Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/21

Rh inspecting the hall.)—Sir, I can place a high reward within your reach.

Bilent.—At your service!

Hannewaldt.—Look carefully after all of Kinský’s movements, and report everything to me. ( makes a bow. in the meantime takes the vessel of water, and hands it to  drinks.) It is going to be a burning day.

Ctibor (Jesting ironically).—It appears so, dear sir. ( quickly leaves. places the vessel on the table.)

Bilent (to himself).—A real battle is in sight here—Bilent, see whether it will be some advantage to you.

Ctibor (Gazing at the balcony).—Just see how playfully the master is entertaining himself. How spirited he seems to be. He will grant any request should Hannewaldt ask for something today.

Bilent.—And here, unfortunately, is Kinský, who will be an obstacle in the secretary’s path.

Ctibor.—Then their ambitions are not the same?

Bilent.—There will be two poinards aimed at two necks.

Ctibor.—It is hard to tell which will have the satisfaction of attaining his desire. But the master is in such a good mood today that he’d like to grant the whole world its wishes.

Bilent.—And if that measure should become upset it might flood some one with its contents and float his head away.

Ctibor (Jokingly).—You fear for your own?

(The passing procession sings under the balcony. The music has ceased.)

Bilent.—As you see, it is firmly seated here. (Pointing to the deformity on his body.) Few other foundations are as firm.

Ctibor.—Well, member of the world-wide profession of executioners, our Master Burda would have difficulty in finding the neck between the body and the head.

Bilent.—Believe me, here at Třebon it may be a very good thing! It has gone worse with them on whom the neck has been discovered! What a pity those times are now no more, those days of the master’s wife, the lady Katherine of Ludanic! In those days,