CONTENTS Scene.—A room in the Governor's house. Governor, Khelstakov, and other functionaries. Scene. Governor's Governor Khelstakov Khelstakov: Fine establishments! In other towns they showed me nothing. Khelstakov: [Pg 34] Governor: In other towns I venture to say that the officials think most about their own profit; here we only aim at winning the approbation of the government. Governor: Khelstakov: That lunch was very good! The fish was delicious! Where was it that we lunched? Was it not at the hospital? I saw the beds, but there were not many patients. Have the sick recovered? Khelstakov: Governor: Yes. Since I became governor they all get well like flies, not so much by doctoring as by honesty and regularity. Thank God, everything goes satisfactorily here! Another governor would undoubtedly look after his own advantage; but, believe me, when I lie down to sleep, my prayer is, "O Thou my Lord, may the government perceive my zeal and be satisfied." So I have an easy conscience. Governor: Khelstakov: Are there any clubs here where a game at cards could be had? Khelstakov: Governor: God forbid! Here such a thing as a card-club is never heard of. I am disgusted at the sight of a card, and never dealt one in my life. Once to amuse the children I built a house of cards, and had accursed dreams all night.
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