impressive dignity.] And you think you are flattering me! Let me
tell you I would not give a rouble to have the brains of all the
philosophers in France. What is our business for today?

NARYSHKIN. The new museum, Little Mother. But the model will not
be ready until tonight.

CATHERINE [rising eagerly]. Yes, the museum. An enlightened
capital should have a museum. [She paces the chamber with a deep
sense of the importance of the museum.] It shall be one of the
wonders of the world. I must have specimens: specimens,
specimens, specimens.

NARYSHKIN. You are in high spirits this morning, Little Mother.

CATHERINE [with sudden levity.] I am always in high spirits, even
when people do not bring me my slippers. [She runs to the chair
and sits down, thrusting her feet out.]

The two ladies rush to her feet, each carrying a slipper.
Catherine, about to put her feet into them, is checked by a
disturbance in the antechamber.

PATIOMKIN [carrying Edstaston through the antechamber]. Useless
to struggle. Come along, beautiful baby darling. Come to Little
Mother. [He sings.]

March him baby,
Baby, baby,
Lit-tle ba-by bumpkins.