Page:Maria Felicia.pdf/281

 speed when you shall learn that only a Bohemian could have understood you, that he was the only one among your peoples who kept up with your progressive spirit; that he alone could have assured immortality to your deeds. In the place where you sowed so much love you will reap only ingratitude. Oh, I see already the Bohemian nation, slain by you, rising from its grave! Oppressors do not weaken the national spirit; they add to its strength.”

The capoch slipped off Maria Felicia’s head; her rich black hair waved loosely around her beautiful shoulders. The light of sacred prophecy illumined her face, when she lifted her hand as if to indicate to the Emperor the way in which he ought to walk.

With profound emotion the sovereign watched her. It seemed to him that on the forehead of the wife of an exile, bravely moving into a strange country for her faith and gladly enduring poverty with her loving husband, a more brilliant star sparkled than the one that adorned the head of the young