Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/362



Magistrate.—Of course you know that I shall be the first to welcome the Princess. I, the first, and that is no small matter. First, one is obliged to have literary ability and then to know how to conduct oneself. Just imagine, if you had to stand before Her Highness and make an address; your knees certainly would shake.

Franc.—Indeed, sir, they certainly would.

Magistrate—Well, then, I have the speech polished up, but it is a trifle too long; so, in order that I may be certain; you know, (abruptly) we will go over it. (Hands him the paper.) I will recite it and you must see that I omit nothing. So then, ready! (Stands facing him.) First of all, and before anything else, a bow, of course, (but he does not make it) and then: “Most serene, most gracious lady of highest station, our Princess! The long anticipated—

Franc.—If you please, sir, “eagerly.”

Magistrate (Vexed).—What “eagerly”?

Franc.—If you please, sir, it follows the word “long.”

Magistrate (Angered).—Don’t I know it? Why, I’ve said it already. So then: “eagerly anticipated day”—

Franc.—If you please, sir, I beg pardon.

Magistrate.—Don’t confuse me any more.

A rapping is heard at the door.

''holds his clarinet. The petition projects from his pocket. He bows profoundly.''

Magistrate.—What is this? How dare you! Who let him in? And those people over there—?

Zajíček—Most noble, gracious magistrate, to your Honor I humbly do not deny that I have been a teacher’s assistant at Lohovice and likewise at Bukovice for eight years, as well as a leading clarinet player—

Magistrate.—Be still. In short, what do you want?

Zajíček.—I would humbly request that you be kind enough