Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/357

 Václav, my son, come to me and do not leave your father!

Vaclav (Throws himself before him on his knees).—Father, dear father mine! (Kisses his hand.)

Výrava. (To ).—And also you, brave youth, come here to me. Let youth and strength pass over from you two into me!

Dvořák.—Sound the bugles, sound the horns—for to new life and new victories my people march.

Kyral.—There must be not one who will not join us in our common task. Výrava, the worm of jealousy and hate had begun to gnaw in my heart. But in this moment I am again myself,—your friend though it may be necessary to seal my words with death. (Gives his hand to .)

Lhotská.—And what about us—what remains for us?

Moravcová.—A prayer to God and everything that is possible for us to do to aid the men in this struggle.

Řehák (Comes running up).—Výrava! Neighbors! The troops of armed people increase, they are growing impatient. And from a distance can be heard the trampling of horses.

Kyral.—Perhaps it is help from somewhere for the castle.

Výrava.—We will forestall them.

Řehák.—All are anxious that we attack the castle.

Výrava.—Their will shall be fulfilled. The moon is setting and with it the light of its whole procession of stars in heaven. Set fire to the court (Several people hasten away) so that it may light our way to the battle. Let the flames of fire glare, and smoke be a signal to all the country that our people are rising to liberty. (A fire flares up.)

Cries.—The court in flames! The court in flames!

Výrava.—It is our torch! Yet higher than this flame will leap another when the castle falls into our hands. That one will I kindle with my own hand and I swear to God that not one stone shall remain on another in that place where I lost my son. To the castle, brothers, to the castle! (Seizes a standard which a farmer has been holding and hurries away at the head of the rest.)

Shouts from all.—To the castle! To the castle!