Page:Poet Lore, volume 28, 1917.djvu/560

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538
THE FOUR BARE WALLS

Merfajt (With an evil laugh).—Yes, already today! You were planning a surprise party for us, and in the meantime we have one for you! (The cries of the people increase, until but one word is intelligible.)

Tonicka (Dazed).—The troops!

Merfajt.—Now I am asking you for the last time, do you intend to move?

Kralenec.—No!

Merfajt (To Brouzda, Pivousek, and the servant).—Then do what I have commanded. (Threatingly.) This rebellion we will nip in the bud before another one shows its horns! (Goes away.)

Kralenec (Seizing his hand).—What are they going to do?

Merfajt.—They know, and you will shortly learn! Since the gentlemen miners wish to pay us a call, en masse, we must surely be at home! (Going away with a scornful laugh.) Good bye!

Brouzda, Pivousek (Mechanically).—Goodbye!

Scene VII

The same, without Merfajt

Kralenec.—But I have not said Goodbye to this affair. What do you mean to do?

Pivousek.—We do not wish you any harm, brother, but since you are so stubborn, we cannot help ourselves! We have been instructed to clear this room, so we must clear it.

Kralenec.—Clear it? Put out my furniture?

Pivousek.—We surely will! And you ought to show better judgment! In the winter? And what about you, Mrs. Kralenec? Could you not have given your husband better advice?

Tonicka.—We will not move from here, and you do not dare . . .

Pivousek.—Well then, since I see that you will not show any sense or reason . . . (To Brouzda and the servants.) Well, comrades, go to work.

Brouzda.—Well then, with the help of the Lord! (The uproar outside. Brouzda flings the door open, and with the aid of the servant, seizes the bed to carry it out.)

Kralenec.—And I again tell you, do not touch my things! Pivousku, tell the men to leave them alone!