The Sleep of Innocence

Anna Leopoldowna had hardly left the room in which she had been
surprised and captured, when Lestocq turned to Grunstein with a new
order.

"Now," said he, in an undertone to him--"now hasten to seize the
emperor. This little Ivan must be annihilated."

Elizabeth had overheard these words, and remembering Anna's last prayer,
she exclaimed with vehemence: "No, no, I say, he shall not be annihilated! Woe to him who injures a
hair of his head! I will not be the murderer of an innocent child! Take
him prisoner, get him in your power, but in him respect the child and
the emperor! Tear him not forcibly from his slumber, but protect his
sleep! Poor child, destined to suffer so early!"

"No weakness now, princess," whispered Lestocq; "show yourself great
and firm, else all is lost! Come away from here, that the sight of this
child may not yet more enfeeble your heart. Come, much more remains to
be done."

And, reverently taking Elizabeth's hand, he led her to the door.

"Now do your duty," said he to Grunstein. "Seize young Ivan."

"But remember my command, and spare him," said Elizabeth, slowly and
hesitatingly leaving the chamber.

"Now to Ivan!" Grunstein commanded his soldiers, and with them he
hastened to the sleeping-room of the young emperor.

There deep stillness and undisturbed peace yet prevailed. Only
the waiting-women were awakened, and had hastily fled in search of
concealment and safety. They had left the young emperor entirely alone,
and he had not been awakened by the disturbance all around him.