Lída.— —and now you would sentence him, murder him! Your will shall not be carried out! These scattered people were once more moved to an act of desperation and are now struggling with the troops! Tomsi, here is a dagger . . . defend your life and mine! (Presses the weapon into his hand. Tomeš at first hesitates to accept it) I failed to find another weapon! (Tomeš takes the dagger.) I will yet save you . . . I must not be eternally under your curse! (Tomeš talks excitedly with Lída.)

Beauvalle.—What devil brought in this lunatic! (Rings) Jan, magistrate, where is everybody! (Enter magistrate and Jan both greatly excited) Where are the other troops? (The sound of trumpets and drums is heard.)

Magistrate.—The soldiers are coming to the castle on a run! It is terrible down there! The people are fighting with the soldiers striking down everyone who comes in their way!

Dejm (Coming forward).—Prevent the useless shedding of blood! Let Tomeš go, and all will be quiet again! (Enter three servants.)

Tomeš.—Aj, once more liberty and battle in sight!

Beauvalle (Pointing to Tomeš and Lída).—Bind them both!

Tomeš.—Back, I say! Woe to the one that touches me!

Lída.—Quick! Go down below, and be saved so you can avenge yourself upon all your murderers!

(Tomeš tries to break away. Magistrate and servants rush toward him. Tomeš is ready to attack one with the dagger.)

Beauvalle (Seizes a pistol from the wall).—Stand, you shall not escape! (Aims at Tomeš)

(Cries from below. Tomsi. Tomsi)

(Lída sees what Beauvalle is about to do, and rushes toward him with a cry to prevent it. Tomeš turns toward him; the magistrate pulls Lída away, the Count fires.)

Tomeš (With his hand on his breast).—That was well aimed! (Falls; Dejm leaps toward him.)

Lída (Leaps toward Tomeš, in despair).—Wounded? Tomsi . . . (wringing her hands) then I can’t save you?

Tomeš.—Wounded,—unto death!

Lída (Cries out; kneeling at the left of Tomeš, turns toward Beauvalle).—That curse which fell upon me, may it eternally, eternally rest upon you . . . by me, and this poor youth whom you mercilessly killed, may you be everlastingly accursed! (Below is heard the fresh sound of trumpets.)