On State and Fatherland + 

Gavrila, a soldier in the reserve, a servant + 

Misha, his master’s young son + 

Gavrila + 

Goodbye, Mishenka, my dear little master. Who knows whether God will permit me to see you again? + 

Misha + 

Are you really leaving? + 

Gavrila + 

I have to. There is war again. And I am in the reserve. + 

Misha + 

A war with whom? Who’s fighting, and who are they fighting against? + 

Gavrila + 

God knows. It’s very difficult to understand all that. I have read about it in the papers, but I can’t make it out. They say that someone in Austria has a grudge against us because of some favour he did to what’s-their-names.⁠ ⁠… + 

Misha + 

But what are you fighting for? + 

Gavrila + 

I am fighting for the Tsar, of course; for my country and the Orthodox Faith. + 

Misha + 

But you don’t wish to go to the war, do you? + 

Gavrila + 

Certainly not. To leave my wife and my children.⁠ ⁠… Do you suppose I would leave this happy life of my own free will? + 

Misha + 

Then why do you go? Tell them you don’t want to, and stop here. What can they do to you? + 

Gavrila + 

Laughing. What can they do? They will take me by force. + 

Misha + 

Who can take you by force? + 

Gavrila + 

Men who have to obey, and who are exactly in my position. + 

Misha + 

Why will they take you by force if they are in the same position? + 

Gavrila + 

Because of the authorities. They will be ordered to take me, and they will have to do it. + 

Misha + 

But suppose they don’t want to? + 

Gavrila + 

They have to obey. + 

Misha + 

But why? + 

Gavrila + 

Why? Because of the law. + 

Misha + 

What law? + 

Gavrila + 

You are a funny boy. It’s a pleasure to chat with you. But now I had better go and get the samovar ready. It will be for the last time. + 