Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/18

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The same. has entered.

Rozmberk (To ).—I welcome you, brother. (They greet each other, greets the ladies, and seeing , stirs as though surprised, but goes to him at once.)

Kinský.—What fortunate freak of chance grants me the pleasure of meeting old acquaintances at Třebon?

Hannewaldt.—I did not expect to find my pleasure increased by meeting friends from Prague. (Bows to him. Aside) He was most likely sent for some purpose.

Kinský.—Chance has arranged it. (Partly to the ladies). I have come from that courtly circle at Prague for a bit of entertainment. (Aside) I am on the trail.

Hannewaldt.—And I who wished to be many miles away today, am still loitering here.

Kinský.—How much farther will your journey continue?

Hannewaldt.—As far as Vienna. I am taking my brother’s daughter to her grandfather. She has seen enough of Prague,—better let her acquaint herself elsewhere. And just now, at least for the moment, I have too much work to do to devote my time to her.

Kinský.—Believe me, brother, and you also, Master Secretary, I am glad to be able to leave my work behind me for a while.

Rozmberk.—Is it lively now at the court?

Kinský.—Aj, nothing but quarrels and strife—a thousand endeavors that conflict with each other. I don't wish to have another thing to do with it!

Hannewaldt—I must confess that was my chief excuse for absenting myself for a week or two, to escape all the din.

Kinsky (Ironically)—So the same star has led us both here, the star of pleasure. (To the ladies.) And with the consent of the ladies and our host, it is necessary to confess that this selfish purpose has brought us here.

Bilent (With a grimace at ).—That is the truth itself, the truth!

Zuzanka (To ).—In that selfishness of yours, Highest Game Warden, we will assign our part.

Kinský.—If we can, on our part, furnish as much entertainment as the pleasure of the ladies accords us, we will indeed be fortunate. (Outside is heard the noise of fanfares.)