Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/23

Rh not forget you. ( wishes to express his thanks, but interrupts.) But may I ask you to do me a slight service?

Ctibor.—Command me, sir!

Kinský.—Secretary Hannewaldt is here,—and should I learn what he is about to do, today or tomorrow, I, Kinský, will be under obligations to you.

Ctibor.—To that request, sir, I cannot bind myself.

Kinský.—You cannot? (To himself.) I have doubtless come too late—he is in the hands of Hannewaldt! (Aloud.) Well then, at least your word of honor, sir, that you will not betray what I have told you. I rely upon you as a future knight.

Ctibor.—I give it willingly.

Kinský (Aside).—He will yet be mine!

(’s chamberlain enters.)

Kinský (Advances with the chamberlain; aside to him).—Try at once, and secretly if possible, to leave Třebon and the castle, and ride quickly to Prague, to Budovec. Just tell him, that I have found Hannewaldt here, and that I will watch for the opportunity to cross his purposes. (The withdraws:  enters.)

Bilent (In his hand are the rings. He gives them to ).—Pure gold, Your Grace.

(Under the balcony the music begins again.)

Kinský.—I thank you. Keep this reward. Then I have a small fortune.

Bilent.—I would be fortunate if I could but be a treasure to you.

Kinský (With a laugh).—Be one to me. (Secretly) Watch Hannewaldt, and I will repay you well. (Walks out on the balcony.)

Zuzanka (On the balcony to ).—You have been long detained, Highest Game Warden, and the procession is nearly at an end.

Kinský (Bowing to and ).—I have something to gaze at here—the reward is sufficient, satisfying, even though I see nothing else.