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Etext by Dagny
CHARACTERS: Haldin Razumov The Prince General Tulayev Peter Ivanovitch N. N. Yakovlitch (who does not speak) Nathalie Haldin Eleanor Maximovna Sophia Antonovna Seven men, three women Time: After the Revolution of 1905
Razumov (looking up from his work)
Haldin—is that you? This is indeed unexpected. Come, sit down and
have a smoke.
Haldin (nervously)
Are you busy? Am I interrupting you?
Razumov
Well, I've set my heart on the silver medal, and I was about to
tackle the essay.
Haldin
Very commendable. Your diligence is known throughout the
university.
Razumov
It's nice of you to say so.
Haldin
Kirylo Sidorovitch, we are not exactly in the same camp. Your
judgement is more philosophical than mine. You are a man of few words
—but I haven't met any one, no not one student, who doubted the
generosity of your sentiments.
Razumov
I'm flattered.
Haldin
You are solid—and solidity like that cannot exist without
character. You do not throw your soul to the winds. Your reserve has
always fascinated me. So, I tried to remember your address. It was a
wonderful piece of luck. I remembered correctly. I met no one on the
stairs—not a soul.
Razumov
Well, I'm delighted you came to see me. It's terrible weather, and
I could use a visit. I'm reserved, but I'm not really unfriendly.
Haldin
It happened I was near your apartment, and I wanted to talk with
you about the events that occurred this morning.
Razumov
Ah, you mean the assassination of the Minister of the Interior?
Yes, everyone's talking about it. An astounding event.
Haldin (calmly)
It was I who removed that august civil servant this morning.
(Pause.)
Razumov (aside)
There goes my silver medal.
Haldin
You say nothing! I understand your silence. To be sure, I cannot
expect you, with your frigid English manners, to embrace me. But, you
know what that man was doing. He had to be stopped—and I, I stopped
him. Yes, brother, I killed him. Still, it's weary work. True, the man
was a maniac, but it is a pity to have to kill anyone. But anyone who
can declare solemnly that, "The thought of liberty never existed in
God's mind," has to be removed from office one way or another.
Razumov (slowly)
How did it happen? All I heard was that he had been killed in
broad daylight.
Haldin
He was driving to his office in his sleigh. We've had knowledge of
his movements for some time. The Central Committee appointed Markov
and myself to dispatch him— I haven't slept for ten days— Anyway,
Markov threw the first bomb. It killed the driver, but the Minister
was unharmed. A crowd formed, of course. I was posted further down the
street. When I saw what had happened, I came up behind the crowd and
lobbed my bomb over their heads. That finished him.
Razumov
And you got away?
Haldin
As you see. I certainly didn't expect to. When the bomb went off,
everyone started running, and I was no more conspicuous than anyone
else. Actually, it was so easy, I couldn't believe it.
Razumov
But, why come to me? Certainly you had made plans to escape.
Haldin
Of course, of course. I went to Ziemianitch. He is a peasant who
keeps horses for hire. Unfortunately, he was not there, and so, I
thought it better not to arouse suspicion by staying around. So, here
I am.
Razumov
But, pardon me, Victor Victorovitch, we barely know each other. I
don't see why you—
Haldin
Confidence.
Razumov
In me?
Haldin
I told you. You are much respected. We know your heart is in the
right place.
Razumov
It seems I have a reputation I wasn't aware of.
Haldin
I am not a destroyer. The true destroyers are those who destroy
the human spirit. Men like me are necessary to make room for self
contained, thinking men like you. Well, we have prepared for the
sacrifice of our lives. But, since I have come off so well, I want to
escape if it can be done. It is not my life I want to save, but my
powers to act: I won't live idle. Oh, no! Don't make any mistake,
Razumov, men like me are rare. Besides, my escape will drive the
police frantic—not to mention the Tsar.
Razumov
What do you want me to do?
Haldin
Help me to vanish.
Razumov
You want to stay here?
Haldin
Only for a short time. No great risk in that as no one has seen me
come. Go and see Ziemianitch for me.
Razumov
What am I to tell him?
Haldin
Tell him, "Kolya will meet you half an hour after midnight, at the
seventh lamppost counting from the upper end of Kesabelnaya Street."
Razumov
Are you certain you were seen by no one when you came here?
Haldin
I'm as sure as I can be. I waited for two hours before coming up.
Razumov
Still, you're a noticeable person— Yes—of course, I will go. You
must give me precise instructions, and for the rest—depend on me.
Haldin (embracing him)
I knew I could count on you. You're collected, cool, a regular
Englishman. There aren't many like you. Look here, brother: Men like
me leave no posterity—but their souls are not lost. No man's soul is
ever lost. It works for itself, or else where would be the sense of
self sacrifice, of martyrdom? Don't misunderstand, Razumov. What I did
today was not murder—it was war. My spirit shall go on warring in
some Russian body until all falsehood is swept out of the world.
(Razumov remains silent throughout this harangue) Ha, you say nothing
—you are a sceptic! I respect your philosophical scepticism—but I
don't touch the soul. The Russian soul has a mission, I tell you—or
else why should I have done this like a butcher—I, I—who wouldn't
hurt a fly.
Razumov
Not so loud!
(Haldin bursts into tears.)
Razumov
Try to control yourself.
Haldin
Yes, men like me have no posterity. I have a sister, though. Not a
bad little girl, my sister. She will marry soon, I hope. Look at me:
my father was a government official.— A true Russian in his way. But,
I am not like him. More like my grandfather—a Decembrist. They shot
him in twenty-eight. This is war, but God of Justice! It's weary work.
Razumov
You believe in God, Haldin?
Haldin
What does it matter? When your day comes, you don't forget what's
divine in our Russian soul. Respect it! I am speaking to you now like
a man with a rope around his neck. Don't spoil its message to the
world!— I am one of the doomed. When the necessity of this heavy work
came to me, and I understood it really had to be done—I said "God's
will be done." That's all.
(Haldin stretches out silently on Razumov's bed.)
Razumov (after a pause)
Haldin?
Haldin
Yes?
Razumov
Hadn't I better start?
Haldin
Yes, brother. The time has come to put your faith to the test.
Razumov (displaying a key)
I am going to lock you in.
Haldin
Go with God.
BLACKOUT
General
This story is hard to believe! My dear Prince—
Prince
General Tulayev, I swear to you, we have got him, this
assassin.
General
Pardon my scepticism, but this is not the way one usually solves
these crimes. I have been in the secret police a long time, and one
doesn't usually have these things delivered in a package, so to speak.
Prince
This worthy young man came to me, and I came to you.
General
But, that's rather remarkable, his coming to you.
Prince
Why is it remarkable?
General
How had this mister—Razumov, I believe you said, come to make
your acquaintance?
Prince
Mr. Razumov—is a most honorable young man, whom Providence
itself—
General
To be sure, to be sure. But, this Razumov is a mere student, and
you are one of the most highly placed nobles in all Russia.
Prince
I—
General
I don't mean to pry, but why did he turn to you?
Prince (flushing)
It's rather embarrassing. When I was a young man, I was rather
wild, you see.
General (smiling)
A wild oat, eh?
Prince
So he is—yes?
General
So he is your son?
Prince
By a peasant girl. My first love, in fact. I still think of her.
She died when he was born, poor thing.
General
And, he knows you?
Prince
He only met me recently for the first time. It was quite by
accident. I was at my attorney's office, and by chance, he came about
his allowance. He had no idea who his benefactor was. I had just heard
such good reports of—he's quite a scholar, you know.
General
Indeed?
Prince
I was quite proud. He's very handsome, a perfect gentleman. I had
never taken any interest in him before, but when I saw what a fine boy
I had turned out—ah, it's all nonsense.
General
So he turned to you?
Prince
He can't very well go to some police official and say: This
murderer is staying in my room—just dropped in, so to speak. They'd
never understand.
General (who doesn't understand either)
Quite.
Prince
They're too stupid!
(The General looks annoyed, but the Prince is too excited to
notice.)
General (sourly)
As you say.
Prince
I was a little shocked when he showed up at my home. I was
prepared to send him about his business for his presumption, even
though I had been considering seeing him. It isn't a good idea, to do
that, you know. But, he's such a fine young man, you see— When I
heard his story, I could not be angry that he came to me, he has no
one else to turn to. Absolutely no one. He has done the right thing.
Russia will bless him.
General
May I speak to him?
Prince
Certainly. He's waiting in the next room.
(The Prince goes to the door and returns with Razumov, who enters
and bows to the General.)
Prince (presenting Razumov)
General Tulayev, this is the young man I have been speaking
of, Mr. Razumov.
General
This is an extraordinary story you tell, Mr. Razumov. But, I
wonder if the bird has flown while you were visiting Prince Kropotkin.
Razumov
The door is locked— I have the key in my pocket.
General (surprised)
I see you are a very capable young man. I thought, perhaps, this
might be some sort of joke to ingratiate yourself with the Prince? I
see it is not. What is this fellow's name?
Razumov
His name is Haldin. Victor Victorovitch Haldin.
General
It may surprise you, but we have heard of him. But, we never
thought he was much trouble.— Can you tell me how he was dressed?
Razumov
Blue topcoat. Boots.
General
Hmm. That answers the description. Is he tall or short?
Razumov
Very tall.
General
Hmm. Take a chair, Mr. Razumov. Why are you standing?
Prince
Mr. Razumov is a young man of conspicuous talent. I have it at
heart that his future should not—
General
Certainly not. We shall keep him out of this. (to Razumov) Has he
any weapons about him?
Razumov
I don't think so. But my kitchen utensils, knives, that sort of
thing, are lying about.
General
Good. Precisely. (to the Prince) We want this bird alive. It will
be the devil if we can't make him sing a little before we are done
with him.
(Silence.)
Razumov (bravely)
I hope that will not happen. I am giving him up to justice, you
understand, I—
General
Of course, of course. But we must protect the Tzar—and some eggs
must be cracked to make an omelet.— Mr. Razumov understands that,
too.
Razumov
Haldin will never speak.
General (grimly)
That remains to be seen.
Razumov
I am certain. A fanatic like that never speaks.— Do you suppose I
am here from fear?
General
Certainly not. And I don't mind telling you, if you had not come
forward like a good patriot, this monster would have disappeared like
a stone in the water. And that would have a detestable effect.
Razumov
He had all but made good his escape. So you see, there can be no
suspicion of fear—
Prince
Nobody doubts the moral soundness of your action. Be at ease on
that point, young man. Youth is so touchy.
Razumov
Perhaps so—but my comrades at the University will hold that I
have betrayed him—and them. It is terribly difficult to do one's
duty.
General
That's so, that's true. I understand the situation perfectly.
Prince
And, I venture to insist that my role and that of this patriotic
youth not become public. He is a man of promise of great abilities.
General
I haven't a doubt of that. He inspires confidence.— I don't mind
saying, I was sceptical until I met him.
Prince
I don't want him to suffer for his patriotism—for doing his duty.
General
Yes, yes, I am thinking it out.— How long is it since you left
him at your rooms, Mr. Razumov?
Razumov
About one o'clock.
General
And, you meant to say, he came to you—to take you into his
confidence, and to trust you to meet this peasant for him—with no
prior acquaintance—with no indication you were in sympathy—?
Prince (quickly)
Whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad. No doubt, he
utterly misunderstood some exchange of ideas—some speculative
conversation—
General (wryly)
Mr. Razumov—do you often indulge in speculative conversation?
Razumov
No, Excellency. I am a man of deep convictions—but I generally
keep them to myself. They are not popular in the circles I travel
in—the student societies. So, I keep my mouth shut. Crude opinions
are in the air—but I've never thought them worth combating.
Prince
A serious young man.
General
I see that. Mr. Razumov is quite safe with me. I am interested in
him. He has, it seems, the useful quality of inspiring confidence.—
But it seems to me, this Haldin could have come to you and simply
talked for some hours under any pretext he chose, and thus achieved
his objective of finding shelter. Why would he make these revelations
unless he sought your assistance?
Razumov
I see what you have in mind—
General
I have nothing in my mind—
Razumov
I believe it is because he is too honest.
General (shocked)
Honest?
Razumov
He is like a child. He wants help, but he would rather die than
expose me to any danger under a false pretense. Does that seem
strange? Yes, of course it does. That is why I pity him and feel I am
betraying him, even though I abhor what he did with all my soul. I
provoked no confidence, I asked for no explanations.
General
It's rather a pity that you did not! He seems to be in quite a
communicative mood. Do you know what he means to do?
Razumov
He plans to meet a sledge about half an hour before midnight on
Kesabelnaya Street. At the Seventh Lamppost.
General
Well! There is a way to keep your protégé quite clear of any
connection with the actual arrest. We shall be ready before midnight.
Prince
I will remember this, General Tulayev. I will remember this.
General
I am happy to be able to do a man of your rank such a service,
albeit an unusual one.— Half an hour before midnight. Till then we
must rely on Mr. Razumov. You don't think he is likely to change his
plans?
Razumov
How can I tell? But men like that never do.
General
What men?
Razumov
Fanatics: men who worship liberty like the worshippers of Kali, by
committing murder in her name. I detest rebels of every kind. I detest
everything he stands for. Yet, I pity him.
General
They shall be destroyed then.
Razumov
He's made a sacrifice of his life already—in his own mind. If
Haldin does change his plans, depend upon it, it will not be to save
his own life, but to attempt some new outrage. But that is not likely.
He's worn out with his exertions.
General (vowing)
They shall be destroyed!
Prince
What a terrible necessity!
General
There's one comfort. This one leaves no posterity. I've always
said it—one effort, swift, pitiless, persistent, steady—and we're
done with them forever. How I hate them! My life has been built on
loyalty. To defend the Tsar I am ready to lay down my life,—yes, and
even my honor, if that were needed. But what honor is there in a war
against these anarchists and atheists. Brutes! It is horrible to think
of.
Prince
This young man is fit to understand your memorable words!
General
I must now ask Mr. Razumov to return to his home. I think he has
been away too long. Note that I do not ask him to justify his absence
to his guest. I don't ask him to do that. But a longer absence must
arouse this criminal's suspicions. I have perfect confidence in you,
Mr. Razumov.
Razumov (sourly)
Everyone seems to. I'm not sure it's a good trait.
Prince (arm on his shoulder)
And I have confidence, too.
Razumov
Dear Prince, you have been of aid to me when I most needed it. I
should not have presumed had I—
Prince
I understand perfectly, dear boy. Perfectly.
Razumov
I am sure that in the future I will not have cause to trouble you
again. Such situations as these do not occur more than once in a
lifetime.
Prince
And you have met this one with courage and patriotism. It gives me
a high idea of your worth. You have only to persevere—to persevere. I
hope you are perfectly at ease now, as to the consequences—
Razumov
After what your Excellency has done for me, I can only rely on my
conscience—
Prince
Dear boy. You make me very proud. I will take an interest in you,
I promise you—
General
And so will I—
BLACKOUT
Razumov
I haven't lost a moment.
General
Very proper, very proper.
Razumov (furious)
Why was my room searched? I am totally misunderstood—totally.
General
My dear young man, you are mistaken.
Razumov
Is this an official inquiry? Am I suspected of something?
General
This is not strictly official. In fact, I don't want it to have
that character at all.
Razumov
Then, why was I officially requested to report here?
General
Oh, the request was official, but we wouldn't have dreamed of
enforcing it. It's just our way of doing things.
Razumov
I am a suspect. A suspect!
General
I would have said "misunderstood person."
Razumov
Do I have to endure your satire as well? I know I am only a
student—
General
Quite well connected—
Razumov (ignoring this sally)
Allow me the superiority of mind over the unthinking forces that
are about to crush me out of existence. I am amazed that the police
delayed the search for two days. I could easily have burned any
compromising papers.
General
The search was conducted as a matter of form—and for your own
good. You are angry? Is that reasonable?
Razumov
I am reasonable—rational for that matter. I am not an
intellectual anarchist. I think like a Russian. I take the liberty to
call myself a thinker. It is not forbidden, as far as I know.
General
Not at all, not at all. Why should it be forbidden? Why should it
be forbidden? I, too, consider myself a thinker, or at least a
thinking man. The idea is to think correctly. Religious belief is a
great help.
Razumov
That man—Haldin—believed in God.
General
Really? You tell me more than we were able to get out of him. He
was judged by a special commission of three officers. He told us
absolutely nothing. (handing over a dossier) Here is the
interrogation. After every question: Witness refuses to answer. Page
after page. He left me nothing to begin my investigation on.— That is
why I want to talk with you in more detail.— The man was a hardened
criminal. And you say he believed in God?
Razumov
Blasphemers do.
General
No doubt you had many discussions with him on that subject.
Razumov
Hardly. He talked and I listened. Intently, you may be sure, but
that is hardly a conversation.
General
Listening is a great art.
Razumov
And getting people to talk is another.
General
Well, that's difficult, very difficult, except, of course, in
special cases. For instance, this Haldin, nothing could induce him to
speak.
Razumov
Indeed? I thought you had methods?
General
If I were playing games with you, my dear Razumov, I would pretend
he had incriminated you. He didn't.
Razumov
Very nice of him. He ruined my life anyway, or so it seems to me.
How dare he come to me like that? You know, he told me he had moved
out of his rooms a month before, so his landlady would not be bothered
by the police. He seemed to think of everyone's safety but mine!
General
He refused to speak even when your personality was put forward.
Razumov
My personality? I don't understand.
General
It was judged necessary. The case was too serious to leave any
stone unturned—you understand that yourself, I am sure. (pause,
Razumov is silent) So, it was decided that a certain question should
be put to the accused. In deference to the wishes of your—to the
wishes of Prince K—your name was not mentioned. Even the judges
themselves were kept in ignorance. Your father recognized the
propriety, even the necessity of what we proposed. He was concerned
for your safety. Things do leak out, but I assure you, every
precaution was taken. It was the last question asked. Question: Has
the man, well known to you, in whose rooms you remained for several
hours on Monday—and on whose information you have been arrested—has
he had any previous knowledge of your intention to commit political
murder? Prison refuses to reply Question repeated four time with the
same results.
Razumov
And if he had answered and cleared me?
General
I am afraid we would have thought he was trying to protect you.
Razumov
Of course. You would think that!
General
A stubborn man, Haldin. He even refused confession from the
chaplain. That was the only time he spoke. He was sentenced to death
by hanging. Sometimes after that a prisoner will become communicative.
Not Haldin.
Razumov
When will the sentence be carried out?
General
It was carried out this morning. We saw no reason to delay the
execution. Silent to the last.
Razumov
So quickly. He had a belief in a future life. (rises and starts to
leave)
General (surprised)
What are you doing?
Razumov
I will tell you what! You think you are dealing with a secret
accomplice of that unhappy man! I hated him. Visionaries work
everlasting evil on earth. There is no sentimentality in my hatred of
that man. I don't hate him because he committed murder. Anyone can do
that. I hate him because I am sane. It is his fanaticism that outrages
me—
General
What a tirade!
Razumov
What is his death, or that of the minister, to me? I hardly knew
Haldin, and the minister not at all. The intelligentsia get drunk
on ideas. We Russians are a drunken lot. Intoxication of some sort we
must have. What is a sober man to do in this country? If a drunk runs
up and kisses you, and tells you you are his dearest friend, you can
break your cane on his head, and not succeed in beating him off.
General
Of course, of course. Kirylo Sidorovitch, calm yourself.
Razumov
Why am I called here to be confronted with his silence? With his
execution? What is his silence to me? This is incomprehensible.
General
The service you have rendered is appreciated.
Razumov
Is it?
General
And your position, too. But, only think, you fall into Prince
Kropotkin's study, as if from the sky—
Razumov
As Haldin fell in on me.
General
Certainly, certainly. Still, some curiosity is bound to—
Razumov
Naturally you have the right—or should I say the power—
General
I prefer to say the duty—
Razumov
Very well. But, it's all perfectly useless. I told you everything
I know. Everything!
General
I told Prince Kroptkin of my intention of becoming personally
acquainted with you. He approved.
Razumov
Did he? So, he is suspicious, too? Well, after all, he doesn't
know me very well. But it is not exactly my fault!
General
Is it necessary to take it that way, my dear young man? Your
father—
Razumov
Perhaps not. But I do. But there is no appeasing your curiosity or
your suspicions. I knew it would be this way. I am probably lucky not
to have hanged with Haldin. So be it. I am a patriotic Russian—
whether I inherited those instincts or not, I am in no position to
say.
General
I have been greatly impressed by your political confession—that
was found in your rooms. A very remarkable document. May I ask for
what purpose—?
Razumov
Why, to deceive the police, naturally. What is all this mockery? I
protest against this comedy of persecution. You have clearly shown me
that you still suspect me, and that I have no chance of appealing to
my father for protection. Very subtle. I understand. With all due
respect, sir, I must claim the right to be done with this man—once
and for all. So, (bowing) I take the liberty to retire.
General
Kirylo Sidorovitch—
Razumov (repeating emphatically)
To re-tire—
General (smiling)
Where to?
(They stare at each other.)
CURTAIN
Peter
On my word, young man, you are an extraordinary person.
Razumov (disgustedly)
You are mistaken, Peter Ivanovitch. If I were really an
extraordinary person, I would not be here with you in Switzerland,
Canton of Geneva, Commune of—what's the name of the commune this
place belongs to? Never mind—in the heart of democracy, anyhow. A fit
heart for it: no bigger than a parched pen—and worth about as much. I
am no more extraordinary than the rest of us Russians, wandering in
foreign parts.
Peter
No! No! You are not ordinary. I have some experience of Russians
who are—well—living abroad. You appear to me—and to others, as
well, a marked personage.
Razumov (suspiciously)
What do you mean by that?
Peter
You don't suppose, Kirylo Sidorovitch, that I have not heard of
you from various points where you made yourself known on your way
here? I've had letters.
Razumov
Oh, we're great about talking of each other. Gossip, tales,
suspicions, and all that sort of thing, we know how to deal in to
perfection. Calumny, even.
Peter
Heavens! What are you talking about? What reason can you have
to—?
Razumov
I am talking of the poisonous plants that flourish in the world of
conspirators—like evil mushrooms in a dark cellar.
Peter
You are casting aspersions—which as far as you are concerned—
Razumov
No! I cast no aspersions—but it is just as well to have no
illusions—
Peter
The man who says that he has no illusions, has at least that
one.— But I see how it is, you aim at stoicism.
Razumov
Stoicism. That's a pose of the Greeks and the Romans. Let's leave
stoicism to them. We are Russians, that is to say, children, sincere,
cynical if you like. But that's not a pose.
Peter
I'm astonished. Supposing you are right—how can there be any
question of gossip or slander in your case? The fact is there is not
enough known about you to invent gossip, let alone slander. You are a
mystery man.— You have done a great deed. But you have not been
communicative. People who have met you have written me—but I form my
own opinions. You are a man out of the common. That's positively so.
You seem like a man with a secret. You inspire confidence.
Razumov
Spare me.
Peter
You have the airs of Brutus.
Razumov
This is ridiculous. Do you mean to say that revolutionaries are
patricians, and that I am, of all things, an aristocrat?
Peter
Not all patricians, though there are some. But you, at any rate,
are one of us.
Razumov
To be sure, I am not a democratic Jew? How can I help it? I have
no name, I have no—
Peter
But, my dear friend. My dear, Kirylo Sidorovitch—
Razumov
I have no legal right to the name of my father. I don't wish to
claim it. I have no father. But I will tell you what: my mother's
father was a serf. I don't want anyone to claim me. But Russia cannot
disown me. She cannot. I am Russian.
Peter
Hmm! You're proud, aren't you? And, I don't say you have no
justification for it. You are one of us. I allude to your birth only
because I think it is important.
Razumov
I attach some importance to it, also. I won't even deny that it
may have some importance for you, too. But suppose we talk no more of
it.
Peter
We shall not. Not after this one time. This shall be the last
occasion. You cannot believe for a moment that I had the slightest
idea of wounding your feelings. You are clearly a superior nature.
Quite above the common susceptibilities. But the fact is, I don’t know
your susceptibilities. Nobody, outside Russia, knows much of you, as
yet!
Razumov
You have been watching me?
Peter
Yes. Two things I may say to you at once. I believe, first of all,
that neither a leader nor any decisive action will come out of the
people. Everything in a people that is not genuine, not its own by
origin or development—is well, dirt. Intelligence in the wrong place
is dirt. Foreign bred doctrines are dirt. Dirt! Nothing but dirt!—
The second thing I say is this: at this moment there is a chasm
between the past and the future—a chasm that can never be bridged by
foreign liberalism. Bridged it can never be. It must be filled. Do you
understand, enigmatical young man? It has got to be filled up.
Razumov
Don't you think that I have already gone beyond meditation on that
subject? A sacrifice of many lives alone is necessary.
Peter
Let's have some tea. (going to a samovar and pouring some tea for
Razumov) You don't object to being understood—to being guided?
Razumov
In what sense? Be so good as to understand I am a serious person.
What do you take me for?
Peter
You shall know soon enough.
(At this moment, enter Madame, a very well dressed Russian woman of
a certain age who begins speaking immediately.)
Madame
Enfin. Vous voila!
Peter
Yes, here I am. And, I have with me a proven revolutionary—a real
one.
Razumov (aside)
A witch, a veritable witch—with a Parisian dressmaker.
Madame
We have been hearing about you for some time. And you know that
the general complaint is that you are too reserved.
Razumov (ironically)
I am, don't you see, a man of action.
Madame
You see, Kirylo Sidorovitch, I have been shamefully robbed,
(laughing) positively ruined. A slavish nature would find consolation
in the fact that the robber was nothing less than a Grand Duke. Do you
understand, Mr. Razumov?— No! You have no idea what those people are:
downright thieves.
Peter (to Madame)
You will only upset yourself.
Madame
What of that? I say thieves, thieves!
Peter
No power on earth could rob you of your genius.
Razumov (totally at sea)
I really don't understand—
Peter
It's not necessary that you should. If she continues in this vein
she will upset herself.
Madame (raging)
Perfect swindlers—and what base swindlers at that! A family that
counts a creature like Catherine the Great in its ancestry—what can
you expect of Romanoff!
Peter
Please calm yourself.
Madame
Oh, very well. (closing her eyes, she stands perfectly rigid)
(opening her eyes and addressing Razumov) Well, really! You are very
reserved. You haven't said twenty words together.
Razumov
I have been listening, Madame—
Madame
Yes,—you understand me perfectly, I can tell. The discontent must
be spiritualized. That's what ordinary revolutionaries never
understand— because they are not capable of it. For instance, Peter
Ivanovitch brought Mordatiev here last month—you've heard of him.
They call him an eagle—a hero—yet he's never done half as much as
you have. Never attempted half your work. But talk—oh, does he talk.
I have a plan for starting a little something in the Balkans. Do you
know what he said to me? "What have we to do with Balkan intrigues? We
must simply extirpate the scoundrels."— All very well—but what then?
The imbecile! I screamed at him: But you must spiritualize, don't you
understand, spiritualize the discontent.
Razumov
Spiritualize—yes, of course.
Madame
An odious creature. Imagine a man who takes five lumps of sugar in
his tea. "Yes," I said, "spiritualize. How else can you make the
discontent effective and universal?"
Peter
Listen to this, young man. Effective and universal.
Razumov
Some say hunger will do that.
Madame
Yes, I know—but you cannot make famine universal. It is not
despair we want to create. There is nothing to be got out of that.
What we want is indignation!
Razumov
I am not a Mordatiev.
Madame
Bien sur.
Razumov
Though, I, too, am ready to say extirpate. Or more bluntly—kill
them. But, pardon me, Madame, won't a Balkan intrigue take a long
time?
Madame
In matters of politics, I am a spiritualist. A supernaturalist.
(Peter Ivanovitch signals Razumov to discontinue the subject.)
Peter
Eleanor!
Madame (disregarding him)
We have plans—
Peter
Eleanor.
Madame
What is it? Ah, yes—the girl.
Razumov
The girl?
Madame
The sister of your friend: Miss Haldin.
Razumov
I do not know her.
Madame
What are you saying? I understand she was here—talking to you—in
the garden.
Razumov
Yes, in the garden. She made herself known to me.
Madame
And then ran away from us all—after coming to the very door! What
a peculiar proceeding! Well, I was once a shy provincial girl. Yes,
that's my origin. A shy provincial family.
Peter
You are a marvel.
Madame (to Razumov)
You must bring that wild thing here. She is wanted. I reckon upon
your success.
Razumov
She is not a wild young thing.
Madame
All the same. She may be one of these conceited Marxists. Do you
know what I think? I think she is very much like you in character.
There's a fire burning in you—and in her, too. (staring at Razumov) I
can see your very soul.
Razumov (amused but uneasy)
And what do you see?
Madame
I cannot tell you.
Razumov
I myself once saw a phantom.
Madame
Of a dead person?
Razumov
No—living.
Madame
A friend?
Razumov
No.
Madame
An enemy?
Razumov
I hated him.
Madame
Ah, it was not a woman, then?
Razumov
Why should it have been a woman?
BLACKOUT
Razumov
I really have no mind to turn into a dilettante spiritualist, or
spend my time in spiritual ecstasies, or in the gospel of feminism. I
made my way here for my share of action—action! It was not Peter
Ivanovitch the writer and literary lion who attracted me. It was an
idea. There are men in Russia who believe in you so much that it
seems to be the only thing that keeps them alive in their misery.
Think of that.— Of course, I don't speak of the people: they are
animals.
Peter
Say children.
Razumov
No! Animals!
Peter
They are innocent, they are sound.
Razumov
Animals are sound enough. But give them power and you'll see what
they will do. Never mind. Let us pass that subject. There is not a
student group in Russia that meets without your name being whispered.
Not as a writer, but as the center of the revolution. What else has
drawn me, driven me,—yes, driven me to you?
Peter
Ah yes, yes, what else—
Razumov
All these days you have been trying to read me. We Russians are
prone to talk too much. I've always felt that. I assure you that I am
not likely to talk so much again.— It's absurd of me to talk like
this. You must admit, I have not tried to please. But, one thing: I
hope to be of use—but a mere blind tool I can never consent to be.
Peter
The moment of action approaches.
Razumov
Sometimes I think you only talk of action.
Peter
Do not be so impatient. (giving Razumov a paper) Read this.
Razumov
Well, this is more in my line.
Peter
Do you accept the mission?
Razumov
Without a question.
Peter
Then, burn that paper as soon as you have understood your
instructions. You will not discuss it with me again—or with anyone
else. If you have any questions, ask me now.
Razumov (taking the paper to an ashtray and carefully
burning it)
I have none. I understand perfectly.
Peter
You must come to see us again. You must bring along Haldin's
sister, Nathalie Victorovna.
Razumov (uneasily)
What do you want of her?
Peter
Everyone shall be wanted presently.
Razumov
I do not wish to see her suffer the fate of her brother.
Peter
She has more reason than he to wish the revolution. His act was
purely disinterested. She has the additional stimulus of revenge.
Razumov
She's only a woman. A child.
Peter
That is what heroines are made of. Think of Antigone. Of Charlotte
Corday.
Razumov
Can she work with me?
Peter
That will have to be decided later. You must excuse me, my friend,
I have other work to do. Come again, come again.
(Peter Ivanovitch goes out. Razumov prepares to leave, when Sophia,
a kind, plain woman, enters.)
Sophia
What—are you going way? How is that, Razumov?
Razumov
I am going, because I haven't been asked to stay.
Sophia
I have come to bring two gentleman to see Peter Ivanovitch, I've
just managed it. Just got in from Zurich.
Razumov
Yes, of course. And they're from Zurich, too?
Sophia
From quite another direction. From a distance, from a distance.
From America, in fact. The time is drawing near. I did not tell them
who you were. Yakovlitch would have wanted to embrace you.
Razumov (looking out the window)
Is that him, in the long coat?
Sophia
You've guessed it right. That's Yakovlitch.
Razumov
And, they couldn't find their way here without you coming all the
way from Zurich to help them? Truly, as Peter Ivanovitch says, without
women we can do nothing. So it stands written, and apparently it is
so.
Sophia
What is the matter with you?
Razumov
I don't know. Nothing. I've had the devil of a day.
Sophia
What of that? Men are so moody. One day is like another—hard,
hard,— and that's always true—until the great day comes. Peter
Ivanovitch does not know them. I am the only one at hand that
remembers them from the old days. It's natural enough, isn't it?
Razumov
You came to vouch for his identity?
Sophia
Yes, and his character. Fifteen years changes a man. When I think
of Yakovlitch before he went to America! We were not in our first
youth even then. But a man is always a child.
Razumov
You were lovers with him? Why didn't you follow him to America?
Sophia
Fifteen years ago the revolution was very active. You are in it,
but you don't seem to know it. Yakovlitch went to America on a
mission. I went back to Russia to carry on the struggle. After the
police crackdown there was nothing to come back to. A whole generation
had been wiped out.
Razumov
Ah, indeed, nothing!
Sophia
What are you trying to insinuate? Suppose he did get discouraged a
little?
Razumov (at the window)
He looks like a Yankee. A regular Uncle Sam. Well, and you? You
who went to Russia? You did not get discouraged?
Sophia
Never mind me. Yakovlitch is a man who cannot be doubted. He's got
the right stuff.
Razumov
Pardon me, but does that mean you think I don't have the right
stuff? (pause) Is it because I don't accept blindly every development,
such for instance, as the feminism of our great Peter Ivanovitch? If
that is what makes me suspect, then I can only say I scorn to be the
slave, even of an idea.
Sophia
No, no—your ideas are probably all right. You may be valuable,
very valuable. What's the matter with you is that you don't like us.
Razumov
Am I expected to have love as well as convictions?
Sophia (rounding on him)
You know very well what I mean! People have been thinking you are
not quite wholehearted.
Razumov
You are mistaken about that. Your perspicacity is at fault.
Sophia
What phrases he uses! You are like all men: egotistical. You've
had no training either. What you want is to be taken in hand by some
woman. I am sorry I am not staying or I would attend to it myself. I
must go back to Zurich.
Razumov
I am sorry, too. But, all the same, I don't think you understand
me.
Sophia
And, how do you get on with Peter Ivanovitch? You seem to have
seen a good deal of each other. How is it between you?
Razumov
Well enough. But, I'm not sure where I stand with him.
Sophia
No one is. That's all right.
Razumov
Soon you will see him. He will be curious to know what your
impressions are of me.
Sophia
No doubt Peter Ivanovitch will have something to say to me. He is
inclined to trust me. What shall I say to him?
Razumov
I don't know. Tell him of your discovery.
Sophia
What's that?
Razumov
Of my lack of love for revolutionaries.
Sophia
Why, that's between ourselves.
Razumov
I see that you want to tell him something in my favor. Well then,
tell him I am very much in earnest about my mission. I mean to
succeed.
Sophia (surprised)
You have been given a mission?
Razumov
It amounts to that. I have been told to bring about a certain
event.
Sophia
What sort of mission?
Razumov
Something in the nature of propaganda work.
Sophia
Ah,—far away from here.
Razumov
No. Not very far.
Sophia
So! Well, I am not asking questions. It is sufficient that Peter
Ivanovitch should know what each of us is doing. Everything is bound
to come right in the end.
Razumov
You think so?
Sophia
I don't think, young man. I simply believe it.
Razumov
And is it to Peter Ivanovitch that you owe your faith?
Sophia
That's just like a man. As if it were possible to tell how a
belief comes to one. One must believe for pity alone. Millions of
people in Russia would envy the life of dogs in this country. This
cannot go on. No! For twenty years I have been working, looking
neither to the right, nor to the left. You are only at the beginning.
You have begun well—but you must trample down every particle of your
own feelings. You cannot stop. You must work.— Perhaps, you think I
am complaining?
Razumov
I don't think anything of the sort.
Sophia
I dare say you don't, you dear superior creature! You don't
care.— Men are all alike. You mistake luck for merit. Men and women
have been at work constantly for twenty years—looking neither to the
right nor to the left.— What's the use of talking. And here two
babies come along and succeed in striking a great blow at the first
try. Well, I was young once.— What was he like?
Razumov
Who?
Sophia
Haldin. What did he look like?
Razumov
How like a woman. What is the good of concerning yourself with his
appearance? He is beyond all feminine influences now.
Sophia
You suffer, Razumov.
Razumov
What nonsense! Formerly the dead were allowed to rest. Perhaps
Madame could conjure him up for you—for I take it she is a witch.
Sophia
I hope she'll conjure us up some tea.— But, that is by no means
certain. I am tired, Razumov.
Razumov
You tired! What a confession! Well, if you hurry, you may see her,
rather than wasting your time with such an unsatisfactory, sceptical
person as myself. But, as to your being tired, I can hardly believe
it. We are not supposed to be. We mustn't. We cannot. The tireless
activities of the revolutionary parties impresses the world. It's our
only prestige.
Sophia
Flouts and sneers. And what for, pray? Simply because some of his
conventional masculine notions are shocked. One might think you were a
neurotic. But, I have just learned something that makes me think you
are a man of character. Yes, a strong character.
Razumov
If you don't look out, you will certainly miss seeing so much as
the ghost of that tea.
Sophia
Never mind—it will be no great loss. As to the lady, you must
understand that she had her positive uses.
Razumov
Money
Sophia
Lots of it.
Razumov
I see.
Sophia
Material must be obtained in some way. And this is easier than
breaking into banks. More certain, too.
Razumov
I admire Peter Ivanovitch's self sacrifice. It's enough to make
one sick.
Sophia
Squeamish man! Sick! Make him sick! And, what do you know about
it? Peter Ivanovitch knew her years ago when they were both
young. When a man throws off his squeamishness, a woman is no match
for him. But, how seldom. The silliest woman is always useful; because
she is never squeamish.— What are you smiling at, I should like to
know?
Razumov
I am not smiling.
Sophia
Smirking. You made some sort of face.— In life, there is no
choice. You either rot or burn. And a woman prefers to burn than rot.
Razumov
Rot or burn! Perfectly stated. Do tell me. She would be infernally
jealous of him, wouldn't she?
Sophia
Who? What? The Baroness Eleanor Maximovna jealous of Peter
Ivanovitch? Such a thing is not to be thought of.
Razumov
Why? Can't a wealthy old woman be jealous?
Sophia
What put it in your head to ask such a question?
Razumov
Masculine frivolity, if you like.
Sophia
I don't like. It is not the time to be frivolous.— Or, perhaps,
you are only playing a part?
Razumov
Playing a part. It must be done very badly since you see through
me so easily.
Sophia
You are mistaken. I am doing no more than the rest of us.
Razumov
Who is doing what?
Sophia
Everybody.
Razumov
You are a materialist, aren't you?
Sophia
Eh! Dear boy, I have outlived that nonsense.
Razumov
But you must remember—I am sure, "Man is a digestive tube."
Sophia
I spit on that—on materialism.
Razumov
What? But, you cannot ignore the importance of good digestion. The
joy of life, you know—the joy of life depends on a sound stomach.
Whereas, bad digestion inclines one to scepticism—breeds bleak
fancies—thoughts of death. These are facts ascertained by
physiologists. I assure you, that ever since I came here from Russia,
I have been stuffed with indigestible foreign concoctions of the most
nauseating kind—pah!
Sophia
You are joking!
Razumov
Yes, it's all a joke. It's hardly worthwhile talking to a man like
me.
Sophia
On the contrary, I think it is worthwhile. Shallow talk is a
weakness we must pardon in you.
Razumov
Thanks. I don't ask for mercy. But, aren't you afraid Peter
Ivanovitch might suspect us of plotting something unauthorized?
Sophia
No, I am not afraid. You are quite safe from suspicions while you
are with me, my dear young man. Peter Ivanovitch trusts me. He takes
my advice. I am his right hand in certain most important things. Do
you think I am boasting?
Razumov
God forbid! I was only thinking to myself that Peter Ivanovitch
seems to have solved the woman question almost completely.
Sophia (archly)
One doesn't know what to think of you, Razumov. You must have
bitten something sour in your cradle.
Razumov
Hmm! Something sour? That's an explanation. Only, it was much
later.— But we come from the same cradle.
Sophia
Russia? (Razumov nods) Yes. No wonder then. One lies wrapped in
evils for swaddling clothes, watched over by beings that are worse
than ogres. They must be driven away—destroyed utterly. That's how I
came to feel in the end. The great thing is not to quarrel amongst
ourselves over conventional trifles. Remember that, Razumov.
Razumov
I'll try my best.
Sophia
Tell me, is it true that one the very morning of the deed, you
attended classes at the University?
(Razumov is silent.)
Sophia
I know you are not boastful. One must say that for you. You are a
silent, bitter man. You are not an enthusiast. Perhaps, you are the
stronger for that. But you might tell me.
Razumov
Certainly, I went to lectures. But, what makes you ask?
Sophia
I had a letter from a young man in Petersberg, one of us, of
course. You were seen taking notes.
Razumov (warily)
What of it?
Sophia
I call such calmness superb, that's all. Nobody could have
guessed.
Razumov
Oh, no. Nobody could have guessed—because, don't you see, nobody
knew at that time—
Sophia
Yes, yes. But, it takes exceptional fortitude. You looked exactly
as usual. It was remembered afterwards—with wonder.
Razumov
It cost me no effort.
Sophia
More wonderful still! Your intention was to stay in Russia?
Razumov
I had no plans of any sort.
Sophia
You simply walked away.
Razumov
Simply, yes. The snow was coming down very thick, you know. It was
simple enough. I turned into a narrow side street. I felt inclined to
lie down and go to sleep.
Sophia
Right there?
Razumov
Right there. But I went home. Straight to my rooms.
Sophia
You dared?
Razumov
Why not? I assure you, I was perfectly calm. Calmer than I am now,
perhaps.
Sophia
And, nobody in the house saw you return?
Razumov
No one. The landlady was out. The cleaning girl out back, I think.
Fate? Luck? What do you think?
Sophia
I just see it! And then?
Razumov
I looked at my watch, since you want to know. There was just time.
I ran, I flew downstairs. Where would a student be running if not to
his classes. At night it's another matter. It's best not to be seen or
heard. The people that are neither seen nor heard are the lucky ones
in Russia! Don't you admire my luck?
Sophia
Astonishing. If you have luck as well as determination, then
indeed, you are likely to turn out an invaluable acquisition for the
work at hand. And yet, Razumov, you have not the face of a lucky
man.— I suppose it was agreed beforehand that once the business was
over, each of you would go his own way?
Razumov
Was that not the best thing? We did not give much thought to what
would come after. We never discussed, formally, any line of conduct.
It was understood.
Sophia
But, to stay in Russia?
Razumov
It was the only safe course for me. Moreover, I had nowhere else
to go. Actually, if Haldin had gone about his business as I did, I
don't believe he would have been taken.
Sophia
Yes, yes. You don't know what this wonderful Haldin intended?
Perhaps, he might wish to get in touch with you?
Razumov (shrugging helplessly)
I stayed home the next day. You are aware, I suppose, that I was
not seen the next day at lectures.
Sophia
I see. It must have been trying enough.
Razumov
You seem to understand one's feelings. It was trying. It was
horrible. It was an atrocious day. It was not the last.
Sophia
Yes, I understand. Afterwards, when you heard they had got him.
It's like losing a brother. One is ashamed to be a survivor. And, I
can remember so many. Never mind! They will be avenged soon. And
besides, what is death? It is not a shameful thing, like some kinds of
life.
Razumov
Some kinds of life—
Sophia
Life, Razumov, not to be vile, must be a revolt—a pitiless
protest— all the time. You understand me, Razumov. You are not an
enthusiast, but there is an immense force of hate in you. I feel it.
Directly I set eyes on you, back in Berlin, I felt it. You are full of
bitterness—and that is good. Love of one's fellow man flags
sometimes; but an uncompromising sense of hate, a sense of necessity
and justice armed you to strike down that fanatical brute—for it was
nothing but that! It could have been nothing but that!
Razumov
I can't speak for the dead, but as for myself, I can assure you
that my conduct was dictated by necessity and by the sense—well, of
retributive justice. No pity.
Sophia
Listen to my story, Razumov. My father was a working man. He
protested his wages and he was knouted by the Cossacks. I was still a
child. But from that moment, I was a revolutionary. I was sixteen when
I went to the secret societies. I went as soon as I knew how to find
my way. And look at my white hair. There's a lot of it. I had
magnificent hair, even when I was a chit of a girl. Only in those
days, we cut it short in protest. It was a first step towards crushing
the infamy. A fine watchword.
Razumov
You are eloquent, Sophia Antonovna. Only so far, you seem to have
been writing in water.
Sophia
Who knows? Very soon, it may become a fact written all over that
great land of ours. And then one will have lived long enough. White
hair won't matter.— We shall not meet again very soon, I think. I am
leaving tomorrow.
Razumov
For Zurich?
Sophia
Yes, and perhaps farther on, after that. When I think of all my
journeys, the last must come someday.
CURTAIN
Sophia
This is Razumov.
N. N.
Oh, yes! Razumov. We have been hearing of nothing but Mr. Razumov
for months. For my part, I would rather see Mr. Haldin on this spot
than Mr. Razumov.
Razumov (angrily)
What's the meaning of this?
Sophia
Tut! N. N.—that's what we call him, he had no other name, just
initials—is always like that.
N. N.
What now? What now? I am only sincere. It is not denied that
Haldin was the leading spirit. I am not a sentimentalist. It would
have been better if Haldin had been spared to us. I say what I think.
Sophia (to Razumov)
Pay no attention to him. It's his way of dramatizing himself.
Razumov
Don't concern yourself. (laughing) Don't mention it. (suddenly
serious) Enough of this! I will have no more of it. I can see what you
are at with these allusions. Inquire—investigate! I defy you. I will
not be played with—I won't have it.
Sophia
Calm yourself, Razumov. What is the matter with you? Don't shout.
(to N. N. and Yakovlitch) Go away. Leave him to me.
(Yakovlitch and N. N. go out.)
Sophia
Take care, Razumov. If you go on like this, you will go mad. You
are angry with everybody—and with yourself—and on the look out for
something to torment yourself with.
Razumov
It's intolerable. You must admit I can have no illusions as to the
attitude with which I am regarded. It is only too clear.
Sophia (getting water)
A glass is water is what you want. It's you, my dear, who are
flinging yourself at something which does not exist. What is it? Self
reproach or what? It's absurd. You were under no duty to give yourself
up because your comrade was taken. On the contrary.
Razumov
Apparently, I was under such a duty. Why else does everyone look
on me with such suspicion?
Sophia
No one—no one has been shown so much confidence from the very
first.
Razumov
It would be rude, but I feel like laughing in your face.
Sophia
You will soon be given an opportunity to show your devotion.— As
to what remains obscure in the fate of poor Haldin—well, I have a bit
of intelligence. You remember the letter I spoke of?
Razumov
The letter? Perfectly. Some busybody was reporting my conduct on a
certain day. No doubt the secret police are greatly edified when they
open and read these interesting and superfluous letters.
Sophia
The Okhrana does not get hold of our letters so easily as you
imagine —or as easily as they would like. This was hand carried to
England for mailing.
Razumov
I'm impressed.
Sophia
The writer relates an incident that may be connected with Haldin.
I intended to tell you when N. N. and Yakovlitch came along.
Razumov
That was also an incident of a very charming kind.
Sophia (losing patience)
Leave off that! Nobody cares for N. N.'s barking. There's no
malice in him.
Razumov
No malice? Why he's murdered several people!
Sophia
Spies, by order of the Central Committee.— Listen to what I have
to say. There was a peasant in Petersberg who owned houses—he was not
an ordinary man of his class. He lived in a brothel.— Did Haldin ever
speak to you of that house?
Razumov
Yes. He mentioned it to me once. He used to visit some workmen
there.
Sophia
Exactly. In a stable.
Razumov
No doubt. It was probably the cleanest spot in the whole house.
Sophia
The driver associated with burglars. Some of them got captured,
and it is suggested that they gave information to the police.
Razumov
About what?
Sophia
Did your friend ever mention a certain Ziemianitch?
Razumov
To be sure. It was one of the last conversations we had together.
Sophia
Shortly before—?
Razumov
How could it have been after?
Sophia
And he spoke of him favorably?
Razumov
With enthusiasm—as a free spirit. Haldin was inclined to take
unexpected fancies to people—on insufficient grounds.
Sophia
There! That settles it. The suspicions of my correspondent were
aroused.
Razumov
By this Ziemianitch? Probably a drunkard.
Sophia
You talk as if you knew him.
Razumov
No. But I knew Haldin.
Sophia
I see. Well, this Ziemianitch was found dead one morning—hanging
from a hook in the stable. Do you begin to see?
Razumov
Some of them end like that. What is your idea?
Sophia
Remorse. He was a Judas. Your friend had a plan to save
himself—at least to get out of Petersberg. And that fellow with his
horses were part of the plan.
Razumov
It's possible. It's possible.
Sophia (intuitively)
I'm sure of it. He may have betrayed Haldin deliberately or
through indiscretion—who can tell? A man like that would be capable
of anything.
Razumov
Haldin, in any event, misplaced his trust.
Sophia
It is right now to make this evidence generally known. I have it
in my pocket now.
Razumov
Tell me, please. Was this investigation ordered?
Sophia
No, no. There you go again with your sensitivity. Don't you see,
there was nothing to investigate? A perfect blank. That's why people
were receiving you cautiously. It was all so mysterious—
Razumov
A pious person would say the hand of God has done it all.
Sophia
My poor father would have said that. Not that his God ever helped
him or the people. Anyway, it's done.
Razumov
All this would be quite final, if there was any certitude that
Haldin was the person who associated with this Ziemianitch.
Sophia
Oh, that's certain. My correspondent was very familiar with his
appearance.
Razumov
If that is so—
Sophia
The creature has done justice on himself.
Razumov
What? Ah, yes! Remorse.
Sophia
Don't be harsh. He was a man of the people. The simple Russian
soul is never completely impenitent. It's something to know that.
Razumov
Consoling.
Sophia
Leave off railing! Women, children, and revolutionaries hate
irony—it negates all faith. Don't rail! Leave off—I don't know how
it is, but there are moments when you are abhorrent to me.
Razumov
There are moments when I am abhorrent to myself.
Sophia
Don't mind me—
Razumov
I don't mind. I rather like you.
Sophia
Do you know Ziemianitch thought the devil was after him? A young
man in a black coat had beaten him while he was dead drunk in the
stable?
Razumov
The devil?
Sophia
The actual devil.
Razumov
But you, Sophia Antonovna, you don't believe in the veritable
devil?
Sophia
Do you? Not that we don't have men worse than devils in Russia.
Razumov
And, this dark young man—
Sophia
Never seen before or afterwards.— Why are you smiling, Razumov?
Razumov
At the devil being young after all these ages. But, how was he
able to describe him, if he was dead drunk at the time?
Sophia
Oh, the Madame saw him.
Razumov
Does she believe it was the devil, too?
Sophia
Who knows. What's your opinion?
Razumov
Some police hound in disguise. Who else would beat a helpless man
so unmercifully?
Sophia
Who indeed? Well, I am going. But first, I will take to Peter
Ivanovitch. Good luck, young man.
(Sophia Antonovna goes out. After a moment N. N. comes in. Razumov
and N. N. stare at each other.)
N. N. (after assuring himself that they are alone)
You are succeeding wonderfully, Razumov. You have even convinced
Sophia Antonovna.
Razumov
What do you mean?
N. N.
She's completely taken in. And, she is the key to everything.
(pause) General Tulayev has ordered me to tell you that your
father died recently and has left you a substantial legacy. You are
indeed fortunate.
Razumov
Yes, this is a day of wonders.
BLACKOUT
Nathalie
Will you come in for a moment?
Sophia
It's too late.
Nathalie
You know my mother likes you so much.
Sophia
I will just come in to hear how your mother is.
Nathalie
I don't know how I will explain to her that I could not find Mr.
Razumov. She has taken it into her head that I am concealing
something from her. You may be able to persuade her.
Sophia
Your mother may mistrust me, too.
Nathalie
You! She respects you terribly.
Sophia
I am going. I have work to do.
Nathalie
You always have work.
Sophia
We're revolutionaries. Tell your mother I hope she is better.
(Sophia Antonovna leaves. Nathalie looks around and after a moment,
Razumov enters from an inner room.)
Razumov
Good evening, Miss Haldin.
Nathalie
Mr. Razumov, I have been looking for you everywhere.
Razumov
Perhaps you are surprised at this late hour. But, you see, I
remembered our conversation. I thought it was really your wish—and
your mother's wish that I should—so I came. No other reason. Simply
to tell—to tell what I have heard myself only today.
Nathalie
Yes, yes—I am very grateful to you for coming at once—like this.
Only, I wish I had— Did mother tell you?
Razumov
I wonder what she could tell me that I didn't always know?
Nathalie
What is it that you always knew?
Razumov
If it had not been for a word of greeting or two, I would doubt
whether your mother was aware of my presence, you understand?
Nathalie
Yes. Isn't it heartbreaking? She has not shed a tear—not a single
tear.
Razumov
Not a tear! And you, Nathalie Victorovna, have you been able to
cry?
Nathalie
I have. I am young enough to believe in the future. But, when I
see my mother so terribly distracted, I almost forget everything. I
ask myself whether I should feel proud or only resigned.— Many people
have presented their respects—utter strangers. It was impossible to
keep our door shut. There was much sympathy, but some exulted openly
at my brother's death. But it isn't worth it. It isn't worth the price
she is paying for it. I thought that you were the only person who
could assist me.
Razumov
In comforting a bereaved mother? But, there is a question of
fitness— has that occurred to you?
Nathalie
Why? Who more fit than you?
Razumov
Indeed! Even before seeing me. It is another proof of that
confidence which—never mind. Men are poor creatures, Nathalie
Victorovna. They have no intuition. To speak fittingly to a mother who
has lost her son, a man must have some experience of the filial
relation. It is not the case with me. That does not mean I am
insensible—
Nathalie (warmly)
I am certain your heart is not unfeeling.
Razumov
No. My heart is not as hard as stone. No, not so hard. But, how to
prove what you give me credit for—ah!—that's another matter. No one
has asked such a thing of me before. No one whom my tenderness would
have been any use to. And now, you come. You! Now! No, Nathalie
Victorovna—it's too late. You must expect nothing from me.
Nathalie
What do you mean?
Razumov
You have given yourself up to illusions while I have managed to
remain in the reality of life—our Russian life.
Nathalie
A cruel reality.
Razumov
And ugly. Don't forget that. Very ugly. Look where you like. Look
near you—look back at home. Ugly. All the same.
Nathalie
One must look beyond the present.
Razumov
The blind can do that best. I have had the misfortune to be born
clear-sighted. And, if you only knew what strange things I have seen.
What amazing and unexpected apparitions! But, why talk of all this?
Nathalie
On the contrary, I want to talk of all this with you. Yes, with
you especially. With you of all the people in the world. It is in you
that we can find all that is left of his generous soul. We are unable
to give up our beloved dead. (Razumov makes a hasty gesture of
leaving) You are going?
Razumov
I? Where to? Yes, I am going. But, I must tell you first—a story.
A story that I heard this afternoon.
Nathalie
I know the story already.
Razumov
You know it? Have you correspondents in St. Petersberg also?
Nathalie
No, no. I head it from Sophia Antonovna.
Razumov
I told your mother most of it. She has not shed a tear. She no
longer belongs to this world.
Nathalie
You don't know how bad it had come to be. She expects to see
him.— It will end by her seeing him.
Razumov
Hmm! That's very possible. I wonder what—
Natalie That would be the end. Her mind will be gone, and then her spirit will follow.
Razumov
You think so? No! There's neither truth nor consolation to be got
from phantoms of the dead. I intended to tell her something true—that
your brother meant to save his life—to escape. There can be no doubt
of that. But, I didn't tell her.
Nathalie
You didn't! But, why?
Razumov
I don't know. Other thoughts came into my head. You were not
there. I made up my mind never to see you again.
Nathalie
For what reason?
Razumov
I think that I refrained from telling your mother from—prudence.
Yes, from prudence. I might have told her that he mentioned you both.
Nathalie
Some day you must.
Razumov
He was with me.— He said that you had trustful eyes. Why I have
not been able to forget that phrase, I don't know. He meant that you
have no guile, no deception—that there is nothing in your heart that
could give you a conception of a living, acting, speaking lie—if it
ever came in your way. You are a predestined victim. That's a
distasteful thought. You don't understand? Why should you? Very well,
so you talked with Sophia Antonovna?
Nathalie
Yes—she spoke very highly of you.
Razumov
Did she? Things are going well, then. Everything conspires in my
favor.— You know Peter Ivanovitch intends to get hold of you?
Nathalie
Get hold of me?
Razumov
Turn you into one of his inspired feminist revolutionary
automatons. To carry on your brother's work, I am sure. Does the idea
appeal to you?
Nathalie
I really don't know.
Razumov
You know, Nathalie Victorovna, I have the greatest difficulty in
avoiding belief in a special Providence. It's irresistible. Or the
devil, perhaps. But if so, he had overdone it altogether—that Old
Father of Lies—our national patron, our domestic god—whom we take
with us when we venture abroad.
Nathalie
What is it, Kirylo Sidorovitch? Why are you looking at me like
this? I have approached you frankly. But, now that you have come to us
in your kindness—you alarm me. You speak in riddles. It seems as if
you were keeping something from me.
Razumov
Indeed, everything about you is beautiful, Nathalie Victorovna. I
wish I could know the innermost depths of your soul, your feelings—
Nathalie
That is kind of you—
Razumov
Have no fear. It is not to betray you. Tell me—do you believe in
remorse?
Nathalie
What a question!
Razumov
You are right. What can you know of it? It is not a person like
you— What I meant to ask is do you believe remorse can be effective?
Nathalie (sincerely)
Yes.
Razumov
Then, the man who betrayed your brother was redeemed—absolved—by
hanging himself?
Nathalie
Yes.
Razumov
Still—he was a brute.
Nathalie
A man of the people.
Razumov
And the people must be forgiven. That's what Peter Ivanovitch
says.
Nathalie
We must all be forgiven.— You are concealing something from me.
Razumov
Do you also believe in a duty of revenge?
Nathalie
The future will be merciful to us all. Revolutionaries and
reactionaries—betrayers and betrayed. They shall all be pitied.
Pitied and forgotten.
Razumov
No revenge for you, then? Never? Not the least bit? Strange—that
does not make it easier.— Do you know why I came to see you?
Nathalie
Something troubles your soul.
Razumov
It is simply because there was no one else in the whole world I
could go to. Do you understand what I say? No one to go to. Do you
conceive the desolation of the thought—no one to go to? An hour after
I first saw you, I knew how it would be. The terrors of remorse,
revenge—are like nothing to the terrors—to the atrocious temptation
you put before me.
Nathalie (becoming excited)
Explain to me, explain to me what you mean!
Razumov
There is no more to tell. It ends on this very spot.
Nathalie (very disturbed)
It is impossible to be more unhappy. It is impossible. I feel my
heart is like ice.
Razumov
The most trusting eyes in the world your brother said of you—when
he was as good as a dead man. And, when you stood before me the other
day, with your hand extended, I remembered the very sound of his
voice. But, don't be deceived—I believed that I had in my breast
nothing but an inexhaustible hatred for you both.
Nathalie (quietly)
Why?
Razumov
Because he looked to you as the perpetuation of his life. He! The
man who robbed me in an instant of my hardworking, purposeful
existence. I, too, had my guiding idea— But enough of that. Hate or
no hate, when I saw you, I knew I could never drive away your image.
This is his revenge. He haunts me in you. You were appointed to undo
the evil by making me betray myself back into truth and peace. You!
And, you have done it in the same way in which he ruined me—by
forcing upon me your confidence. Only what I found detestable in him,
in you I find noble.— But don't be deceived. I have suffered from as
many vipers in my heart— Listen—now comes the true confession. The
other was nothing. Just the beginning. Your brother had stolen my
life— I had nothing else in this world—and he was living on through
you. And do you know what I said to myself? I WILL STEAL HIS SISTER'S
SOUL! Yes, I thought by speaking to me of her trustful eyes he himself
has delivered her into my hands.— If you could have looked into my
heart you would have cried out with terror—with horror. Perhaps you
don't believe such baseness is possible? I was possessed. I gloated
over the idea. And then, this poor Ziemianitch hanged himself—as if
to help me further my plans for crime. The strength of falsehood
seemed irresistible. You could not suspect me.— I saw you were
defenseless. It saved me, your innocence. I began to feel that I loved
you. And to tell you that, I must first confess. Confess, and then
perish. You have freed me from hate. I suffer horribly—but I am not
in despair. In giving your brother up, it was myself, after all, whom
I betrayed most basely. You must believe what I say now— You cannot
refuse to believe this. I simply lack the courage to be either a good
man or a scoundrel.
(Nathalie gestures toward him without saying a word.)
CURTAIN
Epilogue
A bleak deserted park. It is winter but no snow has fallen. Trees are barren. General Tulayev sits on a bench reading a newspaper. From time to time he looks at his watch. Precisely as a distant Church bell rings N. N. approaches and stops before the General.
N. N.
I am on time?
General
To the minute. You were not followed?
N. N.
No. They trust me. Especially after the exposure of Mr. Razumov.
General
How did that come about?
N. N.
I believe he fell in love with Haldin's sister. She's quite
attractive. He confessed to her.
General
Did she expose him?
N. N.
No, she said nothing. But apparently confessing to one person was
not enough for him. At a meeting we had a few nights later he took it
upon himself to exonerate Ziemianitch, because suspicion had fallen on
him as Haldin's betrayer.
General
What folly! He was lucky he wasn't killed on the spot.
N. N.
After such an orgy of sincerity he obviously was harmless. But
several of the comrades were indignant and inflicted a beating on
him. As a result of the beating he was rendered deaf.
General (looking piercingly at N. N.)
I heard it was you who did that. You know the trick of bursting
ear drums.
N. N. (after a brief silence, quite nonchalantly)
After that he ran out into the street and was almost immediately
struck by a motor vehicle.
General
It was not Mr. Razumov's lucky day.
N. N.
He couldn't hear the car approach. He is a horrible cripple and
stone deaf at that.
General (after a pause)
What else?
N. N.
Several things. Miss Haldin is returning to Russia.
General
On a mission?
N. N.
Not so far as I can tell. She wants to do volunteer work among
the poor.
General
She'll be carefully watched. What else?
N. N.
Peter Ivanovitch stands to inherit Madame's fortune when she dies.
And she's very ill.
General
We know that.
N. N.
If we could prevent it?
General
How?
N. N.
By either destroying her will, or better yet forging one.
General
Then that nest of vipers would be left without funds. That's an
idea I like. Can you manage it?
N. N.
Of course. But I'd expect to be well rewarded.
General
Of course. We must talk about this in detail.
N. N.
It would be convenient if Madame were to die as soon as the
forgery is prepared.
(The General nods. They walk off together.)
CURTAIN