Beauvalle.—Not what you can learn,—I must know everything! I must put an end to this poaching which is robbing my parks and forests. (Forcibly) And from you I shall expect greater concern and more watchfulness in the future!

Havelka (Frightened).—I serve your grace as faithfully as possible. My life is in daily danger while spying upon the poachers.

Beauvalle.—You have now learned my command. (The warden bows and steps back.)

Magistrate (To the warden).—There is no help for it. Better let a few of them hang, then there will be an end to it. (The warden walks off to his cottage, the magistrate to himself.) If they but knew that I buy game from Tomeš. But why is the Count so stingy?

Millesimo (Gazing through the window of the game keeper’s cottage).—Ha! This is a delightful surprise! Count, such a beautiful girl here!

Havelka (Wishing to protect his daughter, steps up).—That, your grace, is my daughter! (Millesimo turns to the magistrate as Havelka enters the cottage.)

Enters Vrána, Tomeš, and Lída.

Beauvalle, Millesimo, magistrate, Vrána, Tomeš, and Lída.

Tomeš (To Vrána).—He is right here. (Points to the Count) Go directly to him and do not be afraid.

Vrána (Timidly).—Your Grace, noble Count,—

Beauvalle.—And who are you?

Vrána.—I am Vrána. I have a little house over there by the park. And your noble grace, I hardly ever reap anything.

Beauvalle.—Is it my fault, that you bring your complaint to me?

Vrána.—No, Your Grace, indeed not,—but the animals in your parks.

Beauvalle.—Animals?

Vrána.—Yes. They devour everything. From the forests and the parks come the deer, and great black beasts,—they take it all,—all that we sow; I will not have a straw or grain of wheat left.