Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/308

 Matouš and Neighbors.—Ho! Ho! Výrava, Výrava! (They greet him.)

Výrava.—God’s greeting to you, neighbors. My good fellow, God’s greetings! Uncle, how fares it with you? Alone, alone? Where is the mother and daughter? Well, we’re going to have a glorious harvest festival this year. Our gracious nobility sent me a special message to be sure to come with all my household. Well, the nobility is indeed gracious.

Kyral (To ).—He also knew your father.

Dvořák (To ).—I am the son of Dvořák of Krčín. God greet you!

Výrava.—Dvořák of Krčín—ah yes, now of Kladsko. I knew your father but not you. God’s greetings!

Dvořák.—All the neighbors here praise you.

Výrava (Egotistically).—Well, we are good neighbors. One doesn’t besmirch another.

Dvořák.—And you are in great favor with the nobility.

Výrava.—I have a good son in service there—, so that at least one of the Výravas might become something more than a farmer.

Kyral.—Well, and your other son Václav. Isn’t he a worthy fellow?

Výrava.—Indeed, Václav is good and worthy! (Pats him on the shoulder.) But he lives as I do for the plow and furrow.

Dvořák.—And that, then, is less than lordly service? Sit in judgment on this, Jehovah, and open the eyes of the blind. (Departs with .)

Výrava.—What speech is this! Can there be in you as in your father— —

Matouš.—Never mind him, neighbor. I think he has slipped a cog up here (Pointing to his forehead.) I also have had words with him—Here some neighbors thought that — —

(Passes off stage with .)

Mad Martin. (At each third step he jumps on one foot). So many people! So many people! I wonder what’s happening? There must be a funeral at the castle, a big funeral. Did the Earl