FEDYA. What's that. ... It isn't your place, is it?

MERIK. Yes, mine. Go and lie on the ground!

FEDYA. You get out of this, you tramp. I'm not afraid of you.

MERIK. You're very quick with your tongue. ... Get up, and don't
talk about it! You'll be sorry for it, you silly.

TIHON. [To FEDYA] Don't contradict him, young man. Never mind.

FEDYA. What right have you? You stick out your fishy eyes and think
I'm afraid! [Picks up his belongings and stretches himself out on
the ground] You devil! [Lies down and covers himself all over.]

MERIK. [Stretching himself out on the bench] I don't expect you've
ever seen a devil or you wouldn't call me one. Devils aren't like
that. [Lies down, putting his axe next to him.] Lie down, little
brother axe ... let me cover you.

TIHON. Where did you get the axe from?

MERIK. Stole it. ... Stole it, and now I've got to fuss over it
like a child with a new toy; I don't like to throw it away, and
I've nowhere to put it. Like a beastly wife. ... Yes. ... [Covering
himself over] Devils aren't like that, brother.

FEDYA. [Uncovering his head] What are they like?