Governor monologue (Act 1) — The Inspector-General

[turning to the Sergeant and taking his sword] Be off and get the policemen together. Let them each take a--there, see how scratched my sword is. It's that dog of a merchant, Abdulin. He sees the Governor's sword is old and doesn't provide a new one. Oh, the sharpers! I'll bet they've got their petitions against me ready in their coat-tail pockets.--Let each take a street in his hand--I don't mean a street--a broom--and sweep the street leading to the inn, and sweep it clean, and--do you hear? And see here, I know you, I know your tricks. You insinuate yourselves into the inn and walk off with silver spoons in your boots. Just you look out. I keep my ears pricked. What have you been up to with the merchant, Chorniayev, eh? He gave you two yards of cloth for your uniform and you stole the whole piece. Take care. You're only a Sergeant. Don't graft higher than your rank. Off with you.