The hawk, suspended beneath the balcony in a golden cage, was also a spectator; with beak inclined to one side, and with one foot raised, he, too, watched the people attentively.

But suddenly a murmur ran through the crowd, and a rumour spread, "They are coming! they are coming! the Cossacks!" They were bare-headed, with their long locks floating in the air.

Their beards had grown, and their once handsome garments were worn out, and hung about them in tatters.

They walked neither timidly nor surlily, but with a certain pride, neither looking at nor bowing to the people.

At the head of all came Ostap.
What were old Taras's feelings when thus he beheld his Ostap?
What filled his heart then?
He gazed at him from amid the crowd, and lost not a single movement of his.