Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/29

 Rozmberk (Motions to to close the door. With a laugh.) The gentlemen have met. Did you tell him who is here?

Oldřich.—I was not so commanded.

Rozmberk (To ).—If it is your pleasure, step aside, friend, and wait here. (Points to the room at the left. enters it.  to ) Let him enter.

( opens the door. enters,  goes away.)

Rozmberk.—What is your pleasure, my honorable guest?

Hannewaldt.—Excuse me, Your Grace; I have a most important matter to take up with you, and it concerns the King, Rudolf himself.

Rozmberk (Bowing).—I am ready to listen. (Seats himself.)

Hannewaldt.—It is known to Your Grace, that certain members of the House of Hapsburg,—perhaps with the best of intention, yet in every respect a mistaken one,—have taken the present insignificant disease of our king as an excuse to crown Matthias as king and emperor of Hungary, Bohemia, and Austria.

Rozmberk.—It is also known that the Archduke Leopold is not with them, but remains loyal to the side of Rudolf.

Hannewaldt (Joyfully).—It is so, and without a doubt this entire enterprise, started in behalf of Matthias, will fall to pieces in a short time.

Rozmberk.—I doubt whether that will happen easily. Hungary, Moravia, and Austria are pledged for Matthias.

Hannewaldt.—But they will fall away from him the moment that the Kingdom of Bohemia comes out for its king and proclaims that during his lifetime the people will tolerate no change.

Rozmberk.—It seems to me that you look too trustfully on the present condition of affairs.

Hannewaldt.—There will be a great change as soon as King Rudolf steps up to his defense. He has not as yet touched his immense treasure vaults nor called upon his warriors. As soon as he draws the sword, he will overcome Matthias with terrible defeat, but only if this kingdom will stand by him.

Rozmberk.—Our kingdom! Certainly, if there is to be a change. But the kingdoms must all be united, or the Archduke Matthias will have no support here!

Hannewaldt (Quickly).—He has none,—and if he had, it is insignificant, without power, while it does not join with—

Rozmberk.—A foreign ally?

Hannewaldt (With emphasis).—Petr Vok Rozmberk!