STYÓPA. It is surprising how Mitrofán Ermílych and I, though we usually stand poles asunder, come to the same conclusion: those are my very words, “not ruin one's own life.”
BORÍS. Naturally! You both of you wish to lead a pleasant life, and therefore want life arranged so as to ensure that pleasant life for you. [To Styópa] You wish to maintain the present system, while Mitrofán Ermílych wants to establish a new one.
Lyúba and Tónya whisper together. Tónya goes to the piano and plays a nocturne by Chopin. General silence.
STYÓPA. That's splendid; that solves everything.
BORÍS. It obscures and postpones everything!
While Tónya is playing, Mary Ivánovna and the Princess enter quietly and sit down to listen.
Before the end of the nocturne carriage bells are heard outside.
LYÚBA. It is Aunt. [Goes to meet her].
The music continues. Enter Alexándra Ivánovna, Father Gerásim (a priest with a cross round his neck) and a Notary. All rise.
FATHER GERÁSIM. Please go on, it is very pleasant.