'Twas from the Russian empire wrenched by force.
I will restore it to its former crown.

MEISCHEK.
Hush, hush! The Waywode must not hear such talk.

[Trumpet without. They're breaking up.




ACT II.




SCENE I.

A Greek convent in a bleak district near the sea Belozero.
A train of nuns, in black robes and veils, passes over the
back of the stage. MARFA, in a white veil, stands apart
from the others, leaning on a tombstone. OLGA steps out
from the train, remains gazing at her for a time, and then
advances to her.

OLGA.
And does thy heart not urge thee forth with us
To taste reviving nature's opening sweets?
The glad sun comes, the long, long night retires,
The ice melts in the streams, and soon the sledge