Pierre & Andrey

(Andrey visits Pierre.)

Well, how are you?

Still getting stouter?

There’s a new wrinkle

On your forehead old friend

It’s good to see you

I’ve been away too long

My friend, you are in need

Your face is gloomy

No, I am well

There’s a war going on

Forgive me for troubling you

I have received a refusal from Countess Rostova

And have heard reports of your brother-in-law having sought her hand

Or something of that kind

Is this true?

Something of that kind

Here are her letters

Please give them to the Countess

Natasha is ill

She has been at death’s door

I much regret her illness

And he smiled like his father

Coldly, maliciously

Well, it doesn’t matter

You told me once

A fallen woman should be forgiven

But I didn’t say that I could forgive

I can’t

Yes, ask her hand again

Be magnanimous, and so on

Yes, that would be very noble

But I can’t be that man

If you wish to be my friend

Never speak of that again

Well, goodbye

(Pierre takes the letters to Natasha.)