Beauvalle.—All, all is lost! Upon my head will fall the blow aimed at serfdom! I, lunatic that I am, allowed myself to be perverted, deprived.of my reason, and I drew forth the sword that now will be raised against my own head!
Dejm.—Count Beauvalle! (Wishes to approach.)
Beauvalle (Breathing heavily).—Back! Leave me alone!
Dejm.—Count Beauvalle!
Beauvalle.—You alone are the cause of my destruction . . these orders coming in from all sides seem to pulverize me as a wild boar pulverizes a bone in its mouth. (Rising) But is it decreed that I must perish, is it possible that I, I, must subject myself to these humiliations raining down upon me! But I still feel in my vitals the strength to avert a portion of that fate. . . and if it is not possible, then with my fall, shall fall and be scattered all that.stood with me!
Dejm (Approaching Beauvalle; half aloud).—Be merciful to Tomeš, and act cautiously. If you will say the word, I will bring the armed people to arrest the officers and the soldiers.
Beauvalle (Half aloud).—This is the greatest folly you have yet invented. Think of your own safety, now, and do not disturb me further with your crazy advice. (Steps away from Dejm.)
(The door opens. The soldiers appear with Tomeš.)
Countess (Horrified).—They are leading him here!
(Enter two soldiers, bringing in Tomeš, in the same clothes in which he was captured. He lacks only his banner and sword. Behind him come Jordán, Hopfling, magistrate; two soldiers in the rear, stand outside by the door. Jan carries writing material, and places it on the table. The Countess in the door at the left gazes at Tomeš, who bows to her with a pained smile.
Scene V
Tomeš, Beauvalle, Jordán, Dejm, Hopfling, magistrate, a troop of soldiers.
Dejm (Approaches Tomeš, and unnoticed says).—I am present. In the greatest crisis, depend upon me.
(Tomeš speaks quietly to Dejm. Jordán looks at him, also at Dejm. Dejm walks away. Tomeš stands in the center of the room before the table; behind the table, sit Beauvalle with Jordán, to the left of the table Hopfling, to the right, the magistrate. To the
