Fool that I was! Of what was I afraid?

Blow on this phantom - and it is no more.

So, I am fast resolved; I'll show no sign

Of fear, but nothing must be held in scorn.

Ah! Heavy art thou, crown of Monomakh!

CRACOW. HOUSE OF VISHNEVETSKY.

The PRETENDER and a CATHOLIC PRIEST PRETENDER. Nay, father, there will be no trouble. I know

The spirit of my people; piety

Does not run wild in them, their tsar's example

To them is sacred. Furthermore, the people

Are always tolerant. I warrant you,

Before two years my people all, and all

The Eastern Church, will recognise the power

Of Peter's Vicar.

PRIEST. May Saint Ignatius aid thee

When other times shall come. Meanwhile, tsarevich,

Hide in thy soul the seed of heavenly blessing;

Religious duty bids us oft dissemble

Before the blabbing world; the people judge

Thy words, thy deeds; God only sees thy motives.

PRETENDER. Amen. Who's there?

(Enter a Servant.) Say that we will receive them.

(The doors are opened; a crowd of Russians and Poles enters.) Comrades! Tomorrow we depart from Cracow.

Mnishek, with thee for three days in Sambor

I'll stay. I know thy hospitable castle

Both shines in splendid stateliness, and glories

In its young mistress; There I hope to see

Charming Marina. And ye, my friends, ye, Russia

And Lithuania, ye who have upraised

Fraternal banners against a common foe,

Against mine enemy, yon crafty villain.

Ye sons of Slavs, speedily will I lead

Your dread battalions to the longed-for conflict.

But soft! Methinks among you I descry

New faces.