dead souls, imperial envoy

Chapter 52 The Imperial Envoy (4)
Mayor (narrator) Take it easy, be bold.He likes to be seen as an ordinary person.All right, let's go with him and pretend we don't know who he is. (Sounds out) I was out on business with the landowner here, Peter Ivanovich Dobchinsky, and I was passing by here, so I went to the hotel to check on the passing travelers to see if they were well received. ?I don't do anything like the other mayors; I'm a good Christian who likes to make everybody well entertained except my job.See, God has given me such a gift to have a friend like you.

Heck, I'm happy too.To be honest, without you, I don't know how long I will live here.I also don't know how to pay off my debts.

MAYOR (Aside) Yes, you can make up stories and say you don't know how to pay your bills! (Sound out) Let me ask you a question: where are you going, exactly where?
Herr went to Saratov province and returned to her own village.

The mayor (narrator, with a mocking look) to Saratov province?He didn't even blush when he lied!One should always be careful when dealing with such people! (voice out) What you did is a very meaningful thing.Regarding travel, on the one hand, it would be unpleasant to be delayed by carriages and horses, but on the other hand, it can relax yourself.I think your travel must be to relax your body and mind, right?
Hey no, it was my father who asked me to go home.The old man was angry because I hadn't been promoted in Petersburg so far, and asked me to go back.He thought that as soon as he arrived in Petersburg he would receive the Order of Vladimir immediately.It's ridiculous, he should be asked to sit in the yamen for a few days and have a look.

THE MAYOR (narrator) Look, he can make up stories!Get your own father involved too! (loudly) How long are you going to be there?
He can't tell.My father was stubborn, the old thing was hard as wood.I'll tell him straight: look at it any way you want, I'm sure I won't leave Petersburg, I can't live without Petersburg.Why should I go with the country people, and my whole life be over?People's needs are different, and my soul has been longing for light.

The mayor (narrator) He made it up really well!Make it up, even though it's made up, but it doesn't reveal any flaws!This man looked so ordinary, and was so small that he felt like he could be strangled to death with one finger.Just wait and see!I'll let you out if you talk enough! (loudly) You're absolutely right.Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, what's the point?For example, here we are: for the country and for work, although we often stay up all night and do everything we can, we don’t know when those rewards and honors will fall on us. (Looks around the room) This room is not very good, maybe there are some supermarkets?
Hey, it's terrible, there are some bedbugs everywhere, you can see it everywhere, and it makes me miserable.

Mayor God!Such a civilized guest suffered such torture? — tormented by a swarm of bugs that shouldn't be in this world!The room isn't well lit yet, is it?
Yes, dark and damp.The boss always refuses to send out candles.Sometimes I want to do something, such as read a little book, or when fantasies come, I can't write anything, it's too dark, too dark, and I can't do anything.

Mayor, may I ask you... No, I am not worthy to ask you.

Hey, what's the matter with you?

Mayor No, no, I don't deserve to ask you, I don't deserve to ask you!
Hey what's the matter?

Mayor, may I venture to say... I have a very nice house in my house, bright and quiet, which is especially suitable for you to live in... Oh, look at me, am I being too presumptuous?If you can go, I think it is a great honor... You must not be angry-really, I am making this suggestion sincerely, and there is absolutely no other extravagant intentions.

Hehe, don't be too modest, I really like living in a private home, and I don't want to live in this impersonal hotel.

Mayor, I am so happy to say that!My wife will be very happy too!I have such a character, I have been fond of receiving guests since I was a child, especially a civilized and noble guest like you.You mustn't think that I'm flattering when I say this; no, I'm not, I'm just such a sincere and frank person.

Hey thank you.I am also a sincere and straightforward person.I also like your sincerity and straightforwardness very much. To be honest, I have no other requirements. I just ask others to express enough sincerity and respect to me, real sincerity and respect.

▲The ninth game
[Foreground figures and hotel servants, accompanied by Ossip and Bob Chinski peeking outside the door]
Did you call me servant?

Hey yes.Bring the bill.

Sir, I have sent the bill just now.

How can I remember the broken bill you sent.Tell me quickly, how much is the total?

Servant, you ordered a meal on the first day, and a salmon on the second day, and everything from now on will be on credit.

Hey you idiot!There is no need to read it to me.how much is the total?

Mayor, don't look for it, let him figure it out later. (Facing the servant) Hurry up and get out, turn around and send the money.

That's fine too, so be it. (Hide money. Servant exits. Bob Chinski has been peeping at the door)

▲The tenth game
[Mayor, Hlesdakov, Dobchinsky]
Mayor, now would you like to visit some institutions in our city, such as the Charity Hospital.

What are you looking at that for?
Mayor, you can see the efficiency of our work here... everything is in order...

He is very good, and it is not bad to look at. (Bob Chinski pokes in the door.)
Mayor, if you wish, you can also go to the county school from here to inspect the class situation there, such as what homework is taught.

He can, can.

Mayor If you have time, if you like, you can also visit our detention centers and prisons-see how our prisoners are treated here.

What is He doing in prison?Might as well go and look at charities.

The mayor is following your orders.So you want to make a carriage yourself?Or ride with me?
Hey, I'd love to ride in one with you.

Mayor (to Dobchinsky) Peter Ivanovich, there is no place for you now.

It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter if I sit or not.

THE MAYOR (whispering to Dobchinsky) Go, go, run like hell, here are two notes: one for Zemlyanika at the Charity Hospital, the other for my wife. (to Khlestakoff) I beg you to allow me to write a few lines to my wife in your presence, so that she can get ready as soon as possible, we are going to receive distinguished guests.

Is it necessary to do this? ...oh, there's ink here, though, paper?It seems that there is no paper. ...Is it okay to write on this bill?
The mayor just write on it. (Writing, talking to himself) After breakfast, add a few thick-bellied wine bottles!At home, there is Matera wine shipped from the provincial capital.Although the appearance is very ordinary, it will make the elephant drunk and fall to the ground.I want to find out what kind of man he is, and how much he can frighten us. (Hands it to Dobchinski when finished. Dobchinski goes out. Bobchinski, who was eavesdropping outside the door at this moment, falls on the stage with the door. Everyone screams involuntarily. Bob Burchinski stands up.)
What's the matter?You didn't fall, did you?
It's okay Bao, it's okay, it's just a small bump on my nose!I'll go to Khrisjan Ivanovich shortly: he has a miraculous ointment, just put it on.

THE MAYOR (with a reprimanding look to Bobchinski, then to Hlesdakoff) It's all right, it's nothing serious.Your way please!I'll have your servants carry your chests. (To Ossip) Please send your luggage to my house, the mayor's apartment—whoever you ask will tell you where.please! (Leaves Hlesdakoff to go first, and follows him; turning back, again accusingly speaking to Bobchinsky) What's the matter?You can't find another place to wrestle!It just fell straight to the ground like this. [Exits.Bob Chinski followed.curtain down]
◎The third act
[in the room of the first act]
▲The first scene

[Anna Andreevna, Maria Antonovna standing by the window, as in the first scene]
Ann has been waiting a solid hour, and it's all because of your stupid posturing.Couldn't have dressed sooner!Always looking around like this, looking around... I really shouldn't listen to her.God, I'm going crazy, why is there no one around now, isn't this intentional to annoy me?They are all dead people.

Mama Ma, don't worry, we will find out everything in 2 minutes.Avdokiya is coming back soon. (looks out the window, shouts) Mother, mother!Someone is coming, look this way from the end of the street.

Ann what?where?Where is someone?Did you imagine it?Yes, someone is coming.Who is it?Not very tall... Wearing a tuxedo... Who is this?I'm dying of anxiety!Who is this person?

Mama, it's Dobchinski!

Ann will not, how could it be Dobchinsky!Don't be surprised...it can't be Dobchinsky. (waves handkerchief) Hello!Come here!Come on over here!
Look, Mama Ma, it's really Dobchinski.

Ann, stop showing off there.As I said, not Dobchinsky.

Mama, look, how is it?How about it?That's Dobchinski.

Oh, yes, it is indeed Dobchinsky, I see clearly—then don't you argue with me? (shouting to the window) Quick!You hurry up!Don't dawdle there.How about it?where are theyah?Just stand there and talk—it doesn't matter.how?Is it a great character?Very difficult to deal with?What about my husband?where is he? (retreats slightly from the window, showing annoyance) Such an idiot.Why do you have to enter the house to make it clear!

▲Second game
[Frontcourt figures and Dobchinski]
Ann, tell me about you, are you embarrassed?I usually trust you very much and always think you are a reliable person.Everyone ran out suddenly, and you ran out after them!I haven't been able to find anyone so far, and I can't ask this matter clearly even if I am in a hurry.Don't you feel ashamed?I helped to baptize your Winnitska and Li Zhuangka, but you treat me like this!
He said, my god-in-law, am I rushing here to say hello to you? Look, I am so out of breath.Hello, Maria Antonovna!
Hello, Peter Ivanovich!
How is Ann?Tell me about the situation over there.

Anton Antonovich has a note for you.

Ann who is that person?Is it a general?

No, not a general, but not inferior to a general.He is very knowledgeable and well behaved.

Is Ann the person mentioned in the letter someone wrote to my husband?

Dah, yes indeed.Peter Ivanovich and I were the first to spot him.

Anna, hurry up and tell me, what's going on?what happened?

Thank God, everything is going well.At first he was very rude to Anton Antonovich, a little angry, and kept saying how bad things were at the hotel, and he didn't like having him in prison.But after knowing that there was nothing wrong with Anton Antonovich, the conversation with him was very speculative, and once the opinion in my heart changed, everything went smoothly.They are now visiting charities... To tell the truth, Anton Antonovich is afraid of an informer, and of course I am too.

What are you afraid of?You are not an official.

You know, the aura of high officials is very strong, and when they speak, it will make you feel scared.

Ann, that's true...but what's the use of talking about it.Tell me, what does he look like?How old are you, are you young?

Yes, a young man, about 23 years old.But the words are very sophisticated, like an old man who has experienced a lot.He said, "Okay, I can go over there, I can go over there..." (waving hand) It's all very natural.He said: "I love writing articles and reading; but the room is a little dark, which is very inconvenient."

What does Ann look like?Is it yellow hair or black hair?

It wasn't yellow or black, it was probably maroon, and it had eyes like a little beast's that would make you panic.

What was in Ann's note? (reading) "My dear, I should tell you that I am in a very bad position, but thank God for the mercy. Two pickles, half a portion of fish roe, a ruble and twenty-five kopecks..." (stops) Can't understand Ah, what's the point of writing about pickles and roe?
It was said that Anton Antonovitch had written it on a bill in his haste, and you see there are some accounts written on it.

Oh, I thought what was going on. (Continued) "But, thank God, things are going well now. Get the room for the guest of honor, the one with the yellow papers; don't need much food for lunch, we'll be at Artim Ferry Breakfast at the Charity Hospital in Pavich, but there should be more wine. Order the merchant Abdulin to bring the best wine; otherwise, I'll turn his cellar upside down. I kiss you, my dear. Your little hand, your Anton Skvoznik-Tmohansky..." Oh, my God!This has to be done quickly!hello, anyone?Mishka!
Dao (runs quickly, shouting to the door) Mishka!Mishka!Mishka! (Mishka comes on stage)
Ann, hurry to the merchant Abdulin... Wait a moment, I will write you a note, (sitting at the table, writing the note, saying) You give this note to the groom Sidall , let him hurry to the merchant Abdulin, and let him bring back the wine.You'd better go straight away and tidy up the room where the guest of honor is staying.Prepare the bed, washstand, etc.

Doanna Andreevna, I'm going to run right now to see how the man is doing over there.

Ann go, go quickly!Then I won't keep you.

▲The third game
[Anna Andreevna and Maria Antonovna]
Anmashenka 27, we have to dress up and dress up now.He is from the capital, don't make him laugh.You put on that wrinkled blue dress, it matches your temperament very well.

Mama, the blue one?I don't like the color, Mrs. Gapkin wears blue, Zemlyanika's daughter wears blue too, it's too popular a color.I should dress a little more.

An spend a little bit! ...you know how to fight against me.You look so good in blue, I wear light yellow.The two of us look really good together.

Mama Ma, it's not good for you to wear light yellow!
Doesn't the pale yellow one match me?
Man, it doesn't match; it really doesn't look good, only people with black eyes can look good in this color.

Ann what?Are my eyeballs not black enough?It is very dark.You always say things that make me unhappy!I am that kind of lucky person, I use cards to test my luck, and every time I can guess the Queen28 of clubs, how could my eyeballs not be black?
Mama!I clearly see that you guessed the queen of red hearts.

Ann, talk nonsense, don't talk nonsense.I'm guessing it's definitely not Queen of Hearts (quick off with Maria Antonovna, talking behind the scenes) What the hell are you thinking all day!Queen of hearts?God knows what you're talking about!
[After they leave, the door opens and Mishka sweeps the trash out.Osip came out the other door with the suitcase on his head. ]
▲The fourth game
[Mishka and Osip]
Oh where do you put these things?

Come here, uncle, put it here!
Ok, wait a minute, let me take a break.Oh, what a miserable life!When the stomach is not full, any burden feels too heavy.

Uncle Mi, will the general come over right away?

What general?Who is the general?

Mi is your master.

O my master?What kind of general is he?
M Isn't he a general?
If you look at it from another angle, Ao can be regarded as a general.

Is Mi bigger than a real general, or smaller?
Austrian University, it must be considered big.

It turned out so!No wonder we are so busy here.

Young man, let's not talk about this, you can get me something to eat first!

Uncle Mi, I'm really sorry, I haven't prepared food for you yet.You definitely don't like those ordinary dishes, as long as your host sits down, he will give you a portion of the same dish.

Oh, do you have regular dishes now?
Rice has vegetable soup, porridge paste and stuffed pie.

Oh, just bring these, quickly bring vegetable soup, porridge paste and stuffed pie!It's okay, I can eat anything.All right, all right, let's lift the boxes!Is there another door?
There are rice.

[The two carry the box into the next room]
▲Fifth game
[The policeman opens both doors.Hlesdakov entered, followed by the mayor.The Superintendent of Charity Hospital, Dobchinski, also enters with Bobchinski, who has plaster on his nose.The mayor points to a piece of paper on the ground to the police, who run to pick it up, shoving each other]
Hey, your charity is doing a great job.I am very happy that you are able to make everything here for tourists to see.In other cities, they always show me nothing.

Mayor I dare say that in other cities, the mayor and the officials only look out for their own interests; but we are different. Here, all we think about is how to put order, work hard, and make the boss happy. Besides, there is no other idea.

Hey, I had a good breakfast.I'm too full, don't you do this every day?
Mayor no!This is specially prepared for VIPs.

For eating, I am very impressed.Don't people live in this world to share everything?What's the name of that fish?
The steward (stepping forward quickly) is called salt cod.

He tasted very good.Where was the place we ate just now?Are you in the hospital?
Admin Yes, in Charity Hospital.

Hey, I remembered, I remembered, there are many beds in it, are the patients cured?There don't seem to be many patients.

(End of this chapter)