D’A. Since they have learned that they are without a competent leader.
Brightly. Are they not thieves and drunkards by instinct?
D’A. I will convey the insult to the troops.
Brightly. And as much to yourself!
D’A. When the country has used my life to its satisfaction, I will resent that in a proper manner. For the present it shall help to make the nation.
Brightly. A nation? What are nations? The synonym of two neighbors who fight across a fence over the scratch of a hen. Their dogs assume the dangerous roles. If the leaders of this breakup were compelled to shoulder a rifle and take themselves to the front, there would be no war. Instead, that Christian concession they call the “Peace Congress,” would come to the front so quick, it would excite your admiration, and its present auxiliaries would still live to swallow insults, instead of sneaking behind the servile hounds they push to the front.
D’A. And the brave and honorable Brigand Chief, whose chivalrous ilk forbids such dishonor, would still steal on his helpless enemy at night, though it wore a petticoat, in sightless slumber, and compel the knife and torch to hide his cowardice!
Brightly. (Drawing knife.) I will not wait for the birth of a nation to settle that insult!
D’A. (Drawing.) This result is your own seeking! (As they attempt to fight, Hood dashes in L. U. E. and intercepts.)
Hood. Hold! Is there not blood enough wasted already? (Both attempt to speak.) Not a word, gentlemen! There is a chance for your sanguinary extravagance at the front. D’Arneaux, an hour since you volunteered for the enemy’s lines. Do you serve the army by quarrels with ruffians? Attend to your business, or leave it with better hands. Now, too! (Neither move.) I command here! (Both leave slowly. Brightly L., D’A. R.) So do the ruffianly elements divide my strength, and ruin the efficiency of the army. Half the pickets are drunk or asleep. I am not surprised that the federals push their advance to our very camp fires. (Hez. creeps on very cautiously at L. U. E., cocking gun at port.)