To P. A. Gaydeburov, 6 March 1889. Moscow.
П. А. ГАЙДЕБУРОВУ, 6 марта 1889 г. Москва.
Headnote
1 Written from Moscow on 6 March 1889 to Pavel Alexandrovich Gaideburov, this is a brief, formal note of polite refusal.
2 Gaideburov has evidently invited Chekhov to give a public reading of his work. Chekhov declines, on the grounds that he has no experience or skill at public reading, protesting (with characteristic self-deprecating humor) that he lacks both the talent and the voice for it, and that even his own family agree he reads aloud badly (5). He closes with a conventional apology and a formal sign-off (6-7).
6 March 1889. Moscow.
6 марта 1889 г. Москва.
6 March.
6 март.
Dear Sir,
Милостивый государь
Pavel Alexandrovich!
Your kind invitation is too flattering for me, but unfortunately it is impossible for me to avail myself of it. I do not know how to give readings and have never read in public. For that I lack both the talent and the vocal means. My own household agrees with me – they find that I read aloud abominably.
Ваше любезное приглашение слишком лестно для меня, но, к сожалению, мне невозможно воспользоваться им. Я не умею читать и никогда не читал публично. На это у меня не хватает ни таланта, ни голосовых средств. Мои домашние согласны со мной они находят, что я читаю вслух отвратительно.
I beg your pardon and remain sincerely yours, with respect,
Прошу у Вас извинения и пребываю искренно Вас уважающим