Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/237



Marie (To ).—This struggle frightens me! Leave these people go! Return to us!

Tomeš.—It is now impossible! Not one, not one of our men will now return to his former life without a struggle! Since Count Dejm has spoken to me, I feel as though a new heaven and new earth were about to open to us! We will never again subject ourselesourselves [sic] to the degrading condition of serfdom! Rather would we all perish and die here now!

Marie (Anxiously).—And how terrible are your words, how frightful will this conflict become! You have not even left this place, and see! how terrifying the aspect of things has become! How can any good arise from this!

Tomeš.—With certainty good must come of it, my Marie. And all who go to war are not going to be killed! We shall return victorious and a happier day will dawn for you and me after the conflict is over!

Marie.—You must not go! I am frightened for your safety!

Countess.—Just consider well one thing. All the troops of the Empress disappeared at the coming of the new ruler. And today, his retainers fear that Prague will besieged,—and the new king, no one seems to even know where he is!

Tomeš.—But that is not a sufficient cause for deserting him. He is fighting not only for himself, but alsalso [sic] for us, and we,—we must win something from this conflict for ourselves and not depend entirely upon him!

Vrána (Approaching).—Tomsi, we are here all alone. Do not delay longer. Who knows what the Countess and that child with her are trying to convince you to do! Come to your men! They need you, they are now alone!

Tomeš.—I will guard you and myself also. And you, in the meantime, do not conduct yourself so surlily toward the Countess and my betrothed!

Vrána.—Well, well, I suppose I can say what I think! (Goes away.)

Countess.—Your people entertain fears for your safety. We must not keep you here longer.

Marie.—Oh Tomeš, will you ever return to your little cottage and to us?