Pierre & Anatole (Off-Broadway Version)

Lyrics

[PIERRE] You promised Countess Rostova to marry her And were about to elope, is that so?   [ANATOLE] Mon cher, I don't consider myself bound to answer Questions put to me in that tone   [PIERRE] My face, already pale Becomes distorted by fury I seize you by the collar with my big, big hands And I shake you from side to side Until your face shows a sufficient degree of terror When I tell you I must talk to you!   [ANATOLE] Come now, this is stupid! What, what— Don't, don't!   [PIERRE] You're a scoundrel and a blackguard And I don't know what deprives me of the pleasure Of smashing your head in with this![   Did you promise to marry her?   [ANATOLE] I didn't think of it, I never promised, because—   [PIERRE] Have you any letters of hers? Any letters?   I shan't be violent, don't be afraid   First, the letters Second, Tomorrow you must get out of Moscow   [ANATOLE] But how can I?   [PIERRE] Third, You must never breathe a word Of what has happened between You and the Countess Now, I know I can't prevent your doing so But if you have a spark of conscience   Pierre paces the room Several times in silence   [ANATOLE] Anatole sits at a table, Frowning and biting his lips   [PIERRE] After all, you must understand That besides your pleasure There is such a thing as other people, And their happiness and peace And that you are ruining a whole life For the sake of amusing yourself! Amuse yourself with women like my wife With them you're within your rights But to promise a young girl to marry her To deceive, to kidnap Why don't you understand that that's as cruel As beating an old man or a child?!   [ANATOLE] Well I don't know about that, eh? I don't know that! And I don't want to But you have used such words to me— "Scoundrel," and so on, Which, as a man of honor, I will not allow anyone to use   [PIERRE] Is it satisfaction you want?   [ANATOLE] You could at least take back your words, eh? If you want me to do as you wish   [PIERRE] Fine I take them back I take them back And I ask you to forgive me And if you require money for your journey...   [ANATOLE] Anatole smiled The reflection of that base and cringing smile Which Pierre knew so well in his wife Revolted him   [PIERRE] Oh, vile and heartless brood!   [ANATOLE] Next day, Anatole left For Petersburg!