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Through the Pages of Favorite Operas
Comrades, watch, please, this television spectacle: the opera of Eduard Frantzevich Napravnik, "Dubrovsky."
From the series "Through the Pages of Favorite Operas."
Libretto by Modest Tchaikovsky, after Pushkin's novel.
Characters and Performers:
Andrey Dubrovsky - Meritorious Artist of Republic Georgy Dudarev
Vladimir, his son - Meritorious Artist of USSR Sergey Iakovlevich Lemeshev
Kiril Petrovich Troekurov - Meritorious Artist of USSR Alexey Petrovich Ivanov
Masha, his daughter - Vera Kudriavtseva
Prince Vereisky - Pavel Mokeev
District police officer - Michael Turemnih
Assessor - Vladimir Popov
Desforges, Frenchman - Meritorious Artist of Republic Nikolay Timchenko
Shabashkin, clerk - Roman Krasnoiurchenko
Yegorovna, nurse - Anna Vasilleva
Arkhip, Dubrovsky’s serf - Eugeny Korneev
Grishka, Dubrovsky’s serf - Ivan Zorin
Anton, Dubrovsky’s serf - Leonid Boldin
Tanya, Masha Troekurov’s maid - Ruslana Oreshkina
Chorus and Orchestra of Stanislavski and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre
Conductor - Peter Slavinsky
Choirmaster - Meritorious Worker of Arts Alexandr Stepanov
Director - Vitaly Golovin
Painter - Vladimir Vahromeev
Concertmaster - Eugenia Koritova
Ballet master - Ludmila Yudina
"I, your old nurse, venture to inform you of the health of your papa.
He is very poorly. Come to us, my bright little falcon.
We hear that the Court is going to hand us over to Troekurov.
I remain your faithful nurse, Arina Yegorovna Bouzireva."
"...of the health of your papa."
"He is very poorly."
"...over to Troekurov."
"...nurse Bouzireva."
Vladimir Dubrovsky read these somewhat unintelligible lines several times with great agitation.
The thought of losing his father pained him exceedingly.
That same evening he began to take the necessary steps for obtaining leave of absence,
and three days afterwards he set out in the stage coach.
From the post station to Kistenevka old coachman Anton drove him along the cross country roads,
and conversation began between them.
"Tell me, if you please, Anton,
what is this business between my father and Troekurov?"
"God knows, my little father Vladimir Andreivitch;
our master, they say, had a dispute with Kiril Petrovich,
and the latter summoned him before the judge,
though very often he himself is the judge."
"It seems, then, that this Kiril Petrovich does just what he pleases among you?"
"He certainly does, master."
About ten minutes afterwards he drove into the courtyard.
(Andrey Dubrovsky) So it isn't just a dream!
God let me
see you once more!
Son.
Volodya...
Darling...
Yes...
Yes, I'm so old
and my eyes are full with tears of joy,
with no hope,
to see you again...
(Yegorovna) Our master is tired.
You, Andrey Gavrilovich,
had better go to bed!
You look so sick! What if you'd feel too bad!
No! No!
I cannot go to bed now...
I want to tell a lot to him...
Leave us alone,
don't disturb us...
Go away...
Know,
I wasn't broken by illness,
my son,
not by old age,
not by diseases...
My spirit and body were broken
by anger and hostility.
Vladimir,
your father's insulted!
You?!
Who dared to insult you?!
I'd like to know his name,
for revenge!
Yes,
I'm offended by one of my closest friends,
because I don't bow my head
to petty tyrant's order.
Who is your offender?
Troekurov!
Kiril Petrovich?
Yes!
It's him.
I don't believe my ears.
Who'd believe that our friendship
would end so quickly!
Both of us dreamed
that with Masha
you would be united in marriage...
That, the old men's friendship continuing,
the autumn evening
into spring morning
would be turned,
and peace of mind and love
would our long-standing bond
renew.
But then
one day
his dog-keeper offended me with a rude joke.
I thought that, like years ago,
that he would punish this serf,
he wouldn't let him insult me,
in view of our equal rank and stature.
I'm not a clown,
but a nobleman!
Instead, he, with this servile crowd
of his obedient slaves and fawning friends,
dared to laugh at me,
and at what?
At my poverty...
I won't let anyone laugh at me!
I won't let them trifle with my honour
and I won't surrender my rights!
And Troekurov,
full of revenge,
planned—
who'd guess it!—
to deprive me
of what God, bequeathing from fathers to sons, gave to me.
A pack of corruptible judges
decided upon a verdict,
to take away my peasants,
my estate,
and to strip me of my hereditary rights.
I am exhausted
and no longer able
to fight with them;
and now, like a weak,
hunted animal,
I am helpless, nearing my death...
My son!
My son, I charge you
to take revenge upon my enemies.
I charge you to restore
my disgraced, insulted honour!
Punish violence and malice,
find the right way for revenge,
let me peacefully
descend to my grave
and, avenged,
fall asleep.
Father, I do promise you - My son, I charge you
I'll take revenge upon your enemies. - to take revenge upon my enemies.
I wish, with all my heart, to restore - I charge you to restore
your insulted honour! - my insulted honour!
Punish violence and malice, - Punish violence and malice,
find the right way for revenge, - find the right way of revenge,
and let you descend to your grave - let me peacefully descend to my grave
- and, avenged, - and, avenged,
peacefully - peacefully
fall asleep. - fall asleep.
I said everything...
Now I'm so tired,
my dear...
Now's the time for rest.
And you go...
Honour the remains [i.e. visit the grave] of your deceased mother...
I would go with you,
but, you see,
I have no strength...
O, my son!
So, you won't let them insult my grey hairs,
no?
You won't?
O, Father!
As of now, my only concern and only thought of life will be:
to protect you,
to give you happiness and peace!
Do you promise?
(Arkhip) Yegorovna!
Where are you?
Yegorovna!
What is it?
Look, the General is coming...
Seems so... Yes, it's him!
Maybe he's just passing by...
No, he probably is going to us.
And master is sleeping!
Well, how can I disturb him?
(Grisha) Arkhip! Troekurov's here...
Stop yelling!
We know already, we know...
See, master is sleeping...
Dear...
Father! Wake up!
An unexpected guest has come to you.
Who? Who?
O, master, I don't know what to say...
The Court, or what?
Say it quickly...
No, Father...
(Troekurov) Andrey, hello!
Well, don't get angry!
Not in enmity,
but in friendship I came here...
Listen,
our dispute is resolved:
The Court awarded me possession of Kistenevka [i.e. Dubrovsky's estate].
O, Lord, save us and have mercy!
By law, all that is here is now mine!
O, Lord, save us and have mercy!
You see,
old man,
I spoke the truth,
that I'm all-powerful here,
and that you
ought not to contend with me...
I've won.
But, having satisfied my wrath,
I don't want to use the right granted me by the Court.
I taught you a lesson,
and no further harm do I wish upon you.
I'm here because I'm going
to restore to you all that is yours.
I renounce it,
do you hear?
I repeat aloud, in front of all,
that I give back everything to you...
Why are you silent?
Or have you gone deaf
and cannot hear me?
Or should I beg your pardon?
Very well...
I am at fault...
Forgive me, Andrey.
Let us be friends again, just as before!
No,
no!
Never!
So that's how you want it, Andrey!
Your punishment was not enough, I see...
I'll drive you away from here,
you'll come to me a-begging,
on your knees...
Get out!
Get out
of here!
He's fainted!
Father!
Andrey Gavrilych!
Have mercy on us sinners,
O Lord!
Lads,
shall we let him insult our master!
Forward!
Attack...
Throw him out!
Get back!
Have you forgotten...
You're my serfs now!
Alright!
I'll go,
but wait until I punish you tomorrow!
Get out of my way!
What's happened here, people?
(Grisha, Anton, Arkhip) Troekurov was here
and had an argument with our master...
The Court awarded him, just listen,
Kistenevka and us, your people...
What of Father?
Your father was inflamed with rage,
and stricken down.
Master, our father is dying...
Righteous God,
protect me!
My father,
Andrey Gavrilovich,
according to the dictates of God
has died.
Pray for him!
The funeral took place the third day.
The visit of Troekurov and the reception given to him
were already known to the whole neighbourhood,
and the local politicians predicted that serious consequences would result from it.
"What is to be, will be.
But it will be a pity if Vladimir Andreyevich does not become our master.
He is a fine young fellow, there is no denying that."
"And who is to be our master if he is not to be?
Kiril Petrovich need not put himself out."
"Kiril Petrovich is too overweening."
"Vanity, vanity!
The service for the dead will some day be chanted for Kiril Petrovich,
as today for Andrey Gavrilovich;
the funeral may perhaps be more imposing,
and more guests may be invited;
but are not all equal in the sight of God?"
(Assessor) Why are you shouting?
What blockheads!
You are all ordered to disperse!
(Shabashkin) You'd better repeat the decree to them as a warning...
Well,
that I can do...
Hey, you, listen to this!
And therefore, I repeat to you
what I have already said.
"By the decision of the district Court,
Kistenevka with its population
now belong to
General-in-Chief
Kiril Petrovich Troekurov!"
Do you hear that, devils?
Who is represented here by
Mister Shabashkin!
Who is represented here by Mister Shabashkin!
Understand?
Obey him in everything
that he orders...
And above all, women,
love and honour him
as he takes in you
a great interest!
What a joker!
Ha, ha, ha!
That's true...
He takes in you
a great interest...
Oh, yeah!
"Fall in love with me, Katyusha,
Godless! Damned! - (Shabashkin) I'll give you a ring!
We shall live together in perfect harmony
Libertines! And drunkards! - (Shabashkin) all night long and all the day!
(Shabashkin) Fall in love with me—"
Godless!
Damned!
Libertines
and drunkards! - Libertines!
And drunkards!
Libertines!
Damned!
Godless!
Who dares here to open his mouth?
Silence!
Don't you dare!
It's a revolt!
It's a revolt!
Godless!
Damned!
Libertines!
Shameless!
Grab him!
Strike, strike him!
Go bravely forward!
Pile on to them!
Strike!
Strike!
Strike!
(Vladimir) Lunatics!
Come to your senses!
Stop it!
Stop,
lads,
what are you doing?
Give them to us here and now!
Lunatics,
get back!
Or even to me
will you raise your hands?
No, master,
for you
everyone would gladly die.
Give the order,
we'll go through fire and water,
and into torments!
So listen then...
Go home.
You will ruin yourselves,
me,
all our affairs!
Believe me, that I
won't let them offend you...
The time for punishment
has not yet come!
Well, let's go to our homes,
lads...
If that's your orders...
We'll go...
Go to your homes
in peace and in tranquility!
Farewell,
our benefactor,
farewell,
farewell,
God bless you!
And so, all is finished...
Inexorable destiny
has condemned me to be an orphan...
Only yesterday had I bread and native shelter,
and tomorrow will meet with poverty!
I will leave you,
sacred graves,
my home and memories of the years of early childhood.
I will go, homeless
and despondent,
by way of loss and misfortune!
This is all that is left to me!
Mama!
Mama!
O, give me oblivion, dear,
warm me in your embrace
and wafted into a child's dreams,
let me find my former happiness!
I am tormented by terrible anguish...
Look at how people mistreat me!
O, lull me to sleep again,
relieve my suffering with your tender caress!
Let soar, as a beneficent angel,
your ethereal
love,
and warming my heart,
encouraging it,
will I awake
to see you again!
O, give me, dear,
oblivion to find!
O, give...
...to find!
(Shabashkin) Drink...
Drink, I say...
Hey, you there,
dance!
(Shabashkin, Assessor and Clerks) "Ah, you inner porch, my inner porch,
my new inner porch,
a new inner porch,
maple and trellised!
I won't be crossing this porch,
I won't lead my beloved through by the hand!"
They're at it again!
And it's there,
where my father died,
where my mother lived,
where everything reminds me of her!
No!
No!
I must put a stop to this!
To be patient and wait,
I cannot!
"A young girl came out
of the oak gates,
of the new oak gates,
of the trellised gates!"
Damn them!
Why did I prevent the people then
from tearing them to pieces?
What?
To defile
my sanctuary?
No,
oh no!
Away with humility, henceforth!
What if I were to set fire to them?
No, no!
I am mad!
Away...
Away, terrible thoughts!
Be reconciled, my soul!
Be reconciled, my soul!
With resignation,
take the hard road!
Yes,
the morning is wiser than the night...
I need to rest.
No, I haven't the strength to enter there...
Where the coffin stood today,
there is roistering and revelry!
Who's there?
What do you need?
(Anton) We wanted to find out if they were all in the house?
Why the axes?
How could we do without axes...
The clerks are rowdy!
Who are you?
I'm Arkhip, the blacksmith...
Why are you not asleep?
How can we sleep!
What sleep is there for us!
You're all drunk...
Drunk...
No!
God is a witness, that not a single drop have we drunk...
Oh,
why should we drink,
when these clerks rule over us,
and drive out of the house the rightful masters,
and are rioting,
dishonouring and clamouring
where the coffin stood this morning.
O God!
Even the servants are outraged,
and I...
I, his son, am hesitant and afraid...
I see that this is God's will!
Put an end to them all at once and no one will be any the wiser!
No,
I won't let you kill people [lit. destroy people's souls]!
But if you want to help to get revenge,
then obey me!
We are all ready to go through fire and water for you!
Where is Yegorovna?
In her room.
Go and bring her here...
And make all our people get out of the house,
so that not a soul in it remain.
And you, bring here some straw
or some hay
and put it under the steps...
Hush!
Hush!
Don't say a word,
so as not to wake them...
And open the doors for the clerks!
Like hell I will! I'll lock them tight!
Dear, what are you planning?
Silence!
Well, lads,
is everyone here?
Everyone, master, everyone!
Have you opened the doors for the clerks?
Opened.
Give me the light!
Alas,
alas,
Creator!
What are you up to?
Vengeance!
Vengeance!
Now is my home – you, forest and field,
the earth – my bed,
the sky – my roof!
Farewell humility,
welcome freedom!
I am rid of my chains!
Farewell humility,
welcome freedom!
I am rid
of my chains!
Farewell, children!
Now I am going there,
where the Lord directs me...
You are our father, we'll go with you!
We will die, but we will not leave you!
(Shabashkin, Assessor and Clerks) Help! Help!
Soon
other reports furnished fresh food for curiosity and gossip.
Brigands appeared
and spread terror throughout the whole neighbourhood.
The measures taken against them by the government
proved
unavailing.
There was no security either on the roads
or in the villages.
Several troikas, filled with brigands,
traversed the whole province in open daylight.
The manor-houses were looted
and set on fire.
The chief of the band
was famed for intelligence,
daring,
and a sort of
generosity.
Wonders were related of him.
The name of Dubrovsky was upon every lip.
One thing was remarkable:
the domains and properties of Troekurov were spared.
The brigands had not attacked a single barn of his,
nor stopped a single cart.
(Masha Troekurov) I have gone too far...
I had better wait here...
Oh, how nice it is here!
What bliss!
Everything is mysterious
and breathes a luminous calm...
All seems motionless...
A little breeze is stirring,
idly rustling
the leaves on high...
I feel wonderful,
and light,
and a bit afraid...
In the bright silence,
the quiet radiance,
forest, you never sleep,
secrets you keep...
Leaves never slumber,
but listen blissfully to
the secrets of Heaven,
full of wonders...
Together with you
my soul fills with light,
eagerly listening,
catching secrets.
In the bright silence,
in the quiet radiance,
forest,
you never sleep,
secrets you keep...
Forest, you never sleep,
secrets
you keep...
(Tanya) Maria Kirilovna!
Mistress, where are you?
Hey, girls!
Hither,
come hither!
The young lady is here...
So, miss, this is where you disappeared to,
like you were hiding from us.
Or are you unwell?
No,
I gave myself up to dreams here,
forgetting all the world...
Really...
I don't know what happened!
You're just tired...
Oh, no!
I cried to you in return!
We heard nothing
and thought you were really lost.
How could one get lost here!
Well, and the mushrooms?
It's such a passion, you won't be able to handle it!
Come closer
and show the mushrooms...
Here are suilli with their cap undersides, - Here are honey fungi, saffron milk-caps, - Here are saffron milk-caps, here are honey fungi,
boletus with its orange cap— - here are suilli with their cap undersides— - here's a boletus with its orange cap—
Girlfriends, save yourselves! Dubrovsky!
Dubrovsky?!
That's enough!
I was only kidding!
Ah, Tanya...
Tanya...
Why...
Why did you mention him?
Before that,
I was feeling so good!
But you needn't be afraid,
mistress...
They say that he—
I'm not afraid...
Oh, it isn't the birch tree
in the dark, in the dark forest, - In the dark forest...
who sheds on the grass,
on the grass
bitter tears!
He wouldn't have touched us, assuredly,
for to the weak he is not an enemy,
but a friend.
When reminded of that name,
I am unable to suppress my tears...
Lo and behold, who's there... - (Girls) It's a fair maiden
Girls, surely...
Not so loud...
They have keen ears!
O Queen, Holy Mother!
But it's the mistress herself! - (Girls) for her dear,
Who?
Troekurov's daughter... - (Girls) for her dear swain
Forgive me, mistress,
I didn't know that would upset you. - (Girls) who bitterly cries,
Ah, Tanya, - (Girls) bitterly
it is because his sufferings are a severe reproach
that will be forever upon us!
The hour of punishment has come to our enemies! - (Girls) cries.
Tell our lads: - (Girls) Ah!
let them gather
near.
I'll whistle, if need be...
Go!
Oh, if only I met him!
Believe me,
Tanya,
I wouldn't be frightened,
no!
I
would say to him,
as to a brother,
as to my friend,
that with all my heart I pity him,
that for me he is not a villain,
but a victim of people's avarice...
That, even if it should cost me my life,
my father's sin
I want to expiate,
that every day I beseech the Creator
and the Holy *** to help me
to save him from death and damnation!
I would bring him absolution,
reconciliation to the Good and the True...
And, touched by my plea,
he would abandon
for ever
robbery!
What do I hear!
Great God!
Did you carry out my orders?
Yes,
but where are...
Where are the girls?
Alas!
They're gone!
We'll catch up with them!
No, Arkhip, it isn't necessary...
And not a word about this to anyone,
it must be so...
Have you told them everything?
No, I only ordered to be ready.
Well done!
They started up their own fun there...
They got some German,
he is so funny!
Call them all here!
Lads, this is such fun!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
You could just die of laughter!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
(Desforges) Pity!
Pity!
I...
I am...
I am a poor devil...
Yes, yes, really! - Ha, ha!
Yes, yes, really! - Ha, ha!
To oblige you,
messieurs,
messieurs les brigands—
I...
I will leave Russia!
Ha, ha!
Yes, yes, really! - Ha, ha!
Yes, yes, really! - Ha, ha!
But...
But spare my life, - Ha, ha!
messieurs,
messieurs les brigands!
Lads, this is such fun!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
You could just die of laughter!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
Pity!
Pity!
I...
Lads, this is such fun!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
You!
Silence,
master is here!
What are you shouting for, devils!
Lead him there!
Master wants to have a talk with him.
He is such fun!
Honest to God!
Lads, listen up!
I beg of you,
not in service to me,
but in friendship,
to conduct him,
unmolested, out of the forest.
He did me a great favour...
Besides, he's an orphan, as we are,
and is worthy of compassion.
He's a teacher
and was on his way to serve at Troekurov's,
but I have released him...
He will return to his native land...
I gave him money
and he who dares to take it
will be my mortal enemy!
Be at peace...
We won't touch him...
Thank you!
Lads, I leave you for a while...
Arkhip will go with me.
Anton!
During my absence,
you'll be ataman [i.e. leader of an armed band]!
Farewell, lads.
If I have the necessity,
I'll call for you.
Farewell!
Farewell!
And remember:
do not harm the Frenchman!
Farewell, our father,
farewell, - farewell,
dear!
God bless you!
Hurry back!
Well, go...
Adieu, monsieur Desforges!
Adieu,
adieu!
My benefactor!
Here they are!
Here they are!
For this, the whole of life
I would not be sorry to give!
I'm going quickly there, where is
my bliss, heaven and happiness,
to my beauty,
my beloved [lit. sacred object],
my dreams
of fairy land!
To Pokrovskoe!
Follow me!
Dubrovsky, having possession of the Frenchman's papers,
boldly appeared to Troekurov.
"Come here, Masha."
"Well, Papa."
"Tell this Monsieur
that very well — I accept him
only on condition that he does not venture to pay court to my girls—"
"Papa..."
"for if he should do so, the son of a dog, I'll..."
"Papa..."
About a month had elapsed
and nobody suspected
that the modest young Frenchman
was in reality
the terrible brigand.
Music lessons
occupied Maria Kirilovna.
She felt dull without Desforges,
and in his presence she was constantly occupied with him,
wishing to know his opinion of everything,
and always agreeing with him.
She was not yet in love with him perhaps;
but at the first accidental obstacle
or unexpected reverse of destiny,
the flame of passion
would burst forth within her heart.
[Singing in French]
"Never to see her, nor hear her,
never to say her name aloud;
but, faithfully, always to wait for her,
always, always to love her.
To open my arms and tired of waiting:
on nothing to close them again.
But with a love
ever,
ever more tender,
always,
always
to love her!"
Hey! Enough of this, Prince,
whither do you hasten!
(Prince Vereisky) No, I must be home before dark...
Well I never, how stubborn you are!
Mashuta [a diminutive of Maria]!
The Prince has come to say goodbye.
But, on hearing your voice
and your wonderful singing,
I wanted
to alter my resolution.
And who is this?
A Frenchman, teacher to Sasha [Troekurov's illegitimate son],
and a master, I can tell you!
Not like ours!
I can boast of him.
Yes! I was lucky with the tutor!
Though, admittedly, I pay dearly,
but money I count as nonsense,
when it is worthily spent...
He's clever and his knowledge is great!
Why, in short, a fellow who can turn his hand to anything!
And he's a brave lad!
Yesterday, out of boredom, I wanted to play a joke on him
and in a certain room with a bear
ordered my servants to push him into it...
O, Father!
More than once have I made my neighbors such a surprise!
But he took a different tack:
scarcely had the doors been locked,
and he hadn't let me laugh,
in an instant with a pistol he killed the bear on the spot!
Yes, good lad, he figured it out.
And did he waver,
take fright? - Not at all!
Yes, it's true;
though a Frenchman,
it ought to be said that he's not a coward!
No one with a noble soul
would allow himself to be treated as a buffoon!
From humiliation a free spirit
will manage to protect itself!
(Dubrovsky) Her young blood is raging, aflame with an imperious ardour, - (Troekurov) Her young blood is raging with an ardour - (Prince) Her young blood is raging with an ardour
(Masha) I feel my blood is raging, aflame with an imperious ardour, - (Dubrovsky) the excitement of her maiden love, - (Troekurov) imperious, - (Prince) imperious,
(Masha) the excitement - (Dubrovsky) raging with an imperious ardour, - (Troekurov) the excitement - (Prince) raging with an imperious ardour,
(Masha) of my fervent love! - (Dubrovsky) the excitement of her maiden love! - (Troekurov) of her first love! - (Prince) the excitement of her first maiden love!
To kill a bear is not a merit,
it is not a feat to shoot well.
(Dubrovsky) [to himself] Is it in the role of a spouse, friend, that you want to appear?
Sing, Masha, to the Prince at parting
with him
some sort of duet.
But the Prince did not express a desire.
When you are here, I desire nothing...
I am a slave to the master's will...
I am a priest
and you are my goddess!
"Never to see her, nor hear her,
never to say her name aloud;
but, faithfully, always to wait for her,
always, always to love her.
To open my arms and, tired of waiting,
on nothing to close them again;
but still always to open my arms to her,
always,
always to love her...
Ah!
To only be able to open them to her,
and consume myself in tears!
But these tears, forever to shed,
always,
always to love her!
Never to see her, nor hear her,
never to say her name aloud;
but with a love ever, ever more tender,
always,
always
to love her!"
Bravo,
bravo!
Though I do not like this music of sadness...
In the old days we did not sing them...
I'll take you at your word.
Prince, sing us something yourself.
No, it's late, it's late...
I have to go...
I should go through the woods,
as the mountain is hazardous.
Are you afraid?
No, not at all...
Dubrovsky,
they say, has disappeared.
Wait till I get my hands on you, Prince!
No one likes the forest at night!
I won't let you go at this time
without an escort of servants.
Masha, tell the tutor
to prepare the horses.
How dare he give me orders!
Listen,
Mashenka,
I have news to communicate to you.
You will, I hope, be very pleased about it...
Today the Prince did me the honour
to ask for your hand...
Be silent now...
Know, I have accepted.
Of course, straight away you must be deeply affected,
but,
upon reflection, you will understand
that this marriage is perfect.
The Prince, it is true, is a bit old.
But then he's smart,
rich, kind, pleasant and educated.
Moreover, he is utterly charmed by you
and will be a wonderful and tender husband!
Well, why don't you answer?
Then again, you know perfectly well
that I won't listen to any objections!
O, Papa! I don't love him...
Oh, what nonsense! You don't love him now,
but will learn to love him, after becoming a princess!
No,
Papa,
no, never!
Oh, no!
I shall never learn to love him!
Think,
I'm young...
Shall I, bartering my conscience
and burning with indignation against my groom,
have to lie at the altar?
What to me are nobility and honour?
I don't recognise the power of wealth!
Power oppresses me!
What to me is luxury?
There is no happiness in it...
I hate the Prince and always will,
both as a bride and a wife!
A maiden's empty refrains!
We've heard them hundreds of times!
Before marriage,
you all
reproach us for paternal cruelty!
Enough!
I have spoken,
so be it!
No!
No, Father,
I pray, listen to me!
By all that is sacred to you, I implore you!
O, Father!
My dear!
Darling!
Have pity!
Have pity!
Leave me and let me go!
I won't let you!
I'm ready for anything!
Stop!
You dare to threaten me!
Yes! I dare!
Know you this:
I will never be the Prince's wife!
I'll forget my daughter's duty
and will run away from home,
cut off my hair and enter a monastery,
and if I am so ignominious to you,
I will be saved
from you
by the grave!
You're mad!
Have you forgotten who I am!
I'll make you remember!
Know this:
Tomorrow you'll be the Prince's bride!
Oh, I'm so alone!
Oh, I'm so unhappy!
"Never to see her, nor hear her,
never to say her name aloud;
but with a love
ever, ever more tender,
always,
always
to love her!"
What's this?
A note?
He knows everything!
Where from?
Why?
He will protect me!
Yes, yes,
I have a friend!
But who is he to write so imperiously?
Whoever you are,
I love you passionately!
My heart
has guessed correctly:
I am not alone here!
Oh, no! I have a faithful friend!
Yes! Heaven, taking pity on me,
sent me a deliverer
from this torment!
I accept your protection
and entrust my life to you,
both my life
and my honour
I entrust to you!
The courtship of Prince Vereisky
was no longer a secret in the neighbourhood.
Kiril Petrovich - Many years to you!
received the congratulations, - Hurrah! Hurrah!
the wedding was prepared. - Many years to you!
Hurrah!
Hurrah!
Hurrah!
Hurrah!
We wish you many years of happiness!
Hurrah!
Hurrah!
Ah! A rare guest,
our Captain Superintendent!
Welcome!
Where are you coming from?
(Superintendent) From the town on business.
Well, old boy, it's inopportune for us.
We're having a celebration, a banquet...
Now is not the time for business!
You'd better drink with us to the health of the betrothed...
Forget business...
I should be glad to forget,
but the trouble is that,
if I were to forget about it with you,
I fear something bad might happen
to me and to you, sir.
Is it Dubrovsky again?
Yes, I hear that he is not far off,
and, perhaps, even among you
deigns to cheerfully walk.
Dubrovsky here?
You, old boy, are a joker, I see...
Dubrovsky, do you hear?
Dubrovsky is here...
Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Again Dubrovsky?!
What's up?
Where's Dubrovsky?
Has he appeared again?
Killed? Who, tell me?
He slaughtered three men!
Where? When?
Ah, what horror!
Where's Dubrovsky?
To the health of the betrothed!
Ha, ha, ha, ha!
What a joker!
He wanted to scare us!
To the health of the betrothed!
Ha, ha, ha, ha!
Who
is this fellow?
A Frenchman, a teacher.
Are you sure about that?
What are you thinking, joker?
But I tell you,
he's a Frenchman.
Yes,
a Frenchman:
Desforges!
How can he be Dubrovsky?
And why not?
You're mad,
I see!
All of a sudden Desforges is
Dubrovsky!
Softly, I beg of you,
General.
Someone may hear us
and then all is lost!
You're an eccentric, old boy!
A joker,
that's what you are!
Well,
Masha,
now together with your bridegroom, conduct the guests,
to the strains of the Polonaise, into the house.
Forgive me, Father,
but I am unable to be with the guests...
I feel unwell...
Unwell?
Nonsense!
Empty excuses!
I beg of you!
Conduct the guests. What foolishness you are talking!
Wait, Kiril Petrovich,
you've forgotten:
not you alone,
but I decide here, as well.
O my angel,
trust in me,
let me, as of now,
be forever only a slave
to your wishes...
Save yourself,
master,
in an hour we'll be surrounded.
The Superintendent knows everything.
Fly this instant!
No,
I cannot,
I must see Masha.
Summon the lads of my estate to protect me.
Fly, while there's still time!
No, I said. - We are lost.
When you summon the lads,
let me know!
Go!
Monsieur Desforges, is that you?
Yes,
it's me...
Who are you?
An unhappy man,
driven by fate
and by people...
A homeless orphan...
I...
I am
Dubrovsky!
You...
Dubrovsky?
My God!
"Oh, if only I met him,
I wouldn't be frightened of him...
No! I would say to him,
as to a brother, as to my friend,
that with all my heart I pity him,
that for me he is not a villain...
That, even if it should cost me my life,
my father's sin I want to expiate...
That every day I beseech the Creator
and the Holy *** to help me
to save him from death and damnation.
(Masha and Vladimir) I would bring him absolution,
reconciliation to the Good and the True,
and, touched by my plea,
and touched
by my plea,
he would abandon for ever robbery!"
But who are you
to read the secrets of my heart,
at the bottom of my soul?
I saw you
by chance amid the beauty
of the silent forest;
there I overheard these words,
your saintly,
innocent conversation.
I had been a monster till this meeting,
but I saw thy bright eyes
and now, embracing your knees,
I bring to you entreaties and songs,
adoration and joy of renewal.
I am defeated,
I have changed!
In my afflicted soul
is resurrected anew
goodness and tears,
tears
and love!
In a mist of wondrous memories,
like a nebulous radiance,
before me in the darkness
rise up your features.
You are the visitor in my bright
and wondrous dreams
of heavenly sweetness and celestial
languor,
who did so long appear to me
in the mute silence.
You came
and all around began to shine,
and I understood,
and I understood
that in dreams
and in reality
I have been calling to you
all my life!
Do you love me?
Yes, I do.
My fair angel!
Do you love me?
Yes, I do.
Oh, blessed moment!
You are restoring,
you are healing
my tormented, ruined soul!
In an hour of reconciliation,
tears and forgiveness
in the night's
mysterious silence.
To forever aspire
after the Truth, humbly,
all my life,
all my life!
To forever serve,
to forever humbly
be your slave,
your slave!
Yours!
In a languorous silence, - In a languorous silence,
a rapturous dream - a rapturous dream
in the still of the night, - in the still of the night,
you are restoring,
you are healing
my afflicted
soul!
It's time!
Forgive me!
You will never be the Prince's wife!
Take this ring.
If it's necessary to have recourse to me,
bring it here
and place it in the hollow of this oak.
I'll know what to do!
Forgive me!
Creator,
save him!
Holy Mother, protect him.
They're coming this way!
O, God,
where can I hide?
I have no more strength...
I am
dying...
All is lost...
O, Masha,
Masha!
Oh, where are you?
Oh, if only in farewell,
even for an instant to see you!
O, Masha,
where are you?
Who calls me?
Vladimir!
My God!
Am I mad?
Is it you,
my Vladimir?!
Masha!
Joy...
Happiness...
O, my sweet,
dearest,
I am
dying!
It cannot be,
I don't believe it...
Oh, my miserable fate!
Scarcely was revealed to me the bright bliss of paradise,
scarcely had I spoken:
"I am yours forever, Masha!"
then again we must part...
Farewell...
I am dying...
My Vladimir,
wake up!
I am here with you!
No one will separate us!
I'm yours!
Vladimir!
Help!
Help!
He's dying!
Save him!
Save him!
What happened?
A woman's voice called for help.
There are two lying dead...
Where?
A light!
A light here!
Hey, make way!
Stand aside!
Stand aside!
Daughter!
(Superintendent and Prince) Dubrovsky?
Hush...
Hush...
He will awaken.
Do not approach!
I won't give him up to anyone,
he's mine!
O, my Vladimir,
my husband!
Wake up... I'm here!
Are you mine?
Yours,
and to no one else will I belong.
In an hour of reconciliation, - In an hour of reconciliation,
tears and forgiveness - tears and forgiveness
in the still of the night, - in the still of the night,
you are restoring, - you are restoring,
you are healing - you are healing
my afflicted soul! - my afflicted soul!
Mine... - Yours!
Vladimir!
O, Lord...
O, Lord,
save us,
save us and have mercy!
But Dubrovsky no longer heard her.
The pain of his wound,
and the violent emotion of his soul
had deprived him of all power over himself.
They all went without carrying anything away with them,
and without shedding one drop of blood
in revenge for the blood of their chief.
The terrible visits,
burnings and robberies
ceased.
The roads again became safe.
Information was obtained that Dubrovsky was no longer among the brigands.
According to another report,
Dubrovsky had fled to some foreign country.