EGOR MERIK, a tramp
KUSMA, a driver
POSTMAN
BORTSOV'S WIFE'S COACHMAN
PILGRIMS, CATTLE-DEALERS, ETC.

The action takes place in one of the provinces of Southern Russia

ON THE HIGH ROAD

[The scene is laid in TIHON'S bar. On the right is the bar-counter
and shelves with bottles. At the back is a door leading out of the
house. Over it, on the outside, hangs a dirty red lantern. The
floor and the forms, which stand against the wall, are closely
occupied by pilgrims and passers-by. Many of them, for lack of
space, are sleeping as they sit. It is late at night. As the
curtain rises thunder is heard, and lightning is seen through the
door.]

[TIHON is behind the counter. FEDYA is half-lying in a heap on one
of the forms, and is quietly playing on a concertina. Next to him
is BORTSOV, wearing a shabby summer overcoat. SAVVA, NAZAROVNA, and
EFIMOVNA are stretched out on the floor by the benches.]

EFIMOVNA. [To NAZAROVNA] Give the old man a nudge dear! Can't get
any answer out of him.

NAZAROVNA. [Lifting the corner of a cloth covering of SAVVA'S face]
Are you alive or are you dead, you holy man?