This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130 A play adapted from the novel of Dimitri Merejowski By F. J. Morlock C 1981
CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE Foreign Minister Princess Charlotte Larion Dokoukin Alexis Afanassief, his valet Peter Tolstoi Peter the Great, Czar of Russia Catherine, the Czarina Theodosius, a prelate Servant Kniaz Pope Kniaz Cardinals Ivan Cornelius Several Old Believers Marya, Alexis' aunt Eudoxia, Alexis' mother, Peter's divorced wife Alexis as a child German Tutor An orderly Kikin Prince Dolgoruki Peter's Courier Peter's Valet Afrossinia, Alexis' common law wife Guards Courtiers A herald Priests Father Matthew Executioner Doctor
Foreign Minister
The Emperor understands your religious scruples, Princess
Charlotte. You are a Lutheran and the Russian Crown Prince is an
Orthodox. Yet, we believe Tsar Peter's conception of Orthodoxy takes
the form of the Lutheran faith. The Tsar has abolished the
Patriarchate and, following the example of the Protestant Princes, he
has declared himself Chief Bishop. Now that the Russians are
reasonably taught and educated in schools, all of the superstitious
beliefs, must, of themselves, disappear. In these schools the
teachings are quite Lutheran. The monasteries are reduced in number.
Miracles and relics no longer command reverence. Thus you may be at
ease.
(Princess Charlotte bows her head.)
As to conditions there, it is true they are primitive. The Muscovites do everything because they are compelled to. Russia is a country where everything is begun and nothing is finished. Should the Tsar die, farewell to all progress. The Tsarevitch, who is to be your husband, is not as complete a partisan of the old ways as he is reputed to be. He favors progress, but does not believe in beating it into the people by force as does his father.
(The Princess bows again.)
As to his dissipated ways, it is true, he is a man of not strong character. But he is stubborn beyond belief. Since his father will not let him have his own way and live his own life, he protests silently by drinking Vodka, thereby deliberately unfitting himself for the role his father tries to force on him. He also gains popularity in this way. Our ambassador believes that once the Tsarevitch attains the throne, he will reform himself and cease these deliberate dissipations.
(Smiling) The Emperor hopes that this report will satisfy your scruples and expects that you will marry the Tsarevitch, thus uniting the two greatest empires on the face of the earth.
(Princess Charlotte bows in acquiescence.)
(The Foreign Minister bows solemnly and withdraws.)
Dokoukin
Antichrist is coming. He, the last of the devils, is not yet come
himself; but the world is teeming with his progeny. They twist
everything to suit his plans. He will appear in his own due time, when
all is prepared and smoothed. (fervently) He is already at the door.
Soon he will enter.
Alexis (sharply)
And how do you know all this? Of that day it is written "Neither
the son nor the angels know." How is it you know?
(Dokoukin remains silent.)
Alexis (yawning)
Are you a heretic or a Raskolnik?
Dokoukin
I am a clerk in the Arsenal. An informer reported me for taking
bribes.
Alexis
Did you?
Dokoukin
I did. I was not compelled to, neither did I do it for the sake of
extortion, but in all fairness and with a clean conscience, being
satisfied with whatever was given me freely for the clerk work I did.
(Alexis laughs at his naivete.)
Dokoukin
People had for years been wont to give me trifling sums—in all
two hundred and fifteen rubles. I have nothing wherewith to repay the
sum. I am poor, old, sad, wretched, disabled, and destitute. Merciful
Highness—protect a defenseless old man. I beseech you, Tsarevitch
Alexis Petrovitch.
Alexis (warily)
Are you sure you're not simply an impostor?
Dokoukin (simply)
No, your majesty. (hesitating) There was yet another reason for my
coming.
Alexis (impatiently)
Well?
Dokoukin
Nowadays, we of the old religion are hunted from house to house;
we are insulted and outraged. We have shaved our heads and our beards,
we have been basely defiled. We have accepted strange Western ways. We
have mingled with foreign heretics and schismatics. The heart is
troubled. (passionately) It is dangerous to speak, but impossible to
remain silent. O secret martyrs! fear not, rise valiantly and arm
yourselves with the cross to repel the power of Antichrist.
Alexis (suspiciously)
What is your purpose in telling me all this?
Dokoukin
A little while ago, I dropped a letter like this in the Cathedral.
(showing a letter and giving it to Alexis who reads it) But those who
found it, simply burned it. Today, I shall nail a petition to the
Cathedral door so that the Tsar himself will be informed. I write and
speak so that the Tsar will come to himself again and amend his ways.
Alexis
Are you aware, old man, that it is my duty, as a citizen and as my
father's son, to report this type of sedition?
Dokoukin
It is for you to decide, Tsarevitch.
Alexis
Are you aware that the penalty for sedition is death?
Dokoukin
For myself, I am willing to suffer for Christ's sake.
Alexis
Are you in your right senses? Think what you are about. Once in
the torture chamber, you will be hanged by the ribs and roasted to
death like Gregory of Talitsa who called my father Antichrist.
Dokoukin
We must all die once. Today. Tomorrow. What difference? With God's
help I am prepared to give up my life.
Alexis (sizing him up)
Listen, old man, I will not report you. I see that you are honest;
I trust you. (pause) Tell me, do you wish me well?
Dokoukin
With all my heart.
Alexis
If you do, then banish all this nonsense from your head. Never
think of writing seditious petitions. This is not the time for them.
If it were known I had seen you, I too should fare ill. My father
spares no one. Go, God be with you! Don't come again. I'll put in a
word for you. You shall be exonerated. Now, go—no, wait. Give me your
handkerchief. (filling it with gold) Take this for your journey back
to Moscow. On your return have a mass said for God's servant, Alexis.
Only be careful you don't know who this Alexis is.
(Dokoukin stands with bowed head, in deep respect, before Alexis.)
Dokoukin
What else can one do but obey you? Who but you can aid us against
your terrible father? Fair child of the Church. . . Russia's hope.
Alexis
Enough, enough, old man. Am I blind and deaf? Does not my heart
ache for you? Should God grant me once to rule this country, I will do
all I can to ease the people's lot. Nor will I forget you. Now,
goodbye, Dokoukin. We shall meet someday, God willing.
(Dokoukin goes out with profound but clumsy reverence.)
(A slight pause and Afanassief, Alexis' aged valet, enters.)
Afanassief
It is time to be going. Would you like to get ready?
Alexis (musing)
I'm not going.
Afanassief
As you please. The order was for everyone to be present. Your
father will be in a passion.
Alexis
All right, all right. But, bring me some liquor, my head is
splitting from last nights drinking—
Afanassief (bowing)
Yes, Tsarevitch.
Tolstoi
It was my great luck to purchase this masterpiece. The statue
differs in no wise from the celebrated Florentine Venus and is in a
better state of preservation. I had many adventures connected with
obtaining this statue. (he opens his snuff box and takes snuff) In
Naples, I was inamorata with a certain cittadina Francesca, celebrated
for her beauty. (laughing) She cost me more than this masterpiece, and
to this day, I do not grudge her a single florin.
(Peter pulls the cord; the drapes part, revealing a well preserved
classical Venus. Peter holds the statue in his arms like a doll.)
Tolstoi
Behold Venus in the embrace of Mars.
Princess Charlotte
Were I the Tsaritsa, I would be jealous!
Tolstoi (reciting)
Cupid once upon a bed Of roses laid his weary head Luckless
archer not to see Within the leaves a slumbering bee!
The bee awakened with anger wild. The bee awaked and stung the child. Loud and piteous are his cries; To Venus quick, he runs, he flies! Oh, mother! I am wounded through; I die with pain, in sooth I die.
Stung by some angry little thing, Some serpent on a tiny wing.
Thus he spoke, and she the while Heard him with a soothing smile; Then said, my little infant if so much Thou feel the little wild bee's touch How must the heart, ah Cupid be The helpless heart that's stung by thee!
(All present applaud Tolstoi who executes a faultless bow.)
Theodosius
This will not be a flattering oration, but I speak the truth from
my heart: by your Majesty's actions Russia has been led from ignorance
to light and joined the throng of civilized nations. What was Russia
in your father's day? What is she today? And thou, city of Peter,
young in thy supremacy! How great is the renown of thy founder. On a
cheerful site thou art erected. Verily, a metamorphosis hast thou
accomplished.
(Courtiers applaud.)
Alexis
What a hypocrite! I heard him call this city a devil's bog not
more than a week ago.
Peter
I am eager that the people should know how the Lord has helped us
hitherto. Yet we must not slacken. We must bear any burden and work
for the advantage of Russia.
(Applause from the Courtiers.)
Peter
The philosopher Leibnitz told me that science had traveled from
the Orient to Greece, thence to Italy, France, and Germany and now is
turning eastward to Russia. Now, it is our turn. The circle is
complete.
(Applause.)
Theodosius
The Hellenes are not to be wondered at for bowing to heathen
idols, but rather we Christians who bow to icons as idols.
Peter (as on cue)
There are many false wonders.
Theodosius
For example, the weeping Virgin of Petersberg.
Peter
Ah, I have it. (to a servant) Bring it here.
Alexis
This was well rehearsed.
(The servant produces an icon and gives it to Peter who holds it up
for everyone to see.)
Peter
Here you see Milady of the Sorrows. She weeps for our sins. See.
Tears flow. But how? A miracle, perhaps? (pause) No. Two little
cavities in the eyes and a small hole in the body large enough to
contain a sponge. Presto, the tears flow. (he dismantles the icon
expertly)
(Alexis has winced during this whole proceeding. Peter discards the
icon with a flourish, all present, except Alexis, applaud.)
Peter
This is the source of the miraculous tears.
Tolstoi
I confess it troubles my conscience, in that being Christians, we
worship idols.
Alexis
What idols?
Tolstoi
Why, this one—the Venus. They say there is no sin because these
Gods never existed. But this is where folk fatally err. Because the
ancient Gods do exist.
Peter
You believe in their existence?
Tolstoi
Most certainly. The Gods are evil spirits who, being cast out of
their temples in the name of Christ, sought refuge in dark and desert
places.
Peter
What the devil are you talking about? Excess of reading has
muddled your brain.
Tolstoi
I have myself experienced the power of evil spirits. It was Satan
himself who enticed me to translate Ovid and Machiavelli. Ever since,
I have been an insatiable lecher and politician. And the Goddess,
Venus, haunts my dreams.
(Everyone, including Peter, laughs.)
Peter
In what guise?
Tolstoi
In the guise of Akoulina, the dancing girl.
Alexis
No doubt it was she herself you slippery old lecher.
(More laughter and applause.)
Peter
Zoon! (Peter is using Dutch)
(Alexis comes forward and bows to his father.)
Alexis
Father.
Peter
Thank you, Aliosha. Thank you for the timber. It came in the nick
of time. My own supply was lost in a storm, so, but for your
thoughtfulness, our latest man of war would not have been finished.
Alexis (desperately ill at ease)
Always glad to be of help.
Peter (embracing him)
God be with you.
Alexis (abashed)
Thank you, Daddy.
Peter
You must stay for the conclave.
Alexis
Ah—
(A clown dressed as the Pope enters, surrounded by Cardinals.)
Kniaz Pope
Grace and peace be unto you, noble assembly. In the name of
Bacchus, may the spirit of drunkenness be with you.
(All the guests bow to his holiness and kiss his ring or his
slipper as suits them. The more solemn and outlandish a mockery, the
more there is applause.)
Tolstoi
I propose a toast to the Tsar and Tsaritsa.
(All drink.)
(Catherine, Peter, and Alexis drink. A cannon is fired. The Kniaz
Pope anoints the guests from a brandy bottle.)
Kniaz Pope
May the drunkenness of Bacchus which passeth all understanding, in
complete lack of steadiness and uprightness and sanity, be with you
all the days of thy lives.
(Cannon fire.)
(The Tsaritsa, pulling up her skirt, begins to dance.)
Peter
Count Tolstoi, it has come to our attention that you have an
unnatural aversion to oysters. Is it so?
Tolstoi (backing away)
I can't abide the filthy things.
Peter
Therefore, you must consume two buckets of them.
(Tolstoi bolts to escape but the Cardinals grab him and bring him
back. A servant with two pails of oysters appears. Peter shucks one
and dangles it before Tolstoi's face.)
Peter (laughing)
Open wide.
Tolstoi (through his teeth)
Never!
Peter
Will you refuse your Tsar?
Tolstoi
About this, yes!
Peter (grasping Tolstoi's jaw and prying it open by brute
force)
For Tsar and Country, Count.
(More cannon fire. Alexis, who has been drinking, now slumps down
in a stupor. Several persons are beginning to fight. Catherine whirls
by in a wild dance. Peter forces the oyster down Tolstoi's throat.)
Peter (shucking another oyster)
One down. Only a hundred and forty-nine more.
(Tolstoi looks bilious and tries to vomit. More cannon fire.)
Ivan (singing)
A coffin of pinewood tree Stands ready prepared for me. Within
its narrow wall I wait the trumpet call.
Cornelius (an old man)
Ivan, come to supper.
(Larion Dokoukin enters.)
Dokoukin
May I join you, brothers?
Cornelius
If you come with God.
Dokoukin
I do.
Ivan
You are welcome.
Cornelius (suspiciously)
You come from Petersberg?
Dokoukin
From that cursed place.
Cornelius
The times are sad for fear that Antichrist is invading the world.
(Cannonading.)
Ivan
What hellish thing are they doing in the Palace?
Dokoukin
They have found a statue of a female devil and are worshipping it.
(They all cross themselves.)
All Abominations!
Cornelius
The world's sands are running short.
Dokoukin
The Lord be merciful unto us.
All Amen.
Ivan
I heard today, in the market, that there is no Tsar in Russia.
This Peter publicly dances with foreign courtesans and drinks
wine and spirits like a drunkard. He calls his drinking companions by
holy names like Bishop and Cardinal to defile sacred names.
Dokoukin
It is true. I have seen it. And worse still, he defiles icons.
Cornelius
He keeps the true Tsaritsa, Eudoxia shut up in a nunnery.
Ivan
They say the present Tsaritsa, Catherine, had a lover. The Tsar
beheaded him and makes the Tsaritsa keep the head in a bottle on her
dressing table.
Dokoukin
He is trying his best to make the Tsarevitch imitate him, but
cannot succeed. That is why Peter wants to rid himself of his son.
Cornelius
Lord. What trouble God has sent. Father against son—son against
father.
Dokoukin
The Tsar loves foreigners; the Tsarevitch loves Russians.
Cornelius
Truly, The Tsarevitch dearly loves the ancient ways.
Dokoukin
Amen, amen. Since this Peter was sent to rule over us we have seen
no happy days. How is it God tolerates so much cruelty to the godly?
Ivan
He is only a mock Tsar.
Cornelius
Three attempts have been made to kill the Tsar, but all have
failed. Why? Because evil spirits attend and protect him.
Ivan (showing his hand)
See what the demon has done to me, brothers.
Cornelius
What is it?
Ivan
The Tsar decreed that recruits are to be marked by pricking a
cross with a needle and rubbing gunpowder in it. It is the devil's
mark. Try as I may to bless myself with this hand, I cannot.
Cornelius (excitedly)
That is it. The mark of Antichrist. It is written that he will
mark them on the hand.
Ivan
Brothers, brothers, what have they done to me? They have spoilt a
human body.
Dokoukin
He is the Antichrist. The beast feigns goodness that the people
may worship him.
Cornelius
We must flee into the woods and the deserts.
(Sounds from the other side of the river. "Vivat, vivat, Peter the
Great, Tsar of all the Russias." Cannon fire.)
Cornelius
That is the last of his signs. Antichrist will be glorified. Night
will be changed into day and day into night. (pause) The only
salvation is in death. Fiery death. We cannot escape the dragon. He
has empoisoned the earth; everything is defiled. Everything accursed.
We must burn, burn together to escape the poisoning.
Ivan
Let us each go his separate way to preach redemption through the
Red Death.
Cornelius
Be it so.
All Amen.
Cornelius
In the fire, purity will be revealed. We will be saved.
(More Cannonades. "Vivat, vivat, Peter the Great.")
(All cross themselves.)
Cornelius
Burn, rather than fall into the hands of Antichrist. One day, all
Russia will burn with us. Women and children, too. All must burn to be
saved.
Dokoukin
You are an old believer—A Raskolnik?
Cornelius
Yes. Already, I have preached the Red death for ten years. We have
kindled many fires. Join us, God will bless our zeal and all Russia
will blaze up.
Ivan
Then spake Christ, the Heavenly King. "Go tell my will to the
faithful. Let them cast themselves into the fire for love of me."
Cornelius (fervently)
We shall burn like candles, a living sacrifice to God.
Ivan
Are you with us, brother?
Dokoukin
I am.
(More noise from across the river. "Vivat, vivat, Peter the Great.")
Ivan (low, keening)
A coffin of pinewood tree Stands ready prepared for me Within
its narrow wall I wait the judgement call.
Alexis
I have meant to ask you for a long time, Charlotte: do you believe
in the divinity of Christ?
Charlotte
What do you mean? All Lutherans profess—
Alexis
I am not speaking in generalities. I once had a talk with the
philosopher, Leibnitz; he shifted and shuffled, but avoided a direct
answer. I saw at once he did not truly believe in Christ. Do you?
Charlotte
I think that Christ was the best and wisest of the sons of men.
Alexis
And not God's son?
Charlotte
We are all children of God.
Alexis
And Christ is no different from the rest?
Charlotte
Why are you tormenting me? You know I'm pregnant and shouldn't be
worried.
Alexis
Your people are wise, learned, strong, honorable, famous. You have
everything, but you don't possess Christ. We Russians are poor,
stupid, naked, drunk, repulsive—we are worse than barbarians, worse
than beasts: But we have our Christ with us. He saves us because we
cannot save ourselves.
Charlotte
You think you're better than all other Christians, don't you? You
profess the law of love, but you practice cruelties not met with
anywhere else in the world.
Alexis
To our shame, that is true.
Charlotte
For example, the Assembly last night was just like one would meet
in Paris or London. Count Tolstoi spoke to me in French and Italian.
All very elegant. Yet, from the windows, you could see the heads of
the Old Believers on poles.
Alexis
What you say is true. But, one day Russia will unite Europe and
Asia in a true Christian Faith. I, I will do it.
Charlotte
You! If you're so brave, why don't you persuade your father to
take down those heads?
Alexis (enters)
Greetings, Aunt Marya.
Marya (a shriveled old woman in traditional garb)
It is good of you to come to me. Peter allows me few visitors.
Alexis (eagerly)
Have you a message from my mother?
Marya (giving him a letter)
As always, Tsarevitch.
(Eudoxia, dressed as a nun, but with a crown, appears on a dais, as
Alexis tears open the letter.)
Eudoxia
God be with thee, my son. I am grieved to death that you have
forsaken me and never deign to visit me. I wish I had never been born.
Shut up as I am in a nunnery with only the Holy Virgin for company,
while my husband in the eyes of God lives openly in adultery with a
washerwoman and makes men bow to her as Tsaritsa. Why are you so idle
my son? If I were a man and my mother shamed so publicly, I would know
how to defend her.
(Alexis pauses in reading the letter which has visibly upset him
and turns to his aunt.)
Marya
You have quite forgotten her. You never write to her.
Alexis
I dare not write.
Marya (sharply)
Why not? And even if it did mean a little suffering, what of it?
She's your mother.
Alexis (rationalizing)
I wouldn't be the only one to suffer. Father would take it out on
my mother as well.
Marya
I have had a dream. I am sure that God will deliver us. You will
see. The Tsar will die. Petersberg will fall.
Alexis
Old wives' tales. There have been many such prophecies and they've
all turned out to be rubbish.
Marya
Wait. Our time will come. The people love you and drink your
health. You are Russia's hope. Be patient, Alexis. The Crown will not
pass you by.
Alexis
Have I not borne it patiently for years? Will this torture ever
end? My head is always on the edge of the block. Why? What have I done
to him? Did I not try my very best to please him? When I was quite
small, he used to drag me about on campaigns and I had to do sentry
duty in the coldest weather and drink Vodka until my head swam. Is it
any wonder I am a drunkard? And he is always angry and looks fierce as
a beast. If you tear yourself in two, all he would say is why not in
four? All right, all right, granted, I disappoint him. But I am not a
fool and he knows it. I live according to my own lights, not his. He
cares nothing for the people, I sympathize with them. That is why I am
in disgrace. —Do not do good, do as I will—that's his maxim.
Marya
Poor Alexis.
Alexis
And, it's getting worse. In the old days he used to beat me. But,
do you know what he does now? He doesn't beat me or scold me—all he
does is stare at me in silence. I talk to him and he just looks past
me as if I don't exist. And this lasts for weeks, months. Is this
fair? Better kill me. Lord, what is he trying to do to me? What?
Marya
Don't be fainthearted, Tsarevitch. Finish your mother's letter.
(Alexis reads, Eudoxia speaks.)
Eudoxia
Yesterday, I had a dream. I was lying in bed asleep. Suddenly, the
door was thrown open and a tall, stout man came in with a foreign coat
and pipe. He was clean shaven, but he had whiskers. Whiskers like a
cat. I tried to cross myself, but I couldn't lift my hand. I tried to
recite a prayer, but my tongue was dry and would not move. I glanced
at the icon, but the image was no longer that of the blessed Virgin,
but that of an unclean German harlot. "You are sorely ill, Eudoxia,
would you like me to send for my doctor? Why are you staring at me,
don't you recognize me?" I told the devil there was no mistaking who
he was. Upon this, he grinned like an old tom cat. "You are quite mad,
I am the divinely anointed Tsar of all the Russias, your former
husband." I knew it was a dream, so I said, "If you are the Tsar, what
is your name?" "Peter is my name," he answered. "Satan, get away from
me," I cried. I cursed him. When the vision disappeared, I woke up.
And I knew. I remembered the scripture: "There shall come a proud
prince of this world under the name of Simon Peter, who shall be the
Antichrist." Do you hear: his name is Peter. It is he, himself, no
doubt! Peter, the Antichrist. God save us all!
(Alexis listens as if stunned.)
Alexis
I must not listen to this. I must burn this letter. Burn it.
(Alexis rushes to the fire and throws the letter in as if it burned
him to hold it.)
Young Alexis
Daddy, you have a funny mustache.
(Peter bends and kisses the boy.)
Young Alexis
Daddy, why are your hands so hard?
Peter
I've been building ships beyond the seas. Wait until you grow up a
bit. I'll take you with me. Would you like that?
Alexis
Yes, I want to be with Daddy always.
Peter
But Auntie will be all alone. Won't you be sorry for her?
Young Alexis
Yes. I'll be sorry for Auntie.
Peter
Who do you love more, Auntie or Daddy?
Alexis (shyly)
I love Daddy more than anyone.
(The German Tutor comes forward.)
Tutor
Method of instruction for the Tsarevitch. A syllabus to which he
who shall be intrusted with the education of the Tsarevitch must
conform. In his feelings and heart, at all times, implant and
strengthen love for virtue, adequately represent the repulsiveness and
consequences of sin. Use examples from history and scripture. Also
instruct in the French language. Develop a good Russian style. Perfect
him in general knowledge such as the use of compasses, science, and
fortifications.
Children must above all greatly honor their father. When a son receives instruction from his father, he should always stand with his hat in his hand. When a son meets his father, he ought to stop at a distance of three paces.
Peter
Son, the reason I took you with me on this campaign was to show
you that I shrink from neither toils nor dangers. Shun no toil for the
common good. But, should you cast my advice to the wind, then will I
deny you as my son, and beg God to punish you in this life and the
next.
(Alexis, pacing up and down like a sentry, shivering, listens
silently.)
Alexis
It's cold, cold. (crying, he continues to patrol his watch)
Peter
Son, we instruct you to depart for Dresden. During your sojourn to
the city we command you to apply yourself particularly to the study of
fortifications and languages. Inform us by letter when this knowledge
has been successfully acquired.
(Alexis putters about rather aimlessly.)
Peter
Well, my son, I have reviewed your plans for fortifications. You
have not applied yourself very well. In the future, you will study
harder.
(Alexis begins to cry.)
Peter
If ever I said or did anything to hurt you, for God's sake,
remember it no longer. Forgive me, Alexis. Petty annoyances are enough
to arouse anger in me. My life is indeed hard.
Tutor
If persuasion and threats do not bring about attention to study,
corporal punishment is fitting, even in a royal family. Use the whip,
your Highness.
Peter (angry)
My son, you have not applied yourself. I have beaten you many
times, and all you do is feign illness. You are a malingerer. Beware,
I'll cut you off like a gangrenous limb.
(Alexis tries not to weep, but brushes aside a tear.)
Alexis
I feel very sick, Dad.
Peter (ferocious)
Yesterday, you insulted Menshikov. I struck you then. Today, you
shall stand before his rooms as a sentry for one week.
(Alexis paces up and down like a sentry.)
Peter
You raven, you starveling, how could I have fathered you? Your
mother must have been an adulteress!
(Alexis jumps from his bed.)
Alexis
Curse him! Curse him, the monster, torturer, murderer.
Afanassief (entering)
What ails you, my Lord?
Alexis
Father. Father.
Afanassief
What can be done, my Lord? Submit yourself. It is written: "Honor
thy father."
Alexis
Something else, too, is written. "Think not that I am come to send
peace on earth; I come not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come
to set man at variance with his father." Do you heed, old man? God it
is, who turned me against my father! I have been sent from God as a
sword, as an enemy, to pierce the heart of my father. I am his heaven-
sent judgement. I stand up, not only for my sake, but for the sake of
the Church and the people. No, I will not humble myself, nor submit,
not even if it should mean my death. The world cannot hold us both.
Either he or I!
(Afanassief crosses himself.)
Peter
The bread will be long in baking. Before we can presume to teach
others, we must learn ourselves. (wiping his brow) Bring my notebook.
(the orderly presents the notebook) Make a note concerning the proper
treatment of cannon balls. "To prevent rust, the barrels must be
filled with fat. It must be ascertained with the help of a mirror
whether the inside of the barrel is smooth, or whether the handles of
the muzzles have flaws or bulgings. If flaws do occur, their depth
must be measured."
(Catherine enters.)
Catherine
I brought you some fresh fruit for lunch. Fresh strawberries.
Peter
Little mother, what would I do without you to care for me?
Catherine
Oh, you'd find another woman. You always do. Mary Hamilton for
instance.
Peter
Oh, you've learned about that, have you? It was nothing.
Catherine (lightly)
I imagine it was. A little snip like that. But, take care I don't
engage in "nothings" too.
(She goes out before he can respond. Peter laughs, eats fruit, and
starts back to his smithy, but has another thought.)
Peter
Take a note. Since monsters or abortions are known to occur among
human beings, animals and birds—and are in all countries collected as
curiosities, a decree shall be issued to bring them to museums.
Ignorant people try to conceal these curiosities, thinking such
deformities are caused by the devil—which is an impossibility.
Therefore, these deformities shall be preserved in spirits or plain
brandy and securely bottled. A reward of up to ten rubles shall be
paid for each prodigy. Can you work that up into a decree?
(The orderly nods.)
Peter
Good.
(Tolstoi enters.)
Tolstoi
Your highness sent for me.
Peter
Ah, yes, Count. We desire your advice. As you know our son,
Alexis, is a wastrel and I am getting old. I begin to believe I must
disinherit him—yet I don't want to act without counsel.
Tolstoi
I believe your son is capable of reform.
Peter
Capable, yes. But how to get the son of a bitch to do it? I've
tried beating him, threatening him—nothing works.
Tolstoi
Perhaps you must employ diplomacy.
Peter
Diplomacy?
Tolstoi
Confront him with no choice. Reform or disinheritance and a
monastery.
Peter (musing)
Perhaps that might work. Explain your idea further.
Alexis
This is no business of mine. I do not trouble myself about your
financial affairs. Especially after you complain to my father about
me.
Charlotte (crying)
Are you not ashamed of yourself? Spare at least your own honor. In
Germany, you wouldn't find a tailor who would allow himself to treat
his wife like this.
Alexis
You are no longer in Germany, but in Russia.
Charlotte
I am only too well aware of this. Yet if only everything were
carried out as promised.
Alexis
Who promised?
Charlotte
Did not you, as well as your father, sign the marriage contract?
Alexis
Hold your tongue! I promised you nothing. You know very well that
you were forced on me!
Charlotte
I know you prefer that serf girl, Afrossinia. A woman you raped at
knife point.
Alexis
Don't you mention her. I forbid you. (he jumps up in a rage,
knocking over a chair)
Charlotte
A serf girl is the rival of a Princess of Wolfenbuttel—the
Emperor's sister-in-law. If only I weren't pregnant again I would
leave this accursed country.
Alexis
Would that you would.
Charlotte
Go to her! Go to your servant girl! The father with the laundress,
the son with a serf. Like father, like son!
Alexis (menacingly)
Don't ever say I'm like my father.
Charlotte (taunting)
Just like your father.
Alexis (lunging at her)
I'll kill you—I warn you.
Charlotte (darting around a chair)
You're killing me anyway.— You and your father. A devil and a
devil's son.
(Alexis lunges again, but she eludes him.)
Charlotte
Only in Russia do they find two men like this. Like father, like
son!
Alexis
I'll get you—you bitch. German bitch.
Charlotte
Go to your little serf Tsaritsa. Go tumble with her in the
barnyard as your father does with Katrinka. Like little pigs.
Alexis
Damn you! (he rushes out)
Charlotte (drained)
I am doomed. This country is killing me. (she slumps down)
CURTAIN
Dolgoruki
Very sad about your wife.
Kikin
She was a kind lady. Especially for a German.
Alexis
She deserved a better husband.
Dolgoruki
I don't think your father should have insisted on being present at
the autopsy.
Alexis
He would never miss an opportunity like that. Let us drink to her
in paradise, but first, I need your advice. My father has sent me a
letter demanding an immediate reply.
Dolgoruki
Let us see it.
Alexis (showing a letter)
I am at a loss what to do. Am I to become a beggar and hide myself
among outcasts, or shall I flee Russia?
Kikin
Become a monk. A monk's hood is not nailed to your head; it will
come off again. Meanwhile, you will have peace.
Dolgoruki
Be of good cheer. I have rescued you from your father's axe. There
is really nothing to worry about. Write a thousand letters of
resignation —renounce the Crown itself if necessary. Your decision is
not irrevocable. Time is on our side.
Kikin
It is well you have not set your heart on the Crown. Gold is the
source of many tears.
Alexis
Why won't he let me live in peace?
Dolgoruki
Does Peter let anyone live in peace? Is there a man in Russia who
has not felt Peter's reign? And why should you, his son, expect better
treatment?
Kikin
If it must be, go to the Emperor in Vienna. The Emperor has said
he would receive you like a son. You are related through your wife. Or
go to the Pope. He, too, can protect you.
Alexis
Perhaps, after all, that's best.
Kikin
Be not too hasty.
Dolgoruki
Your father is very sick.
Kikin
Did you notice that Menshikov saw fit to bow to you today?
Dolgoruki
The mice will bury the cat.
Alexis
He has the constitution of a horse.
Kikin
We had better go. We can be more use at the palace.
Dolgoruki
I agree. We'll postpone that drink till we have something to
celebrate.
(They put on their coats and leave.)
Alexis
Afanassief.
Afanassief (entering)
Sir?
Alexis
Were you listening?
Afanassief
Of course.
Alexis
What do you think?
Afanassief
A bad business.
Alexis
If I flee, I will only be able to return after my father's death.
Afanassief
That's certain. But, how could you return, even then? The new heir
with the Tsaritsa could prevent it.
Alexis
The ministers, the Senators, Tolstoi, Goslovkine, Shaferoff,
Dolgoruki, are all my friends. Baner in Poland. The Archimandrate
Petchorski in the Ukraine—from the European frontier, all would
belong to me.
Afanassief
And what about Menshikov?
Alexis
Menshikov will be impaled.
Afanassief (shaking his head)
Why talk so rashly, my Lord? What if someone should hear and
report? Curse not the Tsar. Not even in thy thought.
Alexis
Oh, stop meandering.
Afanassief
I am not meandering. I am only speaking the truth. It is well not
to praise the dream before it has proved true. You won't listen to
humble folk. You heed only those who deceive you. Both Tolstoi, the
Judas, and Kikin, the Atheist, both are traitors. Be on your guard, my
Lord. You are not the first they have betrayed.
Alexis
I spit on them all if only the people stand by me! When the time
comes and my father is dead, I will whisper to the prelates, to the
priests, and the priests to their flocks, and they will make me Tsar
whether I will or no.
(Afanassief remains silent, shaking his head.)
Alexis
Why don't you say something?
Afanassief
What should I say, Tsarevitch? It is for you do decide. But as for
running away from your father, I do not advise it.
Alexis
And why not?
Afanassief
Suppose you fail? I shall have to bear the consequences. We are
unimportant people, yet we, too, can feel.
Alexis
Be on your guard. Let no one know I told you. None save you and
Kikin, and Dolgoruki know of my plans. Even if you should report, you
won't be believed; you will be tortured.
Afanassief
When you are Tsar, will you then also threaten your faithful
servants with torture?
Alexis (ashamed)
Don't you know I'm teasing? I will do my best by you. But I will
never be Tsar.
Afanassief
You will! You will! (Afanassief speaks with great conviction and
fervor)
(Suddenly there is a knocking on the door. Alexis looks with
apprehension to Afanassief.)
Alexis
What can that be? Can we have been betrayed?
Afanassief
Prepare yourself. (he goes to the door and admits the cloaked
figure of the Archimandrate Theodosius)
Alexis
How is my father?
Theodosius
Very bad. So bad that we don't expect him to live.
Alexis (crossing himself)
God's will be done.
Theodosius (removing his cloak and handing it to Afanassief
who exits with it)
Man is like a cedar of Lebanon. Yet he passes and no trace is
left. His spirit will leave him. To earth he will return. God waits a
long time, but when he visits, he is severe. The Tsar's illness has
been brought about by his incessant drinking and voluptuousness. It is
God's revenge for attacking the clergy, whom he wanted to exterminate.
No good can come while the Church is overawed. Is this Christianity?
Our Russia is doomed!
Alexis
You! You say this. You, who have been his collaborator? Where were
you? Whose business is it but yours to stand up for the Church?
Theodosius
Ah, Tsarevitch, what power is left to us? We, who were once
eagles, have become bats who flit in the night.
Alexis
It ill behooves you to talk, and me to listen. Who persuaded my
father to defile the icons? Who gave him dispensation? (pause) Did he
send you here?
Theodosius
Have no fear. I am not a spy. As for my actions, the worse, the
better. Better Lutheranism than corrupt Orthodoxy. Let him convict
himself. The cat will pay for all the tears it has caused the mice.
Alexis
Now this is adroit. You are sly, sir, sly as the devil himself.
Theodosius
Don't disdain devils. Satin serves God's ends even against his
will.
Alexis
Does your holiness compare himself to Satan?
Theodosius
I am a diplomat. With wolves, I howl a bit. That's all.
Alexis
May I ask you, Holy Father, do you believe in God?
Theodosius
I prefer not to answer that question.
Alexis
Why?
Theodosius (smoothly)
It is hardly relevant. There is no God in Holy Church. So, why
believe in him? But you, Alexis Petrovitch, are no fool. You are more
intelligent than your father. The Tsar is clever, yes—but he doesn't
know men. We often used to lead him by the nose. You will be a better
judge of men. (Suddenly he stoops to kiss Alexis' hand. Alexis
withdraws his hand as if touched by a snake.)
Alexis
Be careful, prelate! Don't overreach yourself. The pitcher goes to
the well till it breaks.
Theodosius
It is bad enough as it is. I've always had a premonition that he
will kill me. Always. He is called the Great! But, in what does his
greatness reveal itself? He is a tyrant. He introduces civilization
with an axe and knout. (sneeringly) He will force us to be free. He is
ever in search of plots and rebellions—but does not realize that he
is, himself, the source of all unrest. What multitudes have been
executed to make us like Europeans. We are not Europeans. We are
Russians. Blood is not water. It cries for vengeance. How many martyrs
have fallen! Soon will God's wrath come down upon Russia. And only
then will the Church rise—out of the blood of civil war.
Alexis
This is the end of your policies?
Theodosius
It seems that God will spare us. The Tsar is struck down. You are
our salvation, you, most pious Alexis Petrovitch, Autocrat of all the
Russias, Your Majesty. (he kneels)
Alexis (astounded)
Have you lost your mind?
Theodosius
Not at all! I wanted to become Patriarch. I renounce it. I want
nothing. Everything belongs to you, Your Majesty. Restore the Church.
Reign as Tsar and Patriarch. You shall be greater than any other Tsar
before or after you. Restore the Church. You, the first, I, but a worm
under your foot.
(Theodosius makes a profound obeisance and withdraws. Alexis is
spellbound.)
Alexis (crossing himself)
Avaunt Satan!
Afanassief (returning)
Have a care, Tsarevitch. Your father is not so ill as he seems. He
is only testing you—and others. You know the fable. The mice gathered
together to bury the cat, when up leapt the cat.
Alexis
It's delirium.
Peter
God is not responsible for your incapacity, since he neither
deprived you of reason, nor robbed you of physical strength. Though
you are not particularly strong, neither are you weak. Yet, you
stubbornly refuse to interest yourself in military affairs or even
administration. (shouting) Contempt for the defense of the nation will
lead to general ruin, as many historical examples show. (lower)
Perhaps, you imagine that generals can be got who will fight for you?
Even so, they will look to you for an example. And if they see a
shirker, (contemptuously) they, too, will shirk. Having no liking for
military affairs, you studied nothing. (somewhat louder) Being
ignorant, how can you command? How can you even reward the deserving
and punish the indolent?
(Alexis twitches and squirms, but says nothing. He cannot speak up
for himself before his father. This is part of the tragedy. His
protests are silent, but no less eloquent for all that.)
Peter
You advance your weak health as an excuse! But it is no excuse. I
do not demand superhuman efforts—only goodwill—and what do I find?
(Pause. Peter is beginning to have hard going. He would prefer his
son to argue with him in a manly way. He is ready to refute all
arguments, perhaps, even to listen—but there is no defense, no
exchange of ideas—only a conflict of inexorable wills, one no less
determined than the other.)
Peter (taking some water, waiting, hoping for a response,
any response)
Having laid this before you, I will now return to your
character—for I am only human and liable to die at any moment.
(Alexis starts slightly at these words and looks cautiously at his
father.)
Peter
To whom shall I leave that, which with God's help, I have begun to
plant? Shall it be to one who has buried the talent God gave him? I
refer to your wicked and obstinate character. How many times have I
remonstrated with you upon this? How many years is it since I gave up
frequenting your company—but to no purpose? (Peter is now shouting at
the top of his lungs)
(Alexis manages somehow to betray no emotion.)
Peter
You will do nothing. All you ask is to lead a life of indolence
and self indulgence. (savagely) There is something in you that thwarts
all my projects!
(Alexis still betrays no emotion. Perhaps, just perhaps, there is a
gleam of triumph in his eye. Any other man, even Menshikov would have
wilted under Peter's rage. Alexis seems to slowly stiffen throughout
this speech. Alexis is no coward. As the test of wills proceeds, both
his nerve and his will harden.)
Peter
You are surrounded by worthless people who can advance you in
nothing except depravity. And what return do you make to your father
for your birth? Do you help me in running this wretched, barbaric
country? Ah, never! Never! But, what is worse, you actually hate my
work, which I, not sparing my own life, have done for my people. Worse
still, it is plain you will destroy everything after my death. Is it
not so? (Peter breaks off in a fit of coughing)
Alexis (casually)
Can I get you some water?
(Peter, still coughing, indignantly signals a refusal.)
Peter
Seeing that I can in no way induce you to reform, I have resolved
to declare unto you my last will and testament, and then to observe
your actions. Therefore, let it be known unto you— (Peter breaks off
into a severe fit of coughing. This time Alexis is agitated. He tries
to help his father, raises his arms; Peter does not resist. The
coughing subsides.) — Once more, I repeat, so that you may know—
Alexis (breaking in for the first time)
Father, God is my witness, that towards you I have been guilty of
no vile action or design. I am unfit for the throne and fear to
undertake responsibilities which— (his voice breaking) Oh,
God—father—
Peter (moved, but trying to remain stern)
Drop this childishness! Prove your faith by deeds! I want no
excuses. Words cannot be trusted. (beginning again after mastering his
emotion) Idlers are not high in my favor! Russia needs workers. The
Tsar must work the hardest of all. He who eats bread, but is
unprofitable to his country, is like the worm who brings everything
into decay. You have shown yourself to be an idler—
(Alexis winces. These last remarks have hurt him. He raises his
hand in mute protest. But pain is succeeded by anger. He is ready with
his retort.)
Alexis (icily)
Most gracious sovereign and father, what else can I say, but that
should you, because of my unfitness, take from me the inheritance of
the Russian Crown,—your will be done. Let it be so! (Peter is
stunned) If I am incapable, find a stronger man than I. Thank God I
have a brother. Therefore, in the sight of God, I renounce the Crown.
Peter (savagely)
Your brother is an infant! You don't mean it!
Alexis
I am prepared to confirm this statement in my own handwriting. I
only ask you to protect my children.
(Peter is overwhelmed. This was not what he wanted. Alexis always
has an infuriating way of holding his position. Unbending even while
seeming to bend. Alexis refuses to be Tsar if he cannot be the Tsar he
wants to be. He will not be the Tsar Peter wants him to be. He will be
Alexis, not Peter.)
Peter
This is a trick.
Alexis
I cannot contend with you, father. I am sorry I have disappointed
you. I ask only to be fed until I die.
Peter
Your resignation is only a means of gaining time. If today you
neither fear nor respect your father's commands, how could you keep
your word after his death? Your oath is of no value. King David truly
said, "All men are liars." Even if you, yourself, desire to keep it,
you could easily be influenced by the priests and monks who, because
of their indolence and backwardness, are not, at present, highly
favored. Yet, they are dear to you! Exceedingly dear to you! No—you
shall not escape so easily. You must either prove yourself worthy of
the throne or else become a monk!
(At this point, if the director feels appropriate, Peter and Alexis
place on masks. The masks may be removed or reassumed according to
whether the two are acting honestly with each other or assuming a
fixed attitude.)
Peter (savagely)
We cannot rest unless this choice is made, especially now that our
health is giving way. Choose!
(Alexis remains silent.)
Alexis (aside)
Will he murder me? Does it matter?
Peter (screaming and pounding the table)
Why do you remain silent? (trembling) Take care, Alexis. You think
I don't know you? But I do. I see through you, through and through.
You have rebelled against your own blood, you brat! You long for your
own father's death! Oh, you hypocrite! You cursed, sanctimonious
humbug! You probably learnt such dissimulation from the priests!
Alexis (smiling maliciously)
Must I decide now?
Peter
This is the last warning! (evenly) Consider well. And when you
have decided, inform me. Should my finger become gangrenous, would I
not be obliged to cut it off, though it be a part of my body? So will
I cut you off. Do not think I speak merely to frighten you. Before
God, I swear I will do as I say. I have not spared myself in serving
my country, why should I spare you, you who are worthless? Better a
good stranger than a worthless son— Either mend your ways, or become
a monk.— Should you fail to make a choice, I will proceed to
prosecute you as a malefactor.
Alexis (glibly)
I wish to become a monk, and pray for your gracious sanction.
Peter
Liar! Go away!
(Alexis meets his father's eyes. Peter suddenly drops his gaze,
knowing his obstinate brat has managed to thwart him again. Peter
groans like a wounded bull, then raises his mighty fist and hurls
himself at his son. Before he can do so, The Tsaritsa, Catherine
rushes in.)
Alexis
I will be a monk.
Catherine (coaxingly)
Peter, Peter, don't tire yourself. Don't excite yourself,
my dear. (commandingly) You go, Tsarevitch. God be with you. You see
the Tsar is unwell.
(Alexis relaxes his gaze and quietly exits, bowing respectfully. He
has won a skirmish, but war has been declared.)
Catherine
Let me stroke your head. It always helps you when you are upset.
(Peter lies on the couch with his head on her lap. She strokes his
head as the scene closes. One thing about Catherine, she has no
ambitions. She is not intriguing against Alexis for herself or her
son. She would help, if she could. She has no malice or jealousy.)
Peter
My son— When I said goodbye to you last time, I told you to think
over a certain matter. Think it well over, and tell me your decision.
I have waited these seven months. Now you have had ample time for
consideration. On receipt of this letter, decide at once. If you
choose to be my heir, come to me at once. Should you prefer the other
course, write me when and where so that my heart may be at rest. To
this messenger, entrust the answer. Your choice, this time, must be
final, for I perceive, that, as usual, you are spending your time to
no purpose.
(The lights dime and Peter disappears.)
Alexis (to the courier)
Tell him I am coming at once. (the courier salutes and exits)
Afanassief
Are you gong to your father?
Alexis
To him, or somewhere else.
Afanassief
Tsarevitch! How, somewhere else?
Alexis
I should like to see Venice. (hesitating) I only do this to save
myself. Mind you, keep silence. No one else besides you knows anything
about it.
Afanassief
I will keep your secret. Only we'll have a rough time of it after
you've gone. Think what you are about.
Alexis
I did not expect any message from my father— But, now I see it is
God who guides me.
Afanassief
Many in your station have sought refuge in flight. But it has
never happened in Russia within the memory of man. (pause) What will
you do with Afrossinia?
Alexis
I'll take her with me.
Afanassief (exiting)
Humph!
Prince Dolgoruki enters.)
Dolgoruki
Are you gong to your father?
Alexis
Where else, Prince?
Dolgoruki
Where else? Come, I'll tell you. Had I considered only the Tsar's
temper, and had there been no Tsaritsa, I would have been the first to
desert at Stettin myself. (the Prince presses Alexis' hand) Could I
serve thee in any way, I would gladly lay down my life.
Alexis (fervently)
Don't forget me.
Dolgoruki
My cousin, Jacob Dolgoruki, sends word that a bad reception awaits
you.
Alexis
I shall not forget this kindness.
(Dolgoruki bows and exits. A slight pause and Kikin enters.)
Alexis
Have you found me a refuge?
Kikin
I have. Go straight to the Emperor in Vienna. The Austrians will
not betray you. The Austrian Emperor will receive you like a son.
Alexis
Should envoys from my father meet me at Danzig—what shall I do
then?
Kikin
Escape at night. Never mind the luggage. If two envoys arrive,
pretend to be sick. Send one back to Peter and flee from the other.
Alexis
Still—
Kikin
Remember, Tsarevitch, your father will not let you become a monk
now, even if you should want to. Your friends, the Senators, have
persuaded him to keep you always with him, hoping to kill you through
exhaustion. Your father said it was well thought of. Further, Prince
Menshikov argued you might live too long in the monastery. Knowing
these plans, I am surprised they have not laid violent hands on you
before now. They might, however, do this—get you aboard a man of war
under pretext of instruction. The Captain of the ship will have orders
to engage a Swedish vessel and thus get you killed. The rumor comes
from Copenhagen, and explains why you are now wanted.
Alexis
It seems a little far fetched.
Kikin
To avoid the public disgrace of killing his mother, Nero built a
ship specially constructed so that it would sink when a few miles from
shore.— (urgently) Nothing but flight can save you. To willingly run
your head into the noose that is prepared for you would be the height
of idiocy.
Alexis (drowsily)
It's a big decision.
Kikin
What's the matter with you? Don't you feel well?
Alexis
I am very tired.
Kikin
One more thing. Should your father send some one to try to
persuade you to return—do not, on any account, listen to him. Not
even if he promises you a complete pardon on the most sacred oath. He
will publicly behead you.
Alexis
I believe it.
Kikin
I must go.
Alexis
Go with God!
(Alexis pauses, looks about with hesitation, then, exultantly.)
Alexis
Freedom! Freedom!
CURTAIN
Peter
Most serene and mighty Emperor. I am compelled to announce to your
Imperial Majesty, in fraternal confidence, with heartfelt sorrow, a
calamity which has unexpectedly befallen us. It concerns our son
Alexis. We have grounds for believing that Your Majesty is not
unaware that his past behaviour was always in opposition to our
fatherly will. Some time ago, we ordered him to join us on campaign,
hoping by this means, to sever him from his worthless companions.
Instead of joining us, he disappeared: no one knows where. Yet we have
fatherly compassion for him. We fear lest his evil advisors bring him
to destruction. Therefore, we pray, your Imperial Majesty, should he
be in hiding in your dominions, to give orders that he be sent to us
under safe convoy of several officers, in order that we may fatherly
chide him for his well being. (fiercely) If you refuse to deliver him
up of your own good will, we will seek him out by force of arms.
(The Emperor remains imperturbably silent. The Foreign Minister
comes forward.)
Foreign Minister
The Emperor, prompted by ties of relationship, as well as
compassion for the sufferings of the Tsarevitch, and by the
traditional generosity of the imperial house towards all innocently
persecuted persons, has granted shelter and protection to the Tsar's
son. The Emperor asks His Majesty, The King of England, whether he,
too, as an Elector and relative of the house of Braunschweigen, if he
is also disposed to extend protection to the persecuted youth. His
miserable condition and the evident and continuing tyranny of his
father— including the justifiable fear of prisoners, should be
sufficient to melt the sternest heart.
Peter (raging)
Is he my accuser? Is he to be a weapon in the hands of my enemies?
Must I fear my own son? (pause) To kill him were too little.
Foreign Minister
It is reported that soon after the birth of the Tsarevitch, his
father attempted to force his abdication. Several attempts have been
made to force him to a hermitage. Then, a new plan was devised. He was
to be lured to Holland under the pretext of instruction, placed on a
Russian vessel, the Captain thereof, given orders to engage a Swedish
vessel. During the engagement, the Tsarevitch would be
killed—supposedly by action of the Swedish vessel. That was the
reason for his flight. All Europe stands in horror of this barbarism.
Peter (clenching his fist)
All our agents shall seek him, and find him—no matter where.
Spare no expense.
Alexis (stepping forward)
The Emperor must save me. I am innocent before my father. I have always loved, honored, and obeyed him. I know that compared to him, I am only a weakling. My tutors did their best to make a drunkard of me. My father used to be kind to me. But ever since my late wife began bearing children—the new Tsaritsa, Catherine, began to treat her badly since she had borne a son. The Tsaritsa and Menshikov systematically set my father against me— If left to himself, my father is kind and just, but he is extremely passionate—he believes that he, like God, has the right of life and death. He has shed much innocent blood—sometimes with his own hands. (pause) If the Emperor were to deliver me to my father, it would be certain death. Even if my father were to spare me, the Tsaritsa and Menshikov would not rest until they succeeded in killing me. The abdication of the throne has been extorted from me. I have no desire to become a monk. I have sufficient brains to govern. God is my witness, I never so much as contemplated rousing the people to revolt, though I could easily have done so, because the people are affectionate towards me, and dislike my father because of his unworthy wife, his debauched favourites, the desecration of the Churches, the abolition of old customs and because he is a BLOODY TYRANT!
Foreign Minister
Fear not, Your Highness; the Emperor will not forsake you. Should
there be need of it after your father's death, he is prepared to help
you to the throne with armed force.
Alexis
No! No! What are you talking about? I hope, for God's sake, it
will never come to that. War will never be caused by me. It is not
this I asked you for, only your protection. I am much obliged to you.
May God reward the Emperor for the kindness he has shown me.
Foreign Minister
Our pilgrims have safely arrived in Naples. I will send my
secretary at the very first opportunity with a very detailed
description of the journey. Very entertaining. Our little page among
other things, was discovered to be a woman, neither married and still
less a maid. She is declared to be a mistress and indispensably
necessary. Schonbrun reports that it is impossible to keep the young
gentleman sober. Barbarians.
Afrossinia
What are you at, Alexis?
Alexis
I am writing to my friends in Russia. "Honored gentlemen of the
Senate, Your lordships are, no doubt, surprised at my unexplained
absence. My flight was prompted by the way I have been persecuted and
threatened with confinement to a monastery, without any misdeed on my
part. At present, I am in good health, under the protection of an
Emperor who is as just as he is powerful, until the time comes when
the Lord who saved me commands me to return to Russia. I ask you to
stand by me. Do not believe any report that I am not among the living.
Alive by God's grace, I remain, wishing you and the whole nation
well.—" How do you like it?
Afrossinia (still regarding herself with evident
satisfaction in a mirror)
Is it wise?
Alexis
There are some who are my friends. Look! (waving some papers) Here
is a report from Pleyer. The regiments of the Guard have organized a
plot in Mecklenberg. They propose killing the Tsar and shutting up
Catherine with her three children in the same convent where my mother
has been forced to stay for so many years.— Soon dearest, all that
you desire shall be at your disposal. This is good news! God will soon
grant us a safe return.
Afrossinia (adjusting a beauty patch)
Alexis, suppose the Tsar is killed and you are sent
for—will you side with the rebels?
Alexis
I don't know yet. Why build on probabilities? God's will be done.
I only tell you this, Afrossinia, to show you how God works. My father
plans one course, God follows his own!
Afrossinia
Which Senators will help you?
Alexis
And why should you trouble your head about it? Some pretend to be
my enemy openly, the better to espouse my cause. Others are cowards
hankering after my father's good will. I spit upon them all, if only
the people are with me. When Tsar, I will turn all the old Senators
out, and replace them with new ones—men of my own choice. My uncle,
Abraham Lopoukhin writes that people of all ranks inquire after me,
and sympathize with me. Everything is coming apart. No father, you
won't have the best of it! The Swedes have landed troops in Lithuania
and our main forces are far away. Petersberg lies within their reach.
Petersberg will be destroyed! Destroyed!
(Afrossinia regards him calmly, indifferently.)
Alexis (disgusted, throwing down the papers he has been
waving)
All this is idle talk. Nothing will ever come of it. The bluejay
spread his fame far and wide, yet when it came to action, he failed to
set the world on fire.
Afrossinia
Hadn't I better go to bed, Alexis? I feel tired.
Alexis
Yes, my dear one—God protect you. I, too, may come after a
while— Afrossinia dearest, aren't you glad? You will be queen
and our child— he will be Tsar. We will call him Ivan.
Afrossinia
Nonsense. How can a serf girl become a Tsaritsa?
Alexis
Didn't father do the same? The woman who is now my father's wife
used to wash linen.
Afrossinia
Nonsense.
Alexis (pulling her gown off, leaving her naked)
Come here.
Afrossinia
Let me go, Alexis. I am ashamed. Let me go.
Alexis
Afrossinia.
Afrossinia
Shame. On the eve of a Holy Day. Sin. Sin.
Alexis (pulling her to him)
My Tsaritsa! My Tsaritsa!
Alexis (jumping up)
It is he! He! He!
Foreign Minister (who has come in with Tolstoi)
Water! Water! The Tsarevitch is ill. Calm yourself, for God's
sake. We bring the best of news.
Alexis (recovering himself)
How many came in?
Foreign Minister
Two, Your Highness—only two.
Alexis
I saw a third. I saw him. Where is he?
Foreign Minister
Who?
Alexis
My father! I saw him. I saw him as plainly as I see you now.
Tolstoi (stepping forward)
Dear me, had I but known that Your Highness was ill, I should not
have requested the interview.
Alexis
You, Peter Tolstoi! I thought you were my father.
(Tolstoi is an aged, but well preserved fop. He is dressed in an
elegant wig and fashionable waistcoat. Invariably, he takes snuff from
an inlaid box.)
Alexis
Are you here to kill me?
Foreign Minister
Special precautions have been taken to frustrate any assault. I
pledge my life and honor that no harm will come to you.
Tolstoi (bowing low)
Gracious Lord Tsarevitch, a letter from your father.
Alexis (cautiously taking the letter from Tolstoi and
opening it)
I will listen.
Peter (appearing on the dais)
My son. It is generally known the disobedience and contempt of my
will that you have shown me. Neither words nor fear of punishment can
prevent you from pursuing your willfulness. You deceived me, and like
a traitor, placed yourself under a stranger's protection. Having
shamed your father and your country, I give you now one last chance to
redeem yourself. Do as Count Tolstoi will tell you. (solemnly) If you
do as I wish, I promise you, in the sight of God, that no punishment
will be inflicted on you. I will show you even greater love if you
obey and return to me. If you prefer to remain obstinate, then I, your
father, will curse you and declare you a traitor. Remember, I have not
used violence with you thus far. Had it been my intention to do so, I
easily could bring you down. You know my power.
(Peter leaves the dais. Tolstoi approaches Alexis.)
Alexis (retreating)
Don't let him come any closer. (to Tolstoi) My father used to say
of you that you were a clever man, but that in dealing with you it is
wise to keep a club ready.
Tolstoi
Your father always has his little jokes. My Lord Tsarevitch,
listen to your father's entreaties. He says: "If you do as I wish, I
promise you, in the sight of God, that no punishment will be inflicted
on you." He swore it on the relics. I have never known him to break
his oath.
(Alexis remains silent. He knows his father is honorable.)
Tolstoi
He instructed me to tell you, (sighing) that should you refuse, he
will pursue you with all the ample means in his power. If it must be,
we will constrain the Emperor with armed force to give you up.
Alexis (scoffing)
Bah! My father will never wage war with the Emperor over me.
Tolstoi
I don't think it will be necessary. The Emperor will eventually
give you up. He does not benefit from your stay here. He has fulfilled
his promise towards you. He has protected you until you were pardoned
and can freely return to Russia. His obligations are discharged. He
will no longer shield you.
Alexis (to the Foreign Minister)
Is this true?
Foreign Minister
The Emperor has lately begun a war against the Turks and the
Spaniards. Russia's neutrality is important. If this matter can be
peaceably settled between you and your father, it will be to His
Majesty's advantage. Should you find your father's propositions
reasonable and his guarantees satisfactory, the Emperor would be
pleased. Should you not, you may continue to enjoy his protection.
Alexis
How old are you, Peter Tolstoi?
Tolstoi (amiably)
Since there are no ladies present, I may confess that I am past
seventy.
Alexis
According to the Scriptures, seventy is the limit of a man's life.
How could you, Peter Tolstoi, with one foot in the grave, undertake
such a mission as this? I always thought you had an affection for me.
Tolstoi
And so I do. Reconciling you to your father is my dearest wish.
Alexis
Don't tell lies, old man. Do you really think I don't know why you
have been sent here? My father dispatched you to kill me.
Tolstoi
As God is my witness, Tsarevitch, it is not so. I would never
undertake such a mission. Had your father wanted to kill you, he would
have sent Menshikov. I am here as a peacemaker.
Alexis
You're a sly old fox, Peter Tolstoi, but no amount of honeyed
words will lead this sheep into the wolf's jaws.
Tolstoi
You regard your father as a wolf?
Alexis
He's been one to me. And wolf or no, should I fall into his hands,
not one of my bones will remain unbroken. You know the truth as well
as I do.
Tolstoi
It is all very well to doubt me. But, see here!—in his own hand,
he swears to God. Is it possible for him to break his oath in the
sight of Europe.
Alexis (sneering)
What does he care for an oath? If it troubles his conscience,
Theodosius will absolve him. He can do exactly what he pleases. He
is God. No, Tolstoi, don't waste words. You won't get me alive.
Tolstoi (takes out a snuff box and unhurriedly takes a
pinch, which he expertly "snuffs" first into one nostril, then the
other)
There is nothing to be said then. Do as suits you best. You will
not listen to me, maybe you will listen to your father. He will come
as soon as he learns I have failed.
Alexis (astounded)
Here! It can't be! Are you lying again?
Tolstoi
I had no orders to inform you of it, or to conceal it. He wrote
some time ago, informing me of his intentions. Who can prohibit a
father from talking to his son?
Alexis
This is incredible. It's a nightmare. Why won't he leave me in
peace?
Tolstoi
You know he's inexorable. Where can you hide yourself from your
father? Only in the grave—he will find you everywhere else. I am
sorry for you, my dear Alexis Petrovitch. Heartily sorry for you.
(Tolstoi turns to leave.)
Alexis
Wait, I want a word with the Foreign Minister before you go. (to
the Minister) Suppose my father were to demand me with arms? Can I
still depend on the Emperor's protection?
Foreign Minister
Don't be troubled Your Highness; the Emperor is strong enough to
defend those under his protection. It would be an inexcusable shame to
him if he were forced to surrender a suppliant he had undertaken to
protect.
Alexis
I know that, but will he do so? Leave politics alone. You see how
I suffer.
Foreign Minister (hesitating)
I, I assure—
Alexis (falling on his knees)
I implore the Emperor, in the name of God and all the Saints, not
to forsake me! It is awful even to think of what will happen if my
father ever gets his powerful hands on me. No one else knows what
manner of man he is. I know.
Foreign Minister (embarrassed)
Get up, Your Highness. I will tell you the plain truth. Nothing
will induce the Emperor to return you to your father against your
will. Such an act would be degrading to the honor of His Majesty.
Alexis (rising)
Thank you. Thank you. And if my father should come himself?
Foreign Minister
We could hardly deny him an audience, but that is all.
Alexis
My God! Don't you know how terrified I am, even to be in the same
room with him? He can be like a wild beast. He executed the Strelsi
with his own hands.
Foreign Minister
Calm yourself. The Emperor will protect you.
Alexis (pacing a bit)
Peter Tolstoi. I have decided to reply in writing to my
father. At present, I can say nothing. I have to think.
Tolstoi
If Your Highness has any conditions, let me know them. I believe
your father will consent to everything. Now is a good time to ask. He
will even permit you to marry Afrossinia. We shall have time enough to
talk. We have not met for the last time.
Alexis
There is nothing more to discuss. I will answer my father
directly. There is no reason for you to stay. You can return to
Russia.
Tolstoi
I am ordered not to leave this place without you. Should you leave
this place, I must follow. (pause) Your father will not rest till he
has got you, either dead or alive. This is your last hope for a
reconciliation. (bowing) Your Lordship's most devoted servant.
(Tolstoi bows himself out.)
Alexis
Judas.
Foreign Minister
I regret to inform you that the Emperor insists you rid yourself
of that woman you have with you. She must be sent away without further
delay if you expect continued protection. I did not wish to tell you
this in front of Count Tolstoi.
Alexis (stunned)
You know I can't give her up.
Foreign Minister
You must. She is causing a great scandal. Your father demands that
she be given up as an evil influence on you.
Alexis
Why can't he leave me in peace? Why?
(Alexis throws himself on a couch in despair.)
Alexis
Get your things together. We go to the Pope tomorrow. He will
receive us.
Afrossinia
Idle talk! If the Emperor refuses to lend his protection to a poor
girl like me, how can the Pope do so? He has no army to protect me.
Alexis
Then, what can be done? The Emperor insists that I send you away.
We must escape—escape at once.
Afrossinia
Escape, where? They'll catch us anywhere. Better return to your
father.
Alexis
You too, Afrossinia! Don't be misled with fairy tales.
Afrossinia
Count Tolstoi only wishes you good.
Alexis
Good? What do you know? Better hold your tongue. Women have long
hair, but short wits. Do you hope to escape torture? Don't imagine it.
Even your pregnancy will not protect you.
Afrossinia
But your father promised forgiveness—
Alexis (making a gesture of cutting his throat)
I know what that means. Should the Pope refuse, we go to France.
Never mention it to me again, Afrossinia. Do you hear! Never!
Afrossinia (indifferently)
Well, the decision rests with you, Tsarevitch, only I won't go
with you.
Alexis (stunned)
What is this?
Afrossinia (coolly)
I won't. I have already promised Count Tolstoi that I won't go
anywhere with you—except to your father. You can go where you please,
but not with me.
Alexis
Have you lost your mind? How could I live without you?
Afrossinia
Please yourself, Alexis, but I won't go. (obstinately) So don't
bother to ask me.
Alexis
If I say you have to go, you have to go. Have you forgotten who
you are?
Afrossinia (tartly)
I am a faithful servant of His Majesty, Tsar Peter. I will do as
he commands. I will not go with you against your father's will.
Alexis (menacingly)
How much did he pay you? How much? Is this your gratitude to me?
Viper, harlot!
Afrossinia
What is the good of reviling me, Tsarevitch? I will do as I say.
If they ask me to, I shall leave you.
Alexis
You won't do it. You can't do this to me, and to our child!
Afrossinia
You think, perhaps, I love you? You took me by force, by a
master's right. You threatened me with a knife.
Alexis
Only to ease your conscience. Besides, haven't I made it up to
you? I promise you, I'll marry you. You know I already treat you as my
wife. And far better than I did my lawful one.
Afrossinia (mockingly)
Thank your lordship for his gracious favor. (curtsies) Marry you!
I'd as soon be hanged. I wish you'd killed me that time. You raped me!
You think I forget. You killed your wife, neglected your children and
fell at the feet of a woman you have made into a whore. Look at
yourself. A woman insults you, and you remain silent. I treat you like
a dog, yet I need only whistle and you'll be panting after me like a
dog after a bitch. With your tongue hanging out. Is it possible to
love a thing like you? As for your brat, the moment it is born, I will
strangle it with my own hands.
(Alexis puts his hands over his ears. Afrossinia walks to an
escritoire and begins to write.)
Afrossinia
"Count Tolstoi, please come for me, immediately, or else he will
carry me away by force."
Alexis (snatching the letter)
So it IS to HIM!
Afrossinia
I will do just as I like. I am not required to consult you about
where I am to go.
Alexis (grabbing her hair and throwing her down)
You BITCH!
(Alexis begins to strangle her and she faints. Horrified, he slowly
comes to himself.)
Alexis (sobbing)
I have killed her—killed her— Lord Jesus, take my life for her
life.
(Alexis tries desperately and succeeds in reviving her.)
Alexis
Afrossinia! Afrossinia, are you all right?
Afrossinia (tenderly)
You thought you'd finished me, eh? It's not quite so easy to kill
a woman. We have nine lives, like a cat.
Alexis (contritely)
Forgive me, forgive me, Afrossinia.
Afrossinia
A lover's blow does no harm. Foolish boy, you believed I don't
love you. (low) I love you as my own soul. Do you believe me now?
Alexis
I believe you, I believe you.
Afrossinia
God gave me a grasping heart. I see you love me, but that's not
enough. I want more. I wanted to see if you loved me. Really loved me.
You nearly killed me— So now I know you do—. You think I cannot
caress. You'll see how I can love. (she utters a throaty laugh) Only
do what I ask. Then I shall know you love me as I love you—UNTO
DEATH.
Alexis (spellbound)
I will do anything you ask.
Afrossinia (caressing him passionately)
Return to your father. I am sick unto death of being a fugitive. I
want to be your wife. You say I am your wife now. What sort of wife?
Our son will be born a bastard. Go to your father—go to your father,
but, on the condition you are allowed to marry. This is all I want,
Alexis.
Alexis (ready to go to his doom for her)
I'll do it.
Afrossinia
Even if it means your death!
Alexis (resolutely)
I will!
Afrossinia
Swear it!
Alexis
I swear before God!
(Afrossinia blows out the candles and hurls herself on him in a
kind of erotic fury.)
Alexis (passionately)
Sorceress! Witch! What have you done?
(They lock in an embrace as the scene ends. They hold their pose as
Tolstoi enters addressing Peter who appears on the dais.)
Tolstoi
It is truly amazing, Your Highness. All his former stubbornness is
gone. He asks only that he be allowed to wed Afrossinia before
reaching Petersberg. And though his condition is rather tiresome, I
have taken the liberty of granting it on my own accord without
awaiting your order. If there is no special reason against it, let him
have his way. In that way, he will show the world what kind of man he
is. Secondly, it will annoy the Emperor to the degree that we may
never need worry of his intervening on your son's behalf again. It
will be a long journey because the wench is pregnant and he will not
travel fast out of consideration for her. It is impossible to describe
how he loves her, and with what solicitude he watches over her.
Incidentally, she deserves some consideration, as she has cooperated
with us in persuading him to return—although I am not sure what her
motivations were in doing so. God alone knows the difficulties that
have arisen over this affair. I cannot tell you the miracles we have
accomplished.
(Peter signifies satisfaction and assent to all Tolstoi's report
and actions and descends from the dais. Tolstoi takes snuff with great
satisfaction from his beautiful snuff box.)
Tolstoi
Not bad work for an old man.
CURTAIN
Peter
If a son so braves his father in his father's lifetime, what will
he not do after his death? Will he not destroy and scatter everything?
Will there be one stone left in the house I have built? He will ruin
Russia. No—better break the oath than pardon! (pause) If I forgive
him, must I not forgive all other traitors to Tsar and country? Yet,
if I kill him—in one scale will be placed whatever good I have done;
in the other, the death of my son. Will all my glory be tarnished by
this stain of blood? Who—who does not know the provocation I have
suffered and will discern my innocence? I am alone before God. Lord
deliver me from blood guilt— (he kneels and bows in prayer) When I
was executing the Strelsi rebels, the Patriarch met me, icon in hand,
imploring me to pardon them. I bowed before the icon but pushed the
old man aside. I said, "I revere the Virgin as much as you. But duty
bids me pardon the just and punish the guilty. Go, old man!" I
answered the Patriarch, but what answer shall I make to you, O God?
Dear God, what is your will?
(Peter remains before the altar praying, perplexed, and deeply
troubled.)
Alexis
Peter Andreitch! Peter Andreitch! What will happen? I
confess I am afraid.
Tolstoi
Courage, Your Highness. A sin confessed is half forgiven.
Everything will arrange itself.
Alexis (mumbling)
Father, I can justify nothing. I only pray for your forgiveness. I
give myself up to your hands.
Tolstoi
Never forget he loves you.
Alexis (listening)
I hear his step.
Tolstoi
Never forget, mind.
Peter (enters)
Welcome, Aliosha, thank the Lord! Thank the Lord, we have met at
last— (he stretches his arm to meet him)
Alexis (embracing his father)
Forgive me, father. Forgive. Forgive.
Peter
Aliosha, my boy, quiet, quiet.
(Peter, with a gesture, bids Tolstoi begone. Peter is genuinely
glad to see his son again. There should be no question of hypocrisy,
notwithstanding Tolstoi's exiting remark.)
Tolstoi (exiting)
Thus the hawk will kiss the chicken till the last feather is gone.
Peter (goes to a table and pours liquor into two glasses)
Your health, Aliosha. (they clink glasses and drink)
Alexis
I've stopped drinking, you know.
Peter
That's wonderful. Even a dark cloud has a silver lining. (pause)
You've grown thin abroad. Wait a bit, we'll soon fill you out. Russian
bread is better feeding than German, you know. (pouring) Have another.
(they drink again)
Alexis
You know about Afrossinia . . . ?
Peter
Your taste isn't bad. Afrossinia is a strapping—a superb wench;
were I ten years younger, you might have cause to be jealous. Apples
don't fall far from the tree. Father with a washerwoman, son with a
charwoman. But, what of it, eh? Katrinka washed clothes. Do you want
to get married, still?
Alexis
Very much, if you permit it, father.
Peter
What else can I do? I promised you, I can't help myself now.
(pours again) To peace and eternal friendship. (they clink and drink)
(touching Aliosha's hand) Tell me, Aliosha, tell me—all about your
flight.
Alexis
I will tell you everything, only forgive them all as you have
forgiven me.
Peter (laying his hands on his son's shoulders)
How can I forgive if I don't know what has been done. I can
forgive so far as I myself am concerned, but not a crime against
Russia. I will pardon all those you name, but terrible penalties will
fall on all those you conceal. Don't be afraid, I will hurt no one. We
will talk it over between us.
(Alexis remains silent, troubled. Peter presses his son's hand
against his breast.)
Peter
Aliosha, Aliosha, if only you knew my heart. I have no one to help
me. I am always alone. Be my friend. Or don't you love me?
Alexis (with great feeling)
I love you, dearest father. Only I am afraid.
Peter
Speak, it will ease you. Speak out as in confession.
Alexis
When you were ill, I thought you would not live. I wished you
dead.
Peter (pushing him back and looking directly in his eyes)
Did you plot my death with anyone?
Alexis
No, no, no!
Peter (after studying Alexis)
Well—it is so. I believe you. All will be well—
Alexis
I know, father, it may be impossible for you to forgive me. So be
it. Have me killed. I will die for you. Only love me. Love me always.
Let no one know about all this. You and I alone will know, you and I—
(Peter takes Alexis' head between his hands and kisses him.)
Alexis
Father, you're weeping.
Peter
It will be all right. So, I have a son. Now, you must tell me
everything—all the names.
Alexis
Ask me—but do not hurt them.
Peter
It will be as I said. We will talk it all over between us.
(Peter embraces his son and leads him from the room.)
Tolstoi
Kneel! Kneel! Speak, as you have prepared.
Alexis
Most gracious sovereign and father! On recognizing my sin towards
you as parent and sovereign, I wrote a letter to you, begging your
forgiveness. Today, I repeat and declare that, forgetful of my duties
as a son and subject, I deserted Russia. For which transgression I beg
your gracious pardon and forgiveness.
Tolstoi (reading a decree)
"We trust that it is known to all our faithful subjects how
carefully we have striven to bring up our first born son, Alexis. But
all our efforts were in vain—our son hated study and has shown no
interest for civil or military affairs, preferring intercourse with
worthless reactionaries."
Alexis (to himself)
I still know you love me.
Tolstoi (reading)
"Seeing his obstinacy, we declared that, should he not mend his
ways, we would disinherit him. But he, forgetful of all responsibility
and God's law which commands obedience to parents, was ungrateful and
fled—deserted to the Emperor in Vienna. There he spread many untrue
calumnies against us and brought dishonor to us and great shame—
before all the world. It is difficult to find a precedent for it in
history. Yet, though he has, by these deeds, earned death—we pity him
with our fatherly heart, forgive, and free him of all punishment.
But—"
Peter (angrily breaking in)
I cannot have an heir who would waste all that his father, with
God's help, has gained. I should fear to meet my God if I entrusted
the government to one I knew to be unfit for it. And you— (to Alexis)
And you remember this: though I have pardoned you, yet, if you have
made a single omission or reservation which comes out later, do not
reproach me,—it will cost you your pardon. You shall suffer death—
(Peter subsides, and after a look at Peter, Tolstoi resumes reading
the decree)
Tolstoi
"Thus, in our anxiety for our subjects, we herewith, by reason of
our power as father and absolute sovereign, take from our son Alexis
the right to succeed to the Russian throne even if no other member of
our family should survive us. And we herewith appoint and declare our
son Peter, though yet a child, heir to the throne."
Peter
Bring the cross.
(The Archbishop Theodosius and several other prelates bring a cross
forward and a document.)
Peter
Read, then sign the abdication.
Alexis (reading)
"I, Alexis Petrovitch Romanoff, promise on the Holy Gospels that
I, having forfeited my inheritance of the Russian throne, acknowledge
the forfeiture to be just, and swear, by the Almighty God, to submit
to my father's will without fail and never seek the succession, nor to
accept it under any pretext whatever. I acknowledge my brother Peter
to be the legitimate heir. Upon which I kiss the cross and sign with
my own hand." (he kisses the cross and signs, the prelates step back)
Tolstoi (reading)
"All those who from this day forth, contrary to our desire,
persist in regarding Alexis heir to the throne, we herewith declare
traitors to us and Russia."
(There is a roll of drums. The spectators withdraw.)
Peter
Did you hear what has just been said before the people? One
concealment will cost you your life.
Alexis
I have heard it, father.
Peter
And have you nothing to add to what you have declared yesterday?
Alexis
Nothing.
Peter
Are you sure there is nothing? If you tell me now, I will forgive
you still.
Alexis
Nothing.
Peter
You lie. You have concealed all about your mother, your aunt, your
uncle and their whole cursed brood. The root of all this wicked
rebellion.
Alexis (drily)
Who told you, father?
Peter
Is it not true?
Alexis
Forgive, forgive! She is my mother. She bore me. I could not more
betray her than I could betray you.
(Peter raises his fist, but Alexis falls to his knees and clings to
his father's legs.)
Alexis
Don't go away. Don't. Rather, kill me.
Peter
Release me, or I'll kill you.
(Alexis does not release Peter, but Peter shakes him off and leaves
Alexis sprawled on the floor.)
Tolstoi
Are you all right, Alexis Petrovitch? Perhaps, some water?
Alexis
Who told my father?
Tolstoi (evasively)
I cannot say.
Alexis
Tell me.
Tolstoi
There is an unpublished decree that requires any priest who
receives knowledge of a plot against the Tsar to report it at once to
the secret police. Even if he learned of it in confession.
Alexis
I confessed last night. God—he has brought the Church to this. To
the role of informers. He is not Tsar, but a werewolf.
Theodosius
Rejoice, O Russia, be proud and thankful. Let all thy cities be
glad, for like a sun, the true heir, Peter Petrovitch, shines on you.
May he live happily, may he reign prosperously, Peter the Second,
Peter the blessed! Amen.
Voice Lord save, keep and bestow thy grace upon the only true heir to the Russian throne, the most pious Tsarevitch, Alexis Petrovitch.
Peter (menacingly)
Who said that? Who dared?
Dokoukin (stepping forward)
I did, Your Highness.
(Peter is interested, he admires courage)
Dokoukin
Larion Dokoukin, formerly a clerk in the arsenal.
Peter (calmly)
Do you refuse to swear allegiance?
Dokoukin
I will swear allegiance to you, but not to Tsarevitch Peter
because of the unmerited expulsion of the only legitimate heir, Lord
Alexis Petrovitch! May God keep him. Amen! Amen! Amen!
Peter
Old man, do you know that such disobedience to our will means
death?
Dokoukin
I know it, Lord. I came with the view of suffering for Christ's
sake.
Peter
You are a brave old man. But will you be so brave on the gallows?
Do you believe me to be Tsar?
Dokoukin
I do.
Peter
Then you should do as we wish and hold your tongue.
Dokoukin (falling at Peter's feet)
Lord Tsar, Your Majesty, hold my tongue, even if I would, I
cannot. I burn inwardly like a flame. Listen to us miserable people.
We, too, want to be saved and reach the heavenly city. We dare not
change and alter everything but must seek God in the same way as our
fathers and their fathers before them. The way the Holy Patriarchs set
out is the only sure way. Do not set everything at nought. In the name
of God and Jesus, leave us as we are. Show mercy unto thy people.
Peter
Enough! Enough. Do you imagine that I revere God less than you?
Who set you slaves to judge between God and Tsar?
Dokoukin
It is said in the Holy Scriptures "What is man, that Thou art
mindful of him?" Thus it is that God has ordained man to be lord of
himself. What have you made of him?
Peter
Take him to prison.
Dokoukin
The powers that be are ordained by God and what is not of God is
no power. It is not fitting to call impious Tsars and Antichrists the
anointed of God.
Peter (interested)
Do you consider me Antichrist? Speak the truth.
Dokoukin (fearlessly)
None other. O secret martyrs, fear not, neither despair! Bear
patiently yet a while for the Lord's sake. Antichrist's power is
waning. His rule will be short. Jesus is coming. He will not be slow.
Even so! Come Lord Jesus. Amen.
Peter
Take him away. No doubt I have hanged too few such fools.
(Dokoukin is led out by guards. Peter exits with his entourage.)
Alexis (lagging behind)
That man is as I should be.
Peter
Who among the clergy or laity knew anything of your revolutionary
designs and what words passed between you on the subject?
Alexis
I know nothing beyond what I have already admitted.
Peter
Have you ever said, "I spit upon them all, provided the mob is
with me?"
Alexis
Possibly. I was drunk most of the time, and I can't remember
everything— But what does it matter? (smiling)
Peter (regarding his son with horror)
Is this your handwriting?
Alexis (examining a document Peter has handed him)
It is.
Peter (quietly)
You beseech the Prelates and Senators not to abandon you?
Alexis
Yes.
Peter (horrified)
Did you write this of your own free will?
Alexis
No. They told me that it was rumoured that I was dead. If I
refused to write along these lines, the Emperor would no longer
protect me.
Peter
It reads, "I beseech you NOW, not to abandon me NOW." The word now
is twice repeated and then scratched out. Why had you written the word
"now?"
Alexis (hesitant)
I can no longer remember. Perhaps it was an error.
Peter
Has this been written under pressure?
Alexis
Yes, certainly.
Peter
You swear it?
Alexis
Before God.
(Peter rings a bell and Afrossinia enters. Alexis moves to embrace
Afrossinia, but is checked by his father's gaze.)
Peter
Is it true, Afrossinia, that the Tsarevitch was compelled to write
this letter to the Bishops and the Senators?
Afrossinia
It is false. He was alone with me when he wrote it.
Alexis
Afrossinia! Afrossinia! What are you saying? (to Peter) She
knows nothing. It was another letter she remembers—she's mixed up.
Afrossinia (defiantly)
The very same, Tsarevitch. You wrote and sealed it in my presence.
Peter
This is a matter of grave importance. If this letter was
voluntarily written, it is clear that your projects for rebellion were
not vague. You counted on being able to put them into execution. You
passed over this, not through forgetfulness, but of a set purpose that
you might be forgiven and continue your schemes. However, I do not
wish to bear an uneasy conscience and accept an accusation without
full enquiry. It is evident Afrossinia bears you a grudge of some
kind— For the last time, I ask you, did you write it of your own free
will?
(Alexis is silent.)
Peter
Very well. I regret the necessity, Afrossinia, but you must be
handed over to official interrogation.
Alexis
Torture?
Peter
You know the procedures.
Alexis (low)
I confess it.
Peter (joyfully)
So! (pause) For what purpose did you write the word "now?"
Alexis
So as to signal the people to rise.
Peter
And had they been so misguided as to rise, you would have joined
them?
Alexis
If they sent for me. I expected a summons after your death.
Peter
And if I did not die?
Alexis (savagely)
If I had had the people with me in sufficient force, even during
your lifetime, I should have laid claim to the empire!
Peter (stunned at first by his son's outburst, he pauses,
then turns to Afrossinia, speaking in a shaky voice for the first and
only time in the play)
Declare all you know.
Afrossinia (repeating as if from a memorized speech)
The Tsarevitch has always ardently desired to rule. He ran away
because he pretended to fear Your Majesty was plotting to kill him.
When he heard your youngest son was ill, he said to me, "You see my
father takes his own course, while God wills another." He used to read
prophecies and say, "Either my father will die, or a rebellion will
break out." When Tolstoi arrived in Naples, the Tsarevitch wanted to
flee to the Pope.
Peter (with recovered composure)
Is all this true?
Alexis
It is.
Peter
You may go now, Afrossinia. Thank you!
(Afrossinia kisses the Tsar's hand, curtsies, and abruptly turns
her back on Alexis who stretches his hand towards her. She leaves the
room with a firm, decisive step.)
Alexis
Afrossinia! Afrossinia. (she does not turn) Farewell then, love of
my life. We shall not meet again. The Lord be with you. (to Peter) Why
do you treat me like this? (Peter does not respond and shuffles some
papers with affected indifference. Suddenly, Alexis hides his head in
his hands.) What have you done with the child? Where is it? What has
happened to it?
Peter (not understanding)
What child?
Alexis (pointing to the door)
Our child!
Peter
It is dead. It never lived.
Alexis (rising up with clenched fists)
That is a lie! You have killed it.
(Peter avoids his son's eyes and remains silent.)
Alexis
Was it a boy?
Peter
Yes.
Alexis
Did you have it strangled or did you drown it?
Peter
The child was stillborn.
Alexis
If God had granted me to rule, I would have made him my heir. I
meant to call him Ivan. The body, where is it? What have you done with
it? Speak!
(Peter remains silent.)
Alexis (cunningly, with a slightly insane intonation)
I know, I know. You've sealed him in a glass jar with spirits of
wine —like a frog. The heir of the Tsars of Russia, swimming like a
preserved frog.
Peter
Are you mad, or simply playing the fool? What else have you got to
confess? If you reckoned on support of the people, did you not send
envoys to prepare them for the rising—?
(Alexis remains silent, lost in his own thoughts.)
Peter (convulsed with rage)
Speak!
Alexis (decisively)
I have told you everything I shall ever tell you. I shall say no
more.
Peter (striking the table with his fist)
How dare you?
Alexis (rising, looking steadily at his father)
Why use threats father? I am not afraid of you. I fear nothing.
You have taken everything from me. You have destroyed everything in
me. It only remains for you to kill me. Do so. I am quite indifferent.
(Peter rises in a fury and hurls himself on Alexis, striking him
with his cane. Alexis offers no resistance. Catherine enters hurriedly
and restrains Peter.)
Peter
Have I killed him?
(The lights dim, with Peter standing over the prostrate body of his
son. Then, Tolstoi comes forward.)
Tolstoi
It has been decided that the Tsarevitch shall be tried in the High
Court as a traitor. It is true the Tsar had promised to grant his son
a pardon, on the understanding that he sincerely repented of his
misdeeds; but, since Alexis, in contempt of this proffered favor, has
concealed a plot to make himself Tsar and to usurp the throne, the
pardon is hereby annulled and cancelled.
Peter
Most Reverend Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops and other
members of the clergy.
You are acquainted with the unprecedented transgressions of my son against me, his father and sovereign. I, as autocrat, possess full power, moral and judicial, to deal with him according to my own will, without consulting others. Yet, I fear to sin before God. I do not wish to act from passion or anger. A doctor does not prescribe for his own ailment. In like manner do I now confide to your care this malady of mine.
I swore before God to my son, both by letter and word of mouth, to pardon him if he made a full confession of his guilt. And, though he broke the agreement by concealing his projected rebellion against me, his father and Tsar, yet, it is our will, that you, the Clergy, search the Scriptures for some indication of the punishment befitting our son.
(The Clergy pivot to and fro, stand on one leg, now another, nod
and bow to each other, and gyrate in argument. Then Theodosius speaks.)
Theodosius
Most gracious sovereign and Tsar. After deep consultation in the
scripture and with doctors of canon law, it is our conclusion that
this is a case for the civil, not the spiritual tribunal. He, in whom
the sovereign power resides, cannot be judged by his subjects. This
matter is not within our province. We propose that the sovereign act
in this matter as he may think best. Should he desire to chastise the
guilty, he has the example of the Old Testament. If he desires to show
grace, he has the example of Christ himself who pardoned the prodigal
son. In short, the monarch's heart is in the hand of God. Amen.
All the Clergy Amen. Amen.
(Alexis, listening to this response, doubles over with laughter.)
Alexis
Spiritual diplomats. Ha, ha, ha.
Peter (in consternation)
But, what of my oath?
(The Clergy make a profound obeisance and withdraw from the dais.)
Peter
I fear damnation.
Alexis
Ha, ha, ha. My father has the spiritual comfort he has earned. Ha,
ha, ha.
Tolstoi
The court is open.
Peter (addressing the Senate)
Gentlemen of the Senate, I pray you to judge this case in the
fullest spirit of equity. It is too serious to consider favoritism or
flattery. If you believe a light punishment will suffice, but hesitate
through fear of my displeasure, I pledge that this will not be
incurred. I pray you also to give no weight to the consideration that
it is the son of the Tsar you are called upon to judge. Imperil in no
wise your souls or mine. Let the rights of men and man prevail.
Tolstoi
You know the charges, Tsarevitch?
Alexis
I do.
Tolstoi
Do you plead guilty?
Alexis
Whether I be guilty or not is not for you, but for God alone to
judge. How is it possible for you to pass righteous judgement, when
you yourselves are slaves? Whatever he bids you say or do, you do or
say. Your tribunal is a tribunal of wolves. Were I innocent a hundred
times over, you would condemn me. If, instead of you, it was the
Russian people proceeding against me, that would be an entirely
different matter. I love the people. Peter is great—very great—but
his rule is stern. What lives have been lost, how much blood has been
shed to turn Russians into Frenchmen and Germans? Do you hear nothing?
Do you see nothing? The earth groans beneath his feet.
(A murmur of disapproval.)
Voices Hush! Treason! Foolish boy. Stop his mouth.
Alexis
Why are you silent, father? Does it startle you to hear the truth?
Had you merely ordered my head cut off I would not have said a word;
but, since you have instituted this mock tribunal, whether you like it
or not, you shall hear. When you lured me back to Petersberg with the
aid of that Judas (pointing to Tolstoi) did you not swear to God to
pardon me everything? What account do you give of that promise? You
are dishonored before Russia and the world. The autocrat of Russia—a
common perjurer and liar—
Voices He has lost his mind. Away with him. He is condemning himself. Silence. Hush.
(Tolstoi goes to Peter and whispers in his ear, but Peter sits
expressionless—as if dead. Tolstoi looks on with great perplexity.)
Alexis
You shall be the first to stain the block with the blood of a son.
The blood of Russia's Tsars. This blood will descend for successive
generations to the last Tsar—all shall perish in blood. God will
visit your sin upon Russia.
Peter (rising)
Silence! Silence! I will curse you.
Alexis (with great indignation)
You will curse me? (rushing towards his father with clenched
fists) You will curse me! I, myself, will curse you— Villain—
Murderer! Beast, Antichrist. Be accursed, accursed, accursed!
(Peter starts up in a rage, then collapses in a faint.)
Tolstoi (frantically)
The session is closed. The session is closed.
Tolstoi (puzzled)
What is the use of putting him to further torture? He has
disclosed everything.
Peter
There is more! Much more.
Tolstoi (shrugs)
Perhaps, if I were to talk to him.
Peter
Go today. After Mass. Question him on the following points. Ask
him why he has refused to act according to the least of my wishes? Why
he has felt neither shame nor remorse? Why he has sought to win his
inheritance by disobeying me?
Tolstoi
Excuse me, Highness, but it seems to me that these are not
questions worth pursuing at great length.
Peter
I must know. He must answer me. If I am not satisfied on these
points, I will lose my mind— (Tolstoi shrugs in a way as to suggest
that in his opinion Peter has already lost his mind) Go.
Tolstoi
I shall endeavor.
Alexis (dreaming)
Send her away, for God's sake, send her away. Don't you see her
there, mewing like a cat? The cursed thing that caresses! She will fly
at my throat, and tear my heart out with her claws. (seeing Tolstoi)
What do you what of me?
Tolstoi
Your father sent me.
Alexis
Again, to torture me. I know nothing more.
Tolstoi
Fear nothing.
Alexis
Leave me alone. Kill me, only don't torture me again! If you are
afraid, give me a razor, I will do it myself. Only be quick. Be quick!
Tolstoi (gently)
Come, come, be calm. I am not a torturer. Torturing you was no
idea of mine. If God be willing, all may come right. The world is full
of strange events. You may yet win a reprieve. (pause) Do you think I
do not pity you?
Alexis
Then, why did you lure me back?
Tolstoi
I am a diplomat, and a faithful servant of the state. In a word it
was my job—
(Alexis spits at him.)
Tolstoi (not resenting this)
I pity you with all my heart. I have always wished you well, and
today, still.
Alexis
Go away. (spits again) That for your good wishes.
Tolstoi
Your father demands answers to certain questions.
Alexis
I know nothing more.
Tolstoi
Excuse me, I know that's true, Tsarevitch, but obtaining answers
to these questions has become a fixed idea with your father. If you
fail to answer him, I can only predict the worst.
Alexis (wearily)
What are your questions?
Tolstoi
"Why do you disobey him?" "Why do you feel no remorse or fear?"
"Why do you seek to win your inheritance by disobedience?"
Alexis (puzzled)
But, I hardly know myself. What difference does it make?—
Tolstoi
Excuse me, Tsarevitch, it makes every difference. Your father is
tormented by these questions. Personally, I think he has gone a little
mad. It is certainly driving him crazy, if he is not so already.
Alexis (amused)
It bothers him, does it?
Tolstoi
He is inexorable.
Alexis
What further answer can I make? I am Alexis, he is Peter. Let him
suffer in ignorance—or search his own heart.
Tolstoi
That will never do. If only you could satisfy him, all might be
put right. I have thought much about it. If you will write, I will
dictate.
Alexis
No. Not unless you obtain permission for me to see Afrossinia.
Tolstoi
I will do that. You shall see Afrossinia. Perhaps you will be
pardoned and even allowed to marry her. Only write. Write.
(Tolstoi places writing materials before Alexis. Tolstoi starts the
first paragraph and Alexis completes it.)
Tolstoi
"One. My insubordination to my father comes from being brought up
by ignorant women."
Alexis (writing)
"They made a fanatic of me. Study was hateful to me. I worked most
lazily. Since my father was absent for prolonged periods, these women
observed that I took pleasure in talking to priests and monks. They
encouraged that inclination. They also knew I liked Vodka and they
encouraged that vice as well. Little by little, they estranged me more
and more from my father, and urged me in every way to resist him in
all things, working on both my good instincts (my religion) and my bad
(my drunkenness)."
Tolstoi
Very good. Very good. It may work. "Two. My lack of remorse is
explained by a naturally weak disposition."
Alexis
"It was also the result of constant encouragement that I was in
the right in opposing my father's reforms at every step. I had become
the pawn of a reactionary clique."
Tolstoi
"Three. AS to why I thought to obtain power other than through
obedience—"
Alexis
"It was because my father was beyond imitation; I knew myself
incapable of following in his path, therefore, out of jealousy, I
chose to usurp the throne." There. I am done.
Tolstoi
Very good. I think it may work. Let us hope it will appease him.
Alexis
It will not. It is my death warrant. But, take it. The truth is
worse still.
(Tolstoi bows and leaves.)
Alexis
There, see how she lies in wait for me! Her eyes are just like two
blazing coals, her whiskers bristle just like my father's! Get away.
(Father Matthew enters hesitantly and stands by the cot.)
Alexis
Who are you?
Matthew
The priest of the garrison. I have been sent to receive your
confession.
Alexis
To receive my confession? Why do you bear a calf's head on your
shoulders and shaggy hair on your face—and horns? Why, eh?
Matthew
Do you desire to confess, my lord Tsarevitch?
Alexis
Are your acquainted, priest—if that is what you are—with my
father's Ukase by and which all treason or seditious plots—even if
revealed in confession, must be disclosed to the secret police?
Matthew
I know of it, Your Highness.
Alexis
And, should I reveal something of this kind, would you betray me?
Matthew
How could I help it? I have a wife and children.
Alexis
Away,—get away from me! Slave of the Tsar. You are sold down to
the last man. You have delivered the Church to the Antichrist. I will
receive no sacrament from your hands! Begone!
(Father Matthew leaves hurriedly.)
Alexis
Now, pretty kitty. Come back. I'm ready for you now.
Peter
Weakling, shrimp. Why won't he tell the truth? Why does he still
defy me?
Doctor
He must not be beaten any more, Your Majesty. He may die of it.
Besides, it is quite useless, he is in a state of catalepsy and can
feel nothing.
Peter
What?
Doctor
Catalepsy is a state—
Peter
You are in a catalepsy yourself, fool! (to the Executioner) And
you. You dawdle. Strike as hard as you can. Or have you forgotten how
flogging is done?
Executioner
I do my work in the Russian way. I have not learned from
foreigners. It is so easy to kill. He scarcely breathes, poor fellow.
He is not a beast, after all, but a Christian.
Peter (rushing at him)
You just wait, you devil's son. I will teach you how to strike.
Executioner
Do what pleases Your Majesty. I will not strike another blow.
(Peter snatches the knout which the executioner throws down and
rushes into the cell.)
Foreign Minister
All things will one day end in Russia in some fearful revolution.
The autocracy will fall because the people cry out against the Tsar.
The Crown Prince died, not of apoplexy, as is officially reported, but
of a sword or axe. No one was admitted to the fortress on the day of
his death. A Dutch Carpenter who remained in the fortress after
completing some repairs, remained over night. He saw strange men enter
the Prince's cell. The body of the Prince was laid in a coffin of
inferior make; the head was partly covered, while a handkerchief was
wound round the neck for shaving.
Peter (appearing on the dais)
After the pronouncement of the verdict on our son, we, his father,
assailed by pity on one side, and the desire to assure our country's
peace on the other, could not come to a decision all at once on this
highly difficult matter. Yet, it pleased God to deliver us from this
difficulty and to preserve the empire from danger. Yesterday, on June
26, our son was taken from this life; when the verdict and the list of
crimes was being read to him, the Tsarevitch was seized with a kind of
apoplexy. He recovered consciousness and received the last rites of
the Church. He also asked us to come to him, and we, disregarding all
the trouble he had caused us, went to him. He confessed all his
faults, and, shedding abundant tears of repentance, begged our
forgiveness, which we readily granted him. Thus, he died as a
Christian and as a repentant son. Our sorrow is inexpressible.
(Peter retires from the dais.)
Foreign Minister
Most people do not believe that pious fairy tale. Some asserted he
had died under his father's blows. Others said he had not died. A few
years later, there appeared among the Yemen Cossacks, a certain
Timofee, the Worker. He claimed to be Alexis. He went through the
steppes collecting an Army, promising to discover the city which held
the insignia of the Virgin Mary, and the True Cross. He swore that he,
Alexis Petrovitch, would reign and that, when Antichrist appeared, he
would defeat him and all his evil spirits. The worker was arrested,
tortured, and executed as a pretender. But the people go on believing
in the Tsarevitch Alexis. Thus, even after his death, Alexis remained
for the people, "Russia's hope."
Voice of Alexis
You are the first to stain the block with the blood of a son, the
blood of Russia's Tsars; this blood shall descend for successive
generations of thy lineage unto the last Tsar; all will perish in
blood. God will visit your sin upon Russia.
Peter (appearing alone on the dais)
Not this, O Lord. Let it not be so. Let his blood come upon me, me
alone! Punish me, O God! Spare Russia.
(Peter is alone as the curtain falls.)
CURTAIN