The Caucasian Chalk Circle

Ironshirts lead Michael into court, and once there is enough distance between them, Grusha is admitted next. She is standing with the Cook, one of her former coworkers at the Governor’s palace. He tells her she is lucky to have Azdak, who is a drunkard known for mixing things up and not ruling in favor of the rich.

The Cook promises to help Grusha in the trial, saying, “I’ll swear to anything you like, because you’re a decent person” (114-15). Soon, Simon arrives, and the Cook tells Grusha that he’s still very upset. He comes over to them and offers to swear that he is the father of the child although he is not ready to be bound to Grusha again beyond the trial.

The Judge is nowhere to be found, and as a few of the Ironshirts leave to go find him, Grusha is horrified to see that one of them is the Corporal whom she attacked. He now has a large scar across his face. His comrade asks if he recognizes Grusha, and if he does, he may be eligible for a large reward. The Corporal stares at Grusha, but eventually says he doesn’t know her and exits.