The Inspector-General Act 4 Scene 13 by (Nikolai Gogol) Lyrics
The same and Anna Andreyevna.
ANNA
[seeing Khlestakov on his knees]. Oh, what a situation!
KHLESTAKOV
[rising] Oh, the devil!
ANNA
[to Marya] What does this mean? What does this behavior mean?
MARYA
I, mother—
ANNA
Go away from here. Do you hear? And don't you dare to show your face to me. [Marya goes out in tears.] Excuse me. I must say I'm greatly astonished.
KHLESTAKOV
[aside]. She's very appetizing, too. She's not bad-looking, either. [Flings himself on his knees.] Madam, you see I am burning with love.
ANNA
What! You on your knees? Please get up, please get up. This floor isn't very clean.
KHLESTAKOV
No, I must be on my knees before you. I must. Pronounce the verdict. Is it life or death?
ANNA
But please—I don't quite understand the significance of your words. If I am not mistaken, you are making a proposal for my daughter.
KHLESTAKOV
No, I am in love with you. My life hangs by a thread. If you don't crown my steadfast love, then I am not fit to exist in this world. With a burning flame in my bosom, I pray for your hand.
ANNA
But please remember I am in a certain way—married.
KHLESTAKOV
That's nothing. Love knows no distinction. It was Karamzin who said: "The laws condemn." We will fly in the shadow of a brook. Your hand! I pray for your hand!
ANNA
[seeing Khlestakov on his knees]. Oh, what a situation!
KHLESTAKOV
[rising] Oh, the devil!
ANNA
[to Marya] What does this mean? What does this behavior mean?
MARYA
I, mother—
ANNA
Go away from here. Do you hear? And don't you dare to show your face to me. [Marya goes out in tears.] Excuse me. I must say I'm greatly astonished.
KHLESTAKOV
[aside]. She's very appetizing, too. She's not bad-looking, either. [Flings himself on his knees.] Madam, you see I am burning with love.
ANNA
What! You on your knees? Please get up, please get up. This floor isn't very clean.
KHLESTAKOV
No, I must be on my knees before you. I must. Pronounce the verdict. Is it life or death?
ANNA
But please—I don't quite understand the significance of your words. If I am not mistaken, you are making a proposal for my daughter.
KHLESTAKOV
No, I am in love with you. My life hangs by a thread. If you don't crown my steadfast love, then I am not fit to exist in this world. With a burning flame in my bosom, I pray for your hand.
ANNA
But please remember I am in a certain way—married.
KHLESTAKOV
That's nothing. Love knows no distinction. It was Karamzin who said: "The laws condemn." We will fly in the shadow of a brook. Your hand! I pray for your hand!