Ivanov

Act Four

A year later.

A reception room in the Lebedev house, decorated for a wedding party. There is an upright piano, and on it a violin and a cello by the piano. Guests can be heard and seen, coming and going in the background.

Lvov enters, looks at his pocket watch.

Lvov(aside) It’s gone four. It’ll be time for the blessing, then off to the altar. The triumph of virtue. Ivanov and the Lebedev girl, of course. He got nothing out of the first one, and now it’s the next one’s turn to be robbed and sent to her grave. The same old story of grab what you can. He’s beside himself with happiness. He’ll live comfortably to a ripe old age and die with a clear conscience. Well, not if I have anything to do with it. Once I’ve torn away the mask and people see what kind of jackal he is, he’ll go from seventh heaven into the pit where all the powers of hell can’t drag him out. As an honest man, it’s my duty to say ‘enough’, and open people’s eyes. So I’ll do my duty and get out of this horrible district first thing tomorrow. (Thinks for a moment.) But how? Tell the Lebedevs what I know? Pointless. Challenge him to a duel? Make a scene? God, I’m feeling as nervous as a schoolboy. I can’t think straight. So what’s it to be? A duel?

Kosykh enters.

Kosykh(to Lvov) Yesterday I declared a small slam in clubs and made a grand slam! Only, Barabanov made a mess of it again. We play. I bid: no trumps. He passes. Two no trumps. He passes. I go two diamonds . . .

LvovI’m sorry, I don’t play cards so I can’t share your pleasure. Is it nearly time for the blessing?

KosykhIt must be. They’re trying to talk sense into Zyuzyushka. She’s having a weeping fit.

LvovLosing her daughter?

KosykhNo, the dowry. And she’s extremely pissed off about him getting off paying what he owes her, now he’s going to be her son-in-law.

Babakina enters, dressed up to the nines. She self-importantly passes across the stage past Lvov and Kosykh, who laughs into his fist. She looks round.

BabakinaGrow up!

Kosykh prods her waist with his finger and laughs out loud.

Oaf!

She continues out.

Kosykh(laughs) The old girl’s never been the same since she got her sights on being a countess. She’s off her chump, you can’t go near her now. (Mimics.) ’Oaf!’

Lvov(agitated) Tell me, what’s your opinion of Ivanov?

KosykhUseless. Plays like a blacksmith. Take what happened last year – me, the Count, Borkin and him. I’m dealing –

Lvov(interrupting) Is he a good person?

KosykhIvanov? The morals of a magpie. He and the Count are birds of a feather. They’ll take anything there for the taking. With the Jewess he got less than he bargained for, so now he’s making his move for Zina’s cash box. Sasha’ll end up begging in the street within a year, the devil take me if I’m wrong. Ivanov will stitch up Zyuzyushka, and the same thing with the Count and Babakina. They’ll take the money and live like lords. You’ve gone pale – are you all right? You look terrible.

LvovIt’s nothing, I drank too much yesterday, that’s all.

Lebedev enters with Sasha.

LebedevCome in here, Sasha, where we can talk. (To Lvov and Kosykh.) Go and join the ladies, you two, we need to talk in private.

Kosykh(going past Sasha, snaps his fingers admiringly) Pretty as a picture card – she’s the queen of trumps!

LebedevOn your way, you Neanderthal.

Lvov and Kosykh go out.

Sit down, Shurochka, that’s right. . . over here. (Sits down and looks round.) Now listen to me carefully and remember I’m your father. The fact is, your mother has asked me to tell you something. This is not me speaking, I’m just doing what your mother –

SashaOh, please get on with it, Papa.

LebedevThere’s fifteen thousand silver roubles put aside for your dowry. So let there be no argument about that later on. No, don’t interrupt – that’s not the whole story. There’s fifteen thousand which is yours, but seeing that Nikolay owes your mother nine thousand, it’s coming off your dowry. Not only that . . .

SashaWhy are you telling me? Lebedev Your mother said I had to.

SashaWell, leave me alone. If you had any respect for me, or yourself, you wouldn’t do this. I don’t want your dowry. I never asked for it, and I’m not asking now.

LebedevWhat have I done? If you think you’re so emancipated . . .

SashaI can’t understand why you have to insult my feelings with this penny-pinching arithmetic.

Lebedev(exploding with rage) I give up! I’ll end up sticking a knife in my guts – or someone’s. If it’s not her out there raging non-stop, nagging me about every kopek, it’s her in here, the so-called intelligent, liberated one, God help us, feeling insulted because she can’t understand her own father. Well, let me tell you. I came in here to insult your feelings because out there I was being torn limb from limb and drawn and quartered! ‘Can’t understand’! I feel dizzy, I’m losing my mind. So to hell with you.

He goes towards the door and stops.

But I don’t like what’s going on. I don’t like any of it.

SashaWhat don’t you like?

LebedevAll of it!

SashaAll of what?

LebedevDo you think I’m going to sit you down and spill everything? I don’t like anything that’s going on . . . I mean, this wedding.

He goes up to Sasha and speaks gently.

I’m sorry. I’m sorry, Shurochka. Perhaps this marriage of yours is a good idea and honest-to-God, but there’s something about it that just isn’t made in heaven. It’s not like other marriages. You’re so young – as clean as a pane of glass, and so lovely. And he’s a widower, all patched up and threadbare . . . and I can’t make him out, God help him.

He kisses his daughter.

Forgive me, Shurochka, but something is not quite decent about it. People are talking . . . about how his wife died, and then suddenly he sets his cap at you for who-knows-what reason . . . (Briskly.) I’m talking like an old gossip. I’m an old woman in a crinoline. Don’t listen to me. Don’t listen to anybody. Listen to your heart.

SashaNo, I’ve had the same feeling . . . that something isn’t right. It’s true, isn’t it? If only you knew how unhappy I am. It’s horrible. I’m frightened to admit it. Dear darling Daddy, make me feel better, tell me what to do.

LebedevWhat are you . . . What do you want me to

say?

SashaI’ve never been so scared. I feel I don’t know him, and never will. All the time we’ve been engaged, he’s never once smiled at me, or looked me in the face . . . complaining all the time, reproaching himself for this or that, dropping hints about some guilt he carries . . . His hands never stop shaking . . . I’m worn out with it. There are even times when I feel . . . that I don’t love him as much as I should . . . and when he comes to see us and talks to me, I find myself getting bored. What does it mean, Papa? I’m scared.

LebedevMy little dove, my only child – listen to your father. Give him up!

Sasha(alarmed) What are you saying?

LebedevIt’s the right thing to do, Shurochka. There’ll be a fuss, tongues going like clappers in a church bell for miles around – but better put up with a bit of scandal than ruin your whole life.

SashaDon’t say it – don’t say that, Papa! I don’t want to hear it. I have to fight against these gloomy thoughts. He’s a good, unhappy, misunderstood man. I’m going to love him, and put him back on his feet. It’s my duty, I’ll do it, and that’s all there is to be said.

LebedevThat’s not duty, that’s obsession.

SashaI don’t want to talk about it. I told you something I didn’t even want to admit to myself. Please don’t tell anybody else, just forget about it.

LebedevI’m lost. Either I’m getting stupid or everyone else is getting cleverer, but I’m damned if I understand anything any more.

Shabelsky enters.

ShabelskyTo hell with everybody, me included. It’s an absolute disgrace.

LebedevWhat is?

ShabelskyNo, I mean it – whatever the consequences, I’m going to have to do something so vile I hate myself for it, and so will everyone else. But on my word of honour, I’m going to go ahead with it. I’ve told Borkin he can announce my engagement. (Laughs.) I can be just as rotten as the rest of them!

LebedevIf you go on like this they’ll lock you up with the loonies.

ShabelskyThe loony bin can’t be any worse than this place. Take me to it, you’ll be doing me a favour. What a bunch of third-rate, small-minded dolts, and I’m as bad or worse, I’ve stopped believing a word I say . . .

LebedevWhy don’t you just set fire to a mouthful of meths and blow it in their faces? Alternatively, get your hat and go home. There’s a wedding going on here, everybody’s enjoying themselves, and you’re going around cawing like a crow. Or –

Shabelsky drapes himself over the piano and sobs.

Oh, Lord . . . what’s up, Matvey? . . . Count! . . . What’s the matter? Matyushka, dear fellow, my angel – was it something I said? You mustn’t mind an old soak like me. Drink some water . . .

ShabelskyNo.

LebedevWhat are you crying about?

ShabelskyIt’s really nothing . . .

LebedevDon’t fib, Matty – tell me what it is.

ShabelskyI looked at this cello just now and it reminded me of that little Jewess.

LebedevHonestly, what a time to bring her up. May she rest in peace in Abraham’s bosom, but this isn’t the time or place –

Sasha starts sobbing.

ShabelskyWe used to play duets together. A good and lovely woman.

Lebedev(to Sasha) Not you too! Oh, please stop crying. Oh God, now they’re both howling. What should I . . .? At least go somewhere you won’t be seen by the wedding guests.

ShabelskyPasha, one can be happy in a graveyard when the sun shines. While there’s hope, being old doesn’t matter. But I have nothing to hope for, not a single thing.

LebedevYes, you’re right about that. No children, no money, no prospects . . . but what’s to be done? (To Sasha.) And what’s your problem?

ShabelskyPasha, give me some money. I’ll pay you back in the next world. I want to go to Paris.

Lebedev(appalled) You want to go to Paris?

ShabelskyTo visit my wife’s grave. I’ve a right to ask – I’ve given to others in my life – gave away half my property. Anyway, we’re friends, aren’t we?

Lebedev(embarrassed) Honestly, I haven’t got a kopek. Well, look, all right, all right – no promises, mind, but . . . Oh, all right, then . . .! (To himself.) They’ve all worn me down.

Babakina enters.

BabakinaWhere’s my cavalier got to? Count, how could you leave me alone! Oh, you naughty man!

She whacks the Count on his hand with her fan.

ShabelskyGo away! You disgust me!

Babakina(taken aback) What?

ShabelskyLeave me alone!

Babakina(sinks into an armchair) Oh!

She bursts into tears.

Zinaida(enters, sobbing) The best man’s on his way – the time has come . . .

Sasha(sobbing) Mama!

LebedevNow it’s a quartet. Oh do stop, you’re making everything damp. Matvey . . .! (Sobs.) Oh Lord, now you’ve got me at it.

Zinaida(sobbing) If you don’t want your mother any more and won’t obey her, I’ll do as you wish – have my blessing . . .

Enter Ivanov in a tailcoat and gloves.

LebedevThat’s all we need. What do you want?

SashaWhat are you doing here?

IvanovPlease excuse me, everyone, but I need to talk to Sasha in private.

LebedevYou’re well out of order – seeing the bride before the wedding! You’re supposed to be on your way to church.

IvanovPasha – I implore you . . .

Lebedev shrugs his shoulders and goes out, with Zinaida, the Count and Babakina.

Sasha(sternly) Well?

IvanovI’m boiling with anger but I’ll try to stay calm. Listen. I was just getting myself ready for the wedding, I looked in the mirror and I saw . . . grey hairs. My temples were grey. Sasha . . . You don’t have to go through with this! Let’s put a stop to this farce while there’s still time. You’re so nice and so young, you have your whole life before you, not like me . . .

SashaI’ve heard all this before, I’ve heard it a thousand times and I’m fed up with hearing it. Go to church, you’re keeping everyone waiting.

IvanovNo, I’m going home now, and you can tell everybody the wedding is off. Explain it any way you like. But we have to come to our senses. This provincial performance of a hand-me-down Hamlet and his awestruck disciple –

Sasha(flaring up) Is that a way to talk to me now? I won’t listen.

IvanovYes you will, and I’m not finished.

SashaOh, why did you come? You’re making me ridiculous with your moaning and groaning.

IvanovI’m done with complaining, but yes, I want you to see you’re ridiculous, and I wish I could make myself a thousand times more ridiculous, make myself a laughing stock to the whole world. When I saw myself in the mirror it was like a shell exploding in my conscience. I started to laugh; I nearly went out of my mind with shame. (Laughs.) The melancholy Dane! ‘What a noble mind is here o’erthrown!’ ‘I have of late, wherefore I know not, lost all my mirth.’ The only thing missing is writing rotten poetry. Well, I’ve done with that – the griping and whining about my wasted life that’s all gone to seed and rust, up to my neck in sick-hearted morbid misery while the sun shines and even an ant dragging its load is content – it’s not for me, not any more; to be seen as a fraud by some, as a mental case by others, and by others yet – this is the worst thing – who think there’s matter in these sighs and look at me as though I’m a Messiah about to reveal a new religion . . . No thanks very much: I kept laughing at myself all the way here, and the birds seemed to be laughing at me too, even the trees . . .

SashaThis isn’t anger, it’s a nervous breakdown.

IvanovNo, I haven’t lost my mind, it’s as clear as your conscience. We love each other, but there’ll be no wedding. I poisoned my wife’s last year. While you’ve been engaged to me, you’ve forgotten how to smile, and you look five years older. Your father used to see life so plain, and now, thanks to me, it’s got him completely baffled. No, don’t interrupt. I sound vicious because I’m furious with myself and I don’t know how to sound any different. I never used to blame life for my problems, but since I started bitching about everything, without thinking or even noticing I’ve begun to curse life, and everyone around me is infected with the same disgust and has started cursing it too. What a wonderful attitude! – as if I were doing life a favour by going on living. So to hell with me!

SashaStop . . . Listen to what you’ve been saying! You’re now tired of complaining and you’re ready to start a new life! That’s good!

IvanovWhat’s good about it? What new life? I’m spent. Done for. It’s time we both understood that. A new life!

SashaNikolay, get hold of yourself! Who says you’re done for? Don’t be so defeatist! No – enough talk – I’m not listening. Go to church!

IvanovI tell you I’m finished!

SashaStop shouting, the guests will hear you.

IvanovWhen an intelligent, educated, healthy man begins to fall apart for no reason and starts on the downhill slide, he’s going to slide till he hits bottom and there’s no saving him. What could I grab hold of? I can’t drink for courage – it gives me a headache. Write rotten verses? – don’t know how. Make an icon of my spiritual despair and my idleness and convince myself it’s rather noble? I can’t do it. Idleness is idleness, weakness is weakness, I don’t have any other names for them. It’s over for me, all over, and that’s that. (Looks round.) They’ll come back in a minute. Listen. If you love me, help me. This minute. Break off our engagement. Give me up. Be quick.

SashaOh, Nikolay, you don’t know how you’ve tired me out. Is it fair to put all this on me? There’s not a day that you don’t ask something of me, some task, each one harder than the last. I yearned for active love, but honestly this is love for martyrs.

IvanovAnd when you’re my wife, it’ll get worse. So break it off! It’s only your misplaced sense of loyalty that’s stopping you. Do you see?

SashaWhat a desperate and illogical argument. I love you. You have no one – no mother, no sisters, no friends. You’re ruined, your estate has been eaten away, everyone around you is saying horrible things about you . . . and you expect me to give you up? How can I?

Ivanov(aside) I should never have come here. I should have done it my own way.

Ivanov takes a revolver from his pocket. Nobody sees this because Sasha has turned towards Lebedev’s entrance.

Sasha(runs to meet him) Papa – Oh, God – he came bursting in here like a lunatic, torturing the life out of me! He wants me to break it off – he says he doesn’t want to ruin me. Tell him I don’t want his selfless gestures! I know what I’m doing.

Ivanov puts the gun back into his pocket.

LebedevI don’t understand anything . . . What selfless gestures?

IvanovThere isn’t going to be any wedding!

SashaYes, there is! Tell him, Papa!

LebedevWait a moment, wait . . . Why don’t you want there to be a wedding?

IvanovI’ve told her why. She refuses to understand me.

LebedevNo, don’t tell her, tell me. And explain it so I can understand it. Honestly, Nikolay, you turn life into a sort of modern art gallery – I look at things and don’t know what to make of them . . . It’s a punishment for something. Well, what’s an old fellow like me supposed to do about you? Challenge you to a duel or what?

IvanovA duel won’t be necessary.

Sasha(walks up and down the stage in agitation) Oh, it’s all so dreadful! – He’s like a child.

LebedevI’m throwing in my hand. Listen Nikolay, to you this is all very ‘psychological’ and intellectual, but to me it’s just bad behaviour and you’re causing a scandal, so for the last time, listen to an old man. I’ve got one thing to say, which is this: calm down and see things as others see them. In this world, things are very simple. The ceiling is white, boots are black, sugar is sweet, you love Sasha, Sasha loves you. If you love her, marry her. If you don’t, don’t, and no hard feelings. See how simple? You’ve both got your health, you’re intelligent, decent people, you’re not starving, you’ve got clothes on your back. What more do you need? Money? Money doesn’t make you happy. Of course, your estate is mortgaged and you can’t keep up the payments, but – well, I’m her father and I’m on your side – her mother can do as she likes, if she won’t give you the money that’s up to her – Sasha says she doesn’t want a dowry – it’s all about principles and Schopenhauer – rubbish if you ask me – but I’ve got my own private ten thousand in the bank from Granny. (Looks round.) Not a soul knows about it . . . so it’s yours. Take it. Only one thing, promise to give Matvey a thousand or two . . .

IvanovPasha, you talk far too much. I’m doing what I think is right.

SashaSo am I! I don’t care what you say, I’m not letting you go. Papa – it’s time for the blessing! – I’m going to get Mama.

She leaves the room.

LebedevModern art again.

IvanovListen, my old friend . . . I’m not going to try to explain myself to you – whether I’m straight or devious, sick or sane, you wouldn’t take it in. But once I was young, up for anything, sincere, intelligent.

LebedevYes, you said.

IvanovI loved, hated, believed – not along with the crowd, I was my own man, and I worked like ten men with enough optimism for all of them, tilting at windmills, knocking through walls with my head –

LebedevYou said, Nicky.

Ivanov –and I did it all unmindful of my strength or –

Lebedev– weakness.

Ivanov –weakness, not thinking, knowing nothing about life, I took the weight. And it wasn’t long before my back gave way –

LebedevIt’s me, Nick!

Ivanov –my spine just broke. I’d used up my youth in a rush, got drunk, over-excited, and worked without knowing my limits. But how could I have done otherwise?

LebedevYou couldn’t.

IvanovThere are so few of us and so much to be done! My God, so much to be done! And life got its own back.

LebedevIt’s Pasha.

IvanovI’d defied life and life avenged itself without mercy. At my age I’m like an old man in a dressing gown nursing a hangover. My head feels like lead, my spirit is crushed, I’m tired out and broken down –

LebedevI’ll be back.

Lebedev leaves.

Ivanov(not noticing) – with no beliefs, or love in my heart, or aim in life. I hang around people like a shadow, not knowing who I am, or why, or what I’m doing there. I’ve arrived early at the knowledge that love is a joke, love-making is ridiculous, work is meaningless, speech-making and tub-thumping are vulgar and out of date. My woeful countenance of discontent and self-disgust goes with me wherever I go.

Lebedev returns.

I’m a ruin of a man –

Lebedev leaves.

– before his time – worn out, disillusioned, flattened by his feeble efforts, burning with –

Lebedev returns.

– shame at his –

Lebedev –weakness.

Ivanov –weakness – and yet what’s left of my pride revolts, suffocating me with my rage! And to add to that –

Lebedev(shouts) Shut up, for God’s sake!

Ivanov(swaying) I’ve overdone it. I can’t even stand up.

Lebedev, contrite, holds Ivanov up.

LebedevI’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it – my angel, my cabbage – You’re all right –

IvanovWhere’s Matvey? Tell him to take me home.

Shabelsky(entering) Here I am – in a borrowed second-hand tailcoat . . . no gloves . . . putting up with sneers and smirks from those country bumpkins.

Voices(off) The best man’s arrived!

Borkin enters quickly with a bouquet. He wears a tailcoat and the best man’s boutonnière.

BorkinUgh! Where is he? (To Ivanov.) They’ve been waiting ages at the church and here you are philosophising, it’s a joke. You’re not supposed to be with the bride, I have to drive you separately and then come back to fetch her. Did no one ever tell you?

Lvov(enters, to Ivanov) So you’re here? (Loudly.) Nikolay Alekseevich Ivanov, I hereby publicly declare to your face that you are a swine!

Ivanov(calmly) Thank you very much.

General confusion among the gathering onlookers.

Borkin(to Lvov) Sir, you are a contemptible cad and I am calling you out.

LvovMr Borkin, I’d find it degrading to fight you or even notice your existence. As for Monsieur Ivanov, he may demand satisfaction from me whenever he likes.

ShabelskyIn that case, I will fight you, my dear sir!

But Shabelsky clutches his heart, staggers, collapses; unnoticed.

Sasha(to Lvov) What did you do that for? What do you mean by insulting him? Excuse me, gentlemen, but please let him answer me!

LvovAlexandra Pavlovna, I had my reasons. I came here as an honest man to open your eyes and I ask you to hear what I have to say.

Lebedev notices the Count and goes to him. He speaks his name: ‘Matty . . .?’ He sees that Shabelsky is dead. He does nothing. After a while he closes Shabelsky’s eyes.

Sasha(during this) What have you got to say about anything except your honesty? The entire world knows about that. You’d do better to tell me whether with all your honesty you know what you’re doing. You walk in here and publicly insult him – I nearly died. And before, when you were spying on him and meddling in his life, you were just as convinced that you were only doing your duty as an honest man! You’ve been spreading lies, and slandering him whenever you had the chance, you’ve bombarded me and all his friends with anonymous letters, all in the name of your honesty. You’re so convinced of your honest, upright integrity you even persecuted his sick wife with your suspicious mind – There’s no meanness or cruelty you’re incapable of, and you still believe you’re the most honest and upright man anyone could be.

Ivanov(laughing) This isn’t a wedding, it’s a public meeting! Bravo, bravo!

Sasha(to Lvov) So think about that. Are you getting it yet? Oh, the callous stupidity of people!

She takes Ivanov by the hand.

Let’s go, Nikolay! Come on, Papa!

Lebedev is deaf to it all.

IvanovGo where? There isn’t anywhere to go. Just wait a moment, I’m going to put an end to all this! I can feel my youth coming back – this is the old Ivanov speaking!

Ivanov takes out the revolver.

Sasha(shrieks) I know what he’s going to do. Nikolay, for God’s sake!

IvanovI’ve been sliding down long enough – it’s time to stop. Time to go! Stand back! Thank you for everything, Sasha!

Sasha(shouts) Nikolay – don’t! For the love of God! Stop him!

IvanovLeave me alone!

Ivanov shoots himself.

Curtain.