Rozmberk.—What is it?
Zuzanka.—Go, do not delay, she might in the meantime be be lost! (Oldřich goes to the wardrobe.)
Rozmberk.—Run and overtake her! Here, my wrap, I cannot go without it! (Zuzanka gazes anxiously at the wardrobe. Oldřich suddenly opens the door, Rozmberk after her, and there is Polyxena in full view.)
Rozmberk.—What clothes are these! It is she! (Zuzanka screams, and seeing that her trick is exposed, flees from the room.)
Scene VIII
Polyxena, Rozmberk and Oldřich
Rozmberk (Leading Polyxena from the wardrobe overcome with surprise).—Lady, why were you hiding?
Polyxena (Despairingly).—Your Grace, save me, protect me!
Rozmberk.—Then it was actually a conspiracy against me after all. We will yet bring the conspirators to light.
Polyxena.—I myself wanted to escape and I will not stay here at least not alive!
Rozmberk (To Oldřich).—Go to Lukan; tell him to release Bilent at once. Let him come to me. And all the other commands which I gave, I recall them also. (Oldřich goes away.)
Rozmberk (To Polyxena, half jestingly).—What frightened you, lady, that you should appear as panic-stricken as though your very life were threatened?
Polyxena.—On account of you, sir, and I beg you to remember the courtesy you owe me as a host and release me at once!
Rozmberk.—I cannot, lovely creature. You were placed under my protection during the time that your uncle is absent from Třebon.
Polyxena.—I would have no respect for his wishes if you are telling me the truth in regard to his absence.
Roxmberk.—I intended you no harm. Surely you do not think that I would injure you in any way, that you seem to fear me so?
Polyxena.—Had I not heard your conversation from my hiding place, and if the former mysterious conduct of my uncle and yourself were not as clear as the day to me now, I would suppose that the servant, your alchemist, had criminal designs and that he alone is the guilty one.
