Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/395

 Miller (Bitterly).—But for what do they ask? For what is right.

Princess (Coldly).—What is this request? How did it get here?

Miller.—That I don’t know, but it is a petition of the assistant teacher, Zajíček, from our village. He asks—

Princess.—I do not feel in a humor to listen to requests here.

Miller.—Shall I throw the humble petition away again?

Princess.—No, keep it—you will give it to me—

Miller.—Near the little castle.

Princess.—And not in the little castle?

Miller.—I am to light the way up to the castle.

Princess.—And farther, into the little castle, you would refuse to light my way; you would not escort me farther?

Miller.—If you did not command me—

Princess.—O, your rights! But if I should merely wish, if I should request—

Miller (Willingly).—Then, yes, my Lady Princess.

Princess.—That is indeed chivalrous, particularly since you are in a hurry.

Miller.—I should not be in a hurry, it is beautiful—but at home—

Princess.—O, so you are afraid after all.

Miller (As if piqued).—I am not. I will remain, as you wish.

Princess.—I am glad to hear that. And it is needless to hasten. It is such a beautiful night. (Delighted, approaches nearer.) Well, then, begin your tale.

Just then from the rear, on the right, a short blast on a hunting horn resounds.

Princess.—What is that?

Immediately following, on the right, in the foreground and nearer, a clarinet repeats the signal.

Miller.—Perhaps they are musicians from the village, assembling and preparing a concert.

Princess.—Good heavens, a concert! Here! And now! Let us get away, away! Come!

Miller.—To the little castle, or back?

Princess.—Back? And why? Where should you want to go?

Miller.—I am obliged, Your Grace, to escort you, and I will escort you—