Page:Bedřich Smetana, The bartered bride, Die verkaufte braut.pdf/37

 

Wenzel.

 

I know what fate awaits me:
She'll torture me to death!

 

Agnes, Micha, and Kezal.

 

Where did you get this information?
O tell me, fom whose lips?

 

Wenzel.

 

So-some one, who offered me her heart. . .

 

Agnes, Micha, and Kezal.

 

And who is opposed to your marriage.

 

Wenzel.

 

Oh no, oh no!
A ch-ch-charming girl.

 

Agnes, Micha, and Kezal.

 

What did the girl tell you?

 

Wenzel.

 

She said she loves me dearly!

 

Agnes.

 

And do you know her?

 

Wenzel.

 

Oh no!

 

(He runs away)

 

Agnes, Micha, and Kezal.

 

They are cursed things!
They laid a snare for him!
And therefore I must now find out,
How to bring him to his senses.

 

SCENE IV.

 

(Marie, Kruschina, Kathinka and the former. Then Wenzel.)

 

Marie

 

(rushes in, Kruschina and Kathinka after her.)

 

No, no, no,
That cannot be!
They slander and shout,
To separate us,
They slander and shout
My loved one deceived me.

 

Kruschina.

 

The poor girl doubts yet!

 

Kezal.

 

Come here and see!

 

Kruschina.

 

He gave a shameful price for you.

 

Kezal.

 

Here it is, in black and white!

(shows the paper.)

Yes, for three hundred gulden
He has sold his bride.

 

Marie.

 

Who would have believed it of him?

(weeping.)

May God pardon him!
Have I deserved such deep disgrace?
It still resounds within me:

"Yes, I am your's alone!"

 

Kruschina.

 

Be quiet, my poor child,
Forget your false lover!
Take a better one,
Who's pure and true to you!

 

Kezal.

 

Here, sign quickly.

(Wenzel is in the background, visible again.)

Now, Wenzel, come!

 

Kathinka.

 

My child, take courage,
Let things be as they are!

 

Marie.

 

And if he deserted me,
I'll ever remain free!
I will sorrow life away
In quiet solitude!

 

The Others.

 

In forgetfulness
Will your sorrow soon vanish!

 

Kezal (notices Wenzel and calls.)

 

Here, Wenzel, here, my little Wenzel!
Forget your bashfullness!