Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/316

 Charvát.—God defend! That’s only between us. And if you could deliver the entire ten thousand trunks of trees, we have won. I will receive praise from the commander, a reward from the commissioner—what could I wish for more? And you will earn ten thousand and twenty krejcar pieces!

Karmín.—Come, please, into the castle. Ah, but here comes the Earl.

Earl Roveredo-Lanzenfeld.—My people told me that delightful company had arrived. I welcome you, Sir Captain.

Charvát.—Captain Charvat, at your service, gracious Earl.

Earl.—Out for drill? With a larger division?

Charvát.—As bearer of a royal edict.

Earl.—And what—why, Karmín, do you look so sour?

Karmín.—Oh, your Grace,—a great, great disaster—let us say, a great misfortune.

Earl.—Misfortune! (Looks at Charvát.)

Charvát. (With a smile.)—Ah no, but a very serious thing.

Earl.—Come into the castle.

Charvát.—At your service. (To the soldiers.) Ho, Slavík, Hruška! (Both approach. in lowered tones but emphatically.) Don’t either of you say a single word about feudalism! I will fine with the most severe punishment any one who utters a word! (To Karmín.) In Smeřicko, by an unfortunate accident, the royal decree was discussed in their presence.

Slavík.—Command us, Captain. Not a word!

(The and  depart.)

Sedmihradská.—Well, my fine little soldier lad, you are