with those who seek his life—and I do not go to his help! Oh! if only his bullet had found my very heart. (Sylvia approaches him and hears his last words. She lays her hand on his arm. Then only does Jeroným see her.)
Sylvia (With hidden feeling).—And what of Sylvia—what is she to wish for when she hears such words?
Jeroným.—Sylvia—I am yours—your own. But I know not what miracle will keep me alive unless it be that charm which is greater than desperation itself.
Sylvia.—Defy fate! Hope! (She presses his hand and hastens away to the castle.)
Shouts.—Hurrah! Victory!
Earl (Enters with Sterneck).—Who has won? (Four foresters enter waving their hats towards the castle.)
Forester.—The peasants are overwhelmed and captured!
Earl.—Is it true?
Forester.—Here they come with the leaders.
Scene IV
Enter Charvát, behind him Výrava in ropes, followed by two soldiers who guard him, then Dvořák, also bound and wounded, with head bandaged, two soldiers, Kyral, tied with ropes, Králíček, Václav and others, all under guard. From the rear at the left enter weeping women and other people. At the right the balcony fills with castle servants some of whom are also ranged below around the balcony.)
The preceding.
Charvát (Mockingly to the captured farmers).—Just come forward, Sir peasants. If you had courage enough for a rebellion, don’t be afraid of a tribunal.
Výrava.—Who of us fears it? On whom do you see any fear of death? All is not ended yet.
Charvát.—Ho, a table and chairs, that we may end things quickly!
(The women crowd around Charvát and the Earl.)
The Women.—Mercy, pardon! (The soldiers drive away the women and make a large circle around the captives, separating them from the rest of the people.
