Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/13

 

Yes, his qualities and manners
Make him welcome everywhere;
'Tis every mother wishes such a son.
He is no debauchee, no toper,
Does not stay out late,
Nor drinks hard;
He's no boaster and no beggar,
Card-player nor debt-maker,
No daring cut-throat,
Smuggler, cheat, wild hunter;
Not quarrelsome,
Dirty or untidy,
No slanderer or curser,
No eager business-man.
He is so fine and polished,
So quick in understanding,
Sober,
Timid,
So well–bred. . .
But I said all this before.

 

Kruschina and Kathinka.

 

Would that he had come along!
With amazement have we listened
And are edified by it all.

 

SCENE IV.

 

(Marie, and the former.)

 

Kezal.

 

See, she's coming unsuspecting!
It is time for admonition!

 

Marie.

 

Dearest father, dearest mother
What do you wish to tell me?

 

Kezal.

 

May I, pretty little child,
Ask you:
Did you not suspect
That I brought something to you?
Quickly guess, who guess can!. . .
A young man.

 

Marie.

 

What do I care
For a strange man?

 

Kruschina.

 

You shall be his little wife,
Dearest daughter mine!

 

Kathinka (whispers to Marie).

 

But if you don't want him,
Well, then just say no!

 

Marie.

 

I should be his wife?
What are you thinking of?
He can just trot along
And woo somebody else!

 

Kathinka.

 

You shall be his little wife,
Dearest daughter mine!
But if you don't want him,
Well, then, just say no!

 

Kruschina and Kezal.

 

You shall be his wife,
Dearest daughter mine!
To this youth so fine
Consecrate your love!

 

Kezal.

 

Don't fuss about it any more!
Please lose no more time!
Say yes joyfully,
And in four weeks you will be wedded!

 

Marie.

 

Just take your time!
For there's no hurry.
There's one obstacle in the way,
Important, grave and serious. . .

 

Kezal.

 

Obstacle or no obstacle,
That's of no consequence!
No, there are no hindrances
In what I undertake.

 

Marie.

 

So must I confess?
Must name my beloved?

 

Kezal.

 

Nonsense! Of such childishness
Will I cure you soon!

 

Marie.

 

I have pledged my faith to him. . .

 

Kezal.

 

You don't lose anything by it!