Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/59

 Rozmberk.—What is it?

Zuzanka.—Go, do not delay, she might in the meantime be bebe [sic] lost! ( goes to the wardrobe.)

Rozmberk.—Run and overtake her! Here, my wrap, I cannot go without it! ( gazes anxiously at the wardrobe. suddenly opens the door,  after her, and there is  in full view.)

Rozmberk.—What clothes are these! It is she! ( screams, and seeing that her trick is exposed, flees from the room.)

Rozmberk (Leading from the wardrobe overcome with surprise).—Lady, why were you hiding?

Polyxena (Despairingly).—Your Grace, save me, protect me!

Rozmberk.—Then it was actually a conspiracy against me after all. We will yet bring the conspirators to light.

Polyxena.—I myself wanted to escape and I will not stay here at least not alive!

Rozmberk (To Oldřich).—Go to Lukan; tell him to release Bilent at once. Let him come to me. And all the other commands which I gave, I recall them also. ( goes away.)

Rozmberk (To, half jestingly).—What frightened you, lady, that you should appear as panic-stricken as though your very life were threatened?

Polyxena.—On account of you, sir, and I beg you to remember the courtesy you owe me as a host and release me at once!

Rozmberk.—I cannot, lovely creature. You were placed under my protection during the time that your uncle is absent from Třebon.

Polyxena.—I would have no respect for his wishes if you are telling me the truth in regard to his absence.

RoxmberkRozmberk [sic].—I intended you no harm. Surely you do not think that I would injure you in any way, that you seem to fear me so?

Polyxena.—Had I not heard your conversation from my hiding place, and if the former mysterious conduct of my uncle and yourself were not as clear as the day to me now, I would suppose that the servant, your alchemist, had criminal designs and that he alone is the guilty one.