the cause you represent, and lose my support for Matthias. I will not sign the second until the first has been returned.
Bilent.—If anything can save Hannewaldt now, this trick of Kinský’s will surely do it.
Kinský.—I will not be the cause of a man’s death in order to gratify my ambition. You would never have been influenced for the cause of Matthias had it not been for this misfortune of poor Ctibor’s. If I am acting ill, refuse to sign the other agreement, but otherwise I cannot act.
Rozmberk.—You have chosen; keep the paper with my signature, but consider my support withdrawn from Matthias.
Bilent (Quickly).—I will call Hannewaldt. But that is hardly necessary. Here is the agreement (handing it to him) sign it here.
Kinský.—Ah, you zealous helper of the servant of the king!
Rozmberk (Angrily).—Bilent, go off to the cells and consider yourself fortunate if your head is spared on your shoulders! (Bilent goes away.)
Bilent.—All the fiends of hell must have prompted me to this service for Hannewaldt! But a trifle more, and my head would be rolling on the ground!
(He disappears. Atthe same time, Zuzanka enters from the left, behind her Ctibor and Polyxena.)
Scene XV
Zuzanka, Rozmberk, Kinský, Ctibor, Polyxena, later Lukan.
Zuzanka.—Master,—here are the two betrothed; in their hearts, joy did not become extinguished when it shook hands with sorrow. (With her words, a struggle seems to be playing in the heart of Rozmberk, expressing itself in his face as he watches the two lovers.)
Polyxena.—If I have offended you in any way, I ask for forgiveness. I am drowning in a sea of happiness and thank you from the very depths of my heart.
Ctibor.—My master, you have returned my life to me; it is yours, whenever you need it in your service.
Rozmberk (Deliberating)—Ctibor of Ujezda, you have my forgiveness!
Kinský.—Value it highly, my friend, for you do not know the price with which it was bought.
