(He struggles to free himself from his bonds, fails, in the attempt, falls forward on his face, groans. Mars laughs.)
MARS
Now I have need of my good servant, Science.
Ho! Science!
(Enter Science in the costume of the laboratory with a test tube in his hand.)
SCIENCE
Yes, mighty Mars, I am here.
MARS
Science, once more I have great need of you.
I want the howitzers of Titan gods,
And mad torpedoes mightier than of old,
And airy fleets to rend the dizzy Heavens,
Zeppelins and lighter craft, ill-omened birds
To prey upon the towns that lie below;
And I want wicked, wondrous submarines,
Sly, devilish monsters of the deeps unknown,
And battle cruisers ruinous and grim.
Make me a ration that will keep men strong
The longer for their task of blood and tears,
Which is my game, my spectacle, my joy.
And find me doctors, apt with splintered bones,
And keen to cut the rotten flesh from sound,
And to sew bodies up like burlap sacks
That they may keep their contents still secure.
What say you, Science, will you serve me still?
SCIENCE
You know I am a neutral servant, Mars,
To whomsoever can command my laws.
I have not much emotion for a choice.
Yet, were I free, to-day, I would say no;
For I have great discoveries at heart
And great experiments have undertaken
Which yet may bring milleniums to men,
Which must be interrupted if I yield.
Therefore I would return to my own task,
And yet, if Capital and Labor will it,
I must obey you. I must do your will.