The Storm

There are too few lads of my stamp or we'd have broken him of it.

SHAPKIN.

Why, what would you have done?

KUDRIASH.

We'd have given him a good scare.

SHAPKIN.

How'd you do that?

KUDRIASH. Why, four or five of us would have had a few words with him, face to face, in some back street, and he'd soon have been as soft as silk. And he'd never have let on to a soul about the lesson we'd given him; he'd just have walked off and taken care to look behind him.

SHAPKIN.

I see he'd some reason for wanting to get you sent for a soldier.

KUDRIASH. He wanted to, right enough, but he didn't do it. No, he won't get rid of me; he's an inkling that I'd make him pay too dear for it. You're afraid of him, but I know how to talk to him.

SHAPKIN.

Oh, I daresay!

KUDRIASH.

What do you mean by that? I am reckoned a tough one to deal with. Why do

you suppose he keeps me on? Because he can't do without me, to be sure.

Well, then, I've no need to be afraid of him; let him be afraid of me.

SHAPKIN.

Why, doesn't he swear at you?

KUDRIASH.

Swear at me! Of course; he can't breathe without that. But I don't give

way to him: if he says one word, I say ten; he curses and goes off. No,

I'm not going to lick the dust for him.

KULIGIN.

What, follow his example! You'd do better to bear it in patience.

KUDRIASH. Come, I say, if you're so wise, teach him good manners first and then we'll learn! It's a pity his daughters are all children, there's not one grown-up girl among them.

SHAPKIN.

What if there were?

KUDRIASH. I should treat him as he deserves if there were. I'm a devil of a fellow among the girls!

[Dikoy and Boris advance. Kuligin takes off his hat.

SHAPKIN (to Kudriash).

Let us move off; he'll pick a quarrel with us, very likely.

[They move off a little.

SCENE II.

The Same, DIKOY and BORIS.

DIKOY. Did you come here to loaf about in idleness? eh? Lazy good for nothing fellow, confound you!

BORIS.

It's a holiday; what could I be doing at home?

DIKOY. You'd find work to do if you wanted to. I've said it once, and I've said it twice, 'don't dare to let me come across you'; you're incorrigible! Isn't there room enough for you? Go where one will, there you are! Damn you! Why do you stand there like a post? Do you hear what's said to you?

BORIS.

I'm listening,—what more am I to do?

DIKOY (looking at Boris). Get away with you! I won't talk to a Jesuit like you. (Going) To come forcing himself on me here!

[Spits and exit.

SCENE III

KULIGIN, BORIS, KUDRIASH, and SHAPKIN.

KULIGIN. What have you to do with him, sir? We can't make it out. What can induce you to live with him and put up with his abuse?

BORIS.

A poor inducement, Kuligin! I'm not free.

KULIGIN. But how are you not free, allow me to ask you. If you can tell us, sir, do.

BORIS.