There were ever so many generals hungry for the position,
and they tried, but they couldn't cope with it. It's
too hard. Just on the surface it looks easy enough; but
when you come to examine it closely, it's the devil of a job.
When they saw they couldn't manage, they came to me.
In an instant the streets were packed full with couriers,
nothing but couriers and couriers--thirty-five thousand
of them, imagine! Pray, picture the situation to yourself!
"Ivan Aleksandrovich, do come and take the directorship
of the department." I admit I was a little embarrassed.
I came out in my dressing-gown. I wanted to decline,
but I thought it might reach the Czar's ears, and,
besides, my official record-- "Very well, gentlemen," I
said, "I'll accept the position, I'll accept. So be it. But
mind," I said, "na-na-na, LOOK SHARP is the word with me,
LOOK SHARP!" And so it was. When I went through
the offices of my department, it was a regular earthquake,
Everyone trembled and shook like a leaf. [The Governor
and the rest tremble with fright. Khlestakov
works himself up more and more as he speaks.] Oh, I
don't like to joke. I got all of them thoroughly scared,
I tell you. Even the Imperial Council is afraid of me.
And really, that's the sort I am. I don't spare anybody.
I tell them all, "I know myself, I know myself." I am
everywhere, everywhere. I go to Court daily. Tomorrow
they are going to make me a field-marsh--

He slips and almost falls, but is respectfully held up
by the officials.