Tomeš (Stepping forward).—You have the power, Count, to do whatever you will. But all these are loyal to me. If you would carry out your threat even I cannot now hold them back.

Beauvalle.—You talk exactly like a rebel.

Tomeš.—Like one who would shield himself and others also.

Dejm (Aside to Beauvalle).—Listen, Count, I beg you!

(Enters Count Bubna in the costume of a messenger.)

Bubna.—Count Beauvalle! (Sees the Countess and Dejm, greatly surprised. Introduces himself to Beauvalle.) I come as a courier from the king.

Beauvalle (Surprised).—From King Charles? (Dejm speaks to Bubna.)

Tomeš (To Beauvalle).—Count, then I do not need to come again to the castle?

Dejm (Quickly to Beauvalle).—Dismiss him and the people. Count Bubna has important tidings.

Beauvalle (To Tomeš and the people).—This time I again forgive you. But see to it that a similar occurrence does not happen again. (Turns to Bubna.)

The crowd (Shouts).—Aha! Tomeš has been released!

Vrána (To the others).—Nothing will happen to him.

Voices (In the rear).—The Count let him go! (They depart with shouts of delight.)

Voices (Behind the scene).—He is released! (All the country people depart.)

Dejm, the Countess, Bubna, Beauvalle, later Jan, the game keeper at the castle.

Beauvalle (Stamps with anger, hearing the shouts of the people)—I gave in to them? Are they laughing at me?

Countess (Calming him).—No, no, do not take their joy amiss. (Reminding him) Count Bubna is here!

Beauvalle (Collecting his thoughts).—Yes, yes. (Still angrily to Bubnov.) Sent to me, with instructions?

Bubna.—Not with instructions,—only an announcement. Our accepted king desires to see you, Count, and bid me tell you to appear before him. He firmly believes that you will not ignore his request.

Beauvalle (Frightened).—His bidding! And he is not yet the king!