Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/67



Polyxena (Seriously to ).—Forgive him, Count; do not destroy in your wrath one who would gladly give his life for you.

Rozmberk (With icy malice).—I take you at your word. If, as you have just said, lady, he feels this great devotion for me, he will not find it hard to die in obedience to my command.

Polyxena.—But that life will be lost to me, to me! Master if you have ever felt the strength and wonder of love, if you have ever felt that mysterious power which draws two mortals together, let me plead with you, in the name of that love, do not inflict the penalty of death upon the object of my devotion.

Rozmberk.—You are using weak excuses, lady, in making your appeal to me.

Polyxena.—Do not talk, master, I pray you, as though you had lost all humane feeling toward others.

Rozmberk (Haughtily).—But I expect discretion of speech, lady, even from those who are my guests.

Kinský (Who has been talking aside to, says secretly). You sent for me. I will act according to your wishes, but pray do dodo [sic] not forget my interests.

Polyxena (to ).—Do not take offense, sir, at the solicitude of a guest—

Rozmberk (Graciously).—Should you so desire, lady, you may yet realize the consummation of your wishes.

Polyxena.—Punish me, then. It is on my account that Ctibor committed that offense for which you now would punish him. I am to blame. So, master, inflict the punishment on me, but let Ctibor be spared!

Zuzanka (Hanging on the arm of ).—Have mercy on him, master; remember that your joke was the cause of his fatal jest.

Kinský.—He deserves to be punished; his offence is very great. But be merciful, brother, to one who has been bewitched by a woman’s charm and beauty. Let him live; do not destroy their love by the sharp edge of the sword.