OSSEP [_to Salome_]. Now you are punished, are you not? [_Turning to Barssegh_:] Take it all, now! Satisfy yourself! [_Takes off his coat_.] Take this also! [_Throws it to Barssegh_.] Yes, take it! [_Takes his cap from the table and throws it to Barssegh_.] Make off with this also; I need it no longer. [_Runs to and fro as if distracted_. BARSSEGH [_in a low voice_]. Keep on giving! [_Turns to sheriff and speaks softly to him_. OSSEP [_taking up different articles from card table and throwing them on the floor_]. Take these also! Take these also! [_Taking a lighted candelabra and smashing it on the floor_] Stick that also down your throat! SEVERAL OF THE GUESTS. The poor fellow is losing his wits. [_Nato crying; her friends comfort her. Salome faints_. CHACHO. Ossep! My dear Ossep! GEWO [_embracing Ossep_]. Be calm, dear Ossep. You behave like a madman. OSSEP [_after a pause_]. Gewo, I was mad when I settled in this city. This life is too much for me; it was not for me. I am ruined. I am a beggar. He is to be praised who comes off better than I. [_Exit._ SALOME [_with her hand on her brow sinks down on the sofa, groaning loudly_]. Ah! GEWO. Poor Ossep! BARSSEGH [_turns from Dartscho, to whom he has been speaking, to the sheriff_]. What are you gazing around for, sir? Keep on with your writing. [_Sheriff looks at Barssegh in disgust, sits down by card table and writes_. MARTHA [_to the guests_]. We have nothing more to look for here. [_Aside:_] A charming set! [_Goes toward middle door; some ladies follow; others stand offended_. CHACHO [_raising her eyes_]. Would that I had died long ago, so that I had not lived to see this unfortunate day! CURTAIN. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Armenian Literature, by Anonymous