SAVVA

I did.

KING HEROD

And did you see His eyes?  No?  Then look, try to see them—­Where is he off to, the bat?  To the village to his women.

KONDRATY (enters)

Peace be with you, honest folks.  Good evening, Savva.  To what lucky chance do I owe this meeting?

KING HEROD

Look, monk, the devil’s tail is sticking out of your pocket.

KONDRATY

It isn’t the devil’s tail, it’s a radish.  You’re very clever, but you didn’t hit it right that time.

KING HEROD (spitting in disgust)

I can’t bear to look at them.  They turn my stomach.  Good-bye, friend. 
Remember what I told you.  When you are in sorrow, don’t go to people.

SAVVA

All right, uncle, I understand.

KING HEROD

Rather go to the forest to the wolves. (Goes out; his voice is heard out of the darkness) Oh, Lord, do you see?

KONDRATY

A narrow-minded fool.  Killed his son and puts on airs.  You can’t get by him.  He won’t let you alone.  It’s something to be proud of, isn’t it, to have killed one’s own son?  A great thing.

SPERANSKY (with a sigh)

No, Father Kondraty, you are mistaken.  He is a happy man.  If his son were brought to life this moment, he would instantly kill him.  He wouldn’t give him five minutes to live.  But of course when he dies, he’ll know the truth.

KONDRATY

That’s what I said, you fool.  If it were a cat he killed, he might have some reason to be proud—­but his own son!  What are you thinking about, Savva Yegorovich?

SAVVA

I am waiting.  I should like to know how soon this gentleman will go.  The devil brought him, I think.  Now, here comes someone else. (Peers into the darkness)

LIPA (approaching.  She stops and hesitates)

Is that you, Savva?

SAVVA

Yes, and is that you?  What do you want?  I don’t like people to follow me everywhere I go, sister.

LIPA

The gate to this place is open.  Everybody has a right to come in.  Mr. Speransky, Tony has been asking for you.  He wants the seminarist, he says.

SAVVA

There, go together—­a jolly pair.  Good-bye, sir, good-bye.

SPERANSKY