Golden Cock

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Page 27 - Let us settle matters as friends. Dost thou remember that in return for an obligation Thou didst swear, in transports of delight, to fulfil My first wish as if it were thy own? Give the maiden to me — The Queen of Shemakhan. KING DODON (trying to bring THE ASTROLOGER to his senses). What! Has the devil got into thee? Or hast thou lost thy senses ? What has got into thy head ? Away with thee, before I injure thee!
Page 21 - Who will place a limit to my desires, Firmly and masterfully? KING DODON (solemnly). Cease weeping, and rejoice, Maiden Queen of Shemakhan. Thou hast sought and found. Thy life will now be bright. I shall thwart thee and Contradict thee in everything; In fine — without unnecessary words — I am ready to do all for thee. QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN ( in amazement). Me? Thwart? I am very glad (joyfully ) r?uch happiness!
Page 5 - Boyars ere seated in a semicircle, — grave and bearded men. Upon a throne in the middle, magnificently decorated with peacock feathers, is seated KING DODON himself, wearing a golden crown and in royal vestments of yellow. On either side of him are the impatient Princes — his sons AFRON and GUIDON. Amongst the Boyars is the old and rude VOEVODA* POLKAN.) KING DODON (appears overwhelmed with cares).
Page 17 - In this thou art mistaken. An army is not needful for a victory. Beauty alone makes all bend low Before her. (Claps her hands. Two more slaves come out of the tent with silver pitchers and pour wine into goblets.) I am glad of unexpected guests. The goblets are full of the fiery juice of the vine ; They are frothing to the rim.
Page 5 - From my youth up 1 have been redoubtable. And time and time again I have daringly affronted My neighbours. But now I wish to rest from warlike deeds, And seek repose. As if on purpose a neighbour now is disturbing me By unceasingly doing evil deeds. In order to defend The frontiers of my kingdom from attack I must maintain a large Army.
Page 17 - Л modest feast — a secret look Through the interfering veils? When the blue night darkens, Does the young mistress hasten to him With a sweet avowal on her lips, Having forgotten both fear and shame? (The song being ended THE QUEEN turns towards THE KING and looks for a long time at him in silence.) KING DODON (quietly baking POLKAN with his elbow).
Page 17 - And where is thy land? QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (modestly lowering her eyes). By your leave I am the Virgin Queen of Shemakhan. I am stealing like a thief To conquer thy city. KING DODON (in astonishment, almost roughly), Thou art an amusing jester, Wilful maiden. To wage war, an army is necessary; Without it, it 'sa sorry business. QUEEN OF SHEMAKI-IAN.
Page 7 - ASTROLOGER (ox his knees). Hail, Majesty! Sire! Thy father knew me of old, But we have not met until now Urged by my duty as a subject, And having heard that Dodon Was losing sleep by reason of his cares, I have brought thee as a gift a bird. Place it on a spire, And my golden cock will be thy true watchman.
Page 27 - The sun goes behind a cloud and a clap of thunder is heard.) QUEEN OF SHEMAKHAN (laughing to herself). Ha! Ha! Ha! I am not afraid of sin. (DODON very agitated, but still smiles fondly upon THE QUEEN.) KING DODON (superstitiously). I hope it will not bring misfortune On the eve of marriage! It is not good to shed blood upon a wedding day!
Page 25 - Here's the news! You see, there are four Kings — Hearts, Spades, Clubs, and Diamonds ; Our King has conquered them. He has saved from the Dragon's jaws A Royal Maiden. She will be our Queen! PEOPLE (without any special joy). Well! We shall have a holiday! But where are our hope — the Princes ? AMELFA.

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