Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/30

 Prija.—Dost thou wish to seem valiant? Why then dost thou breathe so heavily? That does not bear witness to the calm of courage.

Radúz.—I am thirsty, believe me; that is why I breathe so heavily.

Runa.—Quench thy thirst with thy tears.

Stojmír.—Enough of mockery now! Přibina, I will leave Radúz to thy charge. Release Radovid at the border, that he may bring home his news. I am going home now. Take the prisoner and cast him into the depths of that old tower which stands in the dark forest beneath the crag, and which is termed enchanted.

Runa.—Throw him there into the darkness among the vermin.

Radovid.—O Radúz, O my prince, that I must part with thee thus!

Radúz.—Go, Radovid, and torment not my heart by thy complaining. Dost thou wish that my emotion arouse further mockery? Tell my mother—O, Radovid!

Radovid.—Not a word more! I know what thou wouldst say! (He departs with a few of the king’s bodyguard.)

Stojmir.—Now up, let us go. Přibina, fulfill my commands strictly.

(He departs with, followed by all except , who remains behind. She approaches Radúz, who stands not far from the spring. and two men stand at some distance behind him.)

Radúz (To ).—Lead me on. (Seeing, who is now standing beside him). Thou, maiden, hast as yet been silent, and hast not mocked at my misfortune. Now wilt thou make up for thy delay?

Mahulena.—Art thou thirsty?

Radúz.—Why dost thou ask?

Mahulena (Dipping up water in her hand).—Drink! (Raises her hand to his lips.)

Radúz.—I cannot My lips tremble like my heart at thy goodness I saw thee as in a mist when thou wast standing at a distance, and with anguish I judged that thou wouldst be as evil as were those other two. O, laugh me to scorn!

Mahulena.—How could I laugh, Radúz—since I am weeping!