Mahulena.—Now . . . in truth, I have already forgotten.
Prija.—She is a ridiculous creature.
Runa.—Well, let her alone, and hear the news yourselves which has just reached us. Your father is extremely grieved by it; as you see, he is sad.
Ziva.—So it is sad news?
Runa.—For the Magurans, yes.
Mahulena (Aside).—For the Magurans, she says?
Runa.—That captive, that fair-haired prince of theirs, that Radúz, who has caused us so much anger—
Prija.—What of him?
Runa.—Is dead. He died suddenly.
Mahulena—Ah! . . .
Stojmir (In a low voice)—O Runa, thou hast killed her! Mahulena! (He supports her.)
Runa.—Why dost thou grow pale, child, and why dost thou totter?
Ziva.—She is dead. . . . She scarcely breathes!
Prija.—Her eyes are fixed. . . . She is mute as a stone.
Runa (In a low voice to Stojmír).—Is her muteness eloquent enough?
Stojmír.—Poor maiden’s heart! . . . Mahulena, seat thyself. Dost thou feel better?
Mahulena (Seating herself on the margin of the water basin).—Is this a terrible dream?
Runa (In a low voice to Stojmír).—Wouldst thou have a farther test?
Stojmír (Also in a low voice).—Torture her not! But with him—do as thou desirest. . . . (Goes out.)
Runa.—Ziva, Prija, follow your father, or go to the tower, if you so desire. But what I told you a moment ago, that was but a jest. That prince is well. I merely for your amusement devised a story. Thou art too compassionate, Mahulena, since thou canst so quickly feel alarm. And now again thou weepest!
Mahulena.—When I heard of death so suddenly—
Runa.—Well, thou art young and fearest death like a child. . . Do but recover thyself . . . You two depart; I will remain with Mahulena, she still trembles all over. (Ziva and Prija go out.) Dost thou already feel better?
Mahulena.—I do. Thou art kind, mother, I thank thee.
Runa.—Why so frightened! What carest thou for that
