Basmanov hath himself led forth his troops

To swear allegiance to him. In love, in peace

Dimitry comes to you. Would ye, to please

The house of Godunov, uplift a hand

Against the lawful tsar, against the grandson

Of Monomakh?

THE PEOPLE. Not we.

PUSHKIN. Townsmen of Moscow!

The world well knows how much ye have endured

Under the rule of the cruel stranger; ban,

Dishonour, executions, taxes, hardships,

Hunger - all these ye have experienced.

Dimitry is disposed to show you favour,

Courtiers, boyars, state-servants, soldiers, strangers,

Merchants - and every honest man. Will ye

Be stubborn without reason, and in pride

Flee from his kindness? But he himself is coming

To his ancestral throne with dreadful escort.

Provoke not ye the tsar to wrath, fear God,

And swear allegiance to the lawful ruler;

Humble yourselves; forthwith send to Dimitry

The Metropolitan, deacons, boyars,

And chosen men, that they may homage do

To their lord and father.

(Exit. Clamour of the People.) THE PEOPLE. What is to be said?

The boyar spake truth. Long live Dimitry, our father!

A PEASANT ON THE PLATFORM. People! To the Kremlin!

To the Royal palace!

The whelp of Boris go bind!

THE PEOPLE. (Rushing in a crowd.)

Bind, drown him! Hail

Dimitry! Perish the race of Godunov!

THE KREMLIN. HOUSE OF BORIS.

A GUARD on the Staircase. FEODOR at a Window BEGGAR. Give alms, for Christ's sake.

GUARD. Go away; it is forbidden to speak to the prisoners.

FEODOR. Go, old man, I am poorer than thou; thou art at