GOVERNOR [walks up to him trembling from top to toe
and speaking with a great effort]. Your Ex-ex-ex-

KHLESTAKOV [curtly]. What is it?

GOVERNOR. Your Ex-ex-ex-

KHLESTAKOV [as before]. I can't make out a thing,
it's all nonsense.

GOVERNOR. Your Ex-ex--Your 'lency-- Your
Excellency, wouldn't you like to rest a bit? Here's a
room and everything you may need.

KHLESTAKOV. Nonsense--rest! However, I'm ready
for a rest. Your lunch was fine, gentlemen. I am satisfied,
I am satisfied. [Declaiming.] Labardan! Labardan!

He goes into the next room followed by the Governor.



SCENE VII


The same without Khlestakov and the Governor.

BOBCHINSKY [to Dobchinsky]. There's a man for
you, Piotr Ivanovich. That's what I call a man. I've
never in my life been in the presence of so important a