Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/337

 Klementina (Angrily).—Jaroslav!

Jaroslav (Approaching with a laugh).—And my grandfather in Vienna was first a manufacturer, then a member of the commissary department in the army, and finally a noble.

Scheffel.—That reflects nothing but honor upon your grandfather who advanced so rapidly through his own efforts. (To .) If your husband, gracious lady, would give us some indication of being ambitious, you might have your desire gratified, and become elevated to the rank of the nobility!

Klementina.—Yes, if he only were different from what you see him! But my husband! His whole concern and only pleasure in life consists in curing ailing farmers! And his aspiration, his highest ambition, is to be a Bohemian representative! When I married a physician’s title, I hoped that my husband would become a noble. But, (with a short and bitter laugh) those dreams have vanished, long ago. It is better to turn from such meditations and watch the procession which the village has prepared in honor of Dr. Svoboda. (Walks with to the balcony.)

Kytka (To ).—It would please me greatly if I should have such an honor as this conferred upon me!

Jaroslav.—You have only to become a justice of the peace in your community to have a similar comedy conferred upon you!

Kytka (Laughing).—That would be fine! As though I have not enough to do, taking care of myself, without having an entire community to look after.

Klementina (To her husband)—Come! Step out on the balcony so the people can see you! Agnes, Filipina, step aside a bit!

Dr. Svoboda (Walks out on the balcony.)

People (Shouting under the window).—Long live the doctor! Long live our magistrate!

(A deputation from the village council steps forth;, the parson, schoolmaster, and two representatives.)

, the parson, school-master, and the two representatives.

Skala (A fleshy, but restless, sanguine, and somewhat elderly farmer).—God bless you, gracious sir! May you prosper, you with all your titled family!

Dr. Svoboda (Laughing).—Born, friend, not a titled family! (Greets the others.)

Klementina.—I welcome you, friends.