Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/300

 to pass judgment on whether he did right or wrong. I only know that in that instant he displayed a soul more sublime and heroic than I had ever before known in my life. And when Karmín pointed out to him the possible punishment for his act, indeed, in his fury commanded the musketeers to attack Jeroným with weapons, the young hero placed himself resolutely on the threshold of the hut and was ready to seal his deed with his own life.

Christine.—And so it was at that instant that your entire hunting party rode up and you saw what had happened.

Sylvia.—Yes—and we saw him—Jeroným transfigured by his noble championship of the weak—like a hero of olden time—, and Count Morzin and Sterneck? The first, seeing the struggle, fairly quaked with excitement and Sterneck was ready to do Karmín’s will!

Christine.—It was lucky that Earl Roveredo pardoned Jeroným and Klen.

Sylvia.—Yes, he gave pardon.

Christine.—After your fervent pleading, so I heard.

Sylvia.—He forgave because of his own magnanimity, for he is no persecutor of the people—and perhaps to some extent on account of my pleadings.

Christine.—Then it was that moment which inspired in you this ardent feeling for Jeroným—And what, Sylvi—what will come of it?

Sylvia.—Don’t speak of it.—He probably knows nothing of it and I don’t wish to think about it—I am like one in a dream and I am happy when I’m not awakened from it, while undisturbed by the daily tumult. But they are only dreams—and nothing of those dreams must appear in the light of day. Neither he nor the rest of the world must have even a suspicion of what makes me supremely happy at times. And you, too, Christina, must bury it all as deep as have I.

Christine (With a smile).—’Tis buried! I have covered my thoughts and feelings with the rock of calmness but I’ve forgotten to place my eyes beneath the rock! And your eyes, your cheeks betray you, Sylvi, you are incapable of burying your secret, but I can keep silent about it.

Sylvia.—My dear one!

Christine.—Heavens! Jeroným is turning and is hastening hither.

Sylvia.—He has seen us.