The Light Shines in Darkness

Act V

Disciplinary Battalion. A cell. Prisoners sitting and lying. Bor s is reading the Gospel and explaining it. A man who has been flogged is brought in. "Ah, if there were but a Pugachev (Note: Pugachev was the leader of a formidable rebellion in Russia in the eighteenth century.) to revenge us on such as you." The Princess bursts in, but is turned out. Conflict with an officer. Prisoners led to prayers. Bor s sent to the Penitentiary Cell: "He shall be flogged!"

The Tsar's Cabinet. Cigarettes; jokes; caresses. The Princess is announced. "Let her wait." Enter petitioners, flattery, then the Princess. Her request is refused. Exit.

Mary Iv novna talks about illness with the doctor. "He has changed, has become more gentle, but is dispirited." Enter Nicholas Iv novich and speaks to Doctor about the uselessness of treatment. But for his wife's sake he agrees to it. Enter T nya with Sty pa. Ly ba with Stark vsky. Conversation about land. Nicholas Iv novich tries not to offend them. Exeunt all. Nicholas Iv novich with Lisa. "I am always in doubt whether I have done right. I have accomplished nothing. Bor s has perished, Vas ly Nikon rovich has recanted. I set an example of weakness. Evidently God does not wish me to be his servant. He has many other servants-and can accomplish his will without me, and he who realises this is at peace." Exit Lisa. He prays. The Princess rushes in and shoots him. Everybody comes running into the room. He says he did it himself by accident. He writes a petition to the Emperor. Enter Vas ly Nikon rovich with Doukhobors. (Note: Tolstoy did not fully realise the facts (described in A Peculiar People) of the Doukhobors' submission to their leader, or of their belief in him as an incarnation of the Deity. In fact, when he wrote this play, Tolstoy regarded the Doukhobors as a type of what all Christians should be.) Dies rejoicing that the fraud of the Church is exposed, and that he has understood the meaning of his life.

This play was begun in the 'eighties, and continued in 1900 and 1902.

END OF "THE LIGHT SHINES IN DARKNESS."