Courtier (Spying the Miller for the first time).—You here! And where is the Princess?

Miller.—Why do you ask? You know well enough about everything.

Courtier.—You with an axe in your hand?

Miller.—Perhaps you know the reason, and if not, you will soon understand; if anyone ventures to touch my linden—

Courtier.—Are you insane! (With a smile.) You stand alone, and against you—just count the number against you! If you do not give in willingly, if you do not give up—

Miller.—No! I stand alone, but I can resist all. I will not give up Hanička, that she be humbled; I will defend my rights against everybody and I will not give them up; no, never, if I have to fall here!

Courtier (Angrily).—Make for him!

Braha (To the servants).—Could you be so low as to obey strangers and use arms against your own people?

Servants, who have been preparing to strike, hesitate.

Courtier.—Make for them!

Dame Klásek, Klásek, Zima, Sejtko, the preceding

Dame Klásek (Bursting in from the left).—Aha—so this is it! Miller, don’t let them get the best of you!

Magistrate.—Be still!

Dame Klásek.—I won’t; and I’ll help too, if necessary. (To servants.) And you don’t mean to tell me you’d try to cut down that old linden! Have you no fear?

Courtier (With a sneer).—Of what! Perhaps of some curse from heaven! Go into the mill for that old sibyl, that she may see miracles. (Pulls out a sword.) Come on!

Magistrate.—Follow him! Have no fear of anything; it is all lies!

Miller (Axe in hand, steps forward to meet them).—Back!

Just then it becomes dark, the crown of the old linden suddenly blazes forth. Lights shine forth in it and solemn music is heard from aloft, like the sound of a distant organ.

Servants begin to run away toward the right.

Courtier, Magistrate, as if stunned, withdraw confusedly toward the right.