Mich. Then you can be a martyr for them?
Vera. You must kill me first, Michael, before you lay a finger on him.
Pres. Michael, we dare not lose Vera. It is her whim to let this boy live. We can keep him here to-night. Up to this he has not betrayed us.
(Tramp of soldiers outside, knocking at door.)[33]
Voice. Open in the name of the Emperor!
Mich. He has betrayed us. This is your doing, spy!
Pres. Come, Michael, come. We have no time to cut one another's throats while we have our own heads to save.
Voice. Open in the name of the Emperor!
Pres. Brothers, be masked all of you. [34]Michael, open the door. It is our only chance.[34]
(Enter General Kotemkin and soldiers.)