Act 2 — Scene I. In Courtyard.

(First Coachman sits on cellar steps. Enter Matryòna.)

First Coachman (sings, falsetto).

“In my youth I knew of naught but pleasure,

Gold had I to spare and give;—

Now my joys are vanished with my treasure,

As a wretched slave I live.”

Matryòna. The master and mistress have waked up; you might carry in the samovar, Ivànych.

First C. Oh! you’re a fine lady, I suppose. Why, you’ve got so fat that one can’t pinch you anywhere; just as if you’d been hammered on an anvil. (Sings.)

“Who has known a captive’s sorrow?

Who shall tell its bitterness?”

Matryòna. Talk about me being fat! Why, your own cheeks are blown out like wind-bags! Can’t you take in the samovar when I ask you?

First C. Come again to-morrow. (Sings.)

“In my youth I knew of naught but pleasure,

Gold had I to spare and give——”

Matryòna. Wait a bit! I’ll tell Oulìta Nikìtishna that you’re an idle fellow, and one never can get you to do anything.

First C. I’m the coachman; do you understand that? I have my own work to do. And what are you? A beggarly fine lady! If you go so fine, you’ll freeze your stockings. So you can just carry the samovar yourself.

Matryòna. Why, the thing weighs twelve stone, man; how can a girl carry it?

First C. All I have to say is—it’s not my business.

Matryòna. Then you’re a brazen, shameless fellow! A girl may break her back, for all you care!

(Lifts samovar with great difficulty, and carries it to gallery, turning her head away from the steam.)

84First C. (calls after her). Don’t romp in your earrings, the gilding will come off!

MATRYÒNA: “THEN YOU’RE A BRAZEN, SHAMELESS FELLOW! A GIRL MAY BREAK HER BACK, FOR ALL YOU CARE.”

Matryòna (going up steps: looks back). Impertinence! (Puts samovar on table.)

85First C. (sings).

“Who has known a captive’s sorrow?

Who shall tell its bitterness?”

(Enter on gallery Karp Kàrpych and Oulìta Nikìtishna. Coachman stops singing, and exit.)