Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/57

 Rozmberk.—I will do so, Master Secretary. Leave it with me. I will give it careful inspection, and will sign it and stamp it with my seal before I go out.

Hannewaldt.—l am preparing to leave at once. Do not consider my haste improper.

Rozmberk.—In a quarter of an hour at the latest, I will do your bidding. ( walks away.) Quickly now. Here is the key. (Taking it out from his clothes) I have kept it myself so that an accident could not possibly happen. I will speak with her to determine whether she is inclined toward me at least a trifle. (Opens the door to the right and enters.) What has happened here? The other door is open!

Bilent (Frightened, begins to tremble).—What devil has opened it? The doors were all locked!

Rozmberk (Within).—All is empty! Bilent! (Suddenly goes out.) Bilent,—where is Polyxena?

Bilent.—She must be there,—what could have become of her?

Rozmberk.—Bring her to me, and do not dare to show yourself without her! It will go ill with you!

Bilent.—I do not care to appear alive if she is lost! (Disappears into the room.)

Rozmberk.—She isn’t there! This is a conspiracy, it was agreed upon! Only Bilent could have done this! How could Zuzanka have found out,—yes, and Hannewaldt—So this is the cause of his haste, of his breathless departure! He wanted to bind my hands so they could not be released from my decision, and in the meantime it was agreed between himself and Bilent that the girl should be protected! I swear it, I shall break up this conspiracy. Bilent, have you found her?

Bilent (Returning, bewildered).—She is not there, she has vanished!

Rozmberk.—You have released her, you had an understanding with Hannewaldt and Zuzanka! If you know where she is hidden, tell me if you value your own head. If you will not tell, or do not know, I swear that you will not live through another day!

Bilent.—Mercy, have mercy on me, master! I would swear it as solemnly as though it were my judgment day, I cannot say, I do not know where she has vanished. I have told no one where she is hidden, I have been with you only—

Rozmberk.—You rascal! (Rings, shouting through the door) Lukan! Guards!

Bilent (Kneeling).—Your mercy, master, your mercy! By