The Live Corpse Part 19

Fedya is silent.

You received through Semyonov the money sent to you in Saratov?

Fedya is silent.

Why don't you answer? It will be put down in the depositions that the accused did not answer these questions, and this may harm you and them very much. Well then, how was it?

FeDYA [after a pause] Oh, Mr. Magistrate, how is it you are not ashamed!

Why do you pry into other people's lives? You are glad to have power, and to show it, you torment not physically but morally--torment people a thousand times better than yourself!

EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I beg ...

FeDYA. You've nothing to beg! I shall say what I think, and you [to Clerk] write it down! At least for once there will be sensible human words in a police report! [Raises his voice] There are three people: I, he, and she. Our relations to one another are complex--a spiritual struggle such as you know nothing of, a struggle between good and evil goes on. That struggle ends in a manner which sets them free. They were all at peace. They were happy, and remembered me with affection. I, fallen as I was, was glad that I had acted as I ought, and that I, a good-for-nothing, had gone out of their lives, so as not to stand in the way of people who were good and who had life before them. And so we were all living, when suddenly a blackmailing scoundrel appears who wants me to take part in his rascality, and I send him about his business. Then he comes to you, to the champion of Justice! The guardian of Morality!

And you, who receive each month a few pounds for doing your dirty work, put on your uniform, and calmly bully these people--bully people whose little finger is worth more than your whole body and soul! People who would not admit you to their anteroom! But you have got so far, and are pleased ...

EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. I shall have you turned out!

FeDYA. I'm not afraid of anyone, because I'm a corpse and you can't do me any harm. No position could be worse than mine! So turn me out!

KAReNIN. May we go?

EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Immediately, but first sign your deposition.

FeDYA. You'd be quite comic, if you weren't so vile!

EXAMINING MAGISTRATE. Take him away! I arrest you.

FeDYA [to Lisa and Karenin] Forgive me!

KAReNIN [approaches and holds out his hand] It had to happen!

Lisa pa.s.ses by. Fedya bows low to her.

Curtain.

SCENE 2

A corridor of the Law Courts. In the background a door with gla.s.s panels, beside which stands an usher. Further to the right another door through which the accused are led.

Ivan Petrovich Alexandrov comes to the first door and wishes to enter.

USHER. Where are you going? You mustn't! Shoving in like that!

IVaN PETRoVICH. Why mustn't I? The law says the proceedings are public.

[Applause is heard from inside the Court].

USHER. Anyhow, you mustn't, and that's all about it.

IVaN PETRoVICH. Ignorant fellow! You don't know whom you are speaking to!

A Young Lawyer in a dress-suit enters from the Court.

YOUNG LAWYER. Are you concerned in this case?

IVaN PETRoVICH. No, I am the public, and this ignoramus--this Cerberus--won't let me in!

YOUNG LAWYER. But this door is not for the public.

IVaN PETRoVICH. I know, but I am a man who should be admitted.

YOUNG LAWYER. Wait a bit--they'll adjourn in a minute. [Is just going, when he meets Prince Abrezkov].

PRINCE ABReZKOV. May I ask how the case stands?

YOUNG LAWYER. The Counsel are speaking--Petrus.h.i.+n is addressing the Court.

Applause from within.

PRINCE ABReZKOV. And how do the defendants bear their position?

YOUNG LAWYER. With great dignity, especially Karenin and Elisabeth Andreyevna. It is as if not they were being indicted, but they were indicting society! That's what is felt, and on that Petrus.h.i.+n is working.

PRINCE ABReZKOV. Well, and Protasov?

YOUNG LAWYER. He is terribly excited. He trembles all over; but that is natural, considering the life he leads. He is particularly irritable, and interrupted the Public Prosecutor and Counsel several times ...

PRINCE ABReZKOV. What do you think the result will be?

YOUNG LAWYER. It is hard to say. In any case they won't be found guilty of premeditation; but still ... [A gentleman comes out, and Prince Abrezkov moves towards the door] You wish to go in?

PRINCE ABReZKOV. I should like to.

YOUNG LAWYER. You are Prince Abrezkov?

PRINCE ABReZKOV. I am.

YOUNG LAWYER [to Usher] Let this gentleman pa.s.s. There is an empty chair just to the left.

Usher lets Prince Abrezkov pa.s.s. As the door opens, Counsel is seen speaking.

IVaN PETRoVICH. Aristocrats! I am an aristocrat of the soul, and that is higher!

YOUNG LAWYER. Well, excuse me ... [Exit].

Petushkov enters hurriedly, and approaches Ivan Petrovich.

PETUSHKoV. Ah, how are you, Ivan Petrovich? How are things going?