【英文原著类】Ivanoff(伊凡诺夫).pdf

Ivanoff
Ivanoff
Anton Checkov
1
Ivanoff
ACT I
The garden of IVANOFF'S country place. On the left is a terrace and
the facade of the house. One window is open. Below the terrace is a broad
semicircular lawn, from which paths lead to right and left into a garden.
On the right are several garden benches and tables. A lamp is burning on
one of the tables. It is evening. As the curtain rises sounds of the piano and
violoncello are heard.
IVANOFF is sitting at a table reading.
BORKIN, in top-boots and carrying a gun, comes in from the rear of
the garden. He is a little tipsy. As he sees IVANOFF es toward him
on tiptoe, and when es opposite him he stops and points the gun at
his face.
IVANOFF. [Catches sight of BORKIN. Shudders and jumps to his feet]
Misha! What are you doing? You frightened me! I can't stand your stupid
jokes when I am so nervous as this. And having frightened me, you laugh!
[He sits down.]
BORKIN. [Laughing loudly] There, I am sorry, really. I won't do it
again. Indeed I won't. [Take off his cap] How hot it is! Just think, my dear
boy, I have covered twelve miles in the last three hours. I am worn out.
Just feel how my heart is beating.
IVANOFF. [Goes on reading] Oh, very well. I shall feel it later!
BORKIN. No, feel it now. [He takes IVANOFF'S hand and presses it
against his breast] Can you feel it thumping? That means that it is weak
and that I may die suddenly at any moment. Would you be sorry if I died?
IVANOFF. I am reading now. I shall attend to you later.
BORKIN. No, seriously, would you be sorry if I died? Nicholas,
would you be sorry if I died?
IVANOFF. Leave me alone!
BORKIN. Come, tell me if you would be sorry or not.
IVANOFF. I am sorry that you smell so of vodka, Misha, it is
disgusting.
BORKIN. Do I smell of vodka? How strange! And yet, it is not so
strange after all. I met the magistrate on the road, and I must admit that we
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Ivanoff
did drink about eight glasses together. Strictly