lost his head at that time. Every day the power of the people against the ruling class is increasing . . . so why be afraid? Nothing worse can overtake us than the executioner’s ax! (Falls into the chair, deep in thought.)
Countess (Rising with burning eyes).—And even though the fault and its penalty were as great as your fear imagines . . . would the sacifice of a human life diminish it?
Jan (Enters the room).—Count Dejm!
Scene III
Dejm, Beauvalle, later Countess, magistrate, Jan.
Beauvalle (Unfriendly).—Count Dejm, you are here again?
Dejm.—I felt it my duty to return.
Countess (Returning to the room; Dejm sees her.)
Countess (Frightened).—Your appearance here, it means you bear evil tidings?
Beauvalle.—Where are the allied forces? Where is Charles Albert?
Dejm.—Prague is enclosed by the forces of Marie Teresa. General Belleisle is scarcely able to hold his stand, and the Bavarian is fleeing from Bohemia! (Falls into a chair. Countess shows emotion.)
Beauvalle.—Defeat to the cause everywhere, and what is to happen to us who are now regarded as traitors?
Dejm.—Do not be afraid. I urged you to stand by the Bavarian, and I am now ready to take upon myself all the blame, and the penalty which might befall you, I myself will bear. You can and must say that Tomeš Vítek and I, against your will, caused the uprising on your estates.
Beauvalle.—I will not permit you to be punished for me.
Dejm.—I have not said I will give myself up to a court, to be tried. Our cause is not entirely lost as yet. We will exert all our strength to save it. But if it comes to the worst,—
Beauvalle.—Oh, do not deceive yourself!
Dejm.— . . . then I will give up my castle and estate and flee from the country. But whether here or in a foreign land, I take upon myself all the blame! But I ask you to do one thing according to my request.
Beauvalle.—That is?
Dejm.—Release Tomeš Vitek . . . his neck is in danger.
