BORTSOV. How I am degrading myself! I don’t want it! I don’t want anything! I was joking! MERIK. You won’t get it out of him, sir.... He’s a famous skinflint.... Wait, I’ve got a five-copeck piece somewhere.... We’ll have a glass between us--half each [Searches in his pockets] The devil... it’s lost somewhere.... Thought I heard it tinkling just now in my pocket.... No; no, it isn’t there, brother, it’s your luck! [A pause.] BORTSOV. But if I can’t drink, I’ll commit a crime or I’ll kill myself.... What shall I do, my God! [Looks through the door] Shall I go out, then? Out into this darkness, wherever my feet take me.... MERIK. Why don’t you give him a sermon, you pilgrims? And you, Tihon, why don’t you drive him out? He hasn’t paid you for his night’s accommodation. Chuck him out! Eh, the people are cruel nowadays. There’s no gentleness or kindness in them.... A savage people! A man is drowning and they shout to him: “Hurry up and drown, we’ve got no time to look at you; we’ve got to go to work.” As to throwing him a rope--there’s no worry about that.... A rope would cost money. SAVVA. Don’t talk, kind man! MERIK. Quiet, old wolf! You’re a savage race! Herods! Sellers of your souls! [To TIHON] Come here, take off my boots! Look sharp now! TIHON. Eh, he’s let himself go I [Laughs] Awful, isn’t it. MERIK. Go on, do as you’re told! Quick now! [Pause] Do you hear me, or don’t you? Am I talking to you or the wall? [Stands up] TIHON. Well... give over. MERIK. I want you, you fleecer, to take the boots off me, a poor tramp. TIHON. Well, well... don’t get excited. Here have a glass.... Have a drink, now! MERIK. People, what do I want? Do I want him to stand me vodka, or to take off my boots? Didn’t I say it properly? [To TIHON] Didn’t you hear me rightly? I’ll wait a moment, perhaps you’ll hear me then. [There is excitement among the pilgrims and tramps, who half-raise themselves in order to look at TIHON and MERIK. They wait in silence.] TIHON. The devil brought you here! [Comes out from behind the bar] What a gentleman! Come on now. [Takes off MERIK’S boots] You child of Cain... MERIK. That’s right. Put them side by side.... Like that... you can go now! TIHON. [Returns to the bar-counter] You’re too fond of being clever. You do it again and I’ll turn you out of the inn! Yes! [To BORTSOV, who is approaching] You, again? BORTSOV. Look here, suppose I give you something made of gold.... I will give it to you. TIHON. What are you shaking for? Talk sense!