Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/247

 when you, for fear of losing a piece of land, or perhaps your worthless neck, withdrew and abandoned us to struggle for the cause of liberty as best we could. I, a woodman from the forest, felt the enthusiasm, the fire which lead us on; I, an humble servant, who knew no other world than the remote one which lies here around us. Oh with what a fierce joy, what uncontrollable fire I would have fought had I, like yourself, belonged to that nobility which holds all this land, claims it, when the country is in danger!

Jordán.—You admit that you are guilty.

Tomeš (With a clear voice and erect head).—I admit it, and only regret that we were unsuccessful.

Hopfling.—And do you not then fear that you will lose your life?

Tomeš.—And suppose I do? I am one man in the midst of thousands of others the loss of one such life  who will even feel it?

Hopfling.—And the punishment that must fall upon all the people you drew into this struggle with you?

Tomeš.—That they must endure and outlive. For they have been enduring an endless punishment, and suffering through no cause of their own. (With erect head.) And finally, all of us were to be sentenced to death, all who started this uprising, what would you gain by it? We are making one step forward in the advancement of the race, the thousands who follow us take a second step forward, and a third and fourth will fall to the destiny of future generations! And if we all, all our generation were to perish, this uprising is a step forward and finally the people must arrive where we have slowly been advancing no power on earth can prevent them from ultimately attaining the goal toward which we have been striving!

Dejm( Carried away).—It is so, it is so!

Jordán (Reproachfully to ).—Count!

Hopfling.—Just wait, Count! It is only too evident that such ideas did not spring up alone in the imagination of this poacher! (To ) Count, it is now your duty to bring to justice these rebellious subjects of yours. ( and look uneasy.) But first permit me to ask him a few more questions which concern you!

Beauvalle (Despairingly to one side).—It is all up with me! (To ) Carry on the trial!

Jordán (To ).—They are after you now. Act coolly and try to protect yourself.