strange routine when the man
and wife breakfast at different time.
It's not the way it should be.
I'm so tired of living in the barracks.
Stepan, serve breakfast to the mistress.
- Right now or some time later?
Later, you dimwit!
I'm sick of that lame moron.
Don't we have the money for a maid?
A martinet serves coffee
to my bed every morning.
I'm expecting the alarm to sound
in our house any day.
- This gentleman wishes to see you.
- Another gunner?
Menelaus Ivanitsky, decadent poet,
my friend from the club.
- Mr. Ivanitsky, my spouse.
- Enchanted.
If I'm not mistaken, I had the pleasure
of seeing you in my residence?
- Sorry, I don't know where you reside.
- 5, Tavrichesky St.
I've never visited such an
address.
- It means I've made a mistake.
- Yes, you have.
What could I do for you?
Card debts are paid within 24 hours.
- Did you have to worry about it?
- Money likes counting.
Yesterday you had a better
chance. You were, so to say...
I was drunk as a lord.
Yes, every night after 10
I'm drunk as a cobbler,
but in the morning at my desk
I think in images.
My mind is shrouded by mystical
clouds.
Something otherworldly
guides my gifted quill.
Vague silhouettes of the past and future
fight in my mind and I write in that mist.
Yet sometimes love guides me.
Today I've written this. It's called "I Want".
Will you allow me?
- Of course. Please.
I want to be impudent and brave,
I want a laurel of fresh grape
I want to drink your splendid body
I want to tear your clothes wide open
I want to know your satin bosom,
I want our lusts to be as one.
Gods, go away, and you people, scram!
I want to stay with her alone.
- Charming, isn't it?
- Yes. Quite charming.
Avaricious publishers with advance
royalties swarm in the hall,
tearing my precious manuscripts hot
from my hands, shouting "A masterpiece!"
And I stay behind gutted
out to the bottom.
I find solace in drink and cocaine.
- The author's life is sure hard.
I lost to you yesterday.
I don't even remember how much.
- 35 rubles. - Say it again?
- 35 rubles.
Tell me, Mr. Ivanitsky,
is it hard to compose verse?
- Stepan, please announce me.
- Here you are, master.
- Mr. Marusin to see you.
- What Marusin? Academician?
The same! Our close friend.
Please invite him.
Or we'll see no end to it!
My dear, is your mistress home?
Stepan, ask him in. Sorry.
Here we go... What do I...
Well' we've got used to it.
I'm all thumbs.
I'm a walking disaster.
Pavel, why are you frozen?
We spoke of you. Come in.
My dear friend, how've you been?
Pavel, it's not for me neither.
- Yes, but I'm awkward about it.
Please accept it. This flower
doesn't grow in Russia.
In Russian, it's a hordenine.
I brought it for you from China.
- Are you back from China?
Like Chatsky, from the ship to the reception.
- Have a seat, Pavel Petrovich.
Why shouldn't you be more
precise?
Sit closer, please.
Doctor!
- He sits...
...on my foot!
He sits on my foot!
- Who?
- Marusin!
Aglaya Nikitichna, pray forgive me!
Stepan, we need ice!
I'll blow on it!
I'm sorry.
I swear I didn't mean to!
- Forgive me for Chrissakes!
- Please do calm down!
Let me introduce Menelaus Semenovich
Ivanitsky, decadent poet.
Of course, I've read you and am an avid fan.
I'm thrilled by your progressive ideas...
Yes, your poesy, "Leprosy Marionette".
- On the waters' transparency.
- "The Wine of Love".
- On the beauty of fields.
- "The Cupid's Arrow".
- This is the work of genius!
- Your work on the feathered.
- The poet in the field of study.
- How do you feel?
- Considerably better.
Madam, allow me to take my leave.
It was an unforgettable meeting!
I sure seem to have seen you.
- I'll see you off.
I was staggered by your Marusin.
An academician, a great mind, but here?
I was discouraged myself. He's new at that.
I suggested he seek psychiatric help, but...
All the best to you.
Pasha, what have you done? You broke
the vase given to