NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Well, I have said my say. Your mother is here. She is terribly upset. If you can do what she asks, do it—that is what I wished to say to you.
From the corridor outside hysterical weeping is heard. A Lunatic rushes in, followed by Warders who drag him out again.
LYÚBA. How terrible! And you will be kept here? [Weeps].
BORÍS. I am not afraid of it, I'm afraid of nothing now! I feel so happy, the only thing I fear is what you feel about it. Do help me; I am sure you will!
LYÚBA. Can I be glad about it?
NICHOLAS IVÁNOVICH. Not glad, that is impossible. I myself am not glad. I suffer on his account and would gladly take his place, but though I suffer I yet know that it is well.
LYÚBA. It may be well; but when will they set him free?
BORÍS. No one knows. I do not think of the future. The present is so good, and you can make it still better.
Enter the Princess, his mother.
PRINCESS. I can wait no longer! [To Nicholas Ivánovich] Well, have you persuaded him? Does he agree? Bórya, my darling, you understand, don't you, what I suffer? For thirty years I have lived but for you; rearing you, rejoicing in you. And now when everything has been done and is complete—you suddenly renounce everything. Prison and disgrace! Oh no! Bórya!