Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/226

 Dejm (Overcome but firm).—Count Beauvalle, you do not really mean what you are saying?

Tomeš (With decision).—What a command! But I cannot, I will not obey it!

Beauvalle (To ).—I command and warn you! Your head is my security!

Tomeš.—With my head, my life at stake, I promise you to fulfill and accomplish that which I undertake to do! I have the people, I have the arms, I have my life and shall have it in my own keeping!

Beauvalle.—I will not stand by the Bavarian! I was frightened, overcome with apprehensions!

Tomeš.—Then I must take everything upon myself, upon my own responsibility! If you are afraid for your life, your estates, then step aside! You will be secure, spare yourself any possible punishment, and I will risk my own life instead!

(The people crowd toward them.)

Beauvalle.—I will not give in! (Seeing the people) What do these people want? (Calls) Put away your arms! Instantly disarm! (Uproar among the people.)

Tomeš.—You are without the power, Count, to give such command now! I with these people will go forth into the field of action, and nothing can prevent us!

Beauvalle.—I still am the master here. (To the people) Disarm Tomeš at once!

People (Six men leap to the side of to protect him).—Shield him!

TomesTomeš [sic] (Ironically to the ).—This is your power! (To the people) The Count forbids us to leave for Prague, to join the ranks of the new king who would give us our freedom. I am going forth. Who will voluntarily join me?

The PoeplePeople [sic].—All of us! To Prague! To Prague! Down with serfdom!

Beauvalle (To himself).—And if serfdom is abolished, I could no longer be master over my own people!

Tomeš (To ).—No one can hold us longer in subjection. From the very grave we have risen again, and if we wish to live once more, we must earn our freedom by fighting for it. (To the people) For the present the field at Vrána’s must be our camp! As soon as all the brothers have assembled, we will start for Prague!