(Silence. Here and there laughter.)
Karmín (shrieking hoarsely).—Rabble, cursed rabble!
Earl Roveredo-Lanzenfeld (In a low voice).—Hush, Karmín! (Aloud to the people.) Thank you, my beloved people, for your good-will and affection. May God strengthen and preserve you in it.
Neighbors.—Vivát the Earl and the gracious nobility!
Matouš.—Gracious lords—I say—I repeat—that we— that is—crave your affection. We—the judge—the councillors, the whole village and also the other judges—we—we—like the gracious nobility—why, of course, how could it be otherwise! (At a loss for words.) And so—long life to our gracious nobility.
Shouts.—Long life! Long life!
Earl.—You are kind, judge, and you all are kind, I am glad to be among you. Only attend needfully. And here is my dear Výrava. Well, how goes everything on your estate? All well?
Výrava.—Beneficent lord, all goes well. While I enjoy your noble favor, all is well.
Earl.—I am satisfied.
Výrava. (Thanks the Earl and departs with him towards the rear).
Sylvia. (In the foreground).—Everything is so beautiful—everything seems desirous of being merry—and yet, to me it is as if a cloud lay on these people. Not in all their faces is there a glow of real pleasure.
Christine.—But what an illusion of your own half blind eyes. I will wager my pony that everything will look more joyous to Countess Sylvia in a little while.
Sylvia.—When?
(Bětuška enters.)
Christine.—Just as soon as there appears to the light of these eyes (looking into Sylvia's eyes)—someone—someone—who is not yet here— —
Sylvia.—You little tease! Look, what a pretty girl.
Christine. (Motioning to Karmín).—Who is that girl?
Karmín.—Bětuška, daughter of Kyral of the village. He’s another rebel like—
Christine.—Bětuška Kyral, are you looking for someone?
Bětuška.—No, no, gracious ladies—only—I’m only looking—
Sylvia.—You are such a pretty girl. But how is it that you haven’t even a necklace of garnets or corals? Don’t you want mine? (Unfastens her bead necklace.)
