OLD MAN. Thank you humbly for your kind words, and for the entertainment. [Sings.
"Our lads, though stripped unto the buff,
Even so are bold enough.
Their twelve hands go weaving on;
Now the web of cloth is done.
They made kaftans for us here;
Kaftans do not cost you dear
When you've grist within your hopper.
In our purses silver bright
Will not let us sleep at night.
And the jingling coins of copper
For the tavern raise the call.
Tapster Andrew, quick undo
The inn-door. We've a kaftan new
Here to put in pawn with you;
We won't take it home at all."
[Goes to one side.
EGÓRUSHKA. [Dances with the molasses]
"Molasses! Molasses!
It simmers so sweet.
Oh, winter is bitter,
The frost and the sleet.
Stormy and snowy, oh, ways choked with snow,
Unto my darling there's no way to go.
Molasses! Molasses!
It simmers so sweet.
Like a little quail my wife
Sits on her seat.
And I love her for this, and her praises I tell,
For she jaunts on so prettily, proudly and well."
[Bows.
FIRST GUEST. Oh, what a fine boy! Ah!
PELAGÉYA EGÓROVNA. Why, yes, my friend, he's still a child; but he does the best he can. He's young yet. Come here, Egórushka. [EGÓRUSHKA comes] Here's some gingerbread for you. [Gives it to him; EGÓRUSHKA bows and goes out] Yes, he's still a child; you can't expect much from him!
The TRAINEE leads the bear; the goat dances.