Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/223

 the armory. Go with Vitek, give out the arms! ( and go after the people.)

Millesimo.—This is dreadful! This is terrible!

Jan (Making room among the crowded people).—Step back! (Announces) Baron Schirnding, newly arrived from Pilsen!

(From the rear approaches Baron Schirnding, a haughty military figure with white hair and beard.)

; later with the people.

( overcome, leans against the table.)

Schirnding (Steps forward, greets the ).—Pardon, I beg you, in these disturbed days, my unexpected appearance!

Countess.—To our guests and (pointedly) our friends, our home is always open!

Schirndirg (Not getting the meaning of her words).—The Count your husband, is he not also here? ( approaches toward him.) Here in his own person! For an instant I failed to see you. (Shakes hands with .)

Beauvalle (Carefully).—I have heard that you took possession of Pilsen?

Schirnding.—It was a great undertaking, in which, Count, I greatly desire your assistance.

Beauvalle (Coldly).—And how could I assist you?

Schirnding.—I came to request that, which to my great joy I see that you have already done. ( leads the armed people to whom points.  stirs uneasily.) You have already gathered together your people and armed them!

Beauvalle.—That is so,—but,—

Schirnding.—Yes, the forces of the empire are yet far distant. Take your people to Pilsen. (With emphasis) In fourteen days I will assemble there the kernel of the Reservists! Our regiments will soon be prepared to go against the French and Bavarians, and surely they will scatter them! We will scatter the last of their troops from Pilsen! (Sees ) You, brave youth, will you lead forth the armed people? (Points to them.)

Tomeš (Advances nearer).—That is the case, Colonel, and we firmly believe that victory will be ours! (Shouts as he waves his hat) Long live His Highness, our Bohemian king!

People (Shout).—Long live the king!