Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/64



Zuzanka.—Where can I find help in this terrible moment, who will now prevent the disaster which must now follow his frenzy and despair. I cannot go farther (catching hold of a chair for support). My body is as lead, and I tremble like a quaking asp leaf! Oldřich, go for Lukan, the servants, the guards! ( disappears.) No one is here! If some one would only come to prevent his madness before the master returns! He is here!

Ctibor (Returns with an ax in hands).—Lady, do not call any one to interfere—unless you send for Rozmberk himself, that I may fell him on the very spot where my Polyxena perished. Before my own head falls, I must be avenged!

(Strikes the door a mighty blow with the ax. screams, lowering her head, so she will not see what is happening within. The door flies open. Nothing but darkness in the laboratory.  enters, looks about, then steps into the room, saying:) What does it mean! (Suddenly comes forth laughing, followed by . The ax drops from ’s hand. A moment of silence follows.)

Zuzanka (Who has noticed everything).—Miss Polyxena!

Polyxena.—Ctibor!

Ctibor (As though in a dream).—Polyxena,—are you alive?

Zuzanka.—And uninjured?

Ctibor.—I do not believe my eyes—

Polyxena.—It is I. Nothing happened to me.

Ctibor.—How is that possible?

Zuzanka.—But you were in the flames!

Bilent.—Ha, ha,ha! And all singed! (Vanishes into the next room.)

Polyxena.—Not at all. It was just a scheme to frighten me.

Ctibor.—Only a terrible joke of the master’s?

Polyxena.—A terrible jest,—doubtless his own idea, but nevertheless a jest!