Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/236

 (Disappears with his men into the forest.)

Lída (Looking after him).—If they were to burst out and take him! (Stands a moment at the edge of the wood, then climbs a cliff, the better to look down into the forest.)

Marie (To the ).—If he reaches the scene of action!

Countess (Listening sharply).—I hear as yet no firing!

(From the left appear with  and four armed men.)

Jírak.—Impossible to reach the cottage! It is surrounded!

Vrána.—And yet we might have fired upon those who were here! The devil take it! I was all ready to go after the Count!

Tomeš (Steps out with the others).—Quickly, quickly! How easily they could lure you all into a trap! Go down to our camp and double the guards!

(The men disappear into the cliffs. remains talking with .)

Marie (Hurries with toward ).—Tomsi, Tomsi!

Tomeš (To the ).—The Count is safe.

Countess.—I thank you!

Tomeš.—Do not delay here longer, Countess, and you also Marie, so you are not injured here! ( hesitates, talks to the )

Lída (Angrily, looks first at, then into the forest; to herself half aloud).—Almost every one has gone, and yet those (pointing to the left) do not come, to capture their choicest prize! I will go after them! (Looks at and ) Just stay here a moment, only a moment longer! (Vehemently, but half aloud to as though cursing her.) Bewitch him, hold him in your power so he will hear nothing, see nothing, and gaze only at you! Be beautiful as you have never been before, and talk to him enticingly—but hold him, just keep him now,—I will run a race with the wind,—(wildly) and like a flash of lightning I will return! (Disappears to the left toward the cottage.)

Vrána (With goes into the forest).—We are leaving now. Do not stay longer here!

Tomeš.—I will come after you in a moment!

Jirak.—No, we will stay here with you till you are ready!

Vrána (Calling).—Hej, boys, three of you remain here. (Three armed men return. takes his stand to the left facing the game keeper’s cottage,  to the right toward the castle. The other three stay in the forest toward the right.)