The Power of Darkness

say, “Drink, but keep your wits about you.” I can talk with you at once, father. I can attend to any business. You told me about the money; your horse is worn-out⁠—I remember! That can all be managed. That’s all in our hands. If it was an enormous sum that’s wanted, then we might wait; but as it is I can do everything. That’s the case. Akím Goes on fidgeting with the leg-bands. Eh, lad, “It’s ill sledging when the thaw has set in.” Nikíta What d’you mean by that? “And it’s ill talking with one who is drunk”? But don’t you worry, let’s have some tea. And I can do anything; that’s flat! I can put everything to rights. Akím Shakes his head. Eh, eh, eh! Nikíta The money, here it is. Puts his hand in his pocket, pulls out pocketbook, handles the notes in it and takes out a ten-rouble note. Take this to get a horse; I can’t forget my parent. I shan’t forsake him, that’s flat. Because he’s my parent! Here you are, take it! Really now, I don’t grudge it. Comes up and pushes the note towards Akím who won’t take it. Nikíta catches hold of his father’s hand. Take it, I tell you. I don’t grudge it. Akím I can’t, what d’you call it, I mean, can’t take it! And can’t what d’ye call it, talk to you, because you’re not yourself, I mean. Nikíta I’ll not let you go! Take it! Puts the money into Akím’s hand. Anísya Enters, and stops. You’d better take it, he’ll give you no peace! Akím Takes it, and shakes his head. Oh! that liquor. Not like a man, I mean! Nikíta That’s better! If you repay it you’ll repay it, if not I’ll make no bother. That’s what I am! Sees Akoulína. Akoulína, show your presents. Akoulína What? Nikíta Show your presents. Akoulína The presents, what’s the use of showing ’em? I’ve put ’em away. Nikíta Get them, I tell you. Nan will like to see ’em. Undo the shawl. Give it here. Akím Oh, oh! It’s sickening! Climbs on the oven. Akoulína Gets out the parcels and puts them on the table. Well, there you are⁠—what’s the good of looking at ’em? Nan Oh how lovely! It’s as good as Stepanída’s. Akoulína Stepanída’s? What’s Stepanída’s compared to this? Brightening up and undoing the parcels. Just look here⁠—see the quality! It’s a French one. Nan The print is fine! Mary has a dress like it, only lighter on a blue ground. This is pretty. Nikíta Ah, that’s it! Anísya passes angrily into the closet, returns with a tablecloth and the chimney of the samovar, and goes up to the table. Anísya Drat you, littering the table! Nikíta You look here! Anísya What am I to look at? Have I never seen anything? Put it away! Sweeps the shawl on to the floor with her arm. Akoulína What are you pitching things down for? You pitch your own things about! Picks up the shawl. Nikíta Anísya! Look here! Anísya Why am I to look? Nikíta You think I have forgotten you? Look here! Shows her a parcel and sits down on it. It’s a present for you. Only you must earn it! Wife, where am I sitting? Anísya Enough of your humbug. I’m not afraid of you. Whose money are you spreeing on and buying your fat wench presents with? Mine! Akoulína Yours indeed? No fear! You wished to steal it, but it did not come off! Get out of the way! Pushes her while trying to pass. Anísya What are you shoving for? I’ll teach you to shove! Akoulína Shove me? You try! Presses against Anísya. Nikíta Now then, now then, you women. Have done now! Steps between them. Akoulína Comes shoving herself in! You ought to keep quiet and remember your doings! You think no one knows! Anísya Knows what? Out with it, out with it! What do they know? Akoulína I know something about you! Anísya You’re a slut who goes with another’s husband! Akoulína And you did yours to death! Anísya Throwing herself on Akoulína. You’re raving! Nikíta Holding her back. Anísya, you seem to have forgotten! Anísya Want to frighten me! I’m not afraid of you! Nikíta Turns Anísya round and pushes her out. Be off! Anísya Where am I to go? I’ll not go out of my own house! Nikíta Be off, I tell you, and don’t dare to come in here! Anísya I won’t go! Nikíta pushes her, Anísya cries and screams and clings to the door. What! am I to be turned out of my own house by the scruff of the neck? What are you doing, you scoundrel? Do you think there’s no law for you? You wait a bit! Nikíta Now then! Anísya I’ll go to the Elder! To the policeman! Nikíta Off, I tell you! Pushes her out. Anísya Behind the door. I’ll hang myself! Nikíta No fear! Nan Oh, oh, oh! Mother, dear, darling! Cries. Nikíta Me frightened of her! A likely thing! What are you crying for? She’ll come back, no fear. Go and see to the samovar. Exit Nan. Akoulína Collects and folds her presents. The mean wretch, how she’s messed it up. But wait a bit, I’ll cut up her jacket for her! Sure I will! Nikíta I’ve turned her out, what more do you want? Akoulína She’s dirtied my new shawl. If that bitch hadn’t gone away, I’d have torn her eyes out! Nikíta That’s enough. Why should you be angry? Now if I loved her⁠ ⁠… Akoulína Loved her? She’s worth loving, with her fat mug! If you’d have given her up, then nothing would have happened. You should have sent her to the devil. And the house was mine all the same, and the money was mine! Says she is the mistress, but what sort of mistress is she to her husband? She’s a murderess, that’s what she is! She’ll serve you the same way! Nikíta Oh dear, how’s one to stop a woman’s jaw? You don’t yourself know what