don't like that seminarist. Always nosing about where there are dead around. What does he want? He is a dreadfully disagreeable fellow. Never misses a funeral. He smells death miles away.
LIPA
He is an unhappy creature.
FRIAR
Unhappy? Why is he unhappy? Even the dogs in the village are afraid of him. You don't believe it? It's so, upon my word! They bark at him, and then slink away behind the gate.
LIPA
What does all this matter anyway, Vassya? It's of no account, mere trifles. To-day they are going to sing: "Christ is arisen from the dead. Death has conquered death." Do you understand? "Death has conquered death."
FRIAR
I understand. I understand. But why does he say "All will become silent" and that sort of stuff? I don't like it, I don't like it. They have crushed a woman to death—perhaps others too. (Shaking his head) I don't like it. In the woods everything is so quiet and nice, and here—I'd prefer that no miracle had happened. I'd rather have things nice and pleasant. What's the use of it? What's the use of the miracle? There is no need of a miracle.
LIPA
What are you talking about, Vassya?
FRIAR
Savva Tropinin! The idea. It shouldn't have been done. There was no need of it. He said he'd go with me to the woods and then—I liked him a lot, but now I am afraid of him. Why did he do it? Why? My, what a fearful crowd! More cripples coming, and more and more.
LIPA
What is the matter, Vassya? What are you so excited about?
FRIAR
Everything was so nice and fine. Oh, my! Why don't you go home, Miss Olympiada? Do go, please. You have seen all there is to be seen. It's enough. What can you gain by staying here? Come, I'll go with you. Oh, God, there comes Mr. Savva again!
LIPA
Where?
FRIAR
There he is. For heaven's sake!
SAVVA (enters and sits down)
Has Kondraty been here?
FRIAR
No, Mr. Savva.
[Pause. Again the piteous singing of the blind can be heard.
SAVVA
Got a cigarette, Vassya?
FRIAR
No, I haven't. I don't smoke.
LIPA (harshly)
What are you waiting for, Savva? Go away. You are not wanted here.
Look at yourself. You are a terrible sight. Your face is black.
SAVVA
I didn't sleep all last night. That's why it's black.
LIPA
What are you waiting for?
SAVVA
For an explanation.
LIPA
You don't believe in the miracle?
SAVVA (smiling)
Vassya, do you believe in the miracle?
FRIAR
Yes, of course I do, Mr. Savva.
SAVVA
Wait. You'll find out. What are they doing down there? They have already crushed three to death.
FRIAR Three?
SAVVA
And they'll kill many more. And they all keep shouting: "A miracle, a miracle!" At last it has come. They have got what they have been waiting for at last.
LIPA
And it's you, Savva, who gave them the miracle. It's you who are to be thanked for it.
SAVVA (gloomily)
Well, Vassya, the monks are glad, aren't they? Tell me, don't be afraid.
FRIAR
They are very glad, Mr. Savva. They are crying.
SAVVA (looking at him)
Crying? Why are they crying?
FRIAR
I don't know. I suppose for joy. Father Kirill grunts like a pig "Oui, oui, oui." They all act as if they were drunk.
SAVVA (rising, agitated)
As if they were drunk? What does that mean? Perhaps they really are drunk.
FRIAR
Oh no, Mr. Tropinin. It's all on account of the miracle. They are mad with joy. Father Kirill keeps grunting "Oui, oui, oui." He vows that if he remains alive he'll swear off liquor and live as a hermit.
SAVVA (eyeing him)
Well?
FRIAR
That's all.
SAVVA
What do they say?
FRIAR
They say they'll do penance and stop sinning. They hug each other and behave as if they were drunk.
SAVVA (walking up and down, stroking his forehead with his hand) Yes, hm. So that's the way! Yes.
LIPA (following him with her eyes)
Go away from here, Savva. You are not wanted here.
SAVVA
What?
LIPA (reluctantly)
They may recognize you and then—Why don't you put on a hat at least?
You look like—
FRIAR
Yes, go—please go—dear Mr. Savva. Why, they—why, they might kill you!
SAVVA (in a sudden outburst of anger)
Leave me alone!
