(The four dissentient ANCESTORS, addressed in these terms, move away crestfallen.)
THE OTHER ANCESTORS
(Grouped behind the bench, clapping their hands.) Hear! Hear!... Well done!... It's what they deserve!... They have been wrong too often!... They have done too much harm!... They would be the ruin of the family!...
JALLINE
(Going to THE GREAT MENDICANT and clasping his knees.) Perhaps I'm the one.... I love him so!
MILETTE
(Going to THE GREAT PEASANT and clasping his knees.) If you want to know how much I love him, look at me and see.
AIMETTE
(Going to THE GREAT ANCESTOR and clasping his knees.) Can't you see that I have loved him longer than the others? I have loved him since I first set eyes on him. I never dared say so; but I feel that I shall die if you choose another.
THE GREAT ANCESTOR