[Martin comes back with lighted lamp.]
Martin. Let him go. [They let Thomas go and fall back.] Spread out the banner. The moment has come to begin the war.
Johnny B. Up with the Unicorn and destroy the Lion! Success to Johnny Gibbons and all good men!
Martin. Heap all those things together there. Heap those pieces of the coach one upon another. Put that straw under them. It is with this flame I will begin the work of destruction. All nature destroys and laughs.
Thomas. Destroy your own golden coach!
Martin [kneeling]. I am sorry to go a way that you do not like, and to do a thing that will vex you. I have been a great trouble to you since I was a child in the house, and I am a great trouble to you yet. It is not my fault. I have been chosen for what I have to do. [Stands up.] I have to free myself first and those that are near me. The love of God is a very terrible thing!
[Thomas tries to stop him, but is prevented by tinkers. Martin takes a wisp of straw and lights it.]
We will destroy all that can perish! It is only the soul that can suffer no injury. The soul of man is of the imperishable substance of the stars!
[He throws his wisp into the heap. It blazes up.]
ACT III