Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/338

 Hromadka.—We,—gracious lady— How could I  I, Hromadka,—and not this gentleman  God bless you  (offers his hand to  who backs away.) Well then  (Presses the hand of  who winces at his grasp, and steps to one side where  and  stand laughing.)

Filipina (Quictly laughing, to her mother).—That was a sincere handshake.

Klementina (Jokingly, holding her hand)—It was

Skala.—Since we are all here, permit, dear sir, permit me to express what is in my heart. Well, then, (Raising his voice) Gracious sir, and your respected family! We, the plain but good people of the village of Lhot, are overjoyed because you, our beloved freeholder, philanthropist and recognized patriot, such as is seldom known, have again accepted the election and become, once more, our benefactor and magistrate. We feel as if all anxiety, all care, had fallen from our shoulders

Jaroslav (Quietly),—I believe you that is just what you wish, you rascals!

Skala.—Because you, gracious sir, look after the village, well, just as—no offence, sir,—just as a hen looks after its brood. ( is laughing in the midst of the ladies who are trying to suppress their mirth.)

Jaroslav.—Boors, you mean, not a brood of chickens!

Skala.—Whatever we have in the village that is worth mentioning, the school, the parsonage, the church—these were all built by you, gracious sir, or at least improved. You give the people an opportunity to earn their living, you advise and help them in all things. And so, we thank God for the blessings.

Jaroslav (In a low voice).—Of getting drunk and making merry at our expense.

Skala.—And we only hope that you, good sir, may honor that dignified office to which we have again elected you, and hold it to the end of your days.

Members of the deputation.—Glory!

.—Hromadko, place the signal, (Pointing to the balcony,) up there!

Hromadka (Leaping to the balcony, waves a red handkerchief, and shouts).—Glory!

People (Beneath the window).—Glory! Glory! Glory!

Dr. Svoboda.—I thank you, my friends, for this honor. The