ACT I.
The action takes place in a large village, in autumn. The scene represents the inside of Peter's spacious hut. Peter is seated on a bench, mending a horse-collar. Anisya and Akulína are spinning.
Scene I. Peter, Anísya, and Akulína (the last two singing together).
Peter (looking through the window). The horses have gone away again. Before we know it the colt will be killed. Nikíta! Oh, Nikíta! Are you deaf? (Listens. To the women.) Stop your singing,—I can't hear a thing!
Nikíta's voice, in the yard. What?
Peter. Drive in the horses!
Nikíta's voice. I will! Only give me a chance!
Peter (shaking his head). Oh, these hired hands! If I were a well man, I would not have one for the world. There is only worry with them. (Gets up and sits down again.) Nikíta! I shall get no answer. I wish one of you would go. Akulína, go and drive them in!
Akulína. What, the horses?
Peter. What else did I say?
Akulína. Right away. (Exit.)
Scene II. Peter and Anísya.
Peter. The young scamp is not much of a farmer. It takes him an age to do a thing.
Anísya. You aren't very lively yourself. From the
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