Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/27

 hemia. But the King of Hungary, though he is not as yet crowned, is no other than the Archduke Matthias.

Rozmberk.—That is news for me.

Kinský.—Then you might as well be permitted to know that in the family council of the House of Hapsburg, it was decreed that the successor of the childless Rudolf, as king and emperor, should be Matthias. A heavy illness of the king, both intellectual and bodily, makes it necessary.

Rozmberk.—That much we already know; also that it has come to pass that Matthias is asking for the government in Hungary, Austria, and in Moravia.

Kinský.—It has gone much further. In those countries, he has already been accepted as king. All there is to be done now, is to see that he is accepted as king in the most important of all countries, which is our own.

Rozmberk.—That will not happen. You expect too much at once. Rudolf is not concerned about the government, but he will not give up the throne. And the Cechs will accept Matthias as successor to Rudolf, yet they will not arise to dethrone him.

Kinský.—If you wish it to occur, it will certainly happen. If you will come out in favor of Matthias, the nobility will follow you and Rudolf’s party will be insignificant in the country.

Rozmberk.—The first is not yet decided, and in the second place, it is so important that it requires consideration. And you, brother, did you purposely come here to acquaint me with this design of yours?

Kinský.—Not at all. But it is necessary to win you for the cause and carry your decision to Matthias.

Rozmberk (Jestingly).—Then I am pleased to know that I will have the pleasure of seeing you at Třebon for some time.

Kinsky (Jokingly).—If you will send another messenger with your decision, I will gladly remain. I probably should not have come to annoy you with such a weighty matter at present had I not learned that Hannewaldt himself was on the way.

Rozmberk.—He is going to Vienna.

Kinský.—He is going there to turn the leader of the Austrian nobility, Cernemel, against Matthias.

Rozmberk.—That mission will be in vain.

Kinský.—I think so; but we must quickly execute this matter which Hannewaldt is concerned about at Třebon.

Rozmberk (Laughing).—Do not ask me to act hastily in so important a matter.