Prince. I'm sure they've all been kind, little father.
Semyon [bowing again, to Prince]. I'm sorry, my lord, that there is no way to send a message to the Baron, but our boys are too young, and I am too feeble. The men will be at home soon, I hope, and meanwhile you must be patient.
Marie. Oh, Semyon, let us have some carols [to Princess], and then the time will go quickly.
Semyon. Ivan and I are always glad to make music on Christmas Eve.
Ivan. Or any other eve, either, Grandfather.
[Semyon sits in center of stage, Ivan standing
beside him. They play their violins
and sing the ballad of King Wenceslas, all
the children joining in the chorus.
Nicolas. Sister, sister, I hear somebody shouting, outside!
Sascha [rushing to door]. The men come back from the wolf hunt!
Ivan. Let's see what they've killed. [Exeunt Ivan and Sascha.]