I'm not going back. I'm bringing everything over here. England,
France, Russia, Belgium, Serbia—they can have it. All of it.
They've suffered. Only now do I know how much. Only now.
(Fiercely) I want to tear them—tear them as they've torn me. As they mangled her.
(Grits his teeth and claws with his fingers) Tear them—that's what I want to do. May I live to do it. May the war never end until every dirty Prussian is rotting in his grave. Then a quick end for me, too. I've nothing now. Nothing.
(Gets up again wearily and dejectedly; all the blazing passion burnt out momentarily)
This was to have been my wedding-day; our wedding-day. Now she's lying there, done to death by Huns. A few days ago all youth and freshness and courage and love. Lying disfigured in her little coffin. I know what you meant now by wanting to go back for a third time. I couldn't understand it the other day. It seemed that every one should hate war. But you've seen them. You know them. And you want to destroy them. That's it. Destroy…. The call is all over the world by now. Civilization will be in arms…. To hell with your Pacifists. It's another name for cowards. They'd lose those nearest them: the honor of their women; the liberty of their people—and never strike a blow. To hell with them. It's where they should be. I was one of them. No more. Wherever I meet them I'll spit in their faces. They disgrace the women they were born of; the country they claim…. To hell with them.
DARTREY
(Tries to soothe him) You must try and get some grip on yourself.
GILRUTH
(His fingers ceaselessly locking and unlocking) I'll be all right. It's a relief to talk to you. (Sees the preparations for Dartrey's departure) Are you off?