To V. A. Tikhonov, 14 December 1891. Moscow.
В. А. ТИХОНОВУ, 14 декабря 1891 г. Москва.
Headnote
Written 14 December 1891 from Moscow to Vladimir Alexeyevich Tikhonov (1857–1914), the playwright, prose writer, and editor of Sever with whom Chekhov carried on a long, jocular correspondence.
Chekhov reports that he never received a letter Tikhonov mentions having sent. He then raises, as an urgent matter, the title of the story he has given Sever: he dislikes "A Great Man" and asks Tikhonov to change it to "The Grasshopper," repeating the instruction for emphasis and telling him not to forget. He confirms receipt of 150 rubles with a brief thanks, closes with good wishes, and signs off.
14.
14.
Dear Vladimir Alexeyevich, the letter of yours you mention I have not received.
Милый Владимир Алексеевич, письма Вашего, о котором Вы пишете, я не получил.
Truly, I don’t know what to do about the title of my story! "A Great Man" I don’t like at all. It must be called something else – that’s certain. Call it this – "The Grasshopper."
Право, не знаю, как быть с заглавием моего рассказа! "Великий человек" мне совсем не нравится. Надо назвать как-нибудь иначе – это непременно. Назовите так – "Попрыгунья".
So then, "The Grasshopper." Don’t forget to change it.
Итак, значит "Попрыгунья". Не забудьте переменить.
The 150 rubles I received. Merci.
150 р. получил. Merci-c.
All the best!
Всего хорошего!
Yours, A. Chekhov.
Ваш А. Чехов.