Etext by Dagny
Etext by Dagny
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A gallery with arcades splendidly lit and decorated, giving on the
right to the reception rooms of the palace—to the left, the office of
the Governor of Moscow. Doors to the right and left. To the left a vast
bay window giving on a large balcony.
(Diverse groups to the right, near the door, watch the dancing.
The
orchestra can be heard.)
Aide de Camp
The halls can hardly hold the crowd of guests!
General Kizov
Yes, and the groups of dancers will end by overflowing right into
the gallery. It's magnificent.
Jollivet
Who is the traveler who would dare speak of the Russian chill?
General Kizov
The Russia of July is not the Russia of January, Mr. Jollivet.
Jollivet
Surely not, but one would think that the Governor had transported
Moscow to the tropics. This winter garden which links the private
apartments of His Excellency to the great reception halls is really
marvelous!
General Kizov
What do you think of this party, Mr. Reporter?
Jollivet (opening his notebook)
Here's what I am about to telegraph, General. “The Governor of
Moscow's party given in honor of His Majesty, the Emperor of all the
Russias—splendid.”
General Kizov
Marvelous! The French papers are speaking well of us. It will be
the same with the English papers, I think, thanks to your colleague,
Mr. Blount.
Jollivet
The proud and irascible Mr. Blount, who pretends that England, this
queen of the universe, as he calls her, and the Morning Post, the king
of newspapers, as he styles it, must always know first all that happens
on the terrestrial globe!
General Kizov
Ah, hold on, here he is.
Jollivet
I was speaking just now about you, Mr. Blount.
Blount
Oh, it was a great honor—
Jollivet
Why, no, no!
Blount
—you were doing yourself.
Jollivet
Thanks—he is charming. Admit, Mr. Blount, that if you have, as I
don't doubt, a heart of gold, the mind is extremely tough.
Blount
Mr. Jollivet, when a good English reporter leaves his country, he
must bring lots of money, good eyes, good ears, a strong stomach—and
leave his heart with his family.
Jollivet
And that's the way you teach, Mr. Blount?
Blount
Yes! And if you will allow me—
Jollivet
Without the least sympathy for a colleague from across the channel?
Blount
If you will allow me, Mr. Jollivet, and if you don't allow me, it's
all the same.
Jollivet
You are absolutely frank and good-natured.
(Music outside.)
General Kizov
If I'm not mistaken, gentlemen, these Russians who asked to be
heard at the Governor's ball are beginning their concert. I invite you
to listen to this! It's very curious.
Jollivet
Certainly, certainly, General.
(The General heads towards the salon, and the guests crowd around
the
door. Blount and Jollivet remain on stage.)
Jollivet (sitting)
My word, it's hot over there, I'm staying here. (Blount sits on the
other side, pulls out his notebook and starts writing) Allow me, Mr.
Blount, to risk a phrase completely French. This little party is really
“charmante.”
Blount (coldly)
I've already telegraphed “splendid” to the readers of the Morning
Post.
Jollivet
Very fine. But, in the midst of this splendor, there's a black
spot. They are whispering of a Tartar rising that threatens the
Siberian provinces. Also, I thought I must write to my charming cousin.
Blount (frigidly)
Cousin? Ah, Mr. Jollivet corresponds with his cousin?
Jollivet
Yes, Mr. Blount, yes. You correspond with your paper, I with my
cousin, Madeleine. It's more gallant! Besides, she likes to be informed
quickly and well, my cousin. I thought it my duty to remark to her that
a sort of cloud passed over the face of the Governor.
Blount
On the contrary, his face was radiant.
Jollivet (laughing)
And you made it shine in the columns of the Morning Post.
Blount (drily)
What I telegraph interests my paper and myself alone, Mr. Jollivet.
Jollivet
Your paper and you alone, Mr. Blount? Well! That's an admission
that it doesn't interest your readers!
Blount (furious)
Mr. Jollivet!
Jollivet (smiling)
Mr. Blount!
Blount
You are always mocking me, and I don't permit it, understand? I
don't permit it.
Jollivet
Why, no, no!
(The Governor, the General, guests and officers return.)
Governor
Bravo! Bravo! These Gypsies are really unique and deserve their
reputation. (to reporters) Ah, gentlemen, you were at your post to hear
them!
Jollivet
They are charming, Governor. It's what my friend and colleague was
just now telling me.
Blount
Colleague, yes—friend, no.
Governor (laughing)
There are some pretty girls there who will make their fortune.
(going towards the left after having taken the arm of General Kizov)
Jollivet
Say, Mr. Blount, he really does have a joyous air, the Governor. He
must be terribly uneasy. What do you think of it, Mr. Blount?
Blount (drily)
What I think doesn't concern you.
(They separate and mix with other groups.)
Governor (to General Kizov)
There's talk of a Tartar rising, General?
General Kizov
Yes, and perhaps, more than I care for! I wouldn't be surprised if
those two reporters, after leaving this ball, go to exercise their
profession of chroniclers on the other side of the frontier.
Governor
They know, without a doubt, this serious news of a rising which is
throwing half of Asia on the other—the line is fluctuating between
Moscow and Irkutsk?
General Kizov
Yes, Your Excellency can requisition it for the government's use
and deny it to the public.
Governor
That's unnecessary. The important thing was that the Grand Duke,
now at Irkutsk, be warned. He knows that Feofar Khan, the Emir of
Bukhara has raised the Tartar population. That at his call, they have
invaded Siberia. But he also knows, from our last telegram, that our
troops from the Northern Provinces are now on their way to help him. He
knows the exact day when this army will arrive in sight of Irkutsk, and
when he must make a general sortie to destroy the Tartars.
General Kizov
Our troops will easily teach these hordes of savages.
Governor
What astonishes me is that Feofar was able to conceive the plan of
rising, and put it into execution. When he first attempted to invade
our Siberian provinces, he had this Colonel Ivan Ogareff to second
him—who is now paying for his treason in the Citadel of Polstock—but
this time, the Khan of Tartars, left to his own devices, no longer has
Ogareff around him—and I cannot figure out—
(Ivan comes from the salon and is approached by the Governor.
Sangarre
and his gypsies remain at the back. The reporters and the officers
talk to each other.)
Ivan (disguised as a gypsy and speaking in the most horrible tone)
Governor, sir—milord.
Governor
What is it? Ah, it's you—old gypsy! What do you want with me?
Ivan
I want to ask Your Excellency if you are satisfied with the Gypsies
for whom you wanted to reserve a place in the program of the
festivities?
Governor
Enchanted, and I like to believe, that from your tone, you have no
reason to complain. Well refreshed, well paid?
Ivan
Yes, milord, yes! Also, I didn't want to take leave of Your
excellency without having humbly thanked you. Sangarre joins with me.
Governor
Sangarre! Ah, that pretty girl I notice over there?
Ivan (gesturing for Sangarre to join them)
Yes. Sangarre is the real supervisor of the gypsies, Excellency! To
her belong the greatest share of the compliments you've deigned to
address toward them.
(Sangarre remains standing proudly fixed, without saying a word.)
Governor
She doesn't speak Russian?
Ivan
Alas, no, milord. As for me, an old gypsy—I am their factotum. I
organize the concerts, I arrange for parties. Without me, the little
troupe would often be embarrassed. It's on that subject I've come to
solicit a favor from Your Excellency.
Governor
What about?
Ivan
Tomorrow, the festivities in honor of the Tsar will be finished.
We'll then have nothing more to do here and our intention is to cross
the frontier.
Governor
Ah, you want to return to Siberia?
Ivan
It's almost my country, Excellency. Then the frontier will be
crowded with all those merchants of Asiatic origin who are returning to
their provinces. They will be stopped at each moment at police posts
and—
Governor
Well, isn't your passport in order?
Ivan
Doubtless, milord—but Your Excellency knows better than I that a
passport in order doesn't exist in Russia. It is always missing some
little thing! While if Your Excellency, who has deigned to express
satisfaction with us, wished to give me a—special—adorned with his
signature—with that precious talisman—no obstacle to fear and I could
leave in advance, so as to prepare halting places for our troupe.
Governor
So be it. You and yours are brave folks who have given great
pleasure to the new palace and I will refuse nothing to be agreeable to
you.
Ivan
I humbly kiss the Hands of Your Excellency.
Governor
And, when do you expect to leave Moscow?
Ivan
Tomorrow—at break of day, milord, before the gates of the city are
crowded by the thousands of foreigners who are going to leave.
Governor
Well, tell this pretty girl, your companion, that nothing shall
delay your trip or hers. I am going, first of all, to have your
passport prepared—and this one—will really be in order.
(The Governor goes to the left. The General goes toward the
invited
guests.)
Ivan (straightening up after having looked around to see no one
observes him) And in a few days, I shall have crossed the border.
Sangarre
And it's then, Ivan, you'll be really free.
Ivan
Free! I am free already, thanks to you, who helped me escape from
the fortress of Polstock where the Czar, whom I hate, kept me
previously. It's through you, through your devoted gypsies that I've
been able to correspond with Feofar Khan! It's thanks to you, finally,
that I've been able to penetrate the Governor's palace, and that I am
going to obtain this passport without which I'd never be able to cross
the border to rejoin the armies of the Emir! Sangarre, I won't forget
it.
Sangarre
Since the day you saved me, during that war in Khiva, when Colonel
Ivan Ogareff gave back life to the gypsy the Russians were going to
knout as a spy—the gypsy has belonged to him body and soul. She's
become the mortal enemy of these Russians, and she hates them as much
as you hate them yourself. Ivan, there's nothing of the Muscovite in
you. How your shoulder still bleeds at the place where they tore off
the epaulettes as my shoulder still bleeds where the knout tore it.
Ivan
Fear nothing, my vengeance will march in pair with yours.
Sangarre
Oh—I'll find that Siberian again. That Marfa Strogoff who
denounced me to the Russians. I will find her even if I must go to
seize her into Kolyvan which the Tartars will soon seize.
Ivan
As they will seize Irkutsk, led by me to the assault of that
capital. Ah, cursed Grand Duke in breaking my soul, in making me
prisoner—you made the first rising that I organized fail—But I am
free now! Nothing can save Irkutsk, and then you can die an infamous
death under the walls of the city in flames.
Sangarre
Yes, but we must avoid all delay, and this passport promised by the
governor—
Ivan
In five minutes I will have it, and I will rush in a single bound
from Moscow to the outposts of the Emir. Take care—they are coming.
Governor (returning from the left with a passport in his hand)
Here—are you satisfied? (gives passport to Ivan)
Ivan (after reading it)
Ah! Excellency, with such a passport, one can pass anywhere.
There's nothing missing.
Governor
Except my signature, and I am going to sign it right now.
(The Governor goes to the table and takes a pen. An Aide de Camp
enters.)
Aide de Camp
A message for his Excellency.
(The Aide de Camp gives a sealed message to the Governor, who
reads
it.)
Sangarre
But, he isn't signing it—
Ivan (low)
Patience!
Governor (to the General whom he leads to the left)
General, we were speaking just now of Colonel Ivan Ogareff?
Sangarre (to Ivan)
Your name!
Ivan (low)
Shut up!
General Kizov
That traitor who was deprived of his rank and condemned to death
for having fomented a previous rising of the Tartars?
Governor
Yes, Ogareff—whose punishment was commuted by the Emperor to a
perpetual detention in the fortress of Polstock. Well, he's recently
escaped from his prison. Here's what they write me from the cabinet in
St. Petersburg: “Ivan Ogareff has fled—we must put all our police on
his track.”
General Kizov
We must very strictly watch the frontier, so that, without a
passport, he won't be able to escape.
Governor (sitting at the table and writing)
Let orders be transmitted without delay. It's necessary that the
Grand Duke be warned very soon, for this letter from the Minister
reveals, from correspondence seized after Ogareff's escape, that this
traitor's plan is to penetrate Irkutsk, and if he succeeds in it, it's
death for the Grand Duke, the object of his personal hate.
Ivan (to Sangarre)
Why, do they know everything? Come. (approaching the Governor)
Excellency!
Governor
What do you want from me? Who dares to—?
Ivan
Pardon, milord.
Governor
Ah! It's you! Well! Well! Wait— (he continues to write)
Ivan (low)
What's he going to decide?
Governor (rising, to General)
Send out this despatch. Thanks to it, that wretch will not cross
the frontier—and you (Ivan bows) wait, here's your permit. No one will
hinder your way.
Ivan (with irony)
Milord, you'll never know all the thanks I owe you.
Governor
That's fine, that's fine, go.
Ivan (aside)
Come, Sangarre. Free now, soon avenged.
(Ivan, Sangarre and all the gypsies leave by the door at the left.
At
the same time as Jollivet and Blount enter from the right.
Governor (to guests)
Well, gentlemen, don't you hear the orchestra calling you? Are you
going to allow the foreign press to say that a celebration given in
honor if His Majesty didn't last until dawn? We have here,
correspondents, who I am sure of it, note our least impression.
Jollivet
Sir, reports are curious, but not indiscreet.
Blount
Curious, always—indiscreet, never—the English reporters—never!
Jollivet
Besides, what concerns me is I count on leaving Moscow after the
ball, and I beg Your Excellency to receive my sincere regrets.
Blount
I beg you to receive mine also, before—
Jollivet (laughing)
Yes, those of this gentleman—before your benevolent greeting.
Governor
Which way does your path take you gentlemen?
Blount
Me—to Siberia.
Jollivet
Same as me. We are going to travel together, dear colleague!
Blount
At the same time, yes—together, no.
Jollivet
Always charming, Mr. Blount!
Governor
Good, I understand. There's talk of agitation in Tartary, but it's
not worth the trouble of your bothering about.
Jollivet
Pardon, Excellency, my job is to see everything.
Blount
Mine—to see and hear everything—before hand.
Jollivet
And my paper—I mean—my cousin is very greedy of the news which
she will receive first.
Blount
The Morning Post will receive—
Jollivet
In advance? Impossible, dear colleague—women are always served
first.
Governor
In any case, gentlemen, you belong to me until dawn. Indeed, I
intend that having assisted at the official celebration, you shall
assist at the popular celebration from the height of this
balcony—which will start any minute.
Jollivet
So be it! We will leave tomorrow! If you will allow me, I'll make
you a proposition, Mr. Blount. We are rivals.
Blount
Enemies, sir!
Governor (laughing)
Enemies!
Jollivet
Enemies, it's agreed.—But, let's wait to open the hostilities
until we are on the battlefield. Once there, everyone for himself—and
God for—
Blount
And God for you! For you alone! Very fine. That's the way it goes?
No!—That won't go.
Jollivet
Then, war immediately—but I'm a good fellow. (taking Blount by the
arm and leading him aside) I announce to you, little brother, as the
Russians say, that the Tartars have crossed the Irtuki River.
Blount
Ah, you think that the Tartars—
Jollivet
If I tell you so, my dear enemy, it's because I've telegraphed the
news to my cousin yesterday evening—at 7:45. (laughs) Ha, ha, ha.
Blount
And as for me, yesterday evening I telegraphed the Morning Post at
7:30. Ha, ha, ha!
Jollivet
I'll repay you for that, my big Mr. Blount.
Blount
You are still mocking, sir?
Jollivet
Well, no, my good little Mr. Blount. There.
Blount
Still mocking!
Jollivet
No.
Blount (furious)
You're mocking, I tell you! You mock, sir. You are a bad,
villainous man, a nasty piece of work! You are a — (tranquilly) What
do you call a person without politeness?
Jollivet
An impertinent.
Blount (tranquilly)
Impertinent. Very well! Thanks. (resuming his furious tone) You are
an impertinent. Do you understand?
Jollivet
Very well.
Blount
And if you continue—
Jollivet
And if I continue?
Blount
I'll end up killing you one day.
Jollivet
Kill me? I don't understand—
Blount
Yes—kill you with a blade—
Jollivet
A blade? One says—
Blount
No. A blade or a pistol.
Jollivet
A second! They say a sword or a pistol.
Blount
Sword, you say?
Jollivet
Yes.
Blount
And pistol?
Jollivet
Yes.
Blount
Oh, very well, thanks. (in a rage again) Well, well, I will kill
you with a blade—sword or pistol.
Jollivet
Right! You're making progress as a student, Blount. I am satisfied
with you.
Blount (mispronouncing)
Mr. Joly-vet.
Jollivet
Jollivet, if you please— Joly-vet is ridiculous.
Blount
Then, I'll always call you Joly-vet! (forcefully) Joly-vet!
Joly-vet! Joly-vet! Ah!
The Governor (returning)
Gentlemen, I hear the first notes of the orchestra. It's our
national dance.
Jollivet
We are at Your Excellency's disposition.
(As the Governor and the General are about to cross the floor, the
Aide de Camp returns precipitously from the left.)
Aide de Camp (low)
Excellency, the telegraph line from Moscow to Irkutsk has been cut!
Governor
What are you telling me?
Aide de Camp
The despatches are stopping at Kolyvan—half way on the Siberian
route where the Tartars are masters.
(On a sign from the Governor the door curtains close.)
Governor
So, the despatch we transmitted to the Grand Duke which specified
the day the relief army ought to arrive in Irkutsk—?
Aide de Camp
That despatch was unable to reach His Highness.
Governor
So! The Tartars are masters of the route! Eastern Siberia separated
from the rest of the Muscovite Empire. The Grand Duke not forewarned of
the day he will be relieved—when he must begin his sortie. At all
price, we must— (to General) General, isn't there in the palace a
detachment of couriers of the Czar?
General Kizov
Yes, Excellency.
Governor (sitting down to write)
Do you know a man in that detachment—a man who could, despite a
thousand dangers, bear a letter to Irkutsk?
General Kizov
There's one I'll answer for to Your Excellency who has several
times successfully fulfilled difficult missions.
Governor
In foreign parts?
General Kizov
Even in Siberia.
Governor
Let him come. (the General whispers to the Aide de Camp, who leaves
by the right) He must have intelligence, courage, self-control.
General Kizov
He has everything required to succeed where others would fail.
Governor
His age?
General Kizov
Thirty
Governor
A vigorous man?
General Kizov
He's already proven that he can bear to the last limits hunger,
cold, fatigue. He has a body of iron and a heart of gold.
Governor
His name?
General Kizov
Michael Strogoff.
Governor
This courier must get to the Grand Duke or Siberia is lost!
(Michael Strogoff enters and remains motionless, military. The
Governor observes him for a moment without speaking.)
Governor
Your name is Michael Strogoff?
Strogoff
Yes, Excellency.
Governor
Your rank?
Strogoff
Captain in the Czar's courier corps.
Governor
You know Siberia?
Strogoff
I was born at Kolyvan.
Governor
Do you still have relatives in that town?
Strogoff
Yes—my mother!
Governor
How long has it been since you last saw her?
Strogoff
Two years! But, I've just obtained a leave to go see her—and I am
going to leave—
Governor
It's no longer a question of leave! It's no longer a question of
your mother. I am going to entrust to you a letter which I charge you,
Michael Strogoff, to deliver to the Grand Duke, the Czar's brother.
Strogoff
I will deliver this letter.
Governor
The Grand Duke is in Irkutsk.
Strogoff
I will go to Irkutsk.
Governor
But, you are unaware that the country has been invaded by the
Tartars who will be interested in intercepting the letter—and you must
get across that country.
Strogoff
I will get across it.
Governor
Will you pass through Kolyvan?
Strogoff
Yes, since it is the most direct route.
Governor
But, if you see your mother, you risk being recognized!
Strogoff
I won't see her!
Governor
You will be provided money and furnished a passport in the name of
Nicolas Korpanov, Siberian Merchant. This passport will allow you to
requisition post horses. It will authorize, amongst other things,
Nicholas Korpanov to have himself accompanied by one or more persons as
he sees fit—and he will be respected, even in the case where any
governor or police chief intends to interrupt your message. You will
travel, then, under the name of Korpanov.
Strogoff
Yes, Excellency
Governor
Here's the letter on which depends the life of the Grand Duke and
the safety of Siberia.
Strogoff
It will be delivered to His Highness.
Governor
It may happen, that in some grave, desperate circumstance, you may
be compelled to destroy it! You must, thereupon, know what it contains,
so you'll have the power to repeat it to the Grand Duke if you can get
to him.
Strogoff
I am listening.
Governor
Colonel Ivan Ogareff has escaped from the fortress of Polstock. He
intends to penetrate the town of Irkutsk and to deliver it to the
Tartars. It is necessary, then, to be on guard against this traitor.
If, as we hope, this message arrives in time to be useful to His
Highness, the Grand Duke is advised that a relief army will be within
sight of Irkutsk on the 29th of September, and that a general sortie
executed on that day will crush—between two lines— (he reseals the
letter) You heard, and you will remember?
Strogoff
I've heard and I will remember.
Governor
You'll get through the Tartar lines. You'll cross them, no matter
what!
Strogoff
I shall cross them or they will kill me.
Governor
The Czar needs you to live.
Strogoff
I will live and I will get through.
Governor
Swear to me nothing can make you admit either who you are or where
you are going.
Strogoff
I swear it.
Governor
Leave, then, and when it's a question of overcoming the greatest
obstacles or braving the most threatening perils, repeat these sacred
words to yourself: “For God, for the Czar.”
Strogoff
“For the Nation.”
(Strogoff leaves by the right after giving a military salute. The
door
curtains are pulled back and the guests reenter the salon.)
Governor
The celebration is going to take place, ladies—take your places on
the balcony.
(All go to the balcony.)
CURTAIN
A great concourse of people on the square dominated by the balcony.
BALLET
CURTAIN
The horse guards of the Preobrajenski Regiment retreat to torches,
drums, fifes and trumpets.
CURTAIN
The stage represents the court of a post relay on the frontier. To
the right, the relay house which is at the same time an inn. To the
left, the house of the Chief of Police. In the background, a great
highway which disappears into the mountain. A certain number of
travelers are grouped in the court of the relay.
Post Master
The routes over the Urals are thronged. I'm hardly able to furnish
horses.
First Traveler
And what horses! Old nags on four legs?
Officer
Come on, come on—passports! Passports! They'll be returned to you
after they've been stamped.
(The Officer gathers the passports of the travelers and goes back
to
the left.)
Chief of Police
There's an obstruction.
Post Master
Yes, Mr. Police Chief—and you'll have a lot to do to expedite
these folks—since it's too much for me to furnish them horses! All I
have left is a single relay—and that one traveled fifty versts the
night before last.
Chief of Police
Just one?
Post Master
And it was retained by a traveler who arrived an hour ago.
Chief of Police
Who's this traveler?
Post Master
A merchant who's returning to Irkutsk.
Chief of Police
I'm going to endorse the passports and give the go ahead to all
these people here. (going back into the house on the left)
Post Master
If we had a hundred horses in the stables, it wouldn't be enough
for all.
Strogoff
The horse I retained?
Post Master
They're giving it food and drink.
Strogoff
In a half hour it must be harnessed to my droshky.
Post Master
It will be. You'll be in order with the Chief of Police?
Strogoff
Yes.
Post Master
You can have your passport taken to him in advance. He'll endorse
it with the others.
Strogoff
No. I'll get it endorsed myself.
Post Master
As you wish, little father.
Strogoff
A bottle of kvass?
Post Master
Right away.
(Strogoff sits at a table to the right, and the Post Master
leaves.
Jollivet comes on stage from the back. He is worn out and carries a
suitcase in each hand.)
Jollivet
Oof! Another hundred steps and I will abandon my suitcases on the
highway—especially this one which isn't mine. (he places one in a
corner, keeps the other, and sits at a table facing Strogoff) Excuse
me, sir. Hey! Why—I recognize you. You are?
Strogoff
Nicolas Korpanov, merchant.
Jollivet
Merchant—merchant like lightning. It was indeed you who passed me,
two hours ago on the highway! You were in a droshky, and I was—or
rather-—I no longer was—and a little place in your carriage would
have done for me nicely, for I found myself in some distress.
Strogoff
Pardon, sir?
Jollivet
Alcide Jollivet, correspondent with the French newspapers, in quest
of reports.
Strogoff
Well, Monsieur Jollivet, I deeply regret not having noticed you!
Amongst travelers one must have these little services.
Jollivet
One must, but they don't always pay! I've been twenty versts on
foot and I deserved it. A bad action never profits. Heaven punished me
for taking a telega instead of a large carriage.
Strogoff
A glass of beer, Monsieur?
(The Post Master re-enters with glasses and pitchers.)
Jollivet
Willingly.
Post Master (to Jollivet)
Should I reserve a chamber and take your suitcases?
Jollivet
Not that one, it's not mine.
Post Master
Who does it belong to then?
Jollivet
To my intimate enemy, my colleague, Blount—who must at this moment
be running after me! But, I hope indeed to be gone before he arrives at
the relay. By the way, a carriage and horse in an hour.
Post Master
There are no longer either horses or carriages available.
Jollivet
Good! That's all I need! Well, reserve for me the first that return
from the relay.
Post Master
That's understood. But, it won't be until tomorrow. I'm going to
get you a room.
Jollivet
Yes, happily I have a nice advance on Blount!
Strogoff
Your enemy?
Jollivet
My enemy, my rival! An English reporter who wants to outrun me on
the road to Irkutsk and to tarnish my news! Can you imagine, Mr.
Korpanov, that the only way I found to outdistance him, was to steal
his carriage which was all harnessed when I arrived at the relay? He
didn't have any other, and while he was paying his bill, I slid a
packet of rubles in the pocket of his coachman—say his iemskik to make
a little local color—and off we went. Naturally, I carried off my
English friend's valise—but I will return it to him intact. Ah, for
goodness sake! But for his carriage I would never see him again.
Strogoff
Why's that?
Jollivet
Because it is—or rather was—a telega! You know, a telega—a four
wheeler.
Strogoff
Perfectly, but I don't understand.
Jollivet
You are going to. We left, my iemskik on the front seat, and me on
the bench at the rear. Three good horses on the shaft. We bolted off
like a hurricane. It was hardly necessary to stimulate our three
excellent horses with the whip! From time to time a few words cast by
my iemskik—Bold my doves! Run my sweet sheep! Hup, my little fathers
on the left! Finally the harness strained, indeed so well that, the
last night a big jolt was produced. Snap! The two trains of the
carriage were separated and my iemskik, without hearing my shouts,
continued to run on in the forward carriage, while I remained in
distress in the rear. And that's how I had to make twenty versts on
foot, my valise in one hand and that of the Englishman in the
other—and that's why I can't send him back more than a half carriage.
Post Master (re-entering)
Your room is ready, Monsieur.
Jollivet (leaving towards the door)
That's fine. Au revoir, Mr. Korpanov.
Strogoff
Au revoir, Monsieur.
Jollivet (coming back)
Ah, I've found it.
Strogoff
What?
Jollivet
The true definition of a telega. It will be the last word in my
next report. “Telega—Russian carriage—four wheeler on departure, two
wheeler on arrival.” Au revoir Monsieur Korpanov. (goes out to the
left)
Strogoff (rising)
Au revoir, Monsieur. A merry companion, this Frenchman!
(Nadia comes in from the right, from the great highway. She is
exhausted and half collapses into a bench on the left.)
Nadia
Fatigue overwhelms me! Impossible to go any further. (trying to get
up. Sir! Sir!
Strogoff
Is it to me you are speaking, child? (aside) What a charming young
girl!
Nadia
Pardon me. I wanted to ask you—where are we here?
Strogoff
We are at the frontier—and this is the police station.
Nadia
Where visas to enter Siberia are issued?
Strogoff
Yes—on that side, the post relay.
Nadia (rising)
The post relay? First, I'm going to be sure—
Strogoff
It's useless, child. There are neither horses nor carriages—and
many hours will slip by before the Post Master can put one at your
disposal.
Nadia
Well, I will go on foot, then!
Strogoff
On foot!
Nadia
A wagon brought me to some versts from this relay station and God
won't abandon me to go further.
Strogoff (aside)
Poor child! (aloud) Where are you coming from?
Nadia
From Riga.
Strogoff
And you are going?
Nadia
To Irkutsk.
Strogoff
To Irkutsk! Alone! You are going without friend, without guide? To
accomplish such a long, such a difficult voyage—
Nadia
I have no one to accompany me. Of all my family, only my father
remains to me, who I am going to rejoin in Siberia.
Strogoff
To Irkutsk, you said! Why, that's 1500 versts more to do.
Nadia
Yes, it's there that for a political excuse my father was exiled
two years ago. Until then, we lived happily, all three, in Riga, my
father, my mother and me—in a humble home, only asking God to allow us
to remain there always since it was filled with happiness. But the
trial was going to come! My father was arrested and despite our
supplication, he was torn from his dwelling and dragged across the
frontier. Alas, my mother would never see him again. This separation
aggravated her illness. Several months later, she expired, and her last
thought was that I was going to be alone in the world.
Strogoff
Wretched child!
Nadia
I was indeed alone in that city, without family, without relatives.
Then I asked for and obtained the authorization to go to find the poor
exile in the depths of Siberia. I wrote him that I was leaving. He's
waiting for me. Having gathered up the little I can dispose of, I left
Riga, and here I am now on the road my father took two years before me.
Strogoff
But, you must cross the Ural Mountains, which have been deadly to
travelers.
Nadia
I know it.
Strogoff
And, after the Urals, the interminable Steppes of Siberia. These
are exhausting troubles to submit to, terrible dangers to confront.
Nadia
You've submitted to these troubles? You've confronted these
dangers?
Strogoff
Yes, but I am a man. I have my energy, my courage.
Nadia
As for me, I have prayer and hope to support me.
Strogoff
Don't you know that the country has been invaded by the Tartars?
Nadia
The invasion wasn't happening when I left Riga. It was only at
Ninji that I learned this disastrous news.
Strogoff
And, despite that, you continued on your route?
Nadia
Why, you yourself, have already crossed the Urals?
Strogoff
To go see and embrace my mother again, a valiant Siberian who lives
in Kolyvan.
Nadia
Well, as for me, I'm going to see and embrace my father again. You
are doing your duty, I'm doing mine, and Duty is everything.
Strogoff
Yes! Everything! (aside) This young girl—so beautiful—alone—with
no one to defend her! (to Nadia as she heads towards the left) Where
are you going?
Nadia
I'm going to get my visa approved. Delays are always to be feared,
and if I don't leave today, who knows if I can leave tomorrow.
Strogoff
Hold on. I have to get mine done, too. Perhaps I can get the Police
Chief to expedite yours right away, before the clock brings a mob of
other travelers. Come! We are not destined to ever see each other
again, but I will think often of you, and I would like to know your
name.
Nadia
Nadia Fedov.
Strogoff
Nadia—
Nadia
And yours?
Strogoff
Me—I—my name is Nicolas Korpanov.
(They go into the Police office. Blount, covered with dust, head
enveloped with a veil in the English fashion, and remounted on a
donkey arrives from the back by way of the great highway. He comes into
the courtyard.)
Blount (calling from the back)
Innkeeper! Innkeeper! (coming forward) What a poor condition we
were in, this donkey and I! Impossible to continue our voyage.
(calling) Innkeeper! I was forced to take this wretched animal because
someone stole my carriage and horses. And we've had such a long
journey. We were both so tired. He can no longer carry me, and as for
me, I cannot get off him! (calling) Innkeeper! We were so glued
together, this donkey and I, that we are now just a single animal. No,
a single person. (calling more loudly) Innkeeper! I am so done up. It
was a (speaking to the donkey) how do you say in French? He doesn't
know—a suffering of the joints. But I cannot remain on him forever.
(calling very loud) Innkeeper! Innkeeper!
Post Master (entering, followed by a waiter)
Heavens—a traveler?
Blount
Yes. An abandoned traveler—all alone!
Post Master
Why didn't you call, sir?
Blount (furious)
Why didn't I call? Why, I've been yelling for more than an hour,
Mr. Innkeeper!
Post Master
Ah! I was going to tell you—it's that I was busy in my Post Master
role, which kept me from serving you!
Blount
Oh, very droll. So, Mr. Post Master, help me a bit to get down.
Post Master
He's right here. (he helps him down very carefully)
Blount
All right. Merci!
Post Master
Must I also make up a bed?
Blount (astonished, looking at the donkey)
What are you saying? Make up a bed for (to himself) to make up a
bed—
Post Master
A bed for you, sir, for I'm also an hotel.
Blount
Oh, very well, a bed for me, and—
Post Master (pointing to the donkey)
A litter for him?
Blount (laughing)
Yes! (he hugs his donkey as the groom leads him off right) Now, I
want lunch first. Then you can give me a carriage and horses.
Post Master
There aren't any more, sir.
Blount
You don't have horses?
Post Master
Not before tomorrow or the day after!
Blount
Oh, if I only had the one they stole from me!
Post Master
They stole from you, sir?
Blount
Yes, my carriage and my suitcase—and if I ever discover the rascal
of a thief—
Post Master
What do you want for your lunch, sir?
Blount
You'll serve me there, on that table. — You'll serve (thinking)
You'll serve lamb chops, beef steak, stockfish, potatoes, plum pudding,
port and ale. Have you clearly understood?
Post Master
I've understood quite well. You said: beef steak, stockfish,
chops—
Blount
Potatoes, plum pudding, ale, port and clout.
Post Master
But, you see, we have none of all that, sir!
Blount
You have nothing, and you ask me what I want?
Post Master
I can offer you koulbat, sir.
Blount
What is this thing—koulbat?
Post Master
A pate made with eggs and crushed meats.
Blount (writing in his notebook)
Oh, very well. Koulbat—write it down c, o, u—
Post Master
No, no, with a k.
Blount (surprised)
Oh, with a k—and it's good all the same?
Post Master
Excellent
Blount
Then serve koulbat. And what else do you have?
Postmaster
Kvass.
Blount
Cvass—you write c, v, a.
Post Master
No, with a k.
Blount
K again
Post master
Some caviar
Blount
With a k, still?
Post Master
No, with a c.
Blount
With a c now! And, it's still good?
Post Master (laughing)
It's very good, all the same.
Blount (very serious)
You are a happy innkeeper. You have a room for my toilette?
Post Master
They're going to prepare it.
Blount
Wait, wait—I'll pay in advance to be very sure of it.
Post Master
As you like.
Blount
How much?
Post Master
Two roubles for lunch, two roubles for the room.
Blount
There! Ah, my donkey. Give him some straw. Feed him and water him.
I will take him until the next relay.
(At this moment, Blount, who turns towards the inn, finds himself
before the suitcase left by Jollivet.)
Blount
Ah!
Post Master
What's wrong?
Blount
This valise, sir, this valise—
Post Master
It belongs to a traveler who left it there when he arrived.
Blount
But, it's mine.
Post Master
Yours?
Blount
And this traveler?
Post Master
There he is, sir.
Jollivet (leaving the house)
Blount, my enemy—
Blount (furious)
This valise, sir, this valise—
Jollivet (tranquilly)
It's yours, Mr. Blount. Ah, I had plenty of trouble bringing it.
Blount
Carrying it off, you mean!
Jollivet
Oh, in error. I was going to send it to you—by parcel post.
Blount (furious)
Parcel post. Mister—
Jollivet (aside)
God, how beautiful he is—an angry Englishman!
Blount
And the carriage, sir?
Jollivet
I was going to send you half of it.
Blount
Half?
Jollivet
The other half still works.
Blount
So, that's the way it is, mister. Well, I will make a criminal
complaint against you.
Jollivet
A criminal complaint—bring a criminal complaint against me—in
Russia! Why don't you know the story of that servant who demanded her
wages for the nursing of a child? That she gave to his parents?
Blount
I don't know it.
Jollivet
Well, the nursling was ten months when the suit was filed—and a
colonel when it was decided. So, I advise you not to sue me.
Post Master (to Blount)
Your room is ready, sir.
Blount
I'm going to arrange my toilette, and I shall return to settle my
score with you shortly.
Jollivet
I am ever ready to reimburse you.
Blount
No, not with money. You will pay another way, Mr. Joly-vet.
Jollivet
Jollivet, if you please.
Blount (with rage)
Joly-vet! Joly-vet! Joly-vet!
(Blount leaves. The Post Mater begins to serve Blount's lunch.)
Post Master
The gentleman is going away furious.
Jollivet
And he'll return the same way. He's right. In his place, I would be
beside myself. (to Post Master) What's that you are serving there?
Post Master
The gentleman's lunch.
Jollivet
Ah! It's his lunch? It looks good. (sits down)
Post Master
Excuse me, sir. I told you, this luncheon belongs to the gentleman.
Jollivet (starting to eat)
Well?
Post Master
But, sir, he paid in advance.
Jollivet
Ah! He paid in advance! Then, you risk nothing.
Post Master
But, the gentleman—
Jollivet
We are— It's very good.
Post master
But, sir, sir—
Jollivet (eating)
Take it easy. I'll take care of everything! Decidedly, you cook
very well, sir.
Post Master (flattered)
Thanks for the compliment, sir.
Jollivet
Ah, we really are connoisseurs of cuisine, we French.
Post Mater
Yes, yes, great connoisseurs.
Jollivet (eating)
And yours, my dear fellow, is exquisite.
Post Master
Exquisite—really! You think that?
Jollivet
Exquisite, I tell you.
Post Master
Well, if you would like to taste this. I think you'll find it even
better. (offering a second plate)
Jollivet
Excellent, indeed. It's fine, it's delicate, its—
Post Master (presenting a third dish)
Tell me now what you think of this?
Jollivet
With pleasure. But say, what about the gentleman?
Post Master
Heavens, that's right! I was forgetting its his lunch. Ah, bah! So
much the worse.
Jollivet
By the way, what are they saying about the Tartars?
Post Master
That the country is completely overrun, and that Russian troops
from the north won't be strong enough to repulse them. They expect a
battle within two days.
Jollivet
Whereabouts?
Post Master
Near Kolyvan.
(At this moment Blount leaves the post house.)
Blount
Ah, my toilet is taken care of, I am dying of hunger. (seeing
Jollivet) Arrgh!
Jollivet
To your health, Mr. Blount.
Blount (to Post Master)
And my lunch? You haven't served my lunch?
Jollivet (pointing to the empty plates)
Indeed, it was served, Monsieur Blount, and that's what remains of
it.
Blount
Then it was my lunch you just ate?
Jollivet
It was excellent.
Blount
It was my koulbat?
Jollivet
Exquisite, the koulbat!
Blount
You will give me satisfaction right here!
Jollivet
No, not here—much later, after the battle which is going to take
place and which I have to report to my cousin Madeleine.
Blount (astonished)
The battle?
Jollivet
Learn, my dear colleague, that the Russian and Tartar armies are
going to meet in two days.
Blount
Ah, very well! Wait one minute. (writing) Two armies will soon
meet, continue, mister. I will follow after you.
Jollivet
Thanks! This battle will take place at Kolyvan.
Blount (writing)
At Kolyvan. Kolyvan—with a k?
Jollivet
With one k—yes.
Blount
Well, thanks. It will be by sword, right?
Jollivet
The battle?
Blount
No, our duel. But I wish to be generous and since you are giving me
information for my paper, I will give you the choice of weapons.
Jollivet
Not at all, not at all. I don't want any favors. What is the weapon
you prefer?
Blount
The sword, mister.
Jollivet
Very well! As for me, I prefer the pistol. Then we will choose the
sword for you—pistol for me—and we will fight at fifteen paces.
Blount
Yes! How you manage this thing—you said a sword?
Jollivet
A sword for you.
Blount
And a pistol?
Jollivet
The pistol for me—and we will fight at fifteen paces— (he bursts
out laughing)
Blount
But you are still mocking, Mr. Jollivet.
Jollivet
Believe me, little father, first we'll get to Kolyvan, and we will
fight after we've informed our correspondents of the issue of the
battle.
Blount
Yes, I will wait for you there!
Jollivet
If you get there before me! Which I doubt a bit—!
(The clock strikes at this moment and all the travelers run. Nadia
leaves the police station, holding her permit in her hands.)
Officer (shouting)
Passports, passports.
First Traveler
They re talking of really bad news, and the least delay will ruin
us.
(The agent distributes the passports.)
Nadia
I will go on foot to the next relay.
(At the moment the travelers leave the court, a trumpet is heard.
Some
Cossacks appear on the highway and block all exits. The Police
Chief comes out of the Police Station at the left and stops on the
steps by the door. One of the Cossacks gives him a telegram. A roll of
drums is heard.)
Police Chief
Silence! Listen everybody. (reading) “By order of the Governor of
Moscow, all Russian subjects are forbidden, under whatever pretext, are
forbidden to cross the frontier.”
(Cries of disappointment in the crowd.)
Nadia
My God—what's he say?
Jollivet (to Blount)
That doesn't concern us.
Blount
I will pass everywhere.
Nadia
Sir, sir, my passport is in order. I can pass, isn't that so?
Police Chief
You are Russian? It's impossible.
Nadia
Sir, I am going to rejoin my father at Irkutsk. He's expecting me!
Each day of delay is a day of misery for him. He knows I've left. He
might believe I am lost in this country, in the midst of this Tartar
invasion. Let me pass, I conjure you! What does the Governor care about
a poor girl like me throwing herself into the Steppes. If I had gone
just an hour ago, no one would have stopped me. From pity, sir, from
pity!
Police Chief
Useless prayers. The order is precise. (to Cossacks) Place
yourselves at the entry to the highway and without at least a special
permit, don't let anyone pass.
Nadia (holding him by his legs)
Sir, sir, I conjure you, hands joined at your knees! Have pity!
Don't condemn us—my father and me—to die, desperate, and so far from
one another.
Blount
Oh, I am very moved.
(At this moment, Strogoff emerges from the Police Station.)
Strogoff (going to Nadia)
Why these supplications and these tears, Nadia? What does it matter
if your passport is valid or not, since we have mine—which is in
order.
Nadia (aside)
What's he saying?
Strogoff (showing his permit to the Police Chief)
And, no one, do you hear, no one has the right to prevent us from
leaving.
Nadia (joyfully)
Ah!
Police Chief
Your permit?
Strogoff
Signed by the Governor General of Moscow himself. Right to pass
everywhere—whatever the circumstances and no one can forbid it!
(The tarantas is brought to the middle of the highway.)
Police Chief
You indeed have the right to pass. But she—
Strogoff (pointing to the permit)
Authorization to be accompanied. Well, what is more natural than
that—my sister accompany me!
Police Chief
Your—?
Strogoff (holding Nadia's hand)
Yes, my sister. Come Nadia.
Nadia (seizing him)
I am with you, brother!
Blount
Very proud, this merchant!
Jollivet
And very energetic, friend Blount.
Blount
I will never be your friend, Mr. Joly-vet.
Jollivet
Jollivet!
Blount
Joly-vet! Joly-vet forever!
(Ivan enters, dressed in Russian military uniform like an officer
traveling.)
Ivan (to the Police Chief)
Special permit. (showing him his permit)
Police Chief
Another one signed by the Governor of Moscow himself.
Ivan
A horse!
Post Master
There aren't any more.
Jollivet
And, if there were—
Blount (to Jollivet)
I would have retained them first.
Jollivet
And I would have taken them immediately.
(Blount turns away in rage.)
Ivan
Who owns this tarentas?
Post Master (pointing to Strogoff)
It belongs to that traveler.
Ivan (to Strogoff)
Comrade, I need your carriage and your horse.
Jollivet (aside)
He's got nerve, this gentleman.
Strogoff
This horse is retained by me, and for me. I cannot, nor do I wish
to, cede it to any person.
Ivan
I must have it, I tell you.
Strogoff
And, I tell you, you cannot have it.
Ivan
Be careful. I am a man who might take it.
Strogoff
Take it—from me?
Ivan
Yes, from you. For the last time, do you intend to give me this
horse and this carriage?
Strogoff
No, I tell you, no!
Ivan
No? Well, they will belong to those of us who know how to keep
them.
Nadia
My God!
Ivan (drawing his sword)
Let this man be given a saber so he can defend himself.
Strogoff (forcefully)
Well! (aside) A duel! And my mission, if I am wounded! (aloud,
crossing his arms) I won't fight.
Ivan
You won't fight?
Strogoff
No! And you won't have my horse!
Ivan (with even greater force)
You won't fight, you say?
Strogoff
No.
Ivan
No—even after this. (strikes Strogoff a blow with the whip) Well,
you won't fight, coward?
Strogoff (hurling himself on Ivan)
Misera—! (stopping and controlling himself) I won't fight!
All
Ah!
Ivan
You submit to this shame without avenging yourself.
Strogoff
I will submit to it. (aside) For God, for the Czar, for the
Fatherland!
Ivan
Come, your horse is mine. (leaps into the carriage) (to Innkeeper)
Pay yourself!
(The tarentas leaves by the left.)
Post Master
Thanks, Excellency.
Jollivet
I would not have thought he could swallow such shame.
Blount
Ah! I feel all my blood boiling in my veins.
Strogoff
Ah! That man—I will find him again. (to Post Master) Who is that
man?
Post Master
I don't know him—but he's a lord who knows how to make himself
respected.
Strogoff (leaping)
You will allow me to judge!
Post Master
Yes, for these are things a man of heart never receives without
returning them.
Strogoff (seizing the Post Master violently)
Wretch! (coldly) Get out, my friend, get out. I might kill you.
Post Master
Well, truly. I like you better this way.
Jollivet
Me, too. Courage has its seasons.
Blount
Never for English courage! It is always ready, always.
Jollivet
We will see that at Kolyvan, colleague. (turns towards the inn and
goes in)
Nadia
This fury that shone in his eyes at the moment of the insult, this
struggle against himself in refusing to fight—and now—this profound
despair.
Strogoff (seated by the table)
Ah, I never thought that doing my duty would ever cost me so
dearly.
Nadia (looking at him)
He's crying. There must be a mystery that I do not understand—a
secret that chains up his courage. (going to him) Brother, (Strogoff
raises his head) there are sometimes insults which elevate, and that
one has enlarged you in my eyes.
(At this moment Blount lets out a shout. One sees Jollivet leave
at
the back on Blount's donkey.)
Blount
Ah! My ass! Stop! He's making off with my ass!
Jollivet
I will return him to you at Kolyvan, colleague, at Kolyvan.
Blount (overwhelmed)
Ahh!
CURTAIN
The stage represents a telegraph station near Kolyvan in Siberia.
Door at the back giving on the countryside. To the right a small office
with a small gate where the telegraph employee stays. A door to the
left. The noise of the battle of Kolyvan can be heard, still dull.
Jollivet (entering from the back)
The affair is hot! A ball in my cap, another in my jacket. The city
of Kolyvan is going to be taken by these Tartars. Still, I already have
the first of this news. Got to expedite it to Paris. Here's the
telegraph office. (looking) Good! The Employee is at his post and
Blount is devil knows where. Things are going well. (to Employee) The
telegraph is still functioning?
Employee
It functions to Russia, but the line from Irkutsk is cut.
Jollivet
The despatches still pass?
Employee
Between Kolyvan and Moscow, yes.
Jollivet
For the government?
Employee
For the government if there's need—for the public for pay. It's
ten kopecks a word.
Jollivet
And what do you know?
Employee
Nothing.
Jollivet
But the despatches that you—
Employee
I transmit the despatches, but I don't read them.
Jollivet (aside)
A good character. (aloud) My friend, I desire to send my cousin,
Madeleine, a despatch relating all the vicissitudes of the battle.
Employee
That's easy enough. Ten kopecks per word.
Jollivet
Yes, I know. But, once my despatch begins, can you keep my place
while I go for news?
Employee
As long as you are at the gate the place belongs to you—at ten
kopecks per word, but if you leave the place it belongs to whoever
takes it—at ten—
Jollivet
At ten kopecks per word—yes—that's understood. I am alone. Let's
begin. (writing on the tablet by the gate) Mlle. Madeleine, Montmartre
Paris—from Kolyvan, Siberia.
Employee
That's already up to eighty kopecks.
Jollivet
That's for nothing. (gives him a bundle of paper roubles and
continues to write) Russian and Tartar troops engage. (at this moment a
fusillade makes itself heard with great power) Ah! Ah! Something new—
there!
(Jollivet leaves the gate and goes to the window at the back to
see
what's happening. Blount enters by the door at the back.)
Blount
Here's the telegraph office. (noticing Jollivet) Jollivet! (he goes
to seize him by the collar, but getting near him, he starts to read
what he's written over his shoulder) Ah—he's transmitting news—more
news than mine.
Jollivet (writing)
Eleven o'clock. The battle has been engaged since dawn.
Blount (aside)
Very well. I am going to make my profit. (going to the gate while
Jollivet continues to observe what's happening) (to Employee) The
line's functioning?
Employee
Always.
Blount
All right!
Employee
Ten kopecks per word.
Blount
Good, very good! (writing on the notepad) Morning Post, London,
from Kolyvan, Siberia—
Jollivet (writing on his notebook)
Enormous smoke above Kolyvan—
Blount (writing at the gate)
Oh, good! Enormous smoke rises above Kolyvan.
Jollivet
Ah! Oh! Oh! The fortress is in flames!
Blount (writing)
Ah! Ah! The fortress is in flames.
Jollivet
The Russians are abandoning the city—
Blount (writing)
The Russians are abandoning the city.
Jollivet
Let's continue our despatch.
(Jollivet leaves the window and returns to find his place taken by
Blount.)
Blount
Yes. Right now, after my despatch, you will give satisfaction to me
and my hate.
Jollivet
But, you took my place.
Blount
The place was free.
Jollivet
My despatch had begun—
Blount
And mine is beginning.
Jollivet (to Employee)
But, you know I was ahead of this gentleman?
Employee
Place free, place taken. Ten kopecks a word.
Blount (paying)
And I will pay for a thousand words in advance.
Jollivet
A thousand words!
(Blount continues writing, and as he writes, passes his despatches
to
the Employee who transmits them.)
Blount
The noise of the battle grows closer. At the telegraph office, the
French Correspondent was watching for my place, but—
Jollivet (furious)
Ah, sir, in the end—
Blount
It hasn't ended, mister. “Ivan Ogareff, at the head of the Tartars
is going to rejoin the—”
Jollivet
Is it finished?
Blount
Never finished.
Jollivet
You have nothing more to say.
Blount
Always something to say—so as not to lose my place. In the
beginning God created Heaven and Earth—
Jollivet
Ah, he's telegraphing the Bible now!
Blount
Yes, the Bible, and it contains two hundred seventy-three thousand
words.
Employee
At ten kopecks per—
Blount
I am giving one on account. (he gives a new roll of roubles) The
Earth was formed and—
Jollivet
Ah, the beast! I'll know how to make you decamp. (tearing by the
rear)
Blount
Shadows covered the face of the abyss— (continuing) 11:20—mad
shouting—redoubled—a furious melee.
(Shouts outside that Jollivet just utters beneath the window.)
Shouts
Death to the English. Kill! Pillage! Down with England.
Blount
Ah. Who's shouting that? Down with England? England will never
fall.
(Blount draws a revolver from his belt and leaves by the door at
the
back. Jollivet enters by the door at the left and takes Blount's
place at the gate.)
Jollivet
No more difficult than that! Down with England and the English
leave the gate. (dictating) At 11:25 the Tartar shells begin to pass
over Kolyvan . . .
Blount (returning)
No one! I thought I heard— (seeing Jollivet) Ah!
Jollivet (bowing
Long live England, monsieur, long live the English.
Blount
You took my place—
Jollivet
It's like that—
Blount
You are going to give me satisfaction, mister—
Jollivet
When I'm finished.
Blount
And when will you be finished?
Jollivet
Much later, very much later. (dictating) The Russians were forced
to fall back again. (imitating Blount's English accent) The English
correspondent is on the watch to take my place at the telegraph, but he
won't succeed.
Blount
Is it finished, mister?
Jollivet
Never finished. (dictating) There was a little man All dressed in
gray In Paris—
Blount (furious)
Songs!
Jollivet
By Beranger! After the sacred—the profane—
Blount
Sir, let us fight instantly.
Jollivet (dictating)
Chubby like an apple Not a sou to his name.
Employee (closing the gate abruptly)
Ah!
Jollivet
What is it?
Employee (leaving his office)
The line is cut. It no longer functions! Gentlemen, I have the
honor of saluting you.
(The Employee salutes and goes out tranquilly. Great shouts
outside.)
Blount
No more despatches are possible. New for us, Mister! Let's leave.
Jollivet
Yes, let's leave and—
(They leave together by the rear, provoking each other.)
Sangarre (coming from the left with a Gypsy)
The Tartars are victorious!
Gypsy
Ivan Ogareff led them in the assault on Kolyvan.
Sangarre
Russians and Siberians are all smashed. The village is burning and
fugitives are escaping in all directions.
Gypsy (looking)
They are going to reach here.
Sangarre
Yes, but that old Siberian, I finally saw again. That Marfa
Strogoff, what's become of her? She was there looking at her house
burning. Then, suddenly, she disappeared! Oh, I'll find her again and
then!— Ah, you denounced me, Marfa, you had me knouted by the
Russians. Bad luck to you!
(Great tumult outside. The noise of firing gets closer. Refugees
rush
into the post.)
First Fugitive
All is lost.
Second Fugitive
The Tartar cavalry are sabering all the unfortunates leaving
Kolyvan.
All
Let's flee. Let's flee.
(They are going to flee the post in disorder.)
Marfa (appearing at the back)
Stop! Stop!
All
Marfa Strogoff!
Sangarre (aside)
Marfa!
Marfa
Cowards, who are fleeing before the Tartars.
Sangarre (aside)
Ah, this time you won't escape me!
Marfa
Stop, I tell you! Are you no longer the children of Siberia?
First Fugitive
Is there yet a Siberia? Haven't the Tartars invaded the entire
province?
Marfa (somberly)
Alas, yes, since the entire province is devastated.
Second Fugitive
Hasn't a whole army of barbarians thrown itself on our villages?
Marfa
Yes, since so far as the eye can see, we only see villages in
flames.
First Fugitive
And, isn't that army commanded by the cruel Feofar?
Marfa
Yes, since our rivers roll with waves of blood.
First Fugitive
Well! What can we do?
Marfa
Keep resisting—resist forever—and die if necessary.
First Fugitive
Resist when the father doesn't come to us and God abandons us.
Marfa
God is indeed high, and the father is very far. He cannot diminish
the distances nor hasten the steps of his soldiers! The troops are on
the march, they will arrive, but until then we must resist! Even if the
life of one Tartar costs the life of ten Siberians, then let those ten
die fighting. Don't let it be said that Kolyvan surrendered while one
of its children remained to defend it.
Second Fugitive
These barbarians are twenty against one.
First Fugitive
And now, Kolyvan is in flames!
Marfa
Well, if you cannot reenter the city, fight outside. Each hour
gained can give Russian troops time to rally! Barricade this post,
fortify it! My friends, listen to the voice of an old Siberian woman
who asks to die with you for the defence of our country.
Sangarre
No! It's not here you'll die. (to the Gypsy accompanying her) Stay
and
observe.
Marfa
My friends, you hear me, me the widow of Peter Strogoff that you
knew. Ah, if he was still free, he'd put it in your head. He would lead
you to combat! Listen to him, my friends, it is he speaking to you with
my voice.
First Fugitive
Peter Strogoff is no more! Perhaps with such a chief we would have
been able to rally in the steppe, and harass the soldiers of the Emir.
Refugees
Yes, yes—a chief. We need a chief—
Marfa (despairing)
All is lost.
(Violent detonations are heard outside.)
Jollivet (entering from the rear)
Cannon balls are raining on the highway.
Blount (following Jollivet)
Forced to put off our duel!
Strogoff (entering from the rear with Nadia)
Here, Nadia. Here at least, you will have shelter. But, I am forced
to separate myself from you.
Nadia
You are going to abandon me?
Strogoff
Listen, the Tartars are advancing. They are marching on Irkutsk! I
have to get there before them. An imperious and sacred duty calls me. I
have to pass, even crossing the grapeshot, even at the price of my
blood, even at the price of my life.
Nadia
If that's the way it is, brother, leave, and may God protect you.
Strogoff
Goodbye, Nadia.
(Strogoff rushes towards the door at the back, and finds himself
face
to face with Marfa.)
Marfa (stopping him)
My son!
Jollivet
Heavens! Nicolas Korpanov!
Marfa
My child. (to Siberians) It's him, my friends! It's my son, it's
Michael Strogoff.
All
Michael Strogoff!
Marfa
Ah! You were asking for a chief to lead you in the steppes, a chief
worthy of commanding you! There he is! Michael, hug me, take this
rifle—kill the Tartars!
Strogoff (aside)
No! No! I cannot. I have sworn!
Marfa
Well, don't you hear me, Michael? You look at me without answering.
Strogoff (coldly)
Who are you? I don't know you.
Marfa
Who am I? You ask that? You no longer recognize me? Michael, my
son!
Strogoff
I don't know you.
Marfa
You don't recognize your mother?
Strogoff
No—I don't know you!
Marfa
You are not the son of Peter and Marfa Strogoff?
Strogoff
I am Nicolas Korpanov. Here's my sister, Nadia.
Marfa
His sister? (going to Nadia) You! His sister?
Strogoff (forcefully)
Yes, yes, answer. Answer, Nadia!
Nadia
I am his sister!
Marfa
You are lying! I have no daughter. I have only one son and here he
is.
Strogoff
You are mistaken. Leave me alone. (going towards the door)
Marfa
You shall not leave!
Strogoff
Leave me alone, leave me alone.
Marfa (pulling him back)
You shall not leave! Listen, you are not my son. A resemblance
carried me away, I am mistaken, I am mad, and you are not my son. For
this, God will judge you! But you are a child of our Siberia. Well, the
enemy is here, and I offer you this weapon. After having disowned your
mother, are you going to disown your country? Michael, you can tear my
soul from me, you can break my heart, but the nation is the first
mother, and a thousand times more holy and sacred. You can kill me, me,
Michael, but for her, you must die.
Strogoff (aside)
Yes, it's a sacred duty. Yes, but I must neither stop nor fight. I
have not an hour, not a minute to lose. (to Marfa) I don't know you,
and I'm leaving.
Marfa
Ah, wretch, you've become at once and the same time, an unnatural
son and a traitor to the country.
(Heavy explosions outside. A shell falls near Marfa, the wick
burning.)
Strogoff (stepping forward)
Take care, Marfa.
Marfa
May this shell kill me, since my son is a coward!
Strogoff
A coward! Me? See if I am afraid! (he takes the shell and hurls it
out the window) Goodbye, Nadia! (he rushes out the back)
Marfa
Ah, I said so indeed. He's my son. He's Michael Strogoff, the
Courier of the Czar.
All
The Courier of the Czar!
Marfa
Some secret mission, doubtless, carries him far from me. We will
fight without him! Let's barricade the door and defend ourselves.
(Rifle shots blaze outside.)
Blount (putting his hand on his knee)
Ah! Wounded!
Jollivet (bandaging Blount's wound, despite him)
Ah, poor Blount.
Marfa
Courage, my friends! Let each of us know how to die bravely, not
just for the well being, but for the honor of Russia!
All
Hurrah for Russia!
(The fight begins with Tartars who appear. A fog of smoke is
overwhelming.)
CURTAIN
The scene is on fire at sunset. Dead and wounded. The cadavers of
horses. Over the battlefield birds of prey hover and alight on the
cadavers.
Strogoff (appearing in the rear and crossing the battlefield)
My Mother! Nadia! They are here, perhaps among the wounded and the
dead. And implacable duty imposes silence on my heart. And I cannot
even search for them or help them. No. No, for God, for my Czar, for
the Country!
(Strogoff continues to march toward the right and the curtain
falls.)
CURTAIN
(Blount is half lying down and Jollivet is busy caring for him.)
Blount (pushing him away)
Mister Jollivet, I pray you, leave me in peace!
Jollivet
Monsieur Blount, I will care for you all the same, and I will cure
you, despite yourself, if necessary.
Blount
Good care from you is odious.
Jollivet
Odious, but healthy! And, if I abandon you, who would care for you
in this Tartar camp!
Blount
I warn you, that I won't be grateful for all you are doing.
Jollivet
Am I asking you for gratitude?
Blount
You've stolen my carriage, my luggage, my donkey, and my place at
the gate of the telegraph. I was your mortal enemy, and I intend—
Jollivet
And you intend to kill me, that's understood! But, for you to be
able to kill me, first I must cure you.
Blount
Ah, it was a great misfortune that the shell was for me.
Jollivet
It wasn't a shell, it was a biscayen.
Blount
Bis?
Jollivet
Cayen!
Blount
With a k?
Jollivet
No, with a c. It's a kind of grapeshot.
Blount
With a c. Oh, it was bad all the same.
Jollivet
Look, take my arm and walk a little.
Blount (fiercely)
No! I won't walk.
Jollivet
Take my arm, I tell you, or I will put you on my shoulders like a
sack of wheat!
Blount
Oh, a sack of wheat! You insult me again!
Jollivet
Don't talk stupid.
(Jollivet wants to lead Blount, but a Tartar enters and stops
them.)
Tartar
Hold! Lord Ivan Ogareff wants to question you.
Jollivet
Question us? Here, Ogareff? That traitor!
Blount
That brigand! That bandit wants to question me!
(Ivan, dressed magnificently as a Tartar officer appears, stopping
at
the entrance to the tent and speaking low to two Tartar officers
who accompany him and then leave.)
Jollivet
What do I see? The man who brutally insulted the merchant Korpanov.
Blount
That was Colonel Ogareff! Oh, I felt a gross indignation!
Ivan (seated at a small table)
Approach and answer me. Who are you?
Jollivet
Alcide Jollivet, French citizen that no one has the right to keep
prisoner.
Ivan
Perhaps. (to Blount) And you?
Blount
Harry Blount. An honest man, do you understand? A faithful subject
of England, do you understand? A loyal servant of his country, do you
hear?
Ivan
They say you were taken among our enemies.
Jollivet (with irony)
No—they misled you.
Ivan
You dare say—
Jollivet
I say we cannot be among the enemies of a Russian Colonel, since it
was in the midst of his compatriots, among the Russians themselves,
that they arrested us. You see quite well, sir, they misled you.
Blount (aside)
Very well! Very fine response!
Ivan
What motive led you to the theatre of war?
Jollivet
We are journalists, see. Two reporters.
Ivan (scornfully)
Ah, yes, I know—reporters—meaning a kind of spy.
Blount (furious)
Spy! Us—spies!
Jollivet (forcefully)
Sir, what you say is infamous, and I take as witness all Europe.
Ivan
What does the opinion of Europe matter to me? I will treat you as I
please, because they took you among the Russians, who are my enemies,
as you know quite well.
Jollivet
I was unaware that the Fatherland ever became an enemy of a loyal
soldier.
Blount
It's the disloyal soldier who becomes the enemy of his Fatherland.
Jollivet
And that one is a traitor.
Ivan (with rage)
Be careful, and remember that I am all powerful here.
Jollivet
You ought to try to hide that.
Ivan (with force)
Sir! (calming down) Insult from a man of your sort cannot reach me.
Jollivet
That's natural enough, Colonel Ogareff. The voice doesn't descend,
it rises.
Ivan (seizing and threatening Jollivet with his dagger)
That's too much!
Blount (aside)
It wasn't satisfactory at all.
Ivan (after having replaced his dagger in his belt)
You will pay me for this new outrage, and you will pay double.
(calling) Guards! Let this man be taken out of the camp within the
hour—and within the hour, let him be shot.
(Ivan leaves with the Tartar Guard.)
Blount (with terror)
Shot! Shot! Shot!
Jollivet
I can't master my indignation!
Blount
Shot! That wretched rascal is going to have you shot.
Jollivet
Alas, yes! Nothing can save me, and the best thing is to resign
myself courageously.
Blount
Ah, Jollivet!
Jollivet
You will be rid of your rival, of your enemy.
Blount (exclaiming)
Rid of my enemy!
Jollivet
It was written that our duel would never take place.
Blount (moved)
Our duel! Did you thing that I would ever fight with you, Jollivet?
Jollivet
I know that in you it was more passion than hate.
Blount
Ah, no! I didn't hate you. Jollivet, and if you were a little
mocking, you defended me in the battle. You cared for my wound, you
saved me, like a good and brave gentleman, Jollivet.
Jollivet (smiling sadly)
Hold on! You're not calling me Joly-vet any more, Monsieur Blount.
Blount
And I ask your pardon for that nasty joke.
Jollivet
Then, here we are friends, suddenly.
Blount
Oh, yes, friends until——
Jollivet
Until death. That won't be long, alas. And I would like, before
dying, to ask a service of you, friend Blount.
Blount (excitedly)
A service! Oh! I promise, I swear to it in advance.
Jollivet
We are here, my friend, like two lost sentinels, and charged to
enlighten our respective countries with the grave events which are
taking place. Well, the duty I can no longer fulfill, I ask you to
fulfill in my stead.
Blount (very moved)
Oh, yes, yes.
Jollivet
Will you promise me, Blount, that after having sent each of your
despatches to England, you will then send them to France?
Blount
No, Jollivet, no, not then. I will replace you completely, and as
you were more clever than I, you always sent your news first. Well, I
promise I will send them to France first!
Jollivet
AT the same time, Blount, at the same time. I insist.
Blount
Yes! At the same time—only just— Are you satisfied Jollivet?
Jollivet
Yes, but that's not all, Blount.
Blount
Speak, I am listening to you.
Jollivet
My friend, I left a wife down there.
Blount
A wife!
Jollivet
A young wife and a little child! She's good like a saint, he's
beautiful as an angel.
Blount (reproachfully)
Oh! You had a wife and a little baby and you left them! Oh!
Jollivet, Jollivet!
Jollivet (sadly)
What do you want? We were poor, my friend.
Blount (weeping)
Poor! And then you were forced to abandon them, and as for me, I
reproached you, I accused you. Oh, my friend, my dear friend! I am a
very bad man, your pardon for having spoken as I have done. I ask your
pardon, Jollivet, yes, I demand pardon, and when the war is over, I
swear that I will go to France. I'll find your family, and I will act
as a father to your little baby and as a husband—no!—as a brother to
your good, pretty wife. I promise, I swear, I—
(Blount shakes his head and embraces Jollivet. A noise of fanfare
can
be heard.)
Jollivet
What's that?
A Tartar (entering)
It's the arrival of the Emir Feofar. All the prisoners must
prostrate themselves before him—come.
Blount
Prostrate! I don't prostrate, I'll never prostrate.
(They go out.)
CURTAIN
The stage represents a square ornamented with columns covered with
a splendid awning. To the right, a magnificently ornamented throne. To
the left, a tent. There is a great to do of trumpets and drums and a
superb cortege, which marches to the throne. Feofar, accompanied by
Ivan and all his military household, arrives in the camp. Solemn
reception.
Ivan
Glory to you, powerful Emir, who are coming to personally command
this triumphant army.
All
Glory to Feofar! Glory to the Emir!
Ivan
The provinces of Siberia are now in your power. You can push your
victorious columns equally towards where the sun rises or where it
sets.
Feofar
And, if I march with the sun?
Ivan
That's to throw yourself against Europe and to rapidly conquer the
country up to the Ural Mountains.
Feofar
And, if I go towards the torch of light?
Ivan
That is to submit to your domination Irkutsk and the richest
provinces of Central Asia.
Feofar
What does your devotion to our cause inspire you to suggest?
Ivan
Take Irkutsk, the capital, and with that precious hostage, whose
possession is worth more than a province, even the Grand Duke must fall
into our hands.
Feofar
It will so be done.
Ivan
What day will the Emir leave this camp?
Feofar
Tomorrow, for today is the celebration for the conquerors.
All
Glory to the Emir.
(Blount and Jollivet enter.)
Blount
The Emir! I wish to speak to the Emir.
Feofar
What's this?
Ivan
What do you want?
Blount
I want to speak to the Emir.
Emir
Speak.
Blount
Emir Feofar, I beg—no! I advise you to listen to me.
Feofar
Approach.
Blount
I demand that powerful Feofar prevent the shooting of a gentleman.
Feofar
What's this about?
Ivan
A foreigner who dared to insult me, and whose punishment I have
ordered.
Emir
Let them bring this man.
(Jollivet is led forward and placed near Blount.)
Blount
And, if I advised you, great Feofar, to render his freedom to Mr.
Jollivet, it was in the interest of you and your serenity, for if a
single hair falls from his head, it puts your head in danger.
Feofar
And, who would I have to worry about?
Blount
France!
Feofar
France?
Blount
Yes, France, which will not let go unpunished the murder of a child
of its own! And, I warn you, that if his freedom is not returned to
him, I will remain a prisoner with him, and instead of France alone,
you'll have England, too. That's what I have to tell you, Emir Feofar.
Now kill us if you like!
Feofar
Ivan, let the words of that man efface themselves from your memory,
and spare his life.
Ivan
But he insulted me!
Feofar
I wish it.
Ivan
So be it! Let them kick him out of the camp this very instant.
Jollivet
You foresee my desire, Monsieur Ogareff! I hasten to be no longer
in your honorable company. Blount, I will never forget what you have
done for me.
Blount
We are quits and very good friends, Jollivet.
Jollivet
And, we will continue the campaign together.
Blount
All right!
(The two men leave by the back. Feofar and his officers enter
under a
tent at the right.)
Ivan (seeing Sangarre enter)
You see, Sangarre! The task I've imposed on myself will soon be
finished.
Sangarre
Are you speaking of your vengeance?
Ivan
Yes, yes—by a vengeance that is now certain.
Sangarre
It will escape you, if the Grand Duke is warned in time, if a
Russian courier gets to him.
Ivan
How will a courier pass through our armies?
Sangarre
There is one who, but for me, could at this moment be on the route
to Irkutsk.
Ivan
Speak. Explain yourself.
Sangarre
Ivan, I am more near than you to the end each of us wishes to
attain. The Grand Duke is not yet in our hands, while I have in my
power that Marfa Strogoff whose death I have vowed.
Ivan
Finish.
Sangarre
The old Siberian has been talking at the Kolyvan post with many
others. But, at that post, Marfa was not the only one who bore the name
Strogoff.
Ivan
What do you mean?
Sangarre
Yesterday, a man refused to recognize Marfa who called him her son.
He denied her publicly. But a mother is never deceived by a pretended
resemblance. That man, who didn't wish to be recognized was indeed
Michael Strogoff, a courier of the Czar.
Ivan
Where is he? What's become of him? Have they been able to seize
him?
Sangarre
After the victory, all those fleeing the field of battle have been
taken. Not one of the fugitives was able to escape and Michael Strogoff
must be among the prisoners.
Ivan
Would you recognize him? Could you point him out?
Sangarre
No.
Ivan
I need this man! He must be the bearer of some important message.
Who can make him known to me?
Sangarre
His mother.
Ivan
His mother?
Sangarre
She will refuse to speak, but—
Ivan
But I shall know quite well how to force her to do so. Let her be
brought. (Sangarre goes toward the back) A courier evidently sent to
the Grand Duke. He's bearer of a message! I shall have that message.
(Nadia, Marfa, and several prisoners are brought in by soldiers.)
Nadia (low)
Why are they bringing us here?
Marfa (low)
To interrogate me. Doubtless, on account of my son, but I've
understood he doesn't want to be recognized. He's already far away.
They won't tear the secret from me.
Sangarre
Look at me, Marfa, look at me carefully! Do you know who I am?
Marfa (looking at Sangarre)
Yes. The Tartar spy I had punished.
Sangarre
And, who in her turn, holds you in her power.
Nadia (taking her hand)
Marfa!
Marfa (low)
Don't fear for me, my child!
Ivan (to Marfa)
Your name?
Marfa
Marfa Strogoff.
Ivan
You have a son?
Marfa
Yes.
Ivan
Where is he now?
Marfa
In Moscow, I suppose.
Ivan
You are without news of him?
Marfa
Without news.
Ivan
Who is that man, then, you called your son yesterday, at the
Kolyvan post?
Marfa
A Siberian that I took for him. He's the second I thought was my
son. Kolyvan is full of strangers.
Ivan
So, this young man wasn't Michael Strogoff?
Marfa
It wasn't him.
Ivan
And, you don't know what has become of your son?
Marfa
I am unaware of it.
Ivan
And, since yesterday, you haven't seen him among the prisoners?
Marfa
No.
Ivan
Listen. Your son is here, for none of the fugitives was able to
escape our soldiers who encircled the post of Kolyvan. All of these
prisoners are going to pass before your eyes. And, if you don't
designate Michael Strogoff to me, I will cause you to perish under the
knout.
Nadia
Great God!
Marfa
Whenever you wish, Ivan Ogareff. I am waiting.
Nadia
Poor Marfa.
Marfa (to Nadia)
I will be courageous. I have nothing to fear from him.
Ivan
Let them lead out the prisoners. (to Sangarre) And you, observe
carefully to see if one of them betrays himself.
(The prisoners file by. Michael Strogoff is among them, but when
he
passes before Marfa, she does not budge.)
Ivan
Well? Your son?
Marfa
My son is not among these prisoners.
Ivan
You lie! Point him out—speak—I order you.
Marfa (resolutely)
I have nothing to tell you.
Sangarre (low)
Oh, I know her, this woman! Under the whip, even expiring, she will
say nothing.
Ivan
She won't speak, you say? Well, he will speak to her. Seize this
woman and have her whipped until she is dying.
(Marfa is seized by one of two soldiers and thrown to her knees on
the
ground. A soldier carrying the knout places himself behind her.)
Ivan (to soldier)
Strike!
(The knout is raised over Marfa. Strogoff hurls himself on the
soldier, tears away the knout, and strikes Ivan in the face with
it.)
Strogoff
Blow for blow, Ogareff.
Marfa
What have you done, wretch?
Ivan
The man from the relay!
Sangarre
Michael Strogoff.
Strogoff
Myself! Yes, I, who you insulted, outraged. I, whose mother you
intend to murder.
All
Death! Death!
Ivan
Don't kill this man! Let them inform the Emir.
Marfa
My son! Ah, why did you give yourself away?
Strogoff
I was able to contain myself when this traitor struck me. But, the
whip raised against you, my mother—oh, it was impossible.
Ivan
Take this woman away! And let that one be searched.
(The soldiers execute these orders.)
Strogoff (resisting)
Search me! Coward! Wretch!
(The soldiers take Ivan the letter which Strogoff wore next to his
chest. He reads it.)
Ian
Oh! It was just in time. This letter would ruin everything. Now the
Grand Duke is mine.
(Feofar enters with his suite.)
Ivan
Emir Feofar, you have an act of justice to accomplish.
Feofar
Against this man?
Ivan
Against him.
Feofar
Who is he?
Ivan
A Russian spy.
All
A spy!
Marfa
No, no—my son is not a spy! That man lied!
Ivan
This letter, found on him, indicates the day a relief army must
arrive in sight of Irkutsk. The day when, making a sortie, the Grand
Duke would have taken us between tow fires.
All
Death! Death!
Nadia
Mercy for him.
Marfa
You shall not kill him!
All
Death! Death!
Ivan (to Strogoff)
You hear them?
Strogoff (to Ivan)
I will die, but your traitorous face, Ivan, will, nevertheless and
forever, bear the infamous mark of the knout.
Ivan
Emir, we await your justice to be pronounced.
Feofar
Let them bring the Koran.
All
The Koran, the Koran!
Feofar
This Holy Book has punishments for traitors and it will pronounce
the sentence itself.
(The Tartar priests bring the sacred book and present it to
Feofar.)
Feofar (to one of the priests)
Open this book to the place where it decrees pains and punishments.
My finger will touch one of the verses and this verse will contain the
sentence.
(The Koran is opened and Feofar places his finger on one of the
pages.
A priest reads the verse touched by the Emir.)
Priest (reading)
“His eyes will cloud up like stars under a cloud—and he will no
longer see the things of this earth.”
All
Ah!
Feofar (to Strogoff)
You came to see what was happening in the Tartar camp! Look! Now
our triumphant army is celebrating and the feast is taking place the
must celebrate our victories!
All
Glory! Glory!
Feofar (taking his place on his throne)
And you, spy, for the last time in your life, look with your eyes.
(Strogoff is escorted to the foot of the platform. Marfa is half
lying
on the ground. Nadia is kneeling near her.)
CURTAIN
BALLET
(After the first movement, the voice of a priest is heard
repeating
the words of the Emir.)
Priest
Look with both your eyes! Look!
(After the second movement, the voice of the priest makes itself
heard
again.)
Priest
Look with both your eyes! Look!
(The ballet ends. Strogoff is led to the midst of the stage. A
tripod
carrying burning coals is brought near him, and the sabre of the
executioner is laid across it. On a sign from Feofar, the executioner
approaches Strogoff. He takes the sabre which is heated white hot.)
Feofar
God had condemned this man. He says that a spy must be deprived of
light. Let his sight be burned by the burning blade.
Nadia
Michael! Michael!
Strogoff (turning towards Ivan)
Ivan! Ivan, the traitor! The last threat of my eyes will be for
you.
Marfa (rushing towards her son)
My son! My son!
Strogoff
Mother! Mother! Yes, yes, toward you my final glance—remain there
in front of me! Let me see once more your beloved face. Let my eyes
shut looking at you.
Ivan (to Strogoff)
Ah! You are weeping! You are weeping like a woman.
Strogoff (controlling himself)
No, like a son.
Ivan
Executioner, finish your work!
(Strogoff's arms are pinioned by the soldiers, he is held kneeling
so
he cannot move. The incandescent blade passes before his eyes.)
Strogoff (uttering a terrible scream)
Ahhh!
(Marfa falls in a faint. Nadia rushes towards her.)
Ivan
To death! Now, to death with the spy.
All
Death! Death!
(Soldiers throw themselves on Strogoff to massacre him.)
Feofar
Stop! Stop! Priest, finish the verse begun.
Priest (reading)
“And blessed he will be, like a child, and like a being deprived of
reason, sacred to all.”
The stage represents a mountain on the right bank of the Angara. It
is a still day.
Ivan (to a Tartar chief)
It's here we are going to separate from you and your soldiers—and
you will faithfully follow all my instructions.
Chief
Count on us, Ivan Ogareff.
Sangarre
Where are we going now?
Ivan
Listen! The energy of the Grand Duke has upset all my calculations,
baffled all my plans. Each day he undertakes new sorties of which the
next may, perhaps, coincide with the appearance of a relief army and we
will thus be caught between two fires! It's, therefore, necessary that
I execute the bold plan I've conceived without delay.
Sangarre
And this plan—what is it?
Ivan
Sangarre, I will enter Irkutsk today, alone. The Russians will
greet with transports of joy the one who presents himself under the
name of Michael Strogoff, the courier of the Czar. So everything is
indeed well contrived and my vengeance will be prompt to strike! At the
hour agreed between the Emir and me, the Tartars will attack the
Tchernaia gate and a friendly hand—mine—will open it for them.
Sangarre
Do you hope that the Russians won't defend this gate?
Ivan
A terrible diversion will prevent them and attract all to the
Angara quarter.
Chief
What will this diversion be?
Ivan
A conflagration.
All
A conflagration?
Ivan
Which you soldiers are going to light up.
Chief
Us—what do you mean?
Ivan (pointing to the river)
See that river which spreads out and cuts through Irkutsk. It's the
Angara. That—that is going to divide Irkutsk.
Sangarre
That river?
Ivan
At a moment agreed on, this river is going to roll a torrent of
fire. Some stores of naphtha are drilled three versts from here. We are
masters of immense reserves from Baikal, which contain the whole of
this inflammable liquid. A section of wall demolished by you, and a
torrent of naphtha will spread over the surface of the Angara. And the
spark will inflame it and bring the conflagration into the heart of
Irkutsk. The houses built on piles, the Palace of the Grand Duke
himself will be consumed, annihilated. Ah, cursed Russians. You've
thrown me into the camp of the Tartars! Well, I make war on your like a
Tartar!
Chief
Your orders will be executed, Ivan, but what moment shall we choose
to destroy the dam of the reservoirs of Baikal?
Ivan
The hour when the sun shall have disappeared over the horizon.
Sangarre
At that hour the capital of Siberia will be in flames.
Ivan
And, my vengeance will be accomplished. Let's leave now. (to chief)
You will remember?
Chief
I will remember.
(Sangarre and Ivan leave.)
Chief
Let's rest here for a half hour before the moment we must fulfill
our mission.
Sergeant
The men can come and go?
Officer
Yes, but they mustn't go far. We can't have too many to overturn
the dam of reservoirs of Naphtha. We'll need all the help we can get.
There won't be one too many for the job.
Sergeant
That's fine. Go—
(All disappear, after placing their rifles here and there.)
Marfa (entering from the right, leaning on a stick)
My poor child, you whose sight was extinguished staring for the
last time at your mother. Where are you? What's become of you? A young
girl they told me—Nadia, without a doubt—is guiding the steps of the
blind. Both of them are headed towards Irkutsk and for the last month
I've followed the great Siberian highway. My beloved son, it is I who
betrayed you. I was unable to contain myself in finding you again.
There—in front of me—and you were not able to control yourself in
seeing the knout raised against me. Ah, why didn't you let them rip up
my shoulders? No torture would have torn your secret from me. Come on,
we must start walking again. Here I am, no more that a few versts from
Irkutsk. Perhaps it is there I will find him. Come on— (she rises and
starts to leave) The Tartars!
Officer (seeing Marfa)
Who is this woman?
Sergeant
Some beggar woman.
Marfa
I am not holding out my hand. I don't demand any pity from a
Tartar.
Officer
You are really that proud? What are you doing here? Where are you
going?
Marfa
I am going where those who no longer have a country, who no longer
have a home, and who are fleeing invaders go. I am going on, until my
strength fails me, until I fall—and until I die.
Sergeant
She's a real woman, Captain.
Officer
Who has good eyes and good ears! I don't like these prowlers who
follow our rear guard. They are as good as spies. (to Marfa) Leave, and
don't let me see you again or I'll have you tied to the foot of a tree
and the famished wolves won't have any mercy on you.
Marfa
Wolf or Tartar, it's all one. To die by the blow of teeth or
gunshot, little matter to me.
Officer
Oh, life has little price in your eyes.
Marfa
Yes, ever since I lost the one I'm vainly seeking—my son, that you
cruelly martyred.
(Marfa takes her stick and goes off into the night.)
Sergeant (to officer)
Captain, more refugees, doubtless. (pointing to Strogoff and Nadia
who appear in the back)
Marfa (aside)
Here! My son! My son!
Strogoff (to Nadia, who guides him by the hand)
What is it?
Nadia
Some Tartars.
Strogoff
They've seen us?
Nadia
Yes.
Marfa (aside)
Oh! This time I won't betray myself before them. (she hides at the
back)
Officer
Have those people approach.
Sergeant
Come on, approach. Approach.
Officer
Who are you?
Nadia
My brother is blind, and we've wandered, despite terrible
sufferings he's undergone, a road so hard and so long that he can
hardly sustain it.
Officer
Where are you from?
Strogoff
From Irkutsk, where we've been unable to penetrate, because the
Tartars are besieging it.
Officer
And, where are you going?
Strogoff
Toward Lake Baikal where we will wait for Siberia to become
tranquil again.
Officer
And it will, under Tartar domination.
Sergeant (looking at Nadia with effrontery)
This girl is pretty, Captain.
Officer (to Strogoff)
It's true. You've got a pretty companion there.
(The Sergeant tries to approach Nadia.)
Nadia (moving back)
Ah! (She grasps Strogoff's hand)
Strogoff
She's my sister.
Sergeant
We could get another guide to the blind, and this pretty girl could
stay in camp. (he approaches her)
Nadia
Leave me alone, leave me alone!
Strogoff (aside)
Wretches!
Sergeant
The young Siberian is skittish. We will see each other again,
later, beautiful.
Soldier (entering)
Captain, by climbing a hill a hundred paces from here, you can see
great mists rising in the air, and listening, one can hear the roar of
cannon in the distance.
Officer
Those are ours, giving the assault on Irkutsk.
Strogoff (aside)
The assault on Irkutsk!
Officer
Let's see about that. (to soldier) In an hour, the moment will come
to accomplish our task, and that done, we will rejoin the assailants.
(The Officer leaves, the soldiers accompanying him. The Sergeant
looks
one last time at Nadia and leaves.)
Nadia
They are gone, brother. Now we can continue our route.
Strogoff
No! I said we were going by way of Lake Baikal. They mustn't see us
take another way.
Nadia
We will wait, then, until they've gone a long way off.
Strogoff
Today is the 24th of September, and today—I must be in Irkutsk.
Nadia
Let us hope still! These Tartars are going to leave. Tonight, when
they can no longer see us, we will try the way of going down by the
river—and you can, before tomorrow, enter the city. Try to rest a
little while waiting.
(Nadia leads Strogoff to the foot of a tree.)
Strogoff
Me rest? And you, poor Nadia, aren't you more broken by fatigue
than I am myself?
Nadia
No, no. I am strong—whereas you, that wound you received, that
fever which consumes you—
Strogoff
Ah, what difference, Nadia? What difference? Let me arrive in time
to the Grand Duke, and I'll have nothing more to ask of you. I wonder
if my mother still exists.
Nadia
Before her sons that those barbarians were going to martyr, she
fell senseless. But, who told you life was destroyed in her? Who told
you she was dead? Brother, I believe you will see her again. (stopping
and looking at him sadly) I believe, brother, that you will press her
again in your arms and she will cover with kisses and tears those poor
eyes whose sight is extinct!
Strogoff
When I placed my lips on her face, I felt her icy. When I felt her
heart, it did not beat under my hand.
(Marfa appears and approaches her son.)
Strogoff
Alas, my mother is dead!
Nadia (noticing Marfa)
Ah!
Strogoff
What's wrong? What's the matter with you, Nadia?
Nadia
Nothing, nothing!
(Marfa kneels, and makes a sign to Nadia, who is ready to betray
her,
to keep silent. Then, taking her son's hand, she takes it weeping
to her lips. Strogoff, who has extended his other arm has satisfied
himself that Nadia is on his right.)
Strogoff
Oh! Nadia! Nadia! These kisses, these tears. This weeping I hear.
It's she—it's she—it's my mother!
Marfa
My son! My son!
(Strogoff and Marfa fall into each other's arms.)
Nadia
Marfa.
Marfa
Yes, yes, it's me, my beloved child, it's me, my noble and brave
martyr. Let me kiss those eyes a thousand times. Those poor extinct
eyes. And it's for me, because he wanted to defend his mother, that he
was tortured so. Ah, why didn't I die before that fatal day? Why didn't
I die? My God!
Strogoff
Die! You, no, no! Don't cry, my mother, and remember the words I
say here: God reserves to those who suffer, ineffable consolations.
Marfa
What consolations are you talking to me about? To me, whose eyes
must never again fix on yours without weeping?
Strogoff
Happiness can be found in your soul.
Marfa
Happiness?
Strogoff
God makes miracles, my mother.
Marfa
Miracles! What's that signify? Answer, answer—in the name of
heaven.
Strogoff
Well—learn then. I—ah! The joy of finding you again, my
mother—my—
Marfa
My word. The words die on his lips. He's growing pale, he's losing
consciousness.
Nadia
It's the emotion after so much stress.
Marfa
We must revive him! Ah, this gourd. (she takes the gourd that
Strogoff wears on his side) Nothing! It's empty. The water is down
there. Go— go—Nadia.
(Nadia takes the gourd and rushes to the rear on the road which
rises
to the right.)
Marfa
Michael, my child, hear me, speak to me, Michael! Say again that
you pardon me for all that you've suffered through me.
Strogoff (in a weak voice)
Mother. Mother.
Marfa
Ah! He's coming to himself. (looking at the back) Nadia! Nadia!
(At this, Nadia, who has filled the gourd, gets up. But at the
same
time the Tartar Sergeant reappears.)
Sergeant
The beautiful girl belongs to me.
Nadia
Let me alone!
Sergeant
No! You will come willingly or by force. (he intends to drag her)
Nadia
Let me alone! Let me go!
Marfa (seeing Nadia)
The wretch—Nadia. (running to Nadia)
Sergeant
Get back.
(The Sergeant pushes Marfa away and seizing Nadia by her arm,
drags
her off.)
Nadia (uttering a scream)
Help me! Pity—help me!
Strogoff
Nadia!
(Strogoff comes to himself, rises, then with an irresistible
movement,
grabs one of the rifles left near the tree, arms it, aims at the
Sergeant and fires. The Sergeant falls.)
Marfa and Nadia
Oh!
(After being stupefied for a moment, both Marfa and Nadia rush
towards
Strogoff.)
Strogoff
May God and the Czar pardon me. This new constraint was beyond my
strength.
Marfa
Ah, Michael, my son. Your eyes see the light of heaven.
Nadia
Brother, brother! Then, it's really true?
Strogoff
Yes, yes, I see you, my mother! Yes, I see you, Nadia.
Marfa
My child, my child! What joy, what happiness, what intoxication!
Ah! I understand your words, now. God—God gives the afflicted
infallible consolation.
Nadia
But, how has it happened?
Marfa
And where does this miracle come from?
Strogoff
When I thought to see you for the last time, my mother, my eyes
were flooded with so many tears that the reddened sword only succeeded
in drying them, without burning my sight! And, as I had to save our
Siberia, to cross the Tartar lines “I am blind,” I said. “The Koran
protects me! I am blind!” and I passed.
Nadia
But, why didn't you tell me?
Strogoff
Because only a moment of imprudence or forgetfulness would have
ruined you, along with me, Nadia.
Marfa
Silence! They are returning.
(The Captain, followed by soldiers, arrives from the back. They
raise
the Sergeant's body.)
Captain
Who killed this man?
Soldier (pointing to Strogoff)
There's only this beggar here.
Officer
Let him be seized. We will take him to camp.
Strogoff (aside)
Take me! And my mission! All is lost.
Nadia
Do you know that my brother is blind?
Marfa
And that he cannot use that weapon?
Officer
Blind? We are going to indeed know if he really is.
Marfa
What's he going to do?
Officer
Your eyes are sightless, you said? Well, I want to see you walk
without a guide, without support. Separate from these two women and
you—march. (raising his sword)
Strogoff
Which way?
Officer (holding his sword towards Strogoff's breast)
Straight before you.
Nadia
My God!
Marfa (screaming as she places her hand over her mouth)
Ahhh!
(Strogoff marches on the sword and stops when the point enters his
breast.)
Strogoff
Ah, you've wounded me!
Marfa (rushing to him)
Michael! My poor son!
Nadia
Brother!
Marfa (to the Officer)
You die a murderer!
Officer
Then, it's one of these two women who killed the soldier!
Marfa
It was I!
Strogoff (to Marfa)
No, mother, I don't wish—I—I don't wish it.
Marfa (aside to Strogoff)
To save our Siberia, it's necessary that you be free. I forbid you
to speak.
Officer
Seize that woman! Tie her to that tree and let her be shot.
Strogoff
Shot! You!
Nadia
Mercy—for her.
Marfa
God has counted my days. They belong to him.
(Some Soldiers tie Marfa to the tree. Others drag off Strogoff and
Nadia.)
Strogoff
My mother! My mother!
CURTAIN
(At the moment the Tartars are going to shoot Marfa, a raft, coming
from the left appears on the Angara.)
Jollivet
A woman that the Tartars want to murder. Stop, wretches!
Strogoff
Help me—my friends.
Officer (to Tartars)
Fire!
Blount
Jollivet, fire on the soldiers! I will take care of the Captain
myself. (firing)
Officer (wounded)
Ah!
Blount
Good shot, wasn't it?
Jollivet
Very good shot, friend Blount.
(The Tartars surround their chief. Meanwhile, Strogoff and Nadia
untie
Marfa.)
Officer
Take me to the reservoir. Those are Ogareff's orders.
(The Tartars carry the Officer off.)
Blount, Jollivet
Long live France! Long live England! Hurrah! Hep! Hep!
Jollivet
Heavens, Michael Strogoff—
Strogoff
Thanks, Mr. Jollivet! Thanks, Mr. Blount!
Blount
It was us, unfortunate blind man!
Strogoff
Let's not lose a moment! The raft is taking you—?
Jollivet
To Irkutsk!
Strogoff
To Irkutsk! It was heaven that sent you.
Blount
Yes, always very malicious, heaven.
Marfa
Will you take us with you?
Jollivet
Sure! By following the course of the Angara, we'll get to Irkutsk
under cover of darkness.
Strogoff
Let's embark.
Jollivet
He is not blind.
Marfa
His filial tenderness saved my child. His eyes, in sending me a
last adieu, were flooded with so many tears—.
Blount
Ah, good, very good. I understand, and I want to inform the Academy
of Medicine about this matter.
Jollivet
Yes, yes, Blount. Red hot iron is excellent for drying tears.
Blount
But, insufficient to burn out sight.
All
Let's embark.
(They embark.)
CURTAIN
The panorama at the rear moves little by little, while the raft
remains still. One sees several sites on the shores of the river.
CURTAIN
Night has come. The current of Naphtha inflames the surface of the
river. The raft, vigorously pushed, passes through.
CURTAIN
Irkutsk is in flames. The population rushes on the banks of the
river. Strogoff appears and rushes through a blazing gate.
CURTAIN
A room of the Tchernaia gate at Irkutsk. Door at the rear, side
doors, large window at the right lit by the reflection of the
conflagration The Tocsin sounds.
Grand Duke
It must have required the hand of a barbarian to spread a sheet of
naphtha on the surface of the river.
Voronzoff
Doubtless, the soldiers of the Emir have overturned the wall of the
immense reservoir at Baikal.
Grand Duke
And one spark sufficed to set ablaze this naphtha and engulf in
flames the houses whose piles stand in the river. The wretches, to
employ such means of destruction.
Voronzoff
It's a war of savagery they intend to give us, Highness. They have
sworn the extermination of the city.
Grand Duke
They are not yet masters of Irkutsk, General. Has the fire caused
numerous victims?
Voronzoff
Almost all the inhabitants are successfully escaping.
Grand Duke
Let them help these poor people. Let them be lodged in my palace,
in public establishments, in the homes of all those the holocaust has
spared.
Voronzoff
All will come to their aid, Highness, and they will lack nothing.
The devotion of our people equals its patriotism.
Grand Duke
Fine! Fine! This conflagration must be a means of diversion. Once
the fire is contained, let all defenders return to the ramparts.
Voronzoff
On that subject, Highness, I have to make known to you a petition
for which my intervention has been invoked.
Grand Duke
By whom is it addressed to me?
Voronzoff
By all the political exiles who, at the beginning of the invasion,
received orders to return to the city. Your Highness knows they have
already fought bravely and that their patriotism can be counted on.
Grand Duke
I know it. What do they demand?
Voronzoff
They ask that Your Highness deign to do them the honor of receiving
a deputation from them.
Grand Duke
Who is the head of this deputation?
Voronzoff
An exile who has positively distinguished himself since the siege
of the city.
Grand Duke
His name?
Voronzoff
Vassily Fedov. A man of valor and courage. His influence over his
companions has always been very great.
Grand Duke
Have the deputation enter.
(Vassily Fedov and his companions are brought in.)
Grand Duke
Vassily Fedov, you and your companions have been fighting bravely
since the beginning of the siege. Your patriotism has never failed.
Russia won't forget it.
Fedov
We've come to ask Your Highness to permit us to do even more for
the health of the country.
Grand Duke
What do you wish?
Fedov
The authorization to form a special corps and the right to march in
the first rank.
Grand Duke
So be it! But, an elite corps must have a leader worthy to command
it. Who will be chief?
All
Vassily Fedov.
Fedov
No!
All
Yes! Yes!
Grand Duke
You hear them. It's you they have chosen. Do you accept?
Fedov
Yes, if the good of the country demands it. Love of country is
always strong in the heart of an exile, and we ask you to march in the
forefront, with the first sortie.
All
Yes! Yes! In the forefront
Grand Duke
Vassily Fedov, your companions are courageous and strong. I will
double their courage and strength. I will give them the most potent of
all weapons: liberty.
All
Liberty!
Grand Duke
Dating from this moment, there are no more proscribed in Siberia.
All
Hurrah for the Grand Duke! Hurrah for Russia.
Fedov
Highness, I will not be alone in my family to bless your name. I
have my daughter, Nadia, who at this moment is returning a thousand
versts to reach me.
Grand Duke
And, instead of finding a proscribed, your daughter will find a
free man.
An Aide de Camp (entering hurriedly)
Highness—a courier from the Czar.
All
A courier!
Grand Duke
A courier has finally reached us! At last! Let him enter. Let him
enter.
(Enter Ivan.)
Grand Duke
Who are you? Speak! Speak quickly.
Ivan (dressed like a Siberian peasant)
Michael Strogoff, courier of the Czar.
Grand Duke
Where are you coming from?
Ivan
From Moscow.
Grand Duke
You left Moscow?
Ivan
The 22nd of August.
Grand Duke
And what proves to me that you are indeed a courier of the Czar and
that you've been sent to me from Russia?
Ivan (presenting a paper)
This permit which is signed by the Governor of Moscow and which
assures my passage across Siberia.
Grand Duke
But, this permit bears the name of Nicolas Korpanov?
Ivan
I traveled under that name in the character of a Siberian merchant.
Grand Duke
You have a letter for me?
Ivan
I had a letter written in the hand of the Governor of Moscow, but I
was obliged to destroy it to protect it from the Tartars who had taken
me prisoner.
Grand Duke
Approach. What did the letter contain?
Ivan
This: A relief army will arrive from the northern provinces on the
29th of September.
Grand Duke
The 29th of September!
Ivan
May His Highness act, on that day, for that day only, a vigorous
sortie, and the Tartars will be crushed!
Grand Duke
So, what we ought to attempt today, tomorrow, and every day, can
only be fatal to us? It's in only four days. Well, whatever happens, we
shall try until then.
Ivan (aside)
And tomorrow the Tartars will be masters of Irkutsk.
Grand Duke
Is that all that was contained in that letter from the Governor of
Moscow?
Ivan
No. There was also the question of a man Your Highness must be on
guard against—a Russian officer.
Grand Duke
A Russian! An officer! What is the name of this traitor?
Ivan
Ivan Ogareff, now the lieutenant of Feofar and the organizer of
this invasion.
Grand Duke
Ivan Ogareff was previously condemned by me to degradation.
Ivan
He's sworn to avenge himself on Your Highness and to deliver the
city to the Tartars.
Grand Duke
Let him come, I'll be waiting for him. Ah! He indeed deserves, that
wretch, the punishment which befell him, he who was later to provoke
the Tartar invasion of his country.
Ivan (coldly)
He deserved it!
Grand Duke
But, tell me, what did you do to get into Irkutsk?
Ivan
During the last engagement, which just took place, I mingled with
the defenders of the city. I announced my name, and they conducted me
forthwith to Your Highness.
Grand Duke
You've shown great courage, Michael Strogoff. What do you demand as
reward for your services?
Ivan
The right to fight for the defense of Irkutsk.
Grand Duke
You will command one of the gates of the city.
Ivan
The Tchernaia Gate, Highness, that which the Tartars threaten the
most.
Grand Duke
So be it! The Tchernaia Gate.
Voronzoff (coming from a window)
Highness.
Grand Duke
What's the matter?
Voronzoff
It seems that the enemy is trying to get close to our ramparts.
Grand Duke
They'll find us ready to receive them. Come, gentlemen.
(All leave except Ivan.)
Ivan (alone)
Yes, yes, noble defenders of the country. Go, invincible heroes.
The hour of defeat and death will soon sound for you. And you, cursed
city, burn—may your palaces be decimated by fire. Let nothing remain
of your houses but ashes. It's not a city the Tartars want, it's a pile
of ruins. Burn then, Irkutsk, and perish with you all that bears the
detested name of Russia and Siberia.
(An officer and Strogoff enter front of stage.)
Officer (to Strogoff)
Wait here. I am going to inform His Highness, the Grand Duke of
your arrival.
Strogoff
I'll wait. But, hurry.
Ivan (aside, at back)
Michael Strogoff! (the officer leaves) How could he, blind, be able
to get here?
Strogoff
There's not a moment to lose.
Ivan
Oh, no! Not an instant. (leaning his hand on Strogoff's shoulder)
Michael Strogoff, do you recognize my voice?
Strogoff
Yes, it's the voice of a traitor! It's the voice of Ivan Ogareff.
Ivan
Ogareff, whom you won't escape this time. Ogareff, who won't be
stopped by the vain command of the Koran that protects the blind. Ah,
you were rejoicing, weren't you, at having arrived on time to
accomplish your mission, and save Irkutsk and the Grand Duke at the
same time?
Strogoff
Perhaps.
Ivan
You still hope! But know, we are alone here. Before anyone can
come, my dagger will enter your breast, will tear up your heart.
Strogoff (frigidly)
Try.
Ivan
You dare brave me—when I hold you alone and defenseless. When I
have only to choose the place to strike you. Ah! Now, indeed, I am
going to kill you.
Strogoff
I'm waiting
(Ivan approaches Strogoff, dagger raised, but the blow is
deflected
and Strogoff twists his arm.)
Strogoff
Well, I'm still waiting.
Ivan
Is this a dream? A blind man hasn't been able to make this defense.
Strogoff (advancing on him and taking his arm)
Then, why are you trembling?
Ivan (trying to pull away)
No—it's impossible.
Strogoff
Ivan Ogareff, your final hour has come. And, with both your eyes,
look.
Ivan
Mercy! He can see! He can see! He can see!
Strogoff
Yes, I see on your traitor's face pallor and terror! I see the
trace of the knout, the stigmata of shame with which I marked your
face. I see the place where I am indeed going to strike you, wretch.
Ah, how I am going to kill you!
Ivan (straightening up)
So be it! but you will strike me standing. At least I will die as a
soldier.
Strogoff
As a soldier, you? No, you are going to die as a traitor must die,
on your knees. Come, on your knees, to expiate the outrage you
inflicted on me. On your knees, for having shamefully had my mother
knouted. On your knees, for having betrayed your country. On your
knees, wretch, on your knees!
(Ivan tries to seize the dagger to strike Strogoff, and almost
gets it
from him. But Strogoff seizes his hand and forces it back so Ivan
strikes himself and falls.)
(The Grand Duke enters with officers, Jollivet, Blount, Marfa,
Nadia,
Fedov, etc.)
Grand Duke
Seize that man! (to Strogoff) Who are you? You who have
assassinated a courier of the Czar?
Strogoff
Michael Strogoff, Highness, and this is Ivan Ogareff.
Marfa
Yes! Michael Strogoff, my child. Highness, you have before you
devotion and treason.
Jollivet (pointing to Strogoff)
And devotion is here.
Blount (pointing to Ivan)
And that is treason.
Grand Duke
Who are these men?
Jollivet (designating Blount)
I have the honor to present to Your Highness, Monsieur Blount, a
courageous Englishman.
Blount (designating Jollivet)
Mister Jollivet, a Frenchman—as courageous, indeed, more
courageous.
Grand Duke
And you affirm?
Blount
That that one was Ivan Ogareff.
Jollivet
And this one is Michael Strogoff.
Fedov
The saviors of my daughter, Highness.
(Cannon fire approaching.)
Strogoff
Listen! It's cannons thundering.
Grand Duke
Yes. Enemy columns are attacking the city. We must defend the
ramparts.
Strogoff
No! Listen again! To the cannon which growls beneath our walls, a
cannon further off is responding. Today is the 24th of September!
That's the relief army arriving.
All
The relief army!
Strogoff
Let Your Highness make a general sortie and the Tartar army will be
annihilated.
Grand Duke
Come on, my friends—to battle.
All
To battle!
(All leave.)
CURTAIN
The stage represents a plain under the walls of Irkutsk. The
Tartars have been crushed, dead. The whole Russian army is on stage.
Grand Duke
Soldiers, thanks to the courage and devotion of Michael Strogoff,
our troops have been able to effect the protection with the relief
army. The Tartars are in flight. The Emir Feofar is a prisoner and
Irkutsk is saved.
All
Hurrah! Hurrah!
Grand Duke
Michael Strogoff, what reward do you ask?
Strogoff
I want none. Highness, I have only done my duty as a soldier, for
God, for Czar, for Country.
(Fanfares blaze and Russian flags stand tall in the breeze amidst
hurrahs.)
CURTAIN