To V. G. Korolenko, 9 April 1888. Moscow.
В. Г. КОРОЛЕНКО, 9 апреля 1888 г. Москва.
Headnote
1 Written from Moscow on 9 April 1888 to the writer Vladimir Galaktionovich Korolenko, at the time living in Nizhny Novgorod on the Volga. Chekhov sends him a story on the theme of suicide, self- deprecating about its quality but explaining he is sending it because he had promised to.
2 The letter closes with warm, brief greetings – to Korolenko himself, to the Volga (a nod to Korolenko’s riverside home), and from Chekhov’s family – before Chekhov turns to an unrelated bit of literary self-mockery: a young lady he showed a draft to, written for "Severny Vestnik," pronounced it dull, and Chekhov ruefully agrees.
9 April 1888. Moscow.
9 апреля 1888 г. Москва.
9 April.
9 апр.
I am sending you, most kind Vladimir Galaktionovich, a story about a suicide. I have read it and found nothing in it that might seem interesting to you – it is a poor piece – but I am sending it all the same, since I promised.
Посылаю Вам, добрейший Владимир Галактионович, рассказ про самоубийцу. Я прочел, его и не нашел в нем ничего такого, что могло бы показаться Вам интересным,– он плох,– но вса-таки посылаю, ибо обещал.
Be well, and may God keep you for many years. Give my regards to the Volga.
Будьте здравы и богом хранимы на многие лета. Поклонитесь Волге.
Yours, A. Chekhov.
Ваш А. Чехов.
My family sends its regards to you.
Семья моя Вам кланяется.
Yesterday I gave a young lady a story to read that I am preparing for "Severny Vestnik." She read it and said: "Ah, how dull!"
Вчера дал прочесть одной девице рассказ, который готовлю для "Сев вестн". Она прочла и сказала: "Ах, как скучно!"
Indeed, it is coming out very dull. I am resorting to all sorts of tricks, cutting it down, polishing it, and still it is dull. A disgrace to the whole province!
В самом деле, выходит очень скучно. Пускаюсь на всякие фокусы, сокращаю, шлифую, а все-таки скучно. Срам на всю губернию!