Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/37

 Hannewaldt (Laughing).—So she could not object when His Grace started a special harem for himself.

Bilent (Laughing).—Yes, yes, Master Secretary.—And now His Grace has fifteen women altogether,—fresh, active, loving,—almost each one of a different nationality. Two weeks ago he bought the last one, the Moor, brought in from Africa by way of Venice.

Hannewaldt.—So I can see that you are gay here at Třebon.

Bilent.—The collection was formerly even larger than now.—(Seriously).—But I have a serious matter to take up with you.

Hannewaldt (Surprised).—Unhappy news!

Bilent.—To some extent. The master is inclining toward Kinský,—he has promised to give him a certain, and as it now appears, a favorable answer by tomorrow.

Hannewaldt.—Then my cause is going down!

Bilent.—Even now it is not altogether lost. You may yet win Rozmberk,—he does not stand solid, he vacillates every other moment.

Hannewaldt.—But if he has given his word?

Bilent.—He gave it for the present; he may change his mind again. It all depends on you and the time and manner in which you speak with him.

Hannewaldt (Taking by the hand as though to ask a favor.)—How shall I act?

Bilent.—First select an opportune moment when he shall be in a pleasant mood.

Hannewaldt.—That time is best known to you.

Bilent.—Then bear in mind two things; strike at his ambition and guard against irritating him by an untimely word. You have a difficult part to play,—for more than two years the enemies of Rudolf have been trying to win him, and now the devil has brought Kinský here at just this time. But all may yet be well.

Hannewaldt.—His ambition I may fulfill, but how can I be assured that I will not arouse his anger.

Bilent.—I have a small recipe; do not offend him in anything and if possible see that Kinský falls into that mistake. Promise him that Rudolf the King proclaims religious freedom to all creeds—especially to the order of the Bohemian Brethren.

Hannewaldt.—That I must not, I cannot do! The Emperor would never consent! (To himself) And I have been the foremost to hold him back!