which ... I've lived in a town myself, I understand.

BORTSOV. Just a little glass. I'll pay you for it later.

TIHON. That's enough now.

BORTSOV. I ask you! Do be kind to me!

TIHON. Get away!

BORTSOV. You don't understand me. ... Understand me, you fool, if
there's a drop of brain in your peasant's wooden head, that it
isn't I who am asking you, but my inside, using the words you
understand, that's what's asking! My illness is what's asking!
Understand!

TIHON. We don't understand anything. ... Get back!

BORTSOV. Because if I don't have a drink at once, just you
understand this, if I don't satisfy my needs, I may commit some
crime. God only knows what I might do! In the time you've kept this
place, you rascal, haven't you seen a lot of drunkards, and haven't
you yet got to understand what they're like? They're diseased! You
can do anything you like to them, but you must give them vodka!
Well, now, I implore you! Please! I humbly ask you! God only knows
how humbly!

TIHON. You can have the vodka if you pay for it.

BORTSOV. Where am I to get the money? I've drunk it all! Down to