Page:Poet Lore, volume 36, 1925.pdf/378

Zima.—They have more than frightened a person many a time, but so far as this is concerned, (mysteriously) it seems to me (looks about him) that the Princess wants something extra, and that such idle folk are continually searching for something; (knowingly) we know—

Sejtko (Coming forth from the mill).—Well, the wheat is near the hopper.

Klásek takes the clarinet from Zajíček

Hanick (Merrily).—How is your wife, Klásk?

Klásek.—My wife? Kate? O heavens, she worries me so; just as soon as she saw me carrying that wheat from the storeroom, she said, “Good heavens, Papa, you will strain yourself; I would gladly take it down for you.” And I again, “Good heavens, Mama, how could you? That would never do!” And thereupon Mama replied again, “Well, then, take it slowly, Papa; see that you do not hurt youself.”

Zajíček (Who has been listening impatiently).—Well, then—

Sejtko (To Klásek).—No doubt she will come around to see—

Klásek (Starting).—I’m ready.

Zajíček (Pulling Zima by the sleeve).—Come, Zima. Goodbye, Hanička, but please remember, you know—

(Goes with Zima and Klásek over the bridge to the right and rear, toward the forest.)

Sejtko (Merrily).—So we shall play after all. (Follows the others.)

Hanička.—The point is, what will you get for the playing? (Goes toward the left.)

Míchal, in the thicket, sighs deeply. Hanička halts reluctantly.

Míchal (Emerges from the thicket, sighs most longingly).—O, sunbeam!

Hanička (Jerks the motherwort from her belt).—Do not dry up, little water sprite! (Runs off on the left.)

Míchal (Creeps back whimpering).—But my time will come!

Courtier (Enters from behind the bridge on the left). So this is the mill?

Magistrate.—So please you, sir. In it you will find the defiant miller.