prince Peter. He’s starting off strong, this young Czar.
Baron Raff (shrugs his shoulders). All young Czars do begin well.
Baron Raff (shrugs his shoulders). All young Czars start off strong.
Count R. And end badly.
Count R. And end poorly.
1Marq. de Poiv. Well, I have no right to complain. He has done me one good service, at any rate.
1Marquis de Poivre. Well, I can't really complain. He has helped me out once, at least.
Prince Petro. Cancelled your appointment to Archangel, I suppose?
Prince Peter. I guess you canceled your appointment to Archangel?
Marq. de Poiv. Yes; my head wouldn't have been safe there for an hour.1
Marquis de Poivre. Yeah; I wouldn't have felt safe there for even an hour.1
Baron Raff. Ah! General, any more news of our romantic Emperor?
Baron Raff. Ah! General, do you have any updates on our charismatic Emperor?
Gen. Kotemk. You are quite right to call him romantic, Baron; a week ago I found him amusing himself in a garret with a company of strolling players; to-day his whim is all the convicts in Siberia are to be recalled, and political prisoners, as he calls them, amnestied.
Gen. Kotemk. You’re absolutely right to call him romantic, Baron; a week ago I saw him entertaining himself in an attic with a group of traveling actors; today his latest fancy is to recall all the convicts in Siberia and to grant amnesty to what he refers to as political prisoners.
Prince Petro. Political prisoners! Why, half of them are no better than common murderers!
Prince Peter. Political prisoners! Honestly, half of them are no better than regular murderers!
Count R. And the other half much worse?
Count R. And the other half is even worse?
Baron Raff. Oh, you wrong them, surely, Count. Wholesale trade has always been more respectable than retail.[63]
Baron Raff. Oh, you’re mistaken, Count. Bulk buying has always been more reputable than selling individual items.[63]
Count R. But he is really too romantic. He objected yesterday to my having the monopoly of the salt tax. He said the people had a right to have cheap salt.
Count R. But he's just too much of a romantic. He argued yesterday against me having sole control of the salt tax. He claimed that people deserve access to affordable salt.
Marq. de Poiv. Oh, that's nothing; but he actually disapproved of a State banquet every night because there is a famine in the Southern provinces. (The young Czar enters unobserved, and overhears the rest.)
Marquis de Poivre Oh, that's not a big deal; he actually didn't approve of a State banquet every night because there's a famine in the Southern provinces. (The young Tsar enters unobserved, and overhears the rest.)
Prince Petro. Quelle bétise! The more starvation there is among the people, the better. It teaches them self-denial, an excellent virtue, Baron, an excellent virtue.
Prince Peter. What nonsense! The more hunger there is among the people, the better. It teaches them self-discipline, a great virtue, Baron, a great virtue.
Baron Raff. I have often heard so; I have often heard so.
Baron Raff. I've heard that many times; I've heard that many times.
Gen. Kotemk. He talked of a Parliament, too, in Russia, and said the people should have deputies to represent them.
Gen. Kotemk. He spoke about a Parliament in Russia and mentioned that the people should have representatives to advocate for them.
Baron Raff. As if there was not enough brawling in the streets already, but we must give the people a room to do it in. But, Messieurs, the worst is yet to come. He threatens a complete reform in the public service on the ground that the people are too heavily taxed.
Baron Raff. As if there wasn't already enough fighting in the streets, now we have to give people a place to do it. But, gentlemen, the worst is still ahead. He’s threatening a complete overhaul of the public service because he claims the people are overtaxed.
Marq. de Poiv. He can't be serious there. What is the use of the people except2 to get money out of? But talking of taxes, my dear Baron, you must really let me have forty thousand roubles to-morrow? my wife says she must have a new diamond bracelet.
Marquess de Poivre. He can't be serious. What's the point of people other than 2 to make money from? But speaking of taxes, my dear Baron, you really have to lend me forty thousand roubles by tomorrow. My wife says she has to have a new diamond bracelet.
Count R. (aside to Baron Raff). Ah, to match the one Prince Paul gave her last week, I suppose.
Count R. (aside to Baron Raff). Ah, I guess she's trying to match the one Prince Paul gave her last week.
Prince Petro. I must have sixty thousand roubles at once, Baron. My son is overwhelmed with debts of honour which he can't pay.
Prince Peter. I need sixty thousand roubles immediately, Baron. My son is drowning in debts of honor that he can't settle.
Baron Raff. What an excellent son to imitate his father so carefully!
Baron Raff. What a great son to follow his father's example so closely!
Gen. Kotemk. You are always getting money. I never get a single kopeck I have not got a right to. It's unbearable; it's ridiculous! My nephew[64] is going to be married. I must get his dowry for him.
Gen. Kotemk. You’re always getting money. I never get a single kopeck that I don’t deserve. It's unbearable; it's ridiculous! My nephew[64] is getting married. I need to secure his dowry.
Prince Petro. My dear General, your nephew must be a perfect Turk. He seems to get married three times a week regularly.
Prince Peter. My dear General, your nephew must be quite the character. It seems like he's getting married three times a week without fail.
Gen. Kot. Well, he wants a dowry to console him.
Gen. K. Well, he wants a dowry to make him feel better.
Count R. I am sick of town. I want a house in the country.
Count R. I'm tired of the city. I want a house in the countryside.
Marq. de Poiv. I am sick of the country. I want a house in town.
Marquis de Poivre. I'm tired of the countryside. I want a house in the city.
Baron Raff. Mes amis, I am extremely sorry for you. It is out of the question.
Baron Raff. My friends, I am really sorry for you. It's simply not possible.
Prince Petro. But my son, Baron?
Prince Petro. But my son, Baron?
Gen. Kotemk. But my nephew?
Gen. Kotemk. But my nephew?
Marq. de Poiv. But my house in town?
Marquise de Poivre. But what about my house in the city?
Count R. But my house in the country?
Count R. But what about my house in the country?
Marq. de Poiv. But my wife's diamond bracelet?
Marquis de Poivre. But what about my wife's diamond bracelet?
Baron Raff. Gentlemen, impossible! The old regime in Russia is dead; the funeral begins to-day.
Baron Raff. Gentlemen, that's impossible! The old regime in Russia is finished; the funeral starts today.
Count R. Then I shall wait for the resurrection.
Count R. Then I'll wait for the resurrection.
Prince Petro. Yes, but, en attendant, what are we to do?
Prince Peter. Yes, but, meanwhile, what are we supposed to do?
Baron Raff. What have we always done in Russia when a Czar suggests reforms?—nothing. You forget we are diplomatists. Men of thought should have nothing to do with action. Reforms in Russia are very tragic, but they always end in a farce.
Baron Raff. What have we always done in Russia when a Czar suggests reforms?—nothing. You forget we are diplomats. Thinkers should stay out of action. Reforms in Russia are very serious, but they always end in a joke.
Count R. I wish Prince Paul were here. 3By the bye, I think this boy is rather ungrateful to him. If that clever old Prince had not proclaimed him Emperor at once without giving him time to think about it, he would have given up his crown, I believe, to the first cobbler he met in the street.
Count R. I wish Prince Paul were here. 3By the way, I think this kid is kind of ungrateful to him. If that clever old Prince hadn't named him Emperor right away without letting him think about it, I believe he would have handed over his crown to the first cobbler he ran into on the street.
Baron Raff. He is exiled.
Baron Raff. He’s exiled.
Prince Petro. Yes; but is he going?
Prince Peter. Yes; but is he really going?
Baron Raff. I am sure of it; at least he told me he had sent two telegrams already to Paris about his dinner.
Baron Raff. I’m sure of it; he told me he has already sent two telegrams to Paris regarding his dinner.
Count R. Ah! that settles the matter.
Count R. Ah! that clears things up.
Czar (coming forward). Prince Paul better send a third telegram and order (counting them) six extra places.
Tsar (walking up). Prince Paul should probably send a third text and request (counting them) six more seats.
Baron Raff. The devil!
Baron Raff. No way!
Czar. No, Baron, the Czar. Traitors! There would be no bad kings in the world if there were no bad ministers like you. It is men such as you who wreck mighty empires on the rock of their own greatness. Our mother, Russia, hath no need of such unnatural sons. You can make no atonement now; it is too late for that. The grave cannot give back your dead, nor the gibbet your martyrs, but I shall be more merciful to you. I give you your lives! That is the curse I would lay on you. But if there is a man of you found in Moscow by to-morrow night your heads will be off your shoulders.
Tsar. No, Baron, the Czar. Traitors! There wouldn't be bad kings in the world if there weren't bad ministers like you. It's people like you who destroy great empires with their own arrogance. Our mother, Russia, doesn't need such unnatural sons. You can't make amends now; it's too late for that. The grave can’t bring back your dead, nor can the gallows bring back your martyrs, but I will be more merciful to you. I spare your lives! That is the curse I place upon you. But if any of you is found in Moscow by tomorrow night, your heads will roll.
Baron Raff. You remind us wonderfully, Sire, of your Imperial father.
Baron Raff. You remind us greatly, Your Majesty, of your Imperial father.
Czar. I banish you all from Russia. Your estates are confiscated to the people. You may carry your titles with you. Reforms in Russia, Baron, always end in a farce. You will have a good opportunity, Prince Petrovitch, of practising self-denial, that excellent virtue! that excellent virtue! So, Baron, you think a Parliament in Russia would be merely a place for brawling. Well, I will see that the reports of each session are sent to you regularly.
Tsar. I'm banishing all of you from Russia. Your estates are being taken for the people. You may keep your titles. Reforms in Russia, Baron, always turn into a joke. You'll have a great chance, Prince Petrovitch, to practice self-denial, that wonderful virtue! That wonderful virtue! So, Baron, you believe a Parliament in Russia would just be a place for brawling. Well, I’ll make sure you get the reports from each session regularly.
Baron Raff. Sire, you are adding another horror to exile.
Baron Raff. Sir, you are making exile even more terrifying.
Czar. But you will have such time for literature now. You forget you are diplomatists. Men of thought should have nothing to do with action.[66]
Tsar. But you'll have plenty of time for literature now. You seem to forget that you're diplomats. Thinkers shouldn't be involved in action.[66]
Prince Petro. Sire, we did but jest.
Prince Peter. Sir, we were just kidding.
Czar. Then I banish you for your bad jokes. Bon voyage, Messieurs.4 If you value your lives you will catch the first train for Paris. (Exeunt Ministers.) Russia is well rid of such men as these. They are the jackals that follow in the lion's track. 5They have no courage themselves, except to pillage and rob.5 But for these men and for Prince Paul my father would have been a good king, would not have died so horribly as he did die. How strange it is, the most real parts of one's life always seem to be a dream! The council, the fearful law which was to kill the people, the arrest, the cry in the courtyard, the pistol-shot, my father's bloody hands, and then the crown! One can live for years sometimes, without living at all, and then all life comes crowding into a single hour. I had no time to think. Before my father's hideous shriek of death had died in my ears I found this crown on my head, the purple robe around me, and heard myself called a king. I would have given it up all then; it seemed nothing to me then; but now, can I give it up now? Well, Colonel, well? (Enter Colonel of the Guard.)
Tsar. Then I’m kicking you out for your terrible jokes. Safe travels, gentlemen.4 If you care about your lives, you’ll grab the first train to Paris. (Exeunt Ministers.) Russia is better off without men like you. They're just the jackals following the lion. 5 They have no courage on their own, only the guts to steal and plunder.5 If it weren't for these men and Prince Paul, my father could have been a good king, and he wouldn’t have died such a horrific death. It’s strange how the most genuine parts of our lives always feel like a dream! The council, the terrible law meant to harm the people, the arrest, the screams in the courtyard, the gunshot, my father's bloodied hands, and then the crown! Sometimes you can go for years without really living, and then all of life rushes into a single hour. I didn’t have time to think. Before my father’s horrifying death scream even faded in my ears, I found this crown on my head, the purple robe around me, and I heard myself called a king. I would have given it all up right then; it didn’t mean anything to me at that moment. But can I give it up now? Well, Colonel, well? (Enter Guard Colonel.)
Colonel. What password does your Imperial Majesty desire should be given to-night?
Colonel. What password does your Imperial Majesty want to be given tonight?
Czar. Password?
Czar. Passcode?
Czar. You can dismiss them. I have no need of them. (Exit Colonel.) (Goes to the crown lying on the table.) What subtle potency lies hidden in this gaudy bauble, the crown,7 that makes one feel like a god when one wears it? To hold in one's hand this little fiery coloured world, to reach out one's arm to earth's uttermost limit, to girdle the seas with one's hosts; this is to wear a crown! to wear a crown! The meanest serf in Russia who is loved is better crowned than I. How love outweighs[67] the balance! How poor appears the widest empire of this golden world when matched with love! Pent up in this palace, with spies dogging every step, I have heard nothing of her; I have not seen her once since that fearful hour three days ago, when I found myself suddenly the Czar of this wide waste, Russia. Oh, could I see her for a moment; tell her now the secret of my life I have never dared utter before; tell her why I wear this crown, when I have sworn eternal war against all crowned men! There was a meeting to-night. I received my summons by an unknown hand; but how could I go? I who have broken my oath! who have broken my oath!
Tsar. You can send them away. I don’t need them. (Exit Colonel.) (Goes to the crown lying on the table.) What hidden power lies within this flashy ornament, the crown,7 that makes a person feel like a god when wearing it? To hold this small, fiery-colored world in my hand, to reach out to the farthest corners of the earth, to command the seas with my armies; this is what it means to wear a crown! To wear a crown! The humblest serf in Russia who is loved is better crowned than I. How love tilts the scales! How insignificant this vast empire of gold appears when compared to love! Trapped in this palace, with spies shadowing my every move, I haven't heard anything about her; I haven’t seen her once since that terrifying moment three days ago when I suddenly became the Czar of this vast wasteland, Russia. Oh, if I could just see her for one moment; tell her now the secret of my life that I’ve never dared to share before; tell her why I wear this crown, when I’ve sworn eternal war against all crowned men! There was a meeting tonight. I got my invitation from an unknown source; but how could I go? I who have broken my oath! I who have broken my oath!
Page. It is after eleven, Sire. Shall I take the first watch in your room to-night?
Page. It's after eleven, Your Majesty. Should I take the first watch in your room tonight?
Czar. Why should you watch me, boy? The stars are my best sentinels.
Tsar. Why do you need to keep an eye on me, kid? The stars are my best watchers.
Page. It was your Imperial father's wish, Sire, never to be left alone while he slept.
Page. It was your Imperial father's wish, Sir, never to be left alone while he slept.
Czar. My father was troubled with bad dreams. Go, get to your bed, boy; it is nigh on midnight, and these late hours will spoil those red cheeks. (Page tries to kiss his hand.) Nay, nay; we have played together too often as children for that. Oh, to breathe the same air as her, and not to see her! the light seems to have gone from my life, the sun vanished from my day.
Tsar. My dad was having bad dreams. Go on, get to bed, kid; it's almost midnight, and staying up late will ruin those rosy cheeks. (Page tries to kiss his hand.) No, no; we've played together too much as kids for that. Oh, to be in the same space as her, and not see her! It feels like the light has gone from my life, the sun has disappeared from my day.
Page. Sire,—Alexis,—let me stay with8 you to-night! There is some danger over you; I feel there is.
Page. Sir,—Alexis,—please let me stay with8 you tonight! I sense that there is some danger around you; I can feel it.
Czar. What should I fear? I have banished all my enemies from Russia. Set the brazier here, by me; it is very cold, and I would sit by it for a time. Go, boy, go; I have much to think about to-night. (Goes to back of stage, draws aside curtain. View of Moscow by moonlight.) The snow has fallen heavily since sunset. How white and cold my city looks[68] under this pale moon! And yet, what hot and fiery hearts beat in this icy Russia, for all its frost and snow! Oh, to see her for a moment; to tell her all; to tell her why I am a king! But she does not doubt me; she said she would trust in me. Though I have broken my oath, she will have trust. It is very cold. Where is my cloak? I shall sleep for an hour. Then I have ordered my sledge, and, though I die for it, I shall see Vera to-night. Did I not bid thee go, boy? What! must I play the tyrant so soon? Go, go! I cannot live without seeing her. My horses will be here in an hour; one hour between me and love! How heavy this charcoal fire smells. (Exit the Page. Lies down on a couch beside brazier.)
Tsar. What do I have to fear? I've banished all my enemies from Russia. Bring the brazier over here; it's really cold, and I want to sit by it for a while. Go, boy; I have a lot to think about tonight. (Goes to back of stage, draws aside curtain. View of Moscow by moonlight.) The snow has fallen heavily since sunset. How white and cold my city looks[68] under this pale moon! And yet, what hot and fiery hearts beat in this icy Russia, despite all its frost and snow! Oh, if only I could see her for a moment; to tell her everything; to explain why I am a king! But she doesn’t doubt me; she said she would trust me. Even though I have broken my oath, she will still trust me. It’s really cold. Where’s my cloak? I’ll sleep for an hour. Then I have my sledge ready, and even if it costs me everything, I’ll see Vera tonight. Did I not tell you to go, boy? What! Must I play the tyrant so soon? Go, go! I can’t live without seeing her. My horses will be here in an hour; just one hour between me and love! This charcoal fire smells so heavy. (Exit the Page. Lies down on a couch beside brazier.)
Vera. Asleep! God, thou art good! Who shall deliver him from my hands now? 9This is he! The democrat who would make himself a king, the republican who hath worn a crown, the traitor who hath lied to us. Michael was right. He loved not the people. He loved me not.9 (Bends over him.) Oh, why should such deadly poison lie in such sweet lips? Was there not gold enough in his hair before, that he should tarnish it with this crown? But my day has come now; the day of the people, of liberty, has come! Your day, my brother, has come! Though I have strangled whatever nature is in me, I did not think it had been so easy to kill. One blow and it is over, and I can wash my hands in water afterwards, I can wash my hands afterwards. Come, I shall save Russia. I have sworn it. (Raises dagger to strike.)
Vera. Asleep! Thank God, you’re good! Who's going to save him from me now? 9This is him! The democrat who wants to be a king, the republican who wore a crown, the traitor who has deceived us. Michael was right. He didn’t love the people. He didn’t love me.9 (Bends over him.) Oh, why should such deadly poison come from such sweet lips? Wasn’t there enough gold in his hair before that he needed to tarnish it with this crown? But my day has come; the day of the people, of freedom, has arrived! Your day, my brother, has come! Even though I’ve suppressed everything that’s natural in me, I didn’t think it would be so easy to kill. One blow and it’s done, and I can wash my hands in water afterward, I can wash my hands afterward. Come, I’ll save Russia. I’ve sworn to do it. (Raises dagger to strike.)
Czar (staring up, seizes her by both hands). Vera, you here! My dream was no dream at all. Why have you left me three days alone, when I most needed you? O God, you think I am a traitor, a liar, a king? I am, for love of you. Vera, it was for you I broke my oath and wear my father's crown.[69] I would lay at your feet this mighty Russia, which you and I have loved so well; would give you this earth as a footstool! set this crown on your head. The people will love us. We will rule them by love, as a father rules his children. There shall be liberty in Russia for every man to think as his heart bids him; liberty for men to speak as they think. I have banished the wolves that preyed on us; I have brought back your brother from Siberia; I have opened the blackened jaws of the mine. The courier is already on his way; within a week Dmitri and all those with him will be back in their own land. The people shall be free—are free now—and you and I, Emperor and Empress of this mighty realm, will walk among them openly, in love. When they gave me this crown first, I would have flung it back to them, had it not been for you, Vera. O God! It is men's custom in Russia to bring gifts to those they love. I said, I will bring to the woman I love a people, an empire, a world! Vera, it is for you, for you alone, I kept this crown; for you alone I am a king. Oh, I have loved you better than my oath! Why will you not speak to me? You love me not! You love me not! You have come to warn me of some plot against my life. What is life worth to me without you? (Conspirators murmur outside.)
Tsar (looking up, grabs her hands). Vera, you’re here! My dream wasn’t a dream at all. Why have you left me alone for three days, when I needed you most? Oh God, you think I’m a traitor, a liar, a king? I am, because I love you. Vera, it was for you that I broke my oath and wear my father’s crown.[69] I would lay at your feet this powerful Russia that you and I have loved so dearly; I would give you this land as a footrest! I would place this crown on your head. The people will love us. We will lead them with love, just like a father leads his children. There will be freedom in Russia for everyone to think as they wish; freedom for people to speak as they think. I have banished the wolves that hunted us; I have brought back your brother from Siberia; I have opened the dark jaws of the mine. The courier is already on his way; within a week, Dmitri and everyone with him will be back in their own land. The people shall be free—they are free now—and you and I, Emperor and Empress of this vast realm, will walk among them openly, in love. When they first gave me this crown, I would have thrown it back at them, if it weren’t for you, Vera. Oh God! It’s customary for men in Russia to bring gifts to those they love. I said, I will bring the woman I love a people, an empire, a world! Vera, it’s for you, and you alone, that I kept this crown; for you alone I am a king. Oh, I have loved you more than my oath! Why won’t you talk to me? You don’t love me! You don’t love me! You’ve come to warn me about some plot against my life. What is life worth to me without you? (Plotters whisper outside.)
Vera. Oh, lost! lost! lost!
Vera. Oh no, lost! Lost! Lost!
Czar. Nay, you are safe here. It wants five hours still of dawn. To-morrow, I will lead you forth to the whole people—
Tsar. No, you’re safe here. It’s still five hours until dawn. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out to greet everyone—
Vera. To-morrow—!
Vera. Tomorrow—!
Czar. Will crown you with my own hands as Empress in that great cathedral which my fathers built.
Tsar. I will personally crown you as Empress in that magnificent cathedral that my ancestors built.
Vera (loosens her hands violently from him, and starts up). I am a Nihilist! I cannot wear a crown![70]
Vera (jerks her hands away from him and stands up). I’m a nihilist! I can’t wear a crown![70]
Czar (falls at her feet). I am no king now. I am only a boy who has loved you better than his honour, better than his oath. For love of the people I would have been a patriot. For love of you I have been a traitor. Let us go forth together, we will live amongst the common people. I am no king. I will toil for you like the peasant or the serf. Oh, love me a little too! (Conspirators murmur outside.)
Tsar (falls at her feet). I'm not a king anymore. I'm just a boy who has loved you more than my honor, more than my oath. For the love of my people, I could have been a patriot. For the love of you, I've been a traitor. Let's go out together; we can live among the common people. I'm not a king. I'll work for you like a peasant or a serf. Oh, love me a little too! (Plotters murmur outside.)
Vera (clutching dagger). To strangle whatever nature is in me, neither to love nor to be loved, neither to pity nor—— Oh, I am a woman! God help me, I am a woman! O Alexis! I too have broken my oath; I am a traitor. I love. Oh, do not speak, do not speak—(kisses his lips)—the first, the last time. (He clasps her in his arms; they sit on the couch together.)
Vera (holding a dagger). To cut off whatever part of me is natural, to neither love nor be loved, to neither feel pity nor—— Oh, I am a woman! God help me, I am a woman! Oh Alexis! I too have broken my promise; I am a traitor. I love. Oh, please don’t say anything, don’t say anything—(kisses his lips)—the first, the last time. (He holds her in his arms; they sit on the couch together.)
Czar. I could die now.
Czar. I could die now.
Vera. What does death do in thy lips? Thy life, thy love are enemies of death. Speak not of death. Not yet, not yet.
Vera. What does death have to do with your lips? Your life, your love are the enemies of death. Don’t talk about death. Not yet, not yet.
Czar. I know not why death came into my heart. Perchance the cup of life is filled too full of pleasure to endure. This is our wedding night.
Tsar. I don’t know why death settled in my heart. Maybe the cup of life is just overflowing with pleasure to handle. This is our wedding night.
Vera. Our wedding night!
Vera. Our wedding night!
Czar. And if death came himself, methinks that I could kiss his pallid mouth, and suck sweet poison from it.
Tsar. And if death showed up himself, I think I could kiss his pale lips and drink sweet poison from them.
Vera. Our wedding night! Nay, nay. Death should not sit at the feast. There is no such thing as death.
Vera. Our wedding night! No, no. Death shouldn't be at the celebration. Death isn't real.
Czar. There shall not be for us. (Conspirators murmur outside.)
Tsar. That won't be the case for us. (Plotters murmur outside.)
Vera. What is that? Did you not hear something?
Vera. What’s that? Did you not hear anything?
Czar. Only your voice, that fowler's note which lures my heart away like a poor bird upon the limed twig.
Tsar. Only your voice, that hunter's call which captivates my heart like a helpless bird caught on a sticky branch.
Vera. Methought that some one laughed.[71]
Vera. I thought someone laughed.
Czar. It was but the wind and rain; the night is full of storm. (Conspirators murmur outside.)
Tsar. It’s just the wind and rain; the night is stormy. (Plotters whisper outside.)
Vera. It should be so indeed. Oh, where are your guards? where are your guards?
Vera. It really should be that way. Oh, where are your guards? Where are your guards?
Czar. Where should they be but at home? I shall not live pent round by sword and steel. The love of a people is a king's best body-guard.
Tsar. Where else would they be but at home? I won’t live trapped by swords and armor. The love of the people is a king's best defense.
Vera. The love of a people!
Vera. The people's love!
Czar. Sweet, you are safe here. Nothing can harm you here. O love, I knew you trusted me! You said you would have trust.
Tsar. Sweet, you’re safe here. Nothing can hurt you here. Oh love, I knew you believed in me! You said you would trust me.
Vera. I have had trust. O love, the past seems but some dull grey dream from which our souls have wakened. This is life at last.
Vera. I have had trust. Oh love, the past feels like a dull grey dream that our souls have finally woken up from. This is life at last.
Czar. Ay, life at last.
Czar. Yes, life at last.
Vera. Our wedding night! Oh, let me drink my fill of love to-night! Nay, sweet, not yet, not yet. How still it is, and yet methinks the air is full of music. It is some nightingale who, wearying of the south, has come to sing in this bleak north to lovers such as we. It is the nightingale. Dost thou not hear it?
Vera. Our wedding night! Oh, let me soak in love tonight! No, my dear, not yet, not yet. How quiet it is, and yet I feel like the air is full of music. It must be a nightingale, tired of the south, come to sing in this cold north for lovers like us. It is the nightingale. Can’t you hear it?
Czar. Oh, sweet, mine ears are clogged to all sweet sounds save thine own voice, and mine eyes blinded to all sights but thee, else had I heard that nightingale, and seen the golden-vestured morning sun itself steal from its sombre east before its time for jealousy that thou art twice as fair.
Tsar. Oh, sweet, my ears are blocked to all lovely sounds except your voice, and my eyes are blinded to all sights but you. Otherwise, I would have heard that nightingale and seen the morning sun, dressed in gold, rising from its dark east too soon out of jealousy that you are twice as beautiful.
Vera. Yet would that thou hadst heard the nightingale. Methinks that bird will never sing again.
Vera. I wish you had heard the nightingale. I feel like that bird will never sing again.
Czar. It is no nightingale. 'Tis love himself singing for very ecstasy of joy that thou art changed into his votaress. (Clock begins striking twelve.) Oh, listen, sweet, it is the lover's hour. Come, let us stand without, and hear the midnight answered from tower to tower over the wide white town. Our wedding night! What is that? What is that?
Tsar. It's not a nightingale. It's love himself singing out of pure joy that you've become his devotee. (Clock begins striking twelve.) Oh, listen, my dear, it's the hour for lovers. Come, let's step outside and hear the midnight chime echo from tower to tower across the wide white town. Our wedding night! What’s that? What’s that?
Vera (breaks from him and rushes across the stage). The wedding guests are here already! Ay, you shall have your sign! (Stabs herself.) You shall have your sign! (Rushes to the window.)
Vera (breaks away from him and hurries across the stage). The wedding guests are already here! Oh, you'll get your sign! (Stabs herself.) You'll get your sign! (Runs to the window.)
Czar (intercepts her by rushing between her and window, and snatches dagger out of her hand). Vera!
Tsar (blocks her way by stepping between her and the window, and grabs the dagger from her hand). Vera!
Vera (clinging to him). Give me back the dagger! Give me back the dagger! There are men in the street who seek your life! Your guards have betrayed you! This bloody dagger is the signal that you are dead. (Conspirators begin to shout below in the street.) Oh, there is not a moment to be lost! Throw it out! Throw it out! Nothing can save me now; this dagger is poisoned! I feel death already in my heart.
Vera (holding onto him). Give me back the dagger! Give me back the dagger! There are men in the street who want to kill you! Your guards have turned on you! This bloody dagger means that you’re dead. (Plotters start shouting below in the street.) Oh, we don’t have a second to waste! Throw it out! Throw it out! Nothing can save me now; this dagger is poisoned! I can already feel death in my heart.
Czar (holding dagger out of her reach). Death is in my heart too; we shall die together.
Tsar (holding the dagger out of her reach). I feel death in my heart as well; we will die together.
Vera. Oh, love! love! love! be merciful to me! The wolves are hot upon you! you must live for liberty, for Russia, for me! Oh, you do not love me! You offered me an empire once! Give me this dagger now! Oh, you are cruel! My life for yours! What does it matter? (Loud shouts in the street, "Vera! Vera! To the rescue! To the rescue!")
Vera. Oh, love! love! love! Please be kind to me! The wolves are closing in on you! You have to survive for freedom, for Russia, for me! Oh, you don’t love me! You once offered me a kingdom! Hand me this dagger now! Oh, you’re so heartless! My life for yours! What does it matter? (Loud shouts in the street, "Vera! Vera! Help! Help!")
Czar. The bitterness of death is past for me.
Tsar. The pain of death is behind me now.
Vera. Oh, they are breaking in below! See! The bloody man behind you! (Czarevitch turns round for an instant.) Ah! (Vera snatches dagger and flings it out of window.)
Vera. Oh, they're breaking in downstairs! Look! The guy behind you! (Crown prince turns around for a moment.) Ah! (Vera grabs the dagger and throws it out the window.)
Consps. (below). Long live the people!
Consps. (below). Long live the people!
Czar. What have you done?
Czar. What did you do?
Vera. I have saved Russia (Dies.)
Vera. I saved Russia. (Dies.)
TABLEAU.
TABLEAU.
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.
Made by the Author in his original copy.
Created by the Author in his original version.
| ACT I. | ||
| Note | 1 | Changed to 2 in violet pencil. |
| 2 | Lines from 2 to 2 scored out. | |
| 3 | These lines scored out, and "we will have" added. | |
| 4 | This word underlined. | |
| 5 | These lines scored out. | |
| 6 | These lines scored out, "what news to-night?" inserted. | |
| 7 | Lines scored out. | |
| 8 | Altered to "He." | |
| 9 | Lines scored out. | |
| 10 | Altered to "signal for." | |
| 11 | Lines scored out. | |
| 12 | Lines scored out. | |
| 13 | Altered to "Be calm, Michael!" | |
| 14 | These words underlined. | |
| 15 | Words underlined. | |
| 16 | Word underlined. | |
| 17 | Lines scored out. | |
| 18 | Words scored out. | |
| 19 | Lines scored out, "from Berlin" inserted. | |
| 20 | Word scored through. | |
| 21 | Altered to "strong." | |
| 22 | These lines scored through. | |
| 23 | Scored through. | |
| 24 | Altered to "martial law scheme." | |
| 25 | Altered to "To raise the barricades." | |
| 26 | Crossed out. | |
| 27 | The word "pause" as a stage direction inserted. | |
| 28 | Lines crossed out. | |
| 29 | Scored through. | |
| 30 | Scored through. | |
| 31 | Word underlined.[74] | |
| 32 | Word underlined. | |
| 33 | Words "Who is there?" inserted. | |
| 34 | Scored through. | |
| 35 | Scored through. | |
| 36 | Scored through. | |
| 37 | Altered to "He has sold us." | |
| 38 | Word underlined. | |
| ACT II. | ||
| Note | 1 | Lines scored through. |
| 2 | Altered to "you missed." | |
| 3 | Altered to "profession." | |
| 4 | Scored through. | |
| 5 | Word scored through. | |
| 6 | Insert "for them to go to." | |
| 7 | Insert "dining." | |
| 8 | Altered to "bored to death." | |
| 9 | Scored through. | |
| 10 | Word underlined. | |
| 11 | Altered to "a." | |
| 12 | Lines scored through. | |
| 13 | "O God!" scored through. | |
| 14 | Scored through. | |
| 15 | Lines scored through. | |
| 16 | Words scored through. | |
| 17 | Word underlined. | |
| 18 | Word underlined. | |
| 19 | Words underlined. | |
| 20 | Stage direction, "a pause" indicated. | |
| 21 | Altered to "may." | |
| 22 | Word "I" underlined. | |
| 23 | This speech cut out. | |
| ACT III. | ||
| Note | 1 | "Marat" underlined. |
| 2 | Altered to "Vera. Unmask! a spy!" | |
| 3 | Scored through. | |
| 4 | Scored through. | |
| 5 | Scored through. | |
| 6 | Lines scored through.[75] | |
| 7 | Insert "and quite as unintelligible." | |
| 8 | Alter "Pres." to "Vera." | |
| 9 | Scored through. | |
| 10 | These lines struck out. | |
| 11 | This passage scored through. | |
| 12 | This is struck out. | |
| 13 | Scored through. | |
| 14 | Scored through. | |
| 15 | This speech cut out. | |
| 16 | Lines scored through. | |
| 17 | Lines scored through. | |
| 18 | Cut out this passage and insert "Alexis" after "but." | |
| 19 | Lines scored through. | |
| 20 | Altered to "No! No!" | |
| 21 | This passage is cut out. | |
| 22 | Insert "Alexis" in place of "him." | |
| 23 | Lines scored through. | |
| 24 | This speech cut out. | |
| 25 | This passage is scored through. | |
| 26 | The words "no laugh" are inserted here—possibly as a stage direction. | |
| 27 | Passage scored through. | |
| 28 | In place of "the Czar" read "Alexis." | |
| 29 | Delete this speech. | |
| 30 | This passage is scored out. | |
| 31 | This passage is scored out. | |
| 32 | This passage is scored out. | |
| ACT IV. | ||
| Note | 1 | These three speeches are scored through. |
| 2 | Insert "for the politician." | |
| 3 | All these lines are cut out. | |
| 4 | Alter to "Gentlemen." | |
| 5 | Cut out this sentence. | |
| 6 | Words scored through. | |
| 7 | Delete "the crown." | |
| 8 | Substitute "stop near" for "stay with." | |
| 9 | This passage is cut out. | |
Transcriber's Note (Significant Amendments):
Transcriber's Note (Major Updates):
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