Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/218

 Albert! Help the cause of freedom, you, all of your people,—fight for this freedom with your lives, your blood!

Tomeš (Convinced, joyfully).—I believe, Count, that I can indeed have faith in you. I believe you indeed! Just point the way, show me where to go, where to lead our people, and they will follow! Be now the helper of these enslaved serfs, and be assured, the freedmen will lead you, your cause, the entire country to victory!

Dejm.—I believe in that victory ultimately, (Takes by the hand) for in your eye I see enthusiasm for the cause, I believe the people will share the same burning joy when they see liberty and freedom before them. Step out from this environment in which you have been raised, out of these woods and wild fields, appear now upon the scene of action, be a warrior for yourself and your people. In the same rank and file, we will all fight together! (In the door appears the with ) We will all risk our lives for the same cause!

Countess (Steps anxiously to the front).—Is it all decided? (To ) Do you wish to lead our people to Prague?

Tomeš.—I will lead them, gladly will I lead them! (To ) Count, (pointing to ) you have invited me to this enterprise, and I will gladly do as you bid me.

Beauvalle.—I wish it so. (Gives him his hand. speaks to the .)

Tomeš (Taking the hand of the ).—Just this morning we were opposed to each other, Count, ready to sacrifice our very lives in mutual hatred. We have come to understand each other better now, and I trust that the thorn in the flesh which worried us has disappeared. You are drawing closer to us now, to your people, and be assured, Count, that I shall gladly go to war for you if it seems best.

Countess (Stepping from to ).—You have made your decision. But have you, in the excitement of the moment, thought that it will be necessary to leave some one behind, have you thought about the game keeper’s lodge, and your own little cottage?

Tomeš (Overcome with surprise, retreats a step, and whispers).—Marie! And my mother! I have not forgotten them!