Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/217

 of ours and now for him we are supposed to go to battle, to risk our very lives?

Dejm.—Not for him or any other one individual. We, all together, and first of all, you, should consider that you are fighting for yourselves.

Tomeš (Stirs with gleaming eye).—For ourselves! O Count, it will come, it will happen, that we will arise to fight for our rights and protect ourselves. But at that time, we will not be with you. Then we will go forth to the scene of conflict, go forth to die ( listens with growing attention.) but by ourselves, for ourselves alone. Even though as yet we are subjected people, only weak, helpless cattle, that dumbly endure, or fall under the burden of their yoke! But there will come an hour, and when we arise, who can stem the stream, who will try to stand against us!

Dejm.—By my faith, youth, you have a courageous spirit such as is indeed seldom found. Listen, you have the mistaken idea that the nobility will not play fairly with you, that we want your support for our advantage alone. Listen then, you subjected people will gain more by this struggle than we, for you will gain that liberty for which you have so far longed!

Tomeš (Silent, then coolly).—Do you want to tell me a fairy tale, or build castles in the air?

Dejm.—But I am telling you the truth. Before many days have passed, the new king will issue a command which will lift you all out of bondage.

Tomeš (Astonished).—The new king!

Dejm.—The new king we have chosen will do so. Those French and Bavarian regiments which have arrived,—they have come to free you, to give liberty to the subjected people.

Tomeš (In doubt).—That is not possible, that cannot be!

Dejm.—Is deception speaking from me?

Tomeš.—The nobility will never permit it!

Dejm.—The freeing of the people is the first step planned. Proper amends will be made to the nobility for the loss of their service, and you will find yourselves freed men!

Tomeš (With uncertainty).—But that sounds like a bait,—a bait to catch us so we would arise and go after you to battle!

Dejm.—You must have faith in others if you would that others have faith in you! In a few days the order will come from the king to have all servitude cancelled, done away, and freedom will be granted to all who will rally around the cause of Charles