A.S. Griboyedov. Woe from mind
19th century literature
| (1795–1829)
A. S. Griboedov is a poet, playwright, diplomat and public figure. At the age of 11 he became a student at Moscow University. In six and a half years, he completed courses at three faculties and prepared for a career as a scientist. He perfectly mastered several European languages and knew ancient and oriental languages. The war with Napoleon interrupted Griboedov's studies; in August 1818 he went as secretary of the Russian mission at the Iranian court. In Tehran, Griboyedov successfully completed a number of important diplomatic assignments: the return of Russian soldiers-prisoners of war to their homeland, the preparation and signing of the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty (1828). On January 30, 1829, a huge crowd of Tehran residents attacked the house occupied by the Russian embassy. A small convoy of Cossacks and Griboyedov himself heroically defended themselves, but the forces were unequal. Griboyedov died. Griboyedov began writing poetry while still at the university; his literary debuts (1815-1817) were associated with the theater: translations and adaptations from French, original comedies and vaudevilles, written in collaboration with the poet P. A. Vyazemsky, playwrights N. I. Khmelnitsky and A.A. Shakhovsky. Griboyedov finished the comedy “Woe from Wit” (in the original plan - “Woe to Wit”) in 1824. He was unable to publish the entire text of the comedy due to opposition from censorship, nor was he able to see it on stage. It was staged only after the death of the author, first in fragments, and in full on January 26, 1831. |
Woe from the mind. Act four
ACT IV
Famusov has a front porch in his house; large staircase from the second
housing, which is adjacent to many side mezzanines;
at the bottom right (from the characters) exit to the porch and
Swiss box; on the left, in the same plan, is Molchalin’s room.
Night. Poor lighting. Some lackeys are fussing, others
They sleep in anticipation of their masters.
PHENOMENON 1
Countess - grandmother, Countess - granddaughter, ahead of them
LAKEY.
LAKEY
Countess Khryumina's carriage!
Countess - granddaughter
(while they wrap her up)
Well done! Well Famusov! knew how to name guests!
Some freaks from the other world,
And there is no one to talk to, and no one to dance with.
Countess - grandma
Let’s sing, mother, I, prafo, cannot do it,
Someday I fell into the grave.
Both are leaving.
PHENOMENON 2
P l a t o n M i k a i l o v i c h i .
One Lackey is busy around them, another at the entrance shouts:
Gorich's carriage!
N atalya Dmitrievna
My angel, my life,
Priceless, darling, Poposh, why is it so sad?
(Kisses her husband on the forehead.)
Admit it, the Famusovs had fun.
P la ton M ikhai l ovi ch
Natasha Mother, I doze off at balls,
Before them is a deadly reluctance hunter,
I don’t resist, your worker,
I'm on duty after midnight, sometimes
It pleases you, no matter how sad,
I start dancing on command.
N atalya Dmitrievna
You are pretending, and very unskillfully;
There is a mortal desire to be considered an old man.
(He leaves with the footman.)
PLATO N M IKHAILOVICH (cold-blooded)
Ball is a good thing, bondage is bitter;
And who forces us to marry!
After all, it was said to someone else...
LAKEY (from the porch)
The lady is in the carriage, sir, and she deigns to be angry.
PLATO N M IKHAILOVICH (with a sigh)
PHENOMENON 3
Chatsky and Lakey are ahead of him
CHATSKY
Shout for them to serve quickly.
(The footman leaves.)
Well, the day has passed, and with it
All the ghosts, all the smoke and smoke
Hopes that filled my soul.
What was I waiting for? What did you think you would find here?
Where is the charm of this meeting? participation in whom is alive?
Scream! joy! hugged! - Empty.
In the carriage so-and-so on the way
Sitting idly across the vast plain,
Everything is visible ahead
Light, blue, varied;
And you drive for an hour, or two, the whole day, that’s how frisky
They rushed to rest; overnight stay: wherever you look,
Still the same expanse, and steppe, and empty, and dead...
It’s a shame, there’s no point in thinking, the more you think.
(The footman returns.)
Ready?
The coachman, you see, won’t be found anywhere.
CHATSKY
Let's go look, don't spend the night here.
The footman leaves again.
PHENOMENON 4
Chatsky, Repetilov (runs in from the porch, right at the entrance
falls as fast as he can and quickly recovers).
R e p e t i l o v
Ugh! made a mistake. - Ah, my creator!
Let me rub my eyes; where from? buddy!..
Heart friend! Dear friend! Mon cher!
These are the farces I have often sung,
What an idle talker, what a fool, what a superstition,
That I have premonitions and omens for everything;
Now... please explain,
As if I knew I was hurrying here,
Grab it, hit it with your foot on the threshold,
And stretched out to his full height.
Maybe laugh at me
That Repetilov is lying, that Repetilov is simple,
And I have an attraction to you, a kind of illness,
Some kind of love and passion,
I'm ready to sacrifice my soul,
That you won’t find such a friend in the world,
So faithful, really;
Let me lose my wife, children,
I will be abandoned by the whole world,
Let me die in this place,
And God will strike me...
CHATSKY
That's a lot of nonsense.
R e p e t i l o v
You don't love me, naturally:
With others I am this way and that,
I speak to you timidly;
I'm pathetic, I'm ridiculous, I'm ignorant, I'm a fool.
CHATSKY
What a strange humiliation!
R e p e t i l o v
Scold me, I curse my own birth,
When I think about how I killed time!
Tell me, what time is it?
CHATSKY
It's time to go to bed;
If you came to the ball,
So you can go back.
R e p e t i l o v
What's the ball? brother, where are we all night until broad daylight,
We are shackled in decency, we will not break out of the yoke,
Have you read? there is a book...
CHATSKY
Have you read it? task for me
Are you Repetilov?
R e p e t i l o v
Call me a vandal:
I deserve this name.
I valued empty people!
I myself raved about a dinner or a ball for a whole century!
I forgot about the children! I deceived my wife!
Played! lost! taken into custody by decree!
He held the dancer! and not just one:
Three at once!
Drank dead! I haven’t slept for nine nights!
He rejected everything: laws! conscience! faith!
CHATSKY
Listen! lie, but know when to stop;
There is something to despair about.
R e p e t i l o v
Congratulate me, now I know people
With the smartest!! - I don’t scour all night long.
CHATSKY
Like today?
R e p e t i l o v
That one night doesn't count,
But ask, where have you been?
CHATSKY
And I’ll figure it out myself.
Tea, in the club?
R e p e t i l o v
In English. To start confession:
From a noisy meeting.
Please be silent, I gave my word to be silent;
We have a society and secret meetings,
On Thursdays. The most secret alliance...
CHATSKY
Oh! I'm afraid, brother.
How? in club?
R e p e t i l o v
CHATSKY
These are emergency measures,
To drive you and your secrets away from your neck.
R e p e t i l o v
In vain does fear take over you:
We speak out loud, no one can understand.
I myself, when they start talking about the cameras, the jury,
About Beiron, well, about important mothers.
I often listen without opening my lips;
I can’t do it, brother, and I feel like I’m stupid.
Oh! Alexandre! we were missing you;
Listen, dear, make me laugh at least a little;
Let's go now; We are fortunately on the go;
Which ones will I set you up with?
People!!.. they don’t look like me at all.
What kind of people are they, mon cher! Juice of smart youth!
CHATSKY
God is with them and with you. Where will I go?
For what? in the dead of night? Go home, I want to sleep.
R e p e t i l o v
Eh! come on! who's sleeping now? Well, that's it, no preludes,
Make up your mind, and we!.. we have... decisive people,
A dozen hot goals!
We shout – you’d think there were hundreds of voices!..
CHATSKY
Why are you freaking out so much?
R e p e t i l o v
We're making noise, brother, we're making noise.
CHATSKY
Are you making noise? but only?
R e p e t i l o v
There is no place to explain now and there is no time;
But it's a matter of state:
You see, it’s not ripe,
It can't happen all of a sudden.
What kind of people! Mon cher! Without distant stories
I’ll tell you: first of all, Prince Gregory!!
The only weirdo! It's making us laugh!
A century with the English, the whole English fold,
And he also says through his teeth,
And also cut short for order.
Don't you know me? O! meet him.
The other is Vorkulov Evdokim;
Haven't you heard him sing? O! marvel!
Listen, honey, especially
He has one favorite:
"Ah! non lashyar mi, but, but, but."
We also have two brothers:
Levon and Borinka, wonderful guys!
You don’t know what to say about them;
But if you order a genius to be named:
Udushiev Ippolit Markelych!!!
You are writing it
Have you read anything? at least a little thing?
Read, brother, but he doesn’t write anything;
These are the kind of people who should be flogged,
And say: write, write, write;
However, you can find in magazines
His excerpt, look and something.
What do you mean something? - about everything;
He knows everything, we are herding him for a rainy day.
But we have a head like no other in Russia,
You don’t need to name it, you’ll recognize it from the portrait:
Night robber, duelist,
He was exiled to Kamchatka, returned as an Aleut,
And the unclean hand is strong;
Yes, an intelligent person cannot help but be a rogue.
When he talks about high honesty,
Some kind of demon inspires:
My eyes are bloody, my face is burning,
He cries himself, and we all cry.
These people, are there others like them? Hardly...
Well, among them I am, of course, average,
A little behind, lazy, it’s terrible to think!
However, when I strained my mind,
I’ll sit down, I won’t sit for an hour,
And somehow by chance, suddenly I make a pun,
Others will pick up the same idea from me,
And the six of them, lo and behold, are making a vaudeville show,
The other six put music to music,
Others clap when given it.
Brother, laugh, but whatever you like, you like it:
God did not reward me with abilities,
I gave you a kind heart, that’s why I’m nice to people,
If I lie, they will forgive me...
LAKEY (at the entrance)
Skalozub's carriage.
R e p e t i l o v
PHENOMENON 5
The same and Skalozub (descends from the stairs).
Repetilov (to meet him)
Oh! Skalozub, my soul,
Wait, where to? make friendship.
(Strangles him in her arms.)
CHATSKY
Where can I go from them?
(Included in Swiss.)
R e p e t i l o v (Skalozub)
The rumor about you has long died down;
They said that you went to serve in the regiment.
Do you know each other?
(Looks for Chatsky with his eyes.)
Stubborn! galloped away!
No need, I found you by accident
And please join me, now without excuses:
Prince Gregory now has thousands of people,
You'll see about forty of us,
Ugh! what a lot of brains there are, brother!
They talk all night, they don’t get bored,
Firstly, they will give you champagne to slaughter,
And secondly, they will teach such things,
Which, of course, you and I can’t invent.
S c a l o z u b
Spare me. You can't fool me with learning,
Call others, and if you want,
I am Prince Gregory and you
I'll give the sergeant major to Walter,
He will line you up in three ranks,
Just make a noise and it will instantly calm you down.
R e p e t i l o v
All service is on your mind! mon cher, look here:
And I would have climbed into the ranks, but met failures,
Like maybe no one ever;
I served as a civil servant, then
Baron von Klotz was aiming for minister,
And I
To be his son-in-law.
Walked straight ahead without a second thought,
With his wife and with him he embarked on reversi,
What amounts for him and her?
He let it go, God forbid!
He lived on the Fontanka, I built a house near it,
With columns! huge! how much did it cost!
Finally married his daughter,
He took the dowry - shish, but the service - nothing.
My father-in-law is German, what's the use?
I was afraid, you see, he would reproach
For weakness, as if towards relatives!
I was afraid, take his ashes, but will it be easier for me?
His secretaries are all boors, all corrupt,
Little people, writing creature,
Everyone has come out to know, everyone is important now,
Look at the calendar address.
Ugh! service and ranks, crosses - the souls of ordeal;
Lakhmotyev Alexey says wonderfully,
That radical medications are needed here,
The stomach does not cook longer.
Stops, seeing that Zagoretsky has taken Skalozub’s place,
who left for now.
PHENOMENON 6
Repetilov, Zagoretsky.
ZAGORETSKY
Please continue, I sincerely confess to you,
I'm just like you, a terrible liberal!
And because I explain myself directly and boldly,
I lost so much! ..
R e p e t i l o v (with annoyance)
All apart, without saying a word;
Just out of sight of one, and then there’s no other.
There was Chatsky, suddenly disappeared, then Skalozub.
ZAGORETSKY
What do you think about Chatsky?
R e p e t i l o v
He's not stupid
Now we have collided, there are all sorts of turuses here,
And a sensible conversation turned to vaudeville.
Yes! vaudeville is a thing, but everything else is gil.
He and I... we... have the same tastes.
ZAGORETSKY
Have you noticed that he
Is your mind seriously damaged?
R e p e t i l o v
What nonsense!
ZAGORETSKY
Everything about him is of this faith.
R e p e t i l o v
ZAGORETSKY
Ask everyone.
R e p e t i l o v
ZAGORETSKY
By the way, here is Prince Pyotr Ilyich,
The princess and with the princesses.
R e p e t i l o v
PHENOMENON 7
Repetilov, Zagoretsky, Princes and Princesses
with six daughters; a little later Khlyostova
descends from the main staircase, Silently leads her under
hand. Lackeys in bustle.
ZAGORETSKY
Princesses, please tell me your opinion,
Is Chatsky crazy or not?
1st princess
What doubt is there in this?
2nd princess
The whole world knows about this.
3rd princess
Dryansky, Khvorov, Varlyansky, Skachkov.
4th princess
Oh! keep old ones, who are they new to?
5th princess
Who doubts?
ZAGORETSKY
Yes, he doesn’t believe it...
6th princess (Repetilov)
Together
Monsieur Repetilov! You! Monsieur Repetilov! what do you!
Yes, like you! Is it possible against everyone!
Yes, why you? shame and laughter.
Repetilov (covers his ears)
Sorry, I didn't know it was too public.
Princess
It wouldn’t be public yet, it’s dangerous to talk to him,
It's time to lock it up long ago.
Listen, so his little finger
Smarter than everyone, and even Prince Peter!
I think he's just a Jacobin
Your Chatsky!!!.. Let's go. Prince, you could carry
Katish or Zizi, we will sit in the six-seater.
Khlyostova (from the stairs)
Princess, card debt.
Princess
Follow me, mother.
V s e (to each other)
Farewell.
The princely family is leaving and so is Zagoretsky.
PHENOMENON 8
R e p e t i l o v , Kh l e s t o v a , M o l c h a l i n .
R e p e t i l o v
King of heaven!
Amfisa Nilovna! Oh! Chatsky! poor! Here!
What a lofty mind we have! and a thousand worries!
Tell me, what in the world are we busy with?
Kh l e s t o v a
So God judged him; but by the way
They'll treat you, they'll cure you, maybe;
And you, my father, are incurable, no matter what.
Deigned to show up on time! -
Molchalin, there's your closet,
No wires needed; God bless you.
(Molchalin goes to his room.)
Farewell, father; it's time to get mad.
PHENOMENON 9
Repetilov with his lackey.
R e p e t i l o v
Where to go now?
And it’s already approaching dawn.
Go put me in the carriage
Take it somewhere.
PHENOMENON 10
The last lamp goes out.
CHATSKY (comes from the Swiss)
What is this? did I hear with my ears!
Not laughter, but clearly anger. What miracles?
Through what witchcraft
Everyone repeats the absurdity about me out loud!
And for others it’s like a triumph,
Others seem to have compassion...
ABOUT! if someone penetrated people:
What's worse about them? soul or language?
Whose essay is this?
Fools believed it, they passed it on to others,
The old women instantly sound the alarm -
And here is public opinion!
And here is that homeland... No, on this visit,
I see that I will soon get tired of her.
Does Sophia know? - Of course, they told me,
It’s not that she’s doing me any harm
I had fun, and whether it’s true or not
She doesn't care if I'm different,
In all conscience she does not value anyone.
But this fainting spell? unconsciousness from where??-
Nervous, spoiled, whimsical, -
A little will excite them, and a little will calm them down, -
I considered it a sign of living passions. - Not a crumb:
She would certainly lose her strength as well,
When would anyone step
On the tail of a dog or cat.
Sofia (above the stairs in the second
floor, with a candle)
Molchalin, is that you?
(Hastily closes the door again.)
CHATSKY
She! she herself!
Oh! my head is burning, my whole blood is in excitement!
She has appeared! she's gone! really in a vision?
Am I really going crazy?
I am definitely prepared for the extraordinary;
But it’s not a vision here, the time for the meeting has been agreed upon.
Why should I deceive myself?
Molchalin called, this is his room.
His lackey (from the porch)
CHATSKY
(Pushes him out.)
I'll be here and won't sleep a wink,
At least until the morning. If it's hard to drink,
It's better right away
Why hesitate, but slowness will not get rid of troubles.
The door opens.
Hiding behind a column.
PHENOMENON 11
Chatsky is hidden, Liza with a candle.
Lisa
Oh! no urine! I'm timid:
Into the empty hallway! at night! you're afraid of the brownies,
You are also afraid of living people.
A tormenting young lady, God bless her.
And Chatsky is like a thorn in the eye;
See, he seemed to her somewhere here, below.
(Looks around.)
Yes! of course! He wants to wander around the hallway!
He, tea, has long been out of the gate,
Save love for tomorrow
Home and went to bed.
However, it is ordered to push the heart.
(Knocks on Molchalin’s door.)
Listen, sir. If you please, wake up.
The young lady is calling you, the young lady is calling you.
Hurry up so they don't catch you.
PHENOMENON 12
Chatsky behind the column, Liza, Molchalin (stretches and
yawns). Sofia (sneaks from above).
Lisa
You, sir, are stone, sir, ice.
M o l c h a l i n
Oh! Lizanka, are you on your own?
From the young lady, sir.
M o l c h a l i n
Who would have guessed
What's in these cheeks, in these veins
Love has not yet blushed!
Do you only want to be on the errands?
And to you, bride seekers,
Don't bask or yawn;
Handsome and cute, who doesn't finish eating
And he won’t sleep until the wedding.
M o l c h a l i n
What wedding? with whom?
What about the young lady?
M o l c h a l i n
Come on,
There is a lot of hope ahead,
We'll waste time without a wedding.
What are you talking about, sir! who are we?
Other things as your husband?
M o l c h a l i n
Don't know. And I'm shaking so much,
And at one thought I’m afraid,
What Pavel Afanasyich times
Someday he'll catch us
He will disperse, he will curse!.. So what? should I open my soul?
I don’t see anything in Sofya Pavlovna
Enviable. May God grant her a rich life,
I once loved Chatsky,
He will stop loving me like he did.
My little angel, I would like half
I feel the same for her as I feel for you;
No, no matter how much I tell myself,
I’m getting ready to be gentle, but when I’m dating, I’ll throw a sheet.
S o f i a (to the side)
What baseness!
Chatsky (behind the column)
And you are not ashamed?
M o l c h a l i n
My father bequeathed to me:
First, please all people without exception -
The owner, where he will live,
The boss with whom I will serve,
To his servant who cleans dresses,
Doorman, janitor, to avoid evil,
To the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate.
Let me tell you, sir, you have great care!
M o l c h a l i n
And now I take the form of a lover
To please the daughter of such a man...
Who feeds and gives water,
And sometimes he’ll give you a gift?
Let's go, we've talked enough.
M o l c h a l i n
Let's go share love with our deplorable theft.
Let me hug you from the fullness of my heart.
(Lisa is not given.)
Why isn't she you!
(He wants to go, Sofia won’t let him.)
Sofia (almost in a whisper,
the whole scene in a low voice)
M o l c h a l i n
How! Sofya Pavlovna...
Not a word, for God's sake,
Keep quiet, I’ll decide on anything.
Silently (throws himself on his knees,
Sofia pushes him away)
Oh, remember, don’t be angry, look!..
I don't remember anything, don't bother me.
Memories! like a sharp knife.
Silent (crawls at her feet)
Have mercy...
Don't be mean, stand up
I don't want an answer, I know your answer,
You'll lie...
M o l c h a l i n
Do me a favor...
No. No. No.
M o l c h a l i n
I was joking and I didn't say anything except...
Leave me alone, I say, now,
I'll scream to wake everyone in the house,
And I will destroy myself and you.
(Molchalin gets up.)
From then on, it was as if I didn’t know you.
Reproaches, complaints, my tears
Don’t you dare expect, you’re not worth it;
But so that the dawn does not find you in the house here,
May I never hear from you again.
M o l c h a l i n
As you order.
Otherwise I'll tell you
Tell the whole truth to the priest out of frustration.
You know that I don't value myself.
Come. - Stop, be glad,
What happens when dating me in the silence of the night?
They were more timid in their disposition,
Than even during the day, and in front of people, and in reality,
You have less insolence than crookedness of soul.
I myself am pleased that I found out everything at night,
There are no reproachful witnesses in the eyes,
Just like before, when I fainted,
Chatsky was here...
Chatsky (throws between them)
He's here, you pretender!
Lisa and Sofia
Lisa drops the candle in fright; Molchalin hides to himself
into the room.
PHENOMENA 13
The same, except for Molchalin.
CHATSKY
Rather faint, now it's alright
There is a more important reason why
Here is the solution to the riddle at last!
Here I am donated to!
I don’t know how I curbed my rage!
I looked and saw and didn’t believe it!
And darling, for whom is it forgotten?
And the former friend, and women's fear and shame, -
He hides behind the door, afraid to be held accountable.
Oh! how to comprehend the game of fate?
A persecutor of people with a soul, a scourge!
Silent people are blissful in the world!
S o f i I (all in tears)
Don't continue, I blame myself all around.
But who would have thought that he could be so insidious!
Knock! noise! Oh! My God! the whole house is running here.
Your father will be grateful.
PHENOMENA 14
CHATSKY, SOFIA, LIZA, FAMUSOV, TOLPA SLUG
with candles.
F a m u s o v
Here! Behind me! hurry up!
More candles and lanterns!
Where are the brownies? Bah! All familiar faces!
Daughter, Sofya Pavlovna! Stranger!
Shameless! Where! with whom! Neither give nor take, she
Like her mother, the deceased wife.
It happened that I was with my better half
A little apart - somewhere with a man!
Fear God, how? How did he seduce you?
She called him crazy!
No! Stupidity and blindness have attacked me!
It's all a conspiracy, and there was a conspiracy
He himself and all the guests. Why am I being punished like this!..
Chatskyy (Sofia)
So I still owe you this fiction?
F a m u s o v
Brother, don’t be a trick, I won’t be deceived,
Even if you fight, I won’t believe it.
You, Filka, you are a real blockhead,
Made a lazy grouse into a doorman,
Doesn't know anything, doesn't smell anything.
Where were you? where did you go?
Why didn’t the seney lock it?
How come you didn’t watch it? and how did you not hear?
To work you, to settle you:
They are ready to sell me for a penny.
You, quick-eyed, everything comes from your mischief;
Here it is, Kuznetsky Most, outfits and updates;
There you learned how to make lovers meet,
Wait, I'll correct you:
Go to the hut and go after the birds.
Yes, and you, my friend, I, daughter, will not leave,
Be patient for two more days:
You shouldn’t be in Moscow, you shouldn’t live with people.
Farther from these grips,
To the village, to my aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov,
There you will grieve,
Sit at the hoop, yawn at the calendar.
And you, sir, I really ask you
You don’t want to go there either directly or along a side road;
And this is your last feature,
What, tea, the door will be locked for everyone:
I will try, I will ring the alarm bell,
I'll cause trouble for everything around the city,
And I will announce to all the people:
I will submit it to the Senate, to the ministers, to the sovereign.
CHATSKY (after some silence)
I won’t come to my senses... it’s my fault,
And I listen, I don’t understand,
As if they still want to explain to me,
Confused by thoughts... waiting for something.
(With fervor.)
Blind! In whom I sought the reward of all my labors!
I was in a hurry!.. flying! trembled! Happiness, I thought, was close.
Before whom am I so passionate and so low
He was a waster of tender words!
And you! Oh my God! who did you choose?
When I think about who you preferred!
Why did they lure me with hope?
Why didn't they tell me directly?
Why did you turn everything that happened into laughter?!
That the memory even disgusts you
Those feelings, in both of us the movements of those hearts,
Which have never cooled in me,
No entertainment, no change of place.
I breathed and lived by them, was constantly busy!
They would say that my sudden arrival was to you,
My appearance, my words, actions - everything is disgusting, -
I would immediately cut off relations with you,
And before we part forever
I wouldn't bother to get there very much,
Who is this dear person to you?..
(Mockingly.)
You will make peace with him after mature reflection.
Destroy yourself, and why!
Think you can always
Protect, and swaddle, and send to work.
Husband-boy, husband-servant, from the wife's pages -
The high ideal of all Moscow men.-
Enough!.. with you I am proud of my breakup.
And you, sir father, you, passionate about ranks:
I wish you to sleep in happy ignorance,
I do not threaten you with my matchmaking.
There will be another well-behaved one,
A sycophant and a businessman,
Finally, the advantages
He is the equal of his future father-in-law.
So! I have completely sobered up
Dreams out of sight - and the veil fell;
Now it wouldn't be a bad thing
For the daughter and the father,
And on a foolish lover,
And pour out all the bile and all the frustration to the whole world.
Who was it with? Where fate has taken me!
Everyone is driving! everyone curses! Crowd of tormentors
In the love of traitors, in the tireless enmity,
Indomitable storytellers,
Clumsy smart people, crafty simpletons,
Sinister old women, old men,
Decrepit over inventions, nonsense, -
You have glorified me as crazy by the whole choir.
You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed,
Who will have time to spend a day with you,
Breathe the air alone
And his sanity will survive.
Get out of Moscow! I don't go here anymore.
I’m running, I won’t look back, I’ll go looking around the world,
Where is there a corner for an offended feeling!..
Carriage for me, carriage!
PHENOMENA 15
Except Chatsky.
F a m u s o v
Well? Don't you see that he's gone crazy?
Say it seriously:
Insane! What kind of nonsense is he talking about here!
The sycophant! father-in-law! and so menacing about Moscow!
Have you decided to kill me?
Isn't my fate still sad?
Oh! My God! what will he say
Princess Marya Aleksevna!
Woe from Wit - summary (1)
Main characters:
Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov, manager at the government office.
Sofia Pavlovna, his daughter.
Lisa, maid.
Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin, Famusov’s secretary, living in his house.
Alexander Andreevich Chatsky.
Skalozub Sergey Sergeevich, colonel.
Gorichi:
Natalya Dmitrievna, young lady.
Platon Mikhailovich, her husband.
Prince Tugoukhovsky and
The princess, his wife, with six daughters.
Khryumins:
Countess grandmother, Countess granddaughter.
Anton Antonovich Zagoretsky.
Old woman Khlestova, sister-in-law of Famusov.
G.N.
G.D.
Repetilov.
Parsley and several talking servants.
Lots of guests of all sorts and their lackeys on their way out.
Famusov's waiters.
(Action in Moscow, in Famusov’s house.)
Act I
Events unfold in the morning in the living room. Only the awakened servant Lisa restlessly knocks on the door of the bedchamber of the master's daughter Sophia. The fact is that Sophia secretly spends her nights with a young gentleman from her father. Liza is obliged to cover up the adventures of the young lady and send the guest away in time so that he is not inadvertently caught by Sophia’s father, Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov. The owner's daughter is in no hurry to respond to Sophia. Therefore, the maid decides to move the clock forward so that its ringing will hurry up the newlyweds.Famusov enters the room. He flirts with Lisa, but she jokes and rejects his advances. Sofia calls Lisa, Famusov leaves. Lisa: “Pass us above all sorrows and lordly anger and lordly love.”
Molchalin arrives in the master’s daughter’s bedroom, Lisa hurries him to leave. Sofia says that “happy hours don’t watch.” At this moment Famusov enters the room. Pavel Afanasyevich is frankly surprised by Molchalin’s presence. The gentleman's assurances that he has come right now do not convince Sophia's angry father. In his soul he grumbles about book novels and the decline of morals.
Sofia tells her dream: she was looking for some grass in a meadow, met a sweet man, then found herself in a dark room, the floor opened up, her father appeared from there in a terrible form, and monsters separated her from her loved one and began to torment her.
Molchalin leaves with Famusov to discuss business issues.
Meanwhile, Chatsky, Sophia’s childhood friend, appears in the house. He recalls his youth and mutual acquaintances, mocking the peculiarities of each. Chatsky: “When we wander, we return home, and the smoke of the fatherland is sweet and pleasant to us.” Sofia does not like the way Chatsky speaks about others, especially Molchalin. Chatsky accidentally speaks very sarcastically about Molchalin: under the pretext of interest in his career successes, he hints that Molchalin should already have built a successful career, because... “After all, nowadays they love the dumb.” In response, Sophia whispers to herself: “Not a person, a snake!”
Chatsky talks with Famusov. In the conversation, he admires the prettier Sophia and agrees with her father to meet soon in the evening.
Famusov remains confused: he no longer knows who he should fear more as his daughter’s fiancé - Molchalin or the newly appeared Chatsky.
Act II
Famusov dictates upcoming visits to the servant Petrushka, so that he puts them in the calendar. Chatsky enters. Inquires about Sofia's health. Famusov wonders if Chatsky is aiming for a suitor. Chatsky is interested in Famusov’s opinion on this matter. Famusov is dissatisfied that Chatsky does not want to deal with the civil service and follow the example of his elders.“I’d be glad to serve, but it’s sickening to be served,” declares Chatsky. Famusov reproaches him for being excessively “prideful” and uses as an example his late uncle, who achieved rank and wealth by servilely serving the empress. Famusov says that his uncle, having fallen awkwardly and hit his head in front of the entire retinue of Empress Catherine, repeated the fall a couple more times deliberately, trying to get up in order to make the empress laugh, for which he was awarded and highly promoted. Chatsky is disgusted by such behavior.
Famusov is so stunned by his remark that he barely hears the servant’s report about the arrival of Colonel Skalozub. Famusov asks Chatsky to remain silent in the presence of Skalozub. Chatsky wonders if the colonel is Sofia’s fiancé. In a small talk with Skalozub, Famusov presents Chatsky as an intelligent young man who, unfortunately, wastes his talent aimlessly, for which the world condemns him. In response, Chatsky pronounces a monologue “Who are the judges?”, exposing the vices of society. Famusov goes into his office, afraid to participate in a further dispute. But Skalozub did not understand anything from Chatsky’s words; he decided that Chatsky was criticizing those who worship the guards uniform, when the uniform in the First Army is no worse.
Sophia runs in and rushes to the window shouting: “Oh, my God, I fell, I killed myself!” It turns out that it was Molchalin who “cracked” from his horse (Skalozub’s expression).
For Chatsky, Sophia’s strong concern for Molchalin arouses suspicion. Then Molchalin himself returns and reassures those present - nothing terrible happened. Sophia tries to justify her careless impulse, but only intensifies the suspicious thoughts that have arisen in Chatsky.
Left alone with Molchalin, Sophia worries about his health, and he is concerned about her incontinence (“Evil tongues are worse than a pistol”).
Deciding to defuse the situation by lightly flirting with Chatsky, Sophia leaves. Meanwhile, Molchalin wastes no time in vain, showing signs of attention to Liza and promising her generous gifts for love.
Act III
After communicating with Sophia, Chatsky comes to the conclusion that she simply cannot love such an insignificant person as Molchalin. But this sharpens his interest even more: who is her lover then?Chatsky starts a conversation with Silent, after which he becomes even stronger in his opinion: it is impossible to love someone whose virtues boil down to “moderation and accuracy,” someone who cannot have his own opinion and bows to nobility and power.
Meanwhile, guests arrive at Famusov’s house. The first to arrive were the Gorichevs - old acquaintances of Chatsky, with whom he talks in a friendly manner, warmly remembering the past. Prince Tugoukhovsky arrives with his wife and daughters. The princess, having found out that Chatsky is not married, sends her husband to invite him to dinner, but immediately calls him back after learning that he is not rich and does not have a promising position. Countess Khryumina, grandmother and granddaughter arrive, then Zagoretsky and many other guests. The guests chat, each pursuing their own interests and collecting information about the others.
Khlestova arrives - an exceptionally powerful woman who does not tolerate any objections. Chatsky, Skalozub and Molchalin pass in front of her. Of all of them, only Molchalin deserved Khlestova’s favor, because he praised her dog. Chatsky does not miss the opportunity to offend Molchalin in front of Sophia about this. Chatsky's sarcasm infuriates Sophia, and she decides to take revenge for her secret lover. Moving from one group of guests to another, she gradually hints that Chatsky seems to be out of his mind.
Before this, having talked a little with Chatsky, everyone readily picks up the gossip. In a general conversation, Chatsky makes a speech about Russia’s servility to the West, and suddenly notices that no one is listening to him, everyone is demonstratively busy playing or dancing.
Act IV
The front entrance, the guests are leaving. Chatsky's lackey cannot find the coachman. Repetilov arrives and invites Chatsky to a meeting of a certain secret society that turned his life upside down. Describes with delight noisy meetings and people participating in the conspiracy, making hints about grandiose plans. Chatsky does not take such a gathering seriously and directs Repetilov’s attention to other guests.Repetilov switches to Skalozub, telling him the sad story of his marriage, but even here he does not find mutual understanding. Repetilov manages to enter into a conversation with only one Zagoretsky, and even then the subject of their discussion becomes Chatsky’s madness. Repetilov does not believe the rumor at first, but the others persistently convince him that Chatsky is a real madman. Chatsky, who accidentally lingered in the doorman’s room, hears all this and is indignant at the slanderers. He is worried about only one thing - does Sophia know about his “madness”? It can’t even occur to him that it was she who started this rumor.
He hears Sofia’s voice from above, she calls out to him, mistaking him for Molchalin. Chatsky hides behind a column, deciding to find out everything to the end.
Lisa appears in the lobby, followed by a sleepy Molchalin. In the process, he flirts with Lisa, revealing that he is playing the role of Sofia’s lover to please the daughter of the man who feeds and promotes him. Sofia hears Molchalin's revelations. Molchalin begs for forgiveness, saying that it was just a joke. Chatsky appears. Molchalin runs to his room. Chatsky reproaches Sofia for choosing base servility over true feelings.
Famusov and a crowd of servants with candles appear. Famusov comes to the conclusion that Sofia and Chatsky are having a love date. He immediately arranges a punishment for the household: the doorman - to the settlement, Lisa - to the poultry house, Sofia - “to the village, to her aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov.”
Chatsky laughs bitterly at his own blindness, and at Sophia, and at all of Famusov’s like-minded people, in whose company it is truly difficult to maintain sanity. Exclaiming: “I’ll go search around the world, / Where there is a corner for the offended feeling! Give me a carriage, a carriage!” - he leaves forever the house that was once so dear to him.
Famusov is most worried about what reaction the events that have taken place will cause in the world - “what will Princess Marya Aleksevna say!”
Summary of Griboedov's comedy Woe from Wit
Option No. 2
Act one
The action takes place in Famusov's house in Moscow.Early in the morning, Lisa wakes up in the living room. She made sure all night that no one caught Sophia and Molchalin alone during their date. Famusov appears and flirts with Lisa and tries to hug her. The maid pushes him away. He says that no one will find them, because Sophia is sleeping. The maid Lisa replies that the young lady had been reading French novels all night and had just fallen asleep. Famusov is indignant that reading only spoils his eyesight, and is of no use to him. At this moment, Sophia’s voice is heard calling Lisa. Famusov silently leaves the room. Lisa, left alone, exclaims: “Pass us beyond all sorrows // Both the lordly anger and the lordly love.”
Sophia and Molchalin appear. Lisa reminds them that everyone in the house has long since woken up and asks Molchalin to leave quickly. Famusov unexpectedly appears and is surprised by the presence of the secretary at such an early time. He says that he returned from a walk. Famusov recommends that he “choose a back street for walks further away,” and then begins to scold his daughter:
And you, madam, almost jumped out of bed,
With my husband! with the young one! - Something to do for a girl!
He reads tall tales all night,
And here are the fruits of these books!
And all the Kuznetsky Bridge, and the eternal French,
From there fashion comes to us, both authors and muses:
Destroyers of pockets and hearts!
Then Famusov tells how much effort he put into raising Sophia with dignity, and uses himself as an example:
Look at me: I don’t boast about my build;
However, he was vigorous and fresh, and lived to see his gray hairs,
Free, widows, I am my own master...
Known for his monastic behavior!..
Illustration Woe from Wit
"Woe from Wit." Illustration for a comedy.
After this, Famusov reminds Molchalin that he owes his promotion to him: “He gave the rank of assessor and took him as secretary; /Transferred to Moscow through my assistance; /And if it weren’t for me, you would be smoking in Tver.” Then the two of them go off to sort out the papers. Famusov’s order of business is as follows: “Signed - and off your shoulders!”
Sophia, left alone with Lisa, recalls the happy moments of the past night: how, lost in music, time passed smoothly and unnoticed. The maid notices that “no good will come of this love,” because Famusov wants himself to be a son-in-law “with stars, and with ranks” and, of course, with money. An example of such a son-in-law is Colonel Skalozub: “And a golden bag, and aims to become a general.” Sophia contemptuously responds: “He hasn’t said something smart in his life, - / I don’t care what’s for him, what’s in the water.” Lisa agrees with her and reminds her of Alexander Andreich Chatsky, with whom Sophia was raised together since childhood: “Who is so sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp...” Chatsky went on a long trip - for three years. Sophia says: “The desire to wander attacked him, /Ah! If someone loves someone, /Why search for intelligence and travel so far?” She believes that she and Chatsky were connected only by childhood friendship. Sophia compares Chatsky and Molchalin: “Molchalin, ready to forget himself for others, / The enemy of insolence, is always shy, timid / A whole night with someone you can spend like that!”
At this moment, the servant who entered reports that Chatsky has arrived. Chatsky appears. He says that he rode almost seven hundred miles without rest just to see Sophia. He is surprised by the cold reception given to him: “It’s as if not a week has passed; /As if it were just the two of us yesterday /We’re so tired of each other...” Sophia tries to dissuade Chatsky, says that she is very happy about his arrival and that she often thought about him. Chatsky replies: “Assume that it is so. //Blessed is he who believes, he is warm in the world!” Then he remembers his childhood with Sophia, is interested in mutual acquaintances, speaking ironically about some:
And that consumptive one, your relatives, the enemy of books,
In the scientific committee which settled
And with a cry he demanded oaths,
So that no one knows or learns to read and write?
Chatsky says that although you “get tired of living with such people,” when you return to your native Fatherland after long wanderings, you rejoice at everything. Then, he remembers Molchalin, of whom he always had a low opinion: “Where is he, by the way? / Has he not yet broken the silence of the seal?”, “But by the way, he will reach the famous levels, / After all, nowadays they love the dumb.” Sophia is so angry at what she hears that she sharply answers Chatsky:
“Not a man, a snake!”, and then tries to pull him back: “Has it ever happened that you laughed? or in sadness? // A mistake? Did they say good things about anyone?” Chatsky admits to Sophia that although he is surprised by her coldness, he still loves her madly.
Famusov appears. He, too, is not particularly happy about Chatsky’s arrival, asking where he “wandered for so many years.” Chatsky's thoughts are occupied only with Sophia. He says goodbye to Famusov and promises to tell him everything in the evening, since he is now in a hurry to go home.
Act two
The servant reads Famusov his schedule for the week ahead. It turns out that Pavel Afanasyevich is incredibly busy: for example, on Tuesday he is invited to dinner, on Thursday he has to go to a funeral, and on Friday he has to baptize. Chatsky appears. Concerned about Sophia's attitude towards him, he asks Pavel Afanasyevich about his daughter's condition. Famusov is alarmed by this: “Tell me, did you like her? /Scoured the light; don't you want to get married? Chatsky: “Let me woo you, what would you tell me?” Famusov advises him to go and have dinner first. Chatsky replies: “I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.” Pavel Afanasyevich reproaches him for being too proud. He cites the example of his uncle, Maxim Petrovich, who achieved a high position in society and made a brilliant career thanks to the fact that he curried favor with the powers that be. Once Maxim Petrovich, who served under Empress Catherine, fell at one of the palace receptions. The Empress deigned to smile. Then Maxim Petrovich fell on purpose, and then in exactly the same way for the third time. Chatsky objects to Famusov, condemning such behavior. Famusov is horrified by his free-thinking speeches.Colonel Sergei Sergeevich Skalozub enters, to whom the owner is very happy. Pavel Afanasyevich tries to talk with the guest about his relatives, about his brother, but Skalozub is only able to talk about his death. Famusov makes a whole speech in which he admires the Moscow nobility:
Please look at our youth,
For young men - sons and grandchildren.
We scold them, and if you figure it out,
At the age of fifteen, teachers will be taught!
And our old people?? - How enthusiasm will take them,
They will condemn deeds, that the word is a sentence...
And sometimes they talk about the government like this,
What if someone overheard them... trouble!
It’s not that new things were introduced - never...
<...>
What about the ladies? - anyone, try it, master it;
Judges of everything, everywhere, there are no judges above them;
Behind the cards, when they rise up in a general revolt,
God grant me patience, because I myself was married.
Order the command in front of the front!
Be present, send them to the Senate!
<...>
And whoever saw the daughters, hang your head...
His Majesty the King of Prussia was here,
He marveled not at the Moscow girls,
Their good character, not their faces;
And indeed, is it possible to be more educated!
They know how to dress themselves up
Taffeta, marigold and haze.
They won’t say a word in simplicity, everything will be done with a grimace...
<...>
I will say emphatically: barely
Another capital will be found, like Moscow.
After this, Famusov recommends Chatsky to Skalozub, regretting that he will not get along. He doesn't notice that his praise sounds like an insult. Chatsky pronounces an angry monologue:
Who are the judges? - For the antiquity of years
Their enmity towards a free life is irreconcilable,
Judgments are drawn from forgotten newspapers
The times of the Ochakovskys and the conquest of Crimea.
<...>
Where, show us, are the fathers of the fatherland,
Which ones should we take as models?
Aren't these the ones who are rich in robbery?
They found protection from court in friends, in kinship,
Magnificent building chambers,
Where they spill out in feasts and extravagance.
<...>
These are the ones who lived to see their gray hairs!
This is who we should respect in the wilderness!
Here are our strict connoisseurs and judges!
He is indignant at the serf-owning nobles, who, for their whims, separate entire families of the peasants under their control, and are capable of exchanging for greyhound dogs the very servants who have more than once saved their lives and honor. They cover up their “weakness of mind, poverty of mind” with a uniform. Frightened Famusov hastily leaves.
Sophia and Lisa appear in the room. They see through the window that Molchalin is falling from his horse. Sophia loses consciousness from fright. Chatsky rushes to bring her to her senses. Sophia, waking up, worries only about Molchalin. Chatsky begins to suspect that she is in love with Molchalin: “You can only feel this way / When you lose your only friend.” Sophia reproaches Chatsky for not hastening to help Molchalin. Chatsky objects - he was primarily concerned about Sophia’s health. He notes with irony that he resurrected Sophia, although he does not know for whom, and then leaves. Skalozub goes to Famusov’s office. Lisa and Molchalin persuade Sophia to be careful and not openly show her feelings. Having waited for Sophia to leave, Molchalin begins to flirt with Lisa: “What a face you have! / How I love you!” The maid asks, what about the young lady? Molchalin replies that he loves Sophia “by position.” He begins to seduce Lisa with gifts: perfume, a skillfully made toilet with a mirror, a mother-of-pearl sewing kit. Lisa rejects his advances and gifts: / Better tell me why / You and the young lady are modest, but the maid is a rake?” Molchalin promises to tell her a little later about the reasons for his behavior. Lisa, left alone, talks about her secret love for the bartender Petrusha.
Act three
Chatsky, after all, decides to get the truth from Sophia, who is really dear to her? To his questions, Sophia evasively answers that she loves “the whole world.” Chatsky says: “May Molchalin have a lively mind, a brave genius, / But does he have that passion? That feeling? Is that ardor? / So that, except for you, the whole world / Seems like dust and vanity to him?” Sophia gives him an example of Molchalin’s virtues: “yielding, modest, quiet,” does not respond to Famusov’s scolding, plays cards with the old men, if necessary, even all day long. Chatsky draws conclusions: “She doesn’t respect him,” “She’s being naughty, she doesn’t love him!” He starts talking about Skalozub: “He has a hero’s face and voice...” Sophia responds: “Not my novel,” and then leaves.Chatsky meets Molchalin. A conversation ensues between them. Secretary Famusov admires nobility and wealth, is proud of his talents - moderation and accuracy, and the goal of his life is: “And win awards and live happily.” Molchalin is sure that “one must depend on others” and “at his age one should not dare to have one’s own judgment.” Chatsky is finally convinced that Sophia cannot love such a person.
Guests come to Famusov's house for a ball. Here Chatsky meets his old friend, Gorich Platon Mikhailovich, with whom they once served together. Platon Mikhailovich changed beyond recognition, being under the heel of his wife, Natalya Dmitrievna. In the conversation, Natalya Dmitrievna does not allow her husband to get in a word, complaining about his poor health: “all rheumatism and headaches.” Chatsky invites Platon Mikhailovich to go to serve again or go to the village, where he can lead a more active lifestyle and get rid of ailments. However, Natalya Dmitrievna has already decided everything for her husband: “Platon Mikhailych loves the city, / Moscow; Why will he waste his days in the wilderness!”
Princess and Prince Tugoukhovsky appear with six daughters. The girls immediately begin to discuss their peoples with Natalya Dmitrievna. The princess finds out that Chatsky is not married and tells her husband to quickly call him to dinner. But then she hears that Chatsky does not have a court rank and is not rich. The princess shouts to her husband from across the hall to come back immediately.
Platon Mikhailovich introduces Chatsky to Zagoretsky, while openly characterizing the latter as a notorious swindler, rogue and informer. Zagoretsky pretends that he is not at all offended by such words addressed to him.
Khlestova appears, an imperious old woman who does not tolerate objections. She says that Zagoretsky, “a liar, a gambler, a thief,” procured two blackamoors for her. Famusov introduces Skalozub to Khlestova. The colonel, in this situation, reduces the conversation to army service. The old woman favors one Molchalin, who hovers around her and lavishes compliments on her dog. Chatsky mockingly speaks of Molchalin: “Who else will settle everything so peacefully!/ There he will pet the pug in time!/ Then he will wipe the card at the right time!/ Zagoretsky will not die in him!” Sophia is annoyed by his words: “I’m glad to humiliate, to prick, envious, proud and angry!” In a conversation with G.N., Sophia says that it seems to her that Chatsky has gone crazy. G. N. shares this news with G. D., who, in turn, tells Zagoretsky that Chatsky has lost his mind. Zagoretsky immediately picks up the gossip, fibbing as he goes: “They grabbed me, took me to the yellow house, and put me on a chain.” G. D: “For goodness sake, he was just here!” Zagoretsky responded: “So they’ve let him off the chain!”, after which he retells the gossip to the countess-granddaughter. She assures that she herself noticed that Chatsky is mad. Soon everyone gathered at the ball is firmly convinced of Chatsky’s madness. Only Platon Mikhailovich is suspicious of this rumor. The guests begin to discuss the reasons for Chatsky’s madness. The ladies accuse him of excessive drinking. Famusov believes that everything is to blame for “learning,” which is the real plague: “learning is the reason, / That now there is more than ever, / There are crazy people, and deeds, and opinions.” Khlestova supports him, speaking indignantly about the Pedagogical Institute in St. Petersburg:
There they practice schisms and unbelief
Professors!! our relatives studied with them,
And he left! at least now to the pharmacy, to become an apprentice.
He runs away from women, and even from me!
Chinov doesn’t want to know! He's a chemist, he's a botanist,
Prince Fedor, my nephew.
Skalozub tries to please those gathered with the news that there is a project to shorten the period of study in gymnasiums and lyceums: “There they will only teach in our way: one, two; / And the books will be kept like this: for big occasions.” Famusov passionately objects to him, in order to stop the teaching, all the books must be burned. Chatsky appears: “A million torments / Chest from friendly pressure, / Legs from shuffling, ears from exclamations, / And most of all, the head from all sorts of trifles.” Turning to Sophia, he bitterly talks about the scene he saw in the next room: “the Frenchman from Bordeaux,” having arrived in Russia, among the barbarians, “found that there was no end to the caresses; / Neither the sound of a Russian, nor the Russian face / Did he meet: as if would be in the fatherland, with friends.” The Frenchman here in Moscow feels like a little king. “Will we ever be resurrected from the foreign power of fashion? / So that our smart, vigorous people / Although by language, do not consider us to be Germans?” - asks Chatsky. Looking around, he sees that no one is listening to him - ladies and gentlemen are waltzing with the greatest zeal, old men are sitting at card tables.
Act four
It was late evening. The guests of Famusov's house begin to leave.The countess-granddaughter scolds the owner:
“Well, ball! Well Famusov! knew how to name guests!
Some freaks from the other world,
And there is no one to talk to, and no one to dance with.”
The Gorich family also leaves.
Platon Mikhailovich complains to his wife about the boredom that balls cause him. His wife does not support him: “You are pretending, and very unskillfully.” As a result, Gorich sighs: “Ball is a good thing, bondage is bitter; /And who forces us to marry!” Chatsky is also in a hurry to leave, demanding that the carriage be brought quickly. At this moment Repetilov runs in. He immediately begins to assure Chatsky that he values his friendship with him, then says that he led a dissolute lifestyle and regrets it. However, now he has completely changed, read some mysterious book and became a member of the “most secret union”, knows the “smartest people.” Chatsky is skeptical of Repetilov’s confessions, because he knows the value of this empty man. He wonders what the members of the secret union do at their secret meetings? It turns out that all the activities of Repetilov’s friends boil down to empty talk: “We’re making noise, brother, we’re making noise!” Chatsky: “Are you making noise? but only?" Repetilov sees Skalozub and invites him to join the secret society. The colonel responds to this: “Spare me.” You won’t faint me with your learning,” “I will give Prince Gregory and you/ a sergeant-major to Voltaire,/ He will line you up in three ranks/ and make a sound, and he will instantly calm you down.” Next, Repetilov meets Zagoretsky and learns from him about Chatsky’s madness. At first he does not believe this, but the guests unanimously convince him that Chatsky has gone crazy. Repetilov is forced to agree with them.
Chatsky, who heard this conversation while in Switzerland, was shocked by the ridiculous rumors about himself. Sophia calls Molchalin. Chatsky is hiding behind a column. Lisa appears, knocks on Molchalin’s room and reports that the young lady is waiting for him at her place. He tries to be nice to Lisa, assuring her that he doesn’t like Sofya Pavlovna. “God grant her a rich life, / She once loved Chatsky, / She will stop loving me like him.” He hopes that the matter will work out without a wedding and is terribly afraid of the anger of Famusov, who may find out about their dates. He says that his father bequeathed to him to please all people:
The owner, where he will live,
The boss with whom I will serve,
To his servant who cleans dresses,
Doorman, janitor, to avoid evil,
To the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate.
That is why he pretends to love the daughter of Famusov, his benefactor. Molchalin tries to hug Lisa, but he is stopped by Sophia, who heard the entire conversation: “Go no further, I’ve heard a lot, / A terrible person! I’m ashamed of myself, the walls.” Molchalin falls to his knees in front of her, trying to beg for forgiveness. Sophia does not listen to his excuses and, deceived in her best feelings, demands that he immediately leave their house. Molchalin is hiding in his room. Chatsky comes out from behind the column.
He also heard everything:
“Here is the solution to the riddle at last!
Here I am sacrificed to whom!”
Chatsky reproaches Sophia:
"Oh! how to comprehend the game of fate?
A persecutor of people with a soul, a scourge! -
Silent people are blissful in the world!
Sophia answers in tears:
“Don’t continue, I’m blaming myself all around. But who would have thought that he could be so insidious!
Famusov appears with the servants. Seeing Chatsky and Sophia, he suspects that they are having a secret date.
Angry, Famusov threatens his daughter with exile “to the wilderness, to Saratov.”
Chatsky, in turn, pronounces an angry monologue, reproaching Sophia for choosing Molchalin over him. He is offended that Sophia did not tell him that she “turned everything that was before” between them to dust. Next, Chatsky advises her to make peace with Molchalin, because he will make an excellent husband-servant. He declares to Famusov that he will not woo his daughter, then demands a carriage and leaves. Famusov to Sophia: “Well, don’t you see that he’s gone crazy?... My fate is almost deplorable? Oh! My God! What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say?”
Woe from Wit - summary (3). Retelling by phenomena
Summary of the comedy Woe from Wit by chapters
Option No. 3
Here we offer our readers summary of the comedy by A.S. Griboyedova Woe from Wit with division not only by actions, but also by phenomena. This will allow you to better navigate the events when retelling or summarizing the comedy.
The action takes place in Famusov's house (Moscow).
ACT ONE
PHENOMENON IThe living room, there is a large clock in it, on the right is the door to Sophia’s bedroom, from where you can hear a piano with a flute, then the sounds fall silent. Lizanka is sleeping in the middle of the room, hanging from a chair (it’s morning, the day is just dawning). The awakened Lisa remembers that the young lady did not let her go since the evening: “We are waiting for a friend,” and the maid is forced to endure the inconvenience, the fear that everything will be revealed, then there will be no trouble. She calls out to Sophia and warns: “Everything in the house has risen.” He moves the clock forward so that the date, which lasted until the morning, ends.
SCENE II
Suddenly Famusov enters; he heard the clock striking. “Would it be too early for Sophia?” - he says and, seeing the maid, flirts with her. Lisa shames the master: “Come to your senses, you are old people... // Well, who will come, where are we going?” The maid assures that the girls sleep lightly. Sophia spent the whole night reading, only falling asleep in the morning. Famusov is surprised by the habits of young people: “French books keep her from sleeping, // But Russian books make it painful for me to sleep.” Sophia asks from behind the door about the cause of the noise, and Famusov tiptoes away.
SCENE III
Sophia and Silent just can’t part ways. Lisa warns that they may be caught. Sophia explains: “Happy people don’t watch the clock.” The maid is afraid because... She will have to answer for everything.
PHENOMENA IV
Famusov appears surprised to see his daughter with Molchalin at such an early hour. The secretary admits that he was coming from a walk. Famusov advises: “Friend. Is it possible to choose a nook farther away for a walk?” He is sure that all the unrest is from foreigners and enlightenment: “He reads fables all night, // And here are the fruits of these books! // And all the Kuznetsky Bridge, and the eternal French... // Destroyers of pockets and hearts!” Sophia accuses her father of waking her up and frightening her with his loud conversation. She wants to convince Famusov that she entered the room after which and only then saw Molchalin. Famusov is offended that everyone blamed him, and he spends all his days in trouble, takes care of his daughter, who was left without a mother early, the house rests on him. The father considers himself a worthy example for Sophia: “You don’t need another example, // When the father’s example is in your eyes.” Smoothing out the situation, Sophia tells a dream she allegedly saw. She walked through the meadow with her lover, sweet and modest, “You know that you were born in poverty.”... Famusov categorically warns his daughter: “Ah! Mother, don’t finish the blow! // He who is poor is not a match for you.” He advises his daughter to go to bed, and calls his secretary to come to him to sort out the affairs, the collapse of which he is most afraid of. Famusov started the following custom when working: “It’s signed, off your shoulders.” SCENE V Left with the young lady, Lisa tells how she was frightened by the baripa who entered. According to the maid, Sophia’s idea was empty, she will not be given away for a poor man, another thing is Skalozub, “And the golden bag, and aims to become a general.” But Sophia “why don’t we throw it in the water?” Lisa remembers Chatsky, who is eloquent and smart, cried when he left, was afraid of losing Sophia’s favor. Sophia indifferently recalls Chatsky, with whom she was friends “in childhood.” She praises Molchalin for his loyalty and modesty, while Chatsky left far away for no one knows why. APPEARANCES VI-VII The servant reports on Chatsky. He is happy to see Sophia, for the sake of this meeting he traveled forty-five hours without rest. Sophia coldly greets Chatsky, trying to get rid of him as quickly as possible. Chatsky wants to know the news, goes through all his acquaintances. Sophia is annoyed by his criticality, and when he offends Molchalin, she throws to the side: “Not a man, a snake.” Sophia sarcastically suggests: “If only I could bring you and my aunt together, // So that I can count all my acquaintances.” And he asks: “Has it ever happened that you laughed? or sad? // An error? did they say good things about anyone?” Chatsky cannot understand the reasons for Sophia's hostility. SCENE VIII Sophia says to Famusov who has entered: “A dream in your hand.” The father is annoyed, cannot understand anything, and then he sees Chatsky - too many surprises in the morning. SCENE IX Famusov wants to know news from the traveler, but Chatsky is only interested in Sophia, he talks about her beauty and health. Famusova answers her questions by saying that she hasn’t been home yet. He'll come back in two hours and tell you everything. SCENE X Famusov is at a loss as to whom Sophia meant: Molchalin or Chatsky. “What a commission, creator, // To be a father to an adult daughter!” End of the first act
ACT TWO
PHENOMENON IFamusov scolds the servant for his always torn caftan. Forces Petrushka to write down upcoming visits for the next week and make amendments. At the same time, the master eloquently talks about the superiority of Moscow, about its “pillars of society”: “What kind of aces live and die in Moscow!”
SCENE II
Chatsky appears, he talks incessantly about Sophia, Famusov is irritated by this; he wonders if Chatsky is planning to get married, and to the young man’s question: “What would be the answer,” if he proposed, Pavel Afanasyevich replies: “I would say, firstly, don’t be a whim, // In my name, brother, don’t drive incorrectly, // And, most importantly, come and serve.” Chatsky: “I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.” Such arrogance of a young man
ACT THREE
PHENOMENON IChatsky goes to Sophia for a decisive answer: “Who is finally dear to her? Molchalin! Skalozub!” Sophia tries to laugh it off at first, and then openly talks about her love for Molchalin. Chatsky sees that he is “ridiculous,” but love overshadows his mind. Sophia sincerely praises Molchalin to him, but it seems to the young man that she cannot love such a nonentity. Sophia says about Skalozub: “The hero is not my novel.”
SCENE II
Having learned from Lisa that Silent is coming to her, Sophia unceremoniously gets rid of Chatsky.
SCENE III
Seeing Molchalin, Chatsky gives him a damning description. While talking with him, she learns about Alexei Stepanovich’s two talents - “moderation and accuracy,” which are enough to achieve success in Moscow’s high society. Molchalin dares to feel sorry for Chatsky, who did not achieve ranks, he explains: “Ranks are given by people, // But people can be deceived.” Molchalin advises Chatsky to pay a visit to Tatyana Yuryevna, maybe things will work out. Chatsky says that he does not know her. Molchalin explains the purpose of such a visit: “We find patronage where we do not seek it,” but Chatsky proudly remarks: “I go to women, but not for that.” Molchalin advises looking for happiness in Moscow: “Well, really, why would you serve with us in Moscow?
And take awards and have fun?” Chatsky has his own principles on this matter: “When I’m in business, I’m dancing with joy,
When I'm fooling around, I'm fooling around
And to mix these two crafts
There are tons of skilled people, I’m not one of them.”
He was especially irritated by Molchalin’s phrase:
“At my age one should not dare
Have your own judgment.”
Chatsky, out of habit, begins to challenge this opinion, and then comes to the conclusion: “With such feelings, with such a position,” this person, in principle, cannot please Sophia.
ACT FOUR
In Famusov’s house, the front entrance. Night, low light. Some lackeys are fussing, others are sleeping, waiting for their masters.PHENOMENA I-II
The leaving Countess-granddaughter is outraged by the reception: “Well, the ball! Well Famusov! knew how to name guests! // Some freaks from the other world, // And no one to talk to, and no one to dance with.” Platon Mikhailovich is also dissatisfied: he is bored.
SCENE III
Chatsky demands his carriage, but they can’t find it.
PHENOMENA IV
Repetilov sees Chatsky and is sincerely happy, his speech is too florid. Chatsky is trying to get rid of this empty person, but it’s not so easy, he admits: “Congratulate me, now I know people // The smartest!” Without knowing it, Repetilov gives a destructive description of his circle: “We’re making noise, brother , we make noise.” Chatsky asks mockingly: “Are you making noise? but only?"
PHENOMENA V
Repetilov switches to Skalozub, who has appeared, but the colonel also abruptly and unceremoniously gets rid of Repetilov: the sergeant-major “will line you up in three ranks, // And make a uttered noise, and he will instantly calm you down.”
SCENE VI
Zagoretsky sees Repetilov and informs him about Chatsky’s madness.
SCENE VII
The descending guests convince Repetilov of Chatsky's madness.
SCENE VIII
Khlestova says goodbye to Molchalin, who helpfully sees her off.
SCENE IX
Repetilov leaves, he doesn’t care where to go.
PHENOMEN X
Chatsky is horrified that he was mistaken for a madman: “Everyone repeats the absurdity about me out loud! // And for some it’s like a triumph, // Others seem to have compassion...” Then he sees Sophia sneaking into Molchalin’s room. Chatsky decides to stay to find out everything: “I’ll be here, and I won’t close my eyes, // At least until the morning.” If it’s time to drink grief, // It’s better right away...”
SCENE XI
Liza makes her way to Molchalin in the dark, because... Sophia saw Chatsky in the hallway, and she sent her maid.
SCENE XII
Molchalin was delighted at Lisa’s arrival. He opens his soul to her: “I don’t see anything // Enviable in Sofya Pavlovna.” May God grant her a rich life. // My father bequeathed to me: // First, to please all people without exception - // The owner, where I happen to live, // The boss, with whom I will serve, // His servant, who cleans dresses, // The doorman, the janitor , to avoid evil, // To the janitor’s dog, so that it is affectionate.” Sophia, who observed this scene, is horrified by her lover’s treachery, because Molchalin has a whole program on how to get out into the world, guided by his father’s advice. Seeing Sophia, he humbly asks for her forgiveness. But Sophia demands that Molchalin leave the house by morning, otherwise she will reveal everything to her father.
SCENE XIII
But most of all, Sophia is upset that Chatsky witnessed her shame. Alexander Andreevich is bitter because of what insignificance Sophia forgot him: “I looked, and saw, and did not believe! // And dear, for whom // Both the former friend and the shame of women are forgotten - // He hides behind the door, afraid of being held accountable.”
SCENE XIV
Famusov raises the whole house to its feet. He scolds his daughter, “forgetting decency,” and refuses Chatsky the house. He is horrified to learn that Sophia started a rumor about his madness: “So I still owe you this fiction?” Famusov threatens to punish everyone: the sluggish doorman - to “work... for a settlement”, Lisa “march to the hut, go after the birds”, Sophia: “To the village, to her aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov, // There you will grieve. , // Sitting at the hoop, yawning at the calendar (list of saints. - Author). Chatsky speaks about everyone with contempt and very harshly:
Blind! In whom I sought the reward of all my labors! I was in a hurry... flying! I trembled, this is happiness, I thought, close, Before whom I just now so passionately and so low Was a waste of tender words! And you! Oh my God! who did you choose? When I think about who you preferred! Have you turned everything that happened into laughter?! Sophia needs
A boy-husband, a servant-husband, one of the wife's pages—the high ideal of all Moscow husbands.
You have glorified me as crazy by the whole choir. You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed, whoever manages to spend a day with you will breathe the same air, and his sanity will survive. Get out of Moscow! I don't go here anymore. I’m running, I won’t look back, I’ll go looking around the world, Where there is a corner for an offended feeling!.. Carriage for me, carriage!
He's leaving.
SCENE XV
After Chatsky leaves, Famusov exclaims in horror: “Ah! My God! What will Princess Marya Aleksevna say?”
Today the comedy by A.S. Griboedov's "Woe from Wit" would be called more of a tragicomedy, since there is no more sad than funny in it. The incident that prompted the writer to create this work also makes me laugh sadly. Being young and ardent, having returned from abroad and having traveled a lot, Alexander Sergeevich saw how servilely the St. Petersburg high society treated a foreign guest, was indignant at this and expressed his indignation out loud. But society did not want to hear the truth; it was easier for them to declare the young man crazy. On that day, the future protagonist of the work, Alexander Alexandrovich Chatsky, was born. At that time, the traditions of classicism still dominated Russian literature, but if “Woe from Wit” is read from a modern point of view, then one can notice in the comedy features of realism that were already beginning to come into their own. On the one hand, there are telling names, a love conflict, the unity of time and place of action, on the other hand, a living language and a complete reflection of the historical realities of that time, coupled with well-written characters. Griboyedov wrote “Woe from Wit” as a bitter satire on Moscow society, and not only of his historical period. He himself noted that the basis of the work was a fairly long period of time when ranks and honors were given not to those who were worthy of them, but to those who knew how to curry favor better than others. And therefore, for the local nobility, anyone who did not want ranks and honors was insane. Unfortunately, the comedy “Woe from Wit” is in many ways clear today: realities have changed, but people have not.
In addition to the main character - Chatsky, there are other important characters in it - the Famusov family, Skalozub, the careerist Molchanov and the entire society that is pre-set to condemn dissidents. The lover is connected with Sophia, who once loved Chatsky, and is now cold with him, since an unworthy, but completely understandable person has taken a place in her heart, and the social one is built on the confrontation of two centuries - the present and the past, which are embodied in the images of Chatsky and Famusova. If the first person has progressive views, then the second believes that making fun of those in power in order to get the desired place is quite normal. Today you can download “Woe from Wit” for free to see the two conflicts on which the development of the action of this play, simple and clear in dramatic structure, is based.
Read the full text of the comedy “Woe from Wit” online or pick up the book - in any case, you need to know that the four acts of the play include exposition (the first act to the sixth event), a plot (only one event - the seventh of the first act) , development of action (from the end of the first phenomenon to the end of the third) and climax (fourth act). This composition allows you to fully demonstrate the characters’ personalities and develop the storyline. A literature lesson dedicated to “Woe from Wit” will be of interest to everyone - the theme of the confrontation between old and new is still relevant, and that is why Griboyedov’s play belongs to the Russian classics.
He complains bitterly to himself: he expected to find in Moscow the joy of meeting his acquaintances and lively participation from them, but he did not find either one or the other. (See the full text of "Woe from Wit".)
Chatsky's lackey cannot find the coachman for a long time. Meanwhile, the fussy Repetilov, who arrived late, stumbles upon Chatsky. He begins to hurriedly tell him: he broke up with his former wild life - and became friends with the smartest people. At the English Club they formed a “most secret alliance” with secret meetings on Thursdays. They talk about “cameras”, about juries, “About Beiron, well, about important mothers.” He offers to bring Chatsky together with his friends (“What are these people, mon cher! The juice of smart youth!”). Chatsky: “Why are you freaking out so much?” - “We’re making noise, brother, we’re making noise.” - “Are you making noise? but only?"
Woe from the mind. Maly Theater performance, 1977
Repetilov begins to describe the members of the “most secret union”: Prince Grigory, an eccentric, makes us laugh, a century with the English, the whole English fold, and he also speaks through clenched teeth; Evdokim Vorkulov – performer of Italian love arias; brothers Levon and Borinka, about whom “you don’t know what to say”; “But if you order a genius to be named: Udushev Ippolit Markelych!!” [allusion to Chaadaev]. He advises Chatsky to read his works, although Udushev, however, writes almost nothing, only his can be found in magazines excerpt, sight And something, “but we have a head like no other in Russia,” although “the hand is firmly unclean; Yes, an intelligent person cannot help but be a rogue.” However, Udushiev likes to talk about “high evil spirits” with a burning face, so much so that everyone around is crying. At meetings, members of the Repetilov “union” compose vaudevilles, set them to music - and themselves clap when they are performed in theaters.
Woe from mind
Comedy in four acts in verse
Active:
Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov, manager at the government office
Sofya Pavlovna, his daughter.
Lizanka, maid.
Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin, Famusov’s secretary, living in his house.
Alexander Andreevich Chatsky.
Colonel Skalozub, Sergei Sergeevich.
Natalya Dmitrievna, a young lady, Platon Mikhailovich, her husband, Gorichi.
Prince Tugoukhovsky and Princess, his wife, with six daughters.
Countess grandmother, Countess granddaughter, - Khryumins.
Anton Antonovich Zagoretsky.
Old woman Khlestova, sister-in-law of Famusov.
G.N.
G.D.
Repetilov.
Parsley and several talking servants.
Lots of guests of all sorts and their lackeys on their way out.
Famusov's waiters.
Action in Moscow in Famusov's house
Act I
Phenomenon 1
The living room, there is a large clock in it, on the right is the door to Sofia’s bedroom, from where you can hear the piano and flute, which then fall silent. Lizanka is sleeping in the middle of the room, hanging from an armchair. (Morning, the day is just dawning)
Lizanka (suddenly wakes up, gets up from her chair, looks around)
It's getting light!.. Ah! how quickly the night has passed!
Yesterday I asked to sleep - refusal,
"Waiting for a friend." - You need an eye and an eye,
Don't sleep until you roll out of your chair.
Now I just took a nap,
It’s already day!.. tell them...
(Knocks on Sofia's door.)
Gentlemen,
Hey! Sofya Pavlovna, trouble.
Your conversation went on overnight;
Are you deaf? - Alexey Stepanych!
Madam!.. - And fear does not take them!
(Moves away from the door.)
Well, uninvited guest,
Perhaps Father will come in!
I ask you to serve the young lady in love!
(Back to the door)
Yes, disperse. Morning. - What, sir?
(Sofia's voice)
What time is it now?
Lizanka
Everything in the house rose.
Sofia (from her room)
What time is it now?
Lizanka
Seventh, eighth, ninth.
Sofia (from the same place)
Not true.
Lizanka (away from the door)
Oh! cupid[ 1 ] damned!
And they hear, they don’t want to understand,
Well, why would they take away the shutters?
I'll change the clock, at least I know: there will be a race,
I'll make them play.
(Climbs onto a chair, moves the hand, the clock strikes and plays.)
Phenomenon 2
Lisa and Famusov.
Lisa
Oh! master!
Famusov
Master, yes.
(Stops hour-long music)
After all, what a naughty girl you are.
I couldn’t figure out what kind of trouble this was!
Now you hear a flute, now it’s like a piano;
Would it be too early for Sophia??
Lisa
No, sir, I... just by chance...
Famusov
Just by chance, take notice of you;
Yes, that's right, with intent.
(He presses closer to her and flirts)
Oh! potion [ 2 ], spoiled girl.
Lisa
You are a spoiler, these faces suit you!
Famusov
Modest, but nothing else
Mischief and the wind are on your mind.
Lisa
Let me in, you little windbags,
Come to your senses, you are old...
Famusov
Almost.
Lisa
Well, who will come, where are we going?
Famusov
Who should come here?
After all, Sophia is sleeping?
Lisa
Now I'm taking a nap.
Famusov
Now! And the night?
Lisa
I spent the whole night reading.
Famusov
Look, what whims have developed!
Lisa
Everything is in French, out loud, reads while locked.
Famusov
Tell me that it’s not good to spoil her eyes,
And reading is of little use:
She can't sleep from French books,
And the Russians make it hard for me to sleep.
Lisa
I'll report what happens,
If you please go, wake me up, I'm afraid.
Famusov
What to wake up? You wind the watch yourself,
You're blasting a symphony throughout the entire block.
Lisa (as loud as possible)
Come on, sir!
Famusov (clamps her mouth)
Have mercy on the way you scream.
Are you going crazy?
Lisa
I'm afraid it won't work out...
Famusov
What?
Lisa
It's time, sir, for you to know that you are not a child;
Girls' morning sleep is so thin;
You creak the door a little, you whisper a little:
Everyone hears...
Famusov
You're all lying.
Sofia's voice
Hey Lisa!
Famusov (hurriedly)
Shh!
(He sneaks out of the room on tiptoe.)
Lisa (alone)
Gone... Ah! away from the gentlemen;
They have troubles prepared for themselves at every hour,
Pass us away more than all sorrows
And lordly anger, and lordly love.
Phenomenon 3
Lisa, Sofia with a candle, followed by Molchalin.
Sofia
What, Lisa, attacked you?
You're making noise...
Lisa
Of course, it’s hard for you to break up?
Locked up until daylight, and it seems like everything is not enough?
Sofia
Ah, it really is dawn!
(Puts out the candle.)
Both light and sadness. How fast the nights are!
Lisa
Push, know that there is no urine from the outside,
Your father came here, I froze;
I spun around in front of him, I don’t remember that I was lying;
Well, what have you become? bow, sir, give it.
Come on, my heart is out of place;
Look at your watch, look out the window:
People have been pouring down the streets for a long time;
And in the house there is knocking, walking, sweeping and cleaning.
Sofia
Happy hours are not observed.
Lisa
Don't watch, your power;
And what in return for you, of course, I will get.
Sofia (to Molchalin)
Go; We'll be bored all day long.
Lisa
God be with you, sir; take your hand away.
(Separates them; Molchalin runs into Famusov at the door.)
Phenomenon 4
Sofia, Lisa, Molchalin, Famusov.
Famusov
What an opportunity! [3] Molchalin, are you, brother?
Molchalin
I'm with.
Famusov
Why here? and at this hour?
And Sophia!.. Hello, Sophia, how are you?
Up so early! A? for what concern?
And how did God bring you together at the wrong time?
Sofia
He just came in now.
Molchalin
Now back from a walk.
Famusov
Friend. Is it possible for a walk?
Should I choose a nook further away?
And you, madam, almost jumped out of bed,
With a man! with the young one! - Something to do for a girl!
He reads tall tales all night,
And here are the fruits of these books!
And all the Kuznetsky Bridge[ 4 ], and the eternal French,
From there fashion comes to us, both authors and muses:
Destroyers of pockets and hearts!
When the Creator will deliver us
From their hats! caps! and stilettos! and pins!
And bookstores and biscuit shops!..
Sofia
Excuse me, father, my head is spinning;
I can barely catch my breath from fear[5];
You deigned to run in so quickly,
I'm confused...
Famusov
Thank you humbly,
I soon ran to them!
I'm in the way! I scared!
I, Sofya Pavlovna, am upset all day long
There is no rest, I'm rushing around like crazy.
According to the position, the service is a hassle,
One pesters, another, everyone cares about me!
But was I expecting new troubles? to be deceived...
Sofia
By whom, father?
Famusov
They will reproach me
That it’s no use I always scold.
Don't cry, I mean it:
Didn't they care about yours?
About education! from the cradle!
Mother died: I knew how to hire
Madame Rosier is a second mother.
I put the old gold woman under your supervision:
She was smart, had a quiet disposition, and rarely had rules.
One thing does not serve her well:
For an extra five hundred rubles a year
She allowed herself to be lured by others.
Yes, the power is not in madame.
No other sample is needed
When your father's example is in your eyes.
Look at me: I don’t boast about my build;
However, he was vigorous and fresh, and lived to see his gray hairs,
Free, widows, I am my own master...
Known for his monastic behavior!..
Lisa
I dare, sir...
Famusov
Be silent!
Terrible century! Don't know what to start!
Everyone was smart beyond their years.
And especially the daughters, and good-natured people themselves.
These languages were given to us!
We take tramps [ 6 ], both into the house and with tickets [ 7 ],
To teach our daughters everything, everything -
And dancing! and foam! and tenderness! and sigh!
It’s as if we are preparing them as wives for buffoons.[ 8 ]
What are you, visitor? Why are you here, sir?
I warmed up the rootless one and brought him into my family,
He gave the rank of assessor[9] and took him on as secretary;
Transferred to Moscow through my assistance;
And if it weren’t for me, you would be smoking in Tver.
Sofia
I can’t explain your anger in any way.
He lives in the house here, what a great misfortune!
I walked into the room and ended up in another.
Famusov
Did you get in or did you want to get in?
Why are you together? It can't happen by accident.
Sofia
Here's the whole case, though:
How long ago you and Lisa were here,
Your voice scared me extremely,
And I rushed here as fast as I could...
Famusov
Perhaps all the fuss will fall on me.
At the wrong time my voice alarmed them!
Sofia
In a vague dream, a trifle disturbs;
Tell you a dream: then you will understand.
Famusov
What's the story?
Sofia
Should I tell you?
Famusov
Well, yes.
(Sits down.)
Sofia
Let me... see... first
Flowery meadow; and I was looking
Grass
Some, I don’t remember in reality.
Suddenly a nice person, one of those we
We'll see - it's like we've known each other forever,
He appeared here with me; and insinuating and smart,
But timid... You know, who is born in poverty...
Famusov
Oh! Mother, don’t finish the blow!
Anyone who is poor is not a match for you.
Sofia
Then everything disappeared: the meadows and the skies. -
We're in a dark room. To complete the miracle
The floor opened - and you are from there,
Pale as death, and hair on end!
Then the doors opened with thunder
Some are not people or animals,
We were separated - and they tortured the one sitting with me.
It’s like he’s dearer to me than all the treasures,
I want to go to him - you bring with you:
We are accompanied by moans, roars, laughter, and whistling monsters!
He shouts after him!.. -
Awoke. - Someone says -
Your voice was; what, I think it's so early?
I run here and find you both.
Famusov
Yes, it's a bad dream, I see.
Everything is there, if there is no deception:
And devils and love, and fears and flowers.
Well, my sir, what about you?
Molchalin
I heard your voice.
Famusov
It's funny.
They were given my voice, and how well
He is heard by everyone, and he calls everyone until dawn!
He hurried to my voice, for what? - speak.
Molchalin
With papers, sir.
Famusov
Yes! they were missing.
Have mercy that this suddenly fell
Diligence in writing!
(Rises.)
Well, Sonyushka, I will give you peace:
Some dreams are strange, but in reality they are stranger;
You were looking for some herbs,
I came across a friend quickly;
Get rid of the nonsense from your head;
Where there are miracles, there is little stock. -
Go, lie down, go to sleep again.
(Molchalin)
Let's go sort out the papers.
Molchalin
I only carried them for the report,
What cannot be used without certificates, without others,
There are contradictions, and many things are inappropriate.
Famusov
I'm afraid, sir, I'm mortally alone,
So that a multitude of them do not accumulate;
If you had given it free rein, it would have settled;
And for me, what matters and what doesn’t matter,
My custom is this:
Signed, off your shoulders.
(He leaves with Molchalin and lets him through at the door.)
Phenomenon 5
Sofia, Lisa.
Lisa
Well, here's the holiday! Well, here's some fun for you!
However, no, it’s no laughing matter now;
The eyes are dark and the soul is frozen;
Sin is not a problem, rumor is not good.
Sofia
What do I need rumors? Whoever wants to, judges it that way,
Yes, father will force you to think:
Grouchy, restless, quick,
This has always been the case, but from now on...
You can judge...
Lisa
I’m not judging by stories;
He forbids you, - good is still with me;
Otherwise, God have mercy, at once
Me, Molchalin and everyone out of the yard.
Sofia
Just think how capricious happiness is!
It can be worse, you can get away with it;
When sad nothing comes to mind,
We lost ourselves in music, and time passed so smoothly;
Fate seemed to be protecting us;
No worries, no doubts...
And grief awaits around the corner.
Lisa
That's it, sir, my stupid judgment
You never regret:
But here's the problem.
What better prophet do you need?
I kept repeating: there will be no good in love
Not forever and ever.
Like all Moscow people, your father is like this:
He would like a son-in-law with stars and ranks,
And under the stars, not everyone is rich, between us;
Well, of course, then
And money to live on, so he could give balls;
Here, for example, Colonel Skalozub:
And a golden bag, and aims to become a general.
Sofia
How cute! and it's fun for me to fear
Listen about frunt [ 10 ] and rows;
He never uttered a smart word, -
I don’t care what goes into the water.
Lisa
Yes, sir, so to speak, he is talkative, but not very cunning;
But be it a military man, be it a civilian [ 11 ],
Who is so sensitive, and cheerful, and sharp,
Like Alexander Andreich Chatsky!
Not to confuse you;
It's been a long time, can't turn it back
And I remember...
Sofia
What do you remember? He's nice
He knows how to make everyone laugh;
He chats, jokes, it’s funny to me;
You can share laughter with everyone.
Lisa
But only? as if? - Shed tears,
I remember, poor thing, how he parted with you. -
Why, sir, are you crying? live laughing...
And he responded: “No wonder, Lisa, I’m crying:
Who knows what I will find when I return?
And how much I might lose!”
The poor thing seemed to know that in three years...
Sofia
Listen, don’t take unnecessary liberties.
I was very windy, perhaps I acted
And I know, and I’m guilty; but where did it change?
To whom? so that they could reproach with infidelity.
Yes, it’s true that we were brought up and grew up with Chatsky:
The habit of being together every day inseparably
She bound us together with childhood friendship; but after
He moved out, he seemed bored with us,
And he rarely visited our house;
Then he pretended to be in love again,
Demanding and distressed!!.
Sharp, smart, eloquent,
I'm especially happy with friends,
He thought highly of himself...
The desire to wander attacked him,
Oh! if someone loves someone,
Why bother searching and traveling so far?
Lisa
Where is it running? in what areas?
They say he was treated in acidic waters[ 12 ],
Not from illness, tea, from boredom - more freely.
Sofia
And, of course, he’s happy where the people are funnier.
The one I love is not like this:
Molchalin, ready to forget himself for others,
The enemy of insolence - always shy, timid
Someone you can spend the whole night with like that!
We are sitting, and the yard has long since turned white,
What do you think? what are you doing?
Lisa
God knows
Madam, is this my business?
Sofia
He will take your hand and press it to your heart,
He will sigh from the depths of his soul,
Not a free word, and so the whole night passes,
Hand in hand, and doesn’t take his eyes off me. -
Laugh! is it possible! what reason did you give
I make you laugh like that!
Lisa
Me, sir?.. your aunt has now come to mind,
How a young Frenchman ran away from her house.
Darling! wanted to bury
Out of frustration, I couldn’t:
I forgot to dye my hair
And three days later she turned gray.
(Continues to laugh.)
Sofia (with sadness)
That's how they'll talk about me later.
Lisa
Forgive me, really, as God is holy,
I wanted this stupid laugh
Helped to cheer you up a bit.
Phenomenon 6
Sofia, Lisa, servant, followed by Chatsky.
Servant
Alexander Andreich Chatsky is here to see you.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 7
Sofia, Lisa, Chatsky.
Chatsky
It's barely light on my feet! and I am at your feet.
(Kisses your hand passionately.)
Well, kiss me, weren’t you waiting? speak!
Well, for the sake of? [ 13 ] No? Look at my face.
Surprised? but only? here's the welcome!
It was as if no week had passed;
It feels like yesterday together
We are absolutely tired of each other;
Not a hair of love! how good they are!
And meanwhile, I won’t remember, without a soul,
I'm forty-five hours, without squinting my eyes,
More than seven hundred versts flew by - wind, storm;
And I was completely confused, and fell how many times -
And here is the reward for your exploits!
Sofia
Oh! Chatsky, I am very glad to see you.
Chatsky
Are you for it? good morning.
However, who is sincerely happy like that?
I think this is the last thing
Chilling people and horses,
I was just amusing myself.
Lisa
Here, sir, if you were outside the doors,
By God, there are not five minutes,
How we remembered you here.
Madam, tell me yourself.
Sofia
Always, not just now. -
You cannot reproach me.
Whoever flashes by will open the door,
While passing through, by chance, from a stranger, from far away -
I have a question, even if I’m a sailor:
Did I meet you somewhere in the mail carriage?
Chatsky
Let's say so.
Blessed is he who believes, he is warm in the world! -
Oh! My God! Am I really here again?
In Moscow! you! how can we recognize you!
Where is the time? where is that innocent age,
When it used to be a long evening
You and I will appear, disappear here and there,
We play and make noise on chairs and tables.
And here is your father and madam, behind the picket [14];
We are in a dark corner, and it seems like we are!
Do you remember? we'll be startled by the creaking of a table or a door...
Sofia
Childishness!
Chatsky
Yes, sir, and now,
At seventeen you blossomed beautifully,
Inimitable, and you know it,
And therefore modest, do not look at the light.
Aren't you in love? please give me an answer
Without thought, complete embarrassment.
Sofia
At least someone will be embarrassed
Quick questions and a curious look...
Chatsky
For mercy's sake, it's not you, why be surprised?
What new will Moscow show me?
Yesterday there was a ball, and tomorrow there will be two.
He made a match - he succeeded, but he missed.
Still the same meaning[ 15 ], and the same poems in the albums.
Sofia
Persecution of Moscow. What does it mean to see the light!
Where is better?
Chatsky
Where we are not.
Well, what about your father? all English club
An ancient, faithful member to the grave?
Has your uncle jumped back his eyelid?
And this one, what’s his name, is he Turkish or Greek?
That little black one, on crane legs,
I don't know what his name is
Wherever you turn: it’s right there,
In dining rooms and living rooms.
And three of the tabloid people[ 16 ],
Who have been looking young for half a century?
They have millions of relatives, and with the help of their sisters
They will become related to all of Europe.
What about our sun? our treasure?
On the forehead is written: Theater and Masquerade[ 17 ];
The house is painted with greenery in the form of a grove[ 18 ],
He himself is fat, his artists are skinny.
At the ball, remember, we opened it together
Behind the screens, in one of the more secret rooms,
There was a man hidden and clicking the nightingale,
Singer winter weather summer.
And that consumptive one, your relatives, the enemy of books,
In the scientific committee[ 19 ] which settled
And with a cry he demanded oaths,
So that no one knows or learns to read and write?
I am destined to see them again!
Will you get tired of living with them, and in whom you won’t find any stains?
When you wander, you return home,
And the smoke of the Fatherland is sweet and pleasant to us!
Sofia
I wish I could bring you and my aunt together,
To count everyone you know.
Chatsky
And auntie? all a girl, Minerva?[ 20 ]
All maid of honor[ 21 ] of Catherine the First?
Is the house full of pupils and mosquitoes?
Oh! Let's move on to education.
That now, just as in ancient times,
The regiments are busy recruiting teachers,
More in number, cheaper in price?
It’s not that they are far off in science;
In Russia, under a great fine,
We are told to recognize everyone
Historian and geographer!
Our mentor[ 22 ], remember his cap, his robe,
Index finger[ 23 ], all signs of learning
How our timid minds were disturbed,
As we have been accustomed to believe since early times,
That without the Germans we have no salvation!
And Guillaume, the Frenchman, blown by the wind?
Is he not married yet?
Sofia
On whom?
Chatsky
At least on some princess
Pulcheria Andrevna, for example?
Sofia
Dancemaster! is it possible!
Chatsky
Well, he is a gentleman.
We will be required to be with property and in rank,
And Guillaume!.. - What’s the tone here these days?
At conventions, at big ones, on parish holidays?
A confusion of languages still prevails:
French with Nizhny Novgorod?
Sofia
A mixture of languages?
Chatsky
Yes, two, you can’t live without it.
Sofia
But it’s tricky to tailor one of them like yours.
Chatsky
At least not inflated.
Here's the news! - I'm taking advantage of the moment,
Enlivened by meeting you,
And talkative; aren't there times?
That I am more stupid than Molchalin? Where is he, by the way?
Have you not yet broken the silence of the seal?
There were songs where there were new notebooks
He sees and pesters: please write it off.
However, he will reach the known degrees,
After all, nowadays they love the dumb.
Sofia
Not a man, a snake!
(Loud and forced.)
I want to ask you:
Have you ever laughed? or sad?
A mistake? did they say good things about anyone?
At least not now, but in childhood, maybe.
Chatsky
When is everything so soft? both tender and immature?
Why so long ago? Here's a good deed for you:
The calls are just ringing
And day and night across the snowy desert,
I rush to you, headlong.
And how do I find you? in some strict rank!
I can endure the cold for half an hour!
The face of the most holy praying mantis!.. -
And yet I love you without memory.
(A minute's silence.)
Listen, are my words really all caustic words?
And tend to harm someone?
But if so: the mind and heart are not in harmony.
I'm eccentric to another miracle
Once I laugh, then I forget:
Tell me to go into the fire: I’ll go as if for dinner.
Sofia
Yes, okay - will you burn, if not?
Phenomenon 8
Sofia, Lisa, Chatsky, Famusov.
Famusov
Here's another one!
Sofia
Ah, father, sleep in hand.
(Leaves.)
Famusov (following her in a low voice)
Damn dream.
Phenomenon 9
Famusov, Chatsky (looks at the door through which Sofia went out)
Famusov
Well, you threw it away!
I haven’t written two words for three years!
And it suddenly burst out as if from the clouds.
(They hug.)
Great, friend, great, brother, great.
Tell me, your tea is ready
A meeting of important news?
Sit down, announce it quickly.
(They sit down.)
Chatsky (absentmindedly)
How Sofya Pavlovna has become prettier for you!
Famusov
You young people have nothing else to do,
How to notice girlish beauty:
She said something casually, and you,
I am filled with hopes, enchanted.
Chatsky
Oh! No; I'm not spoiled enough by hopes.
Famusov
“A dream in your hand” - she deigned to whisper to me,
So you thought...
Chatsky
I? - Not at all.
Famusov
Who was she dreaming about? what's happened?
Chatsky
I'm not a dream teller.
Famusov
Don't believe her, everything is empty.
Chatsky
I believe my own eyes;
I haven’t seen you in ages, I’ll give you a subscription,
So that it would be at least a little like her!
Famusov
He's all his own. Yes, tell me in detail,
Where were you? I've been wandering for so many years!
Where from now?
Chatsky
Now who cares?
I wanted to travel around the whole world,
And he didn’t travel a hundredth part.
(Gets up hastily.)
Sorry; I was in a hurry to see you soon,
Didn't go home. Farewell! In one hour
When I show up, I won’t forget the slightest detail;
You first, then you tell it everywhere.
(In the door.)
How good!
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 10
Famusov (one)
Which of the two?
"Oh! Father, sleep in hand!
And he says it out loud to me!
Well, my fault! What a blessing I gave to the hook!
Molchalin made me doubtful.
Now... and halfway out of the fire:
That beggar, that dandy friend;
Known [ 24 ] as a spendthrift, a tomboy,
What kind of commission[ 25 ], Creator,
To be a father to an adult daughter!
(Leaves.)
End of Act I
Act II
Phenomenon 1
Famusov, servant.
Famusov
Parsley, you are always with new clothes,
With a torn elbow. Get out the calendar;
Read not like a sexton[ 26 ],
And with feeling, with sense, with arrangement.
Just wait. - On a piece of paper, scribble on a note,
Against next week:
To Praskovya Fedorovna's house
On Tuesday I'm invited to go trout fishing.
How wonderful the light has been created!
Philosophize - your mind will spin;
Either you take care, then it’s lunch:
Eat for three hours, but in three days it won’t cook!
Mark that same day... No, no.
On Thursday I am invited to the funeral.
Oh, the human race! has fallen into oblivion
That everyone should climb there themselves,
In that little box where you can neither stand nor sit.
But who intends to leave the memory on its own
Living a commendable life, here is an example:
The deceased was a venerable chamberlain,
With the key, he knew how to deliver the key to his son;
Rich, and married to a rich woman;
Married children, grandchildren;
Died; everyone remembers him sadly.
Kuzma Petrovich! Peace be upon him! -
What kind of aces live and die in Moscow! -
Write: on Thursday, one to one,
Or maybe on Friday, or maybe on Saturday,
I have to baptize a widow, a doctor's wife.
She didn't give birth, but by calculation
In my opinion: she should give birth...
Phenomenon 2
Famusov, servant, Chatsky.
Famusov
A! Alexander Andreich, please,
Sit down.
Chatsky
You're busy?
Famusov (servant)
Go ahead.
(The servant leaves.)
Yes, we put various things in the book as a keepsake,
It will be forgotten, just look.
Chatsky
Somehow you haven’t become cheerful;
Tell me why? Is my arrival at the wrong time?
What a Sofia Pavlovna!
Did any sadness happen?..
There is a bustle in your face and in your movements.
Famusov
Oh! Father, I found a riddle:
I'm not happy!.. At my age
You can’t start squatting on me!
Chatsky
Nobody invites you;
I just asked two words
About Sofya Pavlovna: perhaps she is unwell?
Famusov
Ugh, Lord forgive me! Five thousand times
Says the same thing!
There is no more beautiful Sofia Pavlovna in the world,
Then Sofya Pavlovna is sick.
Tell me, did you like her?
Searched the light; don't you want to get married?
Chatsky
What do you need?
Famusov
It wouldn't hurt to ask me
After all, I am somewhat akin to her;
At least from time immemorial[ 27 ]
No wonder they called him Father.
Chatsky
Let me woo you, what would you tell me?
Famusov
I would say, firstly: don’t be a whim,
Brother, don’t mismanage your property,
And, most importantly, go ahead and serve.
Chatsky
I would be glad to serve, but being served is sickening.
Famusov
That's it, you are all proud!
Would you ask what the fathers did?
We would learn from our elders:
We, for example, or the deceased uncle,
Maxim Petrovich: he’s not on silver,
Ate on gold; one hundred people at your service;
All in orders; I was always traveling in a train [ 28 ];
A century at court, and at what court!
Then it was not the same as now,
He served under the Empress Catherine.
And in those days everyone is important! forty pounds...
Take a bow - we're dumb [29] and they won't nod.
A nobleman in the case [ 30 ] - even more so,
Not like anyone else, and he drank and ate differently.
And uncle! what is your prince? what's the count?
Serious look, arrogant disposition.
When do you need to help yourself?
And he bent over:
On the kurtag [31] he happened to step on his feet;
He fell so hard that he almost hit the back of his head;
The old man groaned, his voice hoarse;
He was granted the highest smile;
They deigned to laugh; what about him?
He stood up, straightened up, wanted to bow,
A row [ 32 ] suddenly fell - on purpose,
And the laughter is worse, and the third time it’s the same.
A? what do you think? in our opinion, he is smart.
He fell painfully, but got up well.
But it used to be that who is most often invited to whist[ 33 ]?
Who hears a friendly word at court?
Maxim Petrovich! Who knew honor before everyone?
Maxim Petrovich! Joke!
Who promotes you to ranks and gives pensions?
Maxim Petrovich. Yes! You current people are nootka!
Chatsky
And sure enough, the world began to grow stupid,
You can say with a sigh;
How to compare and see
The present century and the past:
The legend is fresh, but hard to believe,
As he was famous for, whose neck bent more often;
As not in war, but in peace they took it head on,
They hit the floor without regret!
Who needs it: those are arrogant, they lie in the dust,
And for those who are higher, flattery was woven like lace.
It was an age of obedience and fear,
All under the guise of zeal for the king.
I'm not talking about your uncle;
We will not disturb his ashes:
But in the meantime, who will the hunt take?
Even in the most ardent servility,
Now, to make people laugh,
Bravely sacrifice the back of your head?
And a peer, and an old man
Another, looking at that leap,
And crumbling into old skin,
Tea said: “Ax! If only I could too!”
Although there are hunters everywhere to be mean,
Yes, nowadays laughter frightens and keeps shame in check;
No wonder the sovereigns favor them sparingly.
Famusov
Oh! My God! he's a Carbonari![ 34 ]
Chatsky
No, the world is not like that these days.
Famusov
A dangerous person!
Chatsky
Everyone breathes more freely
And he’s in no hurry to fit into the regiment of jesters.
Famusov
What does he say? and speaks as he writes!
Chatsky
The patrons yawn at the ceiling,
Show up to be quiet, shuffle around, have lunch,
Bring up a chair and pick up the scarf.
Famusov
He wants to preach freedom!
Chatsky
Who travels, who lives in the village...
Famusov
Yes, he does not recognize the authorities!
Chatsky
Who serves the cause and not the individuals...
Famusov
I would strictly forbid these gentlemen
Drive up to the capitals for the shot.
Chatsky
I will finally give you some rest...
Famusov
I have no patience, it’s annoying.
Chatsky
I scolded your age mercilessly,
I leave it to you to:
Throw away the part
At least in addition to our times;
So be it, I won’t cry.
Famusov
And I don’t want to know you, I don’t tolerate debauchery.
Chatsky
I finished my sentence.
Famusov
Okay, I covered my ears.
Chatsky
For what? I won't insult them.
Famusov (patter)
Here they are scouring the world, beating their thumbs,
They come back, expect order from them.
Chatsky
I stopped...
Famusov
Perhaps have mercy.
Chatsky
It is not my desire to continue the debate.
Famusov
At least let your soul go to repentance!
Phenomenon 3
Servant (enters)
Colonel Skalozub.
Famusov (does not see or hear anything)
They're going to kill you
On trial, they'll give you something to drink.
Chatsky
Someone came to your house.
Famusov
I'm not listening, I'm on trial!
Chatsky
A man is coming to you with a report.
Famusov
I'm not listening, I'm on trial! on trial!
Chatsky
Turn around, your name is calling.
Famusov (turns around)
A? riot? Well, I’m just waiting for Sodom [35].
Servant
Colonel Skalozub. Would you like to accept it?
Famusov (stands up)
Donkeys! should I tell you a hundred times?
Receive him, call him, ask him, tell him he’s home,
I'm very glad. Come on, hurry up.
(The servant leaves.)
Please, sir, beware in front of him:
Famous person, respectable,
And he picked up signs of darkness;
Beyond his years and enviable rank,
Not today, tomorrow General.
Please behave modestly in front of him...
Eh! Alexander Andreich, it’s bad, brother!
He often comes to see me;
I'm happy for everyone, you know,
In Moscow they will always add three times:
It’s like he’s marrying Sonyushka. Empty!
He, perhaps, would be glad in his soul,
Yes, I don’t see the need myself, I’m big
The daughter will not be given away tomorrow or today;
After all, Sophia is young. However, the power of the Lord.
Please don’t argue at random in front of him
And give up these false ideas.
However, he is not there! whatever the reason...
A! know, he went to me in the other half.
(He leaves quickly.)
Phenomenon 4
Chatsky
How he fusses! what kind of agility?
And Sophia? - Is there really a groom here?
Since when has he shunned me like a stranger!
How could she not be here!!
Who is this Skalozub? their father raves about them greatly,
Or maybe not just the father...
Oh! tell love the end
Who will go away for three years?
Phenomenon 5
Chatsky, Famusov, Skalozub.
Famusov
Sergey Sergeich, come here to us, sir.
I humbly ask, it’s warmer here;
You are cold, we will warm you;
Let's open the vent as soon as possible.
Skalozub (thick bass)
Why climb, for example?
By ourselves!.. I am ashamed, as an honest officer.
Famusov
Should I really not take a single step for my friends?
Dear Sergey Sergeich! Put down your hat, take off your sword;
Here's a sofa for you, relax.
Skalozub
Wherever you want, just to sit down.
(All three sit down. Chatsky is at a distance.)
Famusov
Oh! Father, say so as not to forget:
Let us be considered yours,
Even if they are distant, the inheritance cannot be divided;
You didn’t know, and I certainly didn’t know, -
Thank you, your cousin taught me, -
How do you feel about Nastasya Nikolaevna?
Skalozub
I don’t know, sir, it’s my fault;
She and I did not serve together.
Famusov
Sergey Sergeich, is it you!
No! I crawl in front of my relatives, where I meet;
I will find her at the bottom of the sea.
When I have employees, strangers are very rare;
More and more sisters, sisters-in-law, children;
Only Molchalin is not my own,
And then because of business.
How will you begin to introduce yourself to a little cross, to a small town,
Well, how can you not please your loved one!..
However, your brother is my friend and told me,
What benefits did you receive in your service?
Skalozub
In the thirteenth year my brother and I were different
In the thirtieth Jaeger [36], and after in the forty-fifth.
Famusov
Yes, it’s lucky to have such a son!
He seems to have an order in his buttonhole?
Skalozub
For the third of August; We settled into a trench:
It was given to him with a bow, around my neck [ 37 ].
Famusov
Kind man, and look - such a grip.
Your cousin is a wonderful man.
Skalozub
But I firmly picked up some new rules.
Chin followed him; he suddenly left the service,
In the village I began to read books.
Famusov
Here is youth!.. - read!.. and then grab it!..
You behaved correctly:
You've been a colonel for a long time, but you've only recently served.
Skalozub
I am quite happy in my comrades,
Vacancies[ 38 ] are just open;
Then the elders will turn off others,
The others, you see, have been killed.
Famusov
Yes, whatever the Lord seeks, he will exalt!
Skalozub
Sometimes mine is luckier.
In our fifteenth division, not far away,
At least say something about our brigadier general.
Famusov
For mercy's sake, what are you missing?
Skalozub
I'm not complaining, they didn't bypass me,
However, they kept the regiment under control for two years.
Famusov
In pursuit of the regiment?[ 39 ]
But, of course, in what else
You have a long way to go.
Skalozub
No, sir, there are people older than me in terms of body size,
I have been serving since eight hundred and nine;
Yes, to get ranks, there are many channels;
I judge them as a true philosopher:
I just wish I could become a general.
Famusov
And judge well, God bless you
And the rank of general; and there
Why put it off any longer?
Are we talking about the general's wife?
Skalozub
Marry? I don't mind at all.
Famusov
Well? who has a sister, niece, daughter;
In Moscow, there is no translation for brides;
What? breed year after year;
And, father, admit that you barely
Where can you find a capital like Moscow?
Skalozub
The distances[ 40 ] are enormous.
Famusov
Taste, father, excellent manner;
All have their own laws:
For example, we have been doing this since ancient times,
What honor for father and son:
Be bad, but if you get enough
Two thousand ancestral souls, -
He's the groom.
The other one, at least be quicker, puffed up with all sorts of arrogance,
Let yourself be known as a wise man,
But they won’t include you in the family. Don't look at us.
After all, only here they also value the nobility.
Is this the same thing? take some bread and salt[ 41 ]:
Whoever wants to come to us is welcome;
The door is open for those invited and uninvited,
Especially from foreign ones;
Whether an honest person or not,
It’s all the same for us, dinner is ready for everyone.
Take you from head to toe,
All Moscow ones have a special imprint.
Please look at our youth,
For young men - sons and grandchildren.
We scold them, and if you figure it out,
At the age of fifteen, teachers will be taught!
And our old people?? - How enthusiasm will take them,
They will condemn deeds, that the word is a sentence, -
After all, the pillars[ 42 ] are all, they don’t blow anyone’s nose;
And sometimes they talk about the government like this,
What if someone overheard them... trouble!
It’s not that new things were introduced - never,
God save us! No. And they will find fault
To this, to that, and more often to nothing,
They will argue, make some noise, and... disperse.
Retired direct chancellors[ 43 ] - wisely!
I'll tell you, you know, the time is not ripe,
But the matter cannot be accomplished without them. -
What about the ladies? - anyone, try it, master it;
Judges of everything, everywhere, there are no judges above them;
Behind the cards, when they rise up in a general revolt,
God grant me patience, because I myself was married.
Order the command in front of the front!
Send them to the Senate [ 44 ] to be present!
Irina Vlasevna! Lukerya Aleksevna!
Tatyana Yuryevna! Pulcheria Andrevna!
And whoever saw the daughters, hang your head...
His Majesty the King of Prussia was here,
He marveled not at the Moscow girls,
Their good character, not their faces;
And indeed, is it possible to be more educated!
They know how to dress themselves up
Taffeta, marigold and haze,[ 45 ]
They won’t say a word in simplicity, everything will be done with a grimace;
French romances are sung to you
And the top ones bring out notes,
They just cling to military people.
But because they are patriots.
I will say emphatically: barely
Another capital will be found, like Moscow.
Skalozub
In my opinion,
The fire contributed a lot to her decoration[ 46 ].
Famusov
Don’t tell us, you never know how much they’re screaming!
Since then, roads, sidewalks,
Home and everything in a new way.
Chatsky
The houses are new, but the prejudices are old.
Rejoice, they won’t destroy you
Neither their years, nor fashion, nor fires.
Famusov (to Chatsky)
Hey, tie a knot for memory;
I asked you to be silent, it was not a great service.
(to Skalozub)
Allow me, father. Here you go - Chatsky, my friend,
Andrei Ilyich's late son:
It does not serve, that is, he does not find any benefit in it,
But if you wanted to, it would be businesslike.
It's a pity, it's a pity, he's small in head,
And he writes and translates well.
One cannot help but regret that with such a mind...
Chatsky
Is it possible to regret someone else?
And your praise annoys me.
Famusov
I’m not the only one, everyone is also condemning.
Chatsky
Who are the judges? - For the antiquity of years
Their enmity towards a free life is irreconcilable,
Judgments are drawn from forgotten newspapers
The times of the Ochakovskys and the conquest of Crimea;
Always ready to fight,
Everyone sings the same song,
Without noticing about yourself:
The older it is, the worse it is.
Where, tell us, are the fatherlands,[ 47 ]
Which ones should we take as models?
Aren't these the ones who are rich in robbery?
They found protection from court in friends, in kinship,
Magnificent building chambers,
Where they spill out in feasts and extravagance,
And where foreign clients will not be resurrected[ 48 ]
The meanest features of the past life.
And who in Moscow didn’t have their mouths covered?
Lunches, dinners and dances?
Aren't you the one to whom I was still from the shrouds,
For some incomprehensible plans,
Did you take the children to bow?
That Nestor[ 49 ] of noble scoundrels,
Surrounded by a crowd of servants;
Zealous, they are in the hours of wine and fights
And his honor and life saved him more than once: suddenly
He traded three greyhounds for them!!!
Or that one over there, which is for tricks
He drove to the serf ballet on many wagons
From mothers and fathers of rejected children?!
I myself am immersed in mind in Zephyrs and Cupids,
Made all of Moscow marvel at their beauty!
But the debtors [50] did not agree to a deferment:
Cupids and Zephyrs all
Sold out individually!!!
These are the ones who lived to see their gray hairs!
This is who we should respect in the wilderness!
Here are our strict connoisseurs and judges!
Now let one of us
Among the young people, there will be an enemy of quest,
Without demanding either places or promotion,
He will focus his mind on science, hungry for knowledge;
Or God himself will stir up heat in his soul
To the creative, high and beautiful arts, -
They immediately: robbery! fire!
And he will be known among them as a dreamer! dangerous!! -
Uniform! one uniform! he is in their former life
Once covered, embroidered and beautiful,
Their weakness, poverty of reason;
And we follow them on a happy journey!
And in wives and daughters there is the same passion for the uniform!
How long ago did I renounce tenderness towards him?!
Now I can’t fall into this childishness;
But who wouldn’t follow everyone then?
When from the guard, others from the court
We came here for a while -
The women shouted: hurray!
And they threw caps into the air!
Famusov (to himself)
He'll get me into trouble.
(Loud)
Sergey Sergeich, I'll go
And I'll be waiting for you in the office.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 6
Skalozub, Chatsky.
Skalozub
I like it, at this estimate
How skillfully you touched
Moscow's prejudices
To the favorites, to the guards, to the guards, to the guards;[ 51 ]
They marvel at their gold and embroidery, like the sun!
When did they fall behind in the first army? in what?
Everything is so fitted, and the waists are all so narrow,
And we'll teach you officers,
Some people even say it in French.
Phenomenon 7
Skalozub, Chatsky, Sofia, Lisa.
Sofia (runs to the window)
Oh! My God! fell, killed himself!
(Loses feelings.)
Chatsky
Who?
Who is this?
Skalozub
Who's in trouble?
Chatsky
She's dead from fear!
Skalozub
Who? where from?
Chatsky
Hurt yourself on what?
Skalozub
Was it our old man who made a mistake?
Lisa (busy around the young lady)
Whoever is destined, sir, cannot escape fate:
Molchalin sat on the horse, his foot in the stirrup,
And the horse rears up,
He hits the ground and straight to the crown of his head.
Skalozub
The reins were tightened by, well, the pathetic rider.
Look at how it cracked - in the chest or in the side?
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 8
The same ones, without Skalozub.
Chatsky
How can I help her? Tell me quickly.
Lisa
There is water in the room.
(Chatsky runs and brings it. All the following - in a low voice - before Sofia wakes up.)
Pour a glass.
Chatsky
It's already poured.
Let go of the lacing more freely,
Rub her whiskey with vinegar,
Spray with water. - Look:
Breathing became freer.
What to smell?
Lisa
Here is the fan.
Chatsky
Look out the window:
Molchalin has been on his feet for a long time!
The trifle worries her.
Lisa
Yes, sir, the young ladies have an unhappy disposition:
Can't look from the outside
How people fall headlong.
Chatsky
Spray with more water.
Like this. More. More.
Sofia (with a deep sigh)
Who's here with me?
I'm just like in a dream.
(Hurry and loudly.)
Where is he? What about him? Tell me.
Chatsky
Let him break his neck,
Almost killed you.
Sofia
Murderous with their coldness!
I have no strength to look at you or listen to you.
Chatsky
Will you order me to suffer for him?
Sofia
Run there, be there, try to help him.
Chatsky
So that you are left alone without help?
Sofia
What do you need me for?
Yes, it’s true: it’s not your troubles that are your fun,
Kill your own father - it’s all the same.
(Lisa)
Let's go there, let's run.
Lisa (takes her to the side)
Come to your senses! where are you going?
He is alive and well, look out the window here.
(Sofia leans out the window.)
Chatsky
Confusion! fainting! haste! anger! scared!
So you can only feel
When you lose your only friend.
Sofia
They're coming here. He cannot raise his arms.
Chatsky
I would like to kill myself with him...
Lisa
For company?
Sofia
No, stay as you wish.
Phenomenon 9
Sofia, Lisa, Chatsky, Skalozub, Molchalin (with a tied hand).
Skalozub
Risen and safe, hand
Slightly bruised
And yet, it’s all a false alarm.
Molchalin
I scared you, forgive me for God's sake.
Skalozub
Well, I didn't know what would come of it
Irritation for you.[ 52 ] They ran in headlong. -
We shuddered! -You fainted
So what? - all the fear out of nothing.
Sofia (without looking at anyone)
Oh! I really see: out of nowhere,
And now I’m still trembling.
Chatsky (to himself)
Not a word with Molchalin!
Sofia
However, I will say about myself,
Which is not cowardly. It happens,
The carriage will fall, they will pick it up: I will again
Ready to gallop again;
But every little thing in others frightens me,
Although there is no great misfortune from
Even if he’s a stranger to me, I don’t care.
Chatsky (to himself)
Asks him for forgiveness
What a time I regretted someone!
Skalozub
Let me tell you the news:
There is some kind of Princess Lasova here,
Rider, widow, but there are no examples,
So that many gentlemen travel with her.
The other day I was completely bruised, -
Joke[53] did not support it; he apparently thought it was flies. -
And without that she is, as you can hear, clumsy,
Now the rib is missing
So she is looking for a husband for support.
Sofia
Ax, Alexander Andreich, here -
Appear, you are quite generous:
It’s unfortunate for your neighbor that you are so partial.
Chatsky
Yes, sir, I just showed it
With my most diligent efforts,
And by sprinkling and rubbing;
I don’t know for whom, but I resurrected you!
(Takes his hat and leaves.)
Phenomenon 10
The same, except for Chatsky.
Sofia
Will you be visiting us in the evening?
Skalozub
How early?
Sofia
Early; home friends will come over
Dance to the piano, -
We are in mourning, so we can’t give a ball like that.
Skalozub
I will appear, but I promised to go to the priest,
I take my leave.
Sofia
Farewell.
Skalozub (shakes Molchalin’s hand)
Your servant.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 11
Sofia, Lisa, Molchalin.
Sofia
Molchalin! How my sanity remained intact!
You know how dear your life is to me!
Why should she play, and so carelessly?
Tell me, what's wrong with your hand?
Should I give you some drops? don't you need some peace?
Send to the doctor, you shouldn’t neglect it.
Molchalin
I bandaged it with a scarf, and it hasn’t hurt me since then.
Lisa
I'll bet it's nonsense;
And if it doesn’t suit the face, there’s no need for bandaging;
It’s not nonsense that you can’t avoid publicity:
Just look, Chatsky will make you laugh;
And Skalozub, as he twirls his crest,
He will tell the story of fainting, add a hundred embellishments;
He’s also good at making jokes, because nowadays who doesn’t joke!
Sofia
Which one do I value?
I want - I love, I want - I will say.
Molchalin! as if I didn’t force myself?
You came in, didn’t say a word,
I didn’t dare to breathe in front of them,
To ask you, to look at you.
Molchalin
No, Sofya Pavlovna, you are too frank.
Sofia
Where to get secrecy from!
I was ready to jump through the window and towards you.
What do I care about anyone? before them? to the whole universe?
Funny? - let them joke; annoying? - let them scold.
Molchalin
This frankness would not harm us.
Sofia
Are they really going to challenge you to a duel?
Molchalin
Oh! Evil tongues are worse than a gun.
Lisa
They are sitting with the priest now,
If only you would flutter through the door
With a cheerful, carefree face:
When they tell us what we want -
Where as one can readily believe!
And Alexander Andreich - with him
About the old days, about those pranks
Take a look at the stories:
A smile and a few words
And whoever is in love is ready for anything.
Molchalin
I don't dare advise you.
(Kisses her hand.)
Sofia
Do you want?.. I’ll go and be nice through my tears;
I'm afraid that I won't be able to withstand the pretense.
Why did God bring Chatsky here!
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 12
Molchalin, Lisa
Molchalin
You are a merry creature! alive!
Lisa
Please let me in, there are two of you without me.
Molchalin
What a face!
I love you so much!
Lisa
And the young lady?
Molchalin
Her
By position, you...
(Wants to hug her.)
Lisa
Boredom.
Please keep your hands away!
Molchalin
I have three things:
There is a toilet, tricky work -
There is a mirror outside and a mirror inside,
There are slots and gilding all around;
Pillow, beaded pattern;
And a mother-of-pearl device -
The pincushion and the legs are so cute!
Pearls ground into white!
Lipstick is for lips, and for other reasons,
A bottle of perfume: mignonette and jasmine.
Lisa
You know that I am not flattered by interests;
Better tell me why
You and the young lady are modest, but what about the maid?
Molchalin
Today I’m sick, I won’t take off the bandage;
Come at lunch, stay with me;
I will tell you the whole truth.
(He goes out the side door.)
Phenomenon 13
Sofia, Lisa.
Sofia
I was at my father’s, but there was no one there.
I'm sick today and won't go to lunch.
Tell Molchalin and call him,
So that he comes to see me.
(Goes to his room.)
Phenomenon 14
Lisa
Well! people around here!
She comes to him, and he comes to me,
And I... I am the only one who crushes love to death, -
How can you not love the bartender Petrusha!
End of Act II.
Act III
Phenomenon 1
Chatsky, then Sofia.
Chatsky
I'll wait for her and force her to confess:
Who is finally nice to her? Molchalin! Skalozub!
Molchalin was so stupid before!..
Most pathetic creature!
Has he really grown wiser?.. And he -
Khripun [ 54 ], strangled man, bassoon [ 55 ],
A constellation of maneuvers and mazurkas![ 56 ]
The fate of love is to play blind man's buff.
And to me...
(Sofia enters.)
Are you here? I am very happy,
I wanted this.
Sofia (to herself)
And very out of place.
Chatsky
Of course, they weren't looking for me?
Sofia
I wasn't looking for you.
Chatsky
Is it possible for me to find out
Although it is inappropriate, there is no need:
Whom do you love?
Sofia
Oh! My God! the whole world.
Chatsky
Who is more dear to you?
Sofia
There are many, relatives.
Chatsky
More and more than me?
Sofia
Others.
Chatsky
And what do I want when everything is decided?
It’s a noose for me, but it’s funny for her.
Sofia
Do you want to know two words of truth?
The slightest oddity in someone is barely visible,
Your gaiety is not modest,
You've got a joke ready right away,
And you yourself...
Chatsky
Me myself? isn't it funny?
Sofia
Yes! menacing look and harsh tone,
And there are an abyss of these characteristics in you;
And the thunderstorm above itself is far from useless.
Chatsky
I'm strange, but who isn't?
The one who is like all fools;
Molchalin, for example...
Sofia
The examples are not new to me;
It is noticeable that you are ready to pour out bile on everyone;
And I, so as not to interfere, will avoid here.
Chatsky (holds her)
Wait a minute.
(To the side)
Once in my life I'll pretend.
(Loud)
Let us leave this debate.
I am wrong before Molchalin, I am guilty;
Perhaps he is not the same as three years ago:
There are such transformations on earth
Governments, climates, and morals, and minds,
There are important people who were considered fools:
Some are in the army, others are bad poets,
Different... I'm afraid to name it, but it is recognized by the whole world,
Especially in recent years,
That they have become smarter than ever.
Let Molchalin have a lively mind, a brave genius,
But does he have that passion? that feeling? that ardor?
So that, besides you, he has the whole world
Did it seem like dust and vanity?
So that every beat of the heart
Has love accelerated towards you?
So that all his thoughts and all his deeds are
Soul - you, please you?..
I feel it myself, I can’t say it,
But what’s boiling inside me now, worries me, infuriates me,
I wouldn't wish it on my personal enemy,
And he?.. will remain silent and hang his head.
Of course, I’m humble, everyone is not frisky;
God knows what secret is hidden in it;
God knows what you invented for him,
What was his head never full of?
Perhaps your qualities are darkness,
Admiring him, you gave him;
He is not a sinner in anything, you are a hundred times more sinful.
No! No! let him be smart, smarter every hour,
But is he worth you? Here's one question for you.
To make me more indifferent to the loss,
As a person who grew up with you,
As your friend, as your brother,
Let me make sure of this;
After
I can guard against madness;
I'm trying to catch a cold and get cold.
Don't think about love, but I will be able to
Get lost in the world, forget yourself and have fun.
Sofia (to herself)
I reluctantly drove you crazy!
(Aloud)
What to pretend?
Molchalin could have been left without a hand,
I actively took part in it;
And you, having happened at this time,
They didn't bother to calculate
That you can be kind to everyone and indiscriminately;
But maybe there is truth in your guesses,
And I warmly take him under my protection;
Why should there be, I’ll tell you straight,
So I will not control my tongue?
In contempt for people so openly?
That there is no mercy even for the humblest!.. what?
If anyone happens to name him:
A hail of your barbs and jokes will break out.
Tell jokes! and joke forever! how will you feel about it!
Chatsky
Oh! My God! Am I really one of those people?
For whom the goal of life is laughter?
I have fun when I meet funny people
And more often than not I miss them.
Sofia
In vain: this all applies to others,
Molchalin would hardly bore you,
If only we could get along better with him.
Chatsky (fervently)
Why did you know him so briefly?
Sofia
I didn’t try, God brought us together.
Look, he gained the friendship of everyone in the house;
He served under his father for three years,
He is often pointlessly angry,
And he will disarm him with silence,
From the kindness of his soul he will forgive.
And by the way,
I could look for fun;
Not at all: the old people won’t set foot outside the threshold;
We frolic, we laugh,
He’ll sit with them all day, whether he’s happy or not,
Playing...
Chatsky
Plays all day!
He is silent when he is scolded!
(To the side)
She doesn't respect him.
Sofia
Of course he doesn’t have this mind,
What a genius is to some, and a plague to others,
Which is fast, brilliant and will soon become disgusting,
Which the world scolds on the spot,
So that the world can at least say something about him;
Will such a mind make a family happy?
Chatsky
Satire and morality - the point of it all?
(To the side)
She doesn't give a damn about him.
Sofia
Of the most wonderful quality
He is finally: compliant, modest, quiet.
Not a shadow of worry in his face,
And there are no wrongdoings in my soul,
He doesn’t cut strangers at random, -
That's why I love him.
Chatsky (to the side)
He's being naughty, she doesn't love him.
(Aloud)
I'll help you finish
Silent image.
But Skalozub? here's a treat;
Stands up for the army,
And with the straightness of the waist,
A hero with face and voice...
Sofia
Not my novel.
Chatsky
Not yours? who will solve you?
Phenomenon 2
Chatsky, Sofia, Lisa.
Lisa (whispers)
Madam, follow me now
Alexey Stepanych will come to see you.
Sofia
Sorry, I need to go quickly.
Chatsky
Where?
Sofia
To the prikhmacher.
Chatsky
God bless him.
Sofia
The tongs will catch a cold.
Chatsky
Let yourself...
Sofia
No, we are expecting guests for the evening.
Chatsky
God be with you, I am left again with my riddle.
However, let me come in, albeit furtively,
To your room for a few minutes;
There are walls, air - everything is pleasant!
They will warm me up, revive me, give me rest
Memories of what is irrevocable!
I won’t stay too long, I’ll come in, just two minutes,
Then, think about it, a member of the English Club,
I'll sacrifice whole days there to rumors
About the mind of Molchalin, about the soul of Skalozub.
(Sofia shrugs, goes to her room and locks herself in, followed by Lisa.)
Phenomenon 3
Chatsky, then Molchalin.
Chatsky
Oh! Sophia! Was Molchalin really chosen for her?
Why not a husband? There is only little intelligence in him;
But to have children,
Who lacked intelligence?
Helpful, modest, with a blush in his face.
(Molchalin enters.)
There he is on tiptoe, and not rich in words;
What kind of sorcery he knew how to get into her heart!
(Addresses him.)
We, Alexey Stepanych, are with you
Couldn't say two words.
Well, what is your way of life?
Without grief today? without sadness?
Molchalin
Still, sir.
Chatsky
How did you live before?
Molchalin
Day after day, today is like yesterday.
Chatsky
To pen from cards? and to cards from the pen?
And the allotted time for the ebb and flow of the tides?
Molchalin
As I work and force,
Since I’ve been listed in the Archives[ 57 ],
Received three awards.
Chatsky
Lured by honors and nobility?
Molchalin
No, sir, everyone has their own talent...
Chatsky
You?
Molchalin
Two-s:
Moderation and accuracy.
Chatsky
The most wonderful two! and are worth our all.
Molchalin
Have you not been given ranks, have you had no success in your career?
Chatsky
Ranks are given by people,
And people can be deceived.
Molchalin
How surprised we were!
Chatsky
What a miracle is this?
Molchalin
They felt sorry for you.
Chatsky
Wasted work.
Molchalin
Tatyana Yuryevna said something,
Returning from St. Petersburg,
With ministers about your connection,
Then the break...
Chatsky
Why does she care?
Molchalin
Tatyana Yuryevna!
Chatsky
I don't know her.
Molchalin
With Tatyana Yuryevna!!
Chatsky
We haven’t met her for ages;
I heard that she is absurd.
Molchalin
Yes, that’s complete, isn’t it, sir?
Tatyana Yuryevna!!!
Famous, at the same time
Officials and officials -
All her friends and all her relatives;
You should go to Tatyana Yuryevna at least once.
Chatsky
For what?
Molchalin
So: often there
We find protection where we do not seek it.
Chatsky
I go to women, but not for that.
Molchalin
How courteous! of good! sweetie! simple!
The balls he gives couldn't be richer.
From Christmas to Lent,
And in the summer there are holidays at the dacha.
Well, really, why would you serve with us in Moscow?
And take awards and have fun?
Chatsky
When I'm busy, I hide from fun,
When I'm fooling around, I'm fooling around
And mix these two crafts
There are many masters, I am not one of them.
Molchalin
Sorry, but I don’t see a crime here;
Here is Foma Fomich himself, is he familiar to you?
Chatsky
Well?
Molchalin
Three ministers had a department head.
Moved here...
Chatsky
Good!
The most empty person, the most stupid.
Molchalin
How is it possible! his syllable is used as a model here!
Have you read it?
Chatsky
I don't read nonsense
And even more exemplary.
Molchalin
No, I had the pleasure of reading it,
I'm not a writer...
Chatsky
And it’s noticeable in everything.
Molchalin
I don’t dare pronounce my judgment.
Chatsky
Why is it so secret?
Molchalin
At my age I shouldn't dare
Have your own judgment.
Chatsky
For mercy's sake, you and I are not guys,
Why are other people's opinions only sacred?
Molchalin
After all, you have to depend on others.
Chatsky
Why is it necessary?
Molchalin
We are small in rank.
Chatsky (almost loudly)
With such feelings, with such a soul
We love you!.. The liar laughed at me!
Phenomenon 4
Evening. All the doors are wide open, except for Sofia's bedroom. The perspective reveals a series of illuminated rooms. The servants are bustling about; one of them, the main one, says:
Hey! Filka, Fomka, well, catchers!
Tables for cards, chalk, brushes and candles!
(Knocks on Sofia's door.)
Tell the young lady quickly, Lizaveta:
Natalya Dmitrevna, and with her husband, and to the porch
Another carriage arrived.
(They disperse, only Chatsky remains.)
Phenomenon 5
Chatsky, Natalya Dmitrievna, young lady.
Natalya Dmitrievna
Am I not mistaken!.. he’s definitely in the face...
Oh! Alexander Andreich, is that you?
Chatsky
Look with doubt from head to toe,
Have three years really changed me that much?
Natalya Dmitrievna
I thought you were far from Moscow.
How long ago?
Chatsky
Today only...
Natalya Dmitrievna
For how long?
Chatsky
How will it happen?
However, who, looking at you, would not be surprised?
Fuller than before, fear became prettier;
You are younger, fresher;
Fire, blush, laughter, play in all its features.
Natalya Dmitrievna
I'm married.
Chatsky
You should have said it a long time ago!
Natalya Dmitrievna
My husband is a wonderful husband, he’ll come in now,
I'll introduce you, would you like?
Chatsky
Ask.
Natalya Dmitrievna
And I know in advance
Whatever you like. Take a look and judge!
Chatsky
I believe he is your husband.
Natalya Dmitrievna
Oh no, sir, not because;
On his own, according to his liking, according to his mind.
Platon Mikhailych is my only, priceless!
Now retired, he was a military man;
And everyone who only knew before affirms
What about his courage, his talent?
When would I continue my service?
Of course, he would be a Moscow commandant.
Phenomenon 6
Chatsky, Natalya Dmitrievna, Platon Mikhailovich
Natalya Dmitrievna
Here is my Platon Mikhailych.
Chatsky
Bah!
Old friend, we have known each other for a long time, this is fate!
Platon Mikhailovich
Hello, Chatsky, brother!
Chatsky
Dear Plato, nice,
A certificate of praise for you: you behave properly.
Platon Mikhailovich
As you can see, brother:
Moscow resident and married.
Chatsky
Have you forgotten the noise of the camp, comrades and brothers?
Calm and lazy?
Platon Mikhailovich
No, there are still things to do:
I play a duet on the flute
A-molar...[ 58 ]
Chatsky
What did you say five years ago?
Well, constant taste! in husbands everything is more precious!
Platon Mikhailovich
Brother, if you get married, then remember me!
Out of boredom you will whistle the same thing over and over again.
Chatsky
Boredom! How? are you paying her tribute?
Natalya Dmitrievna
My Platon Mikhailych is inclined to do different things,
Which are not there now - for exercises and shows,
To the playpen...sometimes he misses mornings.
Chatsky
And who, dear friend, tells you to be idle?
They will give it to a regiment or squadron. Are you chief or headquarters?[ 59 ]
Natalya Dmitrievna
Platon Mikhailych is in very poor health.
Chatsky
My health is weak! How long ago?
Natalya Dmitrievna
All rhumatism[ 60 ] and headaches.
Chatsky
More movement. To the village, to a warm region.
Be on horseback more often. The village is paradise in summer.
Natalya Dmitrievna
Platon Mikhailych loves the city,
Moscow; Why will he waste his days in the wilderness!
Chatsky
Moscow and the city... You're an eccentric!
Do you remember before?
Platon Mikhailovich
Yes, brother, it’s not like that anymore...
Natalya Dmitrievna
Ah, my friend!
It's so fresh here that there's no urine,
You opened up all over and unbuttoned your vest.
Platon Mikhailovich
Now, brother, I'm not the same...
Natalya Dmitrievna
Listen just once
My dear, fasten your buttons.
Now.
Natalya Dmitrievna
Yes, move away from the doors,
There is a through wind blowing from behind!
Platon Mikhailovich
Now, brother, I'm not the same...
Natalya Dmitrievna
My angel, for God's sake
Move further away from the door.
Platon Mikhailovich (eyes to the sky)
Oh! mother!
Chatsky
Well, God judge you;
Certainly, you became not the same in a short time;
Wasn't it last year, at the end,
Did I know you in the regiment? only morning: foot in the stirrup
And you rush around on a greyhound stallion;
The autumn wind blows, either from the front or from the rear.
Eh! brother! It was a nice life back then.
Phenomenon 7
The same, Prince Tugoukhovsky and Princess with six daughters.
Natalya Dmitrievna (in a thin voice)
Prince Pyotr Ilyich, princess! My God!
Princess Zizi! Mimi!
(Loud kisses, then sit down and look each other from head to toe.)
1st Princess
What a wonderful style!
2nd princess
What folds!
1st Princess
Trimmed with fringe.
Natalya Dmitrievna
No, if only you could see my satin turlure!
3rd princess
What an esharp[ 62 ] cousin[ 63 ] gave me!
4th princess
Oh! yes, barezhevoy! [ 64 ]
5th princess
Oh! lovely!
6th princess
Oh! how sweet!
Princess
Ss! -Who is that in the corner, we went up and bowed?
Natalya Dmitrievna
Newcomer, Chatsky.
Princess
Retired?
Natalya Dmitrievna
Yes, I was traveling and recently returned.
Princess
And ho-lo-wait?
Natalya Dmitrievna
Yes, not married.
Princess
Prince, prince, come here. - More alive.
Prince (turns the ear tube towards her)
Oh-hmm!
Princess
Come to us for the evening, Thursday, ask soon
Natalya Dmitrevna's friend: there he is!
Prince
E-hmm!
(He goes off, hovering around Chatsky and coughing.)
Princess
That's it kids:
They have a ball, and father drags himself to bow;
Dancers have become terribly rare!..
Is he a chamberlain cadet?[ 65 ]
Natalya Dmitrievna
No.
Princess
Bo-gat?
Natalya Dmitrievna
Oh no!
Princess (loud as loud as you can)
Prince, prince! Back!
Phenomenon 8
The same Countesses Khryumina: grandmother and granddaughter.
Countess granddaughter
Ax! Grand" maman![ 66 ] Well, who arrives so early?
We are first!
(Disappears into a side room.)
Princess
This honors us!
Here is the first one, and he considers us to be no one!
The girls have been evil for a whole century, God will forgive her.
Countess granddaughter (returning, points a double lorgnette at Chatsky)
Monsieur Chatsky! Are you in Moscow! How were they, were they all like that?
Chatsky
Why should I change?
Countess granddaughter
Are you back single?
Chatsky
Who should I marry?
Countess granddaughter
In foreign lands on whom?
ABOUT! our darkness, without distant information,
They get married there and give us kinship
With the mistresses of fashion shops.
Chatsky
Unhappy ones! Should there be no reproaches?
From wannabe milliners?
For daring to choose
Originals for the lists?[ 67 ]
Phenomenon 9
The same and many other guests. By the way, Zagoretsky. Men appear, shuffle, step aside, wander from room to room, and so on. Sofia leaves herself; everything is towards her.
Countess granddaughter
Eh! bon soir! vous voila! Jamais trop diligente,
Vous nous donnez toujours le plaisir de l"attente.[ 68 ]
Zagoretsky (Sofya)
Do you have a ticket for tomorrow's performance?
Sofia
No.
Zagoretsky
Let me hand it to you, it would be in vain for anyone to take it
Another one to serve you, but
Wherever I threw myself!
Everything is taken to the office,
To the director, - he is my friend, -
From dawn at six o'clock, and by the way!
Since the evening no one could get it;
Besides this and that, I knocked everyone off their feet;
And this one finally kidnapped him by force
One, he’s a frail old man,
A friend of mine, a known homebody;
Let him sit at home in peace.
Sofia
Thank you for the ticket
And double the effort.
(Some more appear, meanwhile Zagoretsky goes to the men.)
Zagoretsky
Platon Mikhailych...
Platon Mikhailovich
Away!
Go to women, lie to them and fool them;
I'll tell you the truth about you,
Which is worse than any lie. Here, brother,
(To Chatsky)
I recommend!
What are these people called politely?
Tenderer? - he is a secular man,
Outspoken swindler, rogue:
Anton Antonich Zagoretsky.
With it, beware: it’s too much to bear,
And don’t play cards: he’ll sell you.
Zagoretsky
Original! grumpy, but without the slightest malice.
Chatsky
And it would be funny for you to be offended;
Besides honesty, there are many joys:
They scold you here and thank you there.
Platon Mikhailovich
Oh no, brother! they scold us
Everywhere, and everywhere they accept.
(Zagoretsky interferes with the crowd.)
Phenomenon 10
The same and Khlestova.
Khlestova
Is it easy at sixty-five years old?
Should I drag myself to you, niece?.. - Torment!
I drove from Pokrovka for an hour,[ 70 ] no strength;
Night is the end of the world![ 71 ]
Out of boredom I took it with me
A little black girl and a dog;
Tell them to feed them already, my friend,
A handout came from dinner.
Princess, hello!
(Sela.)
Well, Sofyushka, my friend,
What kind of arapa do I have for services:
Curly! hump of the shoulder blade!
Angry! all the cat tricks!
Yes, how black! Yes, how scary!
After all, the Lord created such a tribe!
Damn it; in maiden [ 72 ] she;
Should I call?
Sofia
No, sir, at another time.
Khlestova
Imagine: they are being paraded around like animals...
I listened, there... there is a Turkish city...
Do you know who saved it for me? -
Anton Antonich Zagoretsky.
(Zagoretsky moves forward.)
He is a liar, a gambler, a thief.
(Zagoretsky disappears.)
I left him and locked the doors;
Yes, the master will serve: me and sister Praskovya
I got two little blacks at the fair;
He bought tea, he says, and cheated at cards;
And a gift for me, God bless him!
Chatsky (with laughter to Platon Mikhailovich)
You won't get well from such praises,
And Zagoretsky himself could not stand it and disappeared.
Khlestova
Who is this funny guy? From what rank?
Sofia
This one? Chatsky.
Khlestova
Well? what did you find funny?
What is he happy about? What kind of laughter is there?
It's a sin to laugh at old age.
I remember you often danced with him as children,
I pulled his ears, but not enough.
Phenomenon 11
The same with Famusov.
Famusov (loudly)
We are waiting for Prince Pyotr Ilyich,
And the prince is already here! And I hid there, in the portrait room!
Where is Skalozub Sergei Sergeich? A?
No; it seems not. - He is a remarkable person -
Sergei Sergeich Skalozub.
Khlestova
My creator! deafened, louder than any trumpet!
Phenomenon 12
The same and Skalozub, then Molchalin.
Famusov
Sergey Sergeich, we are late;
And we waited, waited, waited for you.
(Leads to Khlestova.)
My long-time sister-in-law
It's been said about you.
Khlestova (sitting)
Have you been here before... in the regiment... in that... in the grenadier?[ 73 ]
Skalozub (bass)
In His Highness, you want to say,
Novo-Zemlyansky Musketeer.[ 74 ]
Khlestova
I’m not an expert at distinguishing between shelves.
Skalozub
But there are differences in form:
The uniforms have piping, shoulder straps, and buttonholes.
Famusov
Let's go, father, there I'll make you laugh;
We have a funny whist. Behind us, prince! I beg.
(He takes him and the prince with him.)
Khlestova (Sofia)
Wow! I definitely got rid of the noose;
After all, your father is crazy:
He was given three fathoms of daring, -
He introduces us without asking, is it pleasant for us, isn’t it?
Molchalin (hands her a card)
I made up your party: Monsieur Kok,
Foma Fomich and me.
Khlestova
Thank you my friend.
(Rises.)
Molchalin
Your Pomeranian is a lovely Pomeranian, no bigger than a thimble!
I stroked him all over; like silk wool!
Khlestova
Thank you my dear.
(She leaves, followed by Molchalin and many others.)
Phenomenon 13
Chatsky, Sofia and several outsiders, who go their separate ways in the sequel.
Chatsky
Well! cleared the cloud...
Sofia
Is it possible not to continue?
Chatsky
Why did I scare you?
Because he softened the angry guest,
I wanted to praise.
Sofia
And they would end in anger.
Chatsky
Shall I tell you what I thought? Here:
All old women are angry people;
It’s not bad if they have a famous servant
It was like a thunderbolt here.
Molchalin! - Who else will settle everything so peacefully!
There he will pet the pug in time!
It's time to rub the card in!
Zagoretsky will not die in it!
You have already calculated his properties for me,
But have many forgotten? - Yes?
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 14
Sofia, then G.N.
Sofia (to herself)
Oh! this person always
Causing me terrible distress!
Happy to humiliate, to prick, envious, proud and angry!
G.N. (fits)
You are in thought.
Sofia
About Chatsky.
G.N.
How was he found upon his return?
Sofia
He has a screw loose.
G.N.
Have you gone crazy?
Sofia (after a pause)
Not that at all...
G.N.
However, are there any signs?
Sofia (looks at him intently)
I think.
G.N.
As possible, in these years!
Sofia
How to be!
(To the side)
He is ready to believe!
Ah, Chatsky! You love to dress everyone up as jesters,
Would you like to try it on yourself?
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 15
G.N. , then G.D.
G.N.
He's gone crazy!.. It seems to her!.. here you go!
No wonder? So... why would she take it?
You heard?
G.D.
What?
G.N.
About Chatsky?
G.D.
What's happened?
G.N.
Crazy!
G.D.
Empty.
G.N.
I didn't say it, others did.
G.D.
Are you happy to glorify this?
G.N.
I'll go and inquire; tea, anyone knows.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 16
G.D. , then Zagoretsky.
G.D.
Believe the chatterbox!
He hears nonsense and immediately repeats it!
Do you know about Chatsky?
Zagoretsky
Well?
G.D.
Crazy!
Zagoretsky
A! I know, I remember, I heard.
How can I not know? an example case came out;
His uncle, the rogue, hid him in the insane...
They grabbed me, took me to the yellow house, [75] and put me on a chain.
G.D.
For mercy's sake, he was here in the room just now, right here.
Zagoretsky
So, therefore, they let him off the chain.
G.D.
Well, dear friend, you don’t need newspapers with you.
Let me go and spread my wings
I’ll ask everyone; however, mind you! secret.
Phenomenon 17
Zagoretsky, then the Countess's granddaughter.
Zagoretsky
Which Chatsky is here? - Famous family.
I once knew some Chatsky. -
Have you heard of him?
Countess granddaughter
About whom?
Zagoretsky
About Chatsky, he was here in the room now.
Countess granddaughter
I know.
I spoke to him.
Zagoretsky
So I congratulate you!
He's crazy...
Countess granddaughter
What?
Zagoretsky
Yes, he's gone crazy.
Countess granddaughter
Imagine, I noticed it myself;
And even if you bet, you are on the same page with me.
Phenomenon 18
Same with Countess Grandma.
Countess granddaughter
Ah! grand" maman, what miracles! what's new!
Haven't you heard of the troubles here?
Listen. What a delight! that's cute!..
Countess grandmother
My trouble, my ears are blocked;
Speak more loudly...
Countess granddaughter
There is no time!
(Points to Zagoretsky.)
Il vous dira toute l"histoire…[ 76 ]
I'll go and ask...
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 19
Zagoretsky, Countess grandmother.
Countess grandmother
What? What? Is there really a ball here?
Zagoretsky
No, Chatsky created all this chaos.
Countess grandmother
How, Chatsky? Who took you to prison?
Zagoretsky
In the mountains he was wounded in the forehead and went crazy from the wound.
Countess grandmother
What? to the pharmazons[ 77 ] in the club? Did he become a Pusurman?
Zagoretsky
You can't reason with her.
(Leaves.)
Countess grandmother
Anton Antonich! Oh!
And he walks, all in fear, in a hurry.
Phenomenon 20
Countess grandmother and Prince Tugoukhovsky.
Countess grandmother
Prince, prince! Oh, this prince, by the fire, can hardly speak!
Prince, did you hear?
Prince
Eh - hmm?
Countess grandmother
He doesn't hear anything!
At least you saw how passionate the police chief is here?
Prince
Eh - hmm?
Countess grandmother
Who took Chatsky to prison, Prince?
Prince
And - hmm?
Countess grandmother
He has a cleaver and a backpack,
To the saltats! No joke! changed the law!
Prince
U-hmm?
Countess grandmother
Yes!.. he’s in the Pusurmans! Oh! damned Voltairian![ 79 ]
What? A? deaf, my father; get out your horn.
Oh! deafness is a great vice.
Phenomenon 21
The same Khlestova, Sofia, Molchalin, Platon Mikhailovich, Natalya Dmitrievna, Countess granddaughter, Princess with her daughters, Zagoretsky, Skalozub, then Famusov and many others.
Khlestova
Crazy! I humbly ask!
Yes, by chance! Yes, how quickly!
Did you hear, Sophia?
Platon Mikhailovich
Who disclosed it first?
Natalya Dmitrievna
Ah, my friend, that's it!
Platon Mikhailovich
Well, that’s it, you can’t believe it,
But I doubt it.
Famusov (entering)
About what? about Chatsky, or what?
What is doubtful? I'm the first, I opened it!
I’ve been wondering for a long time how no one will tie him up!
Try talking about the authorities - and God knows what they'll tell you!
Bow a little low, bend like a ring,
Even in front of the royal face,
That's what he'll call you a scoundrel!..
Khlestova
There are also some of the funny ones;
I said something and he started laughing.
Molchalin
He advised me not to serve in the Archives in Moscow.
Countess granddaughter
He deigned to call me a milliner!
Natalya Dmitrievna
And he gave my husband advice to live in the village.
Zagoretsky
Crazy about everything.
Countess granddaughter
I saw it from my eyes.
Famusov
He followed his mother, Anna Aleksevna;
The deceased went crazy eight times.
Khlestova
There are wonderful adventures in the world!
In his summer he jumped off crazy!
I drank tea beyond my years.
Princess
ABOUT! right…
Countess granddaughter
Without a doubt.
Khlestova
He drank glasses of champagne.
Natalya Dmitrievna
Bottles, sir, and big ones
Zagoretsky (eagerly)
No, sir, forty barrels.
Famusov
Here you go! great misfortune
What will a man drink too much?
Learning is the plague, learning is the reason,
What is worse now than then,
There were crazy people, deeds, and opinions.
Khlestova
And you'll really go crazy from these, from some
From boarding schools, schools, lyceums, you name it,
Yes from lankartak mutual training.[ 80 ]
Princess
No, the institute is in St. Petersburg
Pe-da-go-gic, [ 81 ] seems to be the name:
There they practice schisms and unbelief
Professors!! - our relatives studied with them,
And he left! at least now to the pharmacy, to become an apprentice.
He runs away from women, and even from me!
Chinov doesn’t want to know! He's a chemist, he's a botanist,
Prince Fedor, my nephew.
Skalozub
I will make you happy: universal rumor,
That there is a project about lyceums, schools, gymnasiums;
There they will only teach in our own way: one, two;
And the books will be saved like this: for big occasions.
Famusov
Sergey Sergeich, no! Once evil is stopped:
Take all the books and burn them.
Zagoretsky (with meekness)
No, sir, books are different. What if, between us,
I was appointed censor [82]
I would lean on fables; Oh! fables are my death!
Eternal mockery of lions! over the eagles!
Whatever you say:
Although they are animals, they are still kings.
Khlestova
My fathers, whoever is upset in his mind,
It doesn’t matter whether it’s from books or from drinking;
And I feel sorry for Chatsky.
In a Christian way; he deserves pity;
He was a sharp man, he had about three hundred souls.
Famusov
Four.
Khlestova
Three, sir.
Famusov
Four hundred.
Khlestova
No! three hundred.
Famusov
On my calendar...
Khlestova
Everyone lies about calendars.
Famusov
Just four hundred, oh! argue vociferous!
Khlestova
No! Three hundred! - I don’t know other people’s estates!
Famusov
Four hundred, please understand.
Khlestova
No! three hundred, three hundred, three hundred.
Phenomenon 22
Chatsky is the same.
Natalya Dmitrievna
Here he is.
Countess granddaughter
Shh!
All
Shh!
(They back away from him in the opposite direction.)
Khlestova
Well, as if from crazy eyes
If he starts to fight, he will demand to be cut up!
Famusov
Oh my God! have mercy on us sinners!
(cautiously)
Dearest! You're out of your element.
I need sleep from the road. Give me a pulse... You're unwell.
Chatsky
Yes, there is no urine: a million torments
Breasts from friendly vices,
Feet from shuffling, ears from exclamations,
And worse than my head from all sorts of trifles.
(Approaches Sophia.)
My soul here is somehow compressed by grief,
And in the crowd I am lost, not myself.
No! I'm dissatisfied with Moscow.
Khlestova
Moscow, you see, is to blame.
Famusov
Away from him.
(Makes signs to Sofia.)
Hm, Sophia! - He’s not looking!
Sofia (to Chatsky)
Tell me, what makes you so angry?
Chatsky
In that room there is an insignificant meeting:
The Frenchman from Bordeaux[ 83 ], pushing on his chest,
Gathered around itself a kind of vecha[ 84 ]
And he told how he was preparing for the journey
To Russia, to the barbarians, with fear and tears;
I arrived and found that there was no end to the caresses;
Not a Russian sound, not a Russian face
I didn’t meet him: as if in the fatherland, with friends;
Its own province. - You'll see in the evening
He feels like a little king here;
The ladies have the same sense, the same outfits...
He is happy, but we are not happy.
Silenced. And here from all sides
Longing, and groaning, and groaning.
Oh! France! There is no better region in the world! -
The two princesses, sisters, decided, repeating
A lesson that was taught to them from childhood.
Where to go from the princesses! -
I sent wishes away
Humble, yet out loud,
May the Lord destroy this unclean spirit
Empty, slavish, blind imitation;
So that he would plant a spark in someone with a soul,
Who could, by word and example
Hold us like a strong rein,
From the pitiful nausea on the stranger's side.
Let them call me [85] an Old Believer,
But our North is a hundred times worse for me
Since I gave everything in exchange for a new way -
And morals, and language, and holy antiquity,
And stately clothes for another
According to the jester's example:
The tail is at the back, there is some kind of wonderful notch in the front,[ 86 ]
Despite reason, in spite of the elements;
Movements are connected, and not beautiful to the face;
Funny, shaved, gray chins!
Like dresses, hair, and minds are short!..
Oh! if we are born to adopt everything,
At least we could borrow some from the Chinese
Their ignorance of foreigners is wise.
Will we ever be resurrected from the alien power of fashion?
So that our smart, cheerful people
Although, based on our language, he didn’t consider us Germans.
“How to put the European in parallel
Something strange about the national one!
Well, how to translate Madame and Mademoiselle?
Really, madam!!” - someone muttered to me.
Imagine, everyone here
Laughter arose at my expense.
"Madam! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Wonderful!
Madam! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! terrible!" -
I, angry and cursing life,
He was preparing a thunderous answer for them;
But everyone left me. -
Here’s my case, it’s not new;
Moscow and St. Petersburg - in all of Russia,
That a man from the city of Bordeaux,
As soon as he opened his mouth, he was happy
Instill sympathy in all princesses;
And in St. Petersburg and Moscow,
Who is the enemy of written out faces, frills, curly words,
In whose head is it unfortunate?
Five, six there are healthy thoughts
And he will dare to announce them publicly, -
Lo and behold...
(Looks around, everyone is spinning in the waltz with the greatest zeal. The old people scattered to the card tables.)
End of Act III
Act IV
Famusov has a front porch in his house; a large staircase from the second dwelling[ 87 ], to which many side mezzanines adjoin; below to the right (from the characters) is the exit to the porch and the Swiss box; on the left, in the same plan, is Molchalin’s room. Night. Poor lighting. Some lackeys are fussing, others are sleeping, waiting for their masters.
Phenomenon 1
Countess grandmother, Countess granddaughter, in front of them is a footman.
Lackey
Countess Khryumina's carriage!
Countess granddaughter (while they wrap her up)
Well done! Well Famusov! knew how to name guests!
Some freaks from the other world,
And there is no one to talk to, and no one to dance with.
Countess grandmother
Let’s sing, mother, I, prafo, cannot do it,
Someday I fell into the grave.
(Both leave.)
Phenomenon 2
Platon Mikhailovich and Natalya Dmitrievna. One footman is busy around them, another at the entrance shouts:
Gorich's carriage!
Natalya Dmitrievna
My angel, my life,
Priceless, darling, Poposh, why is it so sad?
(Kisses her husband on the forehead.)
Admit it, the Famusovs had fun.
Platon Mikhailovich
Natasha Mother, I doze off at balls,
Before them is a deadly reluctance hunter,
I don’t resist, your worker,
I'm on duty after midnight, sometimes
It pleases you, no matter how sad,
I start dancing on command.
Natalya Dmitrievna
You are pretending, and very unskillfully;
There is a mortal desire to be considered an old man.
(He leaves with the footman.)
Platon Mikhailovich (calmly)
Ball is a good thing, bondage is bitter;
And who forces us to marry!
After all, it is said that he is of a different kind...
Footman (from the porch)
The lady is in the carriage, sir, and she deigns to be angry.
Platon Mikhailovich (with a sigh)
I'm coming.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 3
Chatsky and his lackey are in front.
Chatsky
Shout for them to serve quickly.
(The footman leaves.)
Well, the day has passed, and with it
All the ghosts, all the smoke and smoke
Hopes that filled my soul.
What was I waiting for? What did you think you would find here?
Where is the charm of this meeting? participation in whom is alive?
Scream! joy! hugged! - Empty.
In the carriage so-and-so on the way
Sitting idly across the vast plain,
Everything is visible ahead
Light, blue, varied;
And you drive for an hour, or two, the whole day; here's a playful
They rushed to rest; overnight stay: wherever you look,
Still the same expanse, and steppe, and empty and dead...
It’s a shame, there’s no point in thinking, the more you think.
(The footman returns.)
Ready?
Lackey
The coachman, you see, won’t be found anywhere.
Chatsky
Let's go look, don't spend the night here.
(The footman leaves again.)
Phenomenon 4
Chatsky, Repetilov (runs in from the porch, falls as fast as he can at the entrance and hastily recovers).
Repetilov
Ugh! made a mistake. - Ah, my Creator!
Let me rub my eyes; where from? buddy!..
Heart friend! Dear friend! Mon cher![ 88 ]
These are the farces[89] that were often sung to me,
What an idle talker, what a fool, what a superstition,
That I have premonitions and omens about everything;
Now... please explain,
As if I knew I was hurrying here,
Grab it, I hit it with my foot on the threshold
And stretched out to his full height.
Maybe laugh at me
That Repetilov is lying, that Repetilov is simple,
And I have an attraction to you, a kind of illness,
Some kind of love and passion,
I'm ready to sacrifice my soul,
That you won’t find such a friend in the world,
So faithful, really;
Let me lose my wife, children,
I will be abandoned by the whole world,
Let me die in this place,
May the Lord destroy me...
Chatsky
That's a lot of nonsense.
Repetilov
You don't love me, naturally:
With others I am this way and that,
I speak to you timidly,
I'm pathetic, I'm ridiculous, I'm ignorant, I'm a fool.
Chatsky
What a strange humiliation!
Repetilov
Scold me, I curse my own birth,
When I think about how I killed time!
Tell me, what time is it?
Chatsky
It's time to go to bed;
If you came to the ball,
So you can go back.
Repetilov
What's the ball? brother, where are we all night until broad daylight,
We are shackled in decency, we will not break out of the yoke,
Have you read? there is a book...
Chatsky
Have you read it? task for me
Are you Repetilov?
Repetilov
Call me a vandal[ 90 ]:
I deserve this name.
I valued empty people!
I myself raved about a dinner or a ball for a whole century!
I forgot about the children! I deceived my wife!
Played! lost! taken into custody by decree![ 91 ]
He held the dancer! and not just one:
Three at once!
Drank dead! I haven’t slept for nine nights!
He rejected everything: laws! conscience! faith!
Chatsky
Listen! lie, but know when to stop;
There is something to despair about.
Repetilov
Congratulate me, now I know people
With the smartest!! - I don’t search all night long.
Chatsky
Now, for example?
Repetilov
That one night doesn't count,
But ask, where have you been?
Chatsky
And I’ll figure it out myself.
Tea, in the club?
Repetilov
In English. To start confession:
From a noisy meeting.
Please be silent, I gave my word to be silent;
We have a society and secret meetings
On Thursdays. The most secret alliance...
Chatsky
Oh! I'm afraid, brother.
How? in club?
Repetilov
Exactly.
Chatsky
These are emergency measures,
To drive away both you and your secrets.
Repetilov
It's in vain that fear takes over you,
We speak out loud, no one can understand.
I myself, when they start talking about the cameras, the jury,[ 92 ]
About Beiron[ 93 ], well, about mothers[ 94 ] important,
I often listen without opening my lips;
I can’t do it, brother, and I feel like I’m stupid.
Ax! Alexandre! we were missing you;
Listen, dear, make me laugh at least a little;
Let's go now; Fortunately, we are on the go;
Which ones will I set you up with?
People!!... They don’t look like me at all!
What kind of people are they, mon cher! Juice of smart youth!
Chatsky
God is with them and with you. Where will I go?
For what? in the dead of night? Go home, I want to sleep.
Repetilov
Eh! come on! who's sleeping now? Well, that's it, no preludes[ 95 ]
Make up your mind, and we!.. we have... decisive people,
A dozen hot goals!
We shout – you’d think there were hundreds of voices!..
Chatsky
Why are you freaking out so much?
Repetilov
Let's make noise, brother, make noise!
Chatsky
Are you making noise? but only?
Repetilov
Now is not the place to explain and there is no time,
But it's a matter of state:
You see, it’s not ripe,
It can't happen all of a sudden.
What kind of people! Mon cher! Without distant stories
I'll tell you: first of all, Prince Gregory!!
The only weirdo! It's making us laugh!
A century with the English, the whole English fold,
And he also says through his teeth,
And also cut short for order.
Don't you know me? O! meet him.
The other is Vorkulov Evdokim;
Haven't you heard him sing? O! marvel!
Listen, honey, especially
He has one favorite:
"A! non lashyar mi, but, but, but.”[ 96 ]
We also have two brothers:
Levon and Borinka, wonderful guys!
You don’t know what to say about them;
But if you order a genius to be named:
Udushiev Ippolit Markelych!!!
You are writing it
Have you read anything? at least a little thing?
Read, brother, but he doesn’t write anything;
These are the kind of people who should be flogged,
And say: write, write, write;
However, you can find in magazines
His excerpt, look and something.
What is something about? - about everything;
Everyone knows, we are herding it for a rainy day.
But we have a head like no other in Russia,
You don’t need to name it, you’ll recognize it from the portrait:
Night robber, duelist,
He was exiled to Kamchatka, returned as an Aleut,
And the unclean hand is strong;
Yes, an intelligent person cannot help but be a rogue.
When he talks about high honesty,
Some kind of demon inspires:
My eyes are bloody, my face is burning,
He cries himself, and we all cry.
These people, are there others like them? Hardly...
Well, among them I am, of course, average [97],
A little behind, lazy, it’s terrible to think!
However, when I strained my mind,
I’ll sit down, I won’t sit for an hour,
And somehow by chance, suddenly I make a pun [98].
Others will pick up the same idea.
And six of them, lo and behold, the vaudeville [99] is blinding,
The other six put music to music,
Others clap when given it.
Brother, laugh, whatever, whatever:
God did not reward me with abilities,
I gave you a kind heart, that’s why I’m nice to people,
If I lie, they will forgive me...
Footman (at the entrance)
Skalozub's carriage!
Repetilov
Whose?
Phenomenon 5
Same with Skalozub, coming down the stairs.
Repetilov (to meet him)
Oh! Skalozub, my soul,
Wait, where to? make friendship.
(Strangles him in her arms.)
Chatsky
Where can I go from them?
(Included in Swiss.)
Repetilov (Skalozub)
The rumor about you has long died down,
They said that you went to serve in the regiment.
Do you know each other?
(Looks for Chatsky with his eyes)
Stubborn! galloped away!
No need, I found you by accident
And please join me, now without excuses:
Prince Gregory now has thousands of people,
You'll see, there are about forty of us,
Ugh! what a lot of brains there are, brother!
They talk all night, they don’t get bored,
Firstly, they will give you champagne to slaughter,
And secondly, they will teach such things,
Which, of course, you and I can’t invent.
Skalozub
Spare me. You can't fool me with learning,
Call others, and if you want,
I am Prince Gregory and you
I'll give the sergeant major to Walter,
He will line you up in three ranks,
Just make a noise and it will instantly calm you down.
Repetilov
All service is on your mind! Mon cher, look here:
And I would have climbed into the ranks, but met failures,
Like maybe no one ever;
I served as a civil servant, then
Baron von Klotz was aiming for minister,
And I -
To be his son-in-law.
Walked straight ahead without a second thought,
With his wife and with him he embarked on reversi[ 100 ],
What amounts for him and her?
He let it go, God forbid!
He lived on the Fontanka[ 101 ], I built a house near it,
With columns! huge! how much did it cost!
Finally married his daughter,
He took the dowry - shish, but the service - nothing.
My father-in-law is German, but what's the use?
I was afraid, you see, he would reproach
For weakness, as if towards relatives!
I was afraid, take his ashes, but will it be easier for me?
His secretaries are all boors, all corrupt,
Little people, writing creature,
Everyone has come out to know, everyone is important now,
Look at the calendar address[ 102 ].
Ugh! service and ranks, crosses - the souls of ordeal;
Lakhmotyev Alexey says wonderfully,
That radical medications are needed here,
The stomach does not cook longer.
(He stops when he sees that Zagoretsky has taken the place of Skalozub, who has left for now.)
Phenomenon 6
Repetilov, Zagoretsky.
Zagoretsky
Please continue, I sincerely confess to you,
I'm just like you, a terrible liberal!
And because I explain myself directly and boldly,
How much I lost!..
Repetilov (with annoyance)
All apart, without saying a word;
Just when one is out of sight, the other is gone.
There was Chatsky, suddenly disappeared, then Skalozub.
Zagoretsky
What do you think about Chatsky?
Repetilov
He's not stupid
Now we have collided, there are all sorts of turuses[ 103 ],
And a sensible conversation turned to vaudeville.
Yes! vaudeville is a thing, but everything else is gild [104].
He and I... we... have the same tastes.
Zagoretsky
Have you noticed that he
Is your mind seriously damaged?
Repetilov
What nonsense!
Zagoretsky
Everything about him is of this faith.
Repetilov
Lies.
Zagoretsky
Ask everyone!
Repetilov
Chimeras[ 105 ].
Zagoretsky
By the way, here is Prince Pyotr Ilyich,
The princess and with the princesses.
Repetilov
Game.
Phenomenon 7
Repetilov, Zagoretsky, Prince and Princess with six daughters; a little later Khlestova descends from the main staircase. Molchalin leads her by the arm. Lackeys in bustle.
Zagoretsky
Princesses, please tell me your opinion,
Is Chatsky crazy or not?
1st Princess
What doubt is there in this?
2nd princess
The whole world knows about this.
3rd princess
Dryansky, Khvorov, Varlyansky, Skachkov.
4th princess
Oh! keep old ones, who are they new to?
5th princess
Who doubts?
Zagoretsky
Yes, he doesn’t believe it...
6th princess
You!
Together
Monsieur Repetilov! You! Monsieur Repetilov! what do you!
Yes, like you! Is it possible against everyone!
Yes, why you? shame and laughter.
Repetilov (covers his ears)
Sorry, I didn't know it was too public.
Princess
It wouldn’t be public yet, it’s dangerous to talk to him,
It's time to lock it up long ago.
Listen, so his little finger
Smarter than everyone, and even Prince Peter!
I think he's just a Jacobin[ 106 ],
Your Chatsky!!! Let's go. Prince, you could carry
Katish or Zizi, we will sit in the six-seater.
Khlestova (from the stairs)
Princess, card debt.
Princess
Follow me, mother.
Everyone (to each other)
Farewell.
(The princely family[ 107 ] is leaving, and so is Zagoretsky.)
Phenomenon 8
Repetilov, Khlestova, Molchalin.
Repetilov
King of heaven!
Amfisa Nilovna! Oh! Chatsky! poor! Here!
What a lofty mind we have! and a thousand worries!
Tell me, what in the world are we busy with?
Khlestova
So God judged him; but by the way,
They'll treat you, they'll cure you, maybe;
And you, my father, are incurable, no matter what.
Deigned to show up on time! -
Molchalin, there's your closet,
No wires needed; Go, the Lord is with you.
(Molchalin goes to his room.)
Farewell, father; it's time to get mad.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 9
Repetilov with his lackey.
Repetilov
Where to go now?
And it’s already approaching dawn.
Go put me in the carriage
Take it somewhere.
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 10
The last lamp goes out.
Chatsky (leaves the Swiss)
What is this? did I hear with my ears!
Not laughter, but clearly anger. What miracles?
Through what witchcraft
Everyone repeats the absurdity about me out loud!
And for others it’s like a triumph,
Others seem to have compassion...
ABOUT! if someone penetrated people:
What's worse about them? soul or language?
Whose essay is this?
Fools believed it, they passed it on to others,
The old women instantly sound the alarm -
And here is public opinion!
And here is that homeland... No, on this visit,
I see that I will soon get tired of her.
Does Sophia know? - Of course, they told me
It’s not that she’s doing me any harm
I had fun, and whether it’s true or not -
She doesn't care if I'm different,
In all conscience she does not value anyone.
But where does this faintness and unconsciousness come from?? -
Nervous, spoiled, whimsical, -
A little will excite them, and a little will calm them down, -
I considered it a sign of living passions. - Not a crumb:
She would certainly lose her strength as well,
When would anyone step
On the tail of a dog or cat.
Sofia (above the stairs on the second floor, with a candle)
Molchalin, is that you?
(Hastily closes the door again.)
Chatsky
She! she herself!
Oh! my head is burning, my whole blood is in excitement.
She has appeared! she's gone! really in a vision?
Am I really going crazy?
I am definitely prepared for the extraordinary;
But it’s not a vision here, the time for the meeting has been agreed upon.
Why should I deceive myself?
Molchalin called, this is his room.
His lackey (from the porch)
Kare...
Chatsky
Ss!
(Pushes him out.)
I'll be here and won't sleep a wink,
At least until the morning. If it's hard to drink,
It's better right away
Why hesitate, but slowness will not get rid of troubles.
The door opens.
(Hides behind a column.)
Phenomenon 11
Chatsky is hidden, Lisa is with a candle.
Lisa
Oh! no urine! I'm timid.
Into the empty hallway! at night! you're afraid of the brownies,
You are also afraid of living people.
Tormenting young lady, God bless her,
And Chatsky is like a thorn in the eye;
See, he seemed to her somewhere down here.
(Looks around.)
Yes! of course! He wants to wander around the hallway!
He, tea, has long been out of the gate,
Save love for tomorrow
Home and went to bed.
However, it is ordered to push the heart.
(Knocks on Molchalin’s door.)
Listen, sir. If you please, wake up.
The young lady is calling you, the young lady is calling you.
Hurry up so they don't catch you.
Phenomenon 12
Chatsky behind the column, Liza, Molchalin (stretches and yawns), Sofia (sneaks from above).
Lisa
You, sir, are stone, sir, ice.
Molchalin
Oh! Lizanka, are you on your own?
Lisa
From the young lady, sir.
Molchalin
Who would have guessed
What's in these cheeks, in these veins
Love has not yet blushed!
Do you only want to be on the errands?
Lisa
And to you, bride seekers,
Don't bask or yawn;
Handsome and cute, who doesn't finish eating
And he won’t sleep until the wedding.
Molchalin
What wedding? with whom?
Lisa
What about the young lady?
Molchalin
Come on,
There is a lot of hope ahead,
We'll waste time without a wedding.
Lisa
What are you talking about, sir! who are we?
Other things as your husband?
Molchalin
Don't know. And I'm shaking so much,
And at one thought I’m afraid,
What Pavel Afanasyich times
Someday he'll catch us
He will disperse, he will curse!.. So what? should I open my soul?
I don’t see anything in Sofya Pavlovna
Enviable. May God grant her a rich life,
I once loved Chatsky,
He will stop loving me like he did.
My little angel, I would like half
I feel the same for her as I feel for you;
No, no matter how much I tell myself,
I’m getting ready to be gentle, but when I’m dating, I’ll throw a sheet.
Sofia (to the side)
What baseness!
Chatsky (behind the column)
Scoundrel!
Lisa
And you are not ashamed?
Molchalin
My father bequeathed to me:
First, please all people without exception -
The owner, where he will live,
The boss with whom I will serve,
To his servant who cleans dresses,
Doorman, janitor, to avoid evil,
To the janitor's dog, so that it is affectionate.
Lisa
Let me tell you, sir, you have great care!
Molchalin
And now I take the form of a lover
To please the daughter of such a man...
Lisa
Who feeds and gives water,
And sometimes he’ll give you a gift?
Let's go, we've talked enough.
Molchalin
Let's go share love with our deplorable theft.
Let me hug you from the fullness of my heart.
(Lisa is not given.)
Why isn't she you!
(He wants to go, Sofia won’t let him.)
Sofia (almost in a whisper; the whole scene is in a low voice)
Go no further, I've heard a lot,
Horrible man! I'm ashamed of myself, the walls.
Molchalin
How! Sofya Pavlovna...
Sofia
Not a word, for God's sake,
Keep quiet, I'll decide on anything.
Molchalin (throws himself on his knees, Sofia pushes him away)
Oh! remember! don't be angry, look!..
Sofia
I don't remember anything, don't bother me.
Memories! like a sharp knife.
Molchalin (crawls at her feet)
Have mercy...
Sofia
Don't be mean, stand up.
I don't want an answer, I know your answer,
You'll lie...
Molchalin
Do me a favor...
Sofia
No. No. No.
Molchalin
I was joking and I didn’t say anything other than...
Sofia
Leave me alone, I say, now,
I'll wake up everyone in the house by screaming
And I will destroy myself and you.
(Molchalin gets up.)
From then on, it was as if I didn’t know you.
Reproaches, complaints, my tears
Don’t you dare expect, you’re not worth it;
But don't let dawn catch you in the house here.
May I never hear from you again.
Molchalin
As you order.
Sofia
Otherwise I'll tell you
Tell the whole truth to Father, out of frustration.
You know that I don't value myself.
Come on. - Stop, be glad,
What happens when dating me in the silence of the night?
They were more timid in their disposition,
Than even during the day, and in front of people, and in the open;
You have less insolence than crookedness of soul.
She herself is pleased that she found out everything at night:
There are no reproachful witnesses in the eyes,
Just like before, when I fainted,
Chatsky was here...
Chatsky (rushes between them)
He's here, you pretender!
Lisa and Sofia
Ax! Ax!
(Liza drops the candle in fright; Molchalin disappears into his room.)
Phenomenon 13
The same, except for Molchalin.
Chatsky
Rather faint, now it's alright
There is a more important reason why
Here is the solution to the riddle at last!
Here I am donated to!
I don’t know how I curbed my rage!
I looked and saw and didn’t believe it!
And darling, for whom is it forgotten?
And the former friend, and women's fear and shame, -
He hides behind the door, afraid to be held accountable.
Oh! how to comprehend the game of fate?
A persecutor of people with a soul, a scourge! -
Silent people are blissful in the world!
Sofia (all in tears)
Don't continue, I blame myself all around.
But who would have thought that he could be so insidious!
Lisa
Knock! noise! Oh! My God! the whole house is running here.
Your father will be grateful.
Phenomenon 14
Chatsky, Sofia, Lisa, Famusov, a crowd of servants with candles.
Famusov
Here! Behind me! hurry up! hurry up!
More candles and lanterns!
Where are the brownies? Bah! All familiar faces!
Daughter, Sofya Pavlovna! Stranger!
Shameless! Where! with whom! She neither give nor take,
Like her mother, the deceased wife.
It happened that I was with my better half
A little apart - somewhere with a man!
Fear God, how? How did he seduce you?
She called him crazy!
No! Stupidity and blindness have attacked me!
It's all a conspiracy, and there was a conspiracy
Himself and all the guests. Why am I being punished like this!..
Chatsky (Sofia)
So I still owe you this fiction?
Famusov
Brother, don’t be a trick, I won’t be deceived,
Even if you fight, I won’t believe it.
You, Filka, you are a real blockhead,
Made a lazy grouse into a doorman,
Doesn't know anything, doesn't smell anything.
Where were you? where did you go?
Why didn’t the seney lock it?
How come you didn’t watch it? and how did you not hear?
To work you, to settle you:[ 108 ]
They are ready to sell me for a penny.
You, quick-eyed one, everything comes from your mischief;
Here it is, Kuznetsky Most, outfits and updates;
There you learned how to make lovers meet,
Wait, I'll correct you:
Go to the hut, march, and go after the birds;
Yes, and you, my friend, I, daughter, will not leave,
Be patient for two more days:
You shouldn’t be in Moscow, you shouldn’t live with people;
Farther from these grips,
To the village, to my aunt, to the wilderness, to Saratov,
There you will grieve,
Sit at the hoop, yawn at the calendar[ 109].
And you, sir, I really ask you
You don’t want to go there either directly or along a dirt road;
And this is your last feature,
What, tea, the door will be locked for everyone:
I will try, I will ring the alarm bell,
I'll cause trouble for everything around the city
And I will announce to all the people:
I will submit it to the Senate, to the ministers, to the sovereign.
Chatsky (after some silence)
I won’t come to my senses... it’s my fault,
And I listen, I don’t understand,
It’s as if they still want to explain it to me.
Confused by thoughts... waiting for something.
(With fervor.)
Blind! In whom I sought the reward of all my labors!
I was in a hurry!.. flying! trembled! Happiness, I thought, was close.
Before whom am I so passionate and so low
He was a waster of tender words!
And you! Oh my God! who did you choose?
When I think about who you preferred!
Why did they lure me with hope?
Why didn't they tell me directly?
Why did you turn everything that happened into laughter?!
That the memory even disgusts you
Those feelings, in both of us the movements of those hearts,
Which have never cooled in me,
No entertainment, no change of place.
I breathed and lived by them, was constantly busy!
They would say that my sudden arrival was to you,
My appearance, my words, actions - everything is disgusting, -
I would immediately cut off relations with you
And before we part forever,
I wouldn't bother to get there very much,
Who is this dear person to you?..
(Mockingly.)
You will make peace with him, after mature reflection.
Destroy yourself, and why!
Think you can always
Protect, and swaddle, and send to work.
Husband-boy, husband-servant, one of the wife's pages[ 110 ] -
The high ideal of all Moscow men. -
Enough!.. with you I am proud of my breakup.
And you, sir father, you, passionate about ranks:
I wish you to sleep in happy ignorance,
I do not threaten you with my matchmaking.
There will be another, well-behaved one,
A sycophant and a businessman,
Finally, the advantages
He is the equal of his future father-in-law.
So! I have completely sobered up
Dreams out of sight - and the veil fell;
Now it wouldn't be a bad thing
For daughter and father
And on a foolish lover,
And pour out all the bile and all the frustration to the whole world.
Who was it with? Where fate has taken me!
Everyone is driving! everyone curses! Crowd of tormentors
In the love of traitors, in the tireless enmity,
Indomitable storytellers,
Clumsy smart people, crafty simpletons,
Sinister old women, old men,
Decrepit over inventions, nonsense, -
You have glorified me as crazy by the whole choir.
You are right: he will come out of the fire unharmed,
Who will have time to spend a day with you,
Breathe the air alone
And his sanity will survive.
Get out of Moscow! I don't go here anymore.
I’m running, I won’t look back, I’ll go looking around the world,
Where is there a corner for an offended feeling!..
Carriage for me, carriage!
(Leaves.)
Phenomenon 15
Except Chatsky
Famusov
Well? Don't you see that he's gone crazy?
Say it seriously:
Insane! What kind of nonsense is he talking about here!
The sycophant! father-in-law! and so menacing about Moscow!
Have you decided to kill me?
Isn't my fate still sad?
Oh! My God! what will he say
Princess Marya Aleksevna!
(1822-1824)
