Be kind! Honoured mother,
And tell us if the Army is safe.
Are we to have peace, or misfortune?
You know. There were runners.
Amelfa
(curtly).
There were. Only it is no affair of yours.
Away with you! That is all I have to say.
People.
Be merciful! Our hearts are sore.
(Many of them run to Amelfa and try to kiss the hem of her dress. She pushes them away.)