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!