It's a shame, a shame. Of course, there are many unbelievers nowadays among the educated classes. But are they any happier on that account? I doubt it. SAVVA No, there are not so many. They think they are unbelievers because they don't go to church. As a matter of fact, they have greater faith than you. It's more deep-seated. FAT MONK Is that so? SAVVA Yes, yes. The form of their faith is, of course, more refined. They are cultured, you see. FAT MONK Of course, of course. People feel better, feel more confident and secure, if they believe. SAVVA They say the devil is choking the monks here every night. FAT MONK _(laughing)_ Nonsense. _(To the Gray Monk passing by)_ Father Vissarion, come here a moment. Sit down. Mr. Tropinin's son here says the devil chokes us every night. Have you heard about it? _(The two monks laugh good-naturedly as they look at each other)_ GRAY MONK Some of the monks can't sleep well because they have overeaten, so they think they are being choked. Why, young man, the devil can't enter within our sacred precincts. SAVVA But suppose he does suddenly put in an appearance? What will, you do then? FAT MONK We'll get after him with the holy-water sprinkler, that's what we'll do. "Don't butt in where you have no business to, you black-faced booby!" _(The monk laughs)_ GRAY MONK Here comes King Herod. FAT MONK Wait a while, Father Vissarion. _(To Savva)_ You talk about faith and such things. There's a man for you--look at him--see how he walks. And yet he has chains on him weighing four hundred pounds. He doesn't walk, he dances. He visits us every summer, and I must say he is a very valuable guest. His example strengthens others in their faith. Herod! Ho, Herod! KING HEROD What do you want? FAT MONK Come here a minute. This gentleman doubts the existence of God. Talk to him. KING HEROD What's the matter with yourself? Are you so full of booze that you can't wag your own tongue? FAT MONK You heretic! What a heretic! _(Both monks laugh)_ KING HEROD _(approaching)_ What gentleman? FAT MONK This one. KING HEROD _(scrutinizing him)_ He doubts? Let him doubt. It's none of my business. SAVVA Oh! KING HEROD Why, what did you think? FAT MONK Sit down, please. KING HEROD Never mind. I'd rather stand. FAT MONK _(to Savva, in a loud whisper)_ He is doing that to wear himself out. Until he has reduced himself to absolute faintness he'll neither sleep nor eat. _(Aloud)_ This gentleman is wondering at the kind of chains you have on your body. KING HEROD Chains? Just baby rattles. Put them on a horse and he too would carry them if he had the strength. I have a sad heart. _(Looks at Savva)_ You know, I killed my own son. Yes, I did. Have they been telling you about me, these chatterboxes? SAVVA They have. KING HEROD Can you understand it? SAVVA Why not? Yes, I can. KING HEROD