Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/74

 beginning. Wouldst thou live in anger with thine own child? And why this anger? For a mere tree!

Nyola.—The hour of peaceful counsel is past, Radovid! Despair has brought me back to duty. If need be, let Radúz hate me, provided only that I cure him! Stand aside, Radúz! And Radovid, go thou and fell the tree, now, directly before his eyes and mine.

Radúz.—Not a step shalt thou take! The king commands!

Nyola.—Thou art king, my lord; but I am thy mother, and if not in the kingdom, in the house I am the first, and it is befitting to do what I command. Wouldst thou overthrow the ancient custom of thy forefathers? Is a child greater than a mother?

Radúz.—Before thee I bow my head, mother mine Yet this tree I will protect with mine own life.

Nyola.—And I will rather give up mine own life than yield in this. Radovid, do what I have commanded.

Radúz.—But I place myself in the way, and woe to him, I say, who as an enemy draws near that tree!

Nyola (Taking the axe from Radovid).—Then woe to me, thy mother! I see that thou hast no weapon. Here is my dagger Well, take it, how else wouldst thou forbid my advance to yonder poplar?

All.—Horror! Horror!

Radúz.—Mother, mother, those frightful words should never have issued from thy lips!

Nyola.—Then stand aside!

Radúz.—I cannot!

Nyola.—Let me pass! That cursèd tree is sucking forth thy soul, thy heart, thy brain; and therefore it shall perish! (She runs towards the tree, lifting the axe with both hands.)

Radúz.— Mother, hold!

Nyola.—To the dust, thou evil spirit! (Strikes the tree.)

Mahulena (Within the tree).—Ah!

Guests.—O dreadful wonder! A human voice sounded from within the poplar!

Radúz.—A sigh! What a sigh was that! It pierced my bosom!

Mahulena (Drowsily and feebly).—O, strike, strike! But do not wound my heart! That bleeds even without thy wounds!

Nyola (Dropping the axe).—Fear and pity seize me against