Script

SIDE 1

That was a very interesting lesson, Perchik.
 

Thank you.
 

But I don't think the Rabbi would agree with your strange ideas.
 

Certainly! Any new idea would be strange to you. Remember, the Lord said: Let there be light.
 

Yes. But he was not talking to you personally ... Good day.
 

You have spirit. Even a little intelligence perhaps.
 

Thank you.
 

And you are very brave. Do you know that in the city boys and girls can hold hands together, they even dance together - new dances - like this.

(HE seizes her and starts dancing, humming)

I learned it in Kiev. Do you like it?
 

(Startled)
It's very nice.

(Stops dancing)
There. We've just changed an old custom.

(Bewildered)
Yes. Well, you're welcome - I mean, thank you - I mean, good day.

Good day.

SIDE 2

(Exterior of TEVYE'S house. HODEL ENTERS, petulantly, followed by PERCHIK, who is carrying a suitcase)

Please don't be upset, Hodel.

Why should I be upset? If you must leave, you must.

They expect me in Kiev tomorrow morning.

So you told me. Then goodbye.

Hodel, your father, the others here, think what happened at Tzeitel's wedding was a little cloudburst and it's over and everything will now be peaceful again. It won't. You understand?

Yes, I - I suppose I do. Goodbye, Perchik.

Before I go,

(Hesitates, then summons up courage)

there is a certain question I wish to discuss with you. A political question.

Yes?

The question of marriage.

This is a political question?

Yes. And I personally am in favor of it.

Are you asking me to marry you?

In a theoretical sense, yes, I am.

I was hoping you were.

And we can consider ourselves engaged, even though I am going away?

(SHE nods)

I will send for you as soon as I can. It will be a hard life, Hodel.

But it will be less hard if we live it together.

(ENTERING)
Good evening.

Good evening, Reb Tevye, I have some bad news. I must leave this place.

I'm sorry, Perchik. We will all miss you.

But you can also congratulate me.

Congratulations. What for?

We're engaged.

Engaged?

Yes, Papa, we're engaged.

(Takes PERCHIK'S HAND)

(Pleasantly, separating them)
No, you're not. I know, you like him, and he likes you. But you're going away, and you're staying here, so have a nice trip Perchik.

Please, Papa, you don't understand.

I understand. I gave my permission to Motel and Tzeitel, so you feel that you also have a right. But my answer is still no.

Papa, you don't...

We'll find someone else for you, here in Anatevka.

Reb Tevye, we are not asking for your permission.

You're not asking for my permission?

But we would like your blessing, Papa.