Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/19

 

Marie.

 

You see,
I guessed it! My, how handsome!
All the young girls in the town
Pity you.

 

Wenzel (anxiously).

 

Pity me? Why?

 

Marie.

 

Your bride—I tell you—is not sincere.
She loves another!

 

Wenzel (simply).

 

Ca-ca-can she love
Another? Why, I'm here!

 

Marie (laughs).

 

Ha, ha! But does she know you,
And do you know her?

 

Wenzel.

 

Kn-know me? No. B-but she knows
That I will be her hu-hu-husband!

 

Marie.

 

That's all very well,
And that's why she laughs at you!
She'll slander you behind your back,
And bother you to death.

 

Wenzel (in despair).

 

Wha-what do you say? But
If my mother wants me to take her!
I m-must get married some time!

 

Marie.

 

Certainly, why not? That you must!

(coquettishly.)

Here are there other girls—
Just pick one out.

 

Wenzel (relieved).

 

I'll do it!

 

Marie.

 

I know a fine sweetheart for you,
Whom many a man desires,
A pretty girl, here in this place,
Who long looks up to you.

 

Wenzel (gladly).

 

Is it realy true? Did I understand you?
A pretty child? That wouldn't be bad!
Although Marie will grieve and sorrow.

 

Marie.

 

(still deliberating and insinuating).

 

O she, she'll take the other one.

 

Wenzel.

 

But my mother dear,
She'll raise a rumpus.

 

Marie.

 

She'll be satisfied with your choice.

 

Wenzel.

 

Is the other one pretty?

 

Marie.

 

As pretty as Marie.

 

Wenzel.

 

And young?

 

Marie.

 

As young as Marie.

 

Wenzel.

 

But does she want me for a husband?

 

Marie.

 

She can't live without you!
Give Marie up
Or she'll go to ruin;
Night and day
She thinks of you!

 

(She pretends she is crying.)