SCENE THE SECOND.

The Red Square. A Crowd of the People.


ONE OF THE CROWD .

He is unmoved, and from his presence chased
The Bishops, and Boyards, and Patriarch.
In vain they lowly fell upon their knees,
He dreads the dazzling glory of a throne.

ANOTHER OF THE CROWD .

Alas, alas! Who, then, will deign to rule?
Woe is us!

A VOICE FROM THE CROWD .

The First Secretary, look,
Has come, and will the Council's vote announce.

THE PEOPLE .

Silence! The Secretary! Silence there!
Listen!

SICHELKALOFF .

It has in Council been resolved
Yet once again to prove the power of prayer
Upon the Regent's troubled, doubting soul
To-morrow morn the Patriarch revered
Will solemn service in the Kremlin hold.
With banners hallowed and with image blest
Of Virgin of Vladimir and Donskoy,
By synod holy and Boyards attended,
With Council of the Nobles, legates chosen,
And sons of Moscow, thither will he go.
We all on knees shall pray the good Tsaritza
Pity take on wretched, orphaned Moscow,
And bless Boris as wearer of the crown.
And now, I bid you home in peace return,
To beg that, with God's grace, a nation's prayer
On swiftest wings to heaven may quickly mount!