[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!