Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/27

 Chorus of Maidens (Sings).—

The two rows advance towards each other; the youths, holding hands, raise their arms; under the arches so formed the maidens pass, letting hands go: then the two rows again stand opposite each other, but not holding hands.

One of the Youths (Sings).—

One of the Maidens (Sings).—

One of the Youths (Sings).—

''The youths give chase to the maidens now fleeing, and when they catch them take from each either a ring or a nosegay from her belt. Just then an uproar is heard behind the scenes. Frightened, they cease from their game.''

Runa (Behind the scenes).—Pull the fetters tighter, tighter, even if blood spurts from beneath his nails!

Mahulena.—My blood runs cold: what does that mean?

Enter, the bodyguard, and , leading in fetters, and.