ACT III
THE ANTS
_Tramp._ It’s like this ’ere ... What’s wrong about Them insec’s, if yer think it out, Is, they’ve no feller-feelin’. Each Jest for ’isself is what _they_ preach.
_Chrysalis._ Listen to me, listen to me— The whole world will soon be free!
_Tramp._ Thinks ’e’s the world, ’e does ... My ’at! These insec’s all be’aves like that— Ridic’lous creatures! Jest can’t see ’Ow small they looks to you and me ... They make me tired.... I’d give my clay (Gospel, I would) to get away. Man! These ’ere insec’s never dream Of workin’ to some general scheme.
_Chrysalis._ The crowning hour approaches. Lo, The universe begins to glow!
_Tramp._ (_Jumping up_) Gorblimey, if I ’aven’t struck The truth! Now, there’s a bit o’ luck. Insec’s won’t work together. Man Will. ’E can form a general plan. There’s something great in ’im what fights And perishes for the nation’s rights. [_Sits down._
_Chrysalis._ My wings are coming. See, they spread Beyond the vast suns overhead!
_Tramp._ I’ve ’it it! That’s what makes men great— Givin’ their lives up for the State!... Man’s not ’alf noble—put it straight!
’Ere what’s that bitin’ me? Blimey, there’s another of ’em—S’truth, I’ve sat on an Ant heap—’undreds and thousands—that’s what they are playing at—’undreds and thousands!
[_In the meanwhile the Curtain rises and displays the Ant Heap. In the Centre sits a_ BLIND ANT _who counts continuously_: ANTS _with sacks, beans, shovels, &c., run across in time to his counting_.
_Blind Ant._ One, two, three, four—one, two, three, four.
_Tramp._ What’s that? What yer counting for, old boy?
_Blind Ant._ One, two, three, four—
_Tramp._ What’s this ’ere? A warehouse or a factory, isn’t it? Hi, what’s it for?
_Blind Ant._ One, two, three, four—
_Tramp._ What’s this factory for, I’m asking—why’s this blind feller countin’? Ah, he’s giving them the time. They all move in time as he counts, one, two, three, four. Like machines—Bah, it makes my head swim.
_Blind Ant._ One, two, three, four—
_Enter_ CHIEF ENGINEER.
_Chief Engineer._ Quicker, quicker, one, two, three, four—
_Blind Ant._ (_More quickly_) One, two, three, four—one, two, three, four.
[_They all move more quickly._
_Tramp._ What’s that? I’m asking yer, sir, what’s this ’ere factory?
_Chief Engineer._ What’s your business?
_Tramp._ Business?
_Chief Engineer._ From which of the Ants?
_Tramp._ I’m a human man, that’s what I am. Ants indeed!
_Chief Engineer._ This is an Ant realm. What do you want here?
_Tramp._ ’Avin’ a look.
_Chief Engineer._ Do you want work?
_Tramp._ Shouldn’t mind.
SECOND ENGINEER _rushes in_.
_2nd Engineer._ A discovery! A discovery!
_Chief Engineer._ What is it?
_2nd Engineer._ A new method of speeding up. Don’t count one, two, three, four—count _blank_, two, three, four—blind fellow, hullo!
_Blind Ant._ One, two, three, four—
_2nd Engineer._ Wrong: Blank, two, three, four.
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two, three, four. Blank, two, three, four—(ALL _move more quickly_).
_Tramp._ Not so fast—Makes me feel giddy.
_2nd Engineer._ Who are you?
_Tramp._ Stranger in these parts!
_2nd Engineer._ Where from?
_Chief Engineer._ From the humans—Where’s the Human Ant Heap?
_Tramp._ What?
_Chief Engineer._ Where’s the Human Ant Heap?
_Tramp._ Oh, over there, and over there. Everywhere.
_2nd Engineer._ Ha, ha! Everywhere! Fool!
_Chief Engineer._ Are there any humans?
_Tramp._ Yes. They’re called the lords of creation, that’s what they’re called.
_2nd Engineer._ Ha, ha! Lords of creation!
_Chief Engineer._ We are the lords of creation.
_2nd Engineer._ Ha, ha! Masters of the world!
_Chief Engineer._ We’re the masters of the world.
_2nd Engineer._ The Ant Realm!
_Chief Engineer._ The largest Ant State!
_2nd Engineer._ A World Power!
_Chief Engineer._ The largest Democracy!
_Tramp._ What’s that?
_Chief Engineer._ The world must obey us!
_2nd Engineer._ All have to work—all for _Her_.
_Chief Engineer._ As _She_ orders.
_Tramp._ Who’s Her?
_Chief Engineer._ The whole of the State. The Nation!
_Tramp._ Why, that’s just the same as us! M.P.’s we ’ave and Boro’ Councillors, that’s democracy—’Ave yer got Boro’ Councillors?
_Chief Engineer._ No, we have the whole.
_Tramp._ And who speaks for the whole?
_2nd Engineer._ Ha, ha! He knows nothing.
_Chief Engineer._ The one who orders. She who only issues commands.
_2nd Engineer._ She abides in the law—she is nowhere else.
_Tramp._ And who gives you your orders?
_Chief Engineer._ Reason.
_2nd Engineer._ Law.
_Chief Engineer._ The interests of the State.
_2nd Engineer._ That’s it—that’s it—
_Tramp._ I like that—all for the whole, and the whole for all.
_Chief Engineer._ For its majesty.
_2nd Engineer._ And against its enemies.
_Tramp._ What’s that? Against whom?
_Chief Engineer._ Against all.
_2nd Engineer._ We are surrounded by enemies.
_Chief Engineer._ We defeated the Black Ants—
_2nd Engineer._ And starved out the Brown—
_Chief Engineer._ And subjugated the Greys, and only the Yellows are left; we must starve out the Yellows—
_2nd Engineer._ We must starve them all out.
_Tramp._ Why?
_Chief Engineer._ In the interests of the whole.
_2nd Engineer._ The interests of the whole are the highest.
_Chief Engineer._ Interests of race—
_2nd Engineer._ Industrial interests—
_Chief Engineer._ Colonial interests—
_2nd Engineer._ World interests—
_Chief Engineer._ Interests of the world.
_2nd Engineer._ Yes, yes, that’s it.
_Chief Engineer._ All interests are the whole’s.
_2nd Engineer._ Nobody may have interests but the whole.
_Chief Engineer._ Interests preserve the whole.
_2nd Engineer._ And wars nourish it.
_Tramp._ Ah, you’re warlike Ants.
_2nd Engineer._ He knows nothing.
_Chief Engineer._ Our Ants are the most peaceful Ants.
_2nd Engineer._ A nation of peace.
_Chief Engineer._ A labour State.
_2nd Engineer._ They only wish for world power—
_Chief Engineer._ Because they wish for world peace—
_2nd Engineer._ In the interest of their peaceable output—
_Chief Engineer._ And in the interests of progress.
_2nd Engineer._ In the interest of their interests, when we rule over the world.
_Chief Engineer._ We shall conquer time, we wish to reign over time.
_Tramp._ Over what?
_Chief Engineer._ Time. Time is greater than space.
_2nd Engineer._ Time has never been mastered.
_Chief Engineer._ The master of Time will be master of all!
_Tramp._ Slowly, for the love of Mike, slowly, let me think—
_Chief Engineer._ Speed is the master of Time.
_2nd Engineer._ The taming of time—
_Chief Engineer._ He who commands speed will rule over time.
_2nd Engineer._ Blank, two, three, four—blank, two, three, four—
_Blind Ant._ (_More quickly_) Blank, two, three, four—blank, two—
_Chief Engineer._ We must quicken the speed.
_2nd Engineer._ The speed of output.
_Chief Engineer._ The Peace of Life—
_2nd Engineer._ Every movement must be quickened.
_Chief Engineer._ Shortened—
_2nd Engineer._ Calculated—
_Chief Engineer._ To a second—
_2nd Engineer._ To the _n_th of a second—
_Chief Engineer._ So as to save time—
_2nd Engineer._ So as to increase the output—
_Chief Engineer._ Work had been too slow—labour must be carried out unsparingly—
_2nd Engineer._ Ruthlessly—
_Tramp._ And what’s the hurry, anyway?
_Chief Engineer._ The interests of the whole.
_2nd Engineer._ It is a question of output—question of power.
_Chief Engineer._ Peaceful competition.
_2nd Engineer._ We are fighting the battle of peace.
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two, three, four—
[AN OFFICIAL _approaches the_ TWO ENGINEERS _and makes a report_.
_Tramp._ Blank, two, three, four! Yer _must_ go quicker. Why, If I was countin’, ’stead o’ you, _I_’d make them vermin fly. Quicker, quicker, quicker! We men are jest like you,— We’re all for speed. I tell yer, we’re countin’ quicker, too; And if we rush to ruin, we’ll ’ave ourselves to thank,— So wake up, ole blind feller. On with yer countin’! Blank—
_Blind Ant._ Two, three, four—
_Chief Engineer._ Faster—faster—
[AN ANT _collapses with his load and moans_.
_2nd Engineer._ Tut, tut! What’s that? Get up.
_Another Ant._ (_Next to him, bending over_) Dead!
_Chief Engineer._ One, two—carry him away, quick.
_2nd Engineer._ He died honourably in the cause of speed.
_Chief Engineer._ How are you lifting him? Too slowly, you’re wasting time. Drop him. Now head and feet together. Blank, two, three—wrong, drop him again. Head and feet—blank, two, three, four—take him away—blank, two, blank, two, blank—
_2nd Engineer._ Two, three, four—quicker.
_Tramp._ Anyhow, he died quick enough—
_Chief Engineer._ Work, work, he who possesses more, must work more.
_2nd Engineer._ He requires more—
_Chief Engineer._ He has more to defend—
_2nd Engineer._ And more to gain.
_Chief Engineer._ We are a nation of peace—peace means work.
_2nd Engineer._ And work, strength.
_Chief Engineer._ And strength, war.
_2nd Engineer._ Yes, yes.
_Enter_ INVENTOR, _groping_.
_Inventor._ Out of my way—step aside.
_2nd Engineer._ Our inventor—
_Inventor._ Take care, take care. Don’t touch my head. It is glass, it is brittle. It is greater than I am; keep out of the way, or it will burst, smash, bang. Step aside.
_2nd Engineer._ How goes it?
_Inventor._ It hurts me, it’s going to burst. It may knock against the walls—bang! I can’t get my hands round it. I can scarcely carry it. Look out, do you hear? Whew, whew!
_Chief Engineer._ What’s in it?
_Inventor._ A machine—a new machine in my head. Oh, oh, a huge machine. Out of the way, out of the way, I’m carrying a machine.
_Chief Engineer._ What sort of a machine?
_Inventor._ A war machine. A vast machine, a huge one. The swiftest, most effective crusher of lives. The forefront of progress, the acme of science. Whew, whew, do you hear it? Ten thousand, a hundred thousand dead! Whew, whew, it keeps on working. Two hundred thousand dead—whew, whew, whew, whew!
_Chief Engineer._ (_To_ TRAMP) A genius, eh?
_Inventor._ Oh, oh, what pain, my head’s splitting—out of the way, out of the way, don’t knock against me—whew, whew, whew! [_Exit._
_Chief Engineer._ A vast intellect. The greatest of Scientists.
_2nd Engineer._ Nothing serves the State so much as Science.
_Chief Engineer._ Great is Science, and it will prevail—there will be war.
_Tramp._ Why war?
_Chief Engineer._ Because we shall have a new war machine.
_2nd Engineer._ Because we still need a bit of the world.
_Chief Engineer._ A bit of the world from the Birch tree to the Pine tree.
_2nd Engineer._ The road between the two blades of grass—
_Chief Engineer._ The only open road to the South—
_2nd Engineer._ A question of prestige.
_Chief Engineer._ And trade.
_2nd Engineer._ The rights of nationality.
_Chief Engineer._ We or the Yellows—
_2nd Engineer._ Never was war more honourable or urgent—
_Chief Engineer._ Than the war we must fight.
_2nd Engineer._ We are prepared.
_Chief Engineer._ We have only to find a _casus belli_.
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two, three, four— [_A gong._
_Chief Engineer._ What’s that?
_Voice._ (_Outside_) A messenger! A messenger!
_Enter_ MESSENGER.
_Messenger._ I beg to announce myself. From the G.H.Q. Southern Army.
_Chief Engineer._ Good.
_Messenger._ In accordance with our instructions, we crossed the frontier of the Yellows—
_Chief Engineer._ What then?
_Messenger._ The Yellows captured me and took me to their Commander-in-Chief—
_Chief Engineer._ And—?
_Messenger._ Here is his letter—
_Chief Engineer._ Show it me. ‘The Government of the Yellow Ants calls upon the Ant Realm within three months to withdraw their Army lying between the Birch Tree and the Pine Tree between the two blades of grass.’
_2nd Engineer._ Listen to him.
_Chief Engineer._ ‘This territory comprises the historical, vital, industrial, general, and military interests of our state, so that it rightly belongs to us.’
_2nd Engineer._ An insult, an insult, we shall not tolerate it!
_Chief Engineer._ ‘Meanwhile we are giving orders to our Army to mobilize.’ War, war, at last!
_2nd Engineer._ At last a war is forced upon us.
_Chief Engineer._ To arms!
ANOTHER MESSENGER _runs on_.
_2nd Messenger._ The Yellows are marching across our frontier—
_Chief Engineer._ To arms! To arms!
_2nd Messenger._ Mobilization—to arms!
_Both Messengers._ To arms! To arms!
[_Alarm sirens—from all sides the_ ANTS _scramble into the_ ANT HEAP.
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two, three, four—blank, two, three, four—
[_Increasing din within._
_Tramp._ It does yer good to see ’em pass, Prepared to shed their blood— And jest for ’alf a yard o’ mud, Between two blades o’ grass.
It does yer good to see ’em all So ’andsome and so spry. They’re not afraid to up and die— They’ve ’eard the Nation’s call.
It makes yer think o’ them ole scenes, With star-shells over ’ead, The night we left a thousan’ dead— And keptured two latrines.
Now, fellers, dig yerselves right in, And stay there till yer bust. Them Yellers wants your yard o’ dust, And don’t you let ’em win!
_Chrysalis._ They call, they shout, they beat their drums. The world wakes. The great moment comes!
[_Beating of drums_—ANTS _transform themselves into_ SOLDIERS. CHIEF ENGINEER _becomes_ COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
_Tramp._ Now, that’s what trainin’ does. You’re smart lads. Put it there! Crumbs! if you’re half the ant I takes yer for, I swear You’ll cop that bit o’ land afore the Yellers cop it— But ’ere’s the brass ’ats comin’. I guess I’d better ’op it.
_Chief Engineer._ Soldiers! We find ourselves compelled to call you to the colours. A wicked enemy has treacherously attacked us, for the purpose of outwitting our peaceable preparations. At this great hour I have been appointed Dictator.
_2nd Engineer._ Three cheers for the Dictator—Shout boys, or——
_Soldiers._ Hip, hip, hooray!
_Chief Engineer._ (_Saluting_) Thank you! You have responded to the gravity of the moment. Soldiers, we are fighting for life and liberty.
_2nd Engineer._ And for the greatness of our State.
_Chief Engineer._ And for the greatness of our State. We shall wage war for the interest of civilization and our military honour. Soldiers, I am with you to the last drop of my blood.
_2nd Engineer._ Long live our beloved Commander-in-Chief!
_Soldiers._ Long live our Commander-in-Chief!
_Chief Engineer._ I know my soldiers. They will fight until the final victory. Long live our gallant men. Hurrah!
_Soldiers._ Hurrah! Hurrah!
_Chief Engineer._ (_To 2nd_ ENGINEER) The First and Second Divisions will attack frontally. The Fourth will envelope the Pine Wood, and break into the Ant Heap of the Yellows. Women and children to be slaughtered—Third Division in reserve—no quarter!
[SECOND ENGINEER _salutes_.
May God assist us in this. Soldiers, ’shun! Right turn—quick march!
[_Drums._
One, two! War forced upon us—one, two, one, two! In the name of Justice! No quarter! For your hearths and homes! One, two, one, two! We are only defending ourselves. War on the world. For a Greater Home Country. One, two—a ruthless enemy. Will of the Nation! To battle—strike hard. Historical claims. Brilliant spirit of the Army. One, two, one, two!
[_Fresh_ TROOPS _march past_.
Good luck, soldiers, I shall be behind you—Well done the fifth! The conquerors of the Pine Trees. A mighty epoch, to victory—conquer the world, magnificent daring—one, two! Well done, Seventh! Beat them, soldiers, the Yellow are cowards. Hack your way through, burn, destroy, heroes!
_Enter_ MESSENGER.
_Messenger._ The Yellows have invaded the stretch of country between the roots of the Pine Tree and the Stone——
_Chief Engineer._ Entirely according to plan. Faster, soldiers, one, two, War forced on us for honour and glory, needs of the State, no conception of Justice; soldiers show your bravery, victory is ours, greatest moment in history. Quick march, quick march, quick march!
[_Big bang in the distance._
The battle is beginning. Up with the reserves.
[_Looks through the telescope._
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two, three, four—blank—
[_Increasing din._
_Chrysalis._ Wild voices of the world, be dumb! Your woes are at an end. I come!
_Chief Engineer._ Reserves stand to! (_To 2nd_ ENGINEER) Issue a report.
_2nd Engineer._ (_In a loud voice_) The battle has begun at last, under favourable weather conditions. Our heroic men are fighting in magnificent spirits.
_Chief Engineer._ Right turn, quick march!—one, two, one, two—faster boys!
_Enter_ MESSENGER.
_Messenger._ Our right wing is retreating. The Fifth Regiment is completely destroyed.
_Chief Engineer._ According to plan. Sixth Regiment replace them.
_Tramp._ Ho, yuss!... There was other reports that began ‘The Regiment was butchered—accordin’ to plan!’ And after ’is battle, ’e’ll go round and scan The corpses, all ’eaped up—‘accordin’ to plan’.
_Enter_ STRETCHER-BEARERS _with wounded_.
_A Wounded Man._ The fifth Regiment, our regiment—we’re all destroyed. Stop! Stop!
[_Telegraph instrument clatters._
_Signal Officer._ (_Reading dispatch_) ‘Fifth regiment destroyed. We await orders.’
_Chief Engineer._ Sixth take its place. (_To 2nd_ ENGINEER) Issue a report.
_2nd Engineer._ The battle is developing successfully. The Fifth Regiment especially distinguished itself, heroically repelling all attacks, whereupon it was relieved by the Sixth.
_Chief Engineer._ Bravo! I will decorate you with the steel Cross.
_2nd Engineer._ Thank you. I am only doing my duty.
_Journalist._ (_Approaching with note-book_) I am a journalist; shall we announce a victory?
_Chief Engineer._ Yes. Successful operations. Thanks to our plans prepared years ago. The admirable spirit of our forces—irresistible advance—the enemy demoralized.
_Journalist._ We—we—we——
_Chief Engineer._ Eh?
_Journalist._ We will print everything.
_Chief Engineer._ Good. We rely upon the cooperation of the Press. Don’t forget the admirable spirit.
_Journalist._ The Press is performing its d-duty! [_Exit._
_Enter_ PHILANTHROPIST _with collecting-box_.
_Philanthropist._ Help the wounded! All for the wounded! Gifts for the wounded. Give to the wounded. Help for the cripples.
_Chief Engineer._ Second Division attack—it must break through whatever the sacrifice.
_Philanthropist._ For our heroes—help your brothers—help for the wounded.
_Tramp._ War for the wounded! Coppers for their wounds.
_Philanthropist._ Help for the wounded—give to the cripples.
_Tramp._ (_He tears off a button and puts it in the collecting-box_) All for the wounded! My last button for the war!
_Another Wounded Man._ Oh! Put me out of my misery, do!
_Philanthropist._ Aid the wounded.
[_Telegraph instrument again._
_Signal Officer._ The right wing of the Yellows is retreating.
_Chief Engineer._ Pursue them. Finish them off. Don’t bother about prisoners.
_2nd Engineer._ The enemy retiring in confusion. Our regiments in defiance of death, dogging his footsteps with splendid daring.
_Chief Engineer._ Fourth Levy!
_Signal Officer._ The fourth regiment has invested the Pine Tree and has made a rear attack on the Ant Heap of the Yellows—the garrison is slaughtered.
_Chief Engineer._ Raze it to the ground—finish off the civilians.
_Signal Officer._ The enemy is overwhelmed—they have evacuated a foot of the furze bush.
_Chief Engineer._ Victory is ours. (_Falls on knees and removes his helmet_) Great god of the Ants, thou hast granted victory to thy servants. I appoint thee honorary Colonel. (_Jumps up_) Third Division forward, all reserves forward—no prisoners. Forward! (_Again on his knees_) Righteous god of strength, thou knowest that our holy cause—(_Jumps up_) After them—after them—attack them—hunt them down—slaughter everybody. The empire of the world is settled. (_Kneels_) God of the Ants, in this significant hour—(_Prays silently._)
_Tramp._ (_Bending over him softly_) Empire of the World! You miserable Ant you, you call this bit of clay and grass the world? This dirty little patch of soil? If I was to trample down all thus ’ere Ant ’eap of yours and you with it, d’yer think these ’ere trees above yer would notice it? Not they!
_Chief Engineer._ Who are you?
_Tramp._ Only a voice. Though yesterday p’r’aps I was a soldier on another ant heap. What yer think of yerself, conqueror of the world? Feel big enough? Don’t that ’eap of corpses seem too small—for your glory, yer miserable image?
_Chief Engineer._ (_Rising_) I disregard you entirely—I proclaim myself Emperor!
_Signal Officer._ The Second Division is asking for reinforcements. Our troops seem exhausted.
_Chief Engineer._ They must hold out. Shoot down defaulters.
_Signal Officer._ The Third Division has been thrown into confusion.
_An Ant._ (_Escapes across stage_) We’re running away!
_Chief Engineer._ Mobilize the nation!
_A Shout._ No! No! Back, back!
_Piercing cry._ Save yourselves!
_Chief Engineer._ Send the unfit to the front—every one must go!
_Soldier._ They’re beating us, run!
_Two Soldiers._ They’ve surrounded us—escape!
_A Soldier._ To the West. Escape to the West!
_Soldiers._ They’ve surrounded us from the West—run to the East!
_Chief Engineer._ Back! To your places—to the front. Face to West.
_Crowd._ (_From_ R.) Escape,—they’re hunting us down. To the East.
_Crowd._ (_From_ L.) To the West, out of the way, they’re here!
[_The two streams begin to fight._
_Chief Engineer._ (_Shouting at them_) Back, cowards! You cattle—I am your Emperor.
_A Soldier._ Lie down. (_Runs him through_) Escape!
_2nd Engineer._ (_Runs in wounded_) They’ve taken the city. Put out the lights.
_The Yellows._ (_Penetrating from both sides_) Hurrah! Hurrah! The Ant Heap is ours!
[_Lights go out: confusion._
_2nd Engineer._ Fight! Fight! Ah!
_Yellow Leader._ Into the passages after them—spare nobody, slaughter all the men.
_Shouts of slaughtered men._ Ah! Ah!
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two—blank, two—blank, two.
_Yellow Leader._ After them—murder—murder them all.
[_The din becomes more remote._
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two—blank, two—blank, two—
_Yellow Leader._ Light!
[_Lights are lit—the foreground is empty—corpses piled everywhere._
Excellent, Yellows. All are slaughtered.
_Tramp._ Chuck it, General!
_Yellow Leader._ The victory of the Yellows. The victory of justice and progress. Ours is the path between the two blades of grass. The world belongs to us Yellows. I proclaim myself Ruler of the Universe.
_Chrysalis._ I—I—I——
_Yellow Leader_ (_on his knees_). Most righteous god of the Ants—thou knowest that we fight only for justice, our victory, our national honour, our commercial interests.
_Tramp._ (_Rushes out, kicks him over, and grinds him into pieces with his boot_) Bah! Yer insec’, yer insec’!
EPILOGUE
DEATH AND LIFE
SCENE: _Interior of the forest. Pitch-black night. The_ TRAMP _sleeping in the foreground_.
_Tramp._ (_Speaking in his sleep_) Chuck it, General! (_Wakes_) Been nappin’, ’ave I? Crumbs, I feel cold. I’m sick—shiverin’ all over.... Where am I? Can’t see me ’ands, it’s so bloomin’ dark.... ’Oo’s that speakin’?... (_Shouting_) ’Ullo! ’oo’s talkin’?... Nothin’—no one anywhere. Gawd! I’m skeered. Where’s the sky got to? There ain’t no sky! Can’t be dead, can I? Feel sick enough. For ’eaven’s sake, a bit of light—jest a glimmer!
_A Voice._ Wait, wait. The light is coming.
_Tramp._ I can ’ear voices—everywhere, voices! ’Ark!
_Voice of Ant-Soldier._ I’m wounded.... I’m thirsty.
_Voice of Ant-Commander._ Army of Occupation, advance!
_Voice of Mr. Beetle._ My pile! Where’s my little pile?
_Voice of a Butterfly._ Iris! Iris!
_Tramp._ Give us a bit of light! I’m skeered!
_Voice of Cricket._ Another cricket lived here a long time ago. Careful, mumsy, careful!
_Voice of Ichneumon Fly._ Aha! Got them!
_Voice of Ant-Soldier._ Water, water!
_Voice of Ant-Commander._ And see that you take no prisoners.
_Voice of a Butterfly._ Iris! Iris!
_Voice of Mr. Beetle._ My pile! Where’s my lovely pile?
_Tramp._ What’s ’ere? A flint! If only I could strike a spark from it, jest one, one little spark o’ light!
[_He strikes it upon another stone. Sparks burst forth. The forest is lit up._
Thank ’eaven, ’ere’s light!
_Voices._ Escape! escape!
_Chrysalis._ Who is that calling me? I come, I come!
[MUSIC. My wings begin to sever: My outer sheath is torn ...
_Voices of Moths._ (_Rapidly coming near and nearer_)
Into it, into it, into it! Wing your flight Into the ecstasy, into the heart of the light!
_Chrysalis._ I shall have life for ever; I shall at last be born!
[MOTHS _in a bevy fly into the midst of the light. They whirl round._
_Moths._ Into it, into it, into it! Wing your flight Into the ecstasy, into the heart of the light!
_Tramp._ What are _you_? Moths? What yer want? Is it life?
_First Moth._ (_Separating from the others_) Ah ...! (_Stands still_) We are struck from the dark And again we expire. Each is a spark Of an infinite fire.... [_She falls dead._
_Chorus._ And to flash from the forge for a moment, and perish, is all our desire.
_Tramp._ Why’s she dead? She didn’t want to die.
_Second Moth._ (_Separating, &c._) Ah ...! (_Stands still_)
We are drops on the crest Of a fountain that leaps— [_She falls dead._
_Third Moth._ (_Separating_) We dance without rest And return to the deeps,—
_Chorus._ For life is eternal, and rises from death where you think that it sleeps.
_Third Moth._ Life is eternal. It cannot fail. All hail to life— [_Falls dead._
_Moths._ All hail, all hail!
_Tramp._ Life and death—seems they’re both good if we know how to treat ’em. I’m a battered old moth, I am, but I’ll dance with yer! All hail to life!
_Moths._ All hail, all hail!
[MOTH _after_ MOTH _falls dead_.
_Tramp._ Butterflies, beetles, moths, and men—why can’t we all live ’appy together? The world’s big enough, and life could be ’appy for everythink—if we ’ad a bit o’ sense.
_Moths._ All hail, all hail!
_Chrysalis._ (_Shrieking_) Out of my way! Behold!
[_She rends her husk and leaps forth as a_ MOTH.
_Tramp._ What? You, Chrysalis? Reely born?
_Chrysalis-Moth._ (_Whirling_) Ah! (_Stands still_) O light! O love! O! ecstasy Of being! Life has entered _me_!
_A Few Last Moths._ Eternal life—all hail to thee!
[_They fall dead._
_Chrysalis-Moth._ Hearken, O heaven! O earth, give ear! I will proclaim a mystery here. I will solve all things. I will tell The whole world’s meaning. Hearken well.... [_She falls dead._
_Tramp._ (_Kneeling by the dead_ CHRYSALIS) Dead. She’s dead too. Pore Chrysalis—and you ’ad sich ’opes. What was yer going to say? I wonder! They don’t seem skeered o’ death, these little mites don’t. Life’s a rapture to them, and death’s a rapture. It’s queer. Pore little mites—all done for....’Ere—what’s this? My turn, is it? Get off my chest, damn yer! I won’t die. ’Aven’t I jest learned ’ow to live and let live? Gawd, I feel sick. I can’t be dyin’? It can’t ’ave come to me?... Chuck it—yer stranglin’ me. I know ’oo it is—you’re Death. Yer want to count me out—_I_ know. Take that!
_Enter_ TWO SNAILS.
_First Snail._ Thtop—Thome one’s makin’ a noith.
_Second Snail._ Come back, come back.
_Tramp._ That’s for you, rattlebones! You felt that, eh? ’Ere, get yer knee off my chest—I only want to live. I won’t give yer my life, yer old skull and crossbones yer.—Ow! It’s ’is foot on my head.
[_Falls._
_First Snail._ I thay, thnail.
_Second Snail._ What?
_First Snail._ ’E’th thtruggling with death.
_Second Snail._ We’ll have a look, eh?
_Tramp._ Let me live—what will it matter to you? Only this once—till to-morrow. Let me breathe—stop, don’t strangle me—I don’t want to die—I ’aven’t enjoyed life yet—not ’alf—
[_Falls._
_First Snail._ What fun, eh?
_Second Snail._ I thay, thnail!
_First Snail._ What?
_Second Snail._ He’th done for.
_Tramp._ You strangle a man when ’e’s down, do you, coward? Stop, let me tell you—all I want’s another moment—let me live—go away—I’ve more to tell you—I’ve learned how to live.
_First Snail._ Well, it’th all up with him.
_Second Snail._ Oh dear, oh dear! What a mithfortune! How we shall mith him, my dear.
_First Snail._ What are you talkin’ about? It’s nothing to do with uth.
_Second Snail._ That’s what people thay when thomebody dies.
_First Snail._ Oh yeth. Well, we won’t futh about it.
_Second Snail._ No! No! Ith the way of the world.
_Dawn_—BIRDS _awaken_.
_Enter_ WOODCUTTER.
_Woodcutter._ (_Singing_) ‘As I went down to Shrewsbury Town I came by luck....’
(_He sees the_ TRAMP’S _corpse_) Hallo—what’s this? Boozed, is he? Here—wake up, mate. My word! he’s dead. Poor old chap.... Well, anyway, he’ll have no more trouble.
_Enter a_ WOMAN, _carrying a new-born baby_.
_Woman._ Morning, Peter Wood. Why, whatever’s the matter? [_Church bells._
_Woodcutter._ He’s dead.
_Woman._ Dead? Who is it?
_Woodcutter._ Only a tramp by the look of him.
_Woman._ It gives me a turn. It’s bad luck, you know. Here am I taking my sister’s baby to be baptized, and—ugh!
_Woodcutter._ One’s born and another dies. No great matter, missus.
_Woman._ It means bad luck.
_Woodcutter._ What’s death? There’s always people enough. (_Chucking the baby under the chin_) Gi-gi-gi-gigg, baby! Wait till you’re grown up.
_Woman._ I hope he’ll be better off than we are, that’s all. These taxes!
_Woodcutter._ Plenty of work—that’s what he’ll need.
[_Voices of_ SCHOOL CHILDREN _approaching_.
_Woman._ Here come the girls on their way to school. Quick, Peter Wood—cover up that! They mustn’t see it, poor dears.
_Enter some_ SCHOOL CHILDREN. _They file across the stage singing_:
‘As I went down to Shrewsbury Town, I came by luck on a silver crown: And what shall I buy with that, said I, What shall I buy in Shrewsbury Town?
As I went down to Shrewsbury Town I saw my love in a dimity gown: And all so gay I gave it away, I gave it away—my silver crown.’
[_During the song one little girl gives a flower to the baby. This, after the singers have left the stage, the_ WOMAN _takes and lays on the body of the_ TRAMP.
CURTAIN.
The Quest Society.
SPRING SESSION, 1923.
OPEN MEETINGS.
Thursday Evenings at 8.30.
AT 27, CLAREVILLE GROVE: STUDIOS 3 AND 4 (_Hereford Square, close to Gloucester Road Station._)
=April 26.= ‘Minos not Tut-ankh-amen.’ VACHER BURCH, M.A.
=May 10.= ‘The Quest in Islám’ (Presidential Address). REYNOLD A. NICHOLSON, M.A., Litt.D., LL.D.
=May 24.= ‘Will and the New Psychology.’ Mrs. RHYS DAVIDS, M.A., Litt.D.
=June 7.= ‘Remarks on the Transcorporation Doctrine.’ G. R. S. MEAD, Editor of ‘The Quest.’
=June 21.= ‘The Subconscious Background of the Vale Owen Script on the Spirit-world.’ D. F. DE L’HOSTE RANKING, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S.L.
Guests’ tickets may be obtained from Members or from the Honorary Secretary. The attendance of the same guest at the open meetings is limited to three occasions. For the regulations as to subscriptions for sets of eight lecture tickets (10/6) and for the purchase of single tickets of admission (2/6) please see the back of this notice.
The Quest Society.
President: Mrs. C. A. F. RHYS DAVIDS, M.A., D. Litt.
Vice-Presidents: Sir WILLIAM F. BARRETT, F.R.S.; Rev. Prof. A. CALDECOTT, D. Litt., D.D.; G. R. S. MEAD, B.A. (Chairman); EDMOND HOLMES, M.A.
Hon. Treasurer: H. J. PAGE, F.C.A. Hon. Secretary: Mrs. L. M. MEAD. Hon. Ass. Secretary: Miss M. GORDON GIBSON. Hon. Librarian: Miss E. M. WORTHINGTON.
Object: To seek for spiritual values in religion, philosophy, science, literature and art.
Meetings, either Open or for Members only, are held once a week during the three terms of the year. Study Groups for such subjects as comparative religion, philosophy, mysticism, psychology, psychical investigation, etc., are formed to suit individual requirements. There is a Library for the use of Members (and of Subscribers of £1 1s. per annum) at the Rooms of the Society, 27, Clareville Grove, Hereford Square, S.W. 7. A Catalogue and a Supplementary Catalogue (price 6d. each, post free 7d.) may be obtained from the Librarian.
Members receive regularly the current numbers of ‘The Quest,’ a Quarterly Review, edited by G. R. S. Mead, and have the privilege of introducing guests to all Open Meetings. The Subscription is £1 11s. 6d. for Town and £1 1s. for Country Members,—the same as before the War.
LECTURE ROOM. The Lecture Room at Clareville Grove may be let with the sanction of the Council at the small fee of £1 1s. a Meeting or Lecture. For terms for a series of lettings and for other purposes apply to the Honorary Secretary.
LECTURE TICKETS. On payment of half-a-guinea a set of eight lecture tickets may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary. They are available for eight Open Meetings of the Society, but within twelve months of the day of issue only (beginning at any date and terminable on the same date of the following year) and are strictly non-transferable.
Single tickets of admission (price 2s. 6d. each) may be obtained from Mr. J. M. Watkins, 21, Cecil Court, Charing Cross Road, W.C. 2, or at the door.
Subscribers to ‘The Quest’ or to the Library or for sets of lecture tickets, in the event of their joining the Society during the currency of their subscriptions, will be credited with the balance. Information as to membership may be obtained from the Honorary Secretary.
Past Presidents: 1909-1919 G. R. S. MEAD; 1919-1920 Rev. Prof. A. CALDECOTT, D. Litt., D.D.; 1920-1921 Sir WILLIAM F. BARRETT, F.R.S.; 1921-1922 EDMOND HOLMES, M.A.
Telephone: Kens. 1994.