Page:Pushkin - Russian Romance (King, 1875).djvu/101

Rh no success for the daring? Did not Grishka Otrepieff reign in days gone by? Think what thou pleasest of me, but do not leave me. What does it matter to thee? Who is not a priest is a father. Serve me 'in faith and in truth' and I shall make thee a field-marshal and prince. What dost thou think of this?"

"No," I answered, firmly. "I am a nobleman by birth. I swore to serve the empress; I cannot serve thee. If thou really wishest me well, permit me to go to Orenburg."

Pougatcheff reflected.

"And if I do let thee go," said he, "dost thou at least promise not to take up arms against me."

"How can I promise thee so much?" I replied. "Thou thyself knowest that it cannot be as I wish. If I receive orders to march against thee, I must do so; I cannot help myself. Thou art now a chief thyself; thou exactest obedience of thy people. What would it look like, should I refuse to serve when called upon to do so? My life is in thy hands; if thou lettest me free, thou shalt have my thanks; if thou executest me, God is thy judge; as to myself, I have told thee the truth."

Pougatcheff was struck by my sincerity.

"Be it so," he said, slapping me on the shoulder; "one must either execute or fully pardon. Go—the four