Thomas Seltzer - The Inspector-General (Act 4 Scene 3) lyrics

Khlestakov and the Judge. JUDGE [comes in and stops. Talking to himself] Oh, God, bring me safely out of this! How my knees are knocking together! [Drawing himself up and holding the sword in his hand. Aloud.] I have the honor to present myself—Judge of the District Court here, College Assessor Liapkin-Tiapkin. KHLESTAKOV Please be seated. So you are the Judge here? JUDGE I was elected by the nobility in 1816 and I have served ever since. KHLESTAKOV Does it pay to be a judge? JUDGE After serving three terms I was decorated with the Vladimir of the third cla** with the approval of the government. [Aside.] I have the money in my hand and my hand is on fire. KHLESTAKOV I like the Vladimir. Anna of the third cla** is not so nice. JUDGE [slightly extending his balled fist. Aside] Good God! I don't know where I'm sitting. I feel as though I were on burning coals. KHLESTAKOV What have you got in your hand there? AMMOS [getting all mixed up and dropping the bills on the floor] Nothing. KHLESTAKOV How so, nothing? I see money has dropped out of it. AMMOS [shaking all over] Oh no, oh no, not at all! [Aside.] Oh, Lord! Now I'm under arrest and they've brought a wagon to take me. KHLESTAKOV Yes, it IS money. [Picking it up.] AMMOS [aside]. It's all over with me. I'm lost! I'm lost! KHLESTAKOV I tell you what—lend it to me. AMMOS [eagerly]. Why, of course, of course—with the greatest pleasure. [Aside.] Bolder! Bolder! Holy Virgin, stand by me! KHLESTAKOV I've run out of cash on the road, what with one thing and another, you know. I'll let you have it back as soon as I get to the village. AMMOS Please don't mention it! It is a great honor to have you take it. I'll try to deserve it—by putting forth the best of my feeble powers, by my zeal and ardor for the government. [Rises from the chair and draws himself up straight with his hands hanging at his sides.] I will not venture to disturb you longer with my presence. You don't care to give any orders? KHLESTAKOV What orders? JUDGE I mean, would you like to give orders for the district court here? KHLESTAKOV What for? I have nothing to do with the court now. No, nothing. Thank you very much. AMMOS [bowing and leaving. Aside.] Now the town is ours. KHLESTAKOV The Judge is a fine fellow.