The Inspector-General Act 4 Scene 16 by (Nikolai Gogol) Lyrics
The same and Osip.
OSIP
The horses are ready.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh! All right. I'll come presently.
GOVERNOR
What's that? Are you leaving?
KHLESTAKOV
Yes, I'm going.
GOVERNOR
Then when—that is—I thought you were pleased to hint at a wedding.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh—for one minute only—for one day—to my uncle, a rich old man. I'll be back tomorrow.
GOVERNOR
We would not venture, of course, to hold you back, and we hope for your safe return.
KHLESTAKOV
Of course, of course, I'll come back at once. Good-by, my dear—no, I simply can't express my feelings. Good-by, my heart. [Kisses Marya's hand.]
GOVERNOR
Don't you need something for the road? It seems to me you were pleased to be short of cash.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh, no, what for? [After a little thought.] However, if you like.
GOVERNOR
How much will you have?
KHLESTAKOV
You gave me two hundred then, that is, not two hundred, but four hundred—I don't want to take advantage of your mistake—you might let me have the same now so that it should be an even eight hundred.
GOVERNOR
Very well. [Takes the money out of his pocket-book.] The notes happen to be brand-new, too, as though on purpose.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh, yes. [Takes the bills and looks at them.] That's good. They say new money means good luck.
GOVERNOR
Quite right.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, Anton Antonovich. I am very much obliged to you for your hospitality. I admit with all my heart that I have never got such a good reception anywhere. Good-by, Anna Andreyevna. Good-by, my sweet-heart, Marya Antonovna.
All go out.
Behind the Scenes.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, angel of my soul, Marya Antonovna.
GOVERNOR
What's that? You are going in a plain mail-coach?
KHLESTAKOV
Yes, I'm used to it. I get a headache from a carriage with springs.
POSTILION
Ho!
GOVERNOR
Take a rug for the seat at least. If you say so, I'll tell them to bring a rug.
KHLESTAKOV
No, what for? It's not necessary. However, let them bring a rug if you please.
GOVERNOR
Ho, Avdotya. Go to the store-room and bring the very best rug from there, the Persian rug with the blue ground. Quick!
POSTILION. Ho!
GOVERNOR
When do you say we are to expect you back?
KHLESTAKOV
Tomorrow, or the day after.
OSIP
Is this the rug? Give it here. Put it there. Now put some hay on this side.
POSTILION
Ho!
OSIP
Here, on this side. More. All right. That will be fine. [Beats the rug down with his hand.] Now take the seat, your Excellency.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, Anton Antonovich.
GOVERNOR
Good-by, your Excellency.
ANNA } MARYA} Good-by, Ivan Aleksandrovich.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, mother.
POSTILION
Get up, my boys!
The bell rings and the curtain drops.
OSIP
The horses are ready.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh! All right. I'll come presently.
GOVERNOR
What's that? Are you leaving?
KHLESTAKOV
Yes, I'm going.
GOVERNOR
Then when—that is—I thought you were pleased to hint at a wedding.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh—for one minute only—for one day—to my uncle, a rich old man. I'll be back tomorrow.
GOVERNOR
We would not venture, of course, to hold you back, and we hope for your safe return.
KHLESTAKOV
Of course, of course, I'll come back at once. Good-by, my dear—no, I simply can't express my feelings. Good-by, my heart. [Kisses Marya's hand.]
GOVERNOR
Don't you need something for the road? It seems to me you were pleased to be short of cash.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh, no, what for? [After a little thought.] However, if you like.
GOVERNOR
How much will you have?
KHLESTAKOV
You gave me two hundred then, that is, not two hundred, but four hundred—I don't want to take advantage of your mistake—you might let me have the same now so that it should be an even eight hundred.
GOVERNOR
Very well. [Takes the money out of his pocket-book.] The notes happen to be brand-new, too, as though on purpose.
KHLESTAKOV
Oh, yes. [Takes the bills and looks at them.] That's good. They say new money means good luck.
GOVERNOR
Quite right.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, Anton Antonovich. I am very much obliged to you for your hospitality. I admit with all my heart that I have never got such a good reception anywhere. Good-by, Anna Andreyevna. Good-by, my sweet-heart, Marya Antonovna.
All go out.
Behind the Scenes.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, angel of my soul, Marya Antonovna.
GOVERNOR
What's that? You are going in a plain mail-coach?
KHLESTAKOV
Yes, I'm used to it. I get a headache from a carriage with springs.
POSTILION
Ho!
GOVERNOR
Take a rug for the seat at least. If you say so, I'll tell them to bring a rug.
KHLESTAKOV
No, what for? It's not necessary. However, let them bring a rug if you please.
GOVERNOR
Ho, Avdotya. Go to the store-room and bring the very best rug from there, the Persian rug with the blue ground. Quick!
POSTILION. Ho!
GOVERNOR
When do you say we are to expect you back?
KHLESTAKOV
Tomorrow, or the day after.
OSIP
Is this the rug? Give it here. Put it there. Now put some hay on this side.
POSTILION
Ho!
OSIP
Here, on this side. More. All right. That will be fine. [Beats the rug down with his hand.] Now take the seat, your Excellency.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, Anton Antonovich.
GOVERNOR
Good-by, your Excellency.
ANNA } MARYA} Good-by, Ivan Aleksandrovich.
KHLESTAKOV
Good-by, mother.
POSTILION
Get up, my boys!
The bell rings and the curtain drops.