Drama

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and a colored handkerchief tied over her thick black
hair, with Turkish slippers on her bare feet, comes from 24 of 70
the house, looking astonishingly ha119.s.2..11e
,1 and stately
under all the circumstances. Louka goes into the house.)
A THERINE. My dear Paul, wbat a surprise for us. (She stoops over tbe back of
his chair to kiss him.) Have they brought you fresh coffee?
PETKOFF. Yes, Louka's been looking after me. The war's over. Tbe [trea~ was
igned three days ago at Bucharest; and tbe decree for our army to demobilize
was issued yesterday .
He is a man of self-seriousness and quietness;

he is not insightful man. He likes peace on the
opposite of his wife Catherine
.CA THERINE (springing erect, with flashi
the Austrians force you to make pea1
PETKOFc(submisshLely).JM.y dear: they

its down and turns away from him.
as an honorable one. It declares
I
CATHERINE (outraged). Peace!
PETKOFF (appeasing ber).-but not friendly relations: remember that. They

wanted to put that in; but I insisted on its being struck out. What more could I
do?
CATHERINE. You could have annexed Servia and made Prince Alexander
Emperor of the Balkans. That's what l would have done.
PETKOFF. l don't doubt it in the least, my dear. But I shouJd have had to subdue the
whole Austrian Empire first; and that wouJd have kept me too long away from
you. I missed you greatly.
CATHERINE (relenting). Ah! (Stretches her hand affectionately across the table to
queeze his.)
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the house, looking astonishingly ha119.s.2..11e
,1 and stately
A THERINE. My dear Paul, wbat a surprise for us. (She stoops over tbe back of
PETKOFF. Yes, Louka's been looking after me. The war's over. Tbe [trea~ was
igned three days ago at Bucharest; and tbe decree for our army to demobilize
was issued yesterday .

opposite of his wife Catherine
.CA THERINE (springing erect, with flashi
PETKOFc(submisshLely).JM.y dear: they

I
PETKOFF (appeasing ber).-but not friendly relations: remember that. They

do?
CATHERINE. You could have annexed Servia and made Prince Alexander
PETKOFF. l don't doubt it in the least, my dear. But I shouJd have had to subdue the
whole Austrian Empire first; and that wouJd have kept me too long away from
queeze his.)
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(A loud knocking with a wb It means that her poor birth and class wont be
outside on the left, is heard.' the same in futures, and the upper class will not 22 of 70
define her
MALE VOICE OUTSIDE. Hollo! Hollo
LOUKA. Master! back from the war!
lCOLA (quickJy). My word for it, Lo :t

some fresh coffee. (He runs out into
LOUKA (as she.Put~_ tbe..£2,ffee pot and the cups upon the tra'y-, 'and carries it into the
Iv
house). ou'Il never put the soul of a servant into meJ
(Major ~tkoff comes from the stable yard, followed by

Nicoly He is a cheerful, excitable, insignificant,
shed man of about 50, naturally unambitious
ept as to his income and his importance in local
ciety, but just now greatly pleased with the military
rank which the war bas thrust on him as a man of
consequence in his town. The fever of plucky patriotism
IA wll ~:;ian attac rousedf~l~;t;i~
bas pulled him through the war; but be is obviously glad

to be home again.)
PETKOFF (pointing to the table with his whip). Breakfast out here, eh?
NICOLA. Yes, sir. The mistress and Miss Raina have just gone in.
PETKOFF (fitting down and laking a roll). Go in and say I've come; and get me
ome fresh coffee.
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(A loud knocking with a whip handle on a wooden door
outside on the left, is heard.) 22 of 70
MALE VOICE OUTSIDE. Hollo! Hollo there! Nie

He is not charismatic, uncultured, and insightful
lCOLA (quickJy). My word for it, Louka, the ·

some fresh coffee. (He runs out into the stab!
LOUKA (as she.Put~_ tbe coffee pot and the cu~

Iv
house). ou'll never put the soul of a servan
(Major ~tkoff comes from the stable yard, followed by

Nicoly He is a cheerful, excitable, msigiuficant,
shed man of about 50, (Jat~rally unat1J2itiou~
ept as to his income and his importance in local
ciety, but just now greatly pleased with the military
rank which the war has thrust on him as a man of
{A wll ~:;ian attac rousedf~l~;t;{~
bas pulled him through the war; but be is obviously glad

to be home again.)
PETKOFF (pointing to the table with his whip). Breakfast out here, eh?
NICOLA. Yes, sir. The mistress and Miss Raina have just gone in.
PETKOFF (fitting down and taking a roll). Go in and say I've come; and get me
ome fresh coffee.
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21 of 70
imperturbability of the accurate calculator who has no

illusions. He wears a white Bulgarian costume jacket
with decorated harder, sash, wide knickerbockers. and
decorated gaiters. His head is shaved up to the crown,
giving him a high Japanese forehead. His name is
l icola.
COLA.j Be warned in time, Louka: mend your manners. I know the mistress. She
is so grand that she never dreams that any servant could dare to be
disrespectful to her; but if she once suspects that you are defying her, out you
go.
LOUKA. 'I do defy her. I will defy her. What do I care for her?i
We can vividly notice that Nicola and Louka have

"contrasting aspirations". Louka wishes to go
"above her situation" whereas Nicola wishes to
be servant and does exactly what his masters
want all times.
LOUKA. You take her part against me, do you?
COLA (sedately). I shall always be depend

When I leave their service and start a shoI
my capital: their bad word would ruin me.
~OUK.A. You have no S()irit. I should like to see them dare say a word against me!
NICOLA (pityingly). I should have expected more sense from you, Louka. But
you're young, you're young!
es; and you like me the better for it, don't you? But I know some famil
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with decorated harder, sash, wide knickerbockers. and
decorated gaiters. His head is shaved up to the crown,
l icola.
COLA.j Be warned in time, Louka: mend your manners. I know the mistress. She
disrespectful to her; but if she once suspP · ·' · ' r • 'U
Nicola seems to be very dutiful , loyal and
go· obedient to the famlly to a great extent. He can
even renounce his flancee for the sake of
Petkoff's family.
LOUKA. 'I do defy her. I will defy her. What
COLA (sedately). I shall always be dependent on the good will of the family.I
When I leave their service and start a shop in Sofia, their custom will be half
my capital: their bad word would ruin mel
~OUK.A. You have no S()irit. I should like to see them dare say a word against me!
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with decorated harder, sash, wid-
Now, Louka speaks confidently and proudly
decorated gaiters. His head is sh; saying that she will rise/stand against Raina. This
is due to the secrets she knows regarding Raina
giving him a high Japanese fo which she considers as a weapon against her.
l icola.
COLA.j Be warned in time, Louka: mend yo >,
is so grand that she never dreams t::

disrespectful to her; but if she once suspt. .l
go.
LOUKA. 1 do defy her. I will defy her. What do I care for her?i
never. can.m ou, It's tlie same as_1
COLA (sedately). I shall always be dependent on the good will of the family.
,my capital: their bad word would ruin~
OUKA. You have no S()irit. I should like to see them dare say a word against me!
NICOLA (pityingly). I should have expected more sense from you. Louka. But
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Nicola is as attracted to his servitude of the

Petkoffs as Catherine is for wealth and status.
Opposite to what's been stated , Louka scolds
her job and wishes to better her social status
.f the accurate calculator who has no
I
rs a white Bulgarian costume jacket
trder, sash, wide knickerbockers. and
His head is shaved up to the crown,
5h Japanese forehead. His name is
-Iicola.
COLA.! Be warned in time, Louka: mend your manners. I know the mistress. She
go.
LOUKA. 'I do defy her. I will defy her. What do I care for her?i
I never canm OU. lt'stfie same as I
COLA (sedately). I shall always be dependent on the good will of the family.
,my capital: their bad word would ruin~
OUKA. You have no S()irit. I should like to see them dare say a word against me!
8:48 PM Mon 22 Nov <?'© 52%(U•
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CATHERINE (shaking him). Sir! (Shaking him again, harder.) Sir!! (Vehemently
shaking very bard.) Sir!!!
RAINA (catching her arm). Don't, mamma: the poor dear is worn out. Let him
leep.
CA THERINE (letting him go and turning amazed to Raina). tihe noor dear!
1
Raina!!! (Sbe looks sternly at her dai The place or the events taking place in the
second Act. The description notes say the
Pelkoff's house Is located In a rural Bulgaria.
The sixth of March, 1886. In the @ardenJ of major

Petkoffs house. It is a fine spring morning; and the
garden looks fresh and pretty. Beyond the paling the
tops of a couple of minarets can be seen, shewing that
there is a+ vaHe-y-there, with the little town in it. A few
miles further the Balkan mountains rise and shut in the
view. Within the garden ffie-siae-ofToe house is seen on
the right, with a gm'd:erf"cloorreached by a little flight of
steps. On the left the stable yard, with its gateway
encroaches on the garden. There are fruit bushes along
the paling and house, covered with washing hung out to
dry. A path runs by the house, and rises by two steps at
the comer where it turns out of the right along the front.
In the middle a small table, with two bent wood chairs
at it, is laid for breakfast with Turkish coffee pot, cups,
rolls, etc.; but the cups have been used and the bread
broken. There is a wooden garden seat against the wall
on the left.
Louka, smoking a &igaret) i~ standing between the table

and the house, 'turning her back with angry disdain on a
L----.. •....--.-.'=.-. .•..•.•_~.....__i___..-*---·--·~------....._______~.:.A. .J , .... .,, ...•.... ,,
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CATHERINE. Stop! (Louka stops.) He will have to go out that way (indicating the
gate of the stable yard). Tell Nicola to bring his bag here after him. Don't
forget.
LOUKA (surprised). His bag? -

CATHERINE. Yes, here, as soon as possible. (Vehemently.) Be quick! (Louka runs
into the house. Catherine snatches her apron off and throws it behind a bush.
She then takes up the salver and uses it as a mirror, with the result that the
-
handkerchief tied round her head follows the apron. A touch to her hair and a
shake to her dressing gown makes her presentable.) Oh~ how-how-how can
a man be such a fool! Such a moment tn c:PIPrtl H..oub -"nn~t.th....:lnor.
~e house, announcing ";'Capt~ Bl! Catherine uses an excuse to sneak Bluntschli
the steps to let him pass before s out. This also marks another ironic moment
. . , . ~- . I because this is totally contradictory lo what
adventure In Rama S I 00111. ltle IS DO Raina told Bluntschll in ACT i that her family
~nd out of trouble, but still unmistaJ treated guests honorably and hospitably.
I
back is turned, Catherine swoops on
1
½.apJain Bluntschli, ~ am very g,lad !,
once. (He raises his ey_ebrow~J_!My
on-in-Jaw; and they know nothin~
terrible. You are a foreigner: ):'OU do 110.,.m o~nanowu uunno.:,1u1;.:, a., wcn"J,
e still hate the Servians4: the only effect of th.~p~JLce on my_bu.~11,d_i.Ll~
llf
make him feel like a lion baul_ked of his ~y. he discovered our secret, h
ould never forgive me; and my daughter's life would hardly be safefWill
you, like the chivalrous gentleman and soldier you are, leave at once before be
finds you here?
BLUNTSCHLl (disappointed, but philosophical). Al once, gracious lady. I only

came to thank you and return the coat you lent me. lfyou will allow me to take
it out of my bag and leave it with your servant as I pass out, I need detain you
no further. (He turns to go into the house.)
CA THERINE (catching him by the sleeve). Oh, you must not think of going back
that way. (Coaxing him across to the stable gates.) This is the shortest way out.
Many thanks. So glad to have been of service to you. Good-bye.
BLUNTSCHLL But my bag?
CATHERINE. It will be sent on. You will leave me your address.
BLUNTSCHLI. True. Allow me. (He takes out bis card-case, and stops to write bis
address, keeping Catherine in an agony of impatience. As he hands her the
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CATHERINE (flaming). A Servian! How dare he-(Checking herself bitterly.) Oh,

I forgot. We are at peace now. I suppose we shall have them calling every day
-
We, for the first time, learn the the name of the
strange soldier who climbed into Raina's room.
now, the two are are troubled; they try to conceal
him from Petkoff and Sergius.
-
to pay their complime you tell your
master? He is in the lib ne to me?
LOVKA. But he asks for yo 10 you are: he

aid the lady of the ho _ .. (She takes a
card out of her bosom; puts it on the salver- ,d offers it to Catherine.)
LOUKA. Swiss, madam, I think.
CATHERINE (with a bound that makes Louka jump back). Swiss! What is he like?
LOUKA (timidly). He has a big carpet bag. madam.
CA THERJN E. Oh, Heavens, he's come to return the coat! Send him away-say
we're not at home-ask him to leave his address and I'll write to him-Oh,
top: that will never do. Wait! (She throws herself into a chair to think it out.
Louka waits.) The master and Major Saranoff are busy in the library, aren't
they?
LOUKA. Yes, madam.
CATHERCNE (decisively). Bring the gentleman out here at once. (lmperatively.)

And be very polite to him, Don't delay. Here (impatiently snatching the salver
from her): leave that here; and go straight back to him.
LOVKA. Yes, madam. (Going.)
ATHERTNE. Louka!
LOVKA (stopping). Yes, madam.

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SERGIUS (speaking to himself). Which of the six is the real man?-that's the
question that torments me. One of them is a hero, another a buffoon, another a
humbug, another perhaps a bit of a blackguard. (He pauses and looks furtively
at Louka, as he adds with deep bitterness) And one, at least, is a coward-
jealous, like all cowards. (He goes to the table.) Louka.
LOUKA. Yes?
SERGIUS. Who is my rival?
LOUKA. You shall never get that out of me, for love or money. -
SERGIUS. Why?
-~ rever mind why. Besides, you would tell that I told you; and I should los
-
r~y,1~lace.
SERGIUS (holding out his right hand in Again, having not told him about the identity of
the man hidden in Raina's room Louka perhaps
checks himself, and his hand drops the most practical and perspective character
of a man capable of behaving as I ha among others. Although she loves Sergius and
Who is he? hates Raina , she never tells him because she
knows that will be disadvantageous for her.
LOlJK6,.J don't know. I never saw him.

~er room.
SERGIUS namnation! How dare you?
OUKA_l (retreating). Ob, I mean no harm: you've no right to take up my words like
that. The mistress knows all about it. And I tell you that if that gentleman ever
comes here again, Miss Raina will marry him, whether he likes it or not. I
know the difference between the sort of manner you and she put on before one
another and the real manner. (Sergius shivers as if she had stabbed him. Then,
etting his face like iron, be strides grimly to her, and grips her above the
elbows with both bands.)
SERGIUS. Now listen you to me!
LOUKA (wincing). Not so tight: you're hurting me!
SERGIUS. That doesn't matter. You have stained my honor by making me a party to
your eavesdropping. And you have betrayed your mistress-s-
LOUKA (writhing). Please-

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at Louka, as he adds with deep bitterness) And one, at least, is a coward-
jealous, like all cowards. (He goes to the table.) Louka.
LOUKA. Yes?
SERGIUS. Who is my rival?
LOUK.A. You shall never get that out of me, for love or money. -
SERGIUS. Why?
LOUKA.
...---
. Besides, you would tell that I told you; and I should los
-
,-- v..nlJI
Louka is very allentive person : she saw the true

love between Raina and the soldier. She does hand in affirmation). No; on the honor of a-(He
not see it as an ideal or Byronic love because
Raina's and Sergius's loved arises from a desire
1d drops nerveless as he concludes, sardonically)-
and public appearance 1g as 1 have been behaving for the last five minutes.
aw him. I only heard his voice through the door of
SERGIUS i-)amnation! How dare you?
~ ~ .... , (retreating). Oh, 1 mean no harm: you've no right to take up my words like
that. The mistress knows all about it. And I tell you that if that gentleman ever
comes here again, Miss Raina will marry him, whether he likes it or not. 1
know the difference between the sort of manner you and she put on before one
another and the real manner. (Sergius shivers as if she had stabbed him. Then,
etting his face like iron, he strides grimly to her, and grips her above the
elbows with both bands.)
SERGIUS. Now listen you to me!
LOUKA (wincing). Not so tight: you're hurting me!
SERGIUS. That doesn't matter. You have stained my honor by making me a party to
your eavesdropping. And you have betrayed your mistress-s-
LOUKA (writhing). Please-

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Sergius lashes out at Louka and insulting her

verbally and physically making a bruise on her
arms. He draws attention to her job and class.
SERGfJ.JS. That shews that you are an ab

l!e soul of a servant.r(He lets her go
away, dusting his hands of her, to t
with ~"erted head, meditating gloomuy.,
OUK.Al (whimpering angrily with her hands up her sleeves, feeling her bruised
arms). You know how to hurt witluour tongJJe as weJl as with_y,our hands.
But I don't care, ~ow I've found out that whatever clay I'm made~ou're
made_of the same. As for her, she's a liar; and her fine airs are a cheat; and I'
orth six of her. (She shakes the pain off hardily; tosses her head; and sets to
work to put the things on the tray. He Looks doubtfully at her once or twice.
She finishes packing the tray, and laps the cloth over the edges, so as to carry
all out together. As she stoops to lift it, he rises.)
SERGIUS. Louka! (She stops and looks defiantly at him with the tray in her hands.)
A gentleman has no right to hurt a woman under any gi:cumstances. (With
profound humility, uncovering bis bead.) I begyour pardon.
LOUKA. That sort of apology may satisfy a lady. Of what use is it to a servant?
SERGfUS (thus rudely crossed in his chivalry, throws it off with a bitter laugh and
says slightingly). Oh, you wish to be paid for the hurt? (He puts on his shako,
and takes some money from bis pocket.)
LOUKA (her eyes filling with tears in spite of herself). No, I want my hurt made
well.
SERGIUS (sobered by her tone). How?
(She rolls up her left sleeve; clasps her arm with tile
thumb and fingers of her right hand; and looks down al
the bruise. Then she raises her head and looks straight at
him. Finally, with a superb gesture she presents her arm
to be kissed. Amazed, be looks at her; at the arm; at her
again; hesitates; and then, with shuddering intensity
exclain=>
11:09 PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•

SERGIUS (again putting his arm round her). You are a provoking little witch,
Louka. lfyou were in love with 01e, would you spy out of windows on me?
33 of 70
LOUKAjWell, you see, sir, since you say you are half a dozen different gentlemen
all at once, I should have a ~eat deal to look after.
SERGIUS (cbanned). Witty as well as pretty. (He tries to kiss her.)
LOUKA (avoiding him). No, I don't want your kisses. Gentlefolk are all alike-yo
baking love to me behind Miss Raina's back, and she doing the same behin
ours.
Sergius is really a man of mulli-personality; he is
easily changeable and acts according to the
ERGJUS (recoiling a step). Louka! situation and circumstances.
LOU.KA. It shews bow little you really ca:
SERGI\LS (dropping his familiarity and

~onversation is to continue, Louka,
'does not discuss the conduct of the
LOUKA. it's so hard to know what a gentleman considers right. I thought from your
trying to kiss me that you bad given up being so particular.
SERGIUS (turning from ber and strikingjtis forehead as he comes back into the
garden from the gateway). Devil! devil!
LOUKA. Ha! ha! I expect one of the six of you is very like me, sir, though 1 am
only Miss Raina's maid. (She goes back to her work at the table, taking no
further notice of hirn.)
at Louka, as be adds with deep bitterness) And one, at least, is a coward-
jealous, like all cowards, (He goes to the table.) Louka.
n.oa PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•
moustache nervously, witb bis left band akimbo on his hip. Finally, striking
32 of 70 the ground with his heels in something of a cavalry swagger, he strolls over to
the left of the table, opposite her, and says) Louka: do you know what the
higher love is?
LOVKA (astonished). No, sir.
SERGIUS. Very fatiguing thing to keep up for any length of time, Louka. One feel
the need of some relief after it.
LOVKA (innocently). Perhaps you would like some coffee, sir? (She stretches her
band across the table for the coffee pot.)
SERGIUS (taking her band). Thank you, Louka.

-
LOVK.A (pretending to pull). Oh, sir, you know l didn't mean that. I'm surprised at
you!
-
SERGIUS (coming clear of the table and drawing her with him). 1 am sumriseJiJll
myself, Louka. i\Vhat
wou!<LS.emi.us.Jb.e.-hero_o.LSlivnitza"-.s.ayj(_he saw m
ow? What would Sergiu Although Louka entertains Sergius's affection,
now? What would the hal she is shocked at his boldness where Raina is in
this handsome figure of m the house and might see them. Louka proves to
be more practical and aware than Sergius who
1 her hand
and slipping his arm dexte proves to be mischievous, romantic and my figure
idealistic.
handsome, Louka?
LOVK.A. Let me go, ~ir. _ , holds her

inexorably.) Oh, will you I
SERGIUS (looking straight into her eyes). No.
LOVKA. [Fhen stand back where we can't be seenl Have you no common sense?
SERGIUS. Ah, that's reasonable. (He takes her into the stableyard gateway, where
they are bidden from the house.)
T f"\T rv A ,,., . ....•.•..••.•. ,,.: •..• : •..•. h\ T •.•..•...••• 1. ••..•.• ,,,.. 1.. ...•......••..• .. __ ,,..
n.oa PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•
moustache nervously, witb bis left band akimbo on his hip. Finally, striking
32 of 70 the ground with his heels in something of a cavalry swagger, he strolls over to
the left of the table, opposite her, and says) Louka: do you know what the
higher love is?
LOVKA (astonished). No, sir.
SERGIUS. Very fatiguing thing to keep up for any length of time, Louka. One feel
the need of some relief after it.
LOVKA (innocently). Perhaps you would like some coffee, sir? (She stretches her
band across the table for the coffee pot.)
SERGIUS (taking her band). Thank you, I-··'--

-
Segius refers to himself as a hero and admits
that though he loves Raina, his personality-he is
LOVK.A (pretending to pull). Oh, sir, yoi of mulli-personality. will allow him to go beyond
you! her with Louka. Sergius's behavior swiftly
changes where he not only does he lllrt with
Louka, he throws caution to the wind.
SERGIUS (coming clear..9ltbe_t_a_bJe anq
myself, Louka. M'bat would Sergi
ow? What would Sergius, the apo
now? What would the half dozen '
I
tl:IJS handsome figure Of' mine Say if W'-.)' \,QU!,Ul U.> \.l..A,llUI!, !,V U\,1. uaud U\,L\,":
and slipping his arm dexterously round her waist.) Do you consider my figure
handsome, Louka?
LOVK.A. Let me go, ,sir. I shall be disgraced] (She struggles: he bolds her
inexorably.) Ob, will you let go?
SERGIUS (looking straight into her eyes). No.

~
LOVKA. ifhen stand back where we can't be seen. Have you no common sense?
SERGlUS. Ah, that's reasonable. (He takes her into the stableyard gateway, where
they are hidden from the house.)
T f"\T rv A ,,., •. .•••.•..••••. ,,.: •.•• : •..•. h\ T •.•..•...••• 1 . ••..•.• ,,,.. 1.. ...•......••..• .. __ ,,..
n.os PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
CATHERINE. Ob, Raina, what a silly question!
SERGIUS. He was like a commercial traveller in uniform. Bourgeois to his boots.
PETKOFF (grinning) .. !Sergius: tell Catherine that queer story bis friend told u
i3bout him-how be escaped after Slivnitza. You remember?-about his bein
hid b)'. two women,
SERGIUS (with bitter irony). Ob, yes, quite a romance. He was serving in the very
battery I so unprofessionally charged. Being a thorough soldier, he ran away
Like the rest of them, with our cavalry at his heels. To escape their attentions,
he had the good taste to take refuge in the chamber of some patriotic young
Bulgarian lady. The,.Youn~gy was enchanted b)'. his persuasive commercial
traveller's manners. She very modestly entertained him for an hour or so an
tlten called in her mother lest b,..,.,..,...A••.
ady was equally fascinated; Both Catherine pretended to be offended by this
orning disguised in an old story. Raina reproach Sergius for telling such a
' th __. shameful story before them, claiming to be very
as away at e war. patriot ans sensitive.
RAJNA (rising with marked stateliot Ja..- .:>~,

Sergius. [ did not think )'.OU w l(She
turns away coldly.)
CATHERINE (also rising)JShe is ri

~ared the knowledge of them
PETKOFF. Pooh! nonsense! what does it matter?
SERGIUS (ashamed). No, Petkoff: I was wrong. (To Raina, with earnest humility.) I
beg your pardon. l have behaved abominably. Forgive me, Raina. (She bows
reservedly.) And you, too, madam. (Catherine bows graciously and sits down.
He proceeds solemnly, again addressing Raina.) The glimpses l have had of
the seamy side of life during the last few months have made me cynical; but I
should not have brought my cynicism here-least of all into your presence,
Raina. 1-(Here, turning to the others, he is evidently about to begin a long
peech when the Major interrupts him.)
r, - ~ •I t r _ I _ .t •
n.os PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
30 of 70
SERGIUS. He was like a commercial traveller in uniform. Bourgeois to bis boots.
hid b)'. two women,
Like the rest of them, with our cavalry al his heels. To escape their attentions
he had the good taste to take refuge in the chamber of some patriotic young
Bulgarian lady. The oungjgg_y was enchanted b.Y. his P,ersuasive comtnercial
traveller's manners. She very modestly entertained him for an hour or so an
then called in her mother lest her conduct should appear unmaidenly. The old]
ady was equally fascinated; and the fugitive was sent on his way in th
oming, disguised in an old coat belonging to the master of the house, wb
as away at the war]
Hence, both the mother and her daughter prove
RAJNA (rising with marked stateliness).,j to be excellent liars, for they know that the
women in the story are Catherine and Raina, yet
Sergius. [ did not think )'.OU would they act offended at the existence of such
turns away coldly.) - women. They lie to maintain their image in front
of their spouses.
CATHERINE (also rising)_JShe is ri~

~ared ilie knowledge of them
PETKOFF. Pooh! nonsense! what does it r,,u •• ~•.
SERGIUS (ashamed). No, Petkoff: I was wrong. (To Raina, with earnest humility.) l
He proceeds solemnly, again addressing Raina.) The glimpses I have had of
the seamy side of life during the last few months have made me cynical; but 1
Raina. !-(Here, turning to the others, he is evidently about to begin a long
r, - ..., ., _ I _ • I •
n.os PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
30 of 70
SERGIUS. He was like a commercial traveller in uniform. Bourgeois to his boots.
hid b)'. two women,
There is a striking feature in this play.which is the

presence of chance or coincidence. The story
that Petkoff and Sergius happen to have heard
Like the rest of them, with our caval about the retreating soldier in fact happened in
he had the good taste to take refug the very house of Petkoff.
Bulgarian lady. The,:i'.oung lapy wa:

traveller's manners. She very mod
tlten called in her mother lest her cc
ady was equally fascinated; and i
oming, disguised in an old coat b'c.vup;-c, -- -- ------- -- --- ------, ··--·
as away at the war]
RAINA (rising with marke~ stateline~s). Your life in the camP. has made you coa .•• ~,
Sergius. [ did not think you would have re~eated such a story before me1 (She
turns away coldly.)
CATHERINE (also rising)..,_,She is ri gb_t, Sergius. If such women exist, we should b

1
~ared the knowledge of them
PETKOFF. Pooh! nonsense! what does it matter?
SERGIUS (ashamed). No, Petkoff: I. was wrong. (To Raina, with earnest humility.) I
He proceeds solemnly, again addressing Raina.) The glimpses l have had of
the seamy side of life during the last few months have made me cynical; but I
Raina. !-(Here, turning to the others, he is evidently about to begin a long
r, - ..., .. _ I _ • I •
n.os PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
27 of 70
reserved in shewing her enthusiasm. As he enters from
the stable gate, she rises effusively to greet him. Petkoff
is distinctly less disposed to make a fuss about bim.)
PETKOFF. Here already, Sergius. Glad to see you!
CATHERINE. My dear Sergius!(She holds out both her hands.)
SERGIUS (kissing them with scrupulous gallantry). My dear mother, if I may call
you so.
PETKOFF (drily). Mother-in-law, Sergius; mother-in-law! Sit down, and have some
coffee.
SERGrUS. Thank you, none for me. (He gets away from the table with a certain
distaste for Petkoff's enjoyment of it, and posts himself with conscious grace
against the Mil of the steps leading to the house.)
CATHERINE. You look superb-splendid. The campaign has improved you.

Everybody here is mad about you. We were all wild with enthusiasm about
that magnificent cavalry charge.
SERGIUS (with grave irony). Madam: it was the cradle and the grave of my
military reputation.
CA THERJNC How so?
ERGIUS. l woo the battle the wrong way when our worthy Russian generals were
losing it the right way. That upset their plans, and wounded their self-esteem.
Two of their colonels got their regiments driven back on die correct principles
of scientific warfare. Two major-generals got killed strictly according to
military etiquette. Those two colon-':' --- --··· --=-- ------•-· __ . .• ,. -- -.:11 a
simple major. He is outraged and irritated and thinks of
submitting his resignation because he has won
the battle for Bulgaria and still been unfairly
CATHERINE. You shall not remain so, denied a promotion. The officers believe that it 1d
they will see that justice is done yo was foolish and out of military etiquette despite
the fact that his cavalry charge was successful
SERGlUS. ~tis too late. I have only wai
PETKOFF (dropping bis cup in his amaz
CA THERINE. Oh, you must withdraw it!

11:07 PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
reserved in shewing her enthusiasm. As he enters from

the stable gate, she rises effusively to greet him. Petkoff
is distinctly less disposed to make a fuss about bim.)
PETKOFF. Here already, Sergius. Glad to see you!
CATHERINE. My dear Sergius!(She holds out both her hands.)
SERGIUS (kissing them with scrupulous gallantry). My dear mother, if I may call
you so.
PETKOFF (drily). Mother-in-law, Sergius; mother-in-law! Sit down, and have some
coffee.
SERGIUS. Thank you, none for me. (He gets away from the table with a certain
ni<:t:i<:tP. for PP.tlcnff'<: P.ninv111ent of it, and posts himself with conscious grace
This signifies that war has no place tor such 1d ing to the house.)
people like Sergius. whom war and soldiering is
beneath.
-splendid. The campaign has improved you.
1t you. We were all wild with enthusiasm about
~e.
adam: it was die cradle and the grave of my
ow so?
ERGIUSJ I won die battle the wrong way when our worthy Russian generals were
losing it the right way. That upset their plans, and wounded their self-esteem.
Two of their colonels got their regiments driven back on the correct principles
of scientific warfare. Two major-generals got killed strictly according to
military etiquette. Those two colonels are now major-generals; and I am still a
simple major.
CATHERINE. You shall not remain so, Sergius. The women are on your side; and
they will see d1at justice is done you.
SERGlUS. ~tis too late. I have only waited for die peace to send in my resiS!!ation.
PETKOFF (dropping bis cup i11 his amazement). Your resignation!
CA THERINE. Oh, you must withdraw it!

11:07 PM sun 12 d'JilTKOFF. There's Sergius. (Shouting.) Hollo, Nicola! ~© 76%(•)•
CATHERrNE. Oh, don't shout, Paul: it really isn't nice.

26 of 70
PETKOFF. Bosh! (He shouts louder than before.) Nicola!
NlCOLA (appearing at the house door). Yes, sir.
PETKOFF. If that is Major Saranoff, bring him round this way. (He pronounces the
name with the stress on the second syllable-Sarah-noff.)
NICOLA. Yes, sir. (He goes into the stable yard.)
Iv
PETKQ!:E ou must talk to him, my dear, until Raina takes him off our hands. H
ores my life out about our not P.romoting him-over my head, mind you.I
CATHERINE. Here is the ideal hero for Romantic Raina- anies Raina' Besides,
Sergius who represents the picture of Byronism- neral.
idealistic, handsome and brooding. Byron is a
romantic poet whose poems praised beauty,
ETKOFFJ Yes, so youth, and emotions and lived an adventurous ; instead of regiments.
H's no use, ID) life of love and battle iromotion until we are
quite sure that
NICOLA (at the gat He goes into the house

and returns pr, ,s at the table. He then
wi tbdraws.)
-
ajor Sergius Saranoff, the original of the portrait in
Raina's room, is a ta!J, romantically handsome man
with the physical hardihood, the high spirit, and the
susceptible imagination of an untamed mountaineer
chieftain. But his remarkable personal distinction is of a
characteristically civilized type. The ridges of his
eyebrows, curving with a ram's-horn twist round the
marked projections at the outer corners, bis jealously
observant eye, his nose, thin, keen, and apprehensive in
spite of the pugnacious high bridge and large nostril, his
assertive chin, would not be out of place in a Paris
salon. ln short, the clever, imaginative barbarian has an
. ~ .,
11:07 PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•
Done Arms_and_the_Man_Text- Copy.pdf

26 of 70
PETKOFF. If that is Major Saranoff, brin Sergius thought that he would be promoted for
leading the cavalry charge and making B win the
name with the stress on the second war; however, he has not been promoted
because his act has not been considered lactic
NICOLA. Yes, sir. (He goes into the stab] or professional
PETKQ!:E You must talk to him, my des

ores my life out about our not pro
CATHERINE. He certainly ought to be promoted when he marries Raina Besides,

the cou-vy should insist on having at least one native general.
PETKOFFJ Yes, so that be could throw away whole brigades instead of regiments.
It's no use, my dear: he has not the slightest chance of promotion until we are
quite sure that the peace will be a lasting one.
NICOLA (at the gate, announcing). Major Sergius Saranoffl (He goes into the house
and returns presently with a third chair, which he places at the table. He then
withdraws.)
-
Major Sergius Saranoff, the original of the portrait in
Raina's room, is a tall, romantically handsome man
marked projections at the outer corners, his jealously
. ~
11:07 PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
25 of 70
CATHERINE. You are a barbarian at heart still, Paul. J hope you behaved yourself
before alJ those Russian officers.
PETKOFF. I did my best. I took care to let them know that we had a1 ._.
CATHERIN EJ Ah; but you didn't tell them that we have an electric bell in it? I hav
[had one put up.
PETKOFF. What's an electric bell?
CATHERINE. You touch a button; something tinkles in the kitchen; and then
Nicola comes up.
PETKOFF. Why not shout for him? The are yet to know how best to assert
themselves as upper-class society members.
They are unable to know the rules and behavior
CA THERINE. Civilized people never she of aristocratic families.
you were away.
PETKOFF. IWell, I'll tell you something I

but their washing to dry where visi
bndicating the clothes on the bushes
CATHERINE. Oh, that's absurd, Paul: 1 don't believe really refined people notice
such things.
(Someone is heard knocking at the stable gates.)
PETKOFF. There's Sergius. (Shouting.) Hollo, Nicola!
CATHERINE. Oh, don't shout, Paul: it really isn't nice.
NICOLA (appearing at the house door). Yes, sir.
PETKQFF. iY ou must talk to him, my dear, until Raina takes him off our hand~ -
ores mv life out about our not nromotina him--over mv head. mind vou.
11:07 PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
25 of 70
CA THERfN E. You are a barbarian at hea Catherine cares more about public appearances;
she tells P that, in his absence, they have
before alJ those Russian officers. installed an electric bell for the servants. So they
wont shout. she fins it more civilized • but P finds
it unnecessary.
PETKOFF. I did my best. I took care to le
CATHERIN EJ Ah; but you didn't te11 the

had one put up.
Nicola comes up.
PETKOFF. Why not shout for him?
CATHERINE. Civilized people never shout for their servants. I've learnt that while
you were away.
PETKOFF. ~ell, I'll tell you something I've learnt, too. Civilized people don't han
rut their washing to dry where visitors can see it; so you'd better have all thaf
,(indicating the clothes on the bushes) put somewhere else.
CATHERINE. Oh, that's absurd, Paul: I don't believe really refined people notice
such things.

-
PETKOFF. iY ou must talk to him, my dear, until Raina takes him off our hands. H
ores mv life out about our not nromotina him--over mv head. mind vou. -
11:07 PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•

---- ------·, -··· --·· --·-- ·· --- -··· --- ------o o-··-,
24of 70 hair, with Turkish slippers on her bare feet, comes from
the house, looking astonishjggjy ..b,a.nd§.ome ~d.J.t11tel
CA THERJNE. My dear Paul, what a surprise for us. (She stoops over the back of
PETKOFF. Yes, Louka's been looking after me. The war's over. The ~reaty was
signed three days ago at Bucharest; and the decree for our army to demobilize
was issued yesterday.
CA THERINE (springing erect, with flashi

opposite of his wife Catherine •
PETKOFF (submissively). !My dear: they
I
PETKOFF (appeasing her).-but not friendly relations: remember that They

do?
CA THERJNE. You could have annexed Servia and made Prince Alexander
Emperor of the Balkans. That's what 1 would have done.
PETKOFF. 1 don't doubt it in the least, my dear. But I should have had to subdue the
whole Austrian Empire first; and that would have kept me too long away from
CA THERINE (relenting). Ah! (Stretches her hand affectionately across the table to
squeeze his.)
PETKOFF. And how have you been, my dear?

11:07 PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•

---- ------·, -··· --·· --·-- ·· --- -··· --- ------o o-··-,
24of 70 hair, with Turkish slippers on her bare feet, comes from
the house, looking astonishjggjy ..b,a.nd§.ome ~d.J.t11tel
CA THERJNE. My dear Paul, what a surprise for us. (She stoops over the back of
PETKOFF. Yes, Louka's been looking after me. The war's over. The ~reaty was
signed three days ago at Bucharest; and the decree for our army to demobilize
Catherine is shocked and ottended when Petkott

reveals that the Bulgarians and Russian have
brokered a peace with the Serbs, instead of
vanquishing them without condition.
CA THERINE (springing erect, with flashi

PETK.Qfl (submissively). !My dear: the,-.~----~···- ·~~--¥--~·~~"'"'~ ..

its down and turns away from him.) But of course we saw to it that the trea
PETKOFF (appeasing her).-but not friendly relations: remember that. They

do?
CA THERJNE. You could have annexed Servia and made Prince Alexander
Emperor of the Balkans. That's what 1 would have done.
PETKOFF. 1 don't doubt it in the least, my dear. But I should have had to subdue the
CA THERINE (relenting). Ah! (Stretches her hand affectionately across the table to
squeeze bis.)
PETKOFF. And how have you been, my dear?

11:06 PM Sun 12 Dec ~ @ 76% 1• I•
22 of 70
like of you and me when we try to rise out of our poverty against them. (He
goes close to her and lowers his voice.) Look at me, ten years in their service.
Do you think I know no secrets? 1 know things about the mistress that she
wouldn't have the master know for a thousand levas. I know things about him
-
that she wouldn't let him bear the last of for six months if 1 blabbed them to
her. I know things about Raina that would break off her match with Sergius
if-
LOUKA (turning on him quickly). How do you know? I never told you!
NICOLA (opening his eyes cunningly). So that's your little secret, is it? l thought it
might be something like that, Wei I, you take my advice, and be respectful; and
make the mistress feel that no matter what you know or don't know, they can
depend on you to hold your tongue and serve the family faithfully. That's what
they like; and that's how you'll make most out of them.
LOUKA (with searching scorn). You have the soul ofa servant, Nicola.
lCOLA (complacently). Yes: that's the secret of success in service.
(A loud knocking with a wb II means that her poor birth and class wont be
outside on the left, is heard.' the same and the upper class will not define her
MALE VOICE OUTSIDE. Hollo! Hollo
NICOLA (quickly). My word for it, Lo :t

some fresh coffee. (He runs out into
LOUKA (as sh£_Q_uts the coffe(Ll)__ot and the cups upon the tra'J, 'and carries it into the
house). jy ou'II never put the soul of a servant into me.
(Major Petkoff comes from the stable yard, followed by

Nicola. He is a cheerful, excitable, insignificant
unpolished man of about 50, naturally unambitious
except as to bis income and his importance in local
ociety, but just now greatly pleased with the military
rank which the war has thrust on him as a man of
which the Serviao attack roused in all the Bulgarians
11:07 PM sun 12 d'JilTKOFF. There's Sergius. (Shouting.) Hollo, Nicola! ~© 76%(•)•
CATHERrNE. Oh, don't shout, Paul: it really isn't nice.

26 of 70
PETKQ!:E You must talk to him, my dear, until Raina takes him off our hands. H
ores my life out about our not P.romoting him-over my head, mind you.I
Petkoff seems to have known that Sergius is

incompetent as far as military issues are
concerned. because the his cavalry charge was
successful, it was foolish and out of military
etiquette.
when he marries Raina Besides,

ne native general.
ETK.QFFJ Yes, so that he could throw away whole brigades instead of regiments.
It's no use, my dear: be has not the slightest chance of promotion until we are
NICOLA (at the gate, announcing). Major Sergius Saranoffl (He goes into the house
and returns presently with a third chair, which he places at the table. He then
withdraws.)
-
Major Sergius Saranoff, the original of the portrait in
Raina's room, is a tall, romantically handsome man
marked projections at the outer comers, bis jealously
. ~ ..
n.os PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
28 of 70
Sergius's arrogant decision of resignation turns

to be ironic and comedic because the audience
and readers know well that he is clumsy, inept
and inappropriate
SERGIUS (with resolute, measured emp
PETKOFF (vexed). Now who could h~ a

thing?
SERGIUS (with fire). Everyone that knew me. But enough of myself and my affairs.
How is Raina; and where is Raina?
RAINA (suddenly coming round the comer of the house and standing at the top of
the steps in the path). Raina is here. (She makes a charming picture as they all
turn to look at her. She wears an underdress of pale green silk, draped with an
overdress of thin ec111 canvas embroidered with gold. On ber head she wears a
pretty Phrygian cap of gold tinsel. Sergius, with an exclamation of pleasure,
goes impulsively to meet her. She stretches out her hand: he drop
chivalrously on one knee and kisses it.)
PETKOFF (aside to Catherine, beaming with parental pride). Pretty, isn't it? She
always appears at the right moment.
CA THERINE (impatiently). Yes: she listens for it. It is an abominable habit.
(Sergius leads Raina forward with splendid gallantry, a

if she were a queen. When they come to the table, she
turns to him with a bend of the bead; be bows; and thus
they separate, he coming to his place, and she going
behind her father's chair.)
RAINA (stooping and kissing her fatber). Dear father! Welcome home!
PETKOFF (patting her cheek). My little pet girl. (He kisses her; she goes to the
cbair left by Nicola for Sergius, and sits down.)
CATHERINc And so you're no longer a soldier, Sergius.

r-
lSERGIUS. I am no longer a soldier. Soldiering, my dear madam, is the coward's art
of attacking mercilessly when you are strong, and keeping out of harm's way
when you are weak. That is the whole secret of successful fighting. Get your
enemy at a disadvantage; and never, on any account, fight him on equal terms.
Eh, Major!
n.os PM Sun 12 Dec ~© 76%(•)•
31 of 70
CATHERJNE (stopping him playfully). You stay here, my dear Sergius: there's no
hurry. l have a word or two to say to Paul. (Sergius instantly bows and step
back.) Now, dear (taking Pelkoff's arm), come and see the electric bell.
PETKOFF. Oh, very well, very well. (They go into the house together
affectionately. Sergius, left alone with Raina, looks anxiously at her, fearing
that she may be still offended. She smiles, and stretches out her arms to him.)
(Exit R. into house, followed by Catherine.)
SERGIUS (hastening to her, but refraining from touching her without express
permission). Am I forgiven?
RAINA (placing her hands on his shoul •.•... , as she looks up at him with admiration
and worship). ~y hero! My
kini'
SERGIUS. My queen! (He kisses her on the forehead with holy awe.)
RAINA. How 1 have envied you, Sergius Whal Sergius has made-deeds mean cavalry
charge are mere foolish and reckless and hence
field of battle, able to prove yourseU ii is humorous to be proud of them before Rain
whilst l have bad to sit at home inac who knows his real act.
that could give me the right to call n:
SERGIUS. Dearest, all my deeds have b

~ough the war Like a knight in a to1
RAlNA. And you have never been absen, ~v·~ ~J =v-0 ••• ~ •v• - ..-v ••• -.•.. , . -·i
solemnly.) Sergius: I think we two have found the higher love. When I think of
you, I feel that [ could never do a base deed, or think an ignoble thought.
SERGIUS. My lady, and my saint! (Clasping her reverently.)
RAINA (returning his embrace). My lord and my g-
SERGIUS. Sh-sh! Let me be the worshipper, dear. You little know how unworthy
even the best man is of a girl's pure passion!
RA1NA. I trust you. I love you. You will never disappoint me, Sergius. (Louka i
heard singing within the house. They quickly release each other.) I-lush! I can't
pretend to talk indifferently before her: my heart is too full. (Louka comes
from the house with her tray. She goes to the table, and begins to clear it, with
when you know it must be done. Well, that pipe must be got down-(He hits
himself on the chest, and adds)-Do you hear that, you chocolate cream
soldier? (He turns to the window.)
RACNA (anxiously). But if you fall?

It seems that Raina takes a liking for the man
though he serves for the Serbs and that he is
MAN. ~ shall sleep as if the stones were
militarily considered an enemy. This Indicates
for the window, and his hand is on I that Raina is not a static or decisive person f
firing in the street beneath.) where she keeps changing her mind occasionally
according to the situation.
RAlNA Crushing to him). Stop! (She ca

~uite round.) They'll kill you
MAN (coolly, but attentively). Never mine. -~v ~c,

VVH v~ ~J --JV ••
•v _ •• w vu,.
I'm bound to take my chance. (Decisively.) Now do what I tell you. Put out the
candles, so that they shan't see the light when l open the shutters. And keep
away from the window, whatever you do. If they see me, they're sure to have a
bot at me.
RAINA (clinging to him). They're sure to see you: it's bright 1noonligh~'ll save
you-oh, how can you be so indifferent? Wou want me to save you,)jon't you?
MAN. l really don't want to be troublesome. (She shakes him in her impatience.) I
am not indifferent, ~young lady, I assure you. But bow is it to be done?
RAINA. Come away from the window-please. (She coaxes fti.tn back to the middle
of the room. He submits humbly. She releases him, and addresses him
patronizingly.) Now listen. [ou must trust to our hospitality]You do not yet
know in whose house you are. ~ am a Petlcoffl
MAN. What's that?
MAN. Oh, yes, of course. I beg your pardon. [ThePetkoffs:Jp be sure. How stupid
ofme!
RAINA. You know you never beard of them until this minute. How can you stoop
to pretend?
MAN (turning). How?
RAINA. You are my enemy; and you are at my mercy. What would I do if I were a
professional soldier?
MAN. Ah, true, dear young lady: you're always right. I know how good you have
been to me: to my last how· I shall remember those three chocolate creams. It
was unsoldierly; but it was angelic.
RAINA (coldly). Thank you. And now I will do a soldierly thing. You cannot stay
here after what you have just said about my future husband; but I will go out
on the balcony and see whether it is safe for you to cLimb down into the street.
(She turns to the window.)
MAN (changing countenance). Down that waterpipe! Stop! Wait! I can't! l daren't!
The very the . fast enough with death
. ~~~~m~~~~b~a~t~s ,
behind me. I is another notion of the harsh reality of war-no iks on the ottoman.) It
no use: I giv eating, sleeping and being under fire for days. )S bis bead in bis hand
. So, is ii logic to say that war is glorious and
m U1e deepes heroic notion!?
RAINA (disannec (She sto~m~ O.Y

. fr him
almost mate, ra very poor soldier-~
,chocolate en courage to climb down
than to face <...
MAN (dream~x_, lulled by her voice)~- .Jo, capture only means death; and death is
slee~p, steel?, sleep} undisturbed sleep! Climbing down the pipe
means doing something-exerting myself-thinking! Death ten tunes over
first.
RAINA (softly and wonderingly, catching the rhythm of his weariness). Are you so
sleepy as that?
MAN. I've not had two hours' undisturbed sleep since the war began. I'm on the
raff: you don't know what that means. I haven't closed my eyes for thirty-six
hours.
-
RAINA (desperately). But what am I to do with you.
MAN (staggering up). Of course l must do something. (He shakes himself; pulls
himself together; and speaks with rallied vigour and courage.) You see, sleep
or no sleep, hunger or no hunger, tired or not tired, you can always do a thing
5:49 PM Thu 18 Nov ':,.'36%1£]•

14 of 70
cleverest tJ,ing ever known, whereas he ought to be courtmartialled for it. Of

all the foc.s-ever let loose on a field of battle, that man must be the very
biaddestj He and his regiment simply committed suicide-only the pistol
missed fire, that's all.
the man frequently apologizes for Raina: this
RAINA (deeply wounde illuminates that he is at core polite and might leed! Would you
have affection for her.
know him again if)
MAN. Shall I ever forget vers. He watches

her with a vague h · him to eat. She
takes the portrait frc
RAINA. That is a aero-e-to whom I

am betrothed.
MAN (looking at it). I'm really very 1sorry.l (Looking at her.) Was it fair to lead me
on? (He looks at the portrait again.) Yes: that's him: not a doubt of it. (He
stifles a laugh.)
RAINA (quickly). Why do you laugh?
MAN (shamefacedly, but still greatly tickled). I didn't laugh, I assure you. At least I
didn't mean to. But when I think of him charging the windmills and thinking
he was doing the finest thing-(chokes with suppressed laughter).
RAINA (sternly). Give me back the portrait. sir.
MAN (with sincere remorse). Of course. Certainly. I'm really very sorry. (She
deliberately kisses it, and looks him straight in the face,-bejore returning to the
chest of drawers to replace it. He follows her, ~pologizing.) Perhaps I'm quite
wrong, you know: no doubt l am. Most likely he had got wind of the cartridge
business somehow, and knew it was a safe job.
RAINA. That is to say, be was a pretender and a coward! You did not dare say that
before.
MAN (with a comic gesture of despair). It's no use, dear lady: 1 can't make you see it
from the professional point of view. (As he turns away to get back to the
ottoman, the firing begins again in the distance.)
MAN (turning). How?
RAINA. You are my enemy; and you are at my mercy. What would I do if I were a
professional soldier?
MAN. Ah, true, dear young lady: you're always right. I know how good you have
been to me: to my last hour I shall remember those three chocolate creams. It
was unsoldierly; but it was angelic.
RAINA (coldly). Thank you. And now l will do a soldierly thing. You cannot stay
here after what you have just said about my future husband; but I will go out
on the balcony and see whether it is safe for you to climb down into the street.
(She turns lo the window.)
MAN (changing countenance). Down that waterpipe! Stop! Wait! I can't! I daren'tl
The very thought of it makes me girl,h, T f''lmP tin it ·foct ""'""'" ,vith NP<>th
behind me. But to face it now in CO Raina is touched and moved by his immediate
no use: I give up: I'm beaten. Give t situation and she might have sentiment or
passion for him
in Ute deepest dejection.)
RAINA (disarmed by pity). Come, don'

rJmost maternally: he shakes his b1
chocolate cream soldie~] Come, che
I
than to face capture-remember that
MAN (dreamjly, lullewd bY. heLVOice)'-...Jo, capture only means death; and death is
leep-ph, sleep, sleep, sleepl undisturbed sleep! Climbing down the pipe
means doing something-exerting myself-thinking! Death ten tunes over
first.
RAINA (softly and wonderingly, catching the rhythm of his weariness). Are you so
leepy as that?
MAN. l've not had two hours' undisturbed sleep since the war began. I'm on the
taff: you don't know what that means. I haven't closed my eyes for thirty-six
hours.
RAINA (desperately). But what am I to do with you.
MAN (staggering up). Of course I must do something. (He shakes himself; pulls
himself together; and speaks with rallied vigour and courage.) You see, sleep
or no sleep, hunger or no hunger, tired or not tired, you can always do a thing
5:48 PM Thu 18 Nov ':,.'36%1£]•
RAINrf' (herweyes dila~ing..as shewqises her clasped hands ecstatically). Yes

One !-the bravest of the brave!
MAN (prosaically). Hrn ! you should see the poor devil pulling at bis horse.
RAINA. Why should be pull at his horse?
MAN (impatient of so stupid a question). lt's running away with him, of course: do
you suppose the fellow wants to get there before the others and be killed?
Then they all come. You can tell the young ones by their wildness and their
slashing. The old ones come bunched up under the number one guard: they
know that they are mere projectiles, anrl that it's nn use rrvino tn fiohr ThP.
wounds are mostly broken knees, fron Because sergius's cavalry charge was stupid
and foolish and that the charge resulted in
devastating losses for Serbs on account of lack
RATNA. Ugh! But I don't believe the first rr of ammunition/, for the pistol missed fire!
MAN (goodhumoredly). That's what you'd

the charge to-day.
RAINA /1...reathless). Ah, I knew it! Tell me

RArNA. How could [?
MAN. Ah, perhaps not-of course. WeU, it's a funny sight. Jt'S-like..slingiug_a
handful of peas against a window pane: first one comes; then two or three
ctoS'e frel11ndafi1m;-an"8Toen"all"ffi~resfrrf\i lump.
RAINrf- (herweye§...dilati.rig as she raises her clasped hands ecstatically). Yes

One !-the bravest of the brave!
MAN (prosaically). Hm ! you should see the poor devil pulling at bis horse.
RAINA. Why should be pull at his horse?
MAN (impatient of so stupid a question). It's running away with him, of course: do
Then thev all come. You can tell the young ones by their wildness and their
The cavalry charge led by Sergius was like :ome bunched up under the number one guard: they
committing suicide. The victory was mere by : projectiles, and that it's no use trying to fight. The
chance because the Serbs lack/ or they had no kn f th h · h
correct ammunitions. So, Sergius was not heroic :n ees, rom e orses cannorung to get er.
and was instead rather stupid, and very lucky.
:ve the first man is a coward. I believe he is a hero!
s what you'd have said if you'd seen the first man in
RAINA!' -reathless). Ab, 1 knew it! Tell me-tell me about him.
~n/"\" .J."il He did it like an operatic tenor-a regular handsome {PtJow, with flashin
,~)'.eL_and)qveJY. mQ._ll§.tache,.§hQ.uting a war-gy and charg'u,5 like Don Quixot
at the windmiJI~. ~e nearly burst with laughter at him]
but when the ser eant
ran up as white as a sheet, and told us they'd sent us the ron cartrid es, and
!tl_!.at we couldn't fire) a shot for the next ten minutes, we laughed at the other
ide of our mouths. I never felt so sick in my life, though I've been in one or
two very tight places. And I hadn't even a revolver cartridge-nothing but
chocolate. We'd no bayonets-nothing. Of course, they just cut us to bits. And
there was Don Quixote flourishing like a drum major, thinking he'd done the
cleverest tJ,ing ever known, whereas he ought to be courtmartialled for it. Of

~11 thP -fnl'\. _ P\/Pr IPt lnn~P nn ~ fiPlrl nf h~ttlP t·h~t n,~n m11ct hP thP \/Pr\/
Now Raina's belief in Sergius's glory and heroics
is totally shattered.
RAINA (eagerly turning to him, as all he

ack on her). Did you see the gre
Describe it to me.
MAN. You never saw a cavalry charge, did you?
RAINA. How could I?
MAN. Ah, perhaps not-of course. Well, it's a funny sight. JL'S !11<e..s11ng1ng_a
handful of peas against a window pane: first one comes; then two or three
dn·~P. hhl,,nrl lnm-=rfiithP.TI~lFfhP. rP.~ff~ lump.
RAIN.A (her eyes_dilati11g as sh~ raises her clasped hands ecstatically). Yes
One!-the bravest of the brave!
MAN (prosaically). Hm ! you should see the poor devil pulling at his horse.
RAINA. Why should he pull at his horse?
MAN (impatient of so stupid a question). It's running away with him, of course: do
Then they all come. You can tell the young ones by their wildness and their
slashing. The old ones come bunched up under the number one guard: they
know that they are mere projectiles, and that it's no use trying to fight. The
wounds are mostly broken knees, from the horses cannoning together.
RAINA. Ugh! But l don't believe the first man is a coward. I believe he is a hero!
MAN (gocdhurnoredly). That's what you'd have said if you'd seen the first man in
the charge to-day.
RAINA (1...reathless). Ah, I knew it! Tell me-tell me about him.
~nn..i"jHe did it like an operatic tenor-a regular handsome f.,Jlow, with flashing
eyes ancLJ_9vely..,moustache,._§houting=a Wi!t;_j:r)Wlnq_charg'... 5 like Don Quixote
at the windmi~. ~e nearly burst with laughter at him; but when the serg~ant
f!l. UR as white as a sheet, and told us they'd seat us the [wrongcartridges, llE,
~at we couldn't f~ a shot for the next ten minutes, we laughed at the other
side of our mouths. I never felt so sick in ray life, though J've been in one or
two very tight places. And I hadn't even a revolver cartridge-nothing but
chocolate. We'd no bayonets-nothing. Of course, they just cut us to bits. And
there was Don Quixote flourishing Like a drum major, thinking he'd done the
accepts me mevuaoie wnn pau1t:11c goounumor, anu says, wnn graterui
emotion) Bless you, ~ear lady. You can a,h'@Y,s teH an old soldier by the inside
of his holsjers and cartridge boxes. The toung ones carry~tols an
cartridges; the old ones, grub~ Thank you. (He hands back the box. She
snatches it contemptuously from him and throws it away. This impatient action
is so sudden that he shies again.) Ugh! Don't do things so suddenly, graciou
lady. Don't revenge yourself because I frightened you just now.
RAINA -~uperbly). Frighten me! Do you know, sir, ~at though I am only a woman,
I tr:-k I am at heart as brave as you.
AN. T should think so. You haven't been under tire for three days as I have. I can
stand two days without shewing it much; but no man can stand three days: I'm
as nervous as a mouse. (He sits down on the ottoman, and takes his head in his
hands.) Would you like to see me cry?
RAINA (quickly). No.
MAN. If you would, all you have to do is to scold me just as if I were a little boy
and you my nurse. If I were in camp now they'd play all sorts of tricks on me.
RAINA (a little moved). I'm sorry. 1 won't """',1 """ tTn •• .-1,,.,1 h., •h0 •• ,~n-,th" ''l
her tone, be raises his bead and look they are not professionals or having soldiering
hack and says sti ftly) You must exc experience
moves away from the ottoman.)
MAN. 'Oh, }'.es, the}'. are~ There are only

ones. I've served fourteen years: t
efore. Why, how is it that you've ju '
war, nothing else. (Indignantly.) I ne
RAlNA r:~onically). Oh, was it unprofr-=sonal to beat you?
. Well, come, is it [Profession!!) to throw a regiment of cavalry on a battery of

machine guns, with the dead certainty that if the guns go off not a horse or
man will ever get within fifty yards of the fire? I couldn't believe my eyes
when I saw it.
accepts me mevuaoie wnn pau1t:11c goounumor, anu says, w1111 graterui
of his holsjers and cartridge boxes. The toung ones carry~tols ~
h'at though I am only a woman,

RAINA -~uperbly). Frighten me! Do you know, sir, f
tr:-k I am at heart as brave as you.
MAN. If you would, all you have to do is to scold me just as if I were a Little boy
RAINA (a little moved). I'm sorrv. I won't scold vou. (Touched by the sympathy i'l
her tone, he r Sergius' victory is revealed to be the product of ihe in1J:11e?iatelyJ!n.. "
hack and say: dumb luck rather than skill or bravery. The S are not hke that) (She
opposing army's ammunitions were
moves away 1 depleted(used up/lower) because of a mix-up in
cartridge supplies
MAN. 1oh, )'es, tb rs: old ones ...,"d young
-- I
ones.
·~~
I've se never sm"..:: powde_!J
efore. jWhy, j~orancer of the art Of
war, nothing , > unprofessional.
RAINA{:~onically). Oh, was it unprofr- ")ional to beat you?
~ We!J, come, is it [Professionalj to throw a regiment of cavalry on a battery of

when I saw it.
emotion) Bless you, ~ear lady. You can a.h'@Y,s teH an old soldier by the inside
of his holsjers and cartridge boxes. The toung ones carry~tols ,!!)
RAINA -~uperbly). Frighten me! Do you know, sir, fh'at though I am only a woman,
I tr:-k I am at heart as brave as you.
MAN. If you would, all you have to do is to scold me just as if l were a little boy
RA.INA (a little moved). I'm sorry. I won't scold you. (Touched by the sympathv-t-i
The man describes the cavalry charge led by a
ad and looks gratefuliyJ)t her: she immediately dn..••
handsome young man/Sergius whose bravery 1u must excuse me: ~our soldiers are not like thad (She
caused the Serbs to break in laughter because it
was stupid and foolish.
oman.)
-e are only two sorts of soldiers: oJi.ong_-<ind__y.,2_ung

1
en years: half of you~J'ellows never sm~, powde.!j
at you've just beaten us? !Sheer i~orance] of the art of
iantly.) I never saw anything so unprofessional.
RAINA,• <ouically). Oh, was it unprofe=ioual to beat you?
ANJ Well, come, is it [Professional] to throw a regiment of cavalry on a battery of

when 1 saw it.
of his holsjers and cartridge boxes. The toung ones carry~tols ~
RAINA -~uperbly). Frighten me! Do you know, sir, ~hat though I am only a woman,
tr:-k I am at heart as brave as you.
AN. T should think so. You haven't been under fire for three days as I have. I can
stand two days without shewing it much; but no man can stand three days: l'm
MAN. If you would, all you have tc Raina patriotically tells him that B soldiers are e boy
and you my nurse. If I were in , not like him- they must be more heroic-act
me.
heroically.
RAINA (a little moved). I'm sorry. 1 ·lp,_i

her tone, be raises his bead anc . .Ia -e-S
hack and says stiffly) You mm j(She
moves away from the ottoman.
RAlNA r:~onically). Oh, was it unprofr-v-ional to beat you?
. Well, come, is it [Professional to throw a regiment of cavalry on a battery of

when I saw it.
emotion) Bless you, ~ear lady. You can a.h'@Y,s teH an old soldier by the inside
of his holsjers and cartridge boxes. The toung ones carry~tols ,!!)
cartridges; the old ones, grubJ Thank you. (He hands back the box. She
lady. Don't revenge yourself because l frightened you just now.
ou know, sir, f
h'at though I am only a woman,
OU.
haven't been under tire for three days as I have. I can

In a reply to Raina's claim- he says that she is
right because It is "easier said than done" ; she
hewing it much; but no man can stand three days: I'm
has not been under fires and had no food for He sits down on the ottoman, and takes his head in his
three days - images of harsh reality of war.
o see me cry?
rave to do is to scold me just as if l were a little boy

re in camp now they'd play all sorts of tricks on me.
RAINA (a little moved). I'm sorry. 1 won't scold you. (Touched by the sympathv-t-i
her tone, be raises his bead and looks gratefuliyJ)t her: she immediately dn..••
hack and says stiffly) You must excuse me: iour soldiers are not like thad (She
moves away from the ottoman.)
MAN. 'Oh, }:'es, the}:' areJ There are only two sorts of soldiers: oJi.ong,_$1nd_y.,2_ung
1
ones. I've served fourteen years: half of you(_fellows never sm~, powde_!i
efore. Why, how is it that you've just beaten us? !Sheer i~orance] of the art of
war, nothing else. (Indignantly.) I never saw anything so unprofessional.
RAINA r:~onically). Oh, was it unproff"">ional to beat you?
. Well, come, is it professional to throw a regiment of cavalry on a battery of

when I saw it.
MAN. Noble!-heroic! [B ut I'm not saved yet! This particular rush will soon pass
through; but the pursuit will go on all night by fits and starts. I must take my
chance to get off during a quiet interval. You don't mind my waiting just a
minute or two, do you?
RAINA. Oh, no: I am sorry you will have to go into danger again. (Motioning
towards ottornan.) Won't you sit-(She breaks off with an irrepressible cry of
alarm as she catches sight of the pistol. The man, all nerves, shies like a
frightened horse.)
MAN (irritably). Don't frighten me like that. What is it?
RAINA. Your pistol! It was staring that officer in the face all the time. What an
escape!
MAN (vexed at being unnecessarily terrified). Oh, is that aU?
RAINA (starina at him rather suoerciliously, conceiving a poorer and poorer

He is a professional soldier and knows that iortionately more and more at her ease with
chocolate and food are more important in long (She takes up the pistol and hands it to him.)
run than bullets. So, he fights not for glory or
honor, but for banal purpose, .i.e to make a ainst me.
living.
t as he takes the pistol). No use, dear young
loaded. (He makes a grimace affr ,arrd'"'d1'ops
.ase.)
MAN. I've no !.•. ..munitionl

What use are cartridges in battle? I always carry
hocolatg instead; and I finished the last cake of that yesterday.
RAINA (outraged in her most cherished ideals of manhood). Chocolate! Do you

stuff your pockets with sweets-like a schoolboy-even in the field?
MAN. Yes. Isn't it contemptible?
(Raina stares at him, unable to utter her feelings. Then

she sails away scornfully to the chest of drawers, and
returns with the box of confectionery in her hand.)
RAINA. Allow me. I am sorry I have eaten them all except these. (She offers him
the box.)
RAJNA. Don't leave mY. mother, Louka, whilst the soldiers are here. (!Louka glance~
;a t Raina, at the ottoman, at the curtain; then purses her lips secretivelyfjiiughs
to herself, and goes out. Raina follows her to the door, shuts it behind her with
a slam, and locks it violently. The man immediately steps out from behind the
curtain, sheathing his sabre, and dismissing the danger from bis mind in a
businesslike way.)
MAN. A narrow shave; but a miss is as good as a mile. Dear young lady, your
ervant until death. I wish for your sake 1 had joined the Bulgarian army
instead of the Servian. I am not a native Servian.
RAINA (haughtily). No, you are one of the Austrians who set the Servians on to rob
us of our national Liberty, and who officer their army for them. We bate them!
MAN. Austrian! not L. Don't hate me, dear young lady. I am only a Swi§§, fi!);•••• ng
merely as a professional soldier. I joined Servia because it was neareJ to me.
Be generous: you've beaten us hollow.
RAINA. Have L not been generous?
We can clearly notice that the man is highly

concerned with survival.
MAN. Noble!-heroic! [But I'm not saved yet~ This particular rush will soon pass
RAINA. Ob, no: l am sorry you will have to go into danger again. (Motioning
towards ottoman.) Won't you sit-(She breaks off with an irrepressible cry of
alarrn as she catches sight of the pistol. The man, all nerves, shies like a
frightened horse.) ==----=_.
escape!
MAN (vexed at being unnecessarily terrified). Oh, is that all?

DA f'ltli.1 A /,..+.,...,.:...,.,.. ,..t, 1 ..• : •.•,.. - .... +.l.. ......• ,., ••...•....• .,.,..;1; .....• ,,..l.. ,...,..._,..,...,.,._,,.. ..,, _,...,..._,...,. •...•..• ..1 _,.. ••..• r...,_
towarns orroman.) won r you sn~.:,ne breaks on wan an irrepressiore cry or
frightened horse.)
RA.INA. Your pistol! It was staring that officer in the face all the time. What an
escape!
RAINA (s Why does he carry chocolate instead of

rceiving a poorer and poorer
opmu cartridges? ore and more at her ease with
1. He is practical or pragmatic-logical or realistic.
him). 2. He knows that he will get hungry especially at
the pistol and hands it to him.)
Pray 1 battles
3. He is more concerned with survival
4. He might not need cartridges; thererore, he
MAN_(grjr. carries chocolate. be pistol). No use, tdear young_
llad 5. He cares not of/about the army he fights for rakes a grimace ar'l"r
,an1:l-di"ops
RAINA. Load it by all means.
MAN. I've no l......,munitionJ What use are cartridges in battle? I always carry
bhocolatd instead; and I finished the last cake of that yesterday.
RAINA (outraged in her most cherished ideals of manhood). Chocolate! Do you

stuff your pockets with sweets-like a schoolboy-even in the field?
MAN. Yes. Isn't it contemptible?
(Raina stares at him, unable to utter her feelings. Then

she sails away scornfully to the chest of drawers, and
retwns with the box of confectionery in her band.)
RAINA. Allow me. I am sorry I have eaten them all except these. (She offers him
the box.)
MAN (ravenously). You're an angel! (He gobbles the comfits.) Creams! Delicious!
(He looks anxiously to see whether there are any more. There are none. He
accepts the inevita12.!L with pathetic goodhumor, and says, with grateful
'a t Raina, at the ottoman, at the curtain; then purses her lips secretivelyj laugh
to herself, and goes out. Raina follows her to the door, shuts it behind her with
a slam, and locks it violently. The man immediately steps out from behind the
curtain, sheathing his sabre, and dismissing the danger from his mind in a
businesslike way.)
servant until death. I wish for your sake I had joined the Bulgarian army
instead of the Servian. lam or· - --·'··- "--·'--
not a matter of devotion or loyalty or patriotism.
RAINA (haughtily). No, you are 01 He bears no allegiance to the Servians 1 to rob
us of our national liberty. and them!
MAN. Austrian! not l. Don't hate· ,g., ••ng

merely as a professional sole I to me.
Be generous: you've beaten u
RAINA. Have I not been generousr
MAN. Noble!-heroic! [But I'm not saved yet. This particular rush will soon pass
RAINA. Oh, no: I am sorry you will have to go into danger again. (Motioning
towards ottoman.) Won't you sit--(She breaks off with an irrepressible cry of
frightened horse.)
escape!
RAINA (staring at him rather superciliously, conceiving a poorer and poorer

opinion of him, and feeling proportionately more and more at her ease with
5:45 PM Thu 18 Nov ~37%1Li•

Bot 70
MAN (with grim goodbumor). AU of them, dear lady, all of tbem, believe me. It is
our duty to live as long as we can, and kill as many of the enemy as we can.
Now if you raise an alam1-
RAINA (cutting him short). You will shoot me. How do you know that l am afraid
to die?
MAN (cunningly). Ah; but suppose I don't shoot you, what wiJI happen then? Wb
a lot of y:our cavalry-the greatest blackgyards in your a.nuyd
, ;ill burst into]
lthis pretty room of yours and slaughter me here like a pig; for I'll fight like
~emon: they shan't get me into the street to amuse themselves with: I kno
iWhat they are1 A~_y_o_l!_P-re~ed t<L@ceive that s9rt of comp,an_y in your
resent undress? ~ina, suddenlv conscious 0Lhe.r.numt2-own. instinctivel
·shrinks and gathers it more { Raina contemptuously reproaches/ chides him "7d's,
pitilessly) It's rather scanty, eh? for not behaving like a gentleman on account of iistol
instantly and cries) Stop 1 (She , her i.dealistic image she keeps in mind regarding
' · · soldiers who should act like gentlemen.
RAINA (with dignified patience). On
MAN (d~rting to u,e ottoman and sr keep

the cloak] and you will take can ,ut it.
This is a better weapon tban L a the
ottoman.)
RAINA r ..'!volted). It is not the wea~on of a gentleman!
LLVL"~r•. It's good enough for a man with only you to stand between rum and death.
(As they look at one another for a moment, Raina hardly able to believe that
even a Servian officer can be so cynically and selfishly unchivalrous, they are
tartled by a sharp fusillade in the street. The chill of imminent death hushes
the man's voice as he adds) Do you bear? If you are going to bring those
coundrels in on me you shall receive them as you are. (Raina meets his eye
with unflinching scorn. Suddenly be starts, listening. There is a step outside.
straight in the face, saying with emphasis) [Some soldiers, I know, are afraid of
kteath.1
MAN (with grim goodhumor). All of them, dear lady, all of them, believe 111e. It i
Now if you raise an alarm-
RAlNA (cutting him short). You will shoot me. How do you know that lam afraid
to die?
MAN (cunningly). Ah; but suppose l don't shoot you, what will happen then? Why
a lot of :xour cavaJry-the greatest blackguards in :xour annY.=J.~ll burst int
lliis pretty room of yours and slaughter me here like a pig; for I'll fight like
~emon: they shan't get me into the street to amuse themselves with: I kno
!!,!t~eft you prepared .!Q.. receive that s9rL9f company in y9_ur:
resent undress? ~ina, suddenly conscious of her nightgown, instinctive)
brinks and gathers it more close))'. about her. He watches her, and adds
nirile-selv) It'<: r~thP.r <:r~nty, eh? (She turns to the ottoman. He raises his pistol
we can nolice that the man acts realistically, not ! (She stops.) Wbere are you going?
idealislically. He never pretends to be heroic or
courageous in front of Raina. He behavior shows , ) 0 I I ak
that he is fairly self-aware/honesty ,e · n Y to get my C O .
and snatching the cloak). A good idea. No: I'Li keep

ike care that nobody comes in and sees you without it.
than the pistol. (He throws the pistol down on the
RAlNAf' ··-;volted). ~tis not the weapon of a gentleman!
11vuu-.j It's good enough for a man with only you to stand between him and death.
startled by a sharp fusillade in the street. The chill of imminent death hushes
the man's voice as he adds) Do you hear? lf you are going to bring those
with unflinching scorn. Suddenly he starts, listening. There is a step outside.
Someone tries the door, and then knocks hurriedly and urgently at it. Raina
(A young Russian officer, in Bulgarian uniform, enters
sword in hand.)
THE OFFICER. (with soft, feline politeness and stiff military carriage). Good
evening, gracious lady; I am sorry to intrude, but there is a fugitive hiding on
the balcony. Will you and the gracious lady your mother please to withdraw
whilst we search?
RAINA (petulantly). Nonsense, sir, you can see that there is no one on the balcony.
(She th.rows the shutters wide open and stands with her back to the curtain
where the man is hidden, pointing to the moonlit balcony. A couple of shots
are fired right under the window, and a bullet shatters the glass opposite Raina,
who winks and gasps, but stands her ground, whi 1st Catherine screams, and the
officer rushes to the balcony.)
THE OFFICER. (on the balcony, shouting savagely down to the street). Cease firing
there, you fools: do you hear? Cease firing, damn you. (He glares down for a
moment; then turns to Raina, trying to resume his polite manner.) Could
anyone have got in without your knowledge? Were you asleep?
RAINA. No, I have not been to bed.
THE OFFICER. (impatiently, corning back into the room). Your neighbours have
their heads so full of runaway Se'"'';""~ th •• t th •• ,, ., •••• thom ""'"''"'""h"'r~.
(Politely.) Gracious lady, a thousa Louka is clever enough to realize the man's
which Raina returns coldly. Another presence; she is even more attentive than
Catherine and the soldiers.
closes the shutters. Sh e turns an d
scene curiously.)
RAINA.
r Don't
. leave 111)'. mother, Louka,--,v
at Raina, at the ottoman, at the c
to herself, and goes out. Raina follo-
a slam, and locks it violently. The ma.u '""I·"'
UUUtvUSQLl,1)' u,e
VUL UVlil VvUiUU
curtain, sheathing his sabre, and dismissing the danger from his mind in a
businesslike way.)
5:45 PM Thu 18 Nov ~37%1Li•

Bot 70
MAN (with grim goodbumor). AU of them, dear lady, all of them, believe me. It is
RA1NA (cutting him short). You will shoot me. How do you know that I am afraid
to die?
MAN (cunningly). Ab; but suppose I don he realizes that she fears social-awareness and
a lot of y:our cavalrY.-the greatest I disgrace
lthis pretty room of yours and slau '
~emon: they shan't get me into the
iWhat they are1 Are_yJ>_tL_pre~red
resent undress? ~ina, suddenly
shrinks and gathers it more closel
pitilessly) It's rather scanty, eh? (Sh,
instantly, and cries) Stop! (She stops.j vv uerc w c: yvu ~vu1~!
RA1NA (with dignified patience). Only to get my cloak.
MAN (darting to uie ottoman and snatching the cloak). A good idea. No: I'll keep
the ~loak] and you will take care that nobody comes in and sees you without it.
This is a better weapon than the pistol. (He throws the pistol down on the
ottoman.)
RAINA 1··'!volted). fii is not the weapon of a gentlem~

~v~ .••. It's good enough for a man with only you to stand between him and death.
tartled by a sharp fusillade in the street. The chill of imminent death hushes
the man's voice as he adds) Do you hear? If you are going to bring those
coundrels in on me you shall receive them as you are. (Raina meets bis eye
with unflinching scorn. Suddenly be starts, listening. There is a step outside.
5:45 PM Thu 18 Nov ~37%1Li•

Bot 70
MAN (with grim goodhumor). All of them, dear lady, all of them, believe me. [t is
The man does not have an idealized military
behavior; he just wants to protect his life by any
RA1NA (cutting him short). You wiU sho means.
to die?
MAN (cunningly). Ah; but suppose I don

a lot of xour cavaJn'.-tbe~ greatest I
!trus pretty room of yours and slau '
demon: they shan't get me into the
hat they arerAre~ you P~)P:~ tu l~C~~~· 1>':{l L v, l.,\)U,l'-<lU.)( w .Y~L!!;
eresent undress? (Raina, suddenly conscious of her nig!!tgown. instinctive!
shrinks and gathers it more closet)_' about hef, He watches her, and adds,
pitilessly) lt's rather scanty, eh? (She turns to the ottoman. He raises his pistol
instantly, and cries) Stop! (She stops.) Where are you going?
RAINA (with dignified patience). Only to get my cloak.
MAN (darting to u1e ottoman and snatching the cloak). A good idea. No: I'Li keep
the lc1oak] and you will take care that nobody comes in and sees you without it.
This is a better weapon than the pistol. (He throws the pistol down on the
ottoman.)
RA1NA r~~volted). ~tis not the wea1>on of a gentleman!
11v.1..n1":.It's good enough for a man with only you to stand between him and death.
startled by a sharp fusillade in the street. The chill of imminent death hushes
the man's voice as he adds) Do you hear? If you are going to bring those
with unflinching scorn. Suddenly he starts, listening. There is a step outside.
Someone tries the door, and then knocks hurriedly and urgenlly at it. Raina
looks at the man, breathless. He throws un his head with the gesture of a man
LOUKA (secretly, to Raina). lf you would like the shutters open, just give them a
push like this. (She pushes them: they open: she pulls them to again.) One of
them ought to be bolted at the bottom; but the bolt's gone.
RAINA (with dignity, reproving her). Thanks, Louka; but we must do what we are
told. (Louka makes a grimace.) Good-night.
LOUKA (carelessly). Good-night. (She goes out, swaggering.)
(Raina, left alone, goes to the chest of drawers, and

adores the portrait there with feelings that are beyond all
expression. She does not kiss it or press it to her breast
or shew it any mark of bodily affection; but she takes it
in her hands and elevates it like a priestess.)
RAlNA (looking up at the picture with worship.) Ob, I shall never be unworthy of
you any more, my hero-never, never, never.
(She replaces it revere, now, the writer turns into reality-reality of war,
little pile of books. Sh particularly in Raina's room. She expects/
finds her page; turns tl imagines soldiering is heroic actl yet, the soldier
whom she forcefully/unwillingly meets is sleepy,
with a happy sigh, ge exhausted and hungry; an Image that runs/
herself to sleep. But breaks the romantic image of soldiering and war
she draws in her mind
fiction, she raises her
blessed reality and mur
My hero! my hero!
(A distan,Ls,b,,oJ.!J$~JiS,,th!!.,-,5l!}J$t of l:p
$
__ , nj~h,·v'utside. She
starts, hstening; and two more shots] much nearer,
follow, startling her so that she scrambles out of bed
and hastily blows out the candle on the chest of drawers.
Then, putting her fingers in her ears, she runs to the
dressing-table and blows out the light there, and hurrie
back to bed. The room is now in darkness: nothing is
visible but the glimmer of the light in the pierced ball
before the image, and the star! ight seen through the slits
at the top of the shutters. The firing breaks out again:
there is a startling ~sillade quite close at hand. Whilst it
is still echoing, the shutters disappear, pulled open from
without, and for an instant the rectangle of snowy
starlight flashes out with the figure of a man in black
8:49 PM Mon 22 Nov <?'© 52%(U•
< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy

-·. ···-·-·· ·-· --·····--- r-i-·- ··-·-· v··--- - .. y·-· ·-·
@ AA
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you were away.
25 of 70
PETKOFF. ~ell, I'll tell you something I've learnt, too. Civilized people don't han
Fut their washing to dry where visitors can see it; so you'd better have all tha
(indicating the clothes on the bushes) put somewhere else.
such things.
PETKOFF. If that is Major Saranoff, brio Sergius thought that he would be promoted for
leading the cavalry charge and making B win the
name with the stress on the second s war; however, he has not been promoted
because his act has not been considered tactic
or professional
NICOLA. Yes, sir. (He goes into the stabh
,- iYou must talk to him, my des

PETKOFF.
ores my life out about our not prom
CATHERINE. He certainly ought to be promoted when he marries Raina. Besides,

the country should insist on having at least one native general.
PETKOFF. Yes, so that he could throw away whole brigades instead of regiments.
Jt's no use, my dear: be bas not the slightest chance of promotion until we are
8:49 PM Mon 22 Nov "?'© 52%(U•

to a ridiculous extreme.
25 of 70
CATHERINE. You are a barbarian at heart still, Paul. I hope you behaved yourself
before all those Russian officers.
PETKOFF. I did my best. I took care to let them know that we had a~ibrary.
CATHERINE. Ah; but you didn't tell them that we have an electric bell in it? I hav
had one ,Rut U,R;
Nicola comes up.
PETKOFF. Why not shout for him? The are yet to know how best to assert
themselves as upper-class society members.
They are unable to know the rules and behavior
CATHERINE. Civilized people never she of aristocratic families.
you were away.
PETKOFF. 1Well, I'll tell you something I

put their washing to dry where visi
1
(indicating the clothes on the bushe
uch things.
(Someone is beard knocking at the stable gates.)
CATI-rERINE. Oh, don't shout, Paul: it really isn't nice.

8:49 PM Mon 22 Nov <?'© 52%(U•
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@ AA 0.
21 of 70
1-1 icola.
[COLA~ Be warned in time, Louka: mend your manners. I know the mistress. She
go.
LOUKA.~ do defy her. I will defy her. What do I care for her?
!NICOLA (sedately). I shall always be dependent on the good will of the family]
fV)1en I leave their service and start a shop in Sofia, their custom will be hal
1
r1Y c~ital: their bad word would ruin me
OUKA. You have no spirit. I should lilc~ Indeed, Louka has no qualms about using
information she gleans about the family
members for her advantage. This is evident
NICOLA (pityingly). I should have exp when Raina is hiding the soldier in her room and
you're young, you're young! Louka senses that Raina is not truthful. Hence,
Louka has proven to be both untrustworthy and
cunning.
LOUKA. iVes; and you like me the bette~
ecrets they wouldn't care to have t,
e if they dare!
NICOLA (with compassionate superiority). Do you know what they would do if

they beard you talk like that?
LOUKA. What could they do?
!COLA. Discharge you for untruthfulness. Who would believe any stories you told
after that? Who would give you another situation? Who in this house would
dare be seen speaking to you ever again? How long would your father be left
on his little farm? (She impatiently throws away the end of her cigaret, and
stamps on it.) Child, you don't know the power such high people have over the
8:49 PM Mon 22 Nov i il Unlocked <?'© 52%(U•

the house, looking astonishingly h~s.2.t11e and stately
A THERINE. My dear Paul, what a surprise for us. (She stoops over the back of
bis chair to kiss hirn.) Have they brought you fresh coffee?
PETKOFF. Yes, Louka's been looking after me. The war's over. The [trea~. was
igned three days ago at Bucharest; and the decree for our army to demobilize
Catherine is shocked and offended when Petkoff

reveals that the Bulgarians and Russian have
brokered a peace with the Serbs. instead of
vanquishing them without condition .
.CA THERINE (springing erect, with flash!

lthe Austrians force you to make pe
PETKOFc(submissivelyJJMy dear: they ---~~---~ ----·~~-----· -~ !

its down and turns away from him.) But of course we saw to it that the trea
PETKOFF (appeasing her).-but not friendly relations: remember that. They

do?
CA THERINE. You could have annexed Servia and made Prince Alexander
PETKOFF. I don't doubt it in the least, my dear. But I shouJd have had to subdue the
queeze his.)

Drama

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8:49 PM Mon 22 Nov "?

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA 0.

He is a man of self-seriousness and quietness;

PETKOFc(submisshLely).JM.y dear: they

PETKOFF (appeasing ber).-but not friendly relations: remember that. They

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA 0.

He is a man of self-seriousness and quietness;

PETKOFc(submisshLely).JM.y dear: they

PETKOFF (appeasing ber).-but not friendly relations: remember that. They

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA a.

MALE VOICE OUTSIDE. Hollo! Hollo

LOUKA. Master! back from the war!

lCOLA (quickJy). My word for it, Lo :t

(Major ~tkoff comes from the stable yard, followed by

IA wll ~:;ian attac rousedf~l~;t;i~

bas pulled him through the war; but be is obviously glad

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA 0.

MALE VOICE OUTSIDE. Hollo! Hollo there! Nie

LOUKA. Master! back from the war!

lCOLA (quickJy). My word for it, Louka, the ·

LOUKA (as she.Put~_ tbe coffee pot and the cu~

(Major ~tkoff comes from the stable yard, followed by

{A wll ~:;ian attac rousedf~l~;t;{~

bas pulled him through the war; but be is obviously glad

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA

imperturbability of the accurate calculator who has no

We can vividly notice that Nicola and Louka have

COLA (sedately). I shall always be depend

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA

imperturbability of the accurate calculator who has no

LOUKA. You take her part against me, do you?

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA

imperturbability of the accurate calculator who has no

COLA.j Be warned in time, Louka: mend yo >,

is so grand that she never dreams t::

never. can.m ou, It's tlie same as_1

LOUKA. You take her part against me, do you?

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA

Nicola is as attracted to his servitude of the

I never canm OU. lt'stfie same as I

LOUKA. You take her part against me, do you?

< Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy @ AA

The sixth of March, 1886. In the @ardenJ of major

Louka, smoking a &igaret) i~ standing between the table

Done Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy.pdf

LOUKA (surprised). His bag? -

BLUNTSCHLl (disappointed, but philosophical). Al once, gracious lady. I only

BLUNTSCHLL But my bag?

CATHERINE. It will be sent on. You will leave me your address.

Done Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy.pdf

CATHERINE (flaming). A Servian! How dare he-(Checking herself bitterly.) Oh,

LOVKA. But he asks for yo 10 you are: he

LOUKA. Swiss, madam, I think.

LOUKA (timidly). He has a big carpet bag. madam.

LOUKA. Yes, madam.

CATHERCNE (decisively). Bring the gentleman out here at once. (lmperatively.)

LOVKA. Yes, madam. (Going.)

LOVKA (stopping). Yes, madam.

Done Arms_and_the_Man_Text - Copy.pdf

SERGIUS. Who is my rival?

LOlJK6,.J don't know. I never saw him.

SERGIUS namnation! How dare you?

SERGIUS. Now listen you to me!

LOUKA (wincing). Not so tight: you're hurting me!