Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/27

 

Hans.

 

On this condition
Do I sign my name;
I'll give her up
For none other.
So write it clearly in the contract!

 

Kezal.

 

Immediately will I write it and
Get the witnesses right away!

 

Hans.

 

Furthemore I ask you,
Let it clearly be expressed: as soon
As my former bride and Micha's son
Have been united in marriage,
Micha must not demand payment
Of the money from Marie's father.
Let him alone stand the price of the purchase!

 

Kezal.

 

That is
Very cleverly put.

(He goes out, satisfied.)

 

SCENE V.

 

Hans (alone)

 

You, poor fool, think that you caught me?
You only fell in the net yourself!

It must succeed!
Everything
Will be as willed!
Such clever snares,
Sly and wild,
Only love's artfulness can set them.

To you, faithful and sweet,
I send a thousand greetings!
In but a few hours
Will it all come about,
That we, united,
Will be together!

After storms,
Fear and pain,
Thunder and rain,
The sunshine smiles,
O heavenly blessing:
Soon are you mine!

 

SCENE VI.

 

(Hans, Kezal, Kruschina, and People).

 

Kezal

 

(keeping off the curious ones.)

 

Not too excited! You'll hear all
That we have arranged!
Not to disturb the course of events,
Please be quiet and take care!

 

Chorus.

 

Yes, we want to hear it all.

 

Kezal.

 

Think about it: You must swear
That it's all down on this paper.
I'll explain what's written here.

(reads.)

"I'll give up claims to the bride,"

 

Chorus

 

(surrounding Kezal).

 

Yes, so it is! What sort of stories?
He'll give up claims to the bride?

 

Hans (shows paper and reads).

 

"But in favor of no other
Than the son of the respected
Valiant Tobias Micha!"

 

Kezal.

 

Yes, Tobias Micha's son.

 

Hans.

 

"If he loves her from his heart,
If faithful he is to her,
If before witnesses he swears,
That 'tis her alone he loves."

 

Kezal.

 

Just so it is written.
Convince yourselves, my friends!

(He lets those around him see the contract.)