Yes, I am as silly as the rest, nurse, but not as stupid no, I have not grown stupid. Every one about here is silly, and after living with them for two or three years one grows silly oneself. I know no rest at night I tremble under my blankets for fear of being dragged out to visit some one who is sick I have toiled without repose or a day’s freedom since I have known you could I help growing old? And then, existence is tedious, anyway it is a senseless, dirty business, this life, and goes heavily. Nurse, I am on my feet from dawn till dusk.

You were handsome and young then, and now you are an old man and not handsome any more. You first came here, into our parts–let me think–when was it? Sonia’s mother was still alive–it was two winters before she died that was eleven years ago– perhaps more. Let me see, how long is it? Lord–help me to remember. Tell me, nurse, how long have we known each other? No, I don’t drink vodka every day, and besides, it is too hot now. Then will you have a little vodka instead?ĪSTROFF. MARINA, a quiet, grey-haired, little old woman, is sitting at the table knitting a stocking. It is three o’clock in the afternoon of a cloudy day. Some benches and chairs stand near the table. In an avenue of trees, under an old poplar, stands a table set for tea, with a samovar, etc. The scene is laid on SEREBRAKOFF’S country placeĪ country house on a terrace. ILIA (WAFFLES) TELEGIN, an impoverished landowner VOITSKAYA, widow of a privy councilor, and mother of Serebrakoff’s first wife ALEXANDER SEREBRAKOFF, a retired professor

Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov