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344
JAN VÝRAVA

them and the castle. Výrava dashes Karmín to the ground.)

Výrava.—So, Karmín, so! (Kills him. Joyous outcry of the people.)

Dvořák.—The vampire is destroyed, the wolf is killed. God delivered him into our hands!

Výrava (To the castle inmates).—The fate that awaits you! Surrender! (The people carry off Karmín and lead away the captives.)

Earl.—Our answer: Fire!

Výrava (To his people).—Ours in the name of the Lord! To the castle! (Several shots are fired on both sides. The farmers are gaining the balcony and struggle with the defenders of the castle who try to prevent them from entering.)

Sterneck.—Why do the soldiers delay, why don’t they fly to our help? (In the distance is heard the military bugle and tumult.)

Výrava (In the front with Kyral).—Soldiers? (The battle begins to cease, all giving attention to the sound of the war bugles and the clatter of troops.)

Voices (Among the people).—The soldiers! The soldiers!

Sterneck.—Help is coming!

Výrava.—We must gain command of the castle. To the castle, the castle! (Again all rush towards the balcony. Just then the war horn sounds very near and from the side of the castle a division of soldiers led by Charvat burst directly upon the rebellious throng.)

Charvát.—Stand, madmen!

Výrava.—We are your brothers. Join us! Help us to our rights! (In the distance on the left is heard a military horn and an uproar.)

Charvát.—We’ll help you in the meantime to wounds and irons! Lay down your arms!

Kyral (Comes running up to Výrava all out of breath).—Výrava! Výrava! The cuirassiers have attacked the village and are striking down everyone they meet. (Day begins to break.) Come quickly to help them with all who are here. (Shouts and trumpeting.)

Výrava.—Has Satan himself risen against us? To the castle! (A number of women running rapidly and screaming burst on the scene. They are fleeing from soldiers who appear on the edge of the forest ready to fire.)

The Women.—Save us! Save us!