Because they’re standing back of their government, doing what it says. And they’ve got to be licked to show them what kind of a government they have.
Hilda
At least you have no hate in your heart—that’s something.
Wallace
Oh, yes, I have, mother. But it isn’t for the poor devils I’ve got to shoot. It’s for the stay-at-home fellow here in America who sits in a comfortable armchair, who applauds patriotic sentiment, cheers the flag and does nothing for his country but hate and hate—while we fight for him. That’s the fellow I’ll hate all right when I sit in the trenches. And that’s why I couldn’t look myself in the face if I stayed out a day longer; why, I’ve got to go in; why, I’m going to die if I must, because everybody ought to be willing to die for what he believes.
Hilda
You are my son, too! For I would willingly have died if it could have kept us out of this war.
Wallace
Yes. I am your son, too. And that’s why you wouldn’t respect me if I didn’t go through.