Adr. Nothing.
Gregori. We are ordered to line up in the street. They are dragging some of the men out. Does that mean nothing, Shepherd of Lonz?
Adr. I will find out what it means. Stay here. You have done no wrong. You will not be harmed. [Enter another peasant] Ugo?
Ugo. Is it flogging, sir?
Adr. No! It can't be! [Goes toward door. Cries of "The Shepherd, The Shepherd," heard without]
Adr. [In door] I am here.
A voice without. We have followed your counsel, Shepherd of Lonz. We have kept the peace. We have borne the taxes. We have given our sons to the war. Why are the soldiers here?
Adr. I do not know. But I have the word of Prince Travinski, your little father, that no outrage will be committed. Come in, friends.
[A dozen or more peasants enter. Catherine, Sophie, Vera and Vasil come on, right]
A peasant. [Doggedly] I gave the Czar my two sons. He gives me the rod.