PODKHALYUZIN.  That I can’t say, sir.

BOLSHOV. [After a brief silence] Tell me, Lazar, on your conscience; do you love me? [Silence] Do you love me or not?  Why are you silent? [Silence] I’ve given you food and drink, set you up in the world; haven’t I?

PODKHALYUZIN.  Oh, Samson Silych!  What’s the use of talking about it, sir?  Don’t have any doubts about me!  Only one word:  I’m just such as you see me.

BOLSHOV.  What do you mean by that?

PODKHALYUZIN.  Why, if you need anybody or anything whatsoever, you can count on me.  I shan’t spare myself.

BOLSHOV.  Well, then, there’s nothing more to be said.  In my opinion, Lazar, now is the most proper time; we have a good deal of ready cash, and all the notes have fallen due.  What’s the use of waiting?  You’ll wait, if you please, until some merchant just like yourself, the dirty cur, will strip you bare, and then, you’ll see, he’ll make an agreement at ten kopeks on the ruble, and he’ll wallow in his millions, and won’t think you’re worth spitting at.  But you, an honorable tradesman, must just watch him, and suffer—­keep on staring.  Here’s what I think, Lazar:  to offer the creditors such a proposition as this—­will they accept from me twenty-five kopeks on the ruble?  What do you think?

PODKHALYUZIN.  Why, according to my notion, Samson Silych, if you’re going to pay at the rate of twenty-five kopeks, it would be more decent not to pay at all.

BOLSHOV.  Why, really, that’s so.  You won’t scare anybody by a bluff; but it’s better to settle the affair on the quiet.  Then wait for the Lord to judge you at the Second Coming.  Only it’s a heap of trouble.  I’m going to mortgage my house and shops to you.

PODKHALYUZIN.  Impossible to do it without some bother, sir.  You’ll have to get rid of the notes for something, sir; have the merchandise transferred somewhere further off.  We’ll get busy, sir!

BOLSHOV.  Just so.  Although an old man, I’m going to get busy.  But are you going to help?

PODKHALYUZIN.  Good gracious, Samson Silych, I’ll go through fire and water, sir.

BOLSHOV.  What could be better!  Why the devil should I scratch around for pennies.  I’ll make one swoop, and that’s an end to it!  Only God give us the nerve!  Thanks, Lazar.  You’ve treated me like a friend. [He rises] Now, get busy! [He goes up to him and taps him on the shoulder] If you get the thing done properly, you and I’ll divide the profits.  I’ll reward you for the rest of your life.

[He goes to the door.

PODKHALYUZIN.  I don’t need anything, Samson Silych, except your peace of mind, sir.  I’ve lived with you since my earliest years, and I’ve received countless favors from you; it may be said, sir, you took me as a little brat, to sweep out your shops; consequently I simply must be grateful.

ACT II