Charvát.—God defend! That’s only between us. And if you could deliver the entire ten thousand trunks of trees, we have won. I will receive praise from the commander, a reward from the commissioner—what could I wish for more? And you will earn ten thousand and twenty krejcar pieces!
Scene XVI
Earl Roveredo-Lanzenfeld approaches. Slavík.
The Preceding.
Karmín.—Come, please, into the castle. Ah, but here comes the Earl.
Earl Roveredo-Lanzenfeld.—My people told me that delightful company had arrived. I welcome you, Sir Captain.
Charvát.—Captain Charvat, at your service, gracious Earl.
Earl.—Out for drill? With a larger division?
Charvát.—As bearer of a royal edict.
Earl.—And what—why, Karmín, do you look so sour?
Karmín.—Oh, your Grace,—a great, great disaster—let us say, a great misfortune.
Earl.—Misfortune! (Looks at Charvát.)
Charvát. (With a smile.)—Ah no, but a very serious thing.
Earl.—Come into the castle.
Charvát.—At your service. (To the soldiers.) Ho, Slavík, Hruška! (Both approach. Charvát in lowered tones but emphatically.) Don’t either of you say a single word about feudalism! I will fine with the most severe punishment any one who utters a word! (To Karmín.) In Smeřicko, by an unfortunate accident, the royal decree was discussed in their presence.
Slavík.—Command us, Captain. Not a word!
(The Earl, Charvát and Karmín depart.)
Scene XVII
The Others. Old Mrs. Sedmihradský, later Maršálek, Matouš, Výrava.
Sedmihradská.—Well, my fine little soldier lad, you are
