Peter. The world shall judge between us. I will brand thee with infamy.
Alexis. Until now, O father! I never had a proper sense of glory. Hear me, O Czar! let not a thing so vile as I am stand between you and the world! Let none accuse you!
Peter. Accuse me, rebel! Accuse me, traitor!
Alexis. Let none speak ill of you, O my father! The public voice shakes the palace; the public voice penetrates the grave; it precedes the chariot of Almighty God, and is heard at the judgment-seat.
Peter. Let it go to the devil! I will have none of it here in Petersburg. Our church says nothing about it; our laws forbid it. As for thee, unnatural brute, I have no more to do with thee neither!
Ho, there! chancellor! What! come at last! Wert napping, or counting thy ducats?
Chancellor. Your Majesty’s will and pleasure!
Peter. Is the Senate assembled in that room?
Chancellor. Every member, sire.
Peter. Conduct this youth with thee, and let them judge him; thou understandest me.