"FILMEXPORT HOME VIDEO Presents" "IMMORTAL LOVER" "Directed by" "In Lead Roles" "Director of Photography" "Music by" "Architect" "Made at the Studios" "Sound Editor" "24 September 1835 Komarek's Coffee-House" "Zimmermann banned Macha's Gypsies today." "I wonder what he will ban tomorrow." "While Samo Tomasik would cross himself, we remain silent!" "Good Heavens!" "Havlik, do you think that Tomasik would run to the censor and challenge him to a duel?" " He had no right to ban Macha's novel, Sabina!" " What do you intend to do?" "When Lord Byron published his tragedy Heaven and Earth, many doubted whether he was suited to write about love." "Had he such a fierce critic, as you, Mr. Macha, I dare not guess." "Zimmermann suggested that I should write a poem." "He said he would not ban it." " He cannot ban poems!" "Jungmann wrote you were a great poet four years ago." "People said..." "What is the matter?" "Are you holding a meeting here?" " No." "We are rehearsing a new song without lyrics." "The Lord is on our side, Perun shall sweep away those who are against us." "The Lord is on our side, Perun shall sweep away those who are against us." "Does anyone have this leaflet?" "No one?" "And you?" "And you?" " No one." "We do not need any leaflets, we have it all right here." "What did they want?" " The invited me for questioning about the smuggled books from Germany." "The police is helping to advertise those seditious leaflets." "Here, you can read it." "It has no value for us." "Our literature is different, though." "It is based on our nation's faith." "And we owe it solely to Jungmann." " Indeed." "Jungmann proved that nothing was impossible, when after two centuries of oppression, he revived our Czech language." "And now, it is equal to Polish." "Strzekutski arrived yesterday and asked about you." "Does he bring news from Krakow?" " In Krakow, they trust the government shall be more humane to political adversaries." "We also have hopes that Metternich will fall into disfavour." "Nonetheless, Metternich would win the Emperor's favour back." "Are you trying to frighten us again, Sabina?" "I will play you something cheerful on the piano, you pessimist." "Another one of your musical fits?" " Leave him alone, Blazek." "You will see you will like it." "Let him play." "How is your mother?" "She was ill, wasn't she?" "She is feeling much better." " I am glad to hear that." "Good day." "That was Mr. Tyl." "Will we see you in his play again?" " Yes, in The Theft." "The last rehearsal is tonight." "I am looking forward to is so much." "I wish you luck." "Send my regards to your mother." " I will, thank you, madam." "LACE" "This is unbearable!" "I have just met Lori." " Where was she going?" "Home, I suppose." " Did you talk to her?" "No." "Would you have something against that?" "Look, Blazek, Tyl is here." "We have been waiting for you." "Kaska is working late, she will come at 10 o'clock." "This is how our rehearsals for your play look." "What is the matter with Macha?" " I did everything I could." "I played some songs." " I see, Blazek." "You played your last piece, haven't you?" "You are forgiven." "Did anyone argue?" " Not at all, Mr. Tyl." "What can I bring you, Mr. Tyl?" " Cold black coffee, please." "New parts?" "Be careful, Roza, the glue is still hot." "Why is Anna gazing at the door instead of helping me, my hands are aching." "Why did Mr. Macha come so early today, Mummy?" "Should I meet Lori, Mummy?" "Go and buy bread on the way." "We are delivering work to the capsule works in the afternoon." "How many did you make today?" " Three hundred." "Lori was working in the morning." " Go, dear." "Such impatience." "Anna told me you have been waiting for me for some time." "Where have you been, Lori?" "I went to buy lace." "I was not expecting you." "I brought you a new book." "You said you had nothing to read." "You care about everyone but me." " How can you say such a thing?" "Your eyes are giving you away." "When you reach out your hand, it is as though you are giving a signal." "What was I supposed to do?" "You could have told me to come with you." "You would not have the patience to look at shop windows with me." "Another excuse." "There is always plenty of time for shopping." "Perhaps we will not have time for the theatre this season." "You said we would yesterday." " That was yesterday." "You change your decision again!" "I take Polish and guitar lessons, I do all that you want me to do." "You are being unfair, Lori." "After all, you wanted to play the guitar, isn't that so?" "I will show you I can play better than you think." "But you have to teach me your song." "I know a beautiful girl," "A blooming belladonna," "Her face so fair," "A picture of innocence," "My heart..." "Lori, I was in Dlazebni Street." "At the Censorship Bureau?" "Zimmermann banned the Gypsies." " Why?" "He said there was too much passion in the novel." "Murder, madness, the gallows." "He said one should not write about such things." "You worked on it so hard." "Will you write something else?" "I want to finish May." "Lori..." "Ah, Mr. Tomicek." "Emperor Ferdinand is coming to Prague in the end of October." "The Russian tsar will arrive a week later." "We have ten days left for last preparations." "Is everything ready?" "Illumination is arranged for, Mr. Palacky." "So many triumphal arches will block the streets." "The cultural public should be allowed to speak as well." "Namely our poets." "I hope all Czech poets were asked for their contribution as you requested." " And Mr. Macha?" "I do not wish Mr. Macha to think that I support one side and oppugn the other." "Macha had an dispute with Celakovsky." "I know." "We were talking about it at Jungmann's house." "Jungmann and I are both interested in his future." "One can hardly agree with Macha as regards poetry." "If you wish, I will address him today." "I would welcome his contribution." "It is a matter of great concern to me." "Even Mr. Macha is able to conform." " Let us hope so." "At the age of 25, one is tempted to exaggerate." "I am well aware of Mr. Macha's eruptiveness." "However, I trust you shall explain everything to him." "I will call upon him today, if it is your wish." "Lori, be sensible." "Mr. Macha did not complete his studies, he does not have a firm position." "Like us, he has no possessions." "I am fond of Hynek, Mummy." "I know but when I hear you two..." "How he reproaches you for every single look or step!" "He is not suited for marriage." "You ought to end before people start talking." "I love Hynek even if he does me wrong." "Lori, Miss Forchheimova is here." "Was Mr. Macha very angry at Lori?" " He was." "Tyl told me about the new play." "It is the Magic Hat." "Klicpera again?" " Tyl says it will be a success." "We have not finished rehearsing one play and he comes with another one." "Why?" "It seems more hard work awaits us." "Is your mentor hard on you?" " He is never satisfied with me." "Not to worry, all will get better in a week." "What a nice lace!" " Did you get a part?" "He will assign them tonight at the coffee-house." "Tyl wants you to play student Krepelka." "Are we going tonight?" " You have to!" "You are both rehearsing tonight." " No." "I do not feel like going out tonight." "We cannot cancel the rehearsal because of you." "We go to Petrin Park now, Hynek never misses the sunset." "The park can wait." "The season started well and there will be one premiere after another now." "Just imagine when we have a permanent theatre in Prague one day." "We will not have much spare time for the theatre." "Here it comes." "Well, we could leave one rehearsal out." "You recite brilliantly and learn easily." "Although, order and discipline must be observed." "Otherwise people would gossip." " Oh yes." "Anyway, Tyl is the director." "Let him decide." "Leni, tell Tyl not be angry at us." " He is much too busy." "Kaska is working overtime and she will come at 10 o'clock." "Doing theatre is so ungrateful!" "Forgive me for calling on you at such an uncommon hour." "I was sent here from the coffee-house." " It is quite all right, Mr. Tomicek." "Do sit down." "Sit down, please." "The Highest Burgrave, Count Chotek, asked us to collect poems written in honour of the visit of Emperor Ferdinand in Prague." "The Matice Ceska Foundation will publish a collection of poems of Czech poets." "And you come to me for panegyric verses?" "Mr. Palacky specifically instructed me to bring a poem from you." " Palacky?" "Yes." "The collection shall be presented to the Emperor and the Empress." "We have never reached an agreement." "He believes my work lacks an idea." "I do not understand him." " He is offering you a helping hand." "A helping hand?" " You will be able to publish in newspapers." "You will not be dependent on Tyl." " What do you mean?" "Only he publishes your work in his magazine." "No one else." " Perhaps he likes my poems." "Nonetheless, I believe the royalty you receive from him is your only source of income." "You seem well informed about my situation?" "Our literature is growing and requires certain supervision." "Many suspicious individuals have been emerging lately." "Who appointed you as the protector of our literature?" "The many men of repute with whom I associate would answer your question." "Their favour would help you considerably." "Mr. Palacky's word is priceless." "Father, Mr. Palacky wants to help Hynek." "Palacky?" "Didn't I tell you that Macha was the man they needed?" "You have to admit that your entry into the world of literature was somewhat awkward." "We wish to build a bridge for you." "Byron, on the other hand, will lead you astray." "We already have a poem from Mr. Celakovsky." "It is high-flown and melodious, as one would expect." "You will conform after all." " Who?" "Me?" "!" "You do not want a poem but a rhyme for the imperial court." "Did you come here to persuade me?" " I came to win you for a good cause." "I also wrote a poem." "My skeletons would scare the Emperor, I am not fit for the job." "Do you refuse then?" "You ought to consider it carefully." "Are you threatening me?" "Nothing doing." "I will write a poem in honour of the Emperor." "Well, well." " Or in honour of the king." "After all, he is to be crowned King of Bohemia." "When do you need it?" " By the end of this week." "I truly hope your poem will not be too Too strange." "I would have to return it." " I will write it none the less." "I know that Palacky will understand." "I am certain, Mr. Tomicek." "I tried to fulfil my mission as best as I could." "I truly hope you have not misinterpreted my effort." "Do not worry." "I can see right through you." "This may not be my home, yet I will gladly show you out." "Farewell." "I will talk about it with Macha at the coffee-house tonight." "Do not meddle in it, understand?" "We do not know why he is doing it." "Will you bring me the capsules?" " I certainly will." "I will not forget them this time." " Please, don't." " I won't." "See you tomorrow." " Very well." "Are you leaving already?" " Should we stay?" "No, I do not want to hold you up." " I know." "I bring bad news." " Tyl will be upset." "What now?" " Macha does not want to come to rehearsals." "From the moment he joined us, he has engaged in nothing but disputes." "You have to convince him to come." "He is with Lori now." "Patience, Macha will come." "He surrounded himself here with capable and gifted people." "He would not quit that easily." " The first night is in a week." "He stabs us in the back, yet you still protect him." "Macha is a popular actor." "If people do not see him on stage, they might complain." "Have a word with him, Mr. Tyl." "I can play the shepherd as well as he." "Do you know who I saw at Macha's house?" " Who?" "The influential newspaper critic, Mr. Tomicek." "I sent him there." " Macha must be delighted." "He could hardly walk because of all his prudence." "He spoiled my day." " It almost faint when I see him at the theatre." "This evening belongs to us, Lori." "I will have you to myself." "Without reservations." "Why don't you want to come to rehearsals?" "What is your reason?" "!" "I don't want to play." " Why?" "!" "Good day." "Could you tell me what is the matter?" "What is the problem this time?" "You had an argument with Grabinger last night." "That is not the reason." "I have nothing against him." "Then what is your reason?" " I have to finish May." "I cannot be distracted by other things." "I am also a writer, yet it does not mean I need to throw everything else away." "My life is far too feverish." "Besides, I would be of no use." "It is in the nation's interest to keep the theatre running." "Private interests must stand aside." "I have not left a single performance out until now." "This poem is of great importance to me and I need to avoid all distractions." "I admit that it is hard for us to work." "Nonetheless, for one to analyse one's inner self, one needs not go to the desert." "I am not surprised that Palacky fails to understand me." "He stands on the opposite side." "But you are still young." "The inner tragedy that you may be experiencing must stand aside." "One has to conform to majority." " You speak like Tomicek." "You stamp on all that is new and defiant." "You will learn the truth when May is published." "Then you will understand, Tyl." "One day, you will come to me seeking understanding." "Yet, you refuse to help me now." " I do not have time for that." "Write your poem." "Are you expecting a miracle to happen?" "You refuse to do theatre with us only because you wish to be in my place." "You wish to be first in everything." " You have never understood me." "The whole city knows of your desire to override us." "You even wear a cloak like some prince." " Are there no other faults to find?" "You would leave us for the sake of distinguishing yourself from us." "Now everyone will say that you left the company because of me." "Nonsense." " One can never be too careful." "People are beginning to talk about our performances." "All is going well." "I am organizing our first ball." " A ball?" "An ordinary dance." "Even an ordinary dance is important." "We get to know one another." "It should take place at Zofin." "Leni and Lori could be of great help." "You cannot expect Lori to invite people to some silly dance!" "Why a dance?" "People want to enjoy themselves." "For whom will we write if we do not enlarge the circle of patriots?" "I wish to contribute, in my own way, though." "What do you want from me?" "You need to toe the line." "Otherwise, you would present a bad example." "Even if I strongly disagree?" " I have had enough of your whims." "I have covered your back until now." "I even argued with Celakovsky." "I fought for you in the magazine." "You must conform for the sake of us all!" "No." " Hynek..." "You would excommunicate yourself." " I cannot do otherwise." "At any price?" " Nothing can hold me." "I shall do what I must to come to terms with myself." "In that case, you ought to come to terms with the demon inside you." "Malcontent outcast." "I am not the only one who walks with his eyes wide open in the darkest night." "An uneven battle I fight." "Will you finish May?" "You could work here, Hynek." "Don't be silly, your mother sees me as an intruder." "She would be happy if you married a merchant who would marry you without dowry." " That is true." "Besides, I have to go to lectures." "They have taught me to gulp legal provisions." "Will you finish the law school?" " I hope so." "Even though I would rather wander in deep woods." "You do love me, don't you?" " Hynek..." "Why don't you believe me?" "What is between us?" "I feel I keep losing you." "It is easier to suspect someone than to trust him." "I cannot think." "Every sigh betrays us." "This evening will be ours, Lori." "We could stop by at the coffee-house on the way back, don't you think?" "There will not be a way back, Lori." "Good evening." "Has the rehearsal begun?" " I think they are next door." "You must be very proud of Lori." "She is a blossom." "Why didn't she come with you?" "She told me the rehearsal was tonight." "She must be here by now..." "Is Mr. Macha at the rehearsal, Mr. Tyl?" " No." "How is that possible?" "He and Lori went together." "Mr. Somek, I will sent them to you when they come." "Perhaps they were delayed." "Shall we begin, Tyl?" "Half of the company is not here but we may begin, if you wish." "It seems they were delayed." " That is quite possible." "Children are so difficult sometimes, especially those keen on arts." "I believe Mr. Somek spoke to Mr. Tyl about the part of the leading man." "Apparently with no success." "Is Lori home?" " No." "She went to the rehearsal." "I was there and Lori and Macha had not come at all." "Go to bed, dear, Lori will come home soon." "Why do you let her go out with Macha at night?" "You should not stay up so late." "Stop sewing, it is time to go to bed." "Did you bring the capsules, Daddy?" " I did, but it is time to sleep now." "I will give them to you in the morning." " Good night." " Good night." "It was late evening, the first of May," "A May evening, the time of love." "To love invited a turtle-dove," "Where fragrant pinewoods lay." "Still moss whispered of love," "A flowering tree murmured its love lies," "A nightingale sang its song of love," "To his beloved rose, her scented sighs." "A velvety lake among brush quietly nestled" "Hummed to lighten its darkest sorrow," "By the comforting arms of its shores embraced," "The rays of suns from strange worlds of morrow" "Through azure strips they wandered," "Burning as the tears of love." "Set ablaze was the heavenly sky above" "As the temple of eternal love." "By burning desire forever bound" "Like sparkles the stars gently flickered" "To bring together lovers long-parted." "Its full beauty Luna unveiled," "A face so pale, yet so beautiful and clear." "As a maiden seeks her lover so dear," "Luna's face blushed with budding love," "Once her own reflection mirrored the lake" "Forlorn and tormented by self-love." "It was late evening, the first of May," "A May evening, the time of love." "Have you spoken to Spurny?" " I have." "He wants nine guldens for each sheet in advance." "He will use a new font." "Look." " Very nice." "But nine guldens in advance?" "I sent the introduction to Hindl, he might lend me the money." "I will need two or three printing sheets." "What about Tyl?" "He is an accountant with a regular salary." "He seems well off." " No." "You know I fell out with him." "Did you speak to Father?" " I did." "He is upset because you left law school and that we won't have money for rent." "But it is not that bad." " I have to publish May at any cost." "Neureiter expressed himself clearly the he would not publish it." "If only they had not banned the Gypsies." "Gypsies..." "You have described your jealousy more than well." "It is sheer fable." "The novel depicts all the bad dreams that are haunting me." "You are lucky that reality is not as bad as your fantasy." "You have to get away or else you will suffocate." "Our parents do not approve your relationship with Lori." "Are you against her too?" "You know nothing about my love to her." "Nothing." "One understands only oneself." " You are running against the wall." "You would have good friends if only you wanted them." "You can never publish May without them." "You are right, I depend on them." "That is why I do not have to right to write a single verse without their consent." "You should be less enraged, Hynek." "I shall never acquiesce." "I despise hypocrisy." "You know I have been avoiding people since my childhood." "You are right." "Have you read Miczkiewicz?" " Yes." "And Scott?" " I devoured his novels when they were reading classics and arguing about grammar." "You know Byron by heart." "I see, you want me..." " Yes, precisely." "Good day." " Good day." "You come at the right time, look." "We will sell all these books." "And this as well." "Good Heavens!" "You want to sell Byron?" "Lori has the Prisoner of Chillon." "At least one Byron is spared." "Good Heavens!" "I would never sell this." "You would freeze in heaven before you could say Lord Byron." "You would hardly get the 25 guldens that my brother needs to publish May." "That's something else." "If the publishers neglect you, we students shall rush to your aid." "Your books will get in the right hands." "Why your collection is finer than at most bookshops." "I will keep this one." " Byron?" "He was paid 3 ducats per line." " He deserved every penny." "Have you all the poems?" " All have contributed." "And Mr. Macha?" " Yes." "He did not waste words or rhymes." "He even refrained from using the Emperor's name." "Unworthy of being printed." "On the Coming of the King." "Strange." " I am afraid I was right." "Count Chotek will reject it." "Beyond any doubt." "I thought so." "Do you have other poems?" " Here, sir." "Here are the manuscripts rejected by Count Chotek." "Has he rejected my poem?" "Goethe, Faust." "Two volumes of Calderon." "These are the last books." "Wait." "Don't pull it out of my hand." "Byron." "A Polish translation of Manfred." "Do you speak Polish?" " A little." "I bet I will have it deciphered before the cherries bloom." "Well..." "You have Mickiewicz and Walter Scott." "That's 85 kreutzers." "You were never good at maths." "Never mind." "Here are two more books." "And keep the change." " Walter Scott..." "The Lay of the Last Minstrel." " How much is it?" "Walter Scott is for 50 kreutzers." "That's too much." " Give it back." " How much is it?" "It is 55 kreutzers." " You said 50 kreutzers." "Did I say 50?" "All right." " Here you are." "Well..." "All right." "Have you paid it?" " I have." "MAY A POEM BY KAREL HYNEK MACHA" "Did you tell Macha that it was high time you two got married?" "You cannot imagine what it is like to have a child born out of wedlock." "Now is not the right time, Mummy." "Hynek needs to finish his studies." "People will point the finger of scorn at us." "Mummy..." "I forgive you, Lori." "Yet, your next of kin and friends will turn their backs on you." "Hynek." "Will you tell him today?" " I will, Mummy." "Look, Lori, the first sheet of May." "They rejected my poem for the Emperor, but I wrote May for myself." "I have never given up hope." "That we would overcome all obstacles one day." "Havlik said it was the best poem he had ever read." "I am writing a new one about Wenceslas, I may travel to Poland." "To see the places where decisions about the Czech throne were made." "Are you leaving?" " I have to call on Spurny." "You are tired, you need to rest." "I do not know what rest is." "Besides, I must finish my studies this year." "Hynek..." "Are you all right, Lori?" " I am." "My mother worries me." "Do not worry, she will get better soon." "If I did not have to go to the printing house, I would stay, trust me." "It was late evening, the first of May," "A May evening, the time of love." "(23 April 1836)" "To love invited a turtle-dove," "Where fragrant pinewoods lay." "May is selling like hot cakes." "All 600 copies were sold." "Even Germans have shown interest." "The Westreichisches Morgenblatt requested a copy for review." "And Slovaks, Kuzmanyi." "They haven't a single copy left." "I am not surprised that there are no 14-kreutzer copies left but even the copies for 30 kreutzers are sold out." "The students are on your side now." " Wait, I have two more copies." "No, I gave them to Lori's sisters." "I saw a copy at Neureiter's bookshop." "He no doubt regrets that he did not publish May himself." "I will call on Lori." "I need the two copies today." "All you think about is Lori." "You should not doubt her sincerity and her love for me." "I value her simplicity more than the finery of noble women." "She is not suited for you." "I tell you as a brother." " I love her, Michal." "Fool!" "Tomicek's review of May." "Read it." "Good Heavens!" "His poem is mere dirt disgorged by a dying volcano." "That is sheer envy!" " Listen to what he writes next." "We have been sleeping for two centuries and we are slowly waking up." "With his dull voice of a broken harp, must not lull us to sleep." "For a single print error, Celakovsky calls Macha a poor poet and condemns all his work." "For disputes between the Vcela and Kvety magazines Macha was ridiculed." "And for others, they wish to execute him now!" "He may be alone." "Wait for what others have to say." "Macha is strong, he will not give in to criticism." "It is not just this single review, Havlik." "He has already faced many lies and hatred." "Something has to be done with Tomicek!" " His review will cause a stir tomorrow!" "May is completely sold out!" " First copies were sold immediately!" "And to whom?" "Us, students!" " Yes, correct." "Go to Macha and tell him we will demonstrate." "Let us show everyone that the youth is on Macha's side!" "He helped Polish students when they needed it the most." "Correct." "I am on my way, lads." "Today's youth!" " Indeed." "Good Lord, it is Tyl." " Did you lock the door?" "You should not have come, Mr. Tyl." " I waited for you outside." "Why haven't you replied to my letter?" " He forbids me to associate with you." "You should leave." " Leni is ill." "You have to stand in for her in Zizka's Sword on Thursday." "I shall not do anything without his permission." "Lori." " He does not want to hear a word about the theatre." "Ask someone else at the theatre." " There is no one else." "Please, do not turn me down, there are posters everywhere." "I truly cannot." "All the copies of May are sold out." "You?" "Mr. Tyl came because of a play." " Hush, Lori." "Hynek..." " I do not want to know why you cried." "And you leave." "I do not want to know anything." "Stop it!" "Why are you so suspicious of Lori?" "I believe I have already told you that I was through with you." "I did not come to persuade you." "You ought to let Lori play!" "You are wasting your time." " With us, she used to be so happy." "And look at her now." " Are you telling me?" "!" "You want her to play, however, you seem to forget that her mother passed away." "I only wanted her to play Marie in Zizka's Sword." "Leni is ill." " If you wish to play, I will not hinder you." "I do not want to." " Only this single performance." "She is not suited for the part." "You dislike half of my company." " Justly." "You are not hard enough on yourself." " I am doing my best." "Without me, there would be no Czech theatre plays." "Mere effort is not enough." "Value is what matters." "You are so self-assured!" " Do you have doubts?" "I always saw you as a poet." "Nevertheless, all cannot seek to do great things and set high aims." "Who was the first to sing Where Is My Home?" "Labourers, apprentices and craftsmen..." "An artist cannot be a mere servant, he would drown in mediocrity." "He should aim high." " What can you achieve without means?" "No one could stop Byron from completing his mission." "Do you wish to be Czech Byron?" "Times are unfavourable." "More likely, you shall die of hunger." "A poet must not succumb to violence." " What if he breaks his neck?" "He lived his life to the fullest." " You are walking on a dangerous path." "Do not worry." " Vainly would I persuade you otherwise." "I am deeply sorry for causing you such trouble." "Leni sends her regards." "I wish you all the best." "Is Macha with Lori, Mr. Tyl?" " Yes." "Is something the matter?" " Read this." "You had a rendezvous." " I have not seen Tyl for 6 months." "He lures you with his sweet talk and you can barely resist." "Do you realize what you are saying?" " Are you afraid of the truth?" "Let go!" " I relied on your love." "I am fond of you." " You?" "Whenever someone gets close to you, I am overwhelmed by anxiety." "I could not share you with anyone." " Are you insane?" "What do you want?" "Maybe you cannot even feel true love." "You are mistaken!" "How I could otherwise endure all your fits so that you could finish May?" "!" "I cleared your path in the hardest moments of your life." "I watched your every single look, Hynek." "Macha is past helping." " Why?" "Everyone is pointing the finger of scorn at me, only you fail to notice that I am bearing a child." "A child?" "My child..." "And I lived only for my verses." "We have to do something, Lori, you cannot stay here." "They would make you suffer." " I have nowhere to go." "Mr. Macha?" " They are in there." "Havlik!" "What brings you here?" "Tomicek's review." "Is it bad?" "What does he say?" "What is the matter, Hynek?" "He descends to poor ballad-mongery." "For he has not seen anything fair in his life," "He shows us no more than the emptiness of his own soul..." "It cannot be!" "Nejedly wrote differently about May." "According to him, you exceed many venerated poets." "He lives in the country, Prague has a different opinion." "Tender care." " Tomicek belongs to another school." "He can never understand you." "Now Chmelensky will rush in upon me." "And perhaps Tyl will make things hotter." "The hunt begins." " They would not dare." "They will." "Those who take a different path, will meet with resistance." "But you can defend yourself." "We will organize a demonstration." "For me?" " Yes, the students will be outraged." "Reply to Tomicek's criticism, you must not remain silent!" "No!" " Why not?" "We are standing against the powerful." "To fight them, I need firm footing." "You refuse?" "I would sink into sand." "I fill find a way." " What a pity!" "These are difficult times, as though something was in the air." "I am so anxious to go to battle!" " Calm down, Havlik." "Calm down?" "Don't tell me I would freeze." "Good Heavens!" "This review is driving me crazy!" "They are cross because you did not write the poem for the Emperor." "We are in a vicious circle." " We will find a way out." "If only we had the courage free ourselves of all this nuisance." "You know you can rely on me." "Would you leave Prague?" " Leave Prague?" "For good?" " So suddenly?" "There is no other way out." "Will you come with me?" " We belong to each other." "I will find a job after finishing my studies in July." "But..." "I will marry you, Lori." "ON 7 SEPTEMBER 1836, FERDINAND V WAS CROWNED KING OF BOHEMIA." "Good day." " How are you, Macha?" "Have you completed all your exams?" " A month ago." "I found a job in Litomerice." " You cannot be serious!" "You could get your doctor's degree in a year." "You should not be content with completing the law school." "You ought to think ahead." " Are you tired of Prague?" "No, but I want to stand on my own feet." "Reason wins then?" "For Lori?" "I would say sense." "You all see me as a martyr." "I will rather fight with life." " People will say that you surrendered." "At least my hand will not ache from raising my hat." "Farewell." "Stay here, he needs to be alone." "Hynek!" "I knew you would come." " I came to say goodbye." "Have you found a job?" "Is it far?" "In Litomerice." "It is a 9-hour walk across fields and through woods." "So far." " You do not want to be like the damsels who never set foot out of their town, do you?" "Not to worry." "You will travel by coach." "Maybe in a carriage." "Or would you like me to change a meadow into a Venetian lagoon?" "Do not make fun of me, Hynek." " I am not." "A Venetian gondola is so beautiful." " I am worried about you." "You will be so far away." " You are not losing courage, are you?" "I am." "It is you I am worried about." "That I might get lost?" "Quiet." "She is asleep." "Mr. Macha was here." "He went back to Litomerice on foot after midnight." "A trip by coach costs almost 2 guldens." "He cannot afford it?" "With a child, one has to save every penny." "Is little Ludvik any better?" "The baby is weak, his mother suffered much lately." "How could you take her here on foot when she was in such pain?" "Father did not want Lori to stay home." "It was a terrible journey for both of us." "I will never forget it." "Anna..." "Where is Hynek?" " He left after you had fallen asleep." "Why didn't you wake me up?" " He didn't want me to." "He was right, it would be a cruel parting for both of you." "As last time." "Did Father let you come here?" "He gave me 10 guldens for you." "He is not upset anymore?" " No, Lori." "Good morning." " Good morning." "Mr. Macha has not come yet?" "Good morning." "Did you walk on foot from Prague again?" "If the roads were not so dusty, I would arrive just in time." "It seems your journey from Prague was somewhat rocky." "Celakovsky deems that this May was so cold because I sang so badly about it." "I hope he will not reproach me for last night, which was very cold." "Beautiful and pale as the cold forehead of the dead." "Mr. Macha, you do not need to hurry with the report concerning Milesov." "We need to summon witnesses." "Meanwhile, take care of this matter." "I will take the committee minutes home and I will write the report as soon as possible, sir." "You have been walking again, weren't you?" "You look exhausted." "My son is ill." "I had to see him to stop worrying." "You ought to bring your wife to Litomerice." "Am I right, Uncle?" "I have heard that cholera is receding in Prague, you never know, though." "They keep back news of new cases." " I will bring Lori." "I will bring my wife to Litomerice as soon as we settle certain affairs." "Of course, your wife is more than welcome here, Mr. Macha." "Look, why don't you rest." "The Milesov report can wait." "You can take it home, if you wish." "Do you have the agreement for Horak?" "No, I will bring it in a moment." "You promised to bring it yesterday." "I need it." "I do not know what to do with the agreement." "Give it to me, I will draw it up for you." "Ludvik is not better today, he has difficulty breathing." "He is weak." "When he was born, we could hardly hear his heart beat." "What about his eyes?" " You need not worry, he will see." "Hynek wants me to write about Ludvik every day." "Don't, you would only make him worried." "Your son will get stronger in a couple of days." " Do you think so?" "Father says you should call on us." "I cannot." "I hardly sleep because of little Ludvik." "Macha ordered you not to call on us, didn't he?" "Father was unfair to him." "Hynek received a marriage permit from the City Hall." "Lori!" " Tell Father." "Really?" "And have you got a dress?" "They do not let you out even on Sunday?" " It will get some milk, though." "I cannot let it run around." " Is there a letter for me?" "No." "Maybe the postman will bring it tonight." "In case you are not home, I will put it under your door." "Thank you." "MINUTES FROM THE COMMITTEE IN MILESOV" "TO YOU, MY HOMELAND, I BID FAREWELL." "CROSSED HAVE I THY BORDERS, MY BELOVED CZECH LAND..." "Mr. Macha has not come yet?" " Anna saw him at the fire." "He worries about barns, though little about my house." "What are you doing?" "Be careful!" "Such chaos and Mr. Macha does not know what his duty is." "He ran all the way from Radobyl." " That is 45 minutes' walk." "He had plenty of time to figure out where he was needed!" "It is my house and my office that feeds him!" "At least you see how little he cares about us." "Should we pack the feather quilts?" " The quilts?" "Oh yes." "We have to pack quilts and clothes." "Come." "Eleven barns are on fire." "My wife will come in moment, madam." "Put everything in the cellar." "Don't drink the water!" "It did not taste good." "After all, I am not thirsty any more." "Did you hear me?" "As the moon's power wanes away," "Along with the stars all around," "Nothing but darkness, so profound," "As though a grave gaped open far away." "Wind retreats, water ebbs away," "Falls silent the voice of the horn." "Imprisoned in a chamber of dismay," "Dead silence and darkness forlorn." "One by one, drops fill a dark pool," "Echoes their dull, empty sound," "Augmented by the prisoner's cell," "As though mercilessly counting down," "The hour of death near is drawing," "Of death they are whispering." "The thought of death by fear overcome," "Deepest silence." "With drop relentlessly counting down" "The hour of death near is drawing," "Of death they are whispering." "Mr. Macha did not come?" " Maybe he went to Prague." "There is so much work today." " There is always plenty of work." "We have been doing nothing but sorting files all week." "And wiping dust." "Mind you, there was plenty of dust." "My back is still aching." "It was all for nothing." " Where can it be?" "Macha could not even walk straight because of his back ache." "You talk as though I was only watching." "I did help you, after all." "Did you find Kucera's file?" " No." "Where can it be?" "I will look next door." "Leni!" " I found you at last, Lori!" "It was not so easy to get your address from Sabina." "How is little Macha?" "He is asleep." "I almost died of fear." " There is no need to worry now." "Your wedding is in three days and no one knows you in Litomerice." "While here, she has to hide." "When is your wedding, Lori?" " On Tuesday at St. Stephen's Church." "I will come and watch from afar at least." "I sincerely wish you happiness." "Everyone was against me." "I suffered through hard times." "I am so looking forward to Tuesday." " I believe you, Lori." "The brightest future a woman can wish for is ahead of you." "You and Macha..." "I can see you are having a good time." "If there is anything you need, come to me, Lori." "Leni came for the first time today." "Mr. Sabina told her where I live." "Sit down." "My brother sent money for you for the shipment of your belongings." "I do not need the money anymore." "My father gave me enough." "My brother sent a letter for you." "How is the child?" "He is much better." " My brother asked about him." "He gained some weight." "He will come to Prague on Monday." "I wanted you to know." "Good night." "2 November 1836, I order you not to leave the house, whether under the pretence of going to a mass, confession or catechism." "Else, as God exists and so does my soul," "I swear upon my life, you shall never see me again." "He must have received a mean letter from his brother." "Good afternoon." " Doctor, thank you for coming." "Mr. Macha is feeling much worse." " Much worse?" "Does he have a fever?" "There..." "Here is our patient." " Who is it?" "It's the doctor." "He will examine you." "Why did you bring him here?" " You asked for a doctor yourself." "I did?" " He came at 6 o'clock in the morning and said he was sick." "Let me have a look at you." "I do not want you here." "I wish to be alone." "Do not listen to him." "He does not know what he wants." "Do something with him." " It will not take long." "Remain sitting if you feel tired." " No, no..." "Send for another doctor when you do not trust me." "Anyhow, you ought to get examined." " I have other things to worry about than my health." " You cannot overcome it!" "You should listen to the doctor and look after yourself." "I do not need anything from you." "You overestimate the value of human life." "Do you feel any pain?" " You have to help him." "He needs treatment." "How can I persuade you to let me examine you?" "I will at least prescribe you some medicine to lower the fever and relieve you." "If only my chest was not burning." "I must have caught a cold." "You ought to be in bed." "I feel better." "I have overcome other things, I can overcome illness." "As you wish." "I did all I could." "When you get worse, you can only blame yourself." "I will be all right." "You do not seem to care about anyone." "Mr. Macha has a wife and baby son." "What should I do?" "You need treatment." " Listen to the doctor." "Doctor, I cannot pay you." "Why are you silent?" "You wil pay me when you can." "I will not remind you." " I can barely live off my salary." "Despite turning every penny twice, I have nothing left to pay you." "Now you know everything." "Well..." "I cannot stay any longer, I have a few other house calls to make." "I prescribed you the medicine." "He should go to bed immediately." "In case you feel worse, you can send for me any time." "And since you did not want me to come, you do not owe me anything." "I hope I did not offend you." "An oddball." "You should have sent for a priest instead." " Do you mean..." "No, it is not that bad." "But he ought to have a talk with him." "Send for me if need be." "Goodbye." "You should lie in bed." "You cannot get over an illness without taking to bed." "It is cold here." "Where is your wood?" "Is this all you have?" "You do not afford yourself anything." "Not even a little warmth." "But you are ill." "Do you think it is serious?" " What?" "Tell me the truth." "I do not understand." " You understand more than well." "Is my illness serious?" " It is nothing serious." "You need to lie down and take your medicine." "I see." "Many people lie in bed with a cold in such falling weather." "I cannot even start a fire." "You could have bought some coal." "Oh dear!" "Bundle up, I have to air the room." "Open the window." "The smoke is suffocating me." "If only you would listen and go to bed." "It is so cold and windy outside." "I will fetch some coal for you from the cellar." "You would not survive in the cold." "You should not drink so much." "It does not matter." "My lungs must be burnt like charcoal." "I feel pain in my back." "Fetch me some water, please." "I should better fetch the coal to make you warm." "Your clerk Macha is not well at all." "What do you mean, doctor?" "Cholera?" "And Macha?" "I do not know." "It may be just a cold." " Do you think so?" "You will go to bed at once!" "You will sweat it out and feel better." "Mr. Duras' nephew said he would call on you on Monday." "On Monday?" "I will not be home on Monday." "Where will you be?" " In Prague." "I will set out early in the morning and I will get home in the evening." "I must be in Prague on Tuesday." "You could never walk that far." "Your wife can wait a few days." "You cannot get better over the weekend." "I did not mean to tell you, Mrs. Lorencova." "But I cannot stay in bed." "I must get to Prague by Tuesday because my wedding takes place at St. Stephen's Church early in the morning." "Your wedding?" "I could not get married before finding a job." "I have no news from them." " You have a child born out of wedlock?" "If people found out, everyone would point the finger of scorn at you" "It is worse than a stigma in a small town." "Mr. Duras shows such concern for honesty and dignity." "It would discredit him as well." " I cannot change it." "You will bring your family here after you are duly wedded." "Not a day earlier." "And as regards what you have told me just now, I know nothing." "From the moment you rented a flat from us, you were duly married and had a child born in wedlock." "Do you agree?" "Of course." " Everything is all right then." "You should care about your repute." "What value has repute after one dies?" "It is a mere word." "An echo of a bell forged by fire." "A prize of oblivion." "Nothing." "Mr. Duras!" "I came to see how Mr. Macha is doing." "I hear you have fallen ill." " He has a stomach ache." "The doctor prescribed medicine for him and I should better fetch it for him." "Go." "I have something to discuss with Mr. Macha." "Madam, I came to ask whether it was true..." "People say it is cholera." "Even a plain cold creates a stir in our town." "The walks to Prague did not do you good." "And you should have stayed at my house during the fire instead of risking your life." "You owed me the duty." "I did not think about my duties." "I was needed at the fire as was everyone else." "I will make it up to you next time, sir." " I am not reproaching you." "My nephew can take care of all your files." "He needs the minutes from the Milesov committee." "I will prepare it in a few days, I believe it can wait until then." "It cannot wait." "You can take care of other files after you get better." "Where are the files?" " Why do you want them?" "They estate manager demands them and we cannot afford any delays." "Where are the files?" " You are not telling me the truth!" "I have the right to decide matters in my office as I choose!" "I cannot wait until..." "You need to lie down and rest." "I understand." "You are afraid that I might die." "You are concerned about your files." "I see you need to rest." "Where are those files, please?" "Do not be harsh on me as something is missing in each file." "I was not a good clerk." " And the Milesov minutes?" "Here it is." "The road there was beautiful." "I shall never see it again." " You will get better in no time." "I do not believe it." "Too often I looked into the eyes of death, now I am looking at her face." "It is dreary as a shadow, no destination for evermore." "You are a weather-beaten man." "Keep your head up!" "Go to bed and..." "I am off." "Should you need money, do not hesitate to ask." "Well..." "I wish Hynek would allow me go to the church tomorrow." "They are announcing our banns." " You ought to stay here." "Mr. Macha should come around midday the day after tomorrow." "If his brother wrote him another mean letter, it will not reach him in time." "What could he write him?" "That Leni was here?" "Today is Friday The letter would arrive on Sunday when he is on his way here." "Hynek!" "We are to take collect some cases." "It is late, you could have come in the morning." "Why such a hurry?" "The cases will be there before the bride walks out of the church." "Has Mr. Duras already left?" "Wasn't there any letter for me?" "I did not hear the mail coach horn." "But the bell rang seven times." " Maybe they are late." "The weather is terrible." "I will go to the square as soon as they arrive." "We may have overheard it." " Do not worry, we will hear them." "Not even a few farewell lines." "Are you talking nonsense again?" "Sleep will make you better and in a couple of days You will be fit as a fiddle." "At last!" "You have been waiting long." "Take your medicine." "4 November 1836" "Have you no letters for Mr. Macha?" " No." "We have no letters for Mr. Macha." "Stars as shadows in the blue sky dwindling away," "Bid farewell to the land I hold so dear." "My beloved homeland, beautiful and fair," "A mother so caring from the cradle to the grave." "My homeland by my ancestors devised," "My beloved homeland, the only one I truly loved!" "5 November 1836" "No letter arrived today." "Maybe tomorrow." "Michael Macha Prague" "It will hardly make Macha happy tomorrow." "He may read it today." "Bonet, today's review from Chmelensky may condemn May more than Macha would like." "Nonetheless, you are mistaken." "Macha will not do more than dismiss it." "He knows they will never understand him." "For them, he will remain a cursed poet." "The wedding present for Macha is worse than you thought." "Look." "Have you read it?" "Macha is dead." "It cannot be!" " His brother received news from Litomerice." "I met him when he was on his way to Lori." "Macha will never be dead for us." "Like a lightning he lit the sky." "And today, we can say:" "He was and shall be for evermore." "He is, though, shall we say nevermore." "The End"