I am thy Voevoda.
Sire! Awake! A calamity is upon us.
(The Housekeeper jumps up and hurriedly disappears.)
King Dodon
(not quite awake).
What is it?
Polkan.
It must be that a strange foe is advancing.
King Dodon
(getting up and yawning).
Eh! What? What calamity?
Is my palace burning?