SCENE III


Khlestakov and the Judge.

JUDGE [comes in and stops. Talking to himself].
Oh, God, bring me safely out of this! How my knees
are knocking together! [Drawing himself up and holding
the sword in his hand. Aloud.] I have the honor
to present myself--Judge of the District Court here,
College Assessor Liapkin-Tiapkin.

KHLESTAKOV. Please be seated. So you are the
Judge here?

JUDGE. I was elected by the nobility in 1816 and I
have served ever since.

KHLESTAKOV. Does it pay to be a judge?

JUDGE. After serving three terms I was decorated
with the Vladimir of the third class with the approval
of the government. [Aside.] I have the money in my
hand and my hand is on fire.

KHLESTAKOV. I like the Vladimir. Anna of the
third class is not so nice.

JUDGE [slightly extending his balled fist. Aside].
Good God! I don't know where I'm sitting. I feel as