Savva and the Life of Man Part 43

LIPA

What is the matter, Va.s.sya? 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, G.o.d, 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, Va.s.sya?

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)_

Va.s.sya, 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, Va.s.sya, 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.