"A virtuous woman, especially if she loves another man, can resist
Apollo. But surely and always a stupid woman will resist him.
"Eryfile is stupid, not virtuous; that's the reason she resisted.
Therefore you cheated the Radiant, and you shall not have Lampecja.
Now go in peace."
The gods departed.
Zeus remained in his joyful glory. For a while he looked after Apollo,
muttering:
"Oh, yes! A stupid woman is able to resist him."
After that, as he had not slept well the previous night, he called
Sleep, who, sitting on a tree in the form of a hawk, was awaiting the
orders of the Father of gods and people.
PART FIFTH
WIN OR LOSE.
_A Drama in Five Acts_.
CHARACTERS:
Prince Starogrodzki.
Stella, his daughter.
George Pretwic, Stella's fiancé.
Karol Count Drahomir, Pretwic's friend.
Countess Miliszewska.
Jan Count Miliszewski.
Anton Zuk, secretary of the county.
Dr. Jozwowicz.
Mrs. Czeska.
Mr. Podczaski.
Servants.
ACT I.
The stage represents a drawing-room with the principal door leading to
the garden. There are also side doors to the other rooms.
SCENE I.
Princess Stella. Mrs. Czeska.
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 hands of English and French
governesses. I see you almost every day. I love my darling with all my
soul, and still you did not tell me that for several weeks you have
been engaged. At least do not torture me any longer, but tell me, who
is he?
Stella.--You must guess, my dear mother.
Czeska.--As long as you call me mother, you must not make me wait.
Stella.--But I wish you to guess and tell me. Naturally it is he and
not another. Believe me, it will flatter and please me.
Czeska.--Count Drahomir, then.
Stella.--Ah!
Czeska.--You are blushing. It is true. He has not been here for a long
time, but how sympathetic, how gay he is. Well, my old eyes would be
gladdened by seeing you both together. I should at once think what a
splendid couple. Perhaps there will be something in it.
Stella.--There will be nothing in it, because Count Drahomir, although
very sympathetic, is not my fiancé. I am betrothed to Mr. Pretwic.
Czeska.--Mr. George Pretwic?
Stella.--Yes. Are you surprised?
Czeska.--No, my dear child. May God bless you. Why should I be
surprised? But I am so fond of Count Drahomir, so I thought it was he.
Mr. George Pretwic!--Oh, I am not surprised at all that he should
love you. But it came a little too soon. How long have you known each
other? Living at my Berwinek I do not know anything that goes on in
the neighborhood.
Stella.--Since three months. My fiancé has inherited an estate in this
neighborhood from the Jazlowieckis, and came, as you know, from far
off. He was a near relation of the Jazlowieckis, and he himself comes
of a very good family. Dear madam, have you not heard of the Pretwics?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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