[Alarm sirens—from all sides the Ants scramble into the Ant Heap.
Blind Ant. Blank, two, three, four—blank, two, three, four—
[Increasing din within.
Tramp. It does yer good to see ’em pass, Prepared to shed their blood— And jest for ’alf a yard o’ mud, Between two blades o’ grass.
It does yer good to see ’em all So ’andsome and so spry. They’re not afraid to up and die— They’ve ’eard the Nation’s call.
It makes yer think o’ them ole scenes, With star-shells over ’ead, The night we left a thousan’ dead— And keptured two latrines.
Now, fellers, dig yerselves right in, And stay there till yer bust. Them Yellers wants your yard o’ dust, And don’t you let ’em win!
Chrysalis. They call, they shout, they beat their drums. The world wakes. The great moment comes!
[Beating of drums— Ants transform themselves into Soldiers. Chief Engineer becomes Commander-in-Chief.
Tramp. Now, that’s what trainin’ does. You’re smart lads. Put it there! Crumbs! if you’re half the ant I takes yer for, I swear You’ll cop that bit o’ land afore the Yellers cop it— But ’ere’s the brass ’ats comin’. I guess I’d better ’op it.