The very crosses are studded thick with people.

1ST PERSON. A goodly sight indeed!

2ND PERSON. What is that noise?

3RD PERSON. Listen! What noise is that? - The people groaned;

See there! They fall like waves, row upon row -

Again - again - Now, brother, 'tis our turn;

Be quick, down on your knees!

THE PEOPLE. (On their knees, groaning and wailing.)

Have pity on us,

Our father! O, rule over us! O, be

Father to us, and tsar!

1ST PERSON. (Sotto voce.) Why are they wailing?

2ND PERSON. How can we know? The boyars know well enough.

It's not our business.

PEASANT WOMAN. (With child.)

Now, what's this? Just when

It ought to cry, the child stops crying. I'll show you!

Here comes the bogie-man! Cry, cry, you spoilt one!

(Throws it on the ground; the child screams.)

That's right, that's right!

1ST PERSON. As everyone is crying,

We also, brother, will begin to cry.

2ND PERSON. Brother, I try my best, but can't.

1ST PERSON. Nor I.

Have you not got an onion?

2ND PERSON. No; I'll wet

My eyes with spittle. What's up there now?

1ST PERSON. Who knows

What's going on?

THE PEOPLE. The crown for him! He is tsar!

He has yielded! - Boris! - Our tsar! - Long live Boris!

THE PALACE OF THE KREMLIN.

BORIS, PATRIARCH, Boyars BORIS. Thou, father Patriarch, all ye boyars!

My soul lies bare before you; ye have seen

With what humility and fear I took

This mighty power upon me. Ah! How heavy

My weight of obligation! I succeed