Naught to tell. There has been too much talking already; the time has come for blows. Away, away!
[The two sentries roughly clear the loiterers from the wall. The crowd disappears in the darkness down the steps leading from the wall into the shadow. When all have gone, quiet reigns. In the white moonlight the sentries stand like figures of brass]
First Sentry
They give way to despair at the first gleam of an enemy’s spear. They must not be allowed to talk like that.
One who is afraid and cannot master his fear must perforce speak. It is of no use, and yet it gives relief.
First Sentry
Let them sleep, not chatter.
Second Sentry
Sleep is not man’s servant. Vainly do we summon sleep to a couch of sorrow. To-night many hold vigil and look forth into the moonlight.