Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/228

 Tomeš.—I doubt whether one escaped us. Schirnding did not even wait to be invited by the Count to come! He saw what was up, so he came back with his troops!

Jírak.—He wants to smother the flame we started before it is fanned into something beyond his control. That Count of ours, the devil take him, is giving all the help he possibly can! (Steps are heard to the right. looks in that direction, and seizes his rifle.) Some one comes!

(Enter, covered by a cloak.)

Tomeš.—Count Dejm! (Descends from the cliff and approaches to greet him.) Count!

Dejm (Extending his hand).—At last I have found you!

Tomeš (Taking his hand).—And are you not endangering yourself?

Dejm.—It does not matter. I leave in an hour. By that time the soldiers of Schirnding should arrive here from Pilsen,—and it is even possible that the first company will be here sooner!

Tomeš.—The work of the Count! But the Count and Schirnding are taking the wrong course!

Dejm.—Do not be mistaken! You cannot attack Schirnding!

Tomeš.—No, not yet. There are but a few of us as yet, and we can only defend ourselves. We will not descend into the field against him now, and if he wishes, let him look for us in Vrána’s low lands. But by this evening, there will be at least three hundred more added to our forces, and then it will be possible, I think, to surround Schirnding and keep my promise!

Dejm.—If you could attack them here, it would of course be splendid! But remember, brother, the first step is to hasten to Prague as soon as possible, to strengthen the forces there! Do not delay longer than is necessary!

(From the left appear a crowd of serfs led by . On their shoulders they carry scythes, rifles, forks, etc. They march along, talking eagerly to each other, across the right of the scene to the cliffs.)

Tomeš.—I shall see how many men Schirnding will bring with him. If it is impossible to attack them, we will march for Prague tomorrow.

Dejm.—How many rifles have you?

Tomeš.—All that we found in the armory, or whatever we had at home.

Dejm.—I will see that you are equipped better. I am now