Boris monologue (Act 3) — The Storm

Ah, merciful Heavens! For one glimpse of her! I can't go into the house. No one calls anywhere uninvited in this place. What a life! We are living in the same town, almost next door; yet we barely see each other once a week, and then only in church, or in the street,--and that's all! When a woman's married here she might as well be buried,--it's all the same. _(Silence.)_ If only I had never seen her; it would have been better for me! I can only see her by snatches, and before people,--who are all eyes, staring at one. It's simply heartrending. And yet there's no mastering oneself. If I go out for a walk, I always find myself here at the gate. And what use is there in coming here? There's never any chance of seeing her, and what's more, it may give rise to gossip and do her harm. Well, it's a fine town, certainly!