KUDRIASH.
What do you mean by that? I am reckoned a tough one to deal with. Why do
you suppose he keeps me on? Because he can't do without me, to be sure.
Well, then, I've no need to be afraid of him; let him be afraid of me.

SHAPKIN.
Why, doesn't he swear at you?

KUDRIASH.
Swear at me! Of course; he can't breathe without that. But I don't give
way to him: if he says one word, I say ten; he curses and goes off. No,
I'm not going to lick the dust for him.

KULIGIN.
What, follow his example! You'd do better to bear it in patience.

KUDRIASH.
Come, I say, if you're so wise, teach him good manners first and then
we'll learn! It's a pity his daughters are all children, there's not one
grown-up girl among them.

SHAPKIN.
What if there were?

KUDRIASH.
I should treat him as he deserves if there were. I'm a devil of a fellow
among the girls!

[_Dikoy and Boris advance. Kuligin takes off his hat._