On the Criminal Court + 

Children: Grishka, Semka, Jishka + 

Jishka + 

Serves him right. Why did he make his way into another person’s corn loft? When he is put in prison that will teach him not to do it another time. + 

Semka + 

Of course if he has really done it. But old Mikita said Mitrofan was run into prison without being guilty. + 

Jishka + 

Without being guilty? And won’t anything happen to the man who judged him falsely? + 

Grishka + 

Well, they won’t pat him on the head for it, of course. If he hasn’t judged according to law he will be punished too. + 

Semka + 

Who will punish him? + 

Jishka + 

Those above him. + 

Semka + 

Who are above him? + 

Grishka + 

His superiors. + 

Jishka + 

And if the superiors also make a mistake? + 

Grishka + 

There are higher powers above them, and they will be punished by these. That’s what the Tsar is for. + 

Jishka + 

But if the Tsar judges wrong, who is going to punish him? + 

Grishka + 

Who? Why do you ask that? Don’t you know? + 

Semka + 

God will punish him. + 

Jishka + 

God will also punish him who stole the corn from the loft. Then why not leave it to God to punish those who are guilty? He will not judge wrong. + 

Grishka + 

It’s clear that that is not possible. + 

Jishka + 

Why not? + 

Grishka + 

Because⁠ ⁠… + 