Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/49

 strange, I cannot grasp their meaning. Why should I make him angry?

Hannewaldt.—I cannot say more,—just conduct yourself as I have told you. (Walks away after gazes after him with a puzzled expression.)

Bilent.—Graceful lady, I will now perform a very welcome duty.

Polyxena.—The whole matter is so mysterious that I cannot grasp it.

Bilent.—It is an idiosyncrasy of our ruler. Unusual beauty always captivates him, then he wishes to confer favors and bestow jewels and riches upon the one that he admires.

Polyxena.—Yes, I have heard something to that effect about his generosity, but I did not expect to share it.

Bilent.—And I thought so at once. If it is your pleasure, seat yourself, and I will open this at once. (Agitated, walks over to the table to open a jewel case.) Here you see, lady, what faith the master imposes in me. In this box there are riches valued at how many hundreds, I cannot say. I would not lie were I to state that their value might be placed at thousands. What is the matter that I cannot open it. But here it is. (Opening) Just look pretty lady,—you do not see as yet—

Polyxena.—Then how am I to look?

Bilent.—Ha, ha, (wiping the perspiration from his forehead) I meant to say that here we have just the cases. You will find the treasures within them. (Opening one.)

Polyxena.—Ah!

Bilent.—Just determine which one you will have.

Polyxena.—If the master is pressing the offer, I must not reject it, and I will accept these ear rings.

Bilent.—Aj, mere ruby sparks, of very little value. It would not go well with me were I to permit you to accept them. I dare not offer you less than this diamond pin. That is the very least that can be conferred at Třebon on such a beauty as you.

Polyxena.—Such a valuable gift I dare not accept.

Bilent.—Then you will vex Count Rozmberk.