Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/73

 Radúz.—Mother, mother! What have I said? I am a wretched creature; I know that I am a madman.

Nyola.—Thou art but ill; soon thou wilt be well once more! O, calm thyself, thou my comforting star!

Radúz.—Now thou speakest again as that dear tree whispered to me! O, now I know positively; I have heard those words! That tree, that tree! (Is about to embrace its trunk.)

Nyola.—Away from it, Radúz! That tree is the source of all thine illness; that is now plain to me! It has an evil, strange power over thee. There is an evil spirit within it, and I know who sent it! It was Runa; she hates me, and when thou didst escape her yoke, then that evil sorceress sent some unholy power to ruin thee! But I will cure thee, my child, and will save thee and myself: I know how! Runa is dead; a message came to the castle this morning and I concealed it, not wishing to speak of death amid a festival. Runa is dead; her witchcraft yonder and that evil spirit which she has sent hither to us, will take their flight—when I but fell this tree! Thus shalt thou be healed!

Radúz.—Whosoever touches that tree—woe unto him! That poplar is more precious to me than my life, and I shall defend it, thou shalt see, with desperation!

Nyola.—This indeed is more than I can bear! Well, then know that I hate that cursèd tree, which robs me of thy love, my due respect! That tree I will fell before thine eyes! By mine own strength I will overcome thine illness, since by my gentleness I have not attained my aim! Thou art a mere child in mind, and therefore it is fitting to act for thee. Here, Radovid, lift the axe and do as I bid thee.

Radovid.—Be calm, my lady; restrain thy passion and act with prudence!

Radúz.—Mother, dost thou speak thus? So harshly? I do not believe my ears!

Nyola.—Thine eyes shall see! (Guests comes forth from the palace.)

Guests.—What is happening? Thy voice, O queen, sounded as if in anger.

Nyola.—O, you have come as witnesses in due time. You have seen me broken in spirit for a whole long year! Now you shall see that I again am mistress of my will and that I know what I wish. Radovid, thou holdest the axe

Radovid.—Here it is, lady; but consider what thou art