Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/41

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

THE BARTERED BRIDE.

39

Tell me, is it true or not?
Just one word:
Yes or no!

Hans (playfully).

'Tis hard to answer simply!

Marie.

An answer only, false man!
Tell me, were you so base?

Hans.

Well, then, yes, indeed!

Marie.

You show not one trace of remorse,
O Lord, I've stood enough!

Hans (tenderly, slyly).

O you beloved one, let me but
Find words to tell you all!

Marie.

With our love
'Tis now all over, pray remember!
I'm going to marry Wenzel!

Hans (laughing).

Ha, ha, ha, ha!
That's really
A very succesful joke!

Marie (angrily).

What? Is ridicule my love's reward?

Hans (still laughing).

I must tell you something.
It does not go with sad tone. . .

Marie (interrupts).

Don't torture me any more!

Hans.

My dearest love, just listen,
I'll tell you something true!
Just let me have a moment's time,
Don't interrupt my story!
My dearest love, just listen,
I'll tell you something true.

Marie.

A fairy-tale made up by you,
To get yourself out of trouble?
I know what you have broken,
You cannot fool me now. . .
A fairy-tale made up by you,
To get yourself out of trouble?

SCENE VII.

(Kezal and Former.)

Kezal.

Here, Hans! Do you want your money now?
When Marie gives me her signature,
Just wait a while out here!
You'll get whatt's due to you!

Marie.

Ah!
You smoothed-tongued hypocrite!

Kezal (to Marie).

Well, then, do you take
Micha's son as husband?

Hans.

Yes. I can guarantee that!
She'll take him.
She'll get no other one but him.
Such was the agreement.

Kezal.

That's right,
You matrimonial agent!

Marie.

There's nothing in it, for he lies!
No, no, I tell you no! Now and never!
And were I to die here on the spot!

Hans.

What will you wager that she'll do it?
If I should want it, she'll marry Micha's son!

Marie.

What? Hans? And you wanted
To seriously force me to it?
Such a monster
There never was yet, no!
You devil, you!