Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/35

 

Springer.

 

What can happen to you?
You are not bond! A trial . . . .
An only to-day.

 

Esmeralda.

 

Do you have me ask you in vain?
Ah, my beloved, you would if . . .
If I were yourse!

 

Wenzel (gets courage).

 

Wh-What should I do?

 

Esmeralda.

 

Dance!

 

Wenzel.

 

But do I know how to dance?

 

Esmeralda.

 

I'll

Show you how; we'll dance together!

 

Wenzel.

 

But my mother!

 

Esmeralda.

 

She'll not recognize you.

 

Esmeralda and Springer.

 

Everything is in shipshape,
So as not to torture you,
A pretty little animal
Have I chosen for you.

Prince in fairy tales,
Brown little bear
Shall you be!
That you understand,
Obedient must you be,
Neat and fine!

Friendly must you bow,
For you're in love with me!
Charming and tender must you look. .
'Twill be the greatest fun!
Everything is in shipshape,
So that you're not tortured,
A pretty little animal
Have I chosen for you!

 

(Esmeralda and Springer go, while they look at the newly approaching. They motion to Wenzel to follow.

 

SCENE III.

 

(Wenzel, then Micha, Agnes and Kezal.)

 

Wenzel.

 

Alas, what will happen to me?
All the pretty girls, bu-burn
For love of me.

 

(He practices the dance.)

 

Agnes.

 

Here you are at last!

What are you doing? Are you crazy?

Come with us, so that we might lead you
To the prettiest bride in the town!

 

Wenzel.

 

Let me go!

 

Agnes.

 

Be sensible! Father and I
Have it all arranged. It is high time
To give you a sensible wife!

 

Kezal.

 

Wenzel

Will sign here, and then

The affair is settled.

 

Wenzel.

 

Wh-What is this paper for?

 

Micha.

 

That you marry
Marie Kruschina!

 

Wenzel.

 

No. . . no! I
Don't want her at all!

 

Agnes, Micha, and Kezal.

 

Ah, that strikes me like a thunder-clap!
I know not whether to trust my ears?
Where did you lose your senses?