Page:Poet Lore, volume 34, 1923.djvu/75

 my will O, woe upon me! Now blood spurts from the trunk: what means that, pale moon? Speak from the sky! Thou knowest much we mortals go astray.

Radúz.—My tree, my sacred poplar, my comfort! (Embraces it.) Blood spurted from thee? Shed the blood on my brow and burn it; let me perish through that sorrow! Mother, now the blood has fallen on my head What is this? A sudden joy is within me My soul rejoices  What is this?

Mahulena (With a stronger voice).—My Radúz, my sweet Radúz! My blood has healed thee That curse has lost its power! Radúz!

Radúz (Crying in a loud voice)—Mahulena! NowI know the name, and with the name my memory returns!

(The tree bursts open and Mahulena stands before Radúz).

All.—O horror! Horror! A miracle!

Mahulena.—What is happening? Where am I? It is my Radúz! Now I know! Love is stronger than all hatred, and loving more powerful than cursing! Thou didst guess it then, Radúz, on the summit of the mountains!

Nyola.—Who is that marvellously charming maiden, veiled as with an enchantment of dreams?

Radúz.—That is she who loosed my fetters in the Tatra Mountains and led me back to thee, mother O, I will tell thee all, and thou wilt weep, weep! Bless her! Gaze upon her, upon my white dove! Mahulena thou growest ghastly pale!

Mahulena.—I am bleeding (She faints.)

Radúz.—There is blood on thy garment, on thy arm

Nyola.—Alas! My hand caused that! I have killed her?

Radúz.—Mahulena! Mahulena! She opens her eyes! And her smile shines bright!

Mahulena.—That voice calls me back to this happy, sweet life! My wound is not so deep as my joy How could I die now, when I am thine?

Nyola.—Thou forgivest me? Radúz, beg for me!

Mahulena (Kneeling).—O mother of my Radúz, revered lady! My mother cursed me because I loved him; then do thou bless me!

Nyola (Embracing her).—Thou meek dove!

Radúz.—Come, mother, to the palace! Mahulena must rest!

Nyola.—I have skill in many remedies and her wound will soon heal!