MARTHA. What do you mean by early? Akímych is back already. He started after Michael but Michael's not back yet! It's worry worry all day long; that's all the pleasure one gets.
AKULÍNA. Akímych took his load straight to a customer; but our man took his to sell at the market.
MARTHA. If he were alone I shouldn't worry, but Ignát is with him; and when he's with that lousy hound (God forgive me!), he's sure to get drunk. Early and late one toils and moils. Everything is on our shoulders! If one only got anything by it! But no! hustling about all day long is all the pleasure one gets.
Door opens and Tarás enters with a ragged Tramp.
TARÁS. Good day to you! I've brought a man who wants a night's lodging.[1]
TRAMP [bows] My respects to you.
MARTHA. Why do you bring them to us so often? We put up a tramp last Wednesday night; you always bring them to us. You should make Stepanída put them up; there are no children there. It's more than I can do to look after my own family, and you always bring these people to us.
TARÁS. Everyone in turn has to put them up.
MARTHA. It's all very well to say “everyone in turn,” but I have children, and besides, the master is not at home to-day.
TARÁS. Never mind, let the fellow sleep here to-night; he'll not wear out the place he lies on.