Koch. Ivàn Kouzmìch, I ask it of you. If you don’t care to do it for your own sake, do it for mine.
Pod. I tell you I can’t.
Koch. You can, my dear fellow, you can, perfectly well; there now, don’t be so whimsical, don’t, please!
Pod. But indeed I can’t do it; just think how odd it would seem!
Koch. What is there odd about it? Who’s been putting that into your head? Now just be sensible and think it over; you’re a clever fellow—I don’t say that to flatter you, or creep into your good graces; I don’t say it because you’re an aulic counsellor—I say it out of sincere affection for you.... There now, dear old chap—make up your mind—look at the thing as a reasonable man should.
Pod. If the thing were possible I would——
Koch. Ivàn Kouzmìch! My dear friend, my good fellow! If you like I’ll go down on my knees to you!
Pod. But why?
Koch. (kneeling). There! I’m on my knees before you! There now, you see, I entreat you! I’ll never forget it if you’ll do me this one favour—give in, please; please give in!
Pod. I tell you, man, I can’t.