Pierre & Anatole
The Great Comet Original Cast Lyrics

You promised Countless Rostova to marry her and were about to elope, is that so?
Pierre accuses Anatole of his intentions to marry Countless Rostova and elope with her.

Mon cher I don′t consider myself bound to answer questions put to me in that tone
Anatole ignores Pierre's question, stating that he doesn't have to respond in a derogatory tone.

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!
Pierre expresses his anger and shakes Anatole to make him afraid so that he could talk to him.

Come now, this is stupid! What what don't don′t!
Anatole brushes off Pierre's accusations and doesn't take them seriously.

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?
Pierre insults Anatole and is holding something that he wants to hit him with.

I didn′t think of it. I never promised, because -
Anatole admits to not thinking about marrying Countless Rostova nor making any promises.

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
Pierre asks Anatole for Countless Rostova's letters and tells him to leave Moscow the next day.

But how can I?
Anatole wonders how he could leave Moscow.

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
Pierre tells Anatole to keep his encounter with Countless Rostova a secret, and paces the room as he thinks about Anatole's conscience.

Anatole sits at a table frowning and biting his lips
Anatole is distressed and nervously bites his lips as he thinks about the situation.

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?
Pierre lectures Anatole on the morality of deceiving, abducting, and ruining Countless Rostova's life, and compares it to child abuse.

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
Anatole defends his honor and refuses to tolerate Pierre's insults.

Is it satisfaction you want?
Pierre wants to know if Anatole feels satisfied with his response.

You could at least take back your words, eh? If you want me to do as you wish?
Anatole asks Pierre to retract his insults if he wants Anatole to do as he wishes.

Fine I take them back, I take them back! And I ask you to forgive me And if you require money for your journey -
Pierre apologizes and offers money for Anatole's journey.

Anatole smiled The reflection of that base and cringing smile Which Pierre knew so well in his wife Revolted him
Anatole's smile resembled one that Pierre's wife had, and it disgusted him.

Oh, vile and heartless brood!
Pierre insults Anatole and his family.

Next day Anatole left For Petersburg!
Anatole leaves for Petersburg the next day.