Page:Poet Lore, volume 33, 1922.pdf/250

 Voices below.—Troops! The soldiers! (The sound of drums and trumpets, then the screams of the people, as they flee, until all becomes quiet again.)

Beauvalle (With the smoking pistol in his hand, points to )—Seize her! (The servants rush toward her.)

Lída.—I know of but one means of escape! Goodbye, Tomeš in a short time we will meet again! (Rushes through the crowd to the open window, and leaps out.)

Dejm.—Hold her!

Jordán (Who with rushed to the window after her).—She was dead as soon as she struck the ground!

(Enter the with .)

, magistrate, the park keeper,, servants, later the troops.

Marie (Sees, seems at first to be paralyzed).—Tomsi, Tomsi! (Rushes toward him) Murdered!

Tomeš.—Marie!

Countess.—Count Beauvalle, what criminal committed this deed! (Kneels at the other side of .)

Beauvalle.—Isn’t he dead yet

Tomeš.—Be at peace I will be before long. (Rises and looks at ) And I was prepared to do battle and die for you and now at your hands I accept my death! (Sinks back) Dejm Marie, my  I have finished the struggle! (He dies. screams.)

Dejm (Approaching ).—Beauvalle, this was murder foul murder! Both you and I were far more to blame than this boy!

Jordán (To ).—Count Dejm, others beside yourself are convinced of your guilt! (Draws out a long sheet.) By the power of this edict, you are now my prisoner!

Dejm (Surprised, composes himself at once).—Well then, here is my answer! (Draws a dagger.) Defend yourself! (Three soldiers with drawn swords step to the front, and face .)

Jordán (Calmly).—Give me your weapon! As a leader and arch rebel in this uprising, you are now deprived of your title and estates, and only by the mercy of the Empress, Marie Teresa,