Page:Poet Lore, volume 31, 1920.djvu/75



Kinský (Joyfully to ).—I hear your answer, which awakens hope within me, and gives me some reason to think that Mr. Hannewaldt’s former derision may be turned upon himself. He said that he was the victor, and now he seems to see fleet winged victory fluttering away from him!

Rozmberk (Proceeding calmly as before).—And I wish to add that I shall make no agreement with Matthias!

Kinský (to himself).—Spoiled! (Aloud) Brother, I trust, not only to the advantage of the Archduke, but also for your own sake, that you will reconsider that answer.

Rozmberk (Shortly).—As you will; from me there is no other forthcoming.

Kinský.—Then all is lost!

Hannewaldt.—Count, you cannot remain neutral at a time like this,—you must either take up the cause of Rudolf or Matthias!

Rozmberk.—And who will compel me to do so?

Kinský.—Your power, and the honor of the House of Rozmberk, which will not permit you to remain of less consequence to the cause than the meanest yeoman who is fighting for a palmful of land.

Hannewaldt.—King Rudolf offers you all you may wish.

Kinský.—The most brilliant future awaits you, count, under Matthias. Just remember that in Hungary there is Illeshazy, Cernembl in Austria, and Zerotin of Moravia, leading the nobility in the cause for Matthias,—in Bohemia, that leadership rightfully belongs to you.

Hannewaldt.—The Bohemian nobility is taking a stand with Rudolf, and the Archprince Leopold is gathering his forces, which may come to the aid of the king at any moment. In Hungary, Moravia, and Austria, the cause of Rudolf is the stronger—

Kinský.—If His Majesty can employ some sorcerer’s charm to gain that end. Otherwise all three of those lands are lost to him.

Hannewaldt.—And they will not be lost (to ) even though you made the assertion still stronger, and even though the Archduke Matthias had promised you, for your support, even greater estates than Chlumec and Kolín. ( is surprised,