Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/35

 Rozmberk.—I am an individualist; but were I not, I still believe I would proclaim myself in favor of freedom of religious belief. If the Archduke is ready to grant this wish of mine, I assure you that I am ready to align myself with him, and to help him win the kingdom he desires. King Rudolf opposes this religious freedom we desire,—and I do not think he is serving either himself or others by his opposition.

Kinský.—Only those who intentionally keep that sentiment alive within him,—foreigners in the country, and our chief opponents.

Rozmberk (Rising; and  rise also).—That is true. But excuse me for a while. Just remain here, and in the morning I will give you my definite answer.

Kinský.—And can I possibly hope that it may be given sooner?

Zuzanka (Hanging on the arm of ).—It seems to me that you can consider the answer final. (They walk away.)

''alone. Later and the mistresses of  enter.''

Bilent.—The dice are beginning to turn wrong and if I did not adjust them at times I know not how the game would end after a while. (Steps to the door from which stepped out.) Oldřich! ( enters.) Just as soon as the master comes, and Kinský goes to his own room—

Oldřich.—Kinský has gone with him.

Bilent.—Then Kinský must have stepped out from the castle; all the better—Go to the Secretary Hannewaldt and tell him,—but alone, of course,—that the master commanded me to make an announcement to him. ( goes away.) Here is need of action swifter and sharper than any taken by the smooth court eel, the Highest Game Warden. And now it is time to turn loose the golden pheasant and all its chickens. (Opens the door leading into the room of .) Fly, fly away, you pretty birds, lest your long captivity should cripple your wings.

(From the room proceed the mistresses of , fifteen in number. Of them, three are Bohemian,—, and, one a Turkish girl, others, Spanish, Roumanian, Indian,