hard for your country, you don't spare yourself, and the
reward? You don't know when it's coming. [He looks
round the room.] This room seems rather damp.

KHLESTAKOV. Yes, it's a dirty room. And the bugs!
I've never experienced anything like them. They bite
like dogs.

GOVERNOR. You don't say! An illustrious guest like
you to be subjected to such annoyance at the hands of
--whom? Of vile bugs which should never have been
born. And I dare say, it's dark here, too.

KHLESTAKOV. Yes, very gloomy. The landlord has
introduced the custom of not providing candles. Sometimes
I want to do something--read a bit, or, if the
fancy strikes me, write something.-- I can't. It's a
dark room, yes, very dark.

GOVERNOR. I wonder if I might be bold enough to
ask you--but, no, I'm unworthy.

KHLESTAKOV. What is it?

GOVERNOR. No, no, I'm unworthy. I'm unworthy.

KHLESTAKOV. But what is it?

GOVERNOR. If I might be bold enough--I have a
fine room for you at home, light and cosy. But no, I