ALOIS JIRÁSEK
341
Magistrate.—Good heavens, man, now—at this time! Are you crazy? Now, when the Princess— Zajíček.—For that very reason, I humbly request. That is why Sejtko here—
Sejtko, a middle-aged man with a full, red face, holds a hunter’s horn and is bowing.
Zajíček.—And Zima—
Zima, an old man, also holding a hunter’s horn, is bowing.
Zajíček.—And Klásek here—
Klásek, clarinet in hand, is bowing.
Zajíček.—We should be pleased to give a concert. If you would deign to say but one word—
Magistrate.—I have already spoken; nothing now, nothing now. And do not detain me.
Zajíček.—And this petition—(Pulls it out of his pocket.)
Magistrate.—A petition too! Man alive!
A report from a mortar without.
Magistrate is frightened.
Franc (Frightened, is silent for a moment, then bursts forth).—Good Lord, they are coming! (Runs out through the main entrance.
Magistrate (Calls after him).— Are you crazy? That is impossible! And even if they did! If they did leave earlier—Herr Gott—we here and none to meet them; what will they say up in the castle. (Goes toward the window.) But that scamp, Franc—(Opens the window.) What’s the matter? (A clamor without.) She is coming? (Voices without answer.) Really? (Voices answer.)
Magistrate (Turns away from the window).—She is coming! They left earlier! As if to spite us! That is a blow. Herr Gott! What can be done? (Sticks the paper into his pocket, takes his hat.)
A report from a mortar, a second one immediately following.
Magistrate.—It is true! (Is about to leave.)
Franc (Returns, gasping for breath).—If you please, sir, she is coming; the Princess is arriving.
Magistrate (Bursts forth at him).—Get out of here then! Herr Gott! (Stumbles out.)