So Runs the World

Leon (alone).--I cannot overcome my emotion nor can I tranquillize the throbbing of my heart. Three times have I touched the bell and three times have I wished to retreat. I am...

Jadwiga.--No, I must be frank and tell you how it happened. In former times we were such dear friends, and then we have not seen each other for two years. I asked you to come, b...

Czeska.--Why do you tell me this only now? Really, my dear Stella, I should be angry with you. I live only a mile from here; I was your teacher before you were put into the hand...

George.--It is true. The sun is already setting. But we could not come earlier. Do you not know that there has been a fire in the neighboring village? We went there.

Czeska.--I should scold you, as I have my dear girl, for keeping the secret. But she has already told me everything, so I only say, may God bless you both.

Jozwowicz (enters through the principal door).--Jan, carry my trunk up-stairs and have the package I left in the antechamber sent at once to Mr. Anton Zuk, the secretary of the...

Jozwowicz (kissing Stella's hand).--Good evening, princess. I have also been anxious to return. I have come to stay for a longer time--to rest. Ah, the prince! How is Your Highn...

Prince.--Very well, then. Go to my cashier, Horkiewicz, and tell him to give that rabble a thousand florins. (He raps with the stick.) They must know that I will not permit any...

Doctor.--What are these people doing here, and what does she wish to tell me? Is it possible--But no, it is impossible. I am uneasy, but in a moment everything will be cleared u...

Anton.--Good news. In an hour or so a delegation of the voters will be here. You must say something to them--you understand? Something about education--public roads, heavy taxes...

Countess.--There is too much of that audacity. I have sent Mr. Podczaski to the electors, and they say: "We do not need representatives without heads." I am only surprised that...

Doctor.--Your Highness, let us speak calmly. If you have been to me a father, I have until now been to you a son. But the father must not bar to his son the road to distinction.

Doctor.--At least solicitous. If you have a moment to spare let us be seated and have a talk. My solicitude must explain my boldness. With the dignity of a fiancé, serenity and...

Podczaski (alone).--I have enough of this work for nothing. The countess sends me about to agitate for her, but when I ask her for some money, she answers: We shall see about it...

Doctor.--Yes, you have been agitating against me in favor of Count Miliszewski. Podczaski.--No, not at all, sir. Well, sir, it was so, but I am going to change that, and you may...

Jan.--We came together, but mamma went directly to the prince's apartment. I remained alone and I cannot find my way to the prince's apartment. (Seeing Podczaski, who bows to hi...

Doctor.--About the princess. You are both like mother and daughter, and you should have her entire confidence. What is the matter with her? She conceals something--some sorrow....

Jan.--You are sneering, and I do not know how to defend myself. But I am frank with you--I would not care a bit about being elected to parliament if it were not for my mamma. Wh...

Drahomir.--Young Miliszewski asked to speak to him a moment. The countess is speaking to the prince. It seems that their conversation is very animated because the countess did n...

Doctor.--Our princess must not be irritated. I have made peace between them. Mr. Pretwic did not grasp the real situation and his naturally sanguine disposition carried him away...

Doctor.--I have been here six years. When I came she wore short dresses. She grew by my side. Six years have their strength--it was impossible not to become attached to her.

Doctor.--I will send for Pretwic, and we will join you. (He rings the bell. A servant comes in--the prince and Drahomir go out.) Ask Mr. Pretwic to come here. (The servant goes...

George.--Excuse me. The blood rushes to my head. I see some catastrophe hanging over me. I thought you would say something to pacify me. I thought you were my friend.

Doctor.--Give it to me. (The servant goes out. Doctor looks at the door through which George went out.) Oh, I can no longer control my hatred. I will crush you into dust; and no...

Doctor (aside).--I must act now--otherwise everything is lost. (Aloud) Count, I have not much time to speak to you now, because in a moment I expect Anton in regard to a matter...

Anton.--Up to now everything is well, but I repeat--the fight is very hot. If you had not come the last time, you would have lost the battle, because Miliszewski has withdrawn a...

Doctor.--Count Drahomir. And he begged so earnestly that I promised him that I would allow you to leave the bed. He wishes to have a talk with you to-day, because he will not be...

Anton.--Very pretty, but looks as though she was made of mist. As for me, I prefer women like my wife. From such as your princess you cannot expect sturdy democrats.

Doctor (alone).--Let that golden-haired page go, but he must see her before he goes. This leave-taking shall be the red flag for the bull. (Drahomir enters.) I am waiting for yo...

Doctor.--How warm it is here! My head is splitting. (He rings--a servant enters.) Ask Mr. Pretwic to come here. (The servant goes out.) My head is bursting--but then I will have...

George.--I swear to you that I have defended myself from suspicions as a man dying on the steppe defends himself from the crows--that I have bitten my hands with pain and despai...

Stella.--Then let us shake hands in farewell. I can assure you that you have a friend in me. Friendship is like an immortal--it is a pale flower, but does not wither. May God gu...

George.--In order not to soil my hand, I throw in your face our broken friendship, my trampled happiness, lost faith in God and man, endless contempt for you and myself.

The result of the ballotting until now: Jozwowicz, 613; Husarski, 604. At ten o'clock: Jozwowicz, 700; Husarski, 700. At 11 o'clock: Jozwowicz, 814; Husarski, 750. The fight is...

George.--There are some people who are cursed from the moment they are born, and for whom death is the only redemption. I belong to that class. I have thought everything over qu...

Anton (rushing in).--Man, have you become an idiot? When every moment is valuable, you remain here. The results are uncertain. They have put up big posters--Husarski's partisans...

Stella.--He said that he might be obliged to go away in a few days. I have a presentiment that you are hiding something from me. What does it mean? Do not torture me any longer....

Doctor.--Man, you are talking like a nincompoop, and not like a man. You have plenty of words in your mouth, but you lack strength--you cannot face facts. Who would dare say: Yo...

Jan.--I sent her to the city. To-day is election day and mamma does not know that I have withdrawn, therefore she will wait for the evening papers in the hope that she will find...