The Storm

KABANOV and KATERINA (_she stands as though turned to stone_).

Kabanov. Katia! (_Silence_.) Katia, you're not angry with me?

Katerina. (_after a protracted silence--shakes her head_) No!

Kabanov. But why are you like this? Come, forgive me!

Katerina. (_still in the same position, slightly shaking her head_) Peace be with you! (_Hiding her face in her hands_) She has hurt me!

Kabanov. If you take everything to heart so, you'll soon fall into a decline. Why listen to her! You know she must talk! Well then, let her talk, and you let it go in at one ear and out at the other. Come, good-bye, Katia!

Katerina. (_falling on her husband's neck_) Tisha, don't go away! For God's sake, don't go away! Dear one, I implore you!

Kabanov. I must, Katia. When mamma sends me, how can I not go?

Katerina. Well, take me with you, do take me!

Kabanov. (_freeing himself from her embrace_) But it's impossible!

Katerina. Oh, why, Tisha, impossible?

Kabanov. Much fun there would be in going with you! You've worried me out of my life here between you! No sooner have I a hope of escaping than you want to fasten yourself upon me.

Katerina. Why, can it be that you are tired of me?

Kabanov. No, I'm not tired of you; but to get out of this slavery a man would run away from the loveliest woman in the world! Just consider for a minute; I may not be good for much; but I'm a man anyway; and living all my life as you see, one's glad to run away from one's wife even. Why, when I think now, that for two whole weeks there'll be no storm hanging over me, no fetters on my legs,--do you suppose I can think of my wife?

Katerina. How can I care for you, when you say things like that?

Kabanov. Say things? Why, what things am I to say? God knows what it is you're afraid of! You won't be alone, you know, you'll be with mamma.

Katerina. Don't speak of her, don't torture my heart! Ah, how wretched I am, how wretched! (_Weeps_.) Where can I go? Whom can I cling to? Merciful Heavens, I am lost!

Kabanov. Come, be quiet!

Katerina. (_goes up to her husband and draws him to her_) Tisha, dear one, if you would stay, if you would take me with you, how I would love you, how I would cherish you, my dear one!

Kabanov. I can't make you out, Katia! Often there's no getting a word out of you, to say nothing of a kiss, and now you come coaxing up to me of your own accord.

Katerina. Tisha, what are you leaving me to? There'll be trouble when you're away! There'll be trouble!

Kabanov. Now, come, I can't, so it's no use.

Katerina. Well, here then! Take from me some dreadful vow....

Kabanov. What vow?

Katerina. A vow that I will not dare while you're away on any ground whatever to speak with any outsider, nor see anyone,--that I will not even dare to think of anyone but you.

Kabanov. But what's this for?

Katerina. Set my heart at rest, do this for me!

Kabanov. But one can never answer for oneself like that, anything may come into one's head.

Katerina. (_falling on her knees_) May I never look upon my father nor my mother! May I die impenitent, if I...

Kabanov. (_pulling her up_) Hush! Nonsense! What wickedness is this! I won't hear you!

[_Voice of Mme. Kabanova heard without, "It's time to start, Tihon!" Enter Mme. Kabanova, Varvara and Glasha._