MASHA.  It’s ridiculous to listen to you.

RAZLYULYAYEV.  Yes, it’s funny for you; but how is it for me?  Really, why don’t you love me?

LYUBOV GORDEYEVNA.  Let’s sit down.

They sit down.

GUSLIN. [Sings]

    “Four huts beside the brook
    That swift doth run. 
    There is a gossip
    In every one.

    Dear gossips all four,
    My friends that be,
    Be friendly and kindly
    And nice to me.

    When you’re in the green garden,
    Take me with you;
    When you pluck flowers,
    Pluck me a few.

    When you weave garlands,
    Weave me some too;
    When you go to the river,
    Take me with you.

    When you throw in the garlands,
    Throw also my wreath;
    The others will float,
    When mine sinks beneath.

    All of the sweethearts,
    They have come home;
    Mine, and mine only,
    He has not come.”

ARINA. [Enters with bottles and glasses; and a servant-girl with relishes] Here, I’ve brought them!

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA. [To the servant] Pass it to the young ladies. [The servant carries wine round to the girls, places the tray on the table and goes out] Arina!  Bring us some wine.  Yes, pour it out, pour out the Madeira, the Madeira; it will cheer us up.  That’s all right!  Let’s have a glass; they won’t condemn us—­we’re old folks! [They drink] Annushka!  Come along and drink some wine.  Won’t you have some?

ANNA IVANOVNA.  Well, why shouldn’t I drink some!  They say, don’t drink when there’s no one round, but when there’s company, it’s all right.

Goes to PELAGEYA EGOROVNA, drinks and talks in a whisper.

ARINA.  Have you had a drop too much, my boys?

MITYA.  I don’t drink.

RAZLYULYAYEV.  With pleasure! [He comes up with GUSLIN and drinks; then catches hold of ARINA] Now, then, let’s start an old song. [Sings.

    “Oh, I’ll sing an old song,
    Of Erema, of Foma—­”

ARINA.  Stop, saucy; you’ve crumpled me all up!

RAZLYULYAYEV. [Sings]

    “The reins were in Kaluga;
    In Tarus’ the hames were hid. 
    Grooved runners had the sleigh;
    All by itself it slid.”

The girls laugh.

ARINA.  Let me go, I say!  Now that’s enough! [Goes out.

ANNA IVANOVNA.  What are you teasing the old woman for?  Come and dance with me.

RAZLYULYAYEV.  Come on, then!  Play for us, Yasha!

YASHA plays; they dance.

FIRST GUEST. That’s a lively little woman.

PELAGEYA EGOROVNA.  Yes, very lively, very lively.

RAZLYULYAYEV. [Stamping his feet] That’s the way we do it. [Stops dancing.

EGORUSHKA. [Enters] The girls have come.