Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/385

 you! Save yourself, save us, save the children! You will be their destroyer unless you do as I beg you—and me you will drive away from you.

Dr. Svoboda (In amazement).—It is incredible you mean that you would leave me?

Klementina.—I would. Otherwise, I would be driven to madness over your folly. I could never endure the sight of the vultures which would soon be clawing at our most sacred possessions.

Dr. Svoboda (Shortly, with terrible suppressed anger).—I, the destroyer of my children—I, a madman before whom his own flesh and blood must flee? A madman? Have my actions ascribed to madness if you will, proclaim me a lunatic bereft of all reason! But that lunatic, thief, and destroyer of his hearth, will not consent to have his name, the name of his fathers, stained by an act of dishonor! He will not betray his own convictions! Though his own lost roof were to sink in on his head, he will remain true to his people, the Czechish blood from which he sprang forth!

''The same room, with dismantled walls, and the executioners sale in progress. A lounge is in the center of the room. Clothes, pictures, various articles are strewn upon it. About the room are scattered dishes, books, mirrors, relics, revolvers; the draperies and curtains torn down.''

At the table sits, taking an inventory of the goods which and  are looking over.

Dub (Examining a Persian rug, which he casts aside).—What is this rag worth? It might yet be used to wipe one’s boots on. Put down, Mr. Cizek, two florins.

Prochazka.—Isn’t that too much?

Dub.—Then make it one and fifty.

Cizek.—One and fifty.

Dub (Picking up some clothing).—This rag you might put down for about five florins.

Prochazka.—What an idea! Three is more than enough!

Dub.—Then make it three. Those pictures—write down—there are five of them—let them go at two apiece.