do will be to write out a prescription according to the laws of medicine: that is, first, we shall order her a young doctor, and then a journey to the Crimea. There some fascinating young Tartar———
Ivanoff. [Interrupting] Oh, don’t be coarse! [To Lvoff] It takes money to go to the Crimea, and even if I could afford it, you know she has refused to go.
Lvoff. Yes, she has. [A pause.
Borkin. Look here, doctor, is Anna really so ill that she absolutely must go to the Crimea?
Lvoff. [Looking toward the window] Yes, she has consumption.
Borkin. Whew! How sad! I have seen in her face for some time that she could not last much longer.
Lvoff. Can’t you speak quietly? She can hear everything you say.
Borkin. [Sighing] The life of man is like a flower, blooming so gaily in a field. Then, along comes a goat, he eats it, and the flower is gone!
Shabelski. Oh, nonsense, nonsense. [Yawning] Everything is a fraud and a swindle.
Borkin. Gentlemen, I have been trying to tell Nicholas how he can make some money, and have submitted a brilliant plan to him, but my seed, as usual, has fallen on barren soil. Look what a sight he is now: dull, cross, bored, peevish———
Shabelski. [Gets up and stretches himself] You are always inventing schemes for everybody, you clever fellow, and telling them how to live; can’t you tell me something? Give me some good advice, you ingenious young man. Show mea good move to make.
Borkin. [Getting up] I am going to have a swim. Good-bye, gentlemen. [To Shabelski] There are at least twenty
