Page:Five Russian plays and one Ukrainian.pdf/47

Rh (to Harlequin): Nothing like this has ever happened to you before.

(to Audience): By the way, don’t be angry with me, because, after all, Harlequin's my friend, and there’s an end of it. I’m not going to quarrel with him, indeed, for a harlot! And if he’s more to Columbine’s taste than I, he’s not to blame, but Columbine, for having such bad taste. By the way, I said this from envy. (Reflects.)

(stands up and smiles, and kisses Columbine): Come, did I frighten you? Well, forgive me. (Looks at the clock, which is nearing twelve.) Soon you’ll know the real reason.


 * What’s the matter?


 * Let’s sit down to supper. The dance woke up my appetite, and I feel magnificent. (They sit down and eat and drink.)


 * What are you hiding from me?


 * Come, drink, Columbine, drink! When there’s good wine on the table, there’s no need to worry about anything. (Kisses her.)

(to Audience): O Lord, I’m undergoing incredible pangs of conscience. To think only of the harm I’ve caused Harlequin! And what for? What for? I can’t swallow a thing, and I