THIRD PEASANT. What liquor does.… Liquor, let's say … [Clicks his tongue sympathetically].
SECOND PEASANT. Of course. A firm man's firm as a rock; a weak man's weaker than water.
DISCHARGED COOK [gets off the oven with trembling hands and legs] Loukérya, I say, give us a drop!
SERVANTS' COOK. What are you up to? I'll give you such a drop!…
DISCHARGED COOK. Have you no conscience? I'm dying! Brothers, a copper …
SERVANTS' COOK. Get back on the oven, I tell you!
DISCHARGED COOK. Half a glass only, cook, for Heaven's sake! I say, do you understand? I ask you in the name of Heaven, now!
SERVANTS' COOK. Come along, here's some tea for you.
DISCHARGED COOK. Tea; what is tea? Weak, sloppy stuff. A little vódka—just one little drop … Loukérya!
THIRD PEASANT. Poor old soul, what agony it is!