On the High Road, a Dramatic Study

CHARACTERS / TIHON EVSTIGNEYEV, the proprietor of a inn on the main road / SEMYON SERGEYEVITCH BORTSOV, a ruined landowner / MARIA EGOROVNA, his wife / SAVVA, an aged pilgrim / NAZAROVNA and EFIMOVNA, women pilgrims / FEDYA, a labourer / EGOR MERIK, a tramp / KUSMA, a driver / POSTMAN / BORTSOV'S WIFE'S COACHMAN / PILGRIMS, CATTLE-DEALERS, ETC.

[The scene is laid in TIHON'S bar. On the right is the bar-counter and shelves with bottles. At the back is a door leading out of the house. Over it, on the outside, hangs a dirty red lantern. The floor and the forms, which stand against the wall, are closely occupied by pilgrims and passers-by. Many of them, for lack of space, are sleeping as they sit. It is late at night. As the curtain rises thunder is heard, and lightning is seen through the door.]