To V. A. Tikhonov, 21 April 1888. Moscow.
В. А. ТИХОНОВУ, 21 апреля 1888 г. Москва.
Headnote
1 Written from Moscow on 21 April 1888 to Vladimir Alekseevich Tikhonov, a fellow playwright, thanking him for a book he had sent along with a flattering inscription.
2 Chekhov assures Tikhonov he has seen some of his plays on stage and knows and values his talent, so Tikhonov should not think his gift went to someone indifferent to his work. Having no copy of his own books on hand to send in return, Chekhov asks for Tikhonov’s address so he can reciprocate, and warmly invites him to call if he is ever in Moscow, giving his visiting hours and his summer address in Sumy (Kharkov province), on the estate of A. V. Liktvareva.
21 April 1888. Moscow.
21 апреля 1888 г. Москва.
21 April ’88.
21 апрель 88.
Dear Sir,
Милостивый государь
I offer you my heartfelt thanks for the book and for the flattering inscription in it.
Приношу Вам мою сердечную благодарность за книгу и за лестную надпись на ней.
I have seen some of your plays on the stage and am well enough acquainted with your talent that I ask you, please, not to imagine you sent the book to a man who does not know or value you; believe me, your attention has touched me. I should like to repay you in kind, but unfortunately I haven’t a single book of my own in the house just now. Send me your address, and I shall try to settle accounts with you as soon as possible.
Я видел некоторые Ваши пьесы на сцене и достаточно знаком с Вашим талантом, а потому, пожалуйста, не подумайте, что Вы посылали книгу человеку, который не знает и не ценит Вас, и верьте мне, что Ваше внимание тронуло меня. Мне хочется отплатить Вам тем же, но, к сожалению, в настоящее время у меня дома нет ни одной моей книги. Пришлите мне Ваш адрес, и я постараюсь возможно скорее поквитаться с Вами.
If you should find yourself in Moscow, I earnestly beg you to call on me. You may catch me at any time of year (except summer) My summer address: the town of Sumy, Kharkov province, the estate of A. V. Liktvareva. in the daytime until two o’clock, and in the evening from six until midnight. I should be very glad to make your acquaintance and to thank you in person.
Если будете в Москве, то убедительно прошу Вас пожаловать ко мне. Застать меня можно во все времена года (кроме лета) Мой летний адрес: г. Сумы Харьк(овской) губ., усадьба А. В. Ликтваревой. днем до 2-х часов и вечером от шести до двенадцати. Я был бы очень рад познакомиться и поблагодарить Вас словесно.
Allow me to wish you success and good health, and to remain sincerely respectful of you,
Позвольте пожелать Вам успеха и здоровья и пребыть искренно уважающим