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 my house. But I must not rest under the shadow of failing to give my allegiance to those who are striving to fortify the country for its united strength for the future. (To ) Accept then, my word and that of my wife, that we have taken our stand with the new king, which our order has summoned into the country.

Bubna.—Then you are ours, and the king may announce your allegiance!

Dejm (Pressing the hand of ).—I knew you would finally come to this decision, and was not discouraged by your excuses.

Bubna.—And now the support he needs! The king expects you, all the other nobles, to summon your serfs and equip your people for military action!

Beauvalle.—Do not make this demand,—spare me this one thing!

Countess (Aside to the ).—You had better consent to do it.

Beauvalle (To and  with emphasis).—Then I shall prepare and equip two hundred people. You may announce it to your king.

Bubna.—And lead them yourself?

Beauvalle.—That is asking too much. I will not consent to such a demand.

Bubna.—Then at least give them a leader!

Beauvalle.—But where shall I find one?

Dejm (Nods his head as a new thought comes to him).—You have one here, at hand now!

Beauvalle.—Whom have you in mind?

Dejm.—The youth who was just now here.

Beauvalle.—Splendid!

Countess.—But I cannot spare him!

Beauvalle.—Why? (The game keeper, appears at the castle.)

Countess.—It might spoil the future happiness of his life and that of another.

Beauvalle.—Pah! This is a time when I must forget my own good fortune and happiness; I cannot now consider the interests of another. Excuse me, Countess. (Sees .) Here, Jan! Go at once to find Vitka Tomeš, and bring him here to me!