Complete Works of Anton Chekhov

SCENE VI.

VOINITZEV and afterwards

PLATONOV.

VOINITZEV. It’s almost too much to bear! How long will it drag on? Today, tomorrow, and the day after . . . a week, a month, a year... There’ll be no end to this torment! I’d better shoot myself. ( Weeps.)

PLATONOV (entering with his arm in a sling). He sits... He’s crying, I think... {Pause.) My poor friend! (Approaches him.) For God’s sake, listen to me! I’ve not come to justify myself... It’s neither for me nor for you to judge me... I’ve come to implore not for my sake, but for yours... I beg of you, like a brother . . . Loathe me, hate me, if you will! Think of me as you like! Only . . . don’t kill yourself! I’m not speaking of revolvers, but . . . generally... Your health is not good... Your grief may finish you... It’s I who had better kill myself! Do you want my death? {Pause.)

VOINITZEV. [Yes.] I don’t want anything!

[PLATONOV. Good. I’ll shoot myself. {Pause.) With great pleasure. {Slaps him on the back.) Even educated people are good for nothing!] {Enter Anna Petrovna.)