The Lieutenant—(To the other two in a kindly manner)—At ease!
The Streetcleaner's Son—Thank you, sir.
They relax from their rigid posture of "attention".
The Lieutenant—(To the Professor's Son)—Keating, when we "go over", we—may—never come back, you know. And I want to ask a favor of you. I am engaged—to a girl back home—here is her picture (he draws a photograph from his inner breast pocket and shows it to the Professor's Son.)
The Professor's Son—She is beautiful, Sir.
The Lieutenant—(Putting the photograph back in his pocket)—Yes very beautiful. And (dropping his eyes)—I love her. If—if I should "go west" I want you to write her and tell her that my last thoughts were of my country and—her. We are to be married—after the war—if (suddenly clearing his throat). Her name is Ellen Radcliff—here, I'll write the address down for you.
He does so, and hands the slip of paper to the Professor's Son, who discreetly turns away.
The Lieutenant—(Brusquely)—That's all, Keating.
A bugle sounds.
The Lieutenant—Attention men! At the next bugle call you go over the top—remember that you are Americans and that Americans know how to fight and die in the cause of liberty and for the freedom of the world. The Three Soldiers—We are ready to make the supreme sacrifice if need be.