"Im old and powerless", he said,

"I have one wish, the grave's sweet sleep.

The Hetman will I work no harm,

My daughter was alone to blame:

A father's blessing I will give.

Let her to heaven the crime atone,

That brought dishonour to our house,

And shamed the law of God and man".

He now, with eagle glance full keen,

Among bis house-retainers seeks

A faithful, trusty servant bold,

Resolved in will, and incorrupt;

Confides his purpose to his wife:

And, filled with more than woman's spite,

The wife, all bent to strike the blow,

Will nothing hear of wise delay,

But, in the silent waste of night,

Like spirit restless and untombed,

Quick vengeance whispers in his ear,

And, with reproachful tears, entreats

Him swear to sweep to his revenge;

Until he binds himself by oath.

The blow is planned. With Kotzubei

The bold Iskra in concert acts.

And both believe: "We must succeed,

Our hated foe shall surely fall.

But where's the man, whose eager zeal,

Devoted to his country's weal,

Will tempt him brave the Hetman's rage,

And dare to lay at Peter's feet

The damning proofs of his false guilt?"

Among the Cossacks of the Don,

Whose suit the maiden had repulsed,

Was one who from his youngest years