What? The one like an ape, with the big stick?
GAFFER TYL
You must be quiet!... Don't treat him with disrespect!... It's a great favour that he's showing you; he doesn't often go out.... Of all our race he's the most important, the greatest, the most respected.... Everything's shaping well: it'll probably be he, the Great Peasant and the Great Mendicant who will put their heads together and choose your bride for you.
TYLTYL
(Indignantly.) But I won't have that!... It doesn't concern them!... What do they know about it?... A peasant, a savage and a beggar: what next?
GAFFER TYL
Hold your tongue, I say!... I tell you, they represent all that is best in you and in the whole family. If you obey them, if you submit to their influence, you will be happy and safe.... Mind now! They're coming....
(THE ANCESTORS have been gradually collecting at the back of the stage. They bow, accost one another, shake hands, exchange compliments. All show affectionate respect to THE GREAT PEASANT, THE GREAT MENDICANT and especially THE GREAT ANCESTOR, gathering around them and listening deferentially to what they say. On the other hand, THE SICK MAN, THE DRUNKARD and THE MURDERER are left standing apart, forming a pitiful rear-guard. The group now moves towards the benches in the foreground, where TYLTYL and his companions are gathered.)
THE GREAT ANCESTOR
(Coming forward.) Good-evening, Tyltyl!