Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/53

 Kinský.—I am certain that she must be, unless unseen spirits have carried her away under the very eyes of those who are now on guard for me.

Zuzanka.—We will soon know. (Opens the door at the right and enters.) Nobody is here.

Kinský (Alone).—Then a little further away, in the adjoining room! (to himself) Everything is a lottery now, and one hazardous play may yet restore to me what I have gained and lost.

(Screams from the adjoining room.  rushes out followed by .)

Polyxena.—Save me, save me, Lady!

Zuzanka (Trembling with fear while she hangs to a chair).—Save you, lady? It appears to me that I would serve you to a poor purpose by doing so.

Polyxena.—Oh take pity on me, and if possible help me to escape from this dreadful place!

Zuzanka (Surprised).—You wish to flee?

Kinsky (Aside to ).—We were mistaken. She seems to be innocent.

Polyxena.—I was trapped! Bilent imprisoned me, then turned a deaf ear to all my pleas. He went away, leaving me alone!

Zuzanka (Quietly to ).—Rozmberk had her trapped.

Kinský (To ).—But surely with Hannewaldt’s consent. Away with her, away from here! In the interest of your own cause, prevent Rozmberk from seeing her again. (To ) If you have faith in us, the lady will hide you for the present, and I will take you from the palace as soon as the way is clear.

Polyxena (To and ).—Do so, protect me!

Zuzanka.—Gladly, I will gladly help you. But first you must leave this room, and go to my apartment.

Kinský.—Is it possible to get her out of here?

Polyxena.—I will run away if I must fight an opening through a multitude.

Kinský (Goes to the door at the left and opens it).—All in vain!

Polyxena and Zuzanka (Simultaneously).—What did you say?

Kinský.—Here is Rozmberk!

Polyxena.—Good Heavens!