Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/392

 Sejtko.—I should have roared at him too, and caught him by the beard.

Zima.—Don’t say such sinful things! (To .) And then he just blew at the fire and the fire went out; not a spark was left. And suddenly there was such darkness, above our heads in the trees such a wind!

''A wind begins to blow; the trees rustle loudly. Dawn approaches.''

Klásek.—Good heavens. (Leaps up in fright.)

appears in the rear.

Klásek.—Save your souls! (Crosses himself.) He is coming after us. (Runs off on the left toward the rear. runs off on left toward the foreground.,

Zima.—Good people, help!

(Hastens toward rear on the right.)

Zajíček.—Good people, for heaven’s sake, wait! (Drops the petition and runs toward foreground on right.,

During a continual rustling of the forest, ''vanishes As soon as he disappears, the night clears up. The moon shines, the forest is silent. The stage is empty for a moment.''

Miller (From the right).—Careful here, Your Grace; here’s a swampy place, (after crossing over himself, lights her way with the lantern.) but here are stepping stones.

Princess (Looking at the swamp).—O, how wet! And my poor slippers, and dress! Is there no other way?

Miller.—Only this.

Princess.—But how can I! (Suddenly jesting.) Perhaps you might carry me across.

Miller (Surprised).—You, my Lady Princess? I?

Princess.—Are you afraid? What if the young girl in the mill should make this request?

Miller (Frankly).—She would not request it.

Princess (Touched).—Ah!—And what would she do?

Miller.—She would cross over by herself.