________________________________________________
_ PUSHKIN enters, surrounded by the people
THE PEOPLE.
The tsarevich a boyar hath sent to us.
Let's hear what the boyar will tell us. Hither!
Hither!
PUSHKIN.
(On a platform.)
Townsmen of Moscow! The tsarevich
Bids me convey his greetings to you. (He bows.) Ye know
How Divine Providence saved the tsarevich
From out the murderer's hands; he went to punish
His murderer, but God's judgment hath already
Struck down Boris. All Russia hath submitted
Unto Dimitry; with heartfelt repentance
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! _
Read next: Scene 25. The Kremlin. House Of Boris
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