Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/348

 Humble am I at all times, and obedient

To you, Princess, not only when expedient.

Josef Zajíček, who was born in Lhota,

In the mountains of Jestřáb living out his quota,

In Bukovic, has penned you this petition;

Disclosing all his poverty-poor position;

The date, it being the thirtieth of June,

When into my window shone the evening moon.

has become sorrowful because of the recitation, and gazes thoughtfully at .)

Zajíček (Taken aback).—Good Lord, Hanička, you say nothing, but just stare.

Hanička.—I am sorry for you, because you stoop and humiliate yourself so humbly.

Zajíček.—Since I must! Think, just think, Hanička, there is a teacher’s position open in the town. If I could get it, I should also be choir master! Just think, I should sit at the organ of the parish church, direct the choir! Heavens, what joy! And it would pay, too; fine salary and wages, several cords of wood, gifts, and the stole will provide surplice fees in money. Why, I could marry Dornička immediately, just think, at that very instant! And in time, I could procure a spinning wheel. Heavens, what a living I could make! That’s why I plead, that’s why I bow down so humbly. How many times have I had to do so for nothing. And before whom do I bow—before mere fools! But I say: What can I do, how can I help myself? And I rejoice that I really am different and I forget their stupid pride; particularly when I play, when the music just carries me away, and I become inwardly comforted, as when the weather clears up beautifully. And even when I do not play, but just sit about in the evenings, or even in the night, when I hear beautiful music, I actually hear in my heart and soul a strange, beautifulDo you understand me?

Hanička.—I do.

Zajíček (Is disturbed).—I hear it. I hear it! If only I could grasp it, grasp it!

appears unobserved in the doorway of the mill.

Zajíček.—But sometimes, when they gaze at me as if from