Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/336



''Without the village band is playing as it approaches from a distance. The music ceases before the conversation in the salon begins. At the entrance to the balcony stands with his two daughters,  and ; within the salon his wife, his son, , and the two visitors,  and''.

Anezka (Plainly attired; looking gloomy).—They are here!

Filipina (Gayly).—Music! A horseback procession! Flower maids and our seven firemen!

Anezka.—The school-master, the village council, and all the people behind them!

Filipina.—Papa, papa! This is all in your honor!

Dr. Svoboda (Banteringly).—Just take notice of all the honor conferred upon me! They have elected me a magistrate for the third time, and now they have prepared this procession to surprise me! (He steps to the door of the balcony but does not appear upon it.)

Jaroslav.—Because they are expecting a good time. They look forward to it as though they were going to celebrate a feast-day.

Klementina.—Jaroslav!

Jaroslav (To ).—What a rabble! They want to do nothing but eat and drink! What a pity that Baron Siegdorf didn’t come! What sport he would have out of this!

Scheffel.—Do not begrudge the people their pleasure. It is right that they should try to show their respect for the owner of the castle!

Klementina.—Certainly! I myself would not tolerate anything extreme in the way of a celebration. But we surely can accept this tribute of respect!

Scheffel.—Why, you are a great freeholder here!

Klementina.—Ach! A freeholder! Where are those days when the owners of the great estates were almost on the same level with the nobility! We are now but common citizens,—just like those howling down below!

Scheffel.—It seems to me, gracious lady, that it all depends on you whether you will become anything else. You were born into a noble family from Jiranek—

Jaroslav (Ironically).—Oh, we are the real thing, the genuine nobility! My grandfather on my mother's side was a tanner in Nachod