Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/306

 would be punished for your father’s deed! (The judge with pass behind the scenes.)

Dvořák.—I’m not going back to Krčín—it almost broke my heart to be there. And what do I now seek in this country? I seek people, I seek spirit, I seek strength—but everywhere I find only slavery. I thought that the new era of your Emperor Joseph had kindled a spark not only in the heads of the intellectual but also in the hearts of the village folk. But I learn that the people are still shackled by feudalism as a bull is fettered by his yoke—sad and oppressive it is in the Bohemian fatherland!

Kyral.—Behold—a man such as God loves! But give heed lest you betray yourself by your bitterness. That nobleman’s servant, our judge, looked at you askance. He is dull enough to go at once and denounce you to the local director.

Dvořák.—There is no need for me to fear anything. I have a passport here (Striking his pocket) showing that I am a Prussian subject. Unless I commit a crime, no one will dare to touch me.

Matouš (Arrives with six farmers). So, so, neighbors. When our gracious nobility appear among us, we must all shout loudly, “Long live our gracious nobility! Vivat Hieronymus!”

Králíček.—Hyreonomus—Why I’ll twist my tongue to pieces with that.

Matouš.—Hieronymus—I say, that means in Bohemian, Jeroným, our Earl.

Králíček.— Well, then, I’ll say “Vivát the Earl.”

Matouš.—And then: “Vivát the whole gracious nobility!”

Neighbors.—All right.

Matouš.—And then: “Vivát the director!”

Králíček.—But, allow me, judge Matouš— The director isn’t of the nobility.

Matouš.—But the nobility must see how we like him.

Králíček.—Then, upon my soul, I won’t say a word—in order that the nobility may know that we can’t stomach him.

Matouš.—I say, neighbor, that won’t do. Even if the director is a disagreeable guest, nevertheless we must— —

Králíček.— —swallow him.