Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/361



Magistrate. (Carefully looks about him, pulls a paper out of his breasts pocket, takes a pinch of snuff, unfolds the paper, reads; then begins walking up and down, speaks in a low tone, repeats to himself from the paper, finally places it on a table near the wall and picks up his hat from the same table. With his hat in his left hand, he stations himself in front of the chair under the canopy, bows profoundly, and begins).—''Most serene, most gracious lady of highest station, our Princess! The long eagerly anticipated day has come (Pauses, having forgotten how to continue; is about to reach for the paper on the table, but again steps before the throne and begins.) The long eagerly anticipated day has come for us— [ enters and gazes in surprise at the, enter behind , perplexed and smiling. The stops abruptly and hurriedly removes the paper from the table.) What—what are you—O! (Haughtily draws himself up.'') I sent for you. I wish to inform you that I order and demand that each one of you charge your people, whether foot soldiers or cavalrymen, in what manner they are to station themselves in rows at the welcoming ceremony; that every one, be he short or tall, of masculine or feminine gender, menials or maids of honor—should, when the nobility is arriving—You there, Votruba, in the rear—what are you laughing at?—I repeat, I command that you cry out, or rather shout, at her entrance, “Vivat!” Let every one shout, “Vivat! Vivat!” and the bailiff will correct with the hazel stick anyone who does not do so; and the chief officer here, together with his subordinates, will keep watch; whosoever may prove to be a rebel, they will—Votruba, I’ll have you locked up; you are grinning again. So have everybody shout with all their might, joyfully, happily, “Vivat!”

Votruba (With a feeble voice).—Vivat!

Magistrate (Angered).—Votruba! (To ) Don’t forget him; he is a rebel, shut him up in jail, but not until after the ceremony. (.) Did you understand? Joyfully, “Vivat!”

Justices of the Peace.—We understand. We beg most humbly, we understood.

Magistrate (Haughtily).—Now go, and do as I told you.

bow and leave.

Magistrate.—Franc, wait a bit.