VOROTINSKY. Let us remember, Shuisky, Vorotinsky

Are, let me say, born princes.

SHUISKY. Yea, born princes,

And of the blood of Rurik.

VOROTINSKY. Listen, prince;

Then we, 'twould seem, should have the right to mount

Feodor's throne.

SHUISKY. Rather than Godunov.

VOROTINSKY. In very truth 'twould seem so.

SHUISKY. And what then?

If still Boris pursue his crafty ways,

Let us contrive by skilful means to rouse

The people. Let them turn from Godunov;

Princes they have in plenty of their own;

Let them from out their number choose a tsar.

VOROTINSKY. Of us, Varyags in blood, there are full many,

But 'tis no easy thing for us to vie

With Godunov; the people are not wont

To recognise in us an ancient branch

Of their old warlike masters; long already

Have we our appanages forfeited,

Long served but as lieutenants of the tsars,

And he hath known, by fear, and love, and glory,

How to bewitch the people.

SHUISKY. (Looking through a window.) He has dared,

That's all - while we - Enough of this. Thou seest

Dispersedly the people are returning.

We'll go forthwith and learn what is resolved.

THE RED SQUARE.

THE PEOPLE.

1ST PERSON. He is inexorable! He thrust from him

Prelates, boyars, and Patriarch; in vain

Prostrate they fall; the splendour of the throne

Affrights him.

2ND PERSON. O, my God, who is to rule us?

O, woe to us!