Part 350 (1/2)

You lead the Czarowitsch.

Keep your eye on him; stir not from his side, Render me 'count of every step he makes.

ODOWALSKY.

Rely on me, he'll never cast us off.

MARINA.

No man is grateful. Once his throne is sure, He'll not be slow to cast our bonds aside.

The Russian hates the Pole--must hate him ever; No bond of amity can link their hearts.

Enter OPALINSKY, BIELSKY, and several Polish n.o.blemen.

OPALINSKY.

Fair patron, get us gold, and we march with you, This lengthened Diet has consumed our all.

Let us have gold, we'll make thee Russia's queen.

MARINA.

The Bishop of Kaminieck and Culm Lends money on the p.a.w.n of land and serfs.

Sell, barter, pledge the hamlets of your boors, Turn all to silver, horses, means of war!

War is the best of chapmen. He trans.m.u.tes Iron into gold. Whate'er you now may lose You'll find in Moscow twenty-fold again.

BIELSKY.

Two hundred more wait in the tavern yonder; If you will show yourself, and drain a cup With them, they're yours, all yours--I know them well.

MARINA.

Expect me! You shall introduce me to them.

OPALINSKY.

'Tis plain that you were born to be a queen.

MARINA.

I was, and therefore I must be a queen.

BIELSKY.

Ay, mount the snow-white steed, thine armor on, And so, a second Vanda, lead thy troops, Inspired by thee, to certain victory.

MARINA.

My spirit leads you. War is not for women.

The rendezvous is in Kioff. Thither my father Will lead a levy of three thousand horse.

My sister's husband gives two thousand more, And the Don sends a Cossack host in aid.

Do you all swear you will be true to me?

ALL.

All, all--we swear! (draw their swords.) Vivat Marina, Russiae Regina!

[MARINA tears her veil in pieces, and divides it among them.

Exeunt omnes but MARINA.

Enter MEISCHEK.

MARINA.

Wherefore so sad, when fortune smiles on us, When every step thrives to our utmost wish, And all around are arming in our cause?

MEISCHEK.