Beauvalle.—What insanity . . . I must sacrifice myself to do it! I expect to be called to account at any moment, and you want me to testify to my own guilt? (Calls) Magistrate! (To himself fearfully) If Tomeš were to escape! (Seats himself.)

(Magistrate enters.)

Beauvalle.—How is it with Tomeš? Is he carefully guarded?

Magistrate.—Have no worry concerning him. Two guards are stationed at the door of the dungeon, and he can hardly move his limbs in the thongs that bind him.

Beauvalle.—How is he conducting himself?

Magistrate.—Like an eagle or a hawk with a wing crippled by a bullet. He sits wrapped in gloomy thoughts, he looks at no one, and seems to be consulting with himself all the time. (Laughing) No doubt he thinks he would move about more freely were he now at Prague, fighting against the Empress! (Beauvalle gazes at the ground, the Countess is touched, Dejm is angry) But he must hold himself down at times. There are moments when his wrath explodes, and he strains to break his bonds, and his cries are terrifying, angry, as though he must break away or pull down the arches of his vault! (With laughter) But it is all in vain!

Countess (Angrily).—Stop! Only brutality or something even worse can talk thus!

Magistrate (Frightened).—I . . .your noble highness . . . I am . . .

Beauvalle.—I have heard enough. Guard Tomeš carefully. (Motions to the magistrate to leave.)

Dejm (To himself).—This seems to be the end of this heroic youth, and only an extreme measure can now save him! (Wrapped in his thoughts, he looks up at the entrance of Jan)

Jan (Enters).—The Court Commissioner from Jordán!

Beauvalle (Rises frightened.)

Jan.—He has come with two other gentlemen, and wishes to be presented to you at once!

Beauvalle (Frightened).—Jordán! Why has he come!

Countess.—Leave at once, Count Dejm, so he does not see you.

Dejm.—I will wait for him also.

Beauvalle (Angrily).—I won’t let him in!

Dejm.—Why so? You don’t even know what news he is bringing! And better learn his mission here now than later!