Another Voice. A little love to make the day less terrible!
Third Voice. Only rest, a little rest! Time to think of the sea, and of grasses blowing in the wind.
A Woman. Master!
[Life lashes her with his whip. The woman screams. Life draws back from them, and dances a mocking dance, dancing himself into greater fury, laughing terribly, he lashes out at them. Several fall dead. He chokes a cripple with his hands. Finally he drives them off the stage before him, several furtively dragging the bodies with them.]
Second Girl [as the two emerge from their hiding place]. Oh! I wish never to see his face as they saw it!
First Girl. You will not, unless you kneel—never kneel, little queen.
Second Girl. I shall never kneel to Life. I shall stand upright, as you have taught me, and I shall say, "Bring me another necklace, Life—"
First Girl. I must go now for a little while. I shall come back. Do not forget. [She goes out.]
Second Girl. I shall say—
[Life's voice is heard off stage. Second Girl cowers. Life enters.]