of the forest. Just as one has been born, so she dies. She has neither seen nor heard anything. A man will learn something, if nowhere else, at least in the inn, or by some chance, in prison, or in the army, as I have. But what about a woman? She does not know a thing about God,—nay, she does not know one day from another. They creep about like blind pups, and stick their heads into the manure. All they know is their foolish songs: Ho, ho, ho, ho— But what this ho-ho is they don't know themselves.
Anyútka. Grandfather, I know nearly half of the Lord's prayer.
Mítrich. You know a lot! Nor can one expect it of you. Who is teaching you? All the teaching you get is from a drunken peasant with the reins. I do not know who will be responsible for you. The sergeant or the corporal is responsible for the recruits. But there is nobody who may be made responsible for you women. You women are like riotous cattle without a shepherd,—a stupid set you are. A most senseless lot!
Anyútka. What is it going to be?
Mítrich. What?—Cover up your head and go to sleep. O Lord! (Silence. A cricket.)
Anyútka (leaping up). Grandfather! Something is calling in the street! Upon my word, somebody is calling. Grandfather dear, he is coming this way.
Mítrich. I tell you, cover yourself up!
Scene IV. The same, Nikíta, and Matréna.
Nikíta (enter). What have they done with me? What have they done with me?
Matréna. Take a drink, my dear, take a drink! (Gets the liquor and puts it on the table.)
