They've taken the eldest--
Now give them the youngest! 70
I've counted the years
To a day--I have proved them;
They listen to nothing.
They want to take Philip!
I prayed to the commune--
But what is it worth?
I ran to the bailiff;
He swore he was sorry,
But couldn't assist us.
I went to the clerk then; 80
You might just as well
Set to work with a hatchet
To chop out the shadows
Up there, on the ceiling,
As try to get truth
Out of that little rascal!
He's bought. They are all bought,--
Not one of them honest!
If only he knew it--
The Governor--he'd teach them! 90
If he would but order
The commune to show him
The lists of the volost,
And see how they cheat us!'
The mother and daughters
Are groaning and crying;
But I! ... I am cold....
I am burning in fever! ...