Scene XIII
Zuzanka, Oldřich, later Ctibor
Zuzanka.—Where can I find help in this terrible moment, who will now prevent the disaster which must now follow his frenzy and despair. I cannot go farther (catching hold of a chair for support). My body is as lead, and I tremble like a quaking asp leaf! Oldřich, go for Lukan, the servants, the guards! (Oldřich disappears.) No one is here! If some one would only come to prevent his madness before the master returns! He is here!
Ctibor (Returns with an ax in hands).—Lady, do not call any one to interfere—unless you send for Rozmberk himself, that I may fell him on the very spot where my Polyxena perished. Before my own head falls, I must be avenged!
(Strikes the door a mighty blow with the ax. Zuzanka screams, lowering her head, so she will not see what is happening within. The door flies open. Nothing but darkness in the laboratory. Ctibor enters, looks about, then steps into the room, saying:) What does it mean! (Suddenly Polyxena comes forth laughing, followed by Bilent. The ax drops from Ctibor’s hand. A moment of silence follows.)
Scene XIV
Polyxena, Cribor, Zuzanka and Bilent
Zuzanka (Who has noticed everything).—Miss Polyxena!
Polyxena.—Ctibor!
Ctibor (As though in a dream).—Polyxena,—are you alive?
Zuzanka.—And uninjured?
Ctibor.—I do not believe my eyes—
Polyxena.—It is I. Nothing happened to me.
Ctibor.—How is that possible?
Zuzanka.—But you were in the flames!
Bilent.—Ha, ha,ha! And all singed! (Vanishes into the next room.)
Polyxena.—Not at all. It was just a scheme to frighten me.
Ctibor.—Only a terrible joke of the master’s?
Polyxena.—A terrible jest,—doubtless his own idea, but nevertheless a jest!
