Ivanov

Borkin(to Lvov) Sir, you are a contemptible cad and I am calling you out.

LvovMr Borkin, I’d find it degrading to fight you or even notice your existence. As for Monsieur Ivanov, he may demand satisfaction from me whenever he likes.

ShabelskyIn that case, I will fight you, my dear sir!

But Shabelsky clutches his heart, staggers, collapses; unnoticed.

Sasha(to Lvov) What did you do that for? What do you mean by insulting him? Excuse me, gentlemen, but please let him answer me!

LvovAlexandra Pavlovna, I had my reasons. I came here as an honest man to open your eyes and I ask you to hear what I have to say.

Lebedev notices the Count and goes to him. He speaks his name: ‘Matty . . .?’ He sees that Shabelsky is dead. He does nothing. After a while he closes Shabelsky’s eyes.

Sasha(during this) What have you got to say about anything except your honesty? The entire world knows about that. You’d do better to tell me whether with all your honesty you know what you’re doing. You walk in here and publicly insult him – I nearly died. And before, when you were spying on him and meddling in his life, you were just as convinced that you were only doing your duty as an honest man! You’ve been spreading lies, and slandering him whenever you had the chance, you’ve bombarded me and all his friends with anonymous letters, all in the name of your honesty. You’re so convinced of your honest, upright integrity you even persecuted his sick wife with your suspicious mind – There’s no meanness or cruelty you’re incapable of, and you still believe you’re the most honest and upright man anyone could be.

Ivanov(laughing) This isn’t a wedding, it’s a public meeting! Bravo, bravo!

Sasha(to Lvov) So think about that. Are you getting it yet? Oh, the callous stupidity of people!

She takes Ivanov by the hand.

Let’s go, Nikolay! Come on, Papa!

Lebedev is deaf to it all.

IvanovGo where? There isn’t anywhere to go. Just wait a moment, I’m going to put an end to all this! I can feel my youth coming back – this is the old Ivanov speaking!

Ivanov takes out the revolver.

Sasha(shrieks) I know what he’s going to do. Nikolay, for God’s sake!

IvanovI’ve been sliding down long enough – it’s time to stop. Time to go! Stand back! Thank you for everything, Sasha!

Sasha(shouts) Nikolay – don’t! For the love of God! Stop him!

IvanovLeave me alone!

Ivanov shoots himself.

Curtain.