TIHON. [Sighs] When God gives a man strength. ...

KUSMA. There's all sorts of strength, that's true. ... Well? How
much does it come to? [Pays] Take your pound of flesh! Good-bye,
children! Good-night and pleasant dreams! It's time I hurried off.
I'm bringing my lady a midwife from the hospital. ... She must be
getting wet with waiting, poor thing. ... [Runs out. A pause.]

TIHON. Oh, you! Unhappy man, come and drink this! [Pours out.]

BORTSOV. [Comes up to the bar hesitatingly and drinks] That means I
now owe you for two glasses.

TIHON. You don't owe me anything? Just drink and drown your sorrows!

FEDYA. Drink mine, too, sir! Oh! [Throws down a five-copeck piece]
If you drink, you die; if you don't drink, you die. It's good not
to drink vodka, but by God you're easier when you've got some!
Vodka takes grief away. ... It is hot!

BORTSOV. Boo! The heat!

MERIK. Dive it here! [Takes the medallion from TIHON and examines
her portrait] Hm. Ran off after the wedding. What a woman!

A VOICE FROM THE CORNER. Pour him out another glass, Tihon. Let him
drink mine, too.

MERIK. [Dashes the medallion to the ground] Curse her! [Goes
quickly to his place and lies down, face to the wall. General