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 there are pine branches, decorations, everywhere; flowers, maypoles, horses, the bodyguard, ladies in waiting, nothing but decorations, nothing but flowers everywhere.

Magistrate. Has everybody arrived from all the villages?

Franc.—Everybody, sir; they are all assembled in the courtyard, everybody, except—

Magistrate (Frowning).—Except that miller. And how about that girl of his?

Franc.—If you please, sir, she also failed to come.

Magistrate.—What did they do about the welcoming speech? To whom was it given?

Franc.—If you please, sir, that Slavonian justice of the peace would not take it, saying he should not be able to remember it.

Magistrate.—The dunce!

Franc.—So I gave it to Justice of the Peace Krouzilka.

Magistrate.—Good gracious, what have you done!

Franc.—If you please sir, he has great self-confidence.

Magistrate.—But he stutters.

Franc.—He does, sir, but when he takes pains, one can understand him.

Magistrate.—But if he spoils it! (Threateningly) Franc! (Suddenly.) How about the bodyguard? Did you send them to announce the fact, when they see that the nobility is approaching?

Franc.—They have just ridden off.

Magistrate.—What, only just now?

Franc.—If you please, sir, the nobility will leave Březovice at ten o’clock, according to the official report received in the office, and will arrive here at eleven o’clock. And then, sir, there are mortars on Hurce; there too they will give the signal.

Magistrate (Looks at his watch).—Well, that is true; there will be plenty of time if we ride out to meet them in half an hour, a short half-hour.

Franc.—If you please, sir.

Magistrate.—Well, then, have another look at the hills and give orders to the justices of the peace—no, never mind, I will give orders to them myself. I have the responsibility for the heights, one cannot depend upon you.

Franc.—If you please, sir.

Magistrate.—Then go, bring the justices of the peace. ( bows and leaves).