From the gloom of a linen barn the light snatches a group of people from an old boat. Exquisitely dressed merchant Timmerman gives Prince Prince explanations regarding the find. For the prince boyars, accompanying the future king. The past and the future of a great country are the plot of the picture.
The past is the boyars from the royal retinue. Frankly bored, indifferent. One of the Sweets is depicted wide yawning. Convinced of the meaninglessness of what is happening, the accompanying prince in a hurry to return to their favorite activities: feasts, afternoon nap, and searching for service is easier.
The future is the prince himself, a young boyar in a blue caftan, boys removing covers from the boat. This group clearly shows sincere attention to the story of an alien. This interest is not idle.
Perhaps right now in the head of the young prince begin to emerge plans for the restructuring of the whole great power. The boys are future soldiers of the “amusing” troops, statesmen of the new model. The young boyar is a close friend of the future king, associate.