AMMOS. Please don't mention it! It is a great honor
to have you take it. I'll try to deserve it--by putting
forth the best of my feeble powers, by my zeal and
ardor for the government. [Rises from the chair and
draws himself up straight with his hands hanging at his
sides.] I will not venture to disturb you longer with
my presence. You don't care to give any orders?

KHLESTAKOV. What orders?

JUDGE. I mean, would you like to give orders for
the district court here?

KHLESTAKOV. What for? I have nothing to do with
the court now. No, nothing. Thank you very much.

AMMOS [bowing and leaving. Aside.]. Now the
town is ours.

KHLESTAKOV. The Judge is a fine fellow.



SCENE IV


Khlestakov and the Postmaster.

POSTMASTER [in uniform, sword in hand. Drawing
himself up]. I have the honor to present myself--