Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/36

14 : And you're still on your legs?


 * Oh, yes! And I’ve kept fairly merry, so as to meet boldly the death I desire.


 * Why do you desire it?

time! The man that lives wisely always desires his death.
 * Oh, it's just coming at the right


 * You’re talking in riddles.


 * Yes, for people like you. (Laughs.)


 * How do you know?


 * If you like, I’ll tell you how you’ll die.


 * Interesting.

(lies on bed and shivers with all his body, then groans): Oh! Ah! Ugh! I’m still so young. I haven’t been able to live yet as I ought. Why have I been so abstinent all my life? I’ve still got all sorts of things I want to do. Turn me to the window. I’m not tired yet of looking at the world. Help! I’ve not been able to do half I wanted. I was never in a hurry to live because I always forgot about death. Help, help! I haven’t been able to enjoy myself yet; I’ve always kept my health, my strength, and my money for the morrow. I filled it with beautiful hopes, and it rolled on like a snowball, growing