Beneath the axe the villains did confess -

And named Boris.

GREGORY. How many summers lived

The murdered boy?

PIMEN. Seven summers; he would now

(Since then have passed ten years - nay, more - twelve years)

He would have been of equal age to thee,

And would have reigned; but God deemed otherwise.

This is the lamentable tale wherewith

My chronicle doth end; since then I little

Have dipped in worldly business. Brother Gregory,

Thou hast illumed thy mind by earnest study;

To thee I hand my task. In hours exempt

From the soul's exercise, do thou record,

Not subtly reasoning, all things whereto

Thou shalt in life be witness; war and peace,

The sway of kings, the holy miracles

Of saints, all prophecies and heavenly signs; -

For me 'tis time to rest and quench my lamp. -

But hark! The matin bell. Bless, Lord, Thy servants!

Give me my crutch.

(Exit.) GREGORY. Boris, Boris, before thee

All tremble; none dares even to remind thee

Of what befell the hapless child; meanwhile

Here in dark cell a hermit doth indite

Thy stern denunciation. Thou wilt not

Escape the judgment even of this world,

As thou wilt not escape the doom of God.

FENCE OF THE MONASTERY*

*This scene was omitted by Pushkin from the published

version of the play.

GREGORY and a Wicked Monk GREGORY. O, what a weariness is our poor life,

What misery! Day comes, day goes, and ever

Is seen, is heard one thing alone; one sees