Savva and the Life of Man Part 11

If you would only smile a little.

SAVVA _(looking at her with wide-open eyes and a frank face, and breaking abruptly into a clear, ringing laugh)_ Oh, you funny girl, what should I be smiling for? I'd rather laugh. _(Both laugh)_ Are you afraid of tickling?

LIPA

Stop it! What a boy you are still!

SAVVA

All right. And Kondraty, isn't here yet. I wonder why. Do you think the devil has taken him? The devil is fond of monks, you know.

LIPA

What strange fancies you have. Why, now you are joking--

SAVVA _(somewhat surprised)_

They are not fancies.

LIPA

My fancies are different. You are a dear now, because you talk to me. In the evening I'll tell you all about myself. We'll take a walk together, and I'll tell you everything.

SAVVA

Very well, I'll listen. Why shouldn't I?

LIPA

Tell me, Savva, if I may ask--are you in love with a woman?

SAVVA

Ah, switched around to the subject of love after all--just like a woman! I hardly know what to say. I did love a girl, in a way, but she didn't stick it out.

LIPA

Stick out what?

SAVVA

My love, or perhaps myself. All I know is that one fine day she went away and left me.

LIPA _(laughing)_

And you?

SAVVA

Nothing. I remained alone.

LIPA

Have you any friends, comrades?

SAVVA

No.

LIPA

Any enemies? I mean is there anyone whom you particularly dislike, whom you hate?

SAVVA

Yes--G.o.d.

LIPA _(incredulously)_

What?

SAVVA

G.o.d, I say--the one whom you call your Saviour.

LIPA _(shouting)_

Don't dare speak that way! You've gone out of your mind!

SAVVA

Ah! I touched your sensitive spot, did I?

LIPA

Don't you dare!

SAVVA

I thought you were a gentle dove, but you have a tongue like a snake's. _(He imitates the movements of a snake's tongue with his finger)_

LIPA

Good Lord! How dare you, how can you speak like that of the Saviour?

Why, one dares not look at him. Why have you come here?

_[Kondraty appears at the door of the tavern, looks around, and enters quietly._