ROYAL COURTYARD. In the middle of the courtyard stands the KING. Not far from him are his three sons: STEPAN TSAREVICH, DEMYAN TSAREVICH and IVAN TSAREVICH. KING: My dear sons, I have already become old. I’m waiting and waiting for you to get married, but apparently you won’t do it of your own free will. And you parasites are already quite old. So here it is. I see that your muzzles are corroded - they can’t fit into the gates, but your minds are like those of small children. That's why I decided everything for you. Step out into a wide courtyard. STEPAN TSAREVICH (suspiciously): Why? KING: I said, come out! The king's word is the law!