ALOIS JIRÁSEK
347
Magistrate hands one scroll after another to the Princess, who in turn hands them over the the Justices of the Peace.
Krouzilka.—If you p-p-please, I h-h-have not f-f-finished as yet—
Magistrate (Furiously, under his breath).—Be still!
Princess.—You will have an opportunity to finish at the banquet which will be prepared for you.
Votruba (In a feeble voice).—Vivat!
Magistrate (Under his breath to Franc).—Put him in jail immediately.
Princess (Arising).—Gentlemen, I graciously dismiss you, being pleased with the welcome you have given me. (To the Justices of the Peace.) You likewise.
Maid of Honor (Holding the bouquet and disappointed at not having been permitted to speak, turns toward the priest, weeping).—Reverend Father—
Priest (To the Princess).—Your Grace, this maid of honor—
Maid of Honor (Rushing forward, begins reciting).—Many years of blissful peace—
Priest (Taken aback, prompts her in an undertone).—The title, the title!
Maid of Honor (Paying no attention to him).—And many more of lasting happiness. To you—you—eh—
Princess.—Thank you, and is that spray of flowers really for me?
Priest (Quietly).—Hand over the flowers.
Maid of Honor hands them over.
Princess.—Thank you, that was kind of you. You may go.
All withdraw, bowing profoundly.
Magistrate.—Your Grace, I would most humbly request—
Princess (Impatiently).—Make it brief.
Scene X
The Princess, Magistrate, Courtier
Magistrate.—Your Grace, I am most unhappy. Krouzilka, the justice of the peace—
Princess (Impatiently).—What is the trouble?