Lermontov wrote the drama "Masquerade" in 1835. Initially, the play consisted of three acts, but was not passed by the censors. In the second edition, Lermontov added a fourth act, and this version of the drama has come down to us. The play was first published only in 1842, and was first staged in 1852.

The protagonist of the play, Yevgeny Arbenin, appears before the reader as a man with a huge inner strength, to some extent demonic. It seems to him that if he has become a master of the card game, then he will also be successful in the game of life. However, here he suffered a defeat - Fate defeated him, depriving him of the most precious thing by his own hand.

Main characters

Evgeny Arbenin- proud, endowed with a rebellious spirit, a former player, led a wild life, but after marriage he settled down, became a "respectable person"; madly in love with his wife.

Nina (Nastasya Pavlovna) Arbenina – loving wife Eugenia, a gentle and kind woman, is faithful to her husband; loves holidays, balls.

Prince Zvezdych- An acquaintance of Arbenin, to whom, during the masquerade, the baroness gave Nina's found bracelet.

Other characters

Baroness Strahl- a secular lady, during a masquerade, gave Zvezdich a found bracelet.

Shprih- "Jew", who knows everything about everyone, "he is familiar with everyone, everywhere he cares."

Kazarin- An acquaintance of Arbenin, a card player.

Unknown- an old acquaintance of Arbenin, "the hand of Fate".

Act one

Scene 1

Men play cards for money. The prince is losing. Arbenin joins the men. Kazarin reproaches Yevgeny that he "forgot his comrades." Arbenin says that he is now busy not with business, but with love, he has stopped playing. Kazarin introduces Yevgeny to Shprikh, notes that he is “the right person”, he can always lend money.

Among those present, Arbenin recognizes Prince Zvezdich. The prince is upset by his loss. To help Zvezdich, Arbenin sits down at the playing table instead of him and wins back.

During the game, Kazarin tells Shtrikh that Arbenin used to be a master of playing cards, but now:

“Married and rich, became a respectable man;
He looks like a lamb, - and really, the same beast ... ".

After Arbenin helped the prince to recoup, they go to the masquerade to Engelhard.

Scene 2

At the masquerade, Arbenin shares with the prince that "everyone is a stranger to me, and I am a stranger to them all." He argues that anyone can hide under the masks.

A woman in a mask approaches Zvezdich and speaks to him. The mask claims to know the prince. Flirting, they leave together.

A masked stranger prophesies "misfortune on this night" to Arbenin.

The masked woman hides from Zvezdich in agitation - he almost tore off her mask and did not find out who she was. The prince asked her for some kind of souvenir, but the woman did not want to give her ring. Suddenly, she notices on the ground a bracelet “with enamel, gold” lost by someone, which she gives to the prince, after which she disappears into the crowd.

Zvezdich tells Arbenin about an affair at a masquerade with a stranger and shows the bracelet she left behind. Evgeny seems to be very familiar.

Scene 3

Arbenin returns home. The servant reports that Nina promised to arrive at the twelfth hour, but it is already "one hour".

Arbenin recalls "the sins of bygone days", how he "stupidly ruined his youth", how it was "hard and boring for him to live". But everything changed after marriage. Arbenin married a beautiful tender woman whom he unexpectedly fell in love with:

"Like a lamb of God to the slaughter,
I brought her to the altar."

Arbenin's wife, Nina, returns home. A woman does not understand why her husband misses her when they are "discordant", and when they meet, he begins to "grumble". If Arbenin had wanted to, she would have left the light for him and gone to the village.

Eugene replied that his love was different, after his marriage he seemed to have “resurrected for life and goodness”. However, sometimes he is “carried away into the storm of former days”, at such moments he is “silent, stern, gloomy” and is afraid of something to frighten Nina.

Kissing his wife's hands, Arbenin notices that one of them does not have a bracelet, and asks where he went. The woman replies that she is lost: “There is no great misfortune in this.” Arbenin's suspicions are born, he orders to search the carriage. The servant reports that there is no bracelet in the carriage and that it must have been lost at the masquerade. Arbenin arranges a scene of jealousy for his wife and wants revenge. Nina is frightened by his words.

Action two

Scene 1

The Baroness argues that a woman is "a creature without a will". She excitedly recalls what happened at the masquerade.

Nina, who came to the baroness, meets Zvezdich here. Arbenina is talking about a masquerade. The prince shared that he recognized many ladies under the masks. The Baroness noted that decent women do not go to masquerades.

Left alone with the prince, Nina innocently tells him that she was in the store - she tried to pick up a pair for her bracelet, since the second one was lost on last week. Zvezdich decides that Nina is the same unknown in the mask and begins to flirt with her, wanting to achieve her goal at all costs.

The prince tells the Baroness that he met Nina at the masquerade and her bracelet is proof of that. To make sure of this, he went to the store today and found out that there are only two of them. To save her own honor, the baroness does not reveal the truth to the prince. She learns from Shprikh that rumors are already circulating about Nina and Zvezdych.

Scene 2

Arbenin is brought a note from some princess, addressed to Nina.

Kazarin comes to Evgeny - he needs a "skillful comrade" in the game. Shprikh, who came to the Arbenins at the same time, tells Kazarin that Yevgeny’s wife at the masquerade “met with one princeling”, but ran away from him.

After reading the note sent to Nina, Arbenin is furious - she was from the prince.

Scene 3

Arbenin comes to Zvezdich's home with a desire to take revenge, but finds the prince sleeping. Eugene never managed to kill him.

At the exit, Arbenin runs into a lady in a veil - the baroness. The woman tries to explain everything to him, says that Nina is not to blame for anything, but Arbenin does not seem to hear her story and leaves.

The Baroness tells Zvezdich that Nina knows nothing about what happened at the masquerade, warns that Arbenin can kill him. The woman confessed: she was hiding behind “that mask”, and asked to give Nina the bracelet.

The prince finds a note left by Arbenin with an invitation to an evening at N.

Scene 4

Kazarin, Arbenin and N. Play cards. Zvezdich joins the men. From a conversation with Arbenin, the prince sees that even after meeting with the baroness, he did not understand anything. Yevgeny, angry at Zvezdich, throws cards in his face. The prince wants to shoot himself, but Arbenin refuses to take part in the duel. Zvezdich asks Yevgeny: “Are you a man or a demon?” , to which Arbenin replies: “Me? - a player! .

Act Three

Scene 1

The hostess of the evening is informed that the Baroness Shtral has left for the country that evening. The guests discuss among themselves that Zvezdich received a slap in the face, they consider him a "scoundrel".

Nina arrives for the evening. Zvezdich warns her that Arbenin is "a villain, soulless and godless" and that she "is in danger". The prince gives the woman a bracelet and says goodbye forever - he is going to the Caucasus. Nina, not understanding anything, says that Zvezdych has gone mad.

Arbenin firmly decides that Nina must die. At the request of the hostess, Nina, accompanying herself on the piano, performs a sad romance.

Nina asks Arbenin to bring her ice cream. Eugene pours poison into the dessert and gives it to his wife. Nina argues that "there are no immaculate souls." Arbenin replies: “No. I thought I found one, and then in vain. Nina eats ice cream.

The Unknown, who was standing at a distance, thoughtfully says that he almost took pity, but decided that "let the destiny be determined."

Scene 2

At home, the maid notices that Nina is pale. Nina complains of feeling unwell, shares that Arbenin frightens her with his silence and a strange look.

Nina thinks she caught a cold from the ice cream. She does not understand why her husband is so cold towards her. Arbenin argues that "life is an empty thing." Nina, feeling a burning sensation in her chest, asks to send for a doctor. To this Arbenin replies: “Well? Is it impossible for you to die without a doctor?” . He accuses his wife of cheating. Nina replies that Arbenin was "deceived by a slanderer". Suffering from severe pain, Nina turns to God for mercy. Arbenin admits that he poured poison on her and she will die soon. The woman is trying to call for help. Arbenin watches her suffering with a grin. Nina is dying.

act four

Scene 1

Arbenin is captured by painful memories. Kazarin, who came, does not believe that he is ill, believing that Eugene "plays a comedy".

Unknown and Zvezdich come to Arbenin. The doctor warns that Eugene is "not jokingly sick". Eugene does not recognize the Unknown, they want him to say that they were previously friends. Seven years ago, Arbenin lured him to the gambling table, and since then, Unknown, left everything: “I saw that money is the king of the earth, And bowed to them,” now he wants to take revenge on him.

Finally, Arbenin recognizes him and tries to drive him away. But Unknown reports that he knows that Eugene killed his wife. Arbenin goes berserk. The prince says that neither he nor Nina were to blame - the bracelet came to him by accident. Upon learning of this, Arbenin goes crazy.

Conclusion

Leading in the drama "Masquerade" are the motives of the game, masquerade, dressing up. Lermontov exposes the hypocrisy and intrigue of high Petersburg society, where everyone thinks only about their own interests.

Behind the masks of integrity, the heroes hide their true faces and desires. Baroness Shtral, in order not to tarnish her reputation, tells the truth only after the rumor about the connection between the prince and Nina has already spread throughout the city. Kazarin, wanting to return Arbenin to card games, does not hesitate to come to Evgeny with this question even immediately after Nina's death.

The only bright, pure character in the play is Nina Arbenina. She had no place in the "poisonous", "masquerade" society of high society. In fact, Nina was “poisoned” not by her jealous husband, but by those around her, whose actions led to the tragedy.

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| site collection
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| Mikhail Yurjevich Lermontov
| Masquerade ( early revision)
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Do you think you're stupid?
He is waiting for himself, and I ...

Ah, my creator!
Yes, you are always out of sorts, you look menacingly,
And nothing will please you.
You miss me differently,
And we'll meet, grumble! ..
Just tell me: Nina,
Throw a light... I will live with you
And for you ... why another man,
Some soulless and empty
Boulevard dandy, tightened in a corset,
From morning to evening he meets you in the light,
And I'm only an hour of some day
Can I tell you two words?
Tell me this... I'm ready
I will bury my youth in the village,
I'll leave balls, splendor, fashion
And this boring freedom...
Just tell me just as a friend ... but why
My imagination took me...
Suppose you love me ... but so little,
That you are not even jealous of anyone! ..

Arbenin (smiling)

How to be? I'm used to living carelessly
And it's funny to be jealous.

Certainly.

You are angry?

No, I thank you.

You were sad.

I only say
That you don't love me.

Listen ... we are one fate fetters
Tied forever... a mistake, maybe;
Not for me and not for you to judge.

(She draws her to her knees and kisses her.)

You are young in years and soul,
In the great book of life you read
One title page, and before you
The sea of ​​happiness and evil is open.
Go any way
Hope and dream - there is a lot of hope in the distance,
And in the past your life is white.
Knowing neither your heart nor mine,
You gave yourself to me - and you love, I believe,
But unconsciously, playing with feelings,
And frolicking like a child.
But I love otherwise.

I saw everything
I felt everything, I understood everything, I knew everything.
I loved often, hated more often,
And he suffered the most!
At first I wanted everything, then I despised everything,
I didn't understand myself
The world didn't understand me.
In my life I recognized the seal of the curse
And coldly closed his arms
For the feelings and happiness of the earth ...
So many years have passed.
About the days poisoned by excitement
my vicious youth,
With what deep disgust
I think on your chest.
So, before I didn’t know your price, unfortunate one!
But soon stale bark
Has flown from my soul, the world is beautiful
My eyes opened not in vain,
And I was resurrected for life and goodness.
But sometimes again some hostile spirit
I'm carried away in the storm of the old days,
Erases from my memory
Your bright eyes and your magical voice.
In the struggle with myself, under the weight of heavy thoughts,
I am silent, stern, gloomy:
I'm afraid to defile you with a touch,
I'm afraid that not a groan will frighten you,
Not a sound tormented.
Then you say: he does not love me!

(She looks at him affectionately and runs her hands through her hair.)

You a strange man! When eloquent
You tell me about your love
And your head is on fire
And your thought shines brightly in your eyes,
Then I believe everything without difficulty.
But often…

…No! but sometimes!..

I'm too old at heart, you're too young
But we could feel exactly
And remember, at your age
I believed everything unconditionally.

Again you are dissatisfied ... My God! ..

Oh no! .. I'm happy, happy ... I'm cruel,
Mad slanderer; far,
Far from the crowd of envious and evil
I can kiss your lips and eyes
And the voluptuousness of the first night
Now it's only me.
Let us leave the former oblivion;
I am fully rewarded by fate,
And if the creator could envy the creation,
That would envy me.

(He kisses her hands and suddenly does not see the bracelet on one of them, stops and turns pale.)

You've turned pale, you're trembling... Oh my God!

(jumps up) Me? Nothing! where is your other bracelet?

Lost.

A! lost.

What!
There is no great misfortune in this.
It is twenty rubles, of course, not more expensive.

Lost... (to himself) why am I so embarrassed by this;
What a strange suspicion whispers to me!
Was it just a dream
And this is an awakening!

I really can't understand you.

Arbenin
(looks at her piercingly, arms folded)

Lost bracelet?

Nina (offended)

No! I lie!..

Arbenin (to himself)

But the resemblance! similarity.

That's right, dropped
I am in the carriage, - tell me to search;
Of course I wouldn't dare to take it,
Whenever I imagine...

Former servant

Arbenin (calls, servant enters)

(to a servant) Search the carriage up and down.
The bracelet is lost there ... God forbid
You come back without it! (hey) Here it is
About my happiness goes
About life and honor.

(After a pause.) (The servant leaves.)

(To her) But what if he doesn't find the bracelet there?

So, therefore, he is in a different place!

In a different? and where do you know?

For the first time
You are so stingy and so severe;
And to comfort you,
Tomorrow I will order exactly the same, new one.

(Servant enters.)

Well? .. rather answer ...

I went over the whole carriage, sir.

And I didn't find it there.

I knew it... go.

(So ​​looking at her.)

Of course, he is lost in the masquerade.

Ah! .. in a masquerade! .. so you were there.
(Servant) Go...

Former, except servant

(to her) What would it cost you
Say it before. I'm sure,
What would I then be allowed to have honor
I will take you there and take you home.
I wouldn't bother you with a strict observation,
Not their vulgar tenderness.
Who were you with?

Ask people;
They will tell you everything, and even with an addition.
They explain point by point
Who was there with whom I spoke
To whom I gave a bracelet as a keepsake,
And you will know everything better a hundred times,
Than if you yourself went to a masquerade ...
(Laughs) Funny, funny, by God!
Isn't it a shame, isn't it a sin
From trifles raise the alarm.

God forbid that this was not your last laugh! ..

Oh, if your nonsense continues ...
That is certainly not the last.

Who knows...maybe...
Listen, Nina! .. I'm funny, of course,
That I love you so much, endlessly,
As soon as a person can love.
And what a wonder? others in the world
Hopes and goals a million.
One has wealth in the subject,
The other is immersed in science,
He seeks ranks, crosses or glory,
He loves society, fun,
He wanders, the game excites the blood ...
I traveled, I played, I was windy and I worked.
Comprehended friends insidious love,
I did not want ranks, but I did not achieve fame.
Rich and penniless, he was bored.
Everywhere I saw evil and, proud, in front of him
Didn't bow anywhere.
All that's left of my life is you
The creation is weak, but the angel of beauty:
Your love... smile... look... breath...
I am a man: as long as they are mine,
Without them I have neither god nor soul,
No feeling, no existence
But if I'm deceived... if I
Deceived ... if there is a snake on my chest
So many days was warmed - to be exact
I guessed the truth ... and, caressed lulled,
With another, he was ridiculed in absentia ...
Listen, Nina! .. I was born
With a soul seething like lava:
Until it melts, hard
She's like a stone... but bad fun
Meet her stream... then,
Then don't expect forgiveness.
I will not invoke the law for my revenge,
But without tears and regret
I'll tear our two lives apart!

(He wants to sculpt her by the hand. She jumps aside.)

Don't come near... oh, how scary you are!

Really?..
Am I scary?.. no, you're kidding... I'm funny!
Yes, laugh, laugh ... Why, having reached the goal
Turn pale and tremble? ... rather, where is he,
A fiery lover, a masquerade toy?
Let him have fun, he will come;
You gave me a taste of almost all the torments of hell
And this one is just missing.

So what a suspicion!
And it's all because of one bracelet.
Believe your command
I am not alone, but the whole world will laugh!

Yes! laugh at me, you are all earthly fools,
Careless but miserable husbands,
whom I once deceived;
Who meanwhile live like saints
In paradise ... alas! .. but you are my paradise,
Heavenly and earthly ... goodbye! ..
Farewell, I know everything. (To her) Get away from me, hyena!
And I thought, fool, that I was touched, with anguish,
With remorse for everything before me
It will open... and he was on his knees
I'm ready to fall before her when I see
One tear... one... no! laughter was my answer.

I don't know who slandered me
But I forgive you: I am not guilty of this ...
I'm sorry I can't help you
And to console you, of course, I won't lie.

Oh, shut up... please... enough.

But listen... I'm innocent.

But listen: I swear.

By heart
I know everything you say.

it hurts me
Listen to your reproaches ... I love
You, Eugene.

Well, to be honest,
Confession at the right time...

Listen, I pray;
Oh god, what do you want?

Who do you want to take revenge on?

Oh the hour will come
And rightly so, you will marvel at me.

... Not for me ... why are you delaying?

Heroism will not come to you...

(with contempt) Who?

Who are you afraid of?

Nina
(takes hands)

IN last time, Eugene, this night
I swear I'm innocent.

Away, away, away!

Oh, stop it ... you with your jealousy
You will kill me... oh, have mercy... ah! I can't
Ask ... and you are relentless ... but I'm here,
And then I forgive you.

Extra labor.

However, there is also a god ... he will not forgive.

(She leaves in tears.)

(One) Here's a woman! oh i know for a long time
All of you, all your caresses and reproaches,
But miserable knowledge is given to me,
And I pay dearly for the lessons! ..
And then say why you love me,
Because I have a formidable look and voice! ..

(Goes to wife's door and listens.)

What does she do? laughing maybe!
No, she's crying.
(Leaving) It's a pity that it's late! ..

Baroness' room.
Infantry Colonel and Baroness, then Prince Zvezdich

Baroness (getting up)

How long have you decided to do me this honor.
Where have you been? - two months long.
Since then…

I was sick for six days.
And after the service everything.

Baroness

Oh! .. service is the enemy of living rooms.

(Prince Zvezdich enters. It is very cold)

Oh prince!

I was with you yesterday
With the sad news that our picnic is upset.

Baroness

Please sit down, prince!

I argued just now
What will upset you ... but your appearance is so calm.

Baroness

I'm really sorry.

And I'm so very happy
I'll give twenty picnics for a masquerade.

Colonel

Yesterday you were in a masquerade?

Baroness

(taming a smile) And in what outfit?
Was there a lot?

Oh crowd! and there
Under the mask, I recognized some of our ladies:
Of course, all hunters dress up (laughs).

Baroness (hot)

I must announce to you, prince,
That this slander is not at all funny.
How can a decent woman decide
Go where every rabble,
Where every anemone will offend, ridicule,
To risk being recognized... you should be ashamed
Renounce such immodest words.

I can’t renounce, I’m ready to be ashamed.

Former and Nina
(Entering with a hat.)

I was riding in a sleigh and I got an idea
To call on you, mon amour.

Baroness

C "est une idee charmante, vous en avez toujours!

You are something paler than before
Today, despite the wind and frost,
And red eyes ... of course, not from tears! ..

I slept badly at night.

Colonel

Allow me, baroness,
Couldn't hear you
The wonderful end of my process.

Baroness

Colonel

Yes, sir, the trouble is, who is not accustomed to business

(tells).

(The prince approaches Nina.)

Brenda Joyce

Masquerade

Acknowledgment

The final look and form of this novel would not have been possible without the support of my editor, Miranda Indigo. I am very grateful to her for her willingness to always correct and revise. I would also like to thank Lucy Childs for her exceptional enthusiasm, sincere support, and amazing willingness to listen. Finally, as always, I remain indebted and eternally grateful to my agent, Aaron Priest.

This novel is dedicated to the memory of my Uncle Sam, the kindest man I have ever known. He will forever remain in my heart

prince and hero

The mother stood behind her and spoke so loudly that the little girl, unfortunately, heard her every word. She brought the book closer to her face, trying to focus on the text. But that was impossible because they were staring at her. Lisey's cheeks glowed.

Of course, she is unsociable, but only because she is shy. Of course, she does not want to offend anyone by such behavior. And she's only ten! I am sure that time will pass and Lisey will be as charming as my dear Anna. After all, Anna is a real beauty, isn't she? And Georgina May. Yes she is perfect eldest daughter. Helps me in everything. And very sensible, said my mother. - And he always fulfills his duties.

I can’t imagine, Lydia, how you manage with three daughters of almost the same age, said the mother’s interlocutor. She was the pastor's sister and came to Cork for a short time. - But you're lucky. Anna will be happily married when she comes of age - she is so beautiful that you do not need to worry about her! And Georgina May also has excellent data. I think she will become a beautiful woman.

Oh, I'm sure of it! - exclaimed the mother, as if in this way she could make her desires come true. “And Lisey will be fine too, I have no doubt. She'll outgrow her childhood fatness, won't she?

There was a short pause.

Of course, she will lose weight if she does not have a sweet tooth. But if she becomes a blue stocking, it will not be easy for you to find a suitable husband for her, the pastor's wife warned. - I'll keep a close eye on her. Isn't she too young to read?

Lisey gave up trying to absorb the contents, clutching the precious book to her chest and hoping that her mother would not come and take it away. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she wanted the guests to talk about something or someone else. The pastor's mother and sister moved on to discuss the other adults, and Lisey breathed a sigh of relief.

Maybe a summer picnic wasn't the best place to read. Many people gathered - her whole family, the closest neighbor, the pastor and his wife. Altogether seven adults and six children, including Lisey. Her sisters and their friends played pirates. A similar June day was filled with screams and laughter. Lisey caught a glimpse of what was happening, glancing at Anna, who was playing the role of a damsel in grief and was about to burst into tears over some kind of failure. The elder son of the pastor tried to calm her down, while his younger brother and the boy next door brandished sticks like real pirates. Georgie was lying on the grass, pretending to be the victim of some terrible bad luck.

Lisey was not invited to play. Yes, she didn't want to. Reading fascinated her from the moment she could make out the first few words, and over the past six months, suddenly, as if by magic, she could look at a sentence and understand most of the words. Reading quickly became her passion and life. She didn't care what she read, although she preferred tales of brave heroes and weeping heroines. She was now reading one of Sir Walter Scott's stories, even though it was written for adults and it took her an hour or more to read one page.

Lisey turned around once more and realized that she was all alone. The adults sat on large blankets and opened baskets of food. Her sisters still played with the boys. She trembled with excitement and opened her book.

But before she could reread the last paragraph where she had left off, a group of riders rode up to the lake, only twelve feet from where she was sitting. Their voices were masculine, loud and young, and Lisey lifted her head as they dismounted.

Enchanted, she noticed that there were five young men there. She became even more interesting and curious. They rode beautiful, quivering horses, and they wore well-cut expensive clothes. They were definitely aristocrats. Laughing and shouting, they took off their jackets and shirts, revealing slender, tanned and sweaty bodies. They were going to swim.

Maybe they're from Adara? Lisey was interested. Count Adar, the only aristocrat in the district, had three sons and two stepsons. Lisey clutched the book to her chest as she watched a tall, fair-haired youth dive in, followed by another dark-haired, slimmer, shorter one. Shouts and noises were heard as two more joined in, whooping and laughing. They splashed each other with water. Lisey smiled.

She couldn't swim, but it looked like it was fun.

Then she glanced at the young man who had remained on the shore. He was very tall, swarthy like a Spaniard, with black hair, slender and very muscular. And looked at her curiously.

Lisey buried herself in the book, hoping that at least he didn't find it fat.

Hey fat girl, give me that!

The pastor's younger son snatched the book from Lisey's hands.

Willie O "Day!" she exclaimed, jumping up. "Give me the book, bully!"

He snorted in her face. The boy was mean and Lisey despised him.

Go and take it if you want,” he chuckled.

He was three years older than Lisey and a full three feet taller. Lisey reached for the book and he immediately lifted it over his head so she couldn't get it out. And laughed:

Bookworm!

Lisey spent a lot of time reading the first ten pages and was afraid Willie wouldn't bring her back.

Please! Please give me the book!

The scamp did not give the book back, and when Lisey tried to grab it, he swung it and threw it into the lake.

Lisey gasped as she watched her book float on the water by the shore. Her eyes filled with tears, and Willy laughed again.

Go and get her if you want, fat girl,” he said as he walked away.

Without thinking, Lisey ran to the shore of the lake and reached for a book.

And, to her horror, she lost her balance and fell.

Water surrounded her on all sides. Lisey's mouth filled with water, she coughed, swallowed more water and began to choke. She panicked as she felt herself sinking.

She struggled desperately as strong arms grabbed her. Suddenly she was above the water, in the hands of a young man. She clutched at him, pressing her face against his chest, coughing and sobbing at the same time. He came out of the lake. Lisey caught her breath, panic and fear quickly subsided. Still holding on strong shoulders young man, she looked at him.

She looked into the most beautiful dark blue eyes she had ever seen.

Are you okay? - asked the savior, looking at her carefully.

Lisey wanted to say something, but the words stuck in her throat. Their eyes met, and she just looked, and as she looked, she...

Head over heels, hopelessly and irrevocably in love. Her heart beat faster.

Lisey! Lisey! Oh god, Lisey! she heard her mother's cries from the shore.

Are you a prince? Lisey whispered.

He smiled. Her heart stopped for a second, and then beat even faster.

No, baby, I'm not a prince.

No, he's a prince, Lisey thought, unable to take her eyes off his beautiful face. Her prince.

Lisey! She is alright? Is my darling baby okay?

The mother was on the verge of hysteria.

The prince laid her down on the blanket.

I think yes. A little soaked, but today is a wonderful warm day, so the clothes will dry quickly.

Lisey. Her father knelt before her, pale with fright. - My girl, what were you thinking? Get so close to the lake!

Lisey smiled shyly, not at her father, but at her prince.

I'm fine, dad.

The smile disappeared from the prince's face.

How can we thank you Lord Tyrell? - Mom cried, grabbing both his hands.

Don't, Mrs Fitzgerald. She's safe, and that's enough," he replied.

And Lisey realized who was in front of her. The next Earl of Adare, the earl's eldest son, Tyrell de Warenne. She pressed her knees to her chest, still staring at him, dazed. But she knew that he was a prince, or at least looked like one, because in the south of Ireland the Earl of Adare is like a king.

Tyrell's siblings and half-brothers surrounded them, curious and worried. Tyrell turned, and they immediately withdrew to let him pass. Lisey wanted to call out to him until she realized what he was doing. Mesmerized, she watched him enter the lake and retrieve her sinking book. In a minute he was at her side.

I think you'll need A new book baby, he smiled.

Lisey bit her lip, too embarrassed to thank him.

Lord Tyrell, we are indebted to you, - said the father seriously.

Tyrell waved his hand dismissively. He looked around and his eyes hardened. He looked intently at Willie O'Day.

Willie started to run.

Tyrell immediately caught up with him and grabbed him by the ear. Ignoring the cries of the mischievous, he dragged him to Lisey.

Get on your knees and ask the little lady's forgiveness, he said, or I'll whip you.

And for the first time in his life, Willy did what he was told. He sobbed as he asked Lisey's forgiveness.

Part one

fatal meeting

Elizabeth Ann Fitzgerald looked at the book but couldn't make out a word. The letters on the page were blurry, and it looked like she was reading without glasses. Maybe it's for the best: Mom hated it when she read at the table. And now she sat down to breakfast with love story some time ago, completely forgetting about food. Lisey sighed and closed the book. She's so excited about tomorrow that can hardly concentrate.

Excited and scared.

My father sat at the head of a small table with yesterday's Dublin Times. He turned the page noisily, carried away by the article on the war, as he took a cup of tea. Upstairs, the household was bustling about. Lisey could hear her mother and two older sisters running through the bedrooms, their heels clattering loudly. She could also hear Anna's wailing and Georgie's staccato, sensual voice. Mom was shouting commands like a general. Papa didn't seem to care - such chaos was common in their house.

Lisey looked at him, hoping he would look up. She wanted to talk, but she wasn't sure she could confide in anyone.

You're looking at me, - said the father, without raising his head. - What happened, Lisey?

She hesitated.

Is it normal to be so nervous?

Dad looked at her over the top of the newspaper. His smile was kind.

It's just a ball, he said. - Maybe your first, but not the last.

He was a short man with early gray hair, a gray mustache, and a kindly expression. Like Lisey, he wore rimmed glasses, but not just for reading; if there was one thing Lisey regretted, it was that she had inherited bad eyesight from such an amazing father.

Lisey felt herself blush. She tried not to meet her father's affectionate gaze, not wanting him to know how frightened she was. She was, after all, sixteen, a grown woman, or almost a grown woman. She didn't want anyone in her family to suspect that she still had her childhood fantasies—besides, at night they didn't seem childish at all.

Her cheeks flushed even more.

Under the table, the crippled cat she had rescued and brought home last year rubbed against her legs, purring.

But my father put down the newspaper and was now looking at it.

Lisey, it's just a ball. And you've been home before. - He meant the house of Count Adara. “You know, honey, we've all noticed how strange you've been acting the last few days. You even lost your appetite, and we all know how much you love to eat. What's bothering you, honey?

Lisey wanted to smile at him, but she couldn't. What could she say? Her infatuation with a young man who doesn't even know she exists looked funny when she was ten. It caused raised eyebrows and anxiety at thirteen, the flowering age of maturity. On next year, seeing him in the city with a beautiful aristocrat, she realized how stupid her feeling was. Such falling in love could no longer be tolerated, and Lisey knew it, especially now that she was being taken out into the world with her older sisters.

But he will be at the ball, because he appeared there every Halloween Eve, because he is the earl's heir. According to her older sisters, he behaved politely with all the guests of his family - and was the object of harassment of women and the topic of their conversations. Every mother, preoccupied with the marriage of her daughter, foolishly hoped that she could get him as a suitor, although she knew that he would marry the one whom his family would choose. As soon as Lisey closed her eyes, she saw the image of the swarthy, majestic Tyrell de Warenne, his piercing and intense gaze.

The thought of seeing him tomorrow at the ball took her breath away. Silly, but her heart beat faster. Stupidly, she saw how politely he nods to her, takes her hand ... and suddenly she is on his white horse next to him, and they gallop into the night.

Lisey smiled, realizing that she was in the clouds, and pinched herself. Even if she went to the ball dressed as Maid Marian - Robin Hood was one of her favorites - Tyrell wouldn't notice. She didn't want him to notice her either. I didn't want him to look at her total absence interest, as her sister Anna's suitors did. She will stand against the wall with other girls without boyfriends and watch him flirt and dance. Then, when she returns home to her bed, she will remember his every gesture and look, every word and even touch.

He suddenly stopped the horse, put his arm around Lisey's waist, his breath close to her cheek...

Lisey's pulse quickened, and a strange languor pierced through her body, which she barely understood.

Lisey? Dad interrupted her thoughts.

She bit her lip, opened her eyes wide, and smiled strangely at him.

I want ... - she began impulsively and fell silent.

What do you want my dear?

She was closer to her father than to her mother, perhaps because he also liked to read and dream. On cold, rainy days, they could be found in the living room, sitting in armchairs by the fireplace, immersed in their books.

I want to be as beautiful as Anna, she whispered. “At least once…only tomorrow night.”

His eyes widened.

But you are so pretty! he exclaimed. - You have the most unusual grey eyes!

Lisey smiled softly at him, knowing he wouldn't compliment him again. And then she heard her mother running down the steps and calling her:

Lisey and Papa exchanged glances, understanding the reason for her mother's harsh tone. Something was wrong and she wanted Lisey to fix it. Lisey hated conflict and very often played the role of peacemaker in the family. Now she stood up, knowing exactly what had happened.

Mother entered the living room, almost ran. Her cheeks burned, and she wore an apron over a striped robe. Red-haired blonde, like Lisey, whose unruly hair was simply pinned up, she was cut short and fashionably cut. They had the same average build, and Lisey was worried that they might be confused from a distance because of their rounded figures. Now Lydia Jane Fitzgerald came to a halt in front of her sixteen-year-old daughter, nearly falling over.

Lisey! You should talk to your sister, I can't do anything! She is the most stubborn and ungrateful girl! Georgina decided she wasn't going to the ball! Oh my God! Scandal! Ingratitude! Countess, bless her holy soul, will never forgive this! And for God's sake! Georgina is the oldest. How will she find a fan if she refuses to go to the most significant event of the year? Does she want to marry a butcher or a blacksmith?

Lisey stood up, holding back a sigh as she saw Georgie slowly descend the stairs, her chin up. Georgie was a dark blonde, very tall and slim. She looked at Lisey, and her eyes said that there would be no compromise. Lisey sighed.

Mom, I'll talk to Georgie.

You should not just talk to her! exclaimed Lydia, as if not noticing Georgie's presence. - We are invited to the count only twice a year! It will be the worst insult, as if our whole family did not come!

The first statement was correct. The Earl and Countess of Adare opened the doors of their house twice a year, on All Saints' Eve for a costume ball, and on St. Patrick's Day for a lavish garden party. Lydia lived for these two events, as it was a rare opportunity for her daughters to associate with the elite of Irish society, and they all knew that she prayed to God that one of her daughters would marry a wealthy Irish aristocrat, perhaps one of the sons de Warren. Lisey knew that her mother had a secret dream. Although she said that her family was descended from an ancient Celtic line, the de Warennes were so superior to them that the difference was almost like that between a peasant and a king. Nobody would care if Georgie refused to come.

But Lisey also knew that her mother only wanted the best, she was devoted to her daughters and was afraid that they would not marry well, and was confused that they would not marry at all. She did her best to clothe and feed her daughters well on their father's small pension and to present them to society so that they would not appear as impoverished nobles. And Georgie knew it too. Georgie spoke in a firm voice.

No one will notice my absence, mother. It's stupid to think otherwise. And, given my father's pension and the fact that Anna will definitely marry first, taking into account available funds for a dowry, I doubt I'll find a better match than a butcher or blacksmith.

Lisey gasped at Georgie's insolence and quickly hid her smile. Lydia was at a loss for words.

My father coughed into his fist, trying to hide his smile. Lydia cried.

I've dedicated my whole life to finding you and your sister husbands! And now you refuse to go to Adar! And you talk about marriage, - she shuddered, - with a man from the lowest stratum, society! Georgina May!

Sobbing, she ran out of the dining room.

There was silence.

Georgie looked a little guilty.

Her father looked at her reproachfully.

I leave you two to deal with this,” he told the sisters. And added Georgie: - I know that you will do what needs to be done.

He left the room.

Georgie sighed and looked at Lisey submissively and grimly.

You know how I hate these gatherings. Thought I could avoid that.

Lisey approached her beloved older sister:

Didn't you once tell me, dear, that marriage serves a certain social purpose?

No one could explain the topic more intelligently than her older sister.

Georgie closed her eyes.

I guess you also mentioned that it's mutually beneficial for both parties,” Lisey continued, knowing she was repeating exactly what her sister had said.

Lermontov

Masquerade

DRAMA

in 4 acts, in verse

CHARACTERS:

Arbenin, Evgeny Alexandrovich.

Nina, his wife.

Prince Zvezdych.

Baroness Strahl.

Kazarin, Afanasy Pavlovich.

Shprih, Adam Petrovich.

Mask.

Official.

Players.

Guests.

Servants and maids.

STEP ONE

SCENE ONE

Exit first

Players, Prince Zvezdich, Kazarin and Shprikh.

(At the table they throw a bank and pont ... They stand around.)

1st punter

Ivan Ilyich, let me bet.

Banker

Please.

1st punter

One hundred rubles.

Banker

2nd punter

Well, good luck.

3rd punter

You need to improve happiness

And the samples are bad ...

4th punter

Gotta bend.

3rd punter

2nd punter

For everything? .. no, it burns!

4th punter

Listen, dear friend, who does not bend now,

He won't achieve anything.

3rd punter, quiet first.

Look in all eyes.

Prince Zvezdych

2nd punter

Hey prince

Anger only spoils the blood - play without getting angry.

prince

Leave some advice this time.

Banker

prince

Damn it.

Banker

Let me get.

2nd punter, derisively.

I see you in the heat, ready to let everything down.

What are your epaulettes worth?

prince

I got them with honor - and you can't buy them.

2nd punter, through your teeth, leaving.

You should be more modest

With such misfortune at your age.

(The prince, after drinking a glass of lemonade, sits down to the side and thinks.)

Shprih, suitable with

Don’t you need money, prince ... I’ll help you right away,

The interest is absurd ... but I can wait a hundred years.

(The prince bows coldly and turns away, Shprikh leaves with displeasure.)

Second exit

Arbenin and others.

(Arbenin enters, bows, going up to the table; then he makes some signs and leaves with Kazarin.)

Arbenin

Well, what, you don’t dream? .. huh, Kazarin?

Kazarin

I look, brother, at others. -

And you, my dear, are married, rich, - the master became.

And I forgot my comrades!

Arbenin

Yes, I haven't been with you for a long time.

Kazarin

Is everything busy?

Arbenin

Love...not deeds.

Kazarin

Balls with my wife.

Arbenin

Kazarin

Arbenin

No... calm down!

But there are new ones here, who is this dandy?

Kazarin

Adam Petrovich?.. I'll introduce you at once.

(Shprih comes up and bows.)

Shprih

Do I know you.

Arbenin

Remember that we

The meeting didn't happen.

Shprih

By stories.

And I've heard so much about you

What I want to meet for a long time.

Arbenin

I haven't heard anything about you, unfortunately.

But, of course, I learn a lot from you.

(They bow again. Shprikh, making a sour face, leaves.)

I don't like him... I've seen a lot of faces,

And this one cannot be invented on purpose;

An evil smile, eyes ... glass beads for sure,

Take a look - not a man - but he does not look like the devil.

Kazarin

Eh, my brother - what is the outside view?

Let the devil himself be at least! .. yes, he is the right person,

Just address - lend.

What nation he is, I don’t know boldly to say:

Speaks all languages

Most likely, that the Jew. -

He is familiar with everyone, he has business everywhere,

He remembers everything, knows everything, in caring for a century,

Was beaten more than once - with an atheist - an atheist,

With a saint - a Jesuit, between us an evil gambler,

And with honest people - an honest person.

In short, you'll love him, I'm sure.

Arbenin

The portrait is good, the original is bad! -

Well, that tall one with a mustache,

And rouged in addition?

Of course, a resident of fashion shops,

The lover is retired and was in foreign lands?

Of course he's not a hero

Scene 1

Exit 1. Four cheaters play cards for a large amount of Prince Zvezdych. The prince is in despair. The muddy businessman Shprikh, a man of an unknown nation, "most likely a Jew," rushes to Zvezdich with an offer of money on loan "at absurd interest."

Exit 2. The old gambler Kazarin is watching the game. A close acquaintance of his, the famous cheater Evgeny Arbenin in the past, comes up to him, who has now abandoned his cards, married a young beauty and began to live as an honest man, having said goodbye to the old one.

Arbenin is also familiar with Zvezdich. Eugene comes up to him and finds out that the prince has lost to the ground. Zvezdich is eager to win back, but Arbenin stops him, hinting that the point here is not the lack of happiness, but cheating. He himself sits at the card table instead of the prince. Other players immediately quiet down, sensing in their guts a big masters. Arbenin beats everyone - and gives the prince the whole huge jackpot.

Delighted, Zvezdych warmly thanks him. Arbenin rejects this gratitude, saying that he sat down at the cards not for good deeds, but in order to again, as before, "bring blood into excitement." Eugene reminds the prince that today they are giving a masquerade, and offers to go there.

Lermontov. Masquerade. Feature Film 1941

Exit 3. The losers are amazed at the art of Arbenin. Shprikh decides in any way to make acquaintance with such useful person and goes after Eugene to the masquerade.

Scene 2

Exit 1. Arriving at the masquerade, Arbenin advises Prince Zvezdich to look for love affairs here: women whose faces are hidden under masks go for them more easily.

Exit 2. Eugene leaves, and a woman in a mask approaches Zvezdich and promises a romantic acquaintance, which he will never forget. Zvezdich strikes up a frivolous, mocking conversation with this lady and takes her by the arm.

Exit 3. Arbenin drags under the arm a man in a mask, who told him impudent things. He is going to deal with him, but the unknown person breaks out and disappears into the crowd, having managed to shout that misfortune awaits Yevgeny that night.

Exit 4. Shprikh approaches Arbenin, trying to enter into a friendly conversation. Arbenin, in response, asks with contempt if a well-known mustachioed man visits Shrikha's wife - and leaves. The irritated Sprikh in an undertone wishes after Arbenin that he himself would have horns.

During their conversation with a nearby canapé, two female masks get up and leave. At the same time, a bracelet falls from the hand of one of the ladies. She doesn't notice it.

Exit 5. The mask, which had spoken earlier with the prince, comes running and excitedly rushes to the same canape. In an excited monologue, she says that she passionately asked Zvezdich for love, not wanting, however, that he would know her name. But the capricious prince demanded from her some item as a keepsake. Noticing the bracelet lying nearby, the mask decides to give this strange thing to Zvezdich.

Exit 6. Zvezdich comes up to the mask on the couch and asks again with a laugh that she give him something as a memory. The mask gives the found bracelet - and hides in the crowd.

Exit 7. Arbenin approaches Zvezdich. The prince tells him about his unexpected love luck and shows him the bracelet left by the lady. He seems familiar to Eugene: his wife, Nina, has exactly the same one.

Scene 3

Exit 1. Arbenin comes to his place in doubt. Nina is not at home yet, although it is already two in the morning.

Exit 2. Arbenin recalls the love affairs of his youth, fearing: “Now I am almost/not condemned to bear sorrows/for all the sins of the past days. // It used to be that other people's wives were waiting for me, // now I'm waiting for my wife. He tries to comfort himself with the fact that Nina has always been pure, like the lamb of God.

Exit 3. Nina arrives. Arbenin asks where she was so late. Sensing suspicion in her husband's tone, Nina tries to gently reassure him. She says that at any word Evgenia is ready to throw light, balls and leave forever for the village. Arbenin speaks with great feeling of his love for Nina, who healed him from his former cold contempt for people. Eugene begins to kiss his wife's hands - and suddenly he sees that one of them is missing that same bracelet. Nina says she must have lost it and wonders why her husband is so concerned about the loss of the trinket.

Exit 4. The servant sent by Arbenin to look for the bracelet in Nina's carriage does not find it. It turns out that Nina has arrived from the masquerade.

Exit 5. Eugene turns to Nina with jealous words. Increasingly inflamed, Arbenin says that Nina's love is everything for his ebullient soul, and if she was a pretense, then without regret he "will tear both of their lives." Nina is horrified by the furious and scary view Evgenia. She convinces him of her innocence and leaves crying.

Lermontov "Masquerade", act 2 - summary

Scene 1

Exit 1. Baroness Strahl, sitting at home, reflects on the cruelty of the world, which is ready to severely judge any woman's heartfelt passion. From the words of the baroness, it becomes clear that it was she who tried to captivate Prince Zvezdich at the masquerade.

Exit 2. Nina Arbenina arrives at the baroness with an exhausted and sad look.

Exit 3. Prince Zvezdich also arrives, laughingly telling that he was at the masquerade yesterday and, it seems, recognized some of the ladies he knew under the masks. The baroness, barely concealing her anxiety, shames the prince for his frivolity.

Exit 4. The Baroness is leaving for the time being. Left alone with Zvezdich, Nina tells him that she has lost one of her two identical bracelets. Zvezdich sees that the second, not lost, is exactly the same as the one that the unknown woman gave him at the masquerade. The prince concludes from this that this unknown person was Nina and tries to playfully flirt with her. Nina indignantly demands from the prince not to forget herself and hurries to leave.

Exit 5. The Baroness Strahl returns. Annoyed, Zvezdich shows her the bracelet given to him at the masquerade, telling how he had just seen the second one from Nina. The baroness advises him to cherish the honor of the ladies more. The prince is leaving.

Exit 6. Left alone, the baroness fears that the frivolous Zvezdich would guess who the giver of the bracelet really was, and would not ring the whole society about it. Shtral decides to save himself even at the expense of Nina.

Exit 7. Shprikh comes to the baroness. She informs him that rumors about a love story between Zvezdich and Nina Arbenina are allegedly already circulating in the world.

Exit 8. Shprikh, offended by Arbenin, rejoices at his shame and decides to spread the news of this to all his friends.

Scene 2

Exit 1. Arbenin at home alone is tormented by the thought of a possible betrayal of his wife. The servant unexpectedly informs him that a certain messenger brought a note to Nina.

Arbenin. Illustration for Lermontov's drama "Masquerade" by artist N. Kuzmin

Exit 2. Kazarin comes to Arbenin, whose money affairs are in Lately quite bad. To correct them, Kazarin is looking for a way to re-engage Evgeny in the cheating gamble he has long abandoned.

Exit 3. In the hall at Arbenin, Kazarin meets Shprikh - it was he who brought the note to Nina. It turns out that from Baroness Shtral, Shprikh immediately went to Prince Zvezdich and advised him not to leave harassment to Eugene's wife. The prince immediately wrote a love note to Nina, which Shprikh delivered to the Arbenins' house.

Exit 4. Arbenin enters the room, reading Zvezdich's note given to him by his servant. In excitement, he does not even notice Kazarin and Shprikh. Eugene is bitterly indignant at the ingratitude of the prince, whom he recently helped so much, and Nina's "treachery". Shprikh hurries to leave unnoticed.

Exit 5. Seeing Kazarin, Arbenin complains to him about human betrayal. Kazarin, in response, says that you just need to understand the futility of empty expectations of good from others - and so yourself free yourself from the far-fetched duty to do good to them. Kazarin reminds Evgeny of their former life among revelry, deceit and risk, which both of them liked so much. To the great joy of Kazarin, Arbenin furiously exclaims that from now on he will "break the alliance with virtue."

Scene 3

Exit 1. Preparing revenge on Zvezdich, Arbenin comes to him. The prince is sleeping.

Exit 2. Arbenin dissolves the door to Zvezdich's room. For a moment, the desire to kill the prince right now, sleeping, lights up in him. But he overcomes this impulse, closes the door, writes a note to Zvezdich with an invitation to card game comes out today.

Exit 3. At the door, Eugene suddenly runs into Baroness Shtral. He mockingly asks why Zvezdich attracts women so much that she herself came to him. The Baroness understands that Eugene is going to take cruel revenge, and passionately tries to explain to him: Nina is not guilty of anything. An angry Arbenin does not want to listen to her and leaves.

Exit 4. The baroness goes to the prince.

Exit 5. Awakened Zvezdych is very surprised to see her in front of him. The baroness says: there are already rumors in the world about the impudent letter of the prince to Arbenin's wife. She warns that Yevgeny is very dangerous, admits to Zvezdich that it was not Nina who gave him the bracelet at the masquerade, but she - and leaves.

Exit 6. Zvezdich reads Arbenin's note brought by the servant. Seeing in her a kind invitation to dinner with a mutual friend, the prince decides that Eugene has nothing to fear for now.

Scene 4

Exit 1. Arbenin and Kazarin are waiting for Zvezdich. Kazarin is looking forward to how Eugene will now “pluck” the prince at cards.

Exit 2. Enter Zvezdich. Arbenin invites him to the card table. During the game, Eugene, under the guise of a “joke”, tells the prince a story about how one person rendered an important service to a friend, and he “in gratitude” seduced his wife. Having finished the story, Arbenin suddenly accuses Zvezdich of cheating the card and throws the deck in his face. The stunned prince does not know what to do. Rushing about, he first threatens to kill Yevgeny, but his determination to do so quickly cools. Realizing that, having not adequately responded to the insult, he is now disgraced forever, Zvezdich falls and covers his face with his hands. Eugene angrily ridicules him and leaves.

Lermontov "Masquerade", act 3 - summary

Scene 1

Exit 1. World ball. The guests pass on rumors to each other that Baroness Shtral has suddenly left for the village for some reason, and Prince Zvezdich has been severely disgraced by Arbenin. The prince enters. Everyone shuns him as dishonored. Zvezdich approaches Nina Arbenina, furtively returns her bracelet and advises her to beware of her merciless husband. Eugene watches this scene from a distance.

Exit 2. All guests enter the hall. Left alone in the room, Arbenin walks around it in a rage from the fact that the rumor about Nina's betrayal is already known to everyone. Eugene decides to kill his wife. Once, about ten years ago, having lost in his youth at cards, he wanted to poison himself, bought poison, but that same evening he won back. The poison was not needed then, but Arbenin did not throw it away and always kept it with him.

Exit 3. The guests of the ball ask Nina to sing. She sits down at the piano and performs a sad romance about unhappy love.

Exit 4. Suitable Arbenin. Nina stops singing in excitement and steps aside with her husband. At the same time, some unknown person appears in the back of the room, following them.

Nina says she is hot and asks Yevgeny to bring ice cream. Startled, he goes for ice cream and imperceptibly pours poison into it. Nina, thoughtful and longing, eats ice cream. The unknown person sees this whole scene and understands that Arbenin poisoned his wife, but does not interfere with anything.

Scene 2

Exit 1. Sad and pale, Nina undresses for bed. Eugene enters.

Arbenin and Nina. Illustration for Lermontov's drama "Masquerade" by artist N. Kuzmin

Exit 2. Nina reproaches her husband for being rude to her. Feeling suddenly a burning sensation in her chest, she asks to call a doctor. However, Eugene is in no hurry to send for the doctor. He starts accusing his wife of cheating. Nina assures: she was slandered. Arbenin says that her words are lies, and confesses: he gave her poison at the ball, from which she will now die. Nina suffers more and more. In suffering, she curses Eugene, swears again that she is innocent - and dies. Arbenin refuses to believe her.

Lermontov "Masquerade", act 4 - summary

Scene 1

Exit 1. Before the funeral of Nina Arbenin sits at home in impotence. He is already tormented by doubts about the guilt of his wife, but he drives them away from himself.

Exit 2. Kazarin, who came to condolence, seeing Yevgeny very upset, believes that he only put on a feigned mask.

Exit 3. Two relatives come to say goodbye to Nina's body - a lady with her niece. The lady is most concerned about the upcoming expenses for the mourning dress.

Exit 4. The doctor and the old man come out of the dead woman's room. The doctor says that he arrived at the wrong time: the patient had already died.

Exit 5. The doctor comes up to Arbenin and persuades him not to kill himself too much. Eugene, as if waking up, incoherently repents that he "defiled a divine creation", although the fault is not with himself, but with one ungrateful person. The doctor decides that Arbenin is going crazy.

Exit 6. After the departure of all the others, Prince Zvezdich and the unknown person who was at the ball enter Arbenin's house.

Exit 7. The unknown, without revealing his name to the prince, convinces him: Eugene himself poisoned his wife. He proposes to immediately throw this accusation in Arbenin's face.

Exit 8. Arbenin enters with a candle. Not noticing the stranger and the prince, he talks to himself. Eugene convinces himself that his trial of Nina was fair, and no one dares to dissuade him of this. With the words: "I dare!" - an unknown person approaches him.

Eugene does not recognize him at first. The unknown reminds: seven years ago we were friends with you. I was young and inexperienced, but “this cold was already hiding in your chest, / That hellish contempt for everything, / Which you were proud of everywhere!” Since you took me to play, and I lost everything I had in the cards. I cried and prayed, but it only made you laugh. And now this evil seed has produced worthy fruit!

Arbenin says with excitement that he recognized him. The unknown person tells further: filled with a thirst for revenge, I secretly followed you everywhere, interfering with the crowd. I found out everything about you - and I saw how you killed Nina!

Suits Prince Zvezdich. He challenges Arbenin to a duel for a past insult - and tells the whole story with the bracelet, also giving Yevgeny a letter from Baroness Shtral with her confirmation. After reading the letter, Arbenin, in desperation, tries to throw himself on "his executioners" - the unknown and the prince, but in impotence falls on chairs, and then gets up from them and laughs like a madman.

Arbenin kneels before Zvezdich and the unknown, praying that they confirm Nina's guilt to him, otherwise his soul will break. He blames the unknown, who saw him pour poison into ice cream and did not intervene. Having run up to Nina's coffin, Evgeny settles down next to him on the floor and freezes reclining with distraught, motionless eyes ...

... The unknown person rejoices that his revenge has come true ("and this proud mind is exhausted today!"). Zvezdich is annoyed: he will not be able to shoot with a madman.