Chorus of Maidens (Sings).—
Hoya lalya hoya!
We are swans that float on high,
Hoya lalya hoya!
Where the clouds go slipping by:
Hoya lalya hoya!
On that meadow, flower-dressed,
Hoya lalya hoya!
Let us fold our wings and rest:
Hoya lalya hoya!
The two rows advance towards each other; the youths, holding hands, raise their arms; under the arches so formed the maidens pass, letting hands go: then the two rows again stand opposite each other, but not holding hands.
One of the Youths (Sings).—
Yonder swans, who are they,
Within the oak wood green?
Like new-fallen snow flakes
Their stainless pinions’ sheen!
One of the Maidens (Sings).—
Who are yonder peacocks
Within the rustling grove?
Only see, swan sisters,
How each feather glisters
And sparkles as they move!
One of the Youths (Sings).—
Every swan who tarries
In that oak wood carries
A crown upon her brow:
After them, among them:
Catch them, catch them now!
Hoya lalya hoya!
The youths give chase to the maidens now fleeing, and when they catch them take from each either a ring or a nosegay from her belt. Just then an uproar is heard behind the scenes. Frightened, they cease from their game.
Runa (Behind the scenes).—Pull the fetters tighter, tighter, even if blood spurts from beneath his nails!
Mahulena.—My blood runs cold: what does that mean?
Enter King Stojmír, Runa, the bodyguard, and Přibina, leading Raduz in fetters, and Radovid.
