NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. That would be splendid. Try to do it, and it will be well both for you and for others.
ALEXÁNDRA IVÁNOVNA. No, that is not clear, not simple. C'est tiré par les cheveux.[25]
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, I can't help it, and it can't be explained by argument. However, that is enough.
STYÓPA. Yes, quite enough, and I also don't understand it. [Exit].
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH [turns to Priest] Well, what impression did the book make on you?
PRIEST [agitated] How shall I put it? Well, the historic part is insufficiently worked out, and it is not fully convincing, or let us say, quite reliable; because the materials are, as a matter of fact, insufficient. Neither the Divinity of Christ, nor His lack of Divinity, can be proved historically; there is but one irrefragable proof.…
During this conversation first the ladies and then Peter Semyónovich go out.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. You mean the Church?
PRIEST. Well, of course, the Church, and the evidence, let's say, of reliable men—the Saints for instance.
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Of course, it would be excellent if there existed a set of infallible people to confide in. It would be very desirable; but its desirability does not prove that they exist!