Boris Godiinov.

opera in four acts,

based on Pushkin.
English text by
John Gutman.
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BORIS GODUNOV
OPERA IN FOUR ACTS

by

M. P. MUSSORGSKY

Based on PUSHKIN

English text by
^^,^,^

JOHN GUTMAN l^"-

TO

English Text

Gjpyright 1953 by John Gutman, N. Y. C.

MUSIC LIBRARY
UNIVERSITY OF COMNECTICUT
STORRS, CONNECriCUT
Published by

FRED RULLMAN, INC., NEW YORK, N Y.

 Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013

http://archive.org/details/borisgodunovoperaOOmuss
 THE STORY

ACT I

Scene 1

Outside a Monastery near Moscow

A crowd of people are huddled in the courtyard of a Moscow monastery, ordered by
a guard to pray and beg the Lord for His divine assistance. Shchelkalov, the secretary
of the Duma, arrives with a message that Boris has not relented and refuses to become
Tsar. After his departure, pilgrims arrive with images of saints and amulets. The
people greet them with reverence and pray again to the Lord that He may deliver
Russia from its misery and its unending feuds. The guard orders the people to appear
the next morning at the Kremlin and the people, wearily, retire.

Scene 2

The Square in the Kremlin

The people of Moscow are assembled of Tsar Boris Godunov.
for the Coronation
He arrives amidst the general jubilation accompanied by Prince Shuiski and by Xenia
and Fyodor, Boris's children. Boris is sad and brooding. A
fearful omen fills his heart
with dark thoughts. He enters the church and reappears with the crown on his head
as the bells chime and the people greet their new Tsar with wild cries of "Glory, glory."

Scene 3

A Monastery
In the dark of the night, Pimen, an old monk, writes the chronicle of his time.
Grigori, ayounger member of the monastery, lies asleep. As he awakens he tells
Pimen of the disturbing dreams he had and he asks Pimen a question that has long
been on his mind; who killed young Dimitri, the Tsarevich. Pimen tells him what
happened in Uglich that day, when young Dimitri was murdered by three men who
admitted that they killed him by order of Boris Godunov. Asked by Grigori how old
the Tsarevich was when he died, Pimen tells him that he must have been the same
age as Grigori himself. As Pimen leaves the cell to attend the morning prayers, Grigori is

left deep in thought about what he has heard.

 Scene 4

An Inn near the Lithuanian border

The innkeeper is interrupted by the arrival of
discovered singing a folk-song which is

Missail and Varlaam, two wandering monks who are heartily welcomed by the lonely
innkeeper and who are soon followed by a younger companion, Grigori, who has
escaped from the monastery. Varlaam, inspired by the wine which the hostess offers
him, sings a song about the famous battle at Kazan and then slowly goes to sleep.
Grigori uses this opportunity to inquire from the innkeeper how far the border of
Lithuania might be. The innkeeper tells him that the border is quite near and that
he could get there this very evening if the police didn't stop him. It seems that a
man has escaped and that the police have been ordered to get him. Soon thereafter
an officer of the frontier guard appears with a warrant which, unfortunately, neither
he nor his assistant can read. He inquires whether anybody in the room is able to
read and as Grigori admits to being educated, the officer hands him the warrant and
orders him to read it aloud. This Grigori does and it seems that the details of the
warrant fit Varlaam, the older of the two monks, to perfection. The officer wants to
arrest Varlaam but Varlaam smells a rat and decides to read the warrant himself,
although he confesses that he is not much of a reader. As read by Varlaam, it turns
out that the warrant rather describes Grigori. As the officer prepares to arrest him,
Grigori draws a knife and jumps out of the window.

ACT II

A room in the Tsar's Palace in The ICremlin

Xenia, the daughter of the Tsar, cries for her bridegroom who died just before the
wedding. Fyodor, her brother, and their nurse try to cheer her up by singing old
folk-songs. Suddenly, Boris appears. He begs his daughter to forget her grief and
tells his son to continue with his studies since the day may not be far when he,
Fyodor, will be the mighty Tsar of Russia. After Fyodor takes leave from his father,
Boris expresses the deep tragedy of his soul. Boris confesses that the bloody head of
the dead Dimitri appears to him in his nightmares. Shouts are heard from an adjoin-
ing room and when the Tsar asks his son to find out what happened, Fyodor returns
with an amusing story about a parrot that upset all the nurses by his weird behavior.
Shuiski demands an audience with his Tsar and being admitted tells the Tsar that a
usurper is gathering partisans and finds many people willing to believe his claim
that he is Tsarevich Dimitri. Boris orders Shuiski to tell him whether he is sure that
the boy who was murdered in Uglich was Dimitri. Shuiski is sure of that, and is
dismissed by the Tsar who in a fit of hallucination sees the ghost of the dead child
approaching him in the dark corner of his room and raises his hand to his God
begging for forgiveness.

ACT III

A Castle in Poland

The beautiful Marina, a Polish noblewoman, found with her friends and attendants
is

who flatter her but Marina is not in a mood for worldly pleasantries. She has met
Grigori and she believes him to be (or wants to believe him to be) the rightful Tsar
of Russia. Rangoni, a Jesuit, demands of Marina that she must use all her feminine
wiles to enslave Grigori and to use his love for her as a stepping-stone for her to
become the Tsarina. Marina at first is shocked by this intrigue but as Dimitri comes
to her to declare his love and beg her not to reject him she coldly informs him that
she will belong to him only if he conquers Moscow as the rightful Tsar.
 ACT IV
Scene 1

The Square in the Kremlin

Hungry people are milling about clamoring for food and begging Boris not to desert
them in their misery. A simpleton appears followed by a group of boys who tease
him and take his only coin away from him. The simpleton cries and when Boris
enters the simpleton runs up to him and asks him to murder those boys the way he
once murdered the young Tsarevich. Prince Shuiski orders the simpleton arrested but
Boris forbids it, and asks the simpleton instead to pray for him.

Scene 2

The Duma
The Duma is in session and discusses what ought to be done about the usurper
Grigori who claims to be Dimitri. Their discussions are interrupted by the arrival of
Shuiski, who tells them the frightful story of how he discovered the Tsar a few days
earlier in a state of complete frenzy, fleeing as it were from the murdered child that
seemed to pursue him. As he describes the scene, Boris enters in a trance, shouting
"Go, go, my child." The presence of the Boyars brings him to his senses, and Shuiski
asks him to admit an old monk who has a message for him. The old monk enters;
it is Pimen who tells the story of a blind man who had a vision in a dream
that summoned him to go to Uglich and visit the grave of the slain Dimitri. The blind
man followed this summon and as he knelt before the grave of the Tsarevich he
suddenly was able to see for the first time in his life. This story strikes Boris with
terror and he feels that the hour of his death has come. He counsels his son to beware
of the intriguing politicians that surround him, he begs him never to ask how he,
Boris, became Tsar, and he beseeches him to be a brother and a father to his sister
Xenia. Boris dies.

Scene 3

The Forest of Kromy

The of the revolution are raging and a wild mob is threatening to do violence
fires
to a Boyar whom they have captured. Grigori, now recognized as Dimitri, the Tsar
of Russia, appears and promises the people to right all the wrongs that Boris Godunov
has inflicted on his subjects. The crowds follow him in jubilation. Only the simpleton
remains. Lonely, he sits on a stone in the wide, empty steppe, and staring at the flames
of the revolution on the distant horizon he bewails the fate of his land.

The curtain falls slowly.

THE END
 CAST OF CHAELA.CTERS

Boris Godunov Varlaam

Fyodor, his son Missail

Xenia, his daughter The Innkeeper

Xenia's nurse The Simpleton
Prince Shuiski Nikitich, a guard

Shchelkalov, secretary of the A Boyar

Duma Lavitski 1 j -,

Brother Pimen Chernikovski y

Grigori, later under the name of
An officer of the frontier guard

Dimitri Mityukh
Marina, a Polish noblewoman A Woman
Rangoni, a Jesuit
 —: ! ! — —
! . .

BORIS GODUNOV
ACT ONE Women
Listen to that little devil.

Various Groups of Women

SCENE
[Outside a Monastery near Moscow. A
Guard appears at the door. The peo-
ple stand motionless.']
Guard
I —
He's a fool he's only boasting.
—
He's a heathen he'll be roasting.
God have mercy on this sinner.
Let us run and look for shelter.
Men
If this nickname does not please you,

You loafers if you feel he shouldn't tease you,

have you turned to wooden statues? we regret it, we regret it.

—
Down there on your knees Women
Faster! Go down! If we won't be healthy,
stay, it

You're the devil's sons and daughters! so we'd better run for shelter.
[The people go down on their knees, Men
reluctantly.] —
See the witches how they're running.
People [The Guard appears again.]
Lord in Heaven, do not reject us, oh Guard
Father. What's this? so silent? you spare your
Lord, we beseech You that You protect voices . . .

us, oh Father. I'll show you . . . maybe that your backs

We are all orphans without You are longing for a thrashing?
help Your children. Lord I will teach you, you loafers. . . .

And with tears we ask You, Lord in Women

Heaven Don't be mad, Nikitich; don't be mad,
—
hear our wailing hear our bitter cries . .
beloved.
—
Help, Father Lord in the skies above. Men
Oh Father, Benefactor, don't leave us
Help, Father!
Let us do some breathing —then we'll do
some praying.
[Guard exit.] Another Group
Men He won't let us breathe, the bastard.
Mityukh— say, Mityukh: why do we cry? Guard
MiTYUKH Shut up —use your voices as you're told.

Brother— I can't tell you. Well?

Men Men
Ready.
We must find a Tsar to govern Russia. . . .
Chorus
A Woman Lord in Heaven, do not reject us, oh
To hell with it! I'm hoarse from shout- Father, beseech You that You
we
ing.
protect us, oh Father
I ask you, my darling dove —have you a We are lost without You.
. . .

drop of water ? Lord in Heaven: hear our wailing, hear

Women our bitter cries.
Wait — I'll moment.
serve you in a Help, Father! —
Lord in the skies above:
Just do not shout so much, oh Father,
so you won't be so thirsty. Oh father in Heaven, oh Father. .ah. . .

Men [During the last outcries of the people,

Women, stop your silly chatter. Quiet! Shchelkalov has appeared at the
door of the Monastery.]
Women Guard
And who are you to
Don't think that you can bully us
tell us?
Quiet —and listen. Hear what he has to
say.
Mityukh [Shchelkalov lijts his cap and hows
Oh, you witches, keep your mouths shut! to the people^
 — : —— .!

8 BORIS GODUNOV
Shchelkalov Men
Hear me, citizens. Well.
Boris has not relented. Mityukh
He pays no heed to his advisers, nor to "... from the corners of this holy land . .

the Duma. you will greet him , . . from the

He does not want to hear of his accession. corners of this ..."
What sorrow and grief has come to this
holy land,
Men
fellow-citizens . . .
Go on. ...
Right!
Right has been wronged in this country.
Let's pray to the Lord in His mercy
Chorus
that He may grace us by His divine con-
Now rejoice and don your festive gowns.
solation
From the corners of this holy land
all
reunited, you greet a mighty Tsar.
and to Boris may grant His guidance,
and waken his weary soul.
\The Guard, who has accompanied the
pilgrims, returns r^
[From afar, the song of the pilgrims is

heard. The people listen in silence.'} Chorus I

Pilgrims What Tsar? —which Tsar do they mean?

Glory to Him who is the Mightiest in this Chorus II
world, Stupid question: Tsar Boris.
Glory, Glory to all His powers and His Guard
Saints,
eternally glory praise to Him.
Listen — listen,
. . .
you bunch of donkeys . . . Pay attention
Glory to you, Almightiest glory!
Thus spoke the Angel to this world
— — Listen to what I say:
tomorrow after dawn
Up, you clouds, and run your stormy way. you'll gather at the Kremlin.
Spread your wings across the Heaven's That is all.
dome,
over Russia wake, you clouds of God. Chorus
Over Russia wake, you clouds of God. Kremlin?
{The pilgrims have arrived at the Monas- And what are we to do there?
tery, with images of Saints, and amu-
lets. The people greet them with Various Groups of People
It's all the same.
reverence^
Chorus They tell us "cry"

Slay and kill that evil dragon

and so we cry some more.
dragon spewing poisoned flames from its More crying?
That's not very hard. . .
thousand heads. Slay that dragon,
. . .
.

Russia's misery, and its unending feud.

Well, it's time for sleeping.
And to all who have the true belief
say: they will be saved.
SCENE II
Now rejoice and don your festive gowns,
show the Mother of God on Her \The Square in the Kremlin. The people,
Heavenly throne. on their knees. The sound of many
And from the corners of this holy land hells is heard. Shuiski appears, with
united, you greet a mighty Tsar. Shchelkalov,}
Sing hymns to God, our Father.
Shuiski
Glory, glory to His holy Saints.
Long may he live.
Sing hymns to praise Him,
Tsar Boris Feodorovich.
glory, glory to His holy Saints.
Glory to Him who rules all the world, Chorus
glory, glory to God, the Lord. Long life and glory
\The pilgrims disappear^ Our Tsar and Father.

Men Shuiski
—
Mityukh say: did you hear what they Glory..,,
were singing? Chorus
Mityukh As the sun is to Heaven
I did .

land
. . "from the corners of
."
this holy its highest glory,

country,
^glory
Russia
—
. . to this to
 — —— — — ! —

BORIS GODUNOV 9

Tsar Boris is glory g lory. SCENE III

Long life and glory
\^A cell in a Monastery. It is night.
Long life and glory. . . .
PiMEN, writing. Grigori sleeps.]
Long live Tsar Boris.
Long live Tsar Boris. PiMEN
Long life and glory Just one more page
Long live Tsar Boris. the last of all my stories,

Long life and glory. ... and this will end the chronicle I wrote.
Be happy, friends. The work is done, entrusted to this sinner
Jubilate, and be happy, friends. by God, the Lord.
Let's be happy, friends. And not in vain have I been called for
Let us praise our Tsar, Boris Godunov. many years
BOYARS to be a witness:
Long life to him! Tsar Boris Feodoro- there'll come a day,
vich. . . .
a monk will read these papers,

Chorus and he will reap the fruits of all my toil-

ing.
Long may he live.
[Boris appears. Snuisia motions to the
Then he will light, like me, his lamp at

crowd to end their jubilation.'] midnight,

To the mightiest of Tsars, Boris, and shake the dust of all too many years
—
be glory glory glory glory
GLORY!
— — to tell again the legends of the fathers.
And thus the true believers will remember
all that befell in long forgotten times.
[Boris stands in front of the Cathedral;
beside him his children, Fyodor and Though I am old, my memories are

Xenia,] young,
the olden timesI often see before me,
Boris
My heart is sad waves that stir the quiet of the sea....
like

a strange and fearful omen How stormy was it once with great ad-
invades all my being with its dark fore- ventures,

boding. how still is now the ocean, and how silent!

My Lord and God — You, my Eternal The dawn of day is near my lamp is but —
Father, a flicker . . .

from Heaven's throne in mercy look on us, Just one more page, the last of all my
and send to me, and to the power of my stories. , . .

reign, Chorus {from afar)

Your holy blessing. Lord in Heaven, Father, have mercy on
Let me be kind and merciful like You Your slaves!
let me bring glory to the Throne. Merciful God.
And now we bend our knees From the flock of true believers
before the mighty Tsars who governed turn away all evil thoughts, merciful God!
Russia. Grigori {wakes up)
And then I'll call you to a feast! That dream again! Once again I dreamt
All — from Boyar down to the lowly poor, that dream
All be my guests. . . . How haunts me, that cursed dream.
it

All will be dearly welcome. . . . work, the worthy father,

Still at
[Boris, with Shuiski and his retinue, and no slumber has touched his eyes all
enters the Cathedral^ through
Chorus the weary night.
Glory — glory
Long life and glory
— glory. It warms my
scene
heart to see this peaceful

Our Tsar and Father — long may he reign, when he is steeped in thoughts of ancient
the mighty ruler!! glory-
As to Heaven the sun glory — is its glory. so quiet — so untiring: he writes the book
so to Russia her great Tsar Boris is of time.
glory— PiMEN
[Boris appears in the door of the Cathe- Awake so soon 7
dral] Grigori
Glory —and long may he reign. I beg you, worthy man: give me your
GLORY GLORY! blessing.
 — ! — — — : — !

10 BORIS GODUNOV
PiMEN PiMEN
May God the Lord protect you, son Consider, son,
today, and always, and forever! the fate of Russia's rulers:
great are the Tsars! yet often . . .

Chorus
Lord — All-mighty God do — not abandon
many times it happened
that they abandoned
me!
the regal sceptre
Grigori
and the purple
All through the night you never ceased
and with the crown
your writing.
I —
was asleep and yet I am not rested:
their
to
power,
don a monk's most humble vestment,
an evil dream has stirred my tortured
to find their peace of soul
heart.
within a holy cloister,
I mounted on a mighty stairway
[Grigori has listened to Pimen with in-
that led me to a tower
creasing interest.']
and I saw
Grigori
all Moscow from on high.
But now, I want to ask a question that is
Like in an ant-heap
on my mind
the crowds below
were running to and fro.
Who killed young Dimitri, our Tsarevich?
You, I am told, were present that fright-
At me they laughed,
ful day?
and pointed with their fingers . . .
Pimen
it frightened me,
Yes, I was. Our Lord and God had des-
and I began to tremble . . .

tined me
I tumbled down the stairs,
to see and witness a bloody deed. I was
and I awakened.
in Uglich . . .

PiMEN they sent me there to do a term of pen-

Dreams of a youthful sinner! ance . . .

Chastise yourself with fasting and with I came at night next morning dawn. . .

prayers awoke me
and every dream you may be dreaming there was a noise, the sound of tolling
will be pleasant. bells-
Believe me: even now screams —shouts— ^we all ran to the pal-
when in the evening ace
slumber overcomes me, What a sight we saw!
before I find the time A sea of blood, and in it the Tsarevich . . .

to say my prayer, his hapless mother unconscious by his

unquiet is my sleep, side.
and even sinful. His faithful nurse was crazed with fear,

And in those nights, and sobbed in desperation.

I dream of stormy feasts, And then, quite suddenly, the crowd
of fights and valiant battles cried out in wrath
and all the vain pursuits and dragged in the servant who betrayed
of thoughtless youth! her helpless master.
Wailing moaning.
. . . , , .

Grigori But then they find a man, his face dis-

How cheerful was your youth, torted,
how full of ventures his eyes aghast: Yehuda Bityagovski.
Down at Kazan "Hold him—he killed the boy,"
you fought and won a battle they're shouting, all at once.
and you were there, Then the crowd started to pursue
when Shuiski beat the foe the three who did the murder
and Tsar Ivan you saw and finally they caught them and made
in all his splendor. them stand
But I have always been condemned before the lifeless body. Oh wonder!
to wander from one cloister to another. He who died began to tremble!
Why was not I "Confess the deed," they shouted in the
allowed to fight a war, crowd.
to see the Tsar The murderers, in fear of death, admitted
and join him at his banquet? they killed the boy ... by order of Boris
 — : ——— : — —!

BORIS GODUNOV 11

Grigori oh
my
—beloved
you my gander, dear!
How old was he, Dimitri, the Tsarevich? gander, dear!

PiMEN Now you must stay here,

lovely gander, dear.
Seven years but no
. . . . . . how many
Likes to swim in every pond,
years have passed since?
—
was it ten? or twelve years?
of the willows he is fond.
—
Yes, yes twelve years ago. He would
Fold your little wings,
darling gander mine!
be as old
as you are —
and Tsar today! Don't fly away from me,
stay and keep me company.
But God did not allow it, and thus the
crime
You will be my love
like a turtle dove. . . .
'
that Tsar Boris committed
will conclude the chronicle I write.
and have no end,
this love will

You, Grigori, by learning you have form- you,my sweetheart gander friend!
ed an Come and sit with me,
eager mind: to you I want to leave my
[The voices of passers-by are heard in the
distance.]
work;
close as close can be
in humbleness continue what I started, . . .

and Hug me, give me one more kiss,

describe whatever life may show you — in my arms you will find bliss
What is this? I heard a voice.
both war and peace, the reign of future
rulers, Guests are always welcome! Hey,
the prophecies and signs that come from there. . . .

Heaven. No one. It seems they passed us by. . . .

My time has come — it's time for me to Kiss

hold
me
me
once again
very tight
rest.
This is the matin bell. . . .
Oh — my gander, dear,
you
my beloved gander, dear.
Do give your blessing, Lord, to all Your
slaves. Come, console my heart,
— I need my stick, Grigori. console my lonely heart!
Say, we will never part.
^

Chorus
Lord, have mercy on us, have mercy, God, MissAiL and Varlaam (approaching)
on us all! Brothers and Christians,
Heavenly, mighty Father ever just, eter- — friends and honest people,
for the church we're building
nal
have mercy. Lord! we ask you for a modest gift.
[Exit PiMEN, Grigoiq accompanies him, Bread on the waters —
but remains standing at the door.'] you'll be rewarded!

Grigori Innkeeper
Boris, Boris — : you make the country Wandering monks they are —two worthy
tremble, pilgrims.
and no one ever dares remember Here I am, singing that stupid song

the fate you meted out to the Tsarevich. stupid and sinful, that's too much
Yet in this quiet cell Here are they! two monks, two worthy
a monk recorded all that he knew pilgrims!
of this most heinous murder. [She opens the door: Varlaam and
You will be called before your earthly MissAiL enter, followed by Grigori,
judges, disguised as a peasant.]
nor can you flee Varlaam
the judgment of the Lord. The Lord may bless this house of yours!
Innkeeper
Would you like to eat something, rev-
SCENE IV erend fathers?
[An inn near the Lithuanian border.] MiSSAIL
Innkeeper We take whatever God may send. . . .

In a pond quite near Varlaam

lives a gander here, No wine today?
 —— — —! — — : —— —— — ! — !

12 BORIS GODUNOV
Innkeeper What a noise it was!
Why, of course! I'll bring you some. And the Tartars yelled and shouted and
Sit down —
rest a while. shed bitter tears,
[Varlaam watches Grigori, who has sat such a noise as this one seldom hears. . . .

down at the table, brooding.^ Most of them would never yell or shout

Varlaam (to Grigori) again

What are you so glum about, companion 7 forty thousand Tartars lay there slain! —
Here we are close to the border now: Even forty three ! !

Lithuania That's how it went

And that's where you asked us to take in Kazan, the famous city!

you. Varlaam {to Grigori)

Grigori Tell me: don't you drink anything?
I'll never really be safe till I'm over the And it seems you don't even sing?
border! Grigori
Varlaam I don't drink
And what's so good about Lithuania? Missail
Take us —
my friend Missail, and
: I, Each to his own taste!
wicked sinner:
since we
escaped from the cloister walls,
Varlaam
we don't care a single rap what country . . . and mine is for wine! Come on,
Missail,
we're in
— —
Russia Lithuania ^what do we care?
let us
host.
drink a
. . .
toast to our charming
If there'ssome wine!
Ah, there is some now. (to Grigori)

Innkeeper
Now listen, you — I do not care for those
This is the best I have —
may it keep you
that
don't like wine!
healthy!
Drinking may be piggish
Missail and Varlaam
We thank you a thousand times — God soberness
If you are
is priggish!
like us, we'll always love you,
the Lord will bless your heart.
but, if you're a kill-joy, get out of here!
Varlaam
Near Kazan —near the famous olden
Drink —but don't forget
Grigori
who you were,
fortress
sat Ivan —making merry at a banquet.
my friend Varlaam!

Tartars got from him no pity Varlaam

they were told to leave the city, Who I was? Remember? But I want to
and not to come again! forget!
But one day he had enough, and in the Phew!
dark of the night [He is quite drunk, and slowly jailing
asked his men to put a lot of mines all asleep. Missail dozes?^
over the town. There was mana
But the Tartars kept on acting like the a darling man
owners of the place, spurred his horse so it ran.
when they saw Ivan, they simply laughed He wore a cap ^he did not care a rap: —
right in his face he was filthy, that chap!
That's the way they are! Grigori (to the Innkeeper)
And the Tsar was sad by day and night, Please tell me: this road out there
hung his head where does it lead to?
to the left, but later also to the right.
Innkeeper
Then he called for all his cannoneers,
Into Lithuania.
and he ordered them to be prepared
Grigori
every one of them.
Is the border very far?
As the fuses began to smolder merrily,
one young man threw a light into a Innkeeper
powder keg No, it isn't ... if you hurry you can
they exploded every single mine that get there
still

could be found. Hey! tonight ... if they do not stop you

One could hear the blast for miles Grigori
around Me? Why should they?
 ! ——— —— — — —— : —

BORIS GODUNOV 13

Innkeeper Varlaam and Missail

Somebody must have escaped . . . We are two lay brothers —we are poor

police have been ordered everywhere to and honest

look out for him! wandering through the villages,
Grigori begging for a copeck, or two!
Eh! this does not seem to be my lucky Officer {to Grigori)
day! —
And you ^who are you?
Varlaam Varlaam and Missail
Horse ran and ran Our companion.
threw down the man Grigori
he'll get up ... he can ..
if .
A peace-loving friend of the law!
Grigori I have come with these worthy old men,
What's the charge against him,' I'm on my way home now.
Innkeeper Officer
How would I know? maybe some robber Try to get milk from a stone! That case
or thief. is hopeless.
But if he'ssmart enough, he has a chance Let's try the old ones . . . Hm. . . .

to fool them! How is everything? tell me: how are

Do they always get them? No they — they treating you?
don't! Varlaam
It might be desperate,
other road
if there were no
Oh! very badly — very! Everybody seems
so stingy
than just the high road, but fond of money and they hide it!
. . .

let me tell you:

God is last on their list. This world is
If you cross the main street, you'll find a
so sinful,
foot-path
and chockful of heathens. ...
it's
keep on walking you'll come to a
chapel,
— Walk your feet off begging . . . . . .

praying . . .

near by a brook. . . .
and they'll give you half a copeck
and from there to Khlopino —and then to
that is all!
. . .

Zaitsero
It is so little, it's just enough for some
From there on you cannot miss it:
wine!
you are almost at the border.
I'm afraid Judgment Day cannot be very
Police are everywhere therefore be — :
far. . . .

careful
[During Varlaam's last speech, the Of-
They are out to fleece us, and rob us
ficer has looked at him very closely.
of our last copeck!
Varlaam gets upset.]
Varlaam Innkeeper
Came to a door
he made: knock knock — —have mercy on us
Lord above sinners!

[A knock at the door.'] Varlaam

and then he knocked again: knock Why d'you look me— so long and so at

knock knock. — . . .
closely?
Officer
\_Another knock at the door, louder. ~\
I'll tell you!
Innkeeper
Alyokha: have you got that sheet?
Who now? them again! Oh, darn
is

it all!
it
Let's have a look. Listen —
[^She goes to the window.']
From his cell escaped some unworthy
They're always snooping around. monk: Grishka Otrepyev
. . .

[She opens the door. Enter two Police Have you heard about it?
Officers.} Varlaam
Varlaam No — never.
{waking up for a motjjent) Officer
There was a man ... a darling man . . . Well, the Tsar has ordered us to find that
spurred his horse so it . . . man,
Officer to arresthim and hang him!
Who are these two men? I'm sure you have heard that?
[Varlaam and Missail jump up from Varlaam
their chairs, frightened.] I have not!
 — — —— ——

14 BORIS GODUNOV
Officer you picked the wrong man. Who . . .

Are you a reader? says I am Grishka?

Varlaam {He takes the warrant from Grigori)

No — was not meant
No, friends — : I don't care for such jokes!
sorry. I to be.
My reading may be halting ^I don't say—
Officer it is fluent ...
Come, have a look at this. but can try
I — let me try

Varlaam it seems my life may hang on my read-

What is the use? ing. . . .

Officer "his age . . . age ... his age is twen

That man who escaped —whom we must .

Who
. . twenty!"
says "fifty-two"? Liar!
find — you're the one!
"Of medium height ... he has reddish
Varlaam hair . . .

Good Lord! who gave you that idea? and on his nose there is . . .

Innkeeper on his nose there is one little wart. . . .

God above! the poor old man . . . he's Furthermore one of his arms — . . .

never hurt a spider. . . . his arms ... is shorter ...

Officer one of his arms is. ..."
Who can read? somebody? I think it might be. . . .

[Grigori brandishes a knife and jumps

Grigori
Yes — I can read.
It's
out of the window.']
him
Officer don't let him get away!
Take this. Hurry up. Read aloud!
It's him!
Grigori
Officer
"Be it known to every one:
It's him!
that a heretic,named Grigori Otrepyev, Missail
has run away
Get hold of him!
from a Moscow monastery.
After he listened to the Evil One, he set
out ACT TWO
to tempt his brethren with visions of
sin.
Now he may be trying to reach Lithuania. SCENE I

The Tsar orders you to arrest this

\_A room in the Tsar's Palace in the
man . .
."
Kremlin.']
Officer Xenla
'".
. . and to hang him!"
Where are you
Grigori love of mine?
It says nothing here of hanging? You, for whom I'm longing.
Officer Resting under the green-sward,
Fool! You ought to learn to read be- far from all who love you,
tween the lines. . . . you must be so lonely,
Again: ". to arrest and to hang . . there under your tomb-stone.
him." You don't see my sorrow
Grigori You don't hear my crying
". and to hang him. As for his age
. , Why did you leave me?
he is . {looking at Var-
. . . . . Like you
laam) I am lonely.
He's about fifty two. , . . {She cries')
. has a rather red nose
. . . . .
Fyodor
is of medium height, but heavy. . . .
Xenia: don't cry,
Officer I beg you!
That's him all right: let's catch him, Cruel is your suffering,
children! but all your weeping
Varlaam and sighing
Hands off! I warn you — don't lay hands cannot bring back to you
on me your bridegroom
 — — ——— ———— —— — ! —

BORIS GODUNOV 15

Xenia for so long a grief!

Oh —Fyodor . . . To a man a maiden gave her heart,
I loved and adored him, And they swore that they would never
yet my love did not save him. part,
All my happiness left me but one day he left her all the same,
I will mourn him forever. and she said: I don't recall his name!
Fyodor Yes, my darling:
Do not cry, I implore you, that's the way it happens!

Xenia, my darling. Please, wipe your tears away,

(pointing at the big clock) and listen to my song:
The clock starts!
Come, have a look. Gnat and Bug
The carillon is playing were friends, you see,

it's a very old, famous clock: the Gnat went and cut a tree,
once an hour while the Bug baked the bread
it shows its wonders to us what a lovely meal they had!
a herald first While they sat there,
after him come two that play the had a talk,
trumpet — came a cricket,
two soldiers, on a walk,
and one with a banner! to the Gnat's and Bug's dismay,
Please look at them started stirring up the hay!
aren't they pretty .'* Bug said: this is bad!
just like live ones and the Gnat got mad,
look! for he thought that this was wicked,
Xenia with a stick he chased the cricket!
My dearly beloved! But the cricket
You had promised was too quick
to love me so the Gnat
my heart is aching just threw the stick!
I am yours — forever! But the stick
Nurse would not obey him,
My child, darling
turned around and
Tsarevna
You must not cry! tried to slay him
All this weeping In the morning's
early light,
will make you ugly!
Bug came running
Xenia
what a sight!
I'm suffering, Mamushka
With a shovel
I'm suffering. ...
and a spade
Nurse to the Gnat
—
Yes yes, I know, my child.
Maiden tears
he offered aid.
Tried to lift him , . .
are like the morning dew:
all in vain:
comes the sun
by his own stick he was slain!
and the grass is dry anew. Parting from
Think, dear, how wide the world is: what he loved most,
you'll find another prince
Bug himself
he'll be handsome, too,
gave up the ghost.
and he'll love only you
Fyodor
and you will soon forget
the bitter tears you cried.
Oh —what wonderful story,
Mamushka
Xenia and very funny!
Oh, no —no—Mamushka! but what a gruesome end?
No! I want to be
faithful to him alone.
Nurse
Tell me, Tsarevich:
Nurse don't you know another?
Stubborn! Let's hear it, child!
Love was much too brief And I'll be very patient.
 ————— — ! — —— —

16 BORIS GODUNOV
I'm pretty good at that, to the owl
for Tsar Ivan as his guest,
taught us all 'Cause the night
how be patient!
to was so long
Well then? they sang
a song.
Fyodor There was a sexton,
I'll sing one,
his corn he was thrashing
and you will join me soon.
it sounded
I know your patience!
like thunder
Here's a tale
the broke
flail
that you'll like to hear:
asunder
a hen, one day,
The flames caught
gave birth to a steer,
the hay loft,
and a suckling pig there was
laid twenty eggs.
no hay left!
Fools think I'm lying
Sexton got scared
I'm not even trying!
through the window
Cock-a-doodle,
he stared.
Cock-a-doo He was so frightened,
Little cock, how do you do? he hid
May I ask
in the larder
what brought you here? and cried
I have come from Kiev, dear!
allthe harder!
And in Kiev town, So he lay there
on an old tree, it was not gay there!
sits an owl
His wife
with a frown all the same
for that owl
baked a cake
can't see!
on the flame
Fyodor and Nurse many guests
Owl thinks she would invite
that is wrong. and they feasted
all the night.
Owl blinks,
sings a song And the sexton
Ping—ping- ate alone

double ping fivehundred pigs

cut my feather, then he ate
hell for leather a bull-
Pong —pong
double pong
after that
he was full!

if you love me,

Qap!
love my song. (Enter Boris)
All five fingers
no one lingers!
{The Nurse, on seeing Boris, curtsies in
In the middle
reverence.']
of the night
little sparrow Boris
saw the light. What's this?
He had What wolf has stirred
narrow eyes the hen amidst her brood ?
real
sparrow eyes!
Nurse
Mightiest Tsar, forgive me:
and a beak
but I am old,
like a wedge
and everything upsets me.
with a neat
cutting edge. Boris (embracing his daughter)
Sparrow flew My Xenia,
from his nest. my much beloved daughter!
 — —————
! — ———— — : !

BORIS GODUNOV 17

You shed a widow's tears my reign was calm

before your wedding and peaceful
for he who was betrothed to you and yet my heart
is dead. has never known
Xenia a moment's peace.
Father and Tsar, How often have I
please do not heed heard it prophesied
the tears that I am shedding, my power
for all my grief and my glory
must seem so unimportant would be endless!
compared to your afflictions. But life,
Boris and fame,
My dearest child the heady wine of power,
My darling daughter— the people's applause
now in a kindly talk all that

with friends and dear companions, has lost its lure.

try to forget I hoped

your grief and sorrow. I might be happy
Goodbye, my child. with my
loved ones
and prepared
I
(Xenia and Nurse leave the room)
a splendid wedding
^BoRis turning to his son)
for my child,
And you, my son
for my Tsarevna,
my Fyodor my darling daughter.
What is this? Like lightning,
Fyodor death sweeps down
This is a map of Russia,
and takes the groom!
of our country
How heavy
from East to West lies on me
Look, father:
the hand of the Lord
Moscow — here!
And every sinful soul ;

there Novgorod! must fear His verdict.

and here Ka2an.
In vain I strive
Astrakhan
to flee from this darkness
Here mountains,
oh, for a ray of hope
there Siberia.
to guide me!
And here
the old mysterious woods
My weary heart is aching
with longing,
of Perm.
it cries to God
for mercy.
The Caspian Sea!
At times hear around me
I
Boris a secret whisper . . ,

All this is beautiful! I begged and pleaded

As from the clouds my arms raised to heaven
you see our country I hoped
this great and mighty realm
that the Saints might hear my prayer.
before you: In splendor I reigned,
the borders,
my power unending
rivers — cities.
the Tsar of Russia!
is

Go on, and study! For tears Ibegged

The time will come, that might console me
perhaps it will be soon, am
I betrayed,
when you the nobles hate me
will be the Tsar
open revolt
of this holy land. is rife in Lithuania
Good-by —my son. hungry crowds . . .

{Exit Fyodor) and plague . . .

and devastation!
Mine is the highest power! Like an angry beast ',,

Year after year on the prowl

 — — — — ——— — ! —— —

18 BORIS GODUNOV
are the people Boris
in hunger Shuiski? he's here?
and poverty Tell him
Russia moans . . .
We shall be glad to see him,
For all the sorrows to listen to his message!
that Heaven has sent us, Boyar
to punish the sins we committed, {^Approaching Boris, and whispering into
they blame the Tsar! his ear']:
For all their misfortunes Last night
they curse my very name one of Pushkin's servants
curse and despise it! came to tell us
I cannot sleep that Shuiski and Mstislavski,
at night and some others,
and yet and even Pushkin,
I have night-mares! held a meeting
The child —appears to me . . . in the middle of the night:
its bloody head. ... a man, it seems,
eyes red with crying . . . arrived from Cracow,
begging and pleading . . . to report. . . .

pleading for mercy Boris

no answer to its crying! Arrest that man!
Gaping the wound in its body It's just as I thought!

piercing the shriek My son,

it cried in dying. . . . what happened to these stupid women?
Oh —Lord above! Fyodor
God! my Lord! The parrot's fault. . . .

\The Nurses are heard shouting off- Boris

stage.} Parrot?
Nurses (off stage) Fyodor
Ah —shush! Yes —but there's no reason
(Fyodor returns) why the mighty Tsar
should waste his time
Boris to hear
What has happened? a silly parrot story
Nurses Boris
Ah —shush—shush! Quiet! No! no! my son,
Boris (to Fyodor) let's hear it,

Find out as it happened!

what's going on there! Fyodor
Like every afternoon
Nurses
Shush —shush—ahh! Popinka, the parrot,
sitting among the maids,
Boris talked away and chattered.
Ah— Then, for a bit of change,
how they yell! he looked for some caresses
Nurses flying from maid to maid,
Shush —shush—shush—ah he asked to have his head scratched.
[A Boyar enters and greets Boris.} First came Nastasya
Boris she did not feel like scratching!
Well—what now ?
—
Popinka he got mad,
called her "stupid woman."
Nurses That was too much for her,
Shush—shush and he got a spanking!
Boris Popka began to shriek,
Well—speak up Speak !
ruffled up his feathers.
Boyar —
Well then the maids got scared,
Almighty Lord and Tsar and they brought him lots of sugar,
it is, asking you to see him. coaxed him with loving words,
Prince Shuiski. . . . to pacify the parrot!
 — — — — — ——— ——
! — — —
!

BORIS GODUNOV 19

Boris Shuiski (enters)

Stupid women! Almighty Tsar and Lord
I greet you!
Fyodor Boris
. .But no,
.
Oh! my
worthy Prince!
it's you,
he would not listen!
the man who's proud to lead
He with a scowl,
sat there
the brainless masses
shoulders raised in anger . . .
a master in the noble art of treason
Boris —
You the evil spirit of the throne
see him!
every oath that you swore
I
you've broken threefold

He would not even look

Fyodor —
cunning hypocrite wheedling flatterer-
a traitor disguised as a Boyar.
at the sweets they brought him
Deceiver! Snake!
then, turning on the one
Shuiski
who did not feel like scratching,
he pecked her in her face
When Ivan ruled Russia
(may he rest in peace, now and ever)
and the poor maid cried and fainted.
Shuiski was a name
That's where the noise began:
that used to be received with honors!
all the maids were yelling
and chasing through the room, Boris
Popinka they tried to capture —
Yes but Tsar Ivan,
but all in vain were he alive now,
it would be his delight
every one got pecked by Popka!
This, father dear and Tsar, to see you burn to death.

is why you heard an uproar:

Yes, and he himself,
just a bunch of maids, frightened by a
the Tsar and master,
parrot would fan the raging flames,
That is all there was fan them ever higher,
that's the story.
a Holy psalm upon his lips.
But I am kinder:
Boris it gives me pleasure
My son to forgive my haughty servants!
my dear, beloved Fyodor,
Shuiski
cleverly and like an artist,
Tsar . . .

you told me a truthful story.

Boris
In simple and well-chosen pictures
Well, what do you have to say?
you clearly described
all that had happened. Shuiski
Such are the fruits —
Tsar please listen:
I bring you news
of learning
Trust is the beacon of great importance to the throne.
that shines in the darkness! Boris
Lord, Is this perhaps the news
let me see the day that you and Pushkin heard
when they as Tsar acclaim him when you received a message
the rightful Lord of Holy Russia! from all your noble friends
Oh —how I would gladly, that I have banished.''
renouncing all my powers,
for such a blessing
Shuiski
Yes, mighty Tsar.
exchange my sceptre
and the purple! The rumor speaks of a usurper;
When you are the Tsar the Poles —
the Pope
they all are on his side!
you always must endeavor
to have around you, child, Boris
a group of trusted counsels. But —who is the man?
Don't trust Shuiski Whose name has he usurped,
he's a cunning intriguer, the scoundrel ?
he's full of knowledge, Yes — first I want to know
but he's sly and false. — . . . his name! You know it?
 — — —— ! —— —— ! —

20 BORIS GODUNOV
SHuisia Ha —ha—ha—ha
Believe me, Tsar: What? you laugh?
your power is tremendous. Why don't you laugh, then?
Your charity, your kindness, and your
Shuiski ,
bounty
Forgive me.
have won the love
Almighty Tsar and Lord.
of every humble slave,
and they have vowed their faith Boris
to you and to your throne. Tell me. Prince:
Yet, I must warn the Tsar, That day in Uglich,
my master and my Lord, where the murder was committed,
although with sorrow and with grief and when Dimitri, the Tsarevich,
my heart is bleeding was killed
yon must be told I know that you were there:

that this may happen: you must have seen the lifeless body
if he should drive so far while the people of Uglich
his criminal intentions were shouting in the streets
to enter Russia to vent their deep despair,
and to march on us, crying out for vengeance . . .

and if he tries to captivate the crowds, are you t^uite sure

Dimitri's name the victim . . .was . . . Dimitri?
may be a mighty weapon! Shuiski
Quite.
Boris
Dimitri's name? Boris
Vasili Ivanich
Tsarevich, leave us, please.
By you hold holy
all that
Fyodor I beseech you
Please let me stay be frank with me
and let me be Truth-^
beside my father truth is all I want!
when he must hear I shall be magnanimous:
the fearful news the past is past
that threatens Russia's throne.
and even your betrayal
Boris I can forget.
No—no But—
you must not stay! ifyou cheat me now,
You heard me and lie to me,
obey me: I shall devise
go ! Tsarevich a punishment,
(Fyodor exits) so devilish
that Tsar Ivan himself
Take measures
don't delay: would tremble in his grave
have soldiers guard with horror . . .

all Lithuanian frontiers at once, Now answer me!

that not a single soul Shuiski
can enter Russia any more! You don't believe me. Tsar.
That's all. You even doubt that I have
No! stay here always been your faithful slave
stay here, Shuiski. you speak of punishment
I ask you: to scare me
have you ever heard no death I fear,
that children who are dead I only fear your anger!
return from where they slumber, Everyone in Ughch
to prosecute the Tsar had seen the body:
the Tsar! five days and nights
the ruler it lay outside the old cathedral,
elected by the people, and with the child
and crowned in solemn ritual another thirteen corpses,
by the Patriarch? . . . disfigured terribly,
 — • ————— — — — — ————

BORIS GODUNOV 21

in rags, and blood-bespattered. it —

was not I
One could see It was the people
how all of them go! my child . . .

had slowly started rotting . . . Hear me —Lord!

but then I saw You, so great
Dimitri's face and ever merciful
was peaceful, pure, and radiant. forgive me. Father!
But bloody red, Have mercy on
frightfully, Boris, the sinner.
his wound was gaping
yet on his lips, ACT THREE
so chaste and so guileless,
a child's contented smile was playing SCENE I
he looked as if he were asleep
[A Castle in Poland. Marina's room.]
and dreaming a happy dream . . .

and in his right hand (^friends of Marina)

he clutched a little toy,
Four Girls
as though defending it.
How blue is the river
how shady the willow
Boris See there: a flower,
No more — ^Prince!
whiter than snow-white,
(Exit Shuiski)
and down in the water
Ah! — for some air!
it looks at its picture:
I'm suffocating here how lovely the flower
I feel how all my blood
admiring its beauty.
is rushing to my head,
it's raging in my temples.
Chorus
A guilty conscience
And over the flower
so gay in the sunshine
is a cruel punishment.
a swarm of
[It is getting darker; the carillon begins
enchanted butterflies
to play.']
is dancing.
If you did
but once in life
The Four Girls
an evil deed,
They all are
madly
and though was your fate it
in love with the flower
that made you do it
longing
your soul is doomed,
to touch it
your heart is drowned in poison
The and yet they
furies
haunt and mock you do not dare.
like hammer blows They all are
in love
falls on your ears
with its beauty.
the thunder
of damnation. So blue the river
is

so lovely the flower

My head is reeling
reeling
and down in the water
it looks at its picture.
and all my strength has left me
I see . . . the child ... Marina
I see it lying there . . .
I want my golden band.
[The clock strikes eight. ray of moon- A Chorus
light falls on the moving figures.] But here in
What ... is this . . . over there . . , the castle
in the dark. . .? there, too, is beauty
It threatens me . . . a beauty
it grows . . . closes in , , , much greater
itmoans and trembles than that
— —
. . .

Go go of flowers:
not I— no flower ever
I did not . . . murder you — has been
go — go, my child! so enchanting!
 ! — — — ———— —

22 BORIS GODUNOV
A glory, of admirers.
a treasure Sing to me the olden ballads
to all that my dear old nurse once sang me-
who love Poland: songs of greatness
a woman^ songs of battle
a queen. of the glory
that was Poland.
The Four Girls
Songs of Poland's
And many daring men
mighty maidens
so proud and
songs of foes that
so noble,
ask for mercy . . .
in awe
Yes, these are the songs
they bend their knees
that please me,
before her
lovely ballads
regal beauty.
of my childhood.
Chorus
A smile (Dismissing them)
and a greeting . . . till later.

is all they You, Ru2ya, I do not need you, darling-

are craving. go and rest
For this
they would gladly [Marina, remaining alone.']

forget Life is so boring — oh! how boring

all the others All my days
The beauty are dull and empty-
is silent I am sad and weary,
it seems she life is meaningless,

is smiling a wasteland.
at all they are saying All the noble counts and princes
of love with their wealth and power
and of passion can't relieve this frightful boredom . .

And yet,
The Four Girls from far horizons
The longing
comes a ray of hope
the pining
that blinds me
of their hearts:
there, from Moscow,
she gives them . . .
comes a stranger,
no answer.
fills my doubting heart

Marina with wonder.

How charming! My Dimitri,
The lovely lady answers: great avenger,
"Thank you." show no mercy!
I thank you In the name of
for your kindness, God Almighty,
and for comparing me you'llavenge
to flowers our poor Tsarevich,
that are whiter still who was slain
than snow-white . . . by lust for power,
But what you're saying and the Tsar
does not please me. whose hands are guilty
Your words are meant to flatter of bloody murder
and you speak of daring men you will punish!
who pay me homage, I'll awake

young and noble heroes my noble countrymen,

who bend their knees before me. and with dreams
"A smile is all they're craving of gold and booty
they pine away in longing ." . . I will lure
These are not the words to please me, their greedy hearts!
my companions: You, my friend,
do not speak to me of beauty, my valiant hero,
 —— — — ! — —— —

BORIS GODUNOV 23

you'll be mine forever, Rangoni

for with tears of But, my child,
burning passion the holy Church
I'll enslave you! is now forsaken:

My Tsarevich, and the pictures of the saints

my Dimitri, have faded
You were meant Where is our faith?

to love me. . . .
Its sources flow no longer . . .

and with words of and where do you find

tender longing the scent of incense?
I will tie And bleeding gaping
the wounds of the martyrs.
—
your heart-strings.
Not for me All you hear in the temples
the love of courtiers, is moaning ...
all their wooing all the priests
only bores me shed tears of desperation.
to their fervent protestations Marina
my contempt will be my answer. My father! I . . .

What want is
I I am confused by what you say . . .

fame and glory all your bitter words

What I want is —might and power! sound to my faithful heart
On the throne like a knoll of sorrow
of Russia's rulers and of mourning.
the Tsarina I shall be, Rangoni
and enwrapped in gold and purple Hear me, child —Marina!
I'll be shining You have been called
like a sun. to bring the unbelieving
With my charms, back to faith and church
my radiant beauty, and to lead them to their salvation,
I will conquer to destroy all this sinful dissension.
allof Moscow. And your name will be holy forever,
The Boyars, and the angels of God, the Almighty
so proud and haughty, they will sing your praises!
they will bow to me, Marina
and greet me! . . . And my name will be holy forever
And in ballads, and the angels of God, the Almighty,
songs and legends they will sing my praises ...
they will praise me.
—
Yes the dullest men in Moscow
Oh! — sinful words!
My father . . .

yet will praise with what temptation

theirproud Marina! you try to lure the weak and fickle heart
[She suddenly sees Rangoni, who ;j of one who has no knowledge of the
standing by the door, humbly.'] world!
Ah! it is you, holy man.-* I'm young, I'm fond of pleasures,
I want a life in joy and splendor
Rangoni I am not the one who's chosen
In humbleness,
to serve the Church in glory
as servant of the Lord, our Father,
I crave that I may ask
please — forgive me.

the beautiful Marina

Rangoni
Enslave with your beauty
to lend an ear to me?
the heart of Dimitri
Marina Tell him you love him,
My you must not even ask!
father, be tender and passionate,
I am, and will be try to beguile and enchant him.
an obedient daughter Flames in your glances
of the faith. and smiles on your lovely lips,
I'm serving make him forget who he is!
the Church that is forever Dismiss all your futile and groundless
great and undivided. fears
 ! —— — — ——— ! ——

24 BORIS GODUNOV
and defy Rangoni
all the pangs of your conscience. To me who comes from the Lord
Pay no attention entrust your soul —and
— surrender.
to empty old legends With every thought ^with every dream
of maidenly modesty you're dreaming
and all such nonsense. you will become . . . my slave!
One day
you show him your anger,
you prod him with moods and caprices SCENE II
the next,
you're loving and longing,
{A hall in the Castle. A fountain is seen
through the windows. It is a moon-lit
and try to deceive him
night.'}
always tempt his heart,
and bewitch his mind . . .
Grigori
And when finally vanquished, This is the night . . .

he's kneeling before you, I am trembling

in wordless enchantment, Oh, my beloved,
waiting for your orders, you have enchanted my heart.

ask him to swear I'm yours forever!

that he'll serve the Church forever! Oh come, my love,
I long for you
Marina I'm waiting . . .

I shall never do that!

I'm waiting for you in the dark of night!
Rangoni Why don't you hear my plea?
What.-* the Church demands it, Have you forgotten me?
and you dare deny it.? I have no dream but you
Whatever may redound to its glory all my life is yours ...
your duty will bid you surrender, a loving word from you
vmfearing, and without asking and a tender smile
even your honor! alone can heal all the sorrows
Marina of my weary heart.
That ... is not true! Marina! Marina!
I curse every word you have said to me. I beg you give me answer.
You have a wicked and vicious heart. Oh come, oh come ... I love you so!
My curse on you —
No no one answers!
I've only contempt for you. [Rangoni appears suddenly.}
Go — — go I say!
Rangoni
Marina!
Rangoni Tsarevich —Dimitri
How your eyes sparkle Grigori
with diabolical passion Who are you?

your face is distorted, Rangoni

and you are trembling I warn you, go and hide
a breath of hell and its pestilence before Marina's guests come nearer.
has blown all your charms away. Beware, Tsarevich — ^I beseech you, be-
Marina ware
Oh, Heaven, save your helpless child! Grigori
Heaven, tell me what to do! Let them come
Rangoni I'm ready to receive them
You can't flee with all the honor that is due them!
the powers of darkness, Rangoni
the demon of pride I've warned you, Tsarevich,
fillsyour mind with his poison you will perish yourself
and on the wings endanger Marina!
with which Hell has endowed him, They must not find you.
Satan himself [^He drags Grigori away with him.
is hovering above you.
Marina enters with her guests,
Marina Marina herself on the arm of an old
Ah! Polish nobleman,}
 ! —— — — — ———— — —

BORIS GODUNOV 25

Marina to kneel before her

Do not speak to me of love and passion, I had to rid myself of my protector,
all your solemn oaths, I fear, will not whose help I never wanted!
convince me I had enough
Yes, my friend, your case is hopeless . . . (I told him so)
[Marina and her escort disappear.'} of all his talk,
Chorus his sly insinuations!
Moscow's haughty power And then I saw a sight
will yet yield to Poland. that made me shudder
Men I saw the proud and beautiful Marina
And her mighty soldiers, escorted by a toothless Polish ruin
they will rot in prison. she smiled at him and whispered
And Boris, their ruler, of tender feelings,
we will beat forever! of love and passion
Women of happiness and marriage,
Yes, it sounds enchanting to him
but why don't you do it.? to that toothless, tottering monster!
Show the Russians: you're the stronger. And yet I know
And Boris is Tsar no longer! there's waiting for her
the splendor of glory:
Men
the golden crown,
For Poland's greater glory
the scepter,
first we must destroy
and the purple!
the might of Moscow!
Women
Oh —damn it all!
I want my sword
Marina cannot help us:
I want my helmet
her beauty is too cold
my horse,
she's
TMarina
haughty
returns
—proud
and
. . .

joins her guest s.~\

and on to glory!
The time has come
Marina my friends:
And now — let's drink, my friends! it's fame or death!

Chorus Fighting for me,

And here's to you, Marina! an army of heroes
Men will be victorious,
Drink with us to fame and beauty! will win the day
A glass of wine to toast Marina! Glory to him who dares!
The crown of Tsars The throne will be mine!
will yet adorn Marina! [Marina enters.}

Chorus Marina
To her! Dimitri! Tsarevich! Dimitri!
To fame! Grigori
To might! you Marina!
It's —
The crown of Tsars for her! You have come, beloved,
[They all leave. Grigori enters.} most beautiful of all.
Grigori How the days are long,
There was no escaping! and lonely, dearest,
In his cursed claws when I must be without you.
the wily priest had caught me! Doubting,
And yet I saw her— fleetingly. — my heart is suffering tortures,
Isaw my love, the beautiful all that I cherish,
Marina . . . all that my longing heart ever has hoped
and like a thief for
at night the dream of love and passion that I
I stole a glance dreamed
from radiant eyes now is shattered.
enchantment Marina
.

I
and as my heart beat louder,
.

lost
.

my patience
I

No
know: —
sleep at night
you suffer.

and I felt I must be free and yet you dream;

 —
! —— —
! — —— — —— !

26 BORIS GODUNOV
for day and night Marina,
you always dream it's you I worship!

about Marina! Yes, I adore you

But not for words of passion, With all my love,
not for a lover's empty ravings with all my passion.
did I come to you Hear me
When you're alone and lonely, I beg you!
you may do all the dreaming Have pity
that your heart desires! onmy wounded heart
Grigori
Do not reject my love!
Marina Marina
Marina You love Marina?
Yet there's no sacrifice, But do you love her
however great, only as a woman ?
that you won't bring for me, Win the throne for me
if love demands it so! in Moscow
but when win the purple
will you . . . and the golden crown
take Moscow that alone,
as the Tsar? my friend,
Grigori can tempt me . . .

The Tsar! Marina! — Grigori

All your words offend me. How you can be,
cruel
How can the throne, invincible Marina,
the heady wine of power, in all your words I feel
a swarm of servile men the chilly wind of winter.
who flatter and betray you, See me lying at your feet,
how can all this make up to you a humble slave, I beg of you:
for what you're losing: do not deny me,
for love requited and my ardent passion!
for true devotion
Marina
for passion
No—my tender hero,
and wild embraces
do not waste your words
for all that a woman
in vain endeavors!
can only find in loving?
Up, my pining martyr,
Marina I pity you!
I know that! Poor darling,
Yes, I know, we could be happy how he suffers,
as a tender loving pair how he weakens
What is glory —what ispower? out of love for his Marina!
If we are in love, what do we care? Day and night
I say no, Tsarevich! you dream of loving
If love is all you're craving, the mighty throne
in Moscow you will find of Holy Russia
a thousand enchanting women and Boris
the youngest, the fairest, you have forgotten!
they all are made for love! No, you never loved me!
Grigori Grigori
Don't speak of them to me! Marina- -hear me first!
In beds of luxury
Marina
they look for pleasure ...
Serve your Polish masters, you slave
Love indeed!
A friendly word Grigori
and they are yours Hear me first!
Don't call that love, No, Marina!
don't call that passion! I will not have you
It's you throw into my face
it's you alone. the bitter lot
 ———— —— — — ! —

BORIS GODUNOV 27

of times that are behind me Yes, I love you

Lies! You are my hero!
and you know you're lying Grigori
I am the Tsar
and one day soon
Oh —
let me hear it again, Marina
Yes, this deep delight
from Russia's farthest regions that you promise me
a host of valiant men will bring peace
will heed the call of duty to my tortured heart
I will lead them all! for ever and ever
We will march on Moscow you are mine!
and conquer the throne
Marina
that fate has willed to me!
My Tsar!
Yes, and then,
Grigori
as Tsar and master,
You, Tsarina,
enthroned in lonely splendor,
you will be forever mine!
I shall sit above you,

laughing and jeering at you!

Come,
I shall be happy
and embrace
seeing you humbled at last
the man you love.

and you, in abject obedience, Marina

bewailing the glory You have conquered my heart,
that could have been yours, and I love you.
v/ill be crawling I'm forever yours.
up to the throne Oh, my Dimitri
on which I sit. heroes are waiting
Everyone to march with you
will point a mocking finger at you, to fame:
and deride you! the Tsar you will be!
[Rangoni reappears; he sees Marina
Marina
and Grigori embracing, and shows his
Deride me?
delight over the victory he has won.'}
My Tsarevich!
I beseech you, Grigori
do forgive me You, my Marina!
for the evil words that I spoke. Oh, how impatiently
If I blamed you, I'm longing to be happy
if I scorned you, the day of love must dawn
believe me, Dimitri: Rangoni
love inspired all my words What an enchanting sight:
love for your glory, lovers so sweet and so tender!
a deep, abiding love for you You may embrace her
my master. with passionate kisses
My Lord and Tsar! but / have won
You may put all your trust the game you played!
in your Marina,
forget,
yes, forget me now! ACT FOUR
Let fame be
your only love, SCENE I
and conquer
the throne of the Tsar! \_Outside a Convent, near Moscow. A
croiud of poor people. A group of men
Grigori enters, among them MiTYUKH.]
Marina!
Men
Oh, how I wish
that your words were true
—
Say is the service over?
Yes, and once again he was cursed!
do not betray
What do you mean?
a love that is holy!
Once more they cursed
Marina Grishka Otrepyev's name.
I love you, Tsar! Grishka?
 — —
————— — — —————
! ! ! —

28 BORIS GODUNOV
MiTYUKH Simpleton
Listen, brothers, let me tell you I have a coin
how the deacon, the fat one, I'm hiding it here!
started yelling: Boys
"Grishka Otrepyev Liar!
Anathema!" Do not try to fool us, fool!
Men
This very funny
is
Simpleton
Here!
why should Dimitri care
if they are cursing Grishka?
Boys
There!
He is not Grishka!
Others Simpleton
That's certain.
Ah— ah—
Chorus Why did you take my copeck away?
Some have seen him in the Kromy woods. Ah—ah—
They say he can't be very far. Come and give it back to me
And soon he will destroy
Ah—ah—
[The retinue of the Tsar appears; Boyars
Boris and all his might.
are distributing alms.]
Triumphant, he will mount the golden
steps Chorus
to the throne Please, in the name of Christ,
that rules over Russia. do save us from hunger!
He'll save us all. Tsar —Father
Through him in the name of the Saviour
Boris and all his henchmen Others
will be doomed. Look,
The Old Ones there's the Tsar.
Will you shut up? Tsar
Stupid devils, in the name of Jesus, our Saviour
or are you longing you are our father. Tsar:
for the torture-chamber? have mercy on us,
{The Simpleton comes running, fol- for we all are your children!
lowed by a group of boys.'] In the name of Lord Jesus,
Boys our Saviour.
Trr, trr, trr, tr . . . [Boris has entered, accompanied by Shu-
his hat of tin is ISKI.}
it makes such a din! Chorus
Trr, trr, trr, tr . . . Your people cry
his hat is of tin we're hungry
it makes such a din! We are hungry!
U - lu - lu - lu - eh Give us bread to eat!
Trrrr! Tsar, give us bread to eat!
The Simpleton We are hungry
Moon is

a kitten whining
shining —
Tsar give us bread to eat!
In the name of Lord Jesus.
get up, you stupid fool,
Simpleton
pray to God above you,
Ah —ah— ah—
ask that He should love you,
praise Lord Jesus!
Boris— hear, Boris!
Those wicked boys
Lovely weather . . . lovely moon-light
are nasty to me.
lovely weather —moon-light . . .

Boris
Boys
Greetings!
Why does he cry so?

Greetings Simpleton
dear simpleton Ivanich, Those boys
get up and greet us! they took my only coin away.
Bow to show us your respect Why don't you have them murdered,
and take off your cap the way you murdered long ago
such a heavy cap . . . our Tsarevich
 — —! : ! — ——

BORIS GODUNOV 29

Shuiski Another Group

Be silent, fool! First, tell us
Arrest the stupid fool what you think about him?

Boris Others
{Restraining Shuiski.] —
Well our opinion is,
Don't touch him! and always has been:
Go, pray for your Tsar, (take notes, Andrei Mikhailich)
poor idiot. . , . Various Groups of Boyars
[Exit Boris.} The scoundrel
must be condemned to death!
Simpleton
Wait a moment
No, Boris
You'd better catch him first,
I cannot pray for you.
before you execute him.
"Don't pray for Herod"
Obvious!
our Lady ordered me
We're not so sure
no, I must not pray
it's obvious!
for Boris.
You must be silent
till your turn comes!
The scoundrel,
SCENE II whoever he may be,
once he's caught,
\The Great Hall in the Kremlin. The
he shall be tortured,
Duma is in session.']
and then we'll kill him,
Shchelkalov and we'll hang his body
May Iask for your attention — Let him be
The ruler of this land, food for the hungry crows!
Tsar Boris Feodorich, No! the flames
with all the blessings shall burn his body,
of the Very Holy Patriarch, and the people
all
and all the highest powers shall be present
of Russia's Church, to witness his death
has ordered me to say: and curse his ashes.
"An outlaw, And the winds
thief, that storm in anger
and from prison,
fugitive will disperse
with mutinous intent his cursed ashes.
has gathered to his ranks All Boyars
a crowd of hunger-ridden hirelings, wiping out the last remembrance
and dares pretend to be of the life of this usurper!
the late Tsarevich, Various Groups
the rightful Tsar of Russia. And everyone who sides
In his plotting with this imposter
he is abetted shall die!
by some exiled noblemen His corpse
and by some Lithuanian rabble! be fastened
He wants to overthrow to the pole of shame!
law and order, His name
and you, Boyars, shall be proclaimed
he hopes to win as his supporters. in all parts of Russia
He even openly
proclaims his evil plans!" All Boyars
in all the cities,
You're requested,
friends and Boyars,
towns, and smallest hamlets
to weigh his crime
and everywhere it shall be read,
in every church,
and pass an honest judgment!
and in the market places!
Boyars And, falling on our knees,
Yes, let's take a vote on it. we'll pray
What say you? and ask the Lord
 — ! ! — ——— — ! —

30 BORIS GODUNOV
tohave mercy his body shaking . . .

on our country, and mumbling to himself

this land of sufifering. some strange and incoherent phrases
But . . . eyes throwing
Shuiski is not with us? daggers of fury
though he's a traitor, a secret pain
when he is not with us distorting his features . . .

we miss him in our council. I saw

[Shuiski enters.} the Tsar
Shuiski of all the Russias
Boyars! I ask your pardon! Then . , .

he began
BOYARS
to stare into a corner,
Why,
he started to moan
speaking of the devil
and to shiver.
Shuiski
If I am late,
Boyars
Lies! Liar!
forgive me
and do believe me Shuiski
that I have my reasons! . and, crying out,
. .

My mind he called the dead Dimitri . . .

is full of gloomy thoughts Seeing his ghost,

my task is heavy! he raised his hands
to chase it . . .

Boyars
[Boris appears, in a state of great agita-
Oh! shame on you,
tion, as if trying to escape from a
Vasil Ivanich!
ghost.']
A man your age,
to get involved
"Go — ^go," he begged.
in treason and sedition, Boris
to make
the fickle crowds believe Go! Go!
that he, Dimitri, is alive! Shuiski
Shuiski
Go, my child!

What? Shchelkalov
Surely, my brothers, Heaven! It's ... he!
you are not serious? Boris
How could I, Go! go ! Go, my child!

in these days of our misfortune, Boyars

when in my heart I share Help us. Lord
all Russia's sorrow, Almighty God:
how could
think I have mercy and protect us!
of treason and sedition?
Boris
My enemies are spreading
these slanderous lies,
Go
Who
— go!
says that I
out of bitter hatred
have killed him?
But as a friend, Boyars,
It is not true:
I am compelled to tell you
a strange and fearful tale.
He lives! Dimitri
Last week
And Shuiski
Iwill have him
I saw the Tsar,
drawn and quartered
and when I left him,
for all his lies!
my heart was heavy
with pity for his soul's affliction . . .
Shuiski
A secret door May the Heaven's blessing
was open . . .
be with you!
and I saw ... Boris
Oh, what a frightful scene What! ?

I witnessed! {^Awakening from his trance, addresses

Ashen . . . the Boyars.}
his forehead moist with perspiration. I called for you, my counsels.
 — ——— — — — — ! — — —— —

BORIS GODUNOV 31

because I always In vain I tried

trust your wisdom to heal them
In times of danger with herbs and roots,
and bitter trials by secret incantation ...
you are I wandered far
the guardians of my power! to find a holy well
and wash my eyes with soothing
Shuiski
waters . . .
Almighty Lord and Tsar!
that blindness!
You know I am
I grew so used
your humble slave,
to being blind
yet duty bids me speak:
that, when I dreamt at night,
here's what happened
I did not even see
Tsar,
what I was dreaming
a man came to your door
he's very old
my dreams were
only voices.
and humbly hopes
Once ... I heard a voice
he might be allowed
in dreaming,
to stand before his sovereign.
soft and childish
A man of truth and wisdom
it called my name . . .
his life was pure and blameless-
I still hear that voice . . .

he says he knows a secret

Come! up at once,
get
that he must tell you . . .
find out where Uglich is
Boris go there
Yes, Prince, and enter the cathedral.
admit the man! And then you kneel
Perhaps his story and pray
will be a welcome balsam where I am resting
for all that secret fear I'm buried there . . .

that tortures me so much . . .

Dimitri
{Shuiski returns with Pimen,] your Tsarevich!
PiMEN But I am now
My name is Pimen, among the Angels of the Lord
a peaceful monk, and am endowed with all the blessed gifts
oblivious of the world of healing!
and yet I ask Next morning I
the Tsar should hear me. remembered
Boris and set out for Uglich,
You're speaking to the Tsar: together with my grandson.
tell your story I found the grave,

tell your secret. and as I knelt in prayer,

I felt a strange elation:
Pimen
My story will be brief
my weary heart grew light,
and tears were streaming
and truthful:
simply
down my face
it is a story
and of a sudden
of God
I saw the light,
and all His wondrous blessings .

One evening,
my grandson
and the grave!"
close on the night,
[Boris, who has listened to Pimen with
a shepherd came to me . . .
great attention, cries out and jails into
his face was old with wrinkles .

the arms of the Boyars. Pimen has

he sat with me
and this is what he told me — left.-]

"From early childhood" . . . Boris

he started I'm choking —choking!
"I was blind Help me!
I'd never seen the dark of night I want to see my son
nor daylight, I , . . cannot breathe . . .

my eyes were dead! cannot . . .

 —— —— — — — ————— ———— —

32 BORIS GODUNOV
[Fyodor enters and throws his arms for now you are
around his father.^ her brother and her father.
Leave us alone Love and treasure her,
my son and me! so pure,

Boris so tender ...

Farewell, my son,
God merciful
above!
am look down, my Lord,
I dying ...
from now on upon a sinful father's tears.

you will be the Tsar! Not for myself I pray,

Don't ever ask ... not for myself I beg You!

Father!
don't ask how I
ascended to this throne, See my children
my son .
send to them
. .

the light
you need not know. . . .

Tsar you shall be, of Your unending love

and rightful ruler Protect them both,

forever.
asmy successor,
my son, They are giiiltless.

my first-begotten. Angels of God the Lord:

Hear me! You who guard
the eternal throne
My child,
the regal purple
unfold your shining wings
to give him shelter,
will weigh upon your shoulders:
to save my son, my Fyodor,
these are times of danger.
That man from every ill,
that vile usurper,
and from temptation.
the name he stole
Hear
those sepulchral sounds!
appeals to foolish crowds.
Where you may look, Chorus {of -stage)
you see Mortal brothers,
rebellion weep and cry:
a traitorous army, for his end is near
hunger, forever
plague! his lips will close
Hear me, Fyodor! in eternal silence
Do not trust the Boyars Mercy! Hallelujah!
and their words, Boris
they're liars! '
The plaint of death ...
Never forget give me . . .

that some are traitors the cloister's vestments

in league with Lithuania the Tsar
and treason must always be punished. withdraws to God!
Be strong, Fyodor
and merciless! Mighty Tsar
Yet, to be just in your judgment, do have courage
listen to your people. the Lord will help you
Always fight for the Faith, Boris
defend the true belief, No, no, Fyodor
and revere the Saints, this is the end.
and ask them to bless you. Chorus
Never lose Dying, a child appears
your own integrity, before our eyes
my Fyodor: we lament it,
in it you'll find your greatness poor child,
a mind at rest it struggles,
is a heart's salvation! itmoans and sobs
And Xenia, and cries and begs for mercy
protect her, but death
and be kind to her. will show no mercy!
 —— — ——— —— ——— —

BORIS GODUNOV 33

Boris So — let's honor him for that,

Heaven! Heaven! like any decent thief

I am lost. Heh! come on
Oh Lord- Fomka —Epiklan,
forgive me be his body-guard.
for my sins! That's it.

Oh fearful Death, Women

how cruel How can I

is your torture trust my eyes?

It is not time yet Whoever saw
I still am Tsar an elegant Boyar
I still am Tsar . . . without a sweetheart?
Heaven Other Women
death We will not have it!

forgive me, all Boyars who have no sweethearts

He . . . are like thorns
he now is . . . without roses.
Tsar! What can we do?
Forgive me Various Groups of Women
forgive me. Afimya —come, help us!
[Boris dies.'] We've heard it rumored
BOYARS that you are
[In a whisper.'] more than ninety years old
The Tsar! . . .
If that's true,
then you're the one.
SCENE III Come here,
and sacrifice your youth to him!
[A forest near Kromy. A crowd of mill-
Sit down!
ing people, carrying the BOYAR Khru- Chorus
SHCHOV in their midst.]
Ha—ha— ha!
Chorus Men
Let's set him down Now then,
Men Let's sing a song for him
right here,
let's make him comfortable.
You, women
Come on,
—
women,
^you are first!

Sit down! you are first!

And so that he won't yell, Women

and that his noble throat He not like an eagle
is

won't suffer damage, with wings soaring

let's stop his mouth! he is not like a steed,
That's it! with his mane flowing
Women he sits and sits
But, listen: dear darling Boyar,
here sits a Boyar, he is deep in thoughts.
and you do not Chorus
pay him homage. Long live the proud Boyar!
Men Lickspittle of the Tsar!
What? Long live the proud Boyar,
No one greets him? Lickspittle of the Tsar!
Women Glory!
That's a scandal! Men
Friends of Boris Wait, women:
deserve more honor! don't leave the poor Boyar
Men without his horse-whip!
Boris, the robber Tsar, Other Men
he stole the throne of Russia, Who speaks of horse-whips?
but then Cat-o-nine-tails
this robber for him!
robbed the thief! On with the song!
 — —— — • — — — —

34 BORIS GODUNOV
Women Varlaam
He sits He has bowed
and sits, to Hell's infernal ghost.
he is pondering Both
how a Boyar to the glory of Satan
can oblige his Tsar and his fearful host.
Chorus [Missail and Varlaam enter.}
How to please Deep the grief
is
and how to help him of this holy land,
torture and beat and heavy is the hand
decent folk? of him who scorned the Lord,
Long live the proud Boyar, that threefold cursed hand
Lickspittle of the Tsar! of him who killed a Tsar
Long live the proud Boyar, for his sins
Lickspittle of the Tsar! he will pay
Glory! in all eternity!
You have honored us Chorus
when we deserved honor, Who is singing?
and in darkest night Pious monks,
you have enlightened us: who come to us from Moscow
Yes! by whipping Can you hear them?
you have improved our mind They sing a song
thank you, Master. of your Tsar Boris
You are so kind! and of all the cruel tortures
Long live the proud Boyar, . . they sing of all the tortures
.

Lickspittle of the Tsar that are our lot,

Long live the proud Boyar, . . that he has meted out
.

Lickspittle of the Tsar. to decent people!

Glory shall be your reward To arms!
forever, Free and daring
Glory shall be your reward we will fight them
forever more! valor always wins the day!
Glory Free and daring
praise to you! we will fight them!
[MissAiL and Varlaam are heard sing- valor always
ing in the distance^ wins the day!
MissAiL and Varlaam We will fight them—
Dim in the sky daring
are sun and moon In this fight
and all the stars we will gladly
will have vanished soon — shed our blood,
the day of final reckoning gladly shed our blood!
has begun In this fight we will
for all the evil deeds gladly shed our blood!
Boris has done. And in glory rises,
Beasts roam the fields, and in glory rises
unknown to the sight, all our force and might,
and beast breeds beast rises all our force and might.
by day and by night. And in glory rises,
And they slay and in glory rises,
and devour all our never-ending might.
man and woman and child, All our glory,
to punish the world all our might!
for all his sins! Eternal Russia's might.
MiSSAIL Fight!
Those who are true Might that guides
to God, the Lord, our fate —lead us!
must suffer pain Might that stems
through Boris, the Tsar, from the Lord lead — us!
 —! —— —
! — — —— ——

BORIS GODUNOV 35

Don't betray your sons ever, Kill Boris the Killer. Death!
valiant men Kill the Killer!
who fight for us. He who has killed
Might —might must die!
Might that rules all the universe, Lavitski and Chernikovski
great and eternal might! Domine, Domine, salvum fac Regem,
Might! Regem Demetrium Moscoviae, Regem
Don't betray those, Demetrium omnis Russiae, salvum fac
who fight for you. Regem Demetrium!
Don't betray Chorus
all those valiant men!
And who are those?
Might!
What devil brought them here?
Might eternal
Like the wolves
unending might! they're howling.
We sing a hymn to life-power What infernal noise!
there's joy among your worshippers!
Eternal might,
Varlaam
Nasty ravens,
great life-power!
both of them.
Might !

It seems
Varlaam and 3 Men they also are defending
Bid him welcome, the rightful Tsar
dearest friends,
We won't have it!
the one and only Tsar!
My friend Missail.
Missail and 3 Men Varlaam and Missail
Bid him welcome, We won't have it!
him whom the Lord has saved [Lavitski and Chernikovski appear."]
from the evil hands Varlaam and Missail
of his vilest foe!
Let's kill the cursed ravens!
Missail, Varlaam and 3 Men Chorus
Bid him welcome, A tree
dearest friends, A tree!
and greet A rope!
Dimitri, Yes! we will hang you
noble son of Ivan! three-fold cursed enemies!
Chorus Varlaam
Everywhere Yes, dearest friends,
Boris has his henchmen, we will hang them
who torture on the highest tree!
innocent people!
Varlaam and Missail
Everywhere
There they can pray
Boris has his henchmen,
for the universe
torturing
in eternity!
innocent people!
Chorus
Torture most frightful,
hanging and beating
A rope!
[7*^1? crowd ties the two Jesuits together.']
the true believers must suffer
Torture most cruel. Lavitski and Chernikovski
. . .

Hanging and beating Sanctissima Virgo, juva servos tuos.

innocent people, Varlaam
innocent people. Let's tie them fast
Death and that will make an end
Death to their praying!
Death Let them beg and cry
Death no one shall help them!
Death for him Chorus
Death A tree!
Kill the killer! Come on,
Death!— kill the killer! let us hang them!
 —— — ! ! —
! — —— — ——

36 BORIS GODUNOV
[The crowd drags them away. The fol- fight with me
lowers of DiMiTRi enter.'] to free
the land of our fathers!
Varlaam and Missail
Glory to you,
With me
our Tsar and Lord march on to Moscow!
[The tocsin is heard from ajar. Dimitri
saved by the grace of God!
Glory to leaves, followed by the entire crowd.
you, our Tsar and Lord,
saved by the Lord on high
The Simpleton remains all alone.]

Chorus Chorus
Hail!
Glory
Victory!
our Tsar and Lord
Hail,
saved by the grace of God
mighty Tsar!
you whom the Lord has saved
Lavitski and Chernikovski {af stage)
Glory to you
saved by the grace of God.
Deo gloria —^Deo gloria!

Great be your power Chorus (from afar)

Dlmitri Ivanovich Hail-
[The crowd, Varlaam, Missail, Lavit- mighty Tsar,
SKi, Chernikovski and the Simple- Dimitri Ivanovich!
ton, all greet the new ruler Dimitri.] [A great fire is seen in the distance. The
—
Glory ^glory glory— Simpleton sits on a stone.]
[Grigori (^now under the name of Di- Simpleton
mitri) appears with his retinue.'] Eyes are burning,
Dimitri bitter tears flowing

We, Dimitri Ivanovich, cry, faithful heart,

by the grace of God, the Lord, cry in deep anguish:

Tsarevich of all the Russias, soon the foe will come
Prince of the blood and the dark will fall
of noble forebears, night will blind us all

We assure you of our kindness. and no hope of dawn.

To those Russia's sorrow
whom Godunov made suffer is great
we will grant protection! Cry—cry-
Russian land
Khrushchov hvmgry people
Mighty Lord,
cry. . . .

cur Tsar Dimitri,

glory to you!
[The sound of the tocsin continues. The
Simpleton trembles, and gazes at the
Dimitri
fire on the horizon.]
On to glory!
I lead you THE CURTAIN FALLS SLOWLY
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