VLADIMIR NABOKOV
565
Passerby
Oh, come, it isn't worth it.
Grand-dad
Don't want to do it?
Passerby
. Look, look at that sunshine!
And your whole garden sparkling.
Grand-dad
You don't want to?
A shame . . . A real shame. It would be much
more comfortable.
Passerby
More comfortable? For what?
Grand-dad
For what?
(swings with the axe he has been holding behind his back)
Passerby
Hold on there! Stop!
(They struggle.)
Grand-dad
No.... Wait. . .. You must
not interfere.... It is decreed... . My duty... .
Passerby
(knocks him down)
Enough!
There- there, that's it- that madness.... God! ...
I didn't expect it. .. He was mumbling, purring–
then suddenly . . .
What
is
this? I think it
already happened once.... Or did I dream it?
The same way, just the same, I struggled.... Up!
Enough, get up! Reply! ... Look how he stares,
and stares.. .. Look at those fingers, naked, blunt.
I've seen them once before , I know! You'll answer,
you will! . .. That stare....
(bends over the prostrate figure)
No, he will tell me nothing.
