The Power of Darkness

The Act takes place in autumn in a large village. The Scene represents Peters roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench, mending a horse-collar. Anísya and Akoulína are spinning, and singing a part song.

PETER [looking out of the window] The horses have got loose again. If we dont look out theyll be killing the colt. Nikíta! Hey, Nikíta! Is the fellow deaf? [Listens. To the women] Shut up, one cant hear anything.
NIKÍTA [from outside] What?
PETER. Drive the horses in.
NIKÍTA. Well drive em in. All in good time.
PETER [shaking his head] Ah, these labourers! If I were well, Id not keep one on no account. Theres nothing but bother with em. [Rises and sits down again] Nikíta!… Its no good shouting. One of youd better go. Go, Akoúl, drive em in.
AKOULÍNA. What? The horses?
PETER. What else?
AKOULÍNA. All right. [Exit].
PETER. Ah, but hes a loafer, that lad … no good at all. Wont stir a finger if he can help it.
ANÍSYA. Youre so mighty brisk yourself. When youre not sprawling on the top of the oven youre squatting on the bench. To goad others to work is all youre fit for.
PETER. If one werent to goad you on a bit, oned have no roof left over ones head before the years out. Oh what people!