Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/395

 thought come to me before the election? Then I might have died, and my family could have been saved. But then, my death would have been an act of cowardice, of shame, and the bullet that would have pierced my brain would have branded my name with infamy and dishonor. Today, I have purchased death and paid the price—it is my reward—what peace in that eternal forgetfulness—forgetfulness of my loss, my dreams, my love, my family, my home—On this fatal day, at the bottom of my life, there is left me but death, a sure and swift death instead of a slow and painful dying. (From the right there enters a woman dressed in black).

Dr. Svoboda (In a whisper)—It is she! It is death! Come then, I have purchased you!

Hromadkova—Good Heavens! What a fright!

Dr. Svoboda—Who are you?

Hromadkova—Our former master—doctor—it is I! I only came to beg—

Dr. Svoboda—Go, go away,—leave me in peace—

Hromadkova—But, your honor, I only want to ask you to look at my eye! The other is becoming inflamed—I am afraid I will lose them both!

Dr. Svoboda—Go to a physician—I am not able—

Hromadkova—But where would I go? I have been waiting for you to return! Do not be angry at me on account of this rabble which has taken your castle—

Dr. SvoboadSvoboda [sic]—Woman! (Overcoming his impatience, he says to himself, I must be a man to the last. (To Mrs. ) Come out to the balcony. I will look at it. (They step out.)

Hromadkova—May the Lord repay you for all your goodness and bring you an easy death! You are still, gracious sir, our best friend!

Dr. Svoboda—Where is my surgical case? (Goes back into the darkened room to get it. Looking about.) Here—(Opens the case, taking out vials, instruments, and picking out one little bottle. To himself, in deep agitation.) Poison! Poison! (Holds the vial a moment in his hand, buried in thought.)

Hromadkova (From the balcony)—I pray you, dear doctor, do not forget me—