Savva and the Life of Man: Two plays by Leonid Andreyev

by Leonid Andreyev

SAVVA

And all of them will die in time and acquire peace. And then they'll know the truth, for it never comes except in the society of worms. Have I got the essence of your optimistic philosophy down right, my thin, lean friend?

SPERANSKY (with a sigh)

You are always joking.

SAVVA.

And you are always moping. Look here now. What with the poor, scanty fare the deacon's wife doles out to you and your constant grieving, you will soon die, and then your face will assume an expression of perfect peace. A peaked nose, and all around, stretching in every direction, a vast expanse of peace. Can't you get some comfort out of that? Isn't it a consolation to you? Think of it, a tiny island of nose lapped in an ocean of peace.

SPERANSKY (dejectedly)

You are still joking.