Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/328

 three others take among themselves and animatedly consult with him.)

Secretary (Steps out on balcony. To ).—The Earl wishes to speak with the honorable director. Most likely he wishes to prohibit all acts of violence.

Karmín.—It is a matter of open rebellion and therefore threatens the very life of the nobility. For the time being I wish only to frighten the peasants. But if they do not yield, I shall really make use of weapons.

(The people fall back from the castle so that they are visible only at the extreme left, in the park. In the foreground stand and behind them in an animated group six other peasants, young and old.)

Secretary (Observing the group counselling together).—It looks as if they were losing courage and they will begin new proceedings.

Karmín.—Just wait here. In a little while I’ll be back again. (Departs. The Secretary talks with the musketeers.)

Kyral.—Do you now recognize, neighbor, the love the nobility has for us?

Výrava.—Insulted, abused by him! I, a churl, a treacherous churl!

Kyral.—Yes, that betrayed in what esteem he holds you! It was always said “The director regards Výrava like an own brother.” In his eyes you were and are a churl whom he pretended to respect as long as you followed his will in all things.

Výrava.—There is not a spot in the whole district where I am not held in esteem. And he insults me. ''I, a churl! A treacherous churl!''

Dvořák.—The Philistines insulted Samson, cut off his hair and placed him by the mill to turn the stone and to perform slavish service. But Samson’s bile stirred and having called on God, he shook the pillars of the house in which his enemies sat, destroyed the building and buried them all in its ruins. Výrava, shake the structure of subjection!

Kyral.—With you or without you we will carry it all through. You have always, heretofore, been the first when there was calm.