Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/249

 Lída.— —and now you would sentence him, murder him! Your will shall not be carried out! These scattered people were once more moved to an act of desperation and are now struggling with the troops! Tomsi, here is a dagger defend your life and mine! (Presses the weapon into his hand. at first hesitates to accept it) I failed to find another weapon! ( takes the dagger.) I will yet save you I must not be eternally under your curse! ( talks excitedly with .)

Beauvalle.—What devil brought in this lunatic! (Rings) Jan, magistrate, where is everybody! (Enter magistrate and both greatly excited) Where are the other troops? (The sound of trumpets and drums is heard.)

Magistrate.—The soldiers are coming to the castle on a run! It is terrible down there! The people are fighting with the soldiers striking down everyone who comes in their way!

Dejm (Coming forward).—Prevent the useless shedding of blood! Let Tomeš go, and all will be quiet again! (Enter three servants.)

Tomeš.—Aj, once more liberty and battle in sight!

Beauvalle (Pointing to and ).—Bind them both!

Tomeš.—Back, I say! Woe to the one that touches me!

Lída.—Quick! Go down below, and be saved so you can avenge yourself upon all your murderers!

( tries to break away. Magistrate and servants rush toward him. is ready to attack one with the dagger.)

Beauvalle (Seizes a pistol from the wall).—Stand, you shall not escape! (Aims at )

(Cries from below. Tomsi. Tomsi)

( sees what is about to do, and rushes toward him with a cry to prevent it.  turns toward him; the magistrate pulls  away, the  fires.)

Tomeš (With his hand on his breast).—That was well aimed! (Falls; leaps toward him.)

Lída (Leaps toward, in despair).—Wounded? Tomsi (wringing her hands) then I can’t save you?

Tomeš.—Wounded,—unto death!

Lída (Cries out; kneeling at the left of, turns toward ).—That curse which fell upon me, may it eternally, eternally rest upon you by me, and this poor youth whom you mercilessly killed, may you be everlastingly accursed! (Below is heard the fresh sound of trumpets.)