The Created Legend by Fyodor [pseud.] Sologub
page 45 of 340 (13%)
page 45 of 340 (13%)
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Piotr listened to her with an expression of intense impatience and
vexation. Elisaveta wished to continue, but he interrupted: "Ah, but what's the good of saying that? Elisaveta, do, I beg you, forget our differences. They are so petty! Or let us admit that they are significant. What I wish to say is that politics and all that separates us is only a light scum, a momentary froth on the broad surface of our life. In love there is revelation, there is eternal truth. He who does not love, he who does not strive towards union with a beloved, he is dead." "I love the people, I love freedom," said Elisaveta quietly. "My love is revolt." Piotr, ignoring her words, went on: "You know that I love you. I have loved you a long time. My whole soul is absorbed as with light with my love for you. I am jealous--and I'm not ashamed to tell you I am jealous of your favour to any one; I am even jealous of this bloused workman, whose accomplice you would be if he had had the sufficient boldness and the brain to be a conspirator; I am jealous of the half-truths which have captivated you and screen your love of me." Again Elisaveta spoke quietly: "You reproach me for what is dear to me, for my better part, you wish that I should become different. You do not love me, you are tempted by the beautiful Beast--my young body with its smiles and its caresses...." |
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