Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/40

 I tell thee that there is wisdom in freeing thyself of Radúz, for while he lives he threatens thee because of that which has already occurred! And I further tell thee that thou art warming a serpent in thy bosom, that Mahulena will betray thee, me, us all! Thou dost not guess what love can make of a woman!

Stojmír.—Thou dost disturb me deeply! Thine every word seems like an arrow! And yet I do not believe in that love of Mahulena for him.

Runa.—Wouldst thou have proofs? Yonder she approaches with her sisters. I will give thee proof! But tell me, thou quivering reed, that thou wilt finally yield me Radúz.

Stojmír..—What wouldst thou do with him—what dost thou intend—?

Runa.—Destroy him! I am acquainted with mysterious charms, thou knowest. I have prepared a potion which like a flash will thrust him into the shadow of the night. Now, speak briefly; if I prove to thee the guilt, the treason of thy daughter, wilt thou give the prince into my hands?

Stojmír.—Whither dost thou urge me? Into what abyss art thou dragging me?

Runa.—Be a man, faint-heart, and briefly answer me yes.

Stojmír.—Well, then be it so, Runa, not—

Runa.—Thou hast said, “Be it so!” So it shall be. But silence now, already they are near. Ziva! Prija! Have you been seeking us?

(, and have come in.)

Prija.—We were eagerly looking into the distance from the hilltop, to see whether clouds of dust were rising on the horizon, announcing the approach of our guests.

Ziva.—But it has been in vain as yet: now we shall climb the tower, from which one can see farther. How merry it will be in the palace! What songs there will be, what laughter!

Runa.—And thou, Mahulena, art thou not glad?

Prija.—As if without a soul she walks about with us; she speaks not, and where we place her, there she stands.

Runa.—Is this true, Mahulena, what Prija says?

Mahulena.—True? I failed to hear what she said.

Ziva.—Wake up then! (Shakes her.) Of what art thou dreaming?

Mahulena.—I was deep in thought.

Runa.—And about what, child?