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!