just now in my pocket. ... No; no, it isn't there, brother, it's
your luck! [A pause.]

BORTSOV. But if I can't drink, I'll commit a crime or I'll kill
myself. ... What shall I do, my God! [Looks through the door] Shall
I go out, then? Out into this darkness, wherever my feet take me. ...

MERIK. Why don't you give him a sermon, you pilgrims? And you,
Tihon, why don't you drive him out? He hasn't paid you for his
night's accommodation. Chuck him out! Eh, the people are cruel
nowadays. There's no gentleness or kindness in them. ... A savage
people! A man is drowning and they shout to him: "Hurry up and
drown, we've got no time to look at you; we've got to go to work."
As to throwing him a rope--there's no worry about that. ... A rope
would cost money.

SAVVA. Don't talk, kind man!

MERIK. Quiet, old wolf! You're a savage race! Herods! Sellers of
your souls! [To TIHON] Come here, take off my boots! Look sharp now!

TIHON. Eh, he's let himself go I [Laughs] Awful, isn't it.

MERIK. Go on, do as you're told! Quick now! [Pause] Do you hear me,
or don't you? Am I talking to you or the wall? [Stands up]

TIHON. Well ... give over.

MERIK. I want you, you fleecer, to take the boots off me, a poor
tramp.