Act I
The Act takes place in autumn in a large village.
The Scene represents Peter's roomy hut. Peter is sitting on a wooden bench mending a horse-collar.
Anísya and Akoulína are spinning and singing a part-song.
Peter [looking out of the window] The horses
have got loose again. If we don't look out they'll
be killing the colt. Nikíta! Hey Nikíta! Is the fellow
deaf ? [Listens. To the women] Shut up one can't hear anything.
Nikita [from outside] What?
Peter. Drive the horses in.
Nikita. We'll drive 'em in. All in good time.