No, that's too much—Such rudeness, such impertinence.
KHLESTAKOV [holding her back].
Forgive me, mademoiselle. I did it only out of love—only out of love, nothing else.
MARYA.
You take me for a silly provincial wench. [Struggles to go away.]
KHLESTAKOV [still holding her back].
It's out of love, really—out of love.
It was just a little fun. Marya Antonovna, don't be angry.
I'm ready to beg your forgiveness on my knees. [Falls on his knees.] Forgive me, do forgive me!
You see, I am on my knees.
SCENE XIII
The same and Anna Andreyevna.
ANNA [seeing Khlestakov on his knees].
Oh, what a situation!
KHLESTAKOV [rising].
Oh, the devil!
ANNA [to Marya].
What does this mean?
What does this behavior mean?
MARYA.
I, mother—
ANNA.
Go away from here.
Do you hear?
And don't you dare to show your face to me. [Marya goes out in tears.] Excuse me.
I must say I'm greatly astonished.
KHLESTAKOV [aside].
She's very appetizing, too. She's not bad-looking, either. [Flings himself on his knees.] Madam, you see I am burning with love.
ANNA.
What! You on your knees?
Please get up, please get up. This floor isn't very clean.
KHLESTAKOV.
No, I must be on my knees before you.
I must. Pronounce the verdict. Is it life or death?
ANNA.
But please—I don't quite understand the significance of your words.
If I am not mistaken, you are making a proposal for my daughter.
KHLESTAKOV.
No, I am in love with you.
My life hangs by a thread.
If you don't crown my steadfast love, then I am not fit to exist in this world.
With a burning flame in my bosom, I pray for your hand.
ANNA.
But please remember I am in a certain way—married.
KHLESTAKOV.
That's nothing.
Love knows no distinction. It was Karamzin who said:
"The laws condemn."
We will fly in the shadow of a brook.
Your hand! I pray for your hand!