Sylvia.—That is certain now. Just think what events have taken place in the space of a few hours.
Karmín.—The park is free of intruders. Near the village the weapons of the farmers are flashing and in the village there is tumult and excitement.
Earl.—And all the roads leading from here are hemmed in by peasants. Karmín, you made a fatal error.
Karmín.—If an error occurs, it is necessary to turn it to the greatest possible profit.
Earl.—Only you can see any advantage in this error.
Karmín.—The Emperor wished to abolish feudalism. His intention has been overthrown by this uprising.
Earl.—Unless this insurrection first destroys us.
Sterneck.—Let us abandon all conjectures about the future and see how we can save ourselves before the real outbreak. Alone, we cannot defend the castle longer than a day or two. Only the army can save us.
Karmín.—A good rider can reach Ples in an hour and a half. The infantry can march here in three hours, the cavalry can arrive within two hours.
Sterneck.—If only the commander will be willing to send the soldiers.
Karmín.—To suppress a rebellion, always.
Sterneck.—The army is at Ples not for the suppression of rebellions but to build a fort. At the worst, it will be necessary to send a swift rider on to Hradec.
Earl.—And who from here would go? The peasants will capture everyone from the castle.
Sterneck.—I’ll do it myself. I cannot get away from here by any other path except by way of the stream in the park. I will start on my mission at once. In a quarter of an hour, let loose my hound and my horse on the high road after me. Those two won’t let themselves be captured and they’ll surely find me. You, Karmín, look after the castle, barricade everything and stand firm until I return with the army.
Charvát.—You cannot know, Count, whether you’ll arrive at Ples or at Hradec, safe and well. Allow me therefore, to ride to Hradec directly by the highway. If possible, I will bring back from there an army and will at once announce the matter to the president of the district government. Extreme danger demands immediate action.
