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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16636-8.txt b/16636-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..23d3da3 --- /dev/null +++ b/16636-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3664 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Makers of Madness, by Hermann Hagedorn + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Makers of Madness + A Play in One Act and Three Scenes + +Author: Hermann Hagedorn + +Release Date: September 3, 2005 [EBook #16636] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAKERS OF MADNESS *** + + + + +Produced by Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + + + + +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY + + +NEW YORK . BOSTON . CHICAGO . DALLAS +ATLANTA . SAN FRANCISCO + +MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITED +LONDON . BOMBAY . CALCUTTA +MELBOURNE + +THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD. +TORONTO + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + +A PLAY IN ONE ACT AND THREE SCENES + +BY +HERMANN HAGEDORN + +AUTHOR OF "FACES IN THE DAWN," ETC. + + +New York +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY +1914 + +_All rights reserved_ + + + + +COPYRIGHT, 1914 + +BY HERMANN HAGEDORN + +Set up and electrotyped. Published November, 1914. + +This play has been copyrighted and published simultaneously in the +United States and Great Britain. All acting rights, both professional +and amateur, are reserved in the United States, Great Britain, and +countries of the Copyright Union, by Hermann Hagedorn. Performances +forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the +right of performing this piece must be made to The Macmillan Company. +Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted in accordance with the +penalties provided by the United States Statutes: + +"Sec. 4966. Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic +or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, without +the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical +composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages +therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less +than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every +subsequent performance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the +unlawful performance and representation be willful and for profit, such +person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction +be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." U.S. Revised +Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. + + + + +Transcriber's Note: Where obvious, I added missing punctuation, +and changed the typo "psycholology" to "psychology". + + + + +TO +ADOLF GUNTHER HAGEDORN + + + + + NIGHT! And a black and barren sky + With a wet wind in from the coast. + And only the kites to make reply + To heaving body and pleading cry-- + Here where the lost battalions lie, + I walked last night with a ghost. + + His face was gray, his hands were red, + And a ghostly mare he rode, + That wearily stepped, with drooping head, + Over the shadowy lines of dead, + And rolled her eyes, and shook with dread + Under her foam-white load. + + The ghost turned not to left or right. + But mutely he beckoned me, + And moved like a pillar of livid light + Through the humid dark of the foggy night, + With eyes deep-sunken and greenly bright + As phosphor on the sea. + + He led me where in ghostly files + The dead slept with their toys. + Miles, miles, and never-ending miles, + Along the valley's mournful aisles, + The voiceless, vague, misshapen piles + Of men and golden boys! + + He led me up the gory hill + By wood and sodden heath. + Ravage! And faces, lone and chill, + In the murmuring wash of the willow-rill! + Slaughter! And voices, begging shrill + The merciful grace of death. + + A waning moon broke, sickly pale, + Through the muddy fog's disguising; + And over the breadth of the ghastly vale + The battle-wake like a steamer's trail, + And a heaving as of waves in a gale, + Rising and falling and rising! + + And out of the air, and up from the plain, + The ancient battle-story!-- + Of stricken love and laughter slain, + And hearts beneath the hoofs of pain-- + But not a breath of human gain, + And not a word of glory. + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + + + + +CHARACTERS + +_In the Capital of Iberia_: + + THE KING + THE PRIME MINISTER + THE MINISTER OF WAR + THE CHIEF OF STAFF + A SECRETARY + OFFICERS + +_In the Capital of the Republic_: + GROSVENOR, a contractor + CONROY, a manufacturer of guns + POLLEN, owner of a chain of newspapers + SENATOR TANEY + SENATOR HARRADAN + REPRESENTATIVE MAYNARD + A GENERAL IN THE ARMY + A CAPTAIN + CROWD + PAGE + +_In costuming this play, it is essential that the uniforms of the +Iberian officers in the first scene should not be conspicuously copied +after those of any of the armies of Europe. A compromise, grotesque to +the expert, would be better here than a misleading realism._ + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + +SCENE I + +_A room in the Ministry of War in the capital of Iberia._ + +_Evening._ + +_The_ MINISTER OF WAR, _a tall, stern, bearded man with +deep-set eyes and many furrows, is sitting at a large, mahogany +desk-table, Left._ + +_The_ CHIEF OF STAFF, _silent, motionless and watchful, stands +beside him with his hands resting on the table-top. He is thin, old and +emaciated, clean-shaven, firm-lipped, and looks startlingly like a bird +of prey. Right, stands a group of generals and other officers._ + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Rising and speaking in a sharp, crisp bass voice._ + +I can only repeat, gentlemen, what his Excellency, the Chief of Staff, +has already made clear to you. Nothing has been decided. You have your +orders in your pockets. There may be war and there may not be war. I +understand, gentlemen, your natural impatience once more to draw the +naked steel for the glory of our country, and you may rest assured that +his gracious majesty, the King, will not forget that his fame and the +happiness of his people rests ultimately in your hands. Personally, as a +man of family and as a Christian, I hope to God that peace may be +preserved. But if God wills that our enemy, by his insolence, forces us +to draw the sword, I know that you will wield it with honor and will not +sheathe it until our enemy is crushed, root and branch, stock and +barrel, and brought so low that he will never raise his head again in +dishonorable defiance of our holy rights. + +[_The_ OFFICERS _shout with enthusiasm, lifting their helmets +in air. The_ MINISTER OF WAR _sits down again._ + +That is all, gentlemen. + +[_With a grim smile._ + +But I recommend that you do not send your service uniforms to the tailor +tonight. You may have need of them. + +[_There is another cheer. The_ OFFICERS _stand about in groups +a minute or so, then file out through the double-door in the centre of +the rear wall. One elderly general, only, comes up quickly to the desk._ + + +GENERAL + +[_In a rasping voice, to the_ CHIEF OF STAFF. + +Delay again? Aren't we ever going to get at their throats? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +We are ready. But the King! + +[_He shrugs his shoulders._ + +The peace propagandists are after him. Mediation is the magic word. +Mediation--by which the neutral nations block our legitimate road to +victory for their own benefit, in the name of civilization and progress. + + +GENERAL + +Old women's talk. + +[_With a swagger._ + +Give me a sword in my right hand again, I say! I'll break open a few +skulls yet, for all my sixty years. Eh? Mediation! Let those mediate, I +say, who are afraid to fight! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Calmly, dispassionately._ + +We are not mediating yet. You may tell that to your friends if they +become downhearted. + + +GENERAL + +[_Saluting._ + +To command, your Excellency! It is good that some one looks out for the +honor of the army. + +[_Saluting again._ + +Good night, gentlemen! + +[_The_ MINISTER OF WAR _half rises and bows slightly. The_ +CHIEF OF STAFF _nods. Exit the_ GENERAL. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With a flash in his old eyes._ + +Ha! Once more to have those fellows behind me. Think of it! Each man of +them represents fifty thousand. And behind them another million and +another! God! What a machine to handle. + +[_He slaps his forehead._ + +And the old brain working still! + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Rising and crossing to a window, right forward, then speaking +thoughtfully._ + +I don't know, Clement. I am growing old. I think sometimes that war is +the most terrible matter in which we erring humans become engaged. I +have always thought that--at times. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Who has crossed to the Left and stands facing a map of the world, +covering half the wall._ + +So you are a sentimentalist, after all? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Looking out of the window._ + +No. Because there is something stronger in me, conquering the repulsion. +My temperament, character, destiny. I am impelled to war. A dozen +generations of soldiers in my blood press me on. My whole education +presses me on. My sympathies and my religious sense make me tremble +before the impending horror, but--I confess to you--I believe I want +this war. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Without turning._ + +So do we all. War is the soldier's work. And he does not want to play +all his life. Look. We land here and here and here. + +[_He indicates places on the map with a paper-cutter, speaking with +growing excitement._ + +No defenses, except at this place--a masonry fort built thirty years +ago. Bad cement, moreover. Fraudulent contractor. Then-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Returning to his desk, resolutely._ + +No, you old hawk, we're not going to do it. We'll be content to settle +ourselves in peaceful graves, you and I and the old Chief. No war, no +war! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Calmly._ + +That is sentiment. Here is fact. We land here and here and here. Then +march down here and up there, uniting the armies. Rich country. I've +never seen it, but I know it better than any letter-carrier in the +district. We live on the land, burning and pillaging if the inhabitants +don't give us what we want. A little dose will tame them. We'll sweep +all before us in six weeks. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_In mock protest._ + +Stop, man, stop! You make me want to try it. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +I can't stop. It's a game with me. I play it all day in my thoughts and +all night I direct campaigns in my dreams. A great game. Only sometimes +I get tired of playing it on paper, and want to hear the real guns and +see the real battalions. + +[_A_ SECRETARY _enters with a message._ + + +SECRETARY + +[_To Minister of War._ + +A message from the King sent over from the Foreign Office. The Prime +Minister was not there. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Let me have it. + +[_He takes the message and glances at it._ + +What? + +[_With a gesture to the Secretary._ + +That will do. + +[_Exit_ SECRETARY. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +Well? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Flaring up._ + +Look at this, look at it! The King is sending our national honor to the +dogs. He has secretly resumed communication with the Ambassador of the +Republic, instead of doing what was natural and constitutional, sending +the man to us. He is going to compromise. Pack up your tin soldiers, old +man. Take them home for your grandchildren to play with. Our country +evidently has no more use for them. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With compressed lips._ + +Show me. + +[_He takes the paper and reads its contents aloud._ + +"The King desires to inform the Foreign Office that, in pursuance of +his well-known love of peace, he sent for the Ambassador of the Republic +this afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal +government and at the same time yield certain points to the government +of the Republic. The Ambassador was courteous, but, although +acknowledging the generosity of the King's offer, regretted that he was +unable to consider any compromise before communicating again with his +government. The King replied that if his offers were refused he could +then have nothing further to say in the matter, but would have to turn +it over entirely to his Ministers. + +"The King suggests to the Foreign Office that these facts be put before +our Ambassadors abroad, and, to pacify the public mind, be given at once +to the newspapers." + +My God, and you want peace! + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Harshly._ + +Well, how do you like it? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +He's backed down, he's backed down. All the world will be shouting +tomorrow how our King has backed down. _Christo!_ To accept defeat +before you've begun to fight! + +[_He turns again to the map._ + +If this other plan should be frustrated by the enemy's navy, look, we +could land here and here and-- + +[_The door opens and the_ PRIME MINISTER _enters. He is a +stern, titanic figure in the sixties, sallow-skinned, gray-haired._ + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Standing in the doorway._ + +Good evening, gentlemen. Counting your battalions? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Absorbed._ + +And here, joining our armies at-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Thank God, you're here. Where in sin have you been? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Home on my estates, saying good-bye to my family. + +[_He smiles grimly, and with his cane makes a thrust in carte and +tierce._ + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You think you are going to war? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I know. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Taking up the paper the_ CHIEF OF STAFF _has let fall on the +desk._ + +Read that. It came from your office. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Takes it and begins to read._ + +Eh? The King? Mediation on his own hook? + +[_With growing anger._ + +So? So? So? + +[_He lets the paper flutter to the floor._ + +Very good. He can find a new Prime Minister. I resign. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Turning abruptly._ + +No, you don't! + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Hotly._ + +We stick together in this. You are not going to resign. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +My good friends, I am going to resign. + +[_He picks up the paper off the floor._ + +Give me your seat at the desk. On the back of this ignoble parley, my +resignation goes to him. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You are the support of the army. We go to the dogs, if you leave us. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Sitting at the desk._ + +So? "The King suggests to the Foreign Office that these facts be put +before our Ambassadors abroad and, to pacify the public mind, be given +at once to the newspapers." He suggests. So do I suggest--something +different. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_In front of the map again._ + +Three hundred thousand men here, turning the flank of a possible army +marching north with that ridge of mountains as a cover--If we can only +have the chance! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Studying the message, suddenly._ + +By Heaven! If-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +What is it? You look as if-- + + +PRIME MINISTER + +If nothing! Bring me some claret out of that inexhaustible cabinet of +yours. + +[_He draws his pen through a section of the message. The_ MINISTER +OF WAR _goes to a cabinet in the rear wall and brings forth a +decanter of claret and glasses._ + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Pouring a glassful for the_ PRIME MINISTER. + +Here, dear old Titan. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Gulping it down._ + +Thanks. More. And cigars. + +[_The_ MINISTER OF WAR _refills the glass and brings cigars. +The_ PRIME MINISTER _wreathes himself in smoke._ + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With his back still turned to the others._ + +I planned this campaign first some twenty years ago. But there was no +navy then to speak of, and no airships. It is more intricate now, but +very much more interesting as an intellectual problem. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Indicating his glass._ + +Another, good man. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You're smelling blood when you drink like that. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Turning to the_ CHIEF OF STAFF. + +Here! You old death's head! You are prepared, you say? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Calmly._ + +I have been making my plans for twenty years. The present plans have +been complete, except for slight revisions, for three years. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +The army and navy are fully equipped? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Down to the last shoe-string. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_To_ CHIEF OF STAFF. + +Would you say it would be better to wait a week or a month or even a +year--or to strike at once? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Firmly and quietly._ + +Strike at once. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You dreamers, you theorists! How about the King's negotiations? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Rising, with the message in his hand._ + +Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message. I have not +altered a word nor added a word. I have merely omitted all that did not +seem to me pertinent or useful. The message reads as follows: "The King +sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this afternoon and outlined a +plan that would satisfy the royal government. The Ambassador regretted +that he was unable to consider any compromise. The King replied that +then he could have nothing more to say in the matter." + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +There's ginger, by Heaven! The other was a dove-peep to a parley. This +is a trumpet call of defiance. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With quiet delight._ + +The Republic will never swallow that. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +They are not supposed to. They will declare war, and then be the +aggressors. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Exultantly._ + +Our God of old lives yet and will not let us perish in disgrace! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Looking about._ + +My helmet. Damn it! Where is my helmet? I am going to dig at the plans +once more. If God lets me lead the armies in such a fight, the devil can +come when I'm through and fetch away the old carcass. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +Where's your Secretary? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Crossing to door._ + +Secretary, here! + +[SECRETARY _enters._ + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Handing him the paper._ + +To the telegraph-operator with this. It is to be sent to every news +bureau in the city and to all our embassies abroad. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Tomorrow, the mobilization! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +Tonight! I need those twelve hours for my plans. + +[_The_ SECRETARY _holds the door open for the_ CHIEF OF +STAFF _who is about to go out when suddenly in the doorway appears +a young man of thirty, pale, dark, timid. He hesitates on the +threshold._ + + +SECRETARY + +[_Taken aback, bowing._ + +Your Majesty! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Drawing back._ + +My King! + +[PRIME MINISTER _and_ MINISTER OF WAR _bow._ + + +KING + +[_Courteously._ + +I trust I am not breaking in upon a matter that does not concern me? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +There is nothing that the King's servants may do that does not concern +the King. + + +KING + +True. But sometimes the King is kept in ignorance nevertheless. + +[_To the_ SECRETARY. + +What paper is that you have there, if you please? + + +SECRETARY + +[_With an uneasy glance at the others._ + +Here, your Majesty. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Aside to_ SECRETARY. + +Get out! + +[_Exit_ SECRETARY. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +It is the report of your Majesty's interview with the Ambassador. + + +KING + +[_Glancing at the paper and speaking in quick, excited tones._ + +My message has been altered. It was conciliatory. It is a challenge now. +Who did this? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty sees the culprit before you. + + +KING + +Are you trying to make war? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I am trying, your Majesty, to save the country from the results of your +Majesty's indiscretion in calling the Ambassador to your palace without +consulting your Ministers. If we do not strike now we lose our prestige +as a great nation, our national honor is dragged in the dust. We have to +fight. We cannot afford to back down. + + +KING + +[_Striding across the room, agitatedly._ + +But this is unholy, barbaric--this deliberate concoction of a great, +terrible war. I saw clearly this evening as I was talking with the +Ambassador how utterly without inner necessity this war-scare is. It is +a made thing from beginning to end, and I refuse absolutely to sanction +it. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Deliberately._ + +Your Majesty is an idealist. We are practical, and, I may say, +far-seeing men. And we are the three men, perhaps, who have given your +Majesty the chair you sit on and made your kingdom what it is. + + +KING + +[_Drawing himself up._ + +I think I have not been ungrateful. But my people come first, and I will +not have my people plunged into misery for no valid and inevitable +necessity. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty, I have served you for fifteen years and I served your +exalted father for twenty. You are right. This war may be avoided. In +two days this war-cloud could be so utterly dissipated that men would +laugh here and in the great Republic that for a day they had talked so +hotly of war. Dissipated. For a year, for two years. For always? No. The +war must come sooner or later. It is a matter, in the first place, of +prestige, of national honor. But, more emphatically, it is a question of +mathematics, birth-rate, death-rate, revenue, taxes, industries, +imports, exports. + +[_Crossing to left._ + +There is a map of the world, your Majesty. This stretch of land there we +need as a safety-valve. If we get that we are safe. If we fail to get it +we explode. Not at once. But sooner or later. Our army and navy have +never been in better shape. These two gentlemen can give your Majesty +their word for that. But you can take mine, too. The enemy's army is +politically rotten, and enfeebled by sentimental peace propaganda. Their +defenses are inadequate and their navy likewise. Those things will +change. Strike today--and they never raise their heads again. Wait--and +it is you who may be crushed. + + +KING + +[_Sharply._ + +That is a theory. Not a fact. Ten years may change the aspect of things +entirely, particularly if we use those ten years in preparations not for +war but for peace, honest at home and abroad, just, open, civil, to our +neighbors. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty, I look farther than ten years, farther than ten times ten +years. And I have wrought for this moment, prepared for this moment, +this moment of our strength and our enemy's weakness. I have a right to +insist that I, who have brought your kingdom thus far, shall not have my +hands tied when the moment for stern action arrives. + + +KING + +[_With a whimsical smile._ + +After all, my good Prime Minister, it is _my_ kingdom, you know. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Moved._ + +Your Majesty knows that what I have done I have done for your glory. +The liberals have cursed me for a reactionary through the length and +breadth of the kingdom; because I served you, and served you in all love +and devotion. + + +KING + +I know your devotion. But give me a fresh example of it. Keep my kingdom +at peace with the world. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +That I cannot do. + + +KING + +You cannot? You _will_ not. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I could not face my conscience, or make my peace with God, if I weakened +now and allowed the golden opportunity to pass by. For your Majesty's +sake as well as for our country's. + + +KING + +For mine? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty has forgotten that your throne was built by war and rests +on force. Force only, military prestige only, can uphold you. The rebels +of labor have crept close to your throne now. Ten more years of peace, +and you are cast out overnight, to wander over Europe, a homeless +absurdity, a king without a chair to sit on. + + +KING + +[_With flashing eyes._ + +We shall see! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Quietly._ + +May I ask your Majesty in all humility and devotion to give me back that +slip of paper? + + +KING + +You have thought of our national honor, our prestige, our commercial +growth, our dynastic life. Have you given no thought at all to the men +you send to death to purchase these? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +A man has no higher privilege than to die for his country. I beg your +Majesty--the paper? + + +KING + +[_Tearing the paper once across._ + +And the women? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Grimly._ + +We'll find them new husbands, your Majesty. The paper, if you please. + + +KING + +[_Tearing the paper into shreds._ + +I forbid this war! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_With controlled anger._ + +My God, your Majesty! You are letting a sentiment master you. There are +worse things than war. There are possibilities in peace infinitely worse +than any war, or there would be no war. War may kill a million bodies, +but a wicked peace can snuff out unnumbered souls! + + +KING + +I will take my chances with peace. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +It is for you we are fighting, your Majesty, but not for you only, not +for your glory only and the permanence of your House, but for the +permanence of the monarchical principle, which we know is better and +higher than the principle of democracy, since it is the earthly symbol +of God's singleness of rule, and comes direct from God. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Coolly._ + +Moreover, your Majesty, it works! + + +KING + +This is a matter of war and peace, not a matter of monarchy or +democracy. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty does not see far enough. Give us war, and we keep our +monarchy. Give us peace, and we plunge within ten years into the rapids +of revolution and democracy. + + +KING + +[_Simply._ + +I will take my chances with peace. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Stern and cold._ + +Very good, your Majesty. Then you may paddle your bark alone. I resign. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +And I resign! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +And I! + + +KING + +[_Crossing to the window, where he stands with his back turned to the +others. His voice is uncertain._ + +I did not expect that of you. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Moved._ + +Oh, your Majesty! You know what my love has been-- + + +KING + +[_Turning._ + +Half the country will fall from me if you three desert me. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +It is not desertion, your Majesty. It is loyalty to something even +higher than the King, the principle that makes him King. + + +KING + +[_Perplexed._ + +Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps I am sentimental-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Gently._ + +Your Majesty is humane, but perhaps a deeper humanity demands a +hardening of the heart sometimes. + + +KING + +[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +But you always detested war. You called yourself my Minister not of War, +but of Peace. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Rigidly._ + +When the honor of our country is at stake-- + + +KING + +[_Impatiently._ + +But nobody is attacking our honor! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Bluntly._ + +The case is as I said. We need this war, and we must have it. + + +KING + +[_Torn by his conflicting desires._ + +I cannot let you resign. There is no one else I can trust as I trust you +three. But not war, not war! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I am a lover of peace, but the time has come when we must have war. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +It is our sacred duty, your Majesty, to draw our swords for light and +justice when God calls! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +And God has always been with us. God will be with us now! + + +KING + +[_White and tense._ + +You are three strong men against me. I want peace, but I am helpless +without you three. For I am an anachronism. Not nature but human force, +fighting against nature, keeps me on my throne. If you must have war, +have it. But I tell you this: God has no part in it. Leave God out of +the game! + +[_He sinks into the chair by the desk._ + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +Call your Secretary! + +[MINISTER OF WAR _goes to the door. The_ SECRETARY +_enters. The_ PRIME MINISTER _takes a paper out of his pocket._ + +Here. It is a copy of the message I directed you to send to the news +bureaus and embassies. Transmit it at once. + +[_The_ SECRETARY _bows and goes out. The_ KING _falls +forward on the desk, sobbing. At his side, straight and stern, the_ +PRIME MINISTER _Stands. To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +Give orders for immediate mobilization. + +[_The stage is slowly darkened._ + + + + +SCENE II + + +_As the lights rise again they reveal a small, comfortably furnished +clubroom, with a wide window opening on a balcony in the back, and doors +right and left. It is evening and the electric lamps are lit._ + + +GROSVENOR, _a man of fifty-odd, large, sleek, unctuous, +well-groomed, is discovered in an arm-chair, surrounded by newspapers. +He glances with feverish interest at one after the other. A cheer is +heard outside, then the sound of fifes and drums. He rises excitedly and +throws open the French window. The tramp, tramp of a regiment is heard._ +TWO OFFICERS _in uniform, a_ GENERAL _and a_ CAPTAIN, _enter left._ + + +GENERAL + +[_A strongly-built man in middle age, with a firm, resolute face._ + +Evening, Grosvenor. Not poaching on your rights if we come in here a +minute? The other windows were crowded. + + +GROSVENOR + +Not at all, General, not at all. We're all making way for the khaki +today, sir. And proud to have the chance. + +[_With overdone politeness to the Captain, a handsome man of the +romantic type._ + +Take my place, Captain. + + +CAPTAIN + +Thanks. Great tune that, eh? Stirs up a man's vitals, eh? + + +GROSVENOR + +Yes, indeed; yes, indeed. + + +CAPTAIN + +Wait till we put that into the repertory of the enemy's bandmasters. + +[_Leaning out of the window._ + +Come. They're a fine-looking lot, eh? + + +GENERAL + +Fine! Fine! The pick of the land. Fighters to a finish, every one of +'em. + + +CAPTAIN + +And say, but they're thanking God tonight for the war-scare that's +brought 'em back from manoeuvres. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Eagerly._ + +They are, eh? + + +CAPTAIN + +Manoeuvres are too tame. They're crazy to get into a real fight. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_In excited, subdued tones._ + +Then you think--there'll be war? + + +GENERAL + +[_Turning._ + +The President expects to hear from our Ambassador any minute about the +private interview he wired he was about to have with the King. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Taking up the papers._ + +Seen the latest? + + +GENERAL + +[_Picking out one paper with a particularly flaring headline._ + +"Iberia planning secret attack," eh? That man Pollen knows more things +that aren't so than a college graduate. + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Taking another paper._ + +He's entertaining enough, though. I daresay he has some influence. + + +GROSVENOR + +I pray to God that we may keep peace, but we must not let ourselves be +walked over--we must not-- + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Laughing._ + +Exactly. The nation is at last to see what it spends its army and navy +appropriations for. Eh? + + +GENERAL + +No sane man wants war, but if-- + + +CAPTAIN + +I'm sane. And I want war. I want to go out and help lambaste those +infernally cocksure armies of that jelly-and-cream King. We've parleyed +long enough. Now we'll fight. Force is the only convincing argument +after all. + + +GROSVENOR + +As our Master said, "I bring a sword"-- + + +GENERAL + +[_At the window again._ + +Fine fellows those. Look at that boy there, third from the end. And that +lieutenant. Strapping, wonderful fellows--with brains! That's the great +thing. Give me five hundred thousand of those and I'll hold off all +comers. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_With nervous acuteness._ + +How long d'ye think it'll last? + + +GENERAL + +Six months. Maybe a year. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Tentatively._ + +You couldn't, I suppose--say--more exactly? + + +GENERAL + +[_With a glance of suspicion._ + +How should I--before it's even begun? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Hastily._ + +Oh--er--just a matter of curiosity. + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Laughing._ + +At any rate, we'll be back in time for the next presidential election. +We're coming back with the General on our shoulders, and when we drop +him it'll be through the skylight of the President's house. + + +GENERAL + +[_Self-consciously._ + +Don't talk nonsense. + + +CAPTAIN + +There's nothing like a war to make a man President. + +[_At window._ + +More and more and more of 'em. Bully lines. Not natty enough to be a +joke, just straight and trim. Those fellows'll carry you into the +presidency, General, if anyone can. A few of 'em'll have to choke first, +but that's fisherman's luck. + + +GENERAL + +[_Turning._ + +That'll do, Dave. + +[_A_ PAGE _enters Right._ + + +PAGE + +[_Crossing the room._ + +Mr. Grosvenor? Mr. Grosvenor? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Eagerly._ + +Here. + + +PAGE + +[_Handing him a telegram._ + +Any answer? + + +GROSVENOR + +Wait. + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Still watching the soldiers._ + +They _are_ happy. + +[_Pause._ + +I wonder which of 'em'll come back, and which won't. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Who has torn open the yellow envelope, sinks back in his chair. To_ +PAGE. + +No answer. + +[_He mops his brow in utter dejection. The officers by the window do not +see him as he studies the telegram and studies it again as though he +could not believe his eyes._ + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Turning._ + +Any news, Mr. Grosvenor? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Thickly._ + +A plot, a damned Stock Exchange plot. + +[_He hands the_ CAPTAIN _the message._ + + +CAPTAIN + +[_After a glance at the message._ + +Hello! Say, General, look at this. + + +GENERAL + +[_Turning._ + +What's up? + + +CAPTAIN + +The State Department has just had news from our Ambassador to Iberia. +Delightful interview with the King. Evident willingness to meet us half +way. + + +GENERAL + +[_Coolly._ + +Is this straight? It sounds fishy. + + +CAPTAIN + +They're trying to gain time. I don't believe it. + + +GROSVENOR + +It's a damned plot. + + +GENERAL + +Looks to me like a blind to stop our preparations. I'm going over to +the War Department. Coming, Captain? + + +CAPTAIN + +It's that crafty Prime Minister over there playing us tricks, eh? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Hotly._ + +It's a plot! + + +GENERAL + +Something's queer! Good night, Grosvenor! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Effusively._ + +Good night, General, good night. God be with us all in these dark days, +I say! + + +GENERAL + +[_Solemnly._ + +Amen to that! + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Saluting carelessly._ + +Good night. + + +GROSVENOR + +Good night, good night. + +[_The_ OFFICERS _go out._ GROSVENOR _strides excitedly +up and down._ + +It's a plot, it's a damned plot-- + +[_He goes toward the rear and picks up a telephone instrument on a desk +by the window._ + +Can you get me the House? Mr. Maynard. Yes. Making a speech? Never mind. + +[_He hangs up the receiver and presses a button on the wall. Then he +quickly writes a message on the back of the telegram and encloses it in +an envelope. The_ PAGE _enters._ + + +PAGE + +Ring, sir? + + +GROSVENOR + +Yes. Take this to the House at once. To Mr. Maynard. See that he gets it +himself. Here's a dollar. + + +PAGE + +[_Touching his cap._ + +Thank you, sir. + +[_Exit._ + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Taking up the telephone again._ + +Give me the Senate. Mr. Taney. Saw him go out? + +[_He hangs up the receiver impatiently._ + +Isn't anyone on the job? + +[_He strides up and down._ + +A damned plot!-- + +[_Enter, right, hurriedly,_ SENATOR TANEY_, a stout, red-haired +man, clean-shaven._ + + +TANEY + +[_Puffing._ + +Hello, Grosvenor. + + +GROSVENOR + +Thank God, you're here. + + +TANEY + +Only got a minute. Hell's loose in the Senate. + + +GROSVENOR + +I've been nearly crazy waiting for news. + + +TANEY + +God, man. Perhaps you think I ain't been busy rounding up a lot of +on-the-fence-men? It seems to me pretty nearly everybody was on the +fence. No decided opinions at all. But they're coming, they're coming. + + +GROSVENOR + +How 'bout that report about the King over there wanting peace? + + +TANEY + +That's what the row's about. The highbrows an' the peace people are +shouting hurrahs all over the place, an' the rest of us has to do what +we can to drown 'em out. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Restlessly moving about the room._ + +If it's true about the King, can you--work it--anyway? + + +TANEY + +How do I know? + + +GROSVENOR + +Got any figures? For or against? + + +TANEY + +Yes. It's about an even go. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Disappointed._ + +You can't give me anything more definite? + + +TANEY + +What's up, anyway? You look nervous. + + +GROSVENOR + +I am. This business is cutting into my sleep. My last cent is tied up, +and I've got a good many other people's last cents as well. Damn it, +Taney, this is worse than Monte Carlo. You're dealing with cold-blooded +chance there, but here you're dealing with sentiments, emotions. It's +exhausting. War is a terrible thing, Taney. It worries me day and night. +Think of the lives! And yet we need this war, we need it for the good of +the nation. And now that we're ready, it would be a calamity if-- + + +TANEY + +[_Turning to go._ + +Don't you worry about that. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Nervously._ + +How's the House going? + + +TANEY + +Don't know anything about the House. But I guess your man Maynard is +doing his job. I'm off to see Cottrell. Another man that wants news. Be +back in ten minutes. + + +GROSVENOR + +Keep me posted, for God's sake. You know--I'm not ungrateful. You shan't +lose by your efforts, Taney. You know I'm a liberal man. + + +TANEY + +[_Quietly, but with emphasis._ + +Look here. You're not Conroy and you're not Pollen. They're the whales +in this pond. You're only a nervous minnow. I'm working with bigger men +than you. And perhaps I've got some convictions of my own, had 'em for +years. If I hadn't, no money of yours would buy me. I believe the people +want this war to settle once and for all whether that wishy-washy King +or us is going to direct the universe, and if the people want it, it's +my business to see that they get it. If that means any money in your +pocket, it's none of my business. But I'm not your slave, Grosvenor. And +don't you forget it. + + +GROSVENOR + +You'll keep me posted? If anything goes wrong, I've got to have time to +get from under. You'll surely keep me posted? + + +TANEY + +Get your man Maynard on the string. I'm hanged if I'll be your office +boy. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Beseechingly._ + +Taney-- + +[TANEY _goes out._ GROSVENOR _takes a step toward the +door, stops, and drawing a cigar from his pocket, begins chewing the end +nervously. Then he turns quickly, and crossing to the right, picks up +the telephone instrument again._ + +Office of the "Morning Bulletin," please. + +[_Pause._ + +Mr. Pollen, please. Out? This is Mr. Grosvenor. On his way to the Club? +Thanks. + +[MR. CONROY _enters, right. He is a short, stockily-built man +with a belligerent chin covered by a close-cropped, grizzled beard._ + + +CONROY + +Hello, Grosvenor. + +[_With a sharp glance and not entirely pleasant smile._ + +I might have known that I'd find you on the job. What is it this +time--canned goods, uniforms, hospital supplies--or just general +enthusiasm? + + +GROSVENOR + +A little business, but mainly enthusiasm. A great time to be alive, +Conroy! Any news? + + +CONROY + +Maynard's making a rousing speech. Spread eagle. Our honor as a nation. +The dearest, sweetest flag that ever waved over a noble, invincible +people. Damned rot. But the brethren from the rural districts lap it up +like cider in October. He's gaining votes. Protégé of yours, ain't he? + + +GROSVENOR + +Yes. Used to be my office boy. Clever chap. Has a sensible view of +things. Realizes that our national honor and our property must be +defended at all hazards. + + +CONROY + +[_Sitting down at the desk and beginning to write. With a cynical +laugh._ + +You mean _property_. You don't give a damn about national _honor_. You +know you don't. What's the use of trying to fool me? + + +GROSVENOR + +Conroy, do you mean to impugn my patriotic motives? + + +CONROY + +[_Without looking up, good-naturedly._ + +Grosvenor, we've known each other thirty years. I don't try to bluff you +because I know that you know too much about me. You made the beginnings +of your pile out of one big war and you've been playing up a lot of +little republics against each other ever since, harvesting a neat +little fortune every time. Now it's a real world-war you're after. If it +comes, you're made, if it don't, you're broke. It's a cinch. Mind you, +I'm not throwing stones. Only I don't want you to think you can pull the +noble patriotic guff on me. + + +GROSVENOR + +I have certain investments, of course, which might possibly be promoted +by a war. But I am not thinking of that. I am thinking of the honor of +my country, that honor which has never yet been stained, and shall not +be stained if I can do aught by my own efforts and by my prayers to God, +to keep it pure. + + +CONROY + +[_Rising._ + +You carry it off well. I couldn't bluff the way you can. I haven't your +religious feeling. I know why I want war. It's because I'm a +manufacturer of guns. Everybody knows my business, and they know that if +there wasn't war or a fear of war constantly, I and my wife and children +would starve. War is my work and it's been my work most of my life. And +I've worked for this war because it was the biggest thing in sight. I've +worked for it with all the brains I've got, just as I'd have worked for +two-hundred-egg hens if I'd been a chicken farmer. I'm not a +sentimentalist. Besides, war's a good thing occasionally. I believe that +absolutely. It quiets down your socialists, cuts down your superfluous +population, increases the moral stamina of the nation. A lot of this +talk of war being hell is mush. A few people get shot up, but no one +forced 'em to go. It's their own funeral. + + +GROSVENOR + +No, Conroy, no. I don't agree with you. I may possibly not lose +financially by this war, but nevertheless, war is terrible, awful. The +Christian sense balks at it. Only, I feel this way, sometimes when the +honor of the nation demands-- + + +CONROY + +You damn bluff! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Confronting him._ + +Conroy! If you please! + +[POLLEN, _a tall, thin man in the late forties, enters left. +He has an impassive, intellectual face, interesting though +unsympathetic. His manner is calm and quietly alert, suggestive of +reserve power._ + + +POLLEN + +[_Without cordiality._ + +Hello, Conroy. Hello, Mr. Grosvenor. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Obsequious at once._ + +Mr. Pollen! + + +CONROY + +I was just going to send a note round to you, Pollen. Couldn't get you +on the phone. What d'ye think? Yes or no? + + +POLLEN + +[_With a faint, ironic smile._ + +Yes. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Excitedly._ + +What? + + +CONROY + +[_Deliberately._ + +Are you sure? + + +GROSVENOR + +How can you be sure? + + +POLLEN + +I have two reasons. One, because the biggest banker in the country told +me so. That's unimportant. He may have been lying. The other, because-- + +[_He smiles quietly._ + +my papers tell me so. + +[_He picks up one of the papers off the floor._ + +I see you have been honoring me by reading them. Don't my papers tell +you that there's going to be war? + + +CONROY + +No one pretends, Pollen, that your papers are wonders of undecorated +truth. + + +POLLEN + +Well, this time, trust them. What if they do lie about facts +occasionally? I am not interested in facts. Facts are always misleading. +But I know something about psychology-- + + +CONROY + +And you're sure? + + +GROSVENOR + +How can you be sure? + + +POLLEN + +[_Standing at the window._ + +Because the people are smelling blood. That's why. And now they won't +let up till they're satisfied. I've watched the war-feeling growing for +a year. I tried 'em out on headlines and editorials, first little mild +fellows to set them thinking. Then, when their thoughts were set toward +trouble, well, we increased the percentage of oxygen. + +[_Thoughtfully._ + +It's been extremely interesting. The psychology of crowds is one of the +most satisfying subjects I have ever studied. Say, fifteen, twenty +millions, that individually hate you, but as a crowd, a body of readers, +unconsciously, perhaps, even against their will, do exactly what you +say. We're going to have war, because the people have now got to a state +in which they believe that nothing short of war will save them from +utter ruin. They want war. I know it. The circulation of my papers has +mounted by the hundred thousand daily. And it isn't only because the +people want the news. They want the excitement. It's the gambling +instinct in them. They've seen the ball rolling, and they can't keep out +of the game. The very bigness of the thing lures them on; the bigger the +issue, the bigger the fascination. The millions of men and the billions +of dollars--that lures them. And the awfulness--the dead, the wounded, +the horrors, that lures them like nothing else. There was one thing +missing until tonight. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Fascinated._ + +What was that? + + +POLLEN + +Fear. They were too cocksure. But I gave them fear in the eight o'clock +extra. There was a rumor that the rest of Europe would take part. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_With a malicious glance._ + +That looks well for your business, Conroy. + + +CONROY + +I'm not complaining. + + +POLLEN + +We're playing the thing up in the late editions all over the country. +It'll give the people a queer catch in the throat. They'll see the +possibility of a fierce struggle, even of defeat. There'll be a +wonderful wave of patriotism. You watch. The people'll rise right up. In +twenty-four hours there won't be a man in the country that'll be able to +tell black from white. All they'll see will be red. + +[_Pointing out of the window._ + +Look at the people out there, standing round. They can't stay indoors. +They're waiting for the extras. They won't believe 'em when they read +'em, but they can't resist the excitement. Well, the bonfire's ready. +Nothing lacking now except the match. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Striding up and down._ + +That's all very well, Mr. Pollen. But suppose the King over there backs +down? + + +POLLEN + +He won't. The people won't let him. + + +CONROY + +_His_ people? They don't want war. + + +POLLEN + +Not _his_ people. + +[_Pointing._ + +Ours. I tell you, they've smelt blood. + +[_From a distance, faintly, but growing louder, boys are heard calling, +"Extra! Extra!"_ + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Excitedly._ + +Extra! I wonder-- + + +CONROY + +[_Going to the balcony, and calling down._ + +Here, boy! + + +POLLEN + +[_Laughing softly._ + +There you go. + +[_He presses a bell-button on the wall, bends over the writing-desk and +writes a line which he encloses in an envelope._ + +You're easy. And there are a hundred million like you. When it comes to +war, reason goes to sleep. You both of you knew perfectly well that I +had absolutely no later news than you, but you let yourself be +hypnotized like children. I can do anything I want with you. + +[_Enter_ PAGE. + + +PAGE + +Ring, sir? + + +POLLEN + +Take this to the news-stand in the hall. + + +PAGE + +Yes, sir. + +[_Exit._ + + +POLLEN + +[_At the window again._ + +The edition is going like hotcakes. It has Maynard's speech in it. Did +either of you hear it? + + +CONROY + +Yes. Damned rot, but effective. + + +POLLEN + +He keeps the patriotism hot. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Proudly._ + +I trained that young man in patriotism. + +[_Enter_ REPRESENTATIVE MAYNARD, _left; a young man, conceited +and with a swagger._ + + +MAYNARD + +Good evening, gentlemen. + + +GROSVENOR + +Maynard! + + +CONROY + +Great boy! + +[_They all clap him on the shoulder and shake his hand._ + + +POLLEN + +A wonderful speech, my boy. We're playing you up for Governor of the +State in tonight's late editions. + + +MAYNARD + +I'll sweep the State. It's patriotism, it's the flag, that gets the +rubes. You should have seen the whiskers of the rural sections waving in +the wind! + +[_Shouts of newsboys outside: "Bulletin! War! All about the war!"_ + + +CONROY + +Eh? + + +MAYNARD + +[_To Pollen._ + +Any news I've missed? + + +GROSVENOR + +How's that? They're shouting "War" already. + + +POLLEN + +[_Calmly._ + +I told 'em to. That was the message I sent down. That shout gave you a +thrill, didn't it? Well, that was what I was after. If I don't hold you +down in your chair you'll rush out to buy a copy, even though I should +stand here all night, shouting in your ears that it's a fake. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Shocked._ + +You are inflaming the people! + + +POLLEN + +Exactly. There have been people unkind enough to assert that that was my +business. What's yours, Grosvenor? + + +GROSVENOR + +Eh? + +[_Hotly._ + +What d'ye mean? + + +CONROY + +You're livin' in a crystal palace, Grosvenor. Don't you go and forget +that. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Indignantly._ + +I-- + + +MAYNARD + +[_To Grosvenor._ + +I've got to get back to the House, Mr. Grosvenor. I just came over to +see if you had any--suggestions? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Testily._ + +No. Only keep me posted. That's all. + +[_Expanding again._ + +And remember, our honor as a nation is at stake. + + +MAYNARD + +They're not forgetting our honor while I'm on the floor. + + +CONROY + +[_Drawing_ MAYNARD _aside as he is about to go out, and +whispering._ + +Need any--ready money? + + +MAYNARD + +[_Grinning._ + +There were a half dozen brethren on the steps as I came out, who +implied they were broke, and wouldn't object to a loan. + + +CONROY + +[_Taking a wallet from his pocket and handing it to Maynard, after he +has made sure that Grosvenor and Pollen are not looking._ + +Here. Help the poor devils along. + + +MAYNARD + +Thanks. I will. + +[PAGE _enters right, with a card on a salver._ + + +PAGE + +Senator Taney? + + +MAYNARD + +No. + +[_Taking up the card._ + +Who wants him? + +_[He whistles softly._ + +Harradan! No, son, Senator Taney is not here. + +[_Exit_ PAGE, _left._ + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Excitedly._ + +Harradan's smelling a rat. He's getting after Taney! + + +POLLEN + +[_Quietly._ + +Don't you worry. I can finish Harradan up in black-faced letters +tomorrow morning. He'll think he's reading his own tombstone. + +[TANEY _enters, right._ + + +TANEY + +Hello, Pollen. Hello, Conroy. Well, Grosvenor, Cottrell is as jumpy as +you are. + + +GROSVENOR + +Have you seen Harradan? + + +TANEY + +Have I seen Harradan? I should say I had! He's leading the peace party +in the Senate. Fighting like a fiend. + +[_Clearing his throat._ + +That man has nearly cost me my vocal chords. + +[_Ruefully._ + +To see him you wouldn't connect him with the word "peace." + + +GROSVENOR + +He's in the club. He's asked for you. + + +CONROY + +Come on, Grosvenor. This is no place for an honest business-man to be +found conversing with a Senator. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Nervously._ + +Quite right. + + +TANEY + +[_With a grin._ + +Well, Maynard, they don't seem to think we're safe company for good +little boys. Suppose we get back on the job? + +[_They move toward the right._ POLLEN _remains standing, calm +and imperturbable, by the window._ + + +POLLEN + +You people act as though you had a bad conscience. I don't think I'd let +a mere Senator interfere with the freedom of my movements, if I were +you. + +[SENATOR HARRADAN _enters, left. He is a soldierly-looking man +in the seventies._ + + +HARRADAN + +Good evening, gentlemen. + +[_Pause._ + +I seem to have tumbled into headquarters. + + +TANEY + +Hello, Harradan. Looking for me? + + +HARRADAN + +Yes. + + +TANEY + +You know these gentlemen? + + +HARRADAN + +[_Coolly._ + +Sufficiently. + + +TANEY + +I'm due back at the Senate. I'll talk with you till the cock crows after +we adjourn. Will that do? + + +HARRADAN + +I should like to talk to you now. + + +MAYNARD + +In that case, I'll go back to the House. + + +GROSVENOR + +We won't intrude-- + + +CONROY + +The Senators have the floor-- + +[_They are about to beat a retreat._ + + +HARRADAN + +I wish you'd stay, gentlemen. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Looking at his watch, nervously._ + +I'm sorry I-- + + +HARRADAN + +You'll please stay, Mr. Grosvenor. You, too, Mr. Conroy. + + +CONROY + +I'm hanged if I'll be dictated to. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Quietly._ + +Do as you please. But if you don't stay, I'll have you both under arrest +in fifteen minutes. + + +CONROY + +[_In disgust._ + +Oh, come off! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Indignantly._ + +What do you mean, Senator? + + +HARRADAN + +[_Fiercely._ + +My God, man, don't make me mad. I'm twenty years older than you, but I +could wipe the floor up with you yet! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Nervously lights a cigar and during the ensuing scene shifts it with +his lips from one corner of his mouth to the other in extreme +agitation._ + +I don't know what you're talking about. + + +MAYNARD + +Well, you don't need me. + + +HARRADAN + +I do. + +[MAYNARD _sits down, chewing his lips._ + + +POLLEN + +[_With an amused, patronizing smile._ + +You haven't expressed yourself about me yet, Senator. Am I invited to +the party? + + +HARRADAN + +You may stay or not as you like. + + +POLLEN + +Thanks. + +[_Deliberately._ + +Do you know, if I were you, I don't think I'd detain these other +gentlemen just now. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Calmly._ + +Go to the Devil to whom you belong, Mr. Pollen. I'll do as I see fit. + + +POLLEN + +I merely advise you. It isn't always considered patriotic when the +people want war, for a Senator to want peace too hard. I shall strive to +point that out to twenty million people or so tomorrow morning. Make +your will, Senator. The avalanche is coming. You'll be the loneliest +voice that ever came out of the wilderness. I prophesy your swift +demise. + + +HARRADAN + +This is wartime. Most of us are ready to die, if necessary. Only some of +us would rather die in the service of peace than in the service of war. +You're a very powerful man, Mr. Pollen. I don't doubt at all that you +can kill me if you put your mind on it. You have poisoned the whole +nation. You are at liberty to kill me outright, but I won't let you +slow-poison me. + +[_Turning._ + +Taney, I've got information against you, and you've got to listen. You, +too, Maynard. + + +POLLEN + +[_At window._ + +Am I out in the cold again? I'm listening intently. + +[_He goes to the telephone and takes up the receiver._ + +News-stand, please. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Pleadingly._ + +Taney-- + + +POLLEN + +[_At the telephone._ + +That you, Burke? Liven up your youngsters outside. They've gone to +sleep. + +[_He hangs up the receiver, and complacently lights a cigarette._ + + +HARRADAN + +We were friends in the past, Taney. I always knew you were a jingo, but +I thought there was hope. I came here because I still thought so. I +didn't know you had lined up with the buzzards. + + +TANEY + +See here, Harradan. What are you talking about anyway? + + +HARRADAN + +We all know why Grosvenor and Conroy and their kind are here. And a few +of us have been wondering who were pulling the wires for them. + + +GROSVENOR + +You've got me mixed up with somebody else. I'm here attending to--to my +regular business. + + +CONROY + +[_Bluntly._ + +And why shouldn't we be down here? I'm in a legitimate business. Guns. +And I'm looking after my interests. I'm not declaring war. But if there +is a war I don't see any reason why I should get left in the scramble. + + +HARRADAN + +War! God, do you know what the word means? I've been in two wars. I've +seen and heard and--smelt battlefields. And I've seen women and children +waiting at home--and waiting. + + +POLLEN + +I'll give you a thousand dollars, Senator, for a thousand-word article +on the horrors of war. You can't make it strong enough. + + +MAYNARD + +[_Laughing._ + +That's one on you, Senator. + + +HARRADAN + +Taney, you're a man of sense, and you love your country. Now-- + + +TANEY + +Good night, gentlemen, I'm going. + +[_He turns toward the door._ + + +MAYNARD + +Same here. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Turning swiftly._ + +No, you're not. I want a list of names. I want a list of all the people +who are paying you to shout for war. Understand? + +[_Fiercely._ + +I want that list now. + + +TANEY + +[_Coolly._ + +Hell may grow buttercups, Harradan. But you don't get any names out o' +me. + +[_Quickly._ + +Besides, I ain't got any to give. And I'll have you up for defamation of +character for saying that there's anybody can buy me! + + +HARRADAN + +[_After a pause, quietly._ + +Taney, you've always been a business-man. You look at things just one +way. You aren't bothered much by imagination. Perhaps you don't know +what you're doing. War, man! Dead men by thousands, wounded men +shrieking for some one to put them out of their misery, fire, ruin, +starvation! For what good, for what good, ever? + + +POLLEN + +I raise my offer, Senator. Make it two thousand. + + +TANEY + +You ought to go into vaudeville, Senator. Subject, "The Horrors of War." + +[_The others laugh._ + + +HARRADAN + +God, the country stands on the verge of the greatest calamity in its +history and you can't do anything but laugh! + + +MAYNARD + +You're an inspiration, Senator. Just like that dago or Dutchman or +whoever he was who tried to smash up the windmills. But you haven't a +sense of humor. + + +HARRADAN + +[_With quiet dignity._ + +No. My sense of humor died during our last war. Will you give me those +names that are going to help me kill this satanic craving for war? Are +you? + + +MAYNARD + +You're talking through your hat, Senator. I don't know anything about +any names. + + +HARRADAN + +Very well. + +[_Turning to go._ + +I have five names. They'll do until to-morrow. God willing, they'll +bring Congress back to its senses. I thank my God that I found you +buzzards out in time. I'll fling your names across the Senate +tonight--yours, Conroy, and yours, Grosvenor, and yours, Taney, and +yours, Pollen, and yours, Maynard! By Heaven, the country shall hear +them from end to end. And there'll be less talk of war then! You and +your kind are stirring up the millions to dream of war, to shout about +defending our national honor--What honor is there in murder?--stirring +their blood with the fifes and drums of your rhetoric! Through your +newspapers, you are turning the thoughts of our children to war, our +children who should be to us the symbol of a nobler, purer future +rising out of the sordid wreckage of the present--you make them drunk +with your cant about national glory--_glory!_--until their innocent +faces glow feverishly up to you, hungry for battle. You will not rest +until you hear the terrible savage cry from their lips--War, war! You +shall not hear it if I can prevent it! I am going to the Senate now. In +fifteen minutes your names shall be a byword and a hissing among the +nations. The best you can do is to take your vile guns and turn them on +yourselves! + +[_A great shout is heard outside. Then the fifes and drums again. The_ +PAGE _enters excitedly._ + + +PAGE + +Message for Senator Taney. + + +TANEY + +Here, quick. + +[_He takes the paper._ + +Gentlemen, listen to this from the Iberian Foreign Office to the +Associated Press: "The King sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this +afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal government. +The Ambassador regretted that he was unable to consider any compromise. +The King replied that he could have nothing further to say in the +matter." + +[GROSVENOR _and the others jump to their feet with excited +exclamations._ + + + +HARRADAN + +[_Quickly._ + +The thing's not true. There's a mistake somewhere. It doesn't fit in +with what went before. + + + +MAYNARD + +Fit in? Who cares? It's a challenge! They've insulted us! + + +GROSVENOR + +They've challenged our national honor! + + +CONROY + +Now, by God, they can pay! + + +HARRADAN + +[_Rushing to the telephone._ + +Give me the Department of State. + +[_There are more shouts outside and more bands. Suddenly the door, +left, is burst open by a crowd of men, some in dress clothes, some in +uniform, shouting "War!"_ + + +TANEY + +For God's sake, what's up? + + +AN OFFICER + +[_Delightedly._ + +We're off! + + +GROSVENOR + +What d'ye mean? + + +A CIVILIAN + +They've declared war! + + +HARRADAN + +[_Turning._ + +Who has? + + +OFFICER + +Congress! + + +TANEY + +Senator, you're left. + + +HARRADAN + +[_With a sob._ + +God! You buzzard! You buzzard! + +[_A band in the distance strikes up the national anthem._ GROSVENOR, +CONROY, POLLEN, TANEY _and_ MAYNARD _stand._ +HARRADAN _sinks into a chair._ + + +MAYNARD + +Senator, it's the national anthem. Haven't you got _any_ patriotism? + +[GROSVENOR _opens the windows. The notes of the anthem are +drowned out by shouts and cries and the calls of newsboys._ + + +VOICES OF THE CROWD + +War! War! + +[_The anthem sounds loud and clear, but_ HARRADAN _buries his +face in his hands. The stage is gradually darkened. The music grows +fainter as if the band were marching away; and now and then the shouts +of the crowd make themselves heard above it. These subside, too, into a +low, muffled roar, sullen and ominous._ + + + + +SCENE III + + +[_The stage grows light again. In the foreground, a black group of trees +may be dimly discerned; beyond are indistinct hills and the last glow of +a bloody sunset. Smoke and dust blacken the scene. Even before the cloud +breaks to reveal the valley for a moment, the low roar is suddenly +broken by the rattle of musketry, followed by the booming of artillery +and the drumming sound of the machine guns. A trumpet sounds the charge. +The dust cloud breaks. A thickly crowded mass of men is vaguely seen +through the twilight charging with cries and curses. The rear ranks +press over the fallen, waver, shout and fall back. The rattle of +musketry continues. The men return to the charge, are repulsed once more +with awful slaughter and again return. The dust cloud passes over the +scene. It is night now. The wounded are tossing on the field, shrieking. +Ghouls prowl about. A flock of buzzards flies across the moon. In the +distance is heard a shout of victory, then the national anthem once +more, played by a trumpeter. A thousand voices seem to rise out of the +ground, moaning, drowning out the music. Then a woman's voice, clear and +distinct._ + + + +VOICE + +How long, O Lord? How long? + +[_Cries and wailings answer the cry. Silence. Again the bugle, drowned +out by cries, cries, cries._ + + + + +CURTAIN + + + + +The following pages contain advertisements of books by the same author, +and other poetry + + + + +BY THE SAME AUTHOR + +Faces in the Dawn +By HERMANN HAGEDORN +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.35 net_ + +A great many people already know Mr. Hagedorn through his verse. "Faces +in the Dawn" will, however, be their introduction to him as a novelist. +The same qualities that have served to raise his poetry above the common +level help to distinguish this story of a German village. The theme of +the book is the transformation that was wrought in the lives of an +irritable, domineering German pastor and his wife through the influence +of a young German girl and her American lover. Sentiment, humor, and a +human feeling, all present in just the right measure, warm the heart and +contribute to the enjoyment which the reader derives in following the +experiences of the well-drawn characters. + + "A Christmas story, unusual and welcome.... All the people in the + tale are real human beings."--_New York Times._ + + "A good substantial story ... written in plain, homely, and + convincing prose."--_New York Globe._ + +Poems and Ballads +_New Edition. Cloth, 12mo, $1.00 net_ + + "We can see from this volume that Mr. Hagedorn is a truly + accomplished poet ... the poems are worth writing and are worth + reading, because Mr. Hagedorn only writes what he really feels, and + this volume will strike in many a reader a responsive + chord."--_Poetry Review_ (England). + + "Hermann Hagedorn's work suggests a keynote for all future + poetry."--Alfred Noyes. + + " ... contains an unusual amount of pure poetry."--_New York + Times._ + + +JOHN MASEFIELD'S NEW VOLUME +Philip the King, and Other Poems +BY JOHN MASEFIELD +Author of "The Tragedy of Pompey," "The Everlasting Mercy," +"The Daffodil Fields" +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + "Mr. Masefield's new poetical drama is a piece of work such as only + the author of 'Nan' and 'The Tragedy of Pompey' could have written, + tense in situation and impressive in its poetry.... In addition to + this important play, the volume contains some new and powerful + narrative poems of the sea--the men who live on it and their ships. + There are also some shorter lyrics as well as an impressive poem on + the present war in Europe which expresses, perhaps, better than + anything yet written, the true spirit of England in the present + struggle." + + +PERCY MACKAYE'S NEW POEMS +The Present Hour +By PERCY MACKAYE +Author of "The Scarecrow," "Sappho and Phaon," etc. +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + "The Present Hour" is a vital expression of America in themes of + war and peace. The first section (War) contains the gripping + narrative poem "Fight: The Tale of a Gunner," and a series of + powerful poems dealing with the great struggle in Europe. Few + war-poems of the many published in this country and England reveal + such sincerity, force and imagery, as these of Mr. MacKaye. Among + them are "American Neutrality," "Peace," "Wilson," "Louvain," + "Rheims," "The Muffled Drums," "Magna Carta," "France," "A Prayer + of the Peoples," etc. The second section (Peace) includes his + widely read poems, "Goethals," "Panama Hymn," "School," "The Heart + in the Jar," and other representative work. The volume is an + important addition to Mr. MacKaye's long list of books and a + valuable contribution to the poetry of our time. + + + + +RABINDRANATH TAGORE'S NEW DRAMA +The King of the Dark Chamber +By +RABINDRANATH TAGORE + +Nobel Prizeman in Literature, 1913; Author of "Gitangali," "The +Gardener," "The Crescent Moon," "Sadhana," "Chitra," "The Post-Office," +etc. Cloth 12mo. $1.25 net. + + "The real poetical imagination of it is unchangeable; the allegory, + subtle and profound and yet simple, is cast into the form of a + dramatic narrative, which moves with unconventional freedom to a + finely impressive climax; and the reader, who began in idle + curiosity, finds his intelligence more and more engaged until, when + he turns the last page, he has the feeling of one who has been + moving in worlds not realized, and communing with great if + mysterious presences." + + _The London Globe._ + + + + + +_NEW POEMS AND PLAYS_ + + +The Congo and Other Poems BY VACHEL LINDSAY. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 +net. + + In the readings which he has given throughout the country Mr. + Lindsay has won the approbation of the critics and of his audiences + in general for the new verse form which he is employing. The + wonderful effects of sound produced by his lines, their relation to + the idea which the author seeks to convey and their marvelous + lyrical quality are something, it is maintained, quite out of the + ordinary and suggest new possibilities and new meanings in poetry. + In this book are presented a number of Mr. Lindsay's most daring + experiments, that is to say they _were_ experiments when they were + first tried; they have been more than justified by their reception. + It is believed that the volume will be one of the most discussed of + all the year's output. + + +Borderlands and Thoroughfares +BY WILFRID WILSON GIBSON, +Author of "Daily Bread," "Fires," +"Womenkind," etc. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net. + + With the publication of _Daily Bread_ Mr. Gibson was hailed as a + new poet of the people. _Fires_, his later volume, confirmed the + impression that here was a man whose writing was close to real + life, a man in whom were combined a sympathy and appreciation of + humankind with a rare lyrical genius. This present book continues + the work which Mr. Gibson can do so well. In it are brought + together three plays and a number of short lyrics which reveal + again his very decided talent. It is a collection which should + indeed gratify those students of modern verse who are looking to + such men as Gibson and Masefield for permanent and representative + contributions to literature. + + + + +Plaster Saints +BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net. + + A new play of deep social significance. + +The Melting Pot +BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL. Revised edition. Cloth, 12mo. + + This is a revised edition of what is perhaps Mr. Zangwill's most + popular play. Numerous changes have been made in the text, which + has been considerably lengthened thereby. The appeal of the drama + to the readers of this country is particularly strong, in that it + deals with that great social process by which all nationalities are + blended together for the making of the real American. + + +Sword Blades and Poppy Seed +BY AMY LOWELL, Author of "A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass." +Boards, 12mo. $1.25 net. + + Of the poets who to-day are doing the interesting and original + work, there is no more striking and unique figure than Amy Lowell. + The foremost American member of the "Imagists"--a group of poets + that includes William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound, Ford Madox + Hueffer--she has won wide recognition for her writing in new and + free forms of poetical expression. Miss Lowell's present volume of + poems, "Sword Blades and Poppy Seed," is an unusual book. It + contains much perhaps that will arouse criticism, but it is a new + note in American poetry. Miss Lowell has broken away from academic + traditions and written, out of her own time, real singing poetry, + free, full of new effects and subtleties. + + + + +Earth Triumphant and Other Tales in Verse +BY CONRAD AIKEN +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + Conrad Aiken is one of the first American writers to choose to tell + his stories in verse. Helston, Masefield, and other Europeans have + been doing it with marked success, but hitherto this country has + had no notable representative in this line of endeavor. Though Mr. + Aiken has been writing for a number of years, _Earth Triumphant and + Other Tales in Verse_ is his first published book. In it are + contained, in addition to the several narratives of modern life, a + number of shorter lyrics. It is a volume distinguished by + originality and power. + + +Van Zorn: A Comedy in Three Acts +BY EDWIN A. ROBINSON +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + This play makes delightful reading and introduces in the person of + its author a playwright of considerable promise. Mr. Robinson tells + an interesting story, one which by a clever arrangement of incident + and skillful characterization arouses strongly the reader's + curiosity and keeps it unsatisfied to the end. The dialogue is + bright and the construction of the plot shows the work of one well + versed in the technique of the drama. + + + + +A LIST OF PLAYS + + ++Leonid Andreyev's+ Anathema $1.25 net ++Clyde Fitch's+ The Climbers .75 net + Girl with the Green Eyes 1.25 net + Her Own Way .75 net + Stubbornness of Geraldine .75 net + The Truth .75 net ++Hermann Hagedorn's+ Makers of Madness 1.00 net ++Thomas Hardy's+ The Dynasts. 3 Parts. Each 1.50 net ++Henry Arthur Jones's+ + Whitewashing of Julia .75 net + Saints and Sinners .75 net + The Crusaders .75 net + Michael and His Lost Angel .75 net ++Jack London's+ Scorn of Women 1.25 net + Theft 1.25 net ++Mackaye's+ Jean D'Arc 1.25 net + Sappho and Phaon 1.25 net + Fenris the Wolf 1.25 net + Mater 1.25 net + Canterbury Pilgrims 1.25 net + The Scarecrow 1.25 net + A Garland to Sylvia 1.25 net ++John Masefield's+ The Tragedy of Pompey 1.25 net + Philip the King 1.25 net ++William Vaughn Moody's+ + The Faith Healer 1.25 net ++Stephen Phillip's+ Ulysses 1.25 net + The Sin of David 1.25 net + Nero 1.25 net + Pietro of Siena 1.00 net ++Phillips and Carr.+ Faust 1.25 net ++Edward Sheldon's+ The Nigger 1.25 net + Romance 1.25 net ++Katrina Trask's+ In the Vanguard 1.25 net ++Rabindranath Tagore's+ The Post Office 1.00 net + Chitra 1.00 net + The King of the Dark Chamber 1.25 net ++Edwin A. Robinson's+ Van Zorn 1.25 net ++Sarah King Wiley's+ Coming of Philibert 1.25 net + Alcestis .75 net ++Yeats'+ Poems and Plays, Vol. II, Revised Edition 2.00 net + Hour Glass (and others) 1.25 net + The Green Helmet and Other Poems 1.25 net ++Yeats and Lady Gregory's+ Unicorn from the Stars 1.50 net ++Israel Zangwill's+ The Melting Pot, New Edition 1.25 net + The War God 1.25 net + The Next Religion 1.25 net + Plaster Saints 1.25 net + + + +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY +Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Makers of Madness, by Hermann Hagedorn + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAKERS OF MADNESS *** + +***** This file should be named 16636-8.txt or 16636-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/3/16636/ + +Produced by Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Makers of Madness + A Play in One Act and Three Scenes + +Author: Hermann Hagedorn + +Release Date: September 3, 2005 [EBook #16636] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAKERS OF MADNESS *** + + + + +Produced by Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1>MAKERS OF MADNESS</h1> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<img src="images/002.png" +alt="Macmillan logo" +title="Macmillan logo" /> +</div> + +<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY</p> + + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">new york · boston · chicago · dallas<br /> +atlanta · san francisco</span></p> + +<p class="center">MACMILLAN & CO., <span class="smcap">Limited</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">london · bombay · calcutta<br /> +melbourne </span></p> + +<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, <span class="smcap">Ltd</span>.<br /> +<span class="smcap">toronto</span> +</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1>MAKERS OF MADNESS</h1> + +<h2>A PLAY IN ONE ACT AND THREE SCENES</h2> + +<p><br /></p> +<p><br /></p> +<p><br /></p> + +<h3>BY</h3> +<h2>HERMANN HAGEDORN</h2> + +<h3>AUTHOR OF "FACES IN THE DAWN," ETC.</h3> + +<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> + +<p class="center">New York<br /> +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY<br /> +1914</p> + +<p class="center"><i>All rights reserved</i> +</p> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1914</span></p> + +<p class="center"><span class="smcap">By HERMANN HAGEDORN</span></p> + +<p class="center">Set up and electrotyped. Published November, 1914.</p> + +<p><small>This play has been copyrighted and published simultaneously in the +United States and Great Britain. All acting rights, both professional +and amateur, are reserved in the United States, Great Britain, and +countries of the Copyright Union, by Hermann Hagedorn. Performances +forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the +right of performing this piece must be made to The Macmillan Company. +Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted in accordance with the +penalties provided by the United States Statutes:</small></p> + +<p><small>"Sec. 4966. Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic +or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, without +the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical +composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages +therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less +than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every +subsequent performance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the +unlawful performance and representation be willful and for profit, such +person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction +be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." U.S. Revised +Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3.</small></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4>TO</h4> +<h3>ADOLF GUNTHER HAGEDORN</h3> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p class="center"><i>Transcriber's Note: Where obvious, I added missing +punctuation, and changed the typo "psycholology" to "psychology".</i></p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + + + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0"><span class="smcap">Night</span>! And a black and barren sky<br /></span> +<span class="i2">With a wet wind in from the coast.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And only the kites to make reply<br /></span> +<span class="i0">To heaving body and pleading cry—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Here where the lost battalions lie,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">I walked last night with a ghost.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">His face was gray, his hands were red,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And a ghostly mare he rode,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">That wearily stepped, with drooping head,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Over the shadowy lines of dead,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And rolled her eyes, and shook with dread<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Under her foam-white load.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The ghost turned not to left or right.<br /></span> +<span class="i2">But mutely he beckoned me,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And moved like a pillar of livid light<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Through the humid dark of the foggy night,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">With eyes deep-sunken and greenly bright<br /></span> +<span class="i2">As phosphor on the sea.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He led me where in ghostly files<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The dead slept with their toys.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Miles, miles, and never-ending miles,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Along the valley's mournful aisles,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The voiceless, vague, misshapen piles<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Of men and golden boys!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He led me up the gory hill<br /></span> +<span class="i2">By wood and sodden heath.<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Ravage! And faces, lone and chill,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">In the murmuring wash of the willow-rill!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Slaughter! And voices, begging shrill<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The merciful grace of death.<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A waning moon broke, sickly pale,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Through the muddy fog's disguising;<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And over the breadth of the ghastly vale<br /></span> +<span class="i0">The battle-wake like a steamer's trail,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And a heaving as of waves in a gale,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Rising and falling and rising!<br /></span> +</div><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And out of the air, and up from the plain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">The ancient battle-story!—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Of stricken love and laughter slain,<br /></span> +<span class="i0">And hearts beneath the hoofs of pain—<br /></span> +<span class="i0">But not a breath of human gain,<br /></span> +<span class="i2">And not a word of glory.<br /></span> +</div></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>MAKERS OF MADNESS</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHARACTERS</h2> + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" summary="Characters"> +<tr><td align='left'><i>In the Capital of Iberia</i>:</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">the king</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">the prime minister</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">the minister of war</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">the chief of staff</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">a secretary</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">officers</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i> </i></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><i>In the Capital of the Republic</i>:</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span>, a contractor</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">conroy</span>, a manufacturer of guns</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">pollen</span>, owner of a chain of newspapers</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">senator taney</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">senator harradan</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">representative maynard</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">a general in the army</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">a captain</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">crowd</span></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><span style="margin-left: 1em;"><span class="smcap">page</span></span></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p><i>In costuming this play, it is essential that the uniforms of the +Iberian officers in the first scene should not be conspicuously copied +after those of any of the armies of Europe. A compromise, grotesque to +the expert, would be better here than a misleading realism.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>MAKERS OF MADNESS</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>SCENE I</h2> + +<p><i>A room in the Ministry of War in the capital of Iberia.</i></p> + +<p><i>Evening.</i></p> + +<p><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span>, <i>a tall, stern, bearded man with +deep-set eyes and many furrows, is sitting at a large, mahogany +desk-table, Left.</i></p> + +<p><i>The</i> <span class="smcap">chief of staff</span>, <i>silent, motionless and watchful, stands +beside him with his hands resting on the table-top. He is thin, old and +emaciated, clean-shaven, firm-lipped, and looks startlingly like a bird +of prey. Right, stands a group of generals and other officers.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rising and speaking in a sharp, crisp bass voice.</i></p> + +<p>I can only repeat, gentlemen, what his Excellency, the Chief of Staff, +has already made clear to you. Nothing has been decided. You have your +orders in your pockets. There may be war and there may not be war. I +understand, gentlemen, your natural impatience once more to draw the +naked steel for the glory of our country, and you may rest assured that +his gracious majesty, the King, will not forget that his fame and the +happiness of his people rests ultimately in your hands. Personally, as a +man of family and as a Christian, I hope to God that peace may be +preserved. But if God wills that our enemy, by his insolence, forces us +to draw the sword, I know that you will wield it with honor and will not +sheathe it until our enemy is crushed, root and branch, stock and +barrel, and brought so low that he will never raise his head again in +dishonorable defiance of our holy rights.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">officers</span> <i>shout with enthusiasm, lifting their helmets +in air. The</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span> <i>sits down again.</i></p> + +<p>That is all, gentlemen.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a grim smile.</i></p> + +<p>But I recommend that you do not send your service uniforms to the tailor +tonight. You may have need of them.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>There is another cheer. The</i> <span class="smcap">officers</span> <i>stand about in groups +a minute or so, then file out through the double-door in the centre of +the rear wall. One elderly general, only, comes up quickly to the desk.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In a rasping voice, to the</i> <span class="smcap">chief of staff</span>.</p> + +<p>Delay again? Aren't we ever going to get at their throats?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>We are ready. But the King!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He shrugs his shoulders.</i></p> + +<p>The peace propagandists are after him. Mediation is the magic word. +Mediation—by which the neutral nations block our legitimate road to +victory for their own benefit, in the name of civilization and progress.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p>Old women's talk.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a swagger.</i></p> + +<p>Give me a sword in my right hand again, I say! I'll break open a few +skulls yet, for all my sixty years. Eh? Mediation! Let those mediate, I +say, who are afraid to fight!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calmly, dispassionately.</i></p> + +<p>We are not mediating yet. You may tell that to your friends if they +become downhearted.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Saluting.</i></p> + +<p>To command, your Excellency! It is good that some one looks out for the +honor of the army.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Saluting again.</i></p> + +<p>Good night, gentlemen!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span> <i>half rises and bows slightly. The</i> +<span class="smcap">chief of staff</span> <i>nods. Exit the</i> <span class="smcap">general</span>.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a flash in his old eyes.</i></p> + +<p>Ha! Once more to have those fellows behind me. Think of it! Each man of +them represents fifty thousand. And behind them another million and +another! God! What a machine to handle.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He slaps his forehead.</i></p> + +<p>And the old brain working still!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rising and crossing to a window, right forward, then speaking +thoughtfully.</i></p> + +<p>I don't know, Clement. I am growing old. I think sometimes that war is +the most terrible matter in which we erring humans become engaged. I +have always thought that—at times.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Who has crossed to the Left and stands facing a map of the world, +covering half the wall.</i></p> + +<p>So you are a sentimentalist, after all?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking out of the window.</i></p> + +<p>No. Because there is something stronger in me, conquering the repulsion. +My temperament, character, destiny. I am impelled to war. A dozen +generations of soldiers in my blood press me on. My whole education +presses me on. My sympathies and my religious sense make me tremble +before the impending horror, but—I confess to you—I believe I want +this war.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Without turning.</i></p> + +<p>So do we all. War is the soldier's work. And he does not want to play +all his life. Look. We land here and here and here.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He indicates places on the map with a paper-cutter, speaking with +growing excitement.</i></p> + +<p>No defenses, except at this place—a masonry fort built thirty years +ago. Bad cement, moreover. Fraudulent contractor. Then—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Returning to his desk, resolutely.</i></p> + +<p>No, you old hawk, we're not going to do it. We'll be content to settle +ourselves in peaceful graves, you and I and the old Chief. No war, no +war!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calmly.</i></p> + +<p>That is sentiment. Here is fact. We land here and here and here. Then +march down here and up there, uniting the armies. Rich country. I've +never seen it, but I know it better than any letter-carrier in the +district. We live on the land, burning and pillaging if the inhabitants +don't give us what we want. A little dose will tame them. We'll sweep +all before us in six weeks.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In mock protest.</i></p> + +<p>Stop, man, stop! You make me want to try it.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>I can't stop. It's a game with me. I play it all day in my thoughts and +all night I direct campaigns in my dreams. A great game. Only sometimes +I get tired of playing it on paper, and want to hear the real guns and +see the real battalions.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span> <i>enters with a message.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">secretary</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Minister of War.</i></p> + +<p>A message from the King sent over from the Foreign Office. The Prime +Minister was not there.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>Let me have it.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He takes the message and glances at it.</i></p> + +<p>What?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a gesture to the Secretary.</i></p> + +<p>That will do.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span>.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>Well?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Flaring up.</i></p> + +<p>Look at this, look at it! The King is sending our national honor to the +dogs. He has secretly resumed communication with the Ambassador of the +Republic, instead of doing what was natural and constitutional, sending +the man to us. He is going to compromise. Pack up your tin soldiers, old +man. Take them home for your grandchildren to play with. Our country +evidently has no more use for them.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With compressed lips.</i></p> + +<p>Show me.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He takes the paper and reads its contents aloud.</i></p> + +<p>"The King desires to inform the Foreign Office that, in pursuance of +his well-known love of peace, he sent for the Ambassador of the Republic +this afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal +government and at the same time yield certain points to the government +of the Republic. The Ambassador was courteous, but, although +acknowledging the generosity of the King's offer, regretted that he was +unable to consider any compromise before communicating again with his +government. The King replied that if his offers were refused he could +then have nothing further to say in the matter, but would have to turn +it over entirely to his Ministers.</p> + +<p>"The King suggests to the Foreign Office that these facts be put before +our Ambassadors abroad, and, to pacify the public mind, be given at once +to the newspapers."</p> + +<p>My God, and you want peace!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Harshly.</i></p> + +<p>Well, how do you like it?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>He's backed down, he's backed down. All the world will be shouting +tomorrow how our King has backed down. <i>Christo!</i> To accept defeat +before you've begun to fight!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He turns again to the map.</i></p> + +<p>If this other plan should be frustrated by the enemy's navy, look, we +could land here and here and—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The door opens and the</i> <span class="smcap">prime minister</span> <i>enters. He is a +stern, titanic figure in the sixties, sallow-skinned, gray-haired.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Standing in the doorway.</i></p> + +<p>Good evening, gentlemen. Counting your battalions?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Absorbed.</i></p> + +<p>And here, joining our armies at—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>Thank God, you're here. Where in sin have you been?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>Home on my estates, saying good-bye to my family.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He smiles grimly, and with his cane makes a thrust in carte and +tierce.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>You think you are going to war?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>I know.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taking up the paper the</i> <span class="smcap">chief of staff</span> <i>has let fall on the +desk.</i></p> + +<p>Read that. It came from your office.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Takes it and begins to read.</i></p> + +<p>Eh? The King? Mediation on his own hook?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With growing anger.</i></p> + +<p>So? So? So?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He lets the paper flutter to the floor.</i></p> + +<p>Very good. He can find a new Prime Minister. I resign.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning abruptly.</i></p> + +<p>No, you don't!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hotly.</i></p> + +<p>We stick together in this. You are not going to resign.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>My good friends, I am going to resign.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He picks up the paper off the floor.</i></p> + +<p>Give me your seat at the desk. On the back of this ignoble parley, my +resignation goes to him.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>You are the support of the army. We go to the dogs, if you leave us.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sitting at the desk.</i></p> + +<p>So? "The King suggests to the Foreign Office that these facts be put +before our Ambassadors abroad and, to pacify the public mind, be given +at once to the newspapers." He suggests. So do I suggest—something +different.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In front of the map again.</i></p> + +<p>Three hundred thousand men here, turning the flank of a possible army +marching north with that ridge of mountains as a cover—If we can only +have the chance!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Studying the message, suddenly.</i></p> + +<p>By Heaven! If—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>What is it? You look as if—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>If nothing! Bring me some claret out of that inexhaustible cabinet of +yours.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He draws his pen through a section of the message. The</i> <span class="smcap">minister +of war</span> <i>goes to a cabinet in the rear wall and brings forth a +decanter of claret and glasses.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pouring a glassful for the</i> <span class="smcap">prime minister</span>.</p> + +<p>Here, dear old Titan.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gulping it down.</i></p> + +<p>Thanks. More. And cigars.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span> <i>refills the glass and brings cigars. +The</i> <span class="smcap">prime minister</span> <i>wreathes himself in smoke.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With his back still turned to the others.</i></p> + +<p>I planned this campaign first some twenty years ago. But there was no +navy then to speak of, and no airships. It is more intricate now, but +very much more interesting as an intellectual problem.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Indicating his glass.</i></p> + +<p>Another, good man.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>You're smelling blood when you drink like that.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning to the</i> <span class="smcap">chief of staff</span>.</p> + +<p>Here! You old death's head! You are prepared, you say?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calmly.</i></p> + +<p>I have been making my plans for twenty years. The present plans have +been complete, except for slight revisions, for three years.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>The army and navy are fully equipped?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>Down to the last shoe-string.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">chief of staff</span>.</p> + +<p>Would you say it would be better to wait a week or a month or even a +year—or to strike at once?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Firmly and quietly.</i></p> + +<p>Strike at once.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>You dreamers, you theorists! How about the King's negotiations?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rising, with the message in his hand.</i></p> + +<p>Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message. I have not +altered a word nor added a word. I have merely omitted all that did not +seem to me pertinent or useful. The message reads as follows: "The King +sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this afternoon and outlined a +plan that would satisfy the royal government. The Ambassador regretted +that he was unable to consider any compromise. The King replied that +then he could have nothing more to say in the matter."</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>There's ginger, by Heaven! The other was a dove-peep to a parley. This +is a trumpet call of defiance.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With quiet delight.</i></p> + +<p>The Republic will never swallow that.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>They are not supposed to. They will declare war, and then be the +aggressors.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exultantly.</i></p> + +<p>Our God of old lives yet and will not let us perish in disgrace!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking about.</i></p> + +<p>My helmet. Damn it! Where is my helmet? I am going to dig at the plans +once more. If God lets me lead the armies in such a fight, the devil can +come when I'm through and fetch away the old carcass.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span>.</p> + +<p>Where's your Secretary?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossing to door.</i></p> + +<p>Secretary, here!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">secretary</span> <i>enters.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Handing him the paper.</i></p> + +<p>To the telegraph-operator with this. It is to be sent to every news +bureau in the city and to all our embassies abroad.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>Tomorrow, the mobilization!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>Tonight! I need those twelve hours for my plans.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span> <i>holds the door open for the</i> <span class="smcap">chief of +staff</span> <i>who is about to go out when suddenly in the doorway appears +a young man of thirty, pale, dark, timid. He hesitates on the +threshold.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">secretary</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taken aback, bowing.</i></p> + +<p>Your Majesty!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Drawing back.</i></p> + +<p>My King!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">prime minister</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span> <i>bow.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Courteously.</i></p> + +<p>I trust I am not breaking in upon a matter that does not concern me?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>There is nothing that the King's servants may do that does not concern +the King.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>True. But sometimes the King is kept in ignorance nevertheless.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To the</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span>.</p> + +<p>What paper is that you have there, if you please?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">secretary</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With an uneasy glance at the others.</i></p> + +<p>Here, your Majesty.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aside to</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span>.</p> + +<p>Get out!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span>.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>It is the report of your Majesty's interview with the Ambassador.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Glancing at the paper and speaking in quick, excited tones.</i></p> + +<p>My message has been altered. It was conciliatory. It is a challenge now. +Who did this?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>Your Majesty sees the culprit before you.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>Are you trying to make war?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>I am trying, your Majesty, to save the country from the results of your +Majesty's indiscretion in calling the Ambassador to your palace without +consulting your Ministers. If we do not strike now we lose our prestige +as a great nation, our national honor is dragged in the dust. We have to +fight. We cannot afford to back down.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Striding across the room, agitatedly.</i></p> + +<p>But this is unholy, barbaric—this deliberate concoction of a great, +terrible war. I saw clearly this evening as I was talking with the +Ambassador how utterly without inner necessity this war-scare is. It is +a made thing from beginning to end, and I refuse absolutely to sanction +it.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Deliberately.</i></p> + +<p>Your Majesty is an idealist. We are practical, and, I may say, +far-seeing men. And we are the three men, perhaps, who have given your +Majesty the chair you sit on and made your kingdom what it is.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Drawing himself up.</i></p> + +<p>I think I have not been ungrateful. But my people come first, and I will +not have my people plunged into misery for no valid and inevitable +necessity.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>Your Majesty, I have served you for fifteen years and I served your +exalted father for twenty. You are right. This war may be avoided. In +two days this war-cloud could be so utterly dissipated that men would +laugh here and in the great Republic that for a day they had talked so +hotly of war. Dissipated. For a year, for two years. For always? No. The +war must come sooner or later. It is a matter, in the first place, of +prestige, of national honor. But, more emphatically, it is a question of +mathematics, birth-rate, death-rate, revenue, taxes, industries, +imports, exports.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossing to left.</i></p> + +<p>There is a map of the world, your Majesty. This stretch of land there we +need as a safety-valve. If we get that we are safe. If we fail to get it +we explode. Not at once. But sooner or later. Our army and navy have +never been in better shape. These two gentlemen can give your Majesty +their word for that. But you can take mine, too. The enemy's army is +politically rotten, and enfeebled by sentimental peace propaganda. Their +defenses are inadequate and their navy likewise. Those things will +change. Strike today—and they never raise their heads again. Wait—and +it is you who may be crushed.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sharply.</i></p> + +<p>That is a theory. Not a fact. Ten years may change the aspect of things +entirely, particularly if we use those ten years in preparations not for +war but for peace, honest at home and abroad, just, open, civil, to our +neighbors.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>Your Majesty, I look farther than ten years, farther than ten times ten +years. And I have wrought for this moment, prepared for this moment, +this moment of our strength and our enemy's weakness. I have a right to +insist that I, who have brought your kingdom thus far, shall not have my +hands tied when the moment for stern action arrives.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a whimsical smile.</i></p> + +<p>After all, my good Prime Minister, it is <i>my</i> kingdom, you know.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Moved.</i></p> + +<p>Your Majesty knows that what I have done I have done for your glory. +The liberals have cursed me for a reactionary through the length and +breadth of the kingdom; because I served you, and served you in all love +and devotion.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>I know your devotion. But give me a fresh example of it. Keep my kingdom +at peace with the world.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>That I cannot do.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>You cannot? You <i>will</i> not.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>I could not face my conscience, or make my peace with God, if I weakened +now and allowed the golden opportunity to pass by. For your Majesty's +sake as well as for our country's.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>For mine?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>Your Majesty has forgotten that your throne was built by war and rests +on force. Force only, military prestige only, can uphold you. The rebels +of labor have crept close to your throne now. Ten more years of peace, +and you are cast out overnight, to wander over Europe, a homeless +absurdity, a king without a chair to sit on.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With flashing eyes.</i></p> + +<p>We shall see!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i></p> + +<p>May I ask your Majesty in all humility and devotion to give me back that +slip of paper?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>You have thought of our national honor, our prestige, our commercial +growth, our dynastic life. Have you given no thought at all to the men +you send to death to purchase these?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>A man has no higher privilege than to die for his country. I beg your +Majesty—the paper?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Tearing the paper once across.</i></p> + +<p>And the women?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Grimly.</i></p> + +<p>We'll find them new husbands, your Majesty. The paper, if you please.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Tearing the paper into shreds.</i></p> + +<p>I forbid this war!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With controlled anger.</i></p> + +<p>My God, your Majesty! You are letting a sentiment master you. There are +worse things than war. There are possibilities in peace infinitely worse +than any war, or there would be no war. War may kill a million bodies, +but a wicked peace can snuff out unnumbered souls!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>I will take my chances with peace.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>It is for you we are fighting, your Majesty, but not for you only, not +for your glory only and the permanence of your House, but for the +permanence of the monarchical principle, which we know is better and +higher than the principle of democracy, since it is the earthly symbol +of God's singleness of rule, and comes direct from God.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coolly.</i></p> + +<p>Moreover, your Majesty, it works!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p>This is a matter of war and peace, not a matter of monarchy or +democracy.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>Your Majesty does not see far enough. Give us war, and we keep our +monarchy. Give us peace, and we plunge within ten years into the rapids +of revolution and democracy.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Simply.</i></p> + +<p>I will take my chances with peace.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Stern and cold.</i></p> + +<p>Very good, your Majesty. Then you may paddle your bark alone. I resign.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>And I resign!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>And I!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossing to the window, where he stands with his back turned to the +others. His voice is uncertain.</i></p> + +<p>I did not expect that of you.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Moved.</i></p> + +<p>Oh, your Majesty! You know what my love has been—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>Half the country will fall from me if you three desert me.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>It is not desertion, your Majesty. It is loyalty to something even +higher than the King, the principle that makes him King.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Perplexed.</i></p> + +<p>Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps I am sentimental—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gently.</i></p> + +<p>Your Majesty is humane, but perhaps a deeper humanity demands a +hardening of the heart sometimes.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span>.</p> + +<p>But you always detested war. You called yourself my Minister not of War, +but of Peace.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rigidly.</i></p> + +<p>When the honor of our country is at stake—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Impatiently.</i></p> + +<p>But nobody is attacking our honor!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Bluntly.</i></p> + +<p>The case is as I said. We need this war, and we must have it.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Torn by his conflicting desires.</i></p> + +<p>I cannot let you resign. There is no one else I can trust as I trust you +three. But not war, not war!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p>I am a lover of peace, but the time has come when we must have war.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">minister of war</span></p> + +<p>It is our sacred duty, your Majesty, to draw our swords for light and +justice when God calls!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">chief of staff</span></p> + +<p>And God has always been with us. God will be with us now!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">king</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>White and tense.</i></p> + +<p>You are three strong men against me. I want peace, but I am helpless +without you three. For I am an anachronism. Not nature but human force, +fighting against nature, keeps me on my throne. If you must have war, +have it. But I tell you this: God has no part in it. Leave God out of +the game!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He sinks into the chair by the desk.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">prime minister</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span>.</p> + +<p>Call your Secretary!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">minister of war</span> <i>goes to the door. The</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span> +<i>enters. The</i> <span class="smcap">prime minister</span> <i>takes a paper out of his pocket.</i></p> + +<p>Here. It is a copy of the message I directed you to send to the news +bureaus and embassies. Transmit it at once.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">secretary</span> <i>bows and goes out. The</i> <span class="smcap">king</span> <i>falls +forward on the desk, sobbing. At his side, straight and stern, the</i> +<span class="smcap">prime minister</span> <i>Stands. To</i> <span class="smcap">minister of war</span>.</p> + +<p>Give orders for immediate mobilization.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The stage is slowly darkened.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>SCENE II</h2> + + +<p><i>As the lights rise again they reveal a small, comfortably furnished +clubroom, with a wide window opening on a balcony in the back, and doors +right and left. It is evening and the electric lamps are lit.</i></p> + +<p><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span>, <i>a man of fifty-odd, large, sleek, unctuous, +well-groomed, is discovered in an arm-chair, surrounded by newspapers. +He glances with feverish interest at one after the other. A cheer is +heard outside, then the sound of fifes and drums. He rises excitedly and +throws open the French window. The tramp, tramp of a regiment is heard.</i> +<span class="smcap">two officers</span> <i>in uniform, a</i> <span class="smcap">general</span> <i>and a</i> +<span class="smcap">captain</span>, <i>enter left.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A strongly-built man in middle age, with a firm, resolute face.</i></p> + +<p>Evening, Grosvenor. Not poaching on your rights if we come in here a +minute? The other windows were crowded.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Not at all, General, not at all. We're all making way for the khaki +today, sir. And proud to have the chance.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With overdone politeness to the Captain, a handsome man of the +romantic type.</i></p> + +<p>Take my place, Captain.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>Thanks. Great tune that, eh? Stirs up a man's vitals, eh?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Yes, indeed; yes, indeed.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>Wait till we put that into the repertory of the enemy's bandmasters.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Leaning out of the window.</i></p> + +<p>Come. They're a fine-looking lot, eh?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p>Fine! Fine! The pick of the land. Fighters to a finish, every one of +'em.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>And say, but they're thanking God tonight for the war-scare that's +brought 'em back from manœuvres.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i></p> + +<p>They are, eh?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>Manœuvres are too tame. They're crazy to get into a real fight.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In excited, subdued tones.</i></p> + +<p>Then you think—there'll be war?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>The President expects to hear from our Ambassador any minute about the +private interview he wired he was about to have with the King.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taking up the papers.</i></p> + +<p>Seen the latest?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Picking out one paper with a particularly flaring headline.</i></p> + +<p>"Iberia planning secret attack," eh? That man Pollen knows more things +that aren't so than a college graduate.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taking another paper.</i></p> + +<p>He's entertaining enough, though. I daresay he has some influence.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>I pray to God that we may keep peace, but we must not let ourselves be +walked over—we must not—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Laughing.</i></p> + +<p>Exactly. The nation is at last to see what it spends its army and navy +appropriations for. Eh?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p>No sane man wants war, but if—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>I'm sane. And I want war. I want to go out and help lambaste those +infernally cocksure armies of that jelly-and-cream King. We've parleyed +long enough. Now we'll fight. Force is the only convincing argument +after all.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>As our Master said, "I bring a sword"—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>At the window again.</i></p> + +<p>Fine fellows those. Look at that boy there, third from the end. And that +lieutenant. Strapping, wonderful fellows—with brains! That's the great +thing. Give me five hundred thousand of those and I'll hold off all +comers.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With nervous acuteness.</i></p> + +<p>How long d'ye think it'll last?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p>Six months. Maybe a year.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Tentatively.</i></p> + +<p>You couldn't, I suppose—say—more exactly?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a glance of suspicion.</i></p> + +<p>How should I—before it's even begun?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hastily.</i></p> + +<p>Oh—er—just a matter of curiosity.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Laughing.</i></p> + +<p>At any rate, we'll be back in time for the next presidential election. +We're coming back with the General on our shoulders, and when we drop +him it'll be through the skylight of the President's house.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Self-consciously.</i></p> + +<p>Don't talk nonsense.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>There's nothing like a war to make a man President.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>At window.</i></p> + +<p>More and more and more of 'em. Bully lines. Not natty enough to be a +joke, just straight and trim. Those fellows'll carry you into the +presidency, General, if anyone can. A few of 'em'll have to choke first, +but that's fisherman's luck.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>That'll do, Dave.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A</i> <span class="smcap">page</span> <i>enters Right.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossing the room.</i></p> + +<p>Mr. Grosvenor? Mr. Grosvenor?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i></p> + +<p>Here.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Handing him a telegram.</i></p> + +<p>Any answer?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Wait.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Still watching the soldiers.</i></p> + +<p>They <i>are</i> happy.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pause.</i></p> + +<p>I wonder which of 'em'll come back, and which won't.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Who has torn open the yellow envelope, sinks back in his chair. To</i> +<span class="smcap">page</span>.</p> + +<p>No answer.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He mops his brow in utter dejection. The officers by the window do not +see him as he studies the telegram and studies it again as though he +could not believe his eyes.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>Any news, Mr. Grosvenor?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Thickly.</i></p> + +<p>A plot, a damned Stock Exchange plot.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He hands the</i> <span class="smcap">captain</span> <i>the message.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>After a glance at the message.</i></p> + +<p>Hello! Say, General, look at this.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>What's up?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>The State Department has just had news from our Ambassador to Iberia. +Delightful interview with the King. Evident willingness to meet us half +way.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coolly.</i></p> + +<p>Is this straight? It sounds fishy.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>They're trying to gain time. I don't believe it.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>It's a damned plot.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p>Looks to me like a blind to stop our preparations. I'm going over to +the War Department. Coming, Captain?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p>It's that crafty Prime Minister over there playing us tricks, eh?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hotly.</i></p> + +<p>It's a plot!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p>Something's queer! Good night, Grosvenor!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Effusively.</i></p> + +<p>Good night, General, good night. God be with us all in these dark days, +I say!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">general</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Solemnly.</i></p> + +<p>Amen to that!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">captain</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Saluting carelessly.</i></p> + +<p>Good night.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Good night, good night.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The</i> <span class="smcap">officers</span> <i>go out.</i> <span class="smcap">grosvenor</span> <i>strides excitedly +up and down.</i></p> + +<p>It's a plot, it's a damned plot—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He goes toward the rear and picks up a telephone instrument on a desk +by the window.</i></p> + +<p>Can you get me the House? Mr. Maynard. Yes. Making a speech? Never mind.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He hangs up the receiver and presses a button on the wall. Then he +quickly writes a message on the back of the telegram and encloses it in +an envelope. The</i> <span class="smcap">page</span> <i>enters.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p>Ring, sir?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Yes. Take this to the House at once. To Mr. Maynard. See that he gets it +himself. Here's a dollar.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Touching his cap.</i></p> + +<p>Thank you, sir.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taking up the telephone again.</i></p> + +<p>Give me the Senate. Mr. Taney. Saw him go out?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He hangs up the receiver impatiently.</i></p> + +<p>Isn't anyone on the job?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He strides up and down.</i></p> + +<p>A damned plot!—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Enter, right, hurriedly,</i> <span class="smcap">senator taney</span><i>, a stout, red-haired +man, clean-shaven.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Puffing.</i></p> + +<p>Hello, Grosvenor.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Thank God, you're here.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Only got a minute. Hell's loose in the Senate.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>I've been nearly crazy waiting for news.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>God, man. Perhaps you think I ain't been busy rounding up a lot of +on-the-fence-men? It seems to me pretty nearly everybody was on the +fence. No decided opinions at all. But they're coming, they're coming.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>How 'bout that report about the King over there wanting peace?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>That's what the row's about. The highbrows an' the peace people are +shouting hurrahs all over the place, an' the rest of us has to do what +we can to drown 'em out.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Restlessly moving about the room.</i></p> + +<p>If it's true about the King, can you—work it—anyway?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>How do I know?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Got any figures? For or against?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Yes. It's about an even go.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Disappointed.</i></p> + +<p>You can't give me anything more definite?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>What's up, anyway? You look nervous.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>I am. This business is cutting into my sleep. My last cent is tied up, +and I've got a good many other people's last cents as well. Damn it, +Taney, this is worse than Monte Carlo. You're dealing with cold-blooded +chance there, but here you're dealing with sentiments, emotions. It's +exhausting. War is a terrible thing, Taney. It worries me day and night. +Think of the lives! And yet we need this war, we need it for the good of +the nation. And now that we're ready, it would be a calamity if—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning to go.</i></p> + +<p>Don't you worry about that.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i></p> + +<p>How's the House going?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Don't know anything about the House. But I guess your man Maynard is +doing his job. I'm off to see Cottrell. Another man that wants news. Be +back in ten minutes.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Keep me posted, for God's sake. You know—I'm not ungrateful. You shan't +lose by your efforts, Taney. You know I'm a liberal man.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly, but with emphasis.</i></p> + +<p>Look here. You're not Conroy and you're not Pollen. They're the whales +in this pond. You're only a nervous minnow. I'm working with bigger men +than you. And perhaps I've got some convictions of my own, had 'em for +years. If I hadn't, no money of yours would buy me. I believe the people +want this war to settle once and for all whether that wishy-washy King +or us is going to direct the universe, and if the people want it, it's +my business to see that they get it. If that means any money in your +pocket, it's none of my business. But I'm not your slave, Grosvenor. And +don't you forget it.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>You'll keep me posted? If anything goes wrong, I've got to have time to +get from under. You'll surely keep me posted?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Get your man Maynard on the string. I'm hanged if I'll be your office +boy.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Beseechingly.</i></p> + +<p>Taney—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">taney</span> <i>goes out.</i> <span class="smcap">grosvenor</span> <i>takes a step toward the +door, stops, and drawing a cigar from his pocket, begins chewing the end +nervously. Then he turns quickly, and crossing to the right, picks up +the telephone instrument again.</i></p> + +<p>Office of the "Morning Bulletin," please.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pause.</i></p> + +<p>Mr. Pollen, please. Out? This is Mr. Grosvenor. On his way to the Club? +Thanks.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">mr. conroy</span> <i>enters, right. He is a short, stockily-built man +with a belligerent chin covered by a close-cropped, grizzled beard.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Hello, Grosvenor.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a sharp glance and not entirely pleasant smile.</i></p> + +<p>I might have known that I'd find you on the job. What is it this +time—canned goods, uniforms, hospital supplies—or just general +enthusiasm?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>A little business, but mainly enthusiasm. A great time to be alive, +Conroy! Any news?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Maynard's making a rousing speech. Spread eagle. Our honor as a nation. +The dearest, sweetest flag that ever waved over a noble, invincible +people. Damned rot. But the brethren from the rural districts lap it up +like cider in October. He's gaining votes. Protégé of yours, ain't he?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Yes. Used to be my office boy. Clever chap. Has a sensible view of +things. Realizes that our national honor and our property must be +defended at all hazards.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sitting down at the desk and beginning to write. With a cynical +laugh.</i></p> + +<p>You mean <i>property</i>. You don't give a damn about national <i>honor</i>. You +know you don't. What's the use of trying to fool me?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Conroy, do you mean to impugn my patriotic motives?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Without looking up, good-naturedly.</i></p> + +<p>Grosvenor, we've known each other thirty years. I don't try to bluff you +because I know that you know too much about me. You made the beginnings +of your pile out of one big war and you've been playing up a lot of +little republics against each other ever since, harvesting a neat +little fortune every time. Now it's a real world-war you're after. If it +comes, you're made, if it don't, you're broke. It's a cinch. Mind you, +I'm not throwing stones. Only I don't want you to think you can pull the +noble patriotic guff on me.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>I have certain investments, of course, which might possibly be promoted +by a war. But I am not thinking of that. I am thinking of the honor of +my country, that honor which has never yet been stained, and shall not +be stained if I can do aught by my own efforts and by my prayers to God, +to keep it pure.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rising.</i></p> + +<p>You carry it off well. I couldn't bluff the way you can. I haven't your +religious feeling. I know why I want war. It's because I'm a +manufacturer of guns. Everybody knows my business, and they know that if +there wasn't war or a fear of war constantly, I and my wife and children +would starve. War is my work and it's been my work most of my life. And +I've worked for this war because it was the biggest thing in sight. I've +worked for it with all the brains I've got, just as I'd have worked for +two-hundred-egg hens if I'd been a chicken farmer. I'm not a +sentimentalist. Besides, war's a good thing occasionally. I believe that +absolutely. It quiets down your socialists, cuts down your superfluous +population, increases the moral stamina of the nation. A lot of this +talk of war being hell is mush. A few people get shot up, but no one +forced 'em to go. It's their own funeral.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>No, Conroy, no. I don't agree with you. I may possibly not lose +financially by this war, but nevertheless, war is terrible, awful. The +Christian sense balks at it. Only, I feel this way, sometimes when the +honor of the nation demands—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>You damn bluff!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Confronting him.</i></p> + +<p>Conroy! If you please!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">pollen,</span> <i>a tall, thin man in the late forties, enters left. +He has an impassive, intellectual face, interesting though +unsympathetic. His manner is calm and quietly alert, suggestive of +reserve power.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Without cordiality.</i></p> + +<p>Hello, Conroy. Hello, Mr. Grosvenor.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Obsequious at once.</i></p> + +<p>Mr. Pollen!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>I was just going to send a note round to you, Pollen. Couldn't get you +on the phone. What d'ye think? Yes or no?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a faint, ironic smile.</i></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Excitedly.</i></p> + +<p>What?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Deliberately.</i></p> + +<p>Are you sure?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>How can you be sure?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>I have two reasons. One, because the biggest banker in the country told +me so. That's unimportant. He may have been lying. The other, because—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He smiles quietly.</i></p> + +<p>my papers tell me so.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He picks up one of the papers off the floor.</i></p> + +<p>I see you have been honoring me by reading them. Don't my papers tell +you that there's going to be war?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>No one pretends, Pollen, that your papers are wonders of undecorated +truth.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>Well, this time, trust them. What if they do lie about facts +occasionally? I am not interested in facts. Facts are always misleading. +But I know something about psychology—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>And you're sure?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>How can you be sure?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Standing at the window.</i></p> + +<p>Because the people are smelling blood. That's why. And now they won't +let up till they're satisfied. I've watched the war-feeling growing for +a year. I tried 'em out on headlines and editorials, first little mild +fellows to set them thinking. Then, when their thoughts were set toward +trouble, well, we increased the percentage of oxygen.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Thoughtfully.</i></p> + +<p>It's been extremely interesting. The psychology of crowds is one of the +most satisfying subjects I have ever studied. Say, fifteen, twenty +millions, that individually hate you, but as a crowd, a body of readers, +unconsciously, perhaps, even against their will, do exactly what you +say. We're going to have war, because the people have now got to a state +in which they believe that nothing short of war will save them from +utter ruin. They want war. I know it. The circulation of my papers has +mounted by the hundred thousand daily. And it isn't only because the +people want the news. They want the excitement. It's the gambling +instinct in them. They've seen the ball rolling, and they can't keep out +of the game. The very bigness of the thing lures them on; the bigger the +issue, the bigger the fascination. The millions of men and the billions +of dollars—that lures them. And the awfulness—the dead, the wounded, +the horrors, that lures them like nothing else. There was one thing +missing until tonight.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Fascinated.</i></p> + +<p>What was that?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>Fear. They were too cocksure. But I gave them fear in the eight o'clock +extra. There was a rumor that the rest of Europe would take part.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a malicious glance.</i></p> + +<p>That looks well for your business, Conroy.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>I'm not complaining.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>We're playing the thing up in the late editions all over the country. +It'll give the people a queer catch in the throat. They'll see the +possibility of a fierce struggle, even of defeat. There'll be a +wonderful wave of patriotism. You watch. The people'll rise right up. In +twenty-four hours there won't be a man in the country that'll be able to +tell black from white. All they'll see will be red.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing out of the window.</i></p> + +<p>Look at the people out there, standing round. They can't stay indoors. +They're waiting for the extras. They won't believe 'em when they read +'em, but they can't resist the excitement. Well, the bonfire's ready. +Nothing lacking now except the match.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Striding up and down.</i></p> + +<p>That's all very well, Mr. Pollen. But suppose the King over there backs +down?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>He won't. The people won't let him.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p><i>His</i> people? They don't want war.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>Not <i>his</i> people.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing.</i></p> + +<p>Ours. I tell you, they've smelt blood.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>From a distance, faintly, but growing louder, boys are heard calling, +"Extra! Extra!"</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Excitedly.</i></p> + +<p>Extra! I wonder—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Going to the balcony, and calling down.</i></p> + +<p>Here, boy!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Laughing softly.</i></p> + +<p>There you go.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He presses a bell-button on the wall, bends over the writing-desk and +writes a line which he encloses in an envelope.</i></p> + +<p>You're easy. And there are a hundred million like you. When it comes to +war, reason goes to sleep. You both of you knew perfectly well that I +had absolutely no later news than you, but you let yourself be +hypnotized like children. I can do anything I want with you.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">page</span>.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p>Ring, sir?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>Take this to the news-stand in the hall.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p>Yes, sir.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>At the window again.</i></p> + +<p>The edition is going like hotcakes. It has Maynard's speech in it. Did +either of you hear it?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Yes. Damned rot, but effective.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>He keeps the patriotism hot.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Proudly.</i></p> + +<p>I trained that young man in patriotism.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Enter</i> <span class="smcap">representative maynard,</span> <i>left; a young man, conceited +and with a swagger.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>Good evening, gentlemen.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Maynard!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Great boy!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They all clap him on the shoulder and shake his hand.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>A wonderful speech, my boy. We're playing you up for Governor of the +State in tonight's late editions.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>I'll sweep the State. It's patriotism, it's the flag, that gets the +rubes. You should have seen the whiskers of the rural sections waving in +the wind!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Shouts of newsboys outside: "Bulletin! War! All about the war!"</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Eh?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Pollen.</i></p> + +<p>Any news I've missed?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>How's that? They're shouting "War" already.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calmly.</i></p> + +<p>I told 'em to. That was the message I sent down. That shout gave you a +thrill, didn't it? Well, that was what I was after. If I don't hold you +down in your chair you'll rush out to buy a copy, even though I should +stand here all night, shouting in your ears that it's a fake.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Shocked.</i></p> + +<p>You are inflaming the people!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>Exactly. There have been people unkind enough to assert that that was my +business. What's yours, Grosvenor?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Eh?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hotly.</i></p> + +<p>What d'ye mean?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>You're livin' in a crystal palace, Grosvenor. Don't you go and forget +that.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Indignantly.</i></p> + +<p>I—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Grosvenor.</i></p> + +<p>I've got to get back to the House, Mr. Grosvenor. I just came over to +see if you had any—suggestions?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Testily.</i></p> + +<p>No. Only keep me posted. That's all.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Expanding again.</i></p> + +<p>And remember, our honor as a nation is at stake.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>They're not forgetting our honor while I'm on the floor.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Drawing</i> <span class="smcap">maynard</span> <i>aside as he is about to go out, and +whispering.</i></p> + +<p>Need any—ready money?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Grinning.</i></p> + +<p>There were a half dozen brethren on the steps as I came out, who +implied they were broke, and wouldn't object to a loan.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taking a wallet from his pocket and handing it to Maynard, after he +has made sure that Grosvenor and Pollen are not looking.</i></p> + +<p>Here. Help the poor devils along.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>Thanks. I will.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">page</span> <i>enters right, with a card on a salver.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p>Senator Taney?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>No.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Taking up the card.</i></p> + +<p>Who wants him?</p> + +<p><i>[He whistles softly.</i></p> + +<p>Harradan! No, son, Senator Taney is not here.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit</i> <span class="smcap">page,</span> <i>left.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Excitedly.</i></p> + +<p>Harradan's smelling a rat. He's getting after Taney!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i></p> + +<p>Don't you worry. I can finish Harradan up in black-faced letters +tomorrow morning. He'll think he's reading his own tombstone.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">taney</span> <i>enters, right.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Hello, Pollen. Hello, Conroy. Well, Grosvenor, Cottrell is as jumpy as +you are.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>Have you seen Harradan?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Have I seen Harradan? I should say I had! He's leading the peace party +in the Senate. Fighting like a fiend.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Clearing his throat.</i></p> + +<p>That man has nearly cost me my vocal chords.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Ruefully.</i></p> + +<p>To see him you wouldn't connect him with the word "peace."</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>He's in the club. He's asked for you.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Come on, Grosvenor. This is no place for an honest business-man to be +found conversing with a Senator.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i></p> + +<p>Quite right.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a grin.</i></p> + +<p>Well, Maynard, they don't seem to think we're safe company for good +little boys. Suppose we get back on the job?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They move toward the right.</i> <span class="smcap">pollen</span> <i>remains standing, calm +and imperturbable, by the window.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>You people act as though you had a bad conscience. I don't think I'd let +a mere Senator interfere with the freedom of my movements, if I were +you.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">senator harradan</span> <i>enters, left. He is a soldierly-looking man +in the seventies.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>Good evening, gentlemen.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pause.</i></p> + +<p>I seem to have tumbled into headquarters.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Hello, Harradan. Looking for me?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>You know these gentlemen?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coolly.</i></p> + +<p>Sufficiently.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>I'm due back at the Senate. I'll talk with you till the cock crows after +we adjourn. Will that do?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>I should like to talk to you now.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>In that case, I'll go back to the House.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>We won't intrude—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>The Senators have the floor—</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>They are about to beat a retreat.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>I wish you'd stay, gentlemen.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking at his watch, nervously.</i></p> + +<p>I'm sorry I—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>You'll please stay, Mr. Grosvenor. You, too, Mr. Conroy.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>I'm hanged if I'll be dictated to.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i></p> + +<p>Do as you please. But if you don't stay, I'll have you both under arrest +in fifteen minutes.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In disgust.</i></p> + +<p>Oh, come off!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Indignantly.</i></p> + +<p>What do you mean, Senator?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Fiercely.</i></p> + +<p>My God, man, don't make me mad. I'm twenty years older than you, but I +could wipe the floor up with you yet!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously lights a cigar and during the ensuing scene shifts it with +his lips from one corner of his mouth to the other in extreme +agitation.</i></p> + +<p>I don't know what you're talking about.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>Well, you don't need me.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>I do.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">maynard</span> <i>sits down, chewing his lips.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With an amused, patronizing smile.</i></p> + +<p>You haven't expressed yourself about me yet, Senator. Am I invited to +the party?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>You may stay or not as you like.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>Thanks.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Deliberately.</i></p> + +<p>Do you know, if I were you, I don't think I'd detain these other +gentlemen just now.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calmly.</i></p> + +<p>Go to the Devil to whom you belong, Mr. Pollen. I'll do as I see fit.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>I merely advise you. It isn't always considered patriotic when the +people want war, for a Senator to want peace too hard. I shall strive to +point that out to twenty million people or so tomorrow morning. Make +your will, Senator. The avalanche is coming. You'll be the loneliest +voice that ever came out of the wilderness. I prophesy your swift +demise.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>This is wartime. Most of us are ready to die, if necessary. Only some of +us would rather die in the service of peace than in the service of war. +You're a very powerful man, Mr. Pollen. I don't doubt at all that you +can kill me if you put your mind on it. You have poisoned the whole +nation. You are at liberty to kill me outright, but I won't let you +slow-poison me.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>Taney, I've got information against you, and you've got to listen. You, +too, Maynard.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>At window.</i></p> + +<p>Am I out in the cold again? I'm listening intently.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He goes to the telephone and takes up the receiver.</i></p> + +<p>News-stand, please.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pleadingly.</i></p> + +<p>Taney—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>At the telephone.</i></p> + +<p>That you, Burke? Liven up your youngsters outside. They've gone to +sleep.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He hangs up the receiver, and complacently lights a cigarette.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>We were friends in the past, Taney. I always knew you were a jingo, but +I thought there was hope. I came here because I still thought so. I +didn't know you had lined up with the buzzards.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>See here, Harradan. What are you talking about anyway?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>We all know why Grosvenor and Conroy and their kind are here. And a few +of us have been wondering who were pulling the wires for them.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>You've got me mixed up with somebody else. I'm here attending to—to my +regular business.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Bluntly.</i></p> + +<p>And why shouldn't we be down here? I'm in a legitimate business. Guns. +And I'm looking after my interests. I'm not declaring war. But if there +is a war I don't see any reason why I should get left in the scramble.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>War! God, do you know what the word means? I've been in two wars. I've +seen and heard and—smelt battlefields. And I've seen women and children +waiting at home—and waiting.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>I'll give you a thousand dollars, Senator, for a thousand-word article +on the horrors of war. You can't make it strong enough.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Laughing.</i></p> + +<p>That's one on you, Senator.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>Taney, you're a man of sense, and you love your country. Now—</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Good night, gentlemen, I'm going.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He turns toward the door.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>Same here.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning swiftly.</i></p> + +<p>No, you're not. I want a list of names. I want a list of all the people +who are paying you to shout for war. Understand?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Fiercely.</i></p> + +<p>I want that list now.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coolly.</i></p> + +<p>Hell may grow buttercups, Harradan. But you don't get any names out o' +me.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quickly.</i></p> + +<p>Besides, I ain't got any to give. And I'll have you up for defamation of +character for saying that there's anybody can buy me!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>After a pause, quietly.</i></p> + +<p>Taney, you've always been a business-man. You look at things just one +way. You aren't bothered much by imagination. Perhaps you don't know +what you're doing. War, man! Dead men by thousands, wounded men +shrieking for some one to put them out of their misery, fire, ruin, +starvation! For what good, for what good, ever?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">pollen</span></p> + +<p>I raise my offer, Senator. Make it two thousand.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>You ought to go into vaudeville, Senator. Subject, "The Horrors of War."</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The others laugh.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>God, the country stands on the verge of the greatest calamity in its +history and you can't do anything but laugh!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>You're an inspiration, Senator. Just like that dago or Dutchman or +whoever he was who tried to smash up the windmills. But you haven't a +sense of humor.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With quiet dignity.</i></p> + +<p>No. My sense of humor died during our last war. Will you give me those +names that are going to help me kill this satanic craving for war? Are +you?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>You're talking through your hat, Senator. I don't know anything about +any names.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p>Very well.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning to go.</i></p> + +<p>I have five names. They'll do until to-morrow. God willing, they'll +bring Congress back to its senses. I thank my God that I found you +buzzards out in time. I'll fling your names across the Senate +tonight—yours, Conroy, and yours, Grosvenor, and yours, Taney, and +yours, Pollen, and yours, Maynard! By Heaven, the country shall hear +them from end to end. And there'll be less talk of war then! You and +your kind are stirring up the millions to dream of war, to shout about +defending our national honor—What honor is there in murder?—stirring +their blood with the fifes and drums of your rhetoric! Through your +newspapers, you are turning the thoughts of our children to war, our +children who should be to us the symbol of a nobler, purer future +rising out of the sordid wreckage of the present—you make them drunk +with your cant about national glory—<i>glory!</i>—until their innocent +faces glow feverishly up to you, hungry for battle. You will not rest +until you hear the terrible savage cry from their lips—War, war! You +shall not hear it if I can prevent it! I am going to the Senate now. In +fifteen minutes your names shall be a byword and a hissing among the +nations. The best you can do is to take your vile guns and turn them on +yourselves!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A great shout is heard outside. Then the fifes and drums again. The</i> +<span class="smcap">page</span> <i>enters excitedly.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">page</span></p> + +<p>Message for Senator Taney.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Here, quick.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He takes the paper.</i></p> + +<p>Gentlemen, listen to this from the Iberian Foreign Office to the +Associated Press: "The King sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this +afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal government. +The Ambassador regretted that he was unable to consider any compromise. +The King replied that he could have nothing further to say in the +matter."</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">grosvenor</span> <i>and the others jump to their feet with excited +exclamations.</i></p> + + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quickly.</i></p> + +<p>The thing's not true. There's a mistake somewhere. It doesn't fit in +with what went before.</p> + + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>Fit in? Who cares? It's a challenge! They've insulted us!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>They've challenged our national honor!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">conroy</span></p> + +<p>Now, by God, they can pay!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rushing to the telephone.</i></p> + +<p>Give me the Department of State.</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>There are more shouts outside and more bands. Suddenly the door, +left, is burst open by a crowd of men, some in dress clothes, some in +uniform, shouting "War!"</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>For God's sake, what's up?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">an officer</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Delightedly.</i></p> + +<p>We're off!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">grosvenor</span></p> + +<p>What d'ye mean?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">a civilian</span></p> + +<p>They've declared war!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning.</i></p> + +<p>Who has?</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">officer</span></p> + +<p>Congress!</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">taney</span></p> + +<p>Senator, you're left.</p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">harradan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a sob.</i></p> + +<p>God! You buzzard! You buzzard!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A band in the distance strikes up the national anthem.</i> <span class="smcap">grosvenor, +conroy, pollen, taney</span> <i>and</i> <span class="smcap">maynard</span> <i>stand.</i> +<span class="smcap">harradan</span> <i>sinks into a chair.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">maynard</span></p> + +<p>Senator, it's the national anthem. Haven't you got <i>any</i> patriotism?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<span class="smcap">grosvenor</span> <i>opens the windows. The notes of the anthem are +drowned out by shouts and cries and the calls of newsboys.</i></p> + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">voices of the crowd</span></p> + +<p>War! War!</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The anthem sounds loud and clear, but</i> <span class="smcap">harradan</span> <i>buries his +face in his hands. The stage is gradually darkened. The music grows +fainter as if the band were marching away; and now and then the shouts +of the crowd make themselves heard above it. These subside, too, into a +low, muffled roar, sullen and ominous.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>SCENE III</h2> + + +<p>[<i>The stage grows light again. In the foreground, a black group of trees +may be dimly discerned; beyond are indistinct hills and the last glow of +a bloody sunset. Smoke and dust blacken the scene. Even before the cloud +breaks to reveal the valley for a moment, the low roar is suddenly +broken by the rattle of musketry, followed by the booming of artillery +and the drumming sound of the machine guns. A trumpet sounds the charge. +The dust cloud breaks. A thickly crowded mass of men is vaguely seen +through the twilight charging with cries and curses. The rear ranks +press over the fallen, waver, shout and fall back. The rattle of +musketry continues. The men return to the charge, are repulsed once more +with awful slaughter and again return. The dust cloud passes over the +scene. It is night now. The wounded are tossing on the field, shrieking. +Ghouls prowl about. A flock of buzzards flies across the moon. In the +distance is heard a shout of victory, then the national anthem once +more, played by a trumpeter. A thousand voices seem to rise out of the +ground, moaning, drowning out the music. Then a woman's voice, clear and +distinct.</i></p> + + +<p class="boldcenter"><span class="smcap">voice</span></p> + +<p>How long, O Lord? How long?</p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Cries and wailings answer the cry. Silence. Again the bugle, drowned +out by cries, cries, cries.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CURTAIN</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4>The following pages contain advertisements of books by the same author, +and other poetry</h4> + +<p><br /></p> +<p><br /></p> +<p><br /></p> + + + +<p class="adauthor">BY THE SAME AUTHOR</p> + +<p class="adtitle">Faces in the Dawn</p> +<p class="adauthor"><big>By HERMANN HAGEDORN</big></p> +<p class="adedition"><i>Cloth, 12mo, $1.35 net</i></p> + + +<p>A great many people already know Mr. Hagedorn through his verse. "Faces +in the Dawn" will, however, be their introduction to him as a novelist. +The same qualities that have served to raise his poetry above the common +level help to distinguish this story of a German village. The theme of +the book is the transformation that was wrought in the lives of an +irritable, domineering German pastor and his wife through the influence +of a young German girl and her American lover. Sentiment, humor, and a +human feeling, all present in just the right measure, warm the heart and +contribute to the enjoyment which the reader derives in following the +experiences of the well-drawn characters.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"A Christmas story, unusual and welcome.... All the people in the +tale are real human beings."—<i>New York Times.</i></p> + +<p>"A good substantial story ... written in plain, homely, and +convincing prose."—<i>New York Globe.</i></p></div> + + +<p class="adtitle">Poems and Ballads</p> +<p class="adedition"><i>New Edition. Cloth, 12mo, $1.00 net</i></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"We can see from this volume that Mr. Hagedorn is a truly +accomplished poet ... the poems are worth writing and are worth +reading, because Mr. Hagedorn only writes what he really feels, and +this volume will strike in many a reader a responsive +chord."—<i>Poetry Review</i> (England).</p> + +<p>"Hermann Hagedorn's work suggests a keynote for all future +poetry."—Alfred Noyes.</p> + +<p>" ... contains an unusual amount of pure poetry."—<i>New York +Times.</i></p></div> +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<p class="adauthor">JOHN MASEFIELD'S NEW VOLUME</p> +<p class="adtitle">Philip the King, and Other Poems</p> +<p class="adauthor"><big>BY JOHN MASEFIELD</big></p> +<p class="adauthor">Author of "The Tragedy of Pompey," "The Everlasting Mercy,"<br /> +"The Daffodil Fields"</p> +<p class="adedition"><i>Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net</i></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"Mr. Masefield's new poetical drama is a piece of work such as only +the author of 'Nan' and 'The Tragedy of Pompey' could have written, +tense in situation and impressive in its poetry.... In addition to +this important play, the volume contains some new and powerful +narrative poems of the sea—the men who live on it and their ships. +There are also some shorter lyrics as well as an impressive poem on +the present war in Europe which expresses, perhaps, better than +anything yet written, the true spirit of England in the present +struggle."</p></div> +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + +<p class="adauthor">PERCY MACKAYE'S NEW POEMS</p> +<p class="adtitle">The Present Hour</p> +<p class="adauthor"><big>By PERCY MACKAYE</big><br /> +Author of "The Scarecrow," "Sappho and Phaon," etc.</p> +<p class="adedition"><i>Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net</i></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Present Hour" is a vital expression of America in themes of +war and peace. The first section (War) contains the gripping +narrative poem "Fight: The Tale of a Gunner," and a series of +powerful poems dealing with the great struggle in Europe. Few +war-poems of the many published in this country and England reveal +such sincerity, force and imagery, as these of Mr. MacKaye. Among +them are "American Neutrality," "Peace," "Wilson," "Louvain," +"Rheims," "The Muffled Drums," "Magna Carta," "France," "A Prayer +of the Peoples," etc. The second section (Peace) includes his +widely read poems, "Goethals," "Panama Hymn," "School," "The Heart +in the Jar," and other representative work. The volume is an +important addition to Mr. MacKaye's long list of books and a +valuable contribution to the poetry of our time.</p></div> +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> + + + + +<p class="center"><big>RABINDRANATH TAGORE'S NEW DRAMA</big></p> +<p class="adtitlecenter">The King of the Dark Chamber</p> +<p class="center">By</p> +<p class="center">RABINDRANATH TAGORE</p> + + +<p>Nobel Prizeman in Literature, 1913; Author of "Gitangali," "The +Gardener," "The Crescent Moon," "Sadhana," "Chitra," "The Post-Office," +etc. Cloth 12mo. $1.25 net.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"The real poetical imagination of it is unchangeable; the allegory, +subtle and profound and yet simple, is cast into the form of a +dramatic narrative, which moves with unconventional freedom to a +finely impressive climax; and the reader, who began in idle +curiosity, finds his intelligence more and more engaged until, when +he turns the last page, he has the feeling of one who has been +moving in worlds not realized, and communing with great if +mysterious presences."</p> + +<p class="adedition"><i>The London Globe.</i></p></div> + + + + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> +<p class="center"><big><i>NEW POEMS AND PLAYS</i></big></p> + + +<p class="adtitle">The Congo and Other Poems</p> +<p><span class="smcap">By Vachel Lindsay</span>. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 +net.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>In the readings which he has given throughout the country Mr. +Lindsay has won the approbation of the critics and of his audiences +in general for the new verse form which he is employing. The +wonderful effects of sound produced by his lines, their relation to +the idea which the author seeks to convey and their marvelous +lyrical quality are something, it is maintained, quite out of the +ordinary and suggest new possibilities and new meanings in poetry. +In this book are presented a number of Mr. Lindsay's most daring +experiments, that is to say they <i>were</i> experiments when they were +first tried; they have been more than justified by their reception. +It is believed that the volume will be one of the most discussed of +all the year's output.</p></div> + + +<p class="adtitle">Borderlands and Thoroughfares</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">By Wilfrid Wilson Gibson</span>, Author of "Daily Bread," "Fires," +"Womenkind," etc. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>With the publication of <i>Daily Bread</i> Mr. Gibson was hailed as a +new poet of the people. <i>Fires</i>, his later volume, confirmed the +impression that here was a man whose writing was close to real +life, a man in whom were combined a sympathy and appreciation of +humankind with a rare lyrical genius. This present book continues +the work which Mr. Gibson can do so well. In it are brought +together three plays and a number of short lyrics which reveal +again his very decided talent. It is a collection which should +indeed gratify those students of modern verse who are looking to +such men as Gibson and Masefield for permanent and representative +contributions to literature.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 35%;" /> +<p class="adtitle">Plaster Saints </p> +<p><span class="smcap">By Israel Zangwill</span>. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>A new play of deep social significance.</p></div> + + +<p class="adtitle">The Melting Pot</p> +<p><span class="smcap">By Israel Zangwill</span>. Revised edition. Cloth, 12mo.<br /> +</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This is a revised edition of what is perhaps Mr. Zangwill's most +popular play. Numerous changes have been made in the text, which +has been considerably lengthened thereby. The appeal of the drama +to the readers of this country is particularly strong, in that it +deals with that great social process by which all nationalities are +blended together for the making of the real American.</p></div> + + +<p class="adtitle">Sword Blades and Poppy Seed</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">By Amy Lowell</span>, Author of "A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass." +Boards, 12mo. $1.25 net.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Of the poets who to-day are doing the interesting and original +work, there is no more striking and unique figure than Amy Lowell. +The foremost American member of the "Imagists"—a group of poets +that includes William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound, Ford Madox +Hueffer—she has won wide recognition for her writing in new and +free forms of poetical expression. Miss Lowell's present volume of +poems, "Sword Blades and Poppy Seed," is an unusual book. It +contains much perhaps that will arouse criticism, but it is a new +note in American poetry. Miss Lowell has broken away from academic +traditions and written, out of her own time, real singing poetry, +free, full of new effects and subtleties.</p></div> + + + + + +<p class="adtitle">Earth Triumphant and Other Tales in Verse</p> +<p class="adauthor"><big><span class="smcap">By</span> CONRAD AIKEN</big></p> +<p class="adedition"><i>Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net</i></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Conrad Aiken is one of the first American writers to choose to tell +his stories in verse. Helston, Masefield, and other Europeans have +been doing it with marked success, but hitherto this country has +had no notable representative in this line of endeavor. Though Mr. +Aiken has been writing for a number of years, <i>Earth Triumphant and +Other Tales in Verse</i> is his first published book. In it are +contained, in addition to the several narratives of modern life, a +number of shorter lyrics. It is a volume distinguished by +originality and power.</p></div> + + + +<p class="adtitle">Van Zorn: A Comedy in Three Acts</p> +<p class="adauthor"><big><span class="smcap">By</span> EDWIN A. ROBINSON</big></p> +<p class="adedition"><i>Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net</i></p> + + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This play makes delightful reading and introduces in the person of +its author a playwright of considerable promise. Mr. Robinson tells +an interesting story, one which by a clever arrangement of incident +and skillful characterization arouses strongly the reader's +curiosity and keeps it unsatisfied to the end. The dialogue is +bright and the construction of the plot shows the work of one well +versed in the technique of the drama.</p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>A LIST OF PLAYS</h2> + + + +<div class='center'> +<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="List of Plays"> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Leonid Andreyev's</b> Anathema</td><td align='right'>$1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Clyde Fitch's</b> The Climbers</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Girl with the Green Eyes</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Her Own Way</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Stubbornness of Geraldine</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Truth</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Hermann Hagedorn's</b> Makers of Madness</td><td align='right'>1.00 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Thomas Hardy's</b> The Dynasts. 3 Parts. Each</td><td align='right'>1.50 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Henry Arthur Jones's</b> </td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Whitewashing of Julia</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Saints and Sinners</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Crusaders</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Michael and His Lost Angel</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Jack London's</b>Scorn of Women</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Theft</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Mackaye's</b> Jean D'Arc</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Sappho and Phaon</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Fenris the Wolf</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Mater</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Canterbury Pilgrims</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Scarecrow</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> A Garland to Sylvia</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>John Masefield's</b> The Tragedy of Pompey</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Philip the King</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>William Vaughn Moody's</b></td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Faith Healer</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Stephen Phillip's</b> Ulysses</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Sin of David</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Nero</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Pietro of Siena</td><td align='right'>1.00 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Phillips and Carr.</b> Faust</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Edward Sheldon's</b> The Nigger</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Romance</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Katrina Trask's</b> In the Vanguard</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Rabindranath Tagore's</b> The Post Office</td><td align='right'>1.00 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Chitra</td><td align='right'>1.00 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The King of the Dark Chamber</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Edwin A. Robinson's</b> Van Zorn</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Sarah King Wiley's</b> Coming of Philibert</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Alcestis</td><td align='right'>.75 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Yeats'</b> Poems and Plays, Vol. II, Revised Edition</td><td align='right'>2.00 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Hour Glass (and others)</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Green Helmet and Other Poems</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Yeats and Lady Gregory's</b> Unicorn from the Stars</td><td align='right'>1.50 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'><b>Israel Zangwill's</b> The Melting Pot, New Edition</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The War God</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> The Next Religion</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +<tr><td align='left'> Plaster Saints</td><td align='right'>1.25 net</td></tr> +</table><br /><br /><br /></div> + + + + + + + + +<p class="center">THE MACMILLAN COMPANY<br /> +Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York +</p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Makers of Madness, by Hermann Hagedorn + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAKERS OF MADNESS *** + +***** This file should be named 16636-h.htm or 16636-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/3/16636/ + +Produced by Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Makers of Madness + A Play in One Act and Three Scenes + +Author: Hermann Hagedorn + +Release Date: September 3, 2005 [EBook #16636] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAKERS OF MADNESS *** + + + + +Produced by Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + + + + +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY + + +NEW YORK . BOSTON . CHICAGO . DALLAS +ATLANTA . SAN FRANCISCO + +MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITED +LONDON . BOMBAY . CALCUTTA +MELBOURNE + +THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD. +TORONTO + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + +A PLAY IN ONE ACT AND THREE SCENES + +BY +HERMANN HAGEDORN + +AUTHOR OF "FACES IN THE DAWN," ETC. + + +New York +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY +1914 + +_All rights reserved_ + + + + +COPYRIGHT, 1914 + +BY HERMANN HAGEDORN + +Set up and electrotyped. Published November, 1914. + +This play has been copyrighted and published simultaneously in the +United States and Great Britain. All acting rights, both professional +and amateur, are reserved in the United States, Great Britain, and +countries of the Copyright Union, by Hermann Hagedorn. Performances +forbidden and right of representation reserved. Application for the +right of performing this piece must be made to The Macmillan Company. +Any piracy or infringement will be prosecuted in accordance with the +penalties provided by the United States Statutes: + +"Sec. 4966. Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic +or musical composition, for which copyright has been obtained, without +the consent of the proprietor of the said dramatic or musical +composition, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages +therefor, such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less +than one hundred dollars for the first and fifty dollars for every +subsequent performance, as to the Court shall appear to be just. If the +unlawful performance and representation be willful and for profit, such +person or persons shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction +be imprisoned for a period not exceeding one year." U.S. Revised +Statutes, Title 60, Chap. 3. + + + + +Transcriber's Note: Where obvious, I added missing punctuation, +and changed the typo "psycholology" to "psychology". + + + + +TO +ADOLF GUNTHER HAGEDORN + + + + + NIGHT! And a black and barren sky + With a wet wind in from the coast. + And only the kites to make reply + To heaving body and pleading cry-- + Here where the lost battalions lie, + I walked last night with a ghost. + + His face was gray, his hands were red, + And a ghostly mare he rode, + That wearily stepped, with drooping head, + Over the shadowy lines of dead, + And rolled her eyes, and shook with dread + Under her foam-white load. + + The ghost turned not to left or right. + But mutely he beckoned me, + And moved like a pillar of livid light + Through the humid dark of the foggy night, + With eyes deep-sunken and greenly bright + As phosphor on the sea. + + He led me where in ghostly files + The dead slept with their toys. + Miles, miles, and never-ending miles, + Along the valley's mournful aisles, + The voiceless, vague, misshapen piles + Of men and golden boys! + + He led me up the gory hill + By wood and sodden heath. + Ravage! And faces, lone and chill, + In the murmuring wash of the willow-rill! + Slaughter! And voices, begging shrill + The merciful grace of death. + + A waning moon broke, sickly pale, + Through the muddy fog's disguising; + And over the breadth of the ghastly vale + The battle-wake like a steamer's trail, + And a heaving as of waves in a gale, + Rising and falling and rising! + + And out of the air, and up from the plain, + The ancient battle-story!-- + Of stricken love and laughter slain, + And hearts beneath the hoofs of pain-- + But not a breath of human gain, + And not a word of glory. + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + + + + +CHARACTERS + +_In the Capital of Iberia_: + + THE KING + THE PRIME MINISTER + THE MINISTER OF WAR + THE CHIEF OF STAFF + A SECRETARY + OFFICERS + +_In the Capital of the Republic_: + GROSVENOR, a contractor + CONROY, a manufacturer of guns + POLLEN, owner of a chain of newspapers + SENATOR TANEY + SENATOR HARRADAN + REPRESENTATIVE MAYNARD + A GENERAL IN THE ARMY + A CAPTAIN + CROWD + PAGE + +_In costuming this play, it is essential that the uniforms of the +Iberian officers in the first scene should not be conspicuously copied +after those of any of the armies of Europe. A compromise, grotesque to +the expert, would be better here than a misleading realism._ + + + + +MAKERS OF MADNESS + +SCENE I + +_A room in the Ministry of War in the capital of Iberia._ + +_Evening._ + +_The_ MINISTER OF WAR, _a tall, stern, bearded man with +deep-set eyes and many furrows, is sitting at a large, mahogany +desk-table, Left._ + +_The_ CHIEF OF STAFF, _silent, motionless and watchful, stands +beside him with his hands resting on the table-top. He is thin, old and +emaciated, clean-shaven, firm-lipped, and looks startlingly like a bird +of prey. Right, stands a group of generals and other officers._ + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Rising and speaking in a sharp, crisp bass voice._ + +I can only repeat, gentlemen, what his Excellency, the Chief of Staff, +has already made clear to you. Nothing has been decided. You have your +orders in your pockets. There may be war and there may not be war. I +understand, gentlemen, your natural impatience once more to draw the +naked steel for the glory of our country, and you may rest assured that +his gracious majesty, the King, will not forget that his fame and the +happiness of his people rests ultimately in your hands. Personally, as a +man of family and as a Christian, I hope to God that peace may be +preserved. But if God wills that our enemy, by his insolence, forces us +to draw the sword, I know that you will wield it with honor and will not +sheathe it until our enemy is crushed, root and branch, stock and +barrel, and brought so low that he will never raise his head again in +dishonorable defiance of our holy rights. + +[_The_ OFFICERS _shout with enthusiasm, lifting their helmets +in air. The_ MINISTER OF WAR _sits down again._ + +That is all, gentlemen. + +[_With a grim smile._ + +But I recommend that you do not send your service uniforms to the tailor +tonight. You may have need of them. + +[_There is another cheer. The_ OFFICERS _stand about in groups +a minute or so, then file out through the double-door in the centre of +the rear wall. One elderly general, only, comes up quickly to the desk._ + + +GENERAL + +[_In a rasping voice, to the_ CHIEF OF STAFF. + +Delay again? Aren't we ever going to get at their throats? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +We are ready. But the King! + +[_He shrugs his shoulders._ + +The peace propagandists are after him. Mediation is the magic word. +Mediation--by which the neutral nations block our legitimate road to +victory for their own benefit, in the name of civilization and progress. + + +GENERAL + +Old women's talk. + +[_With a swagger._ + +Give me a sword in my right hand again, I say! I'll break open a few +skulls yet, for all my sixty years. Eh? Mediation! Let those mediate, I +say, who are afraid to fight! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Calmly, dispassionately._ + +We are not mediating yet. You may tell that to your friends if they +become downhearted. + + +GENERAL + +[_Saluting._ + +To command, your Excellency! It is good that some one looks out for the +honor of the army. + +[_Saluting again._ + +Good night, gentlemen! + +[_The_ MINISTER OF WAR _half rises and bows slightly. The_ +CHIEF OF STAFF _nods. Exit the_ GENERAL. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With a flash in his old eyes._ + +Ha! Once more to have those fellows behind me. Think of it! Each man of +them represents fifty thousand. And behind them another million and +another! God! What a machine to handle. + +[_He slaps his forehead._ + +And the old brain working still! + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Rising and crossing to a window, right forward, then speaking +thoughtfully._ + +I don't know, Clement. I am growing old. I think sometimes that war is +the most terrible matter in which we erring humans become engaged. I +have always thought that--at times. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Who has crossed to the Left and stands facing a map of the world, +covering half the wall._ + +So you are a sentimentalist, after all? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Looking out of the window._ + +No. Because there is something stronger in me, conquering the repulsion. +My temperament, character, destiny. I am impelled to war. A dozen +generations of soldiers in my blood press me on. My whole education +presses me on. My sympathies and my religious sense make me tremble +before the impending horror, but--I confess to you--I believe I want +this war. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Without turning._ + +So do we all. War is the soldier's work. And he does not want to play +all his life. Look. We land here and here and here. + +[_He indicates places on the map with a paper-cutter, speaking with +growing excitement._ + +No defenses, except at this place--a masonry fort built thirty years +ago. Bad cement, moreover. Fraudulent contractor. Then-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Returning to his desk, resolutely._ + +No, you old hawk, we're not going to do it. We'll be content to settle +ourselves in peaceful graves, you and I and the old Chief. No war, no +war! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Calmly._ + +That is sentiment. Here is fact. We land here and here and here. Then +march down here and up there, uniting the armies. Rich country. I've +never seen it, but I know it better than any letter-carrier in the +district. We live on the land, burning and pillaging if the inhabitants +don't give us what we want. A little dose will tame them. We'll sweep +all before us in six weeks. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_In mock protest._ + +Stop, man, stop! You make me want to try it. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +I can't stop. It's a game with me. I play it all day in my thoughts and +all night I direct campaigns in my dreams. A great game. Only sometimes +I get tired of playing it on paper, and want to hear the real guns and +see the real battalions. + +[_A_ SECRETARY _enters with a message._ + + +SECRETARY + +[_To Minister of War._ + +A message from the King sent over from the Foreign Office. The Prime +Minister was not there. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Let me have it. + +[_He takes the message and glances at it._ + +What? + +[_With a gesture to the Secretary._ + +That will do. + +[_Exit_ SECRETARY. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +Well? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Flaring up._ + +Look at this, look at it! The King is sending our national honor to the +dogs. He has secretly resumed communication with the Ambassador of the +Republic, instead of doing what was natural and constitutional, sending +the man to us. He is going to compromise. Pack up your tin soldiers, old +man. Take them home for your grandchildren to play with. Our country +evidently has no more use for them. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With compressed lips._ + +Show me. + +[_He takes the paper and reads its contents aloud._ + +"The King desires to inform the Foreign Office that, in pursuance of +his well-known love of peace, he sent for the Ambassador of the Republic +this afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal +government and at the same time yield certain points to the government +of the Republic. The Ambassador was courteous, but, although +acknowledging the generosity of the King's offer, regretted that he was +unable to consider any compromise before communicating again with his +government. The King replied that if his offers were refused he could +then have nothing further to say in the matter, but would have to turn +it over entirely to his Ministers. + +"The King suggests to the Foreign Office that these facts be put before +our Ambassadors abroad, and, to pacify the public mind, be given at once +to the newspapers." + +My God, and you want peace! + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Harshly._ + +Well, how do you like it? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +He's backed down, he's backed down. All the world will be shouting +tomorrow how our King has backed down. _Christo!_ To accept defeat +before you've begun to fight! + +[_He turns again to the map._ + +If this other plan should be frustrated by the enemy's navy, look, we +could land here and here and-- + +[_The door opens and the_ PRIME MINISTER _enters. He is a +stern, titanic figure in the sixties, sallow-skinned, gray-haired._ + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Standing in the doorway._ + +Good evening, gentlemen. Counting your battalions? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Absorbed._ + +And here, joining our armies at-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Thank God, you're here. Where in sin have you been? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Home on my estates, saying good-bye to my family. + +[_He smiles grimly, and with his cane makes a thrust in carte and +tierce._ + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You think you are going to war? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I know. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Taking up the paper the_ CHIEF OF STAFF _has let fall on the +desk._ + +Read that. It came from your office. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Takes it and begins to read._ + +Eh? The King? Mediation on his own hook? + +[_With growing anger._ + +So? So? So? + +[_He lets the paper flutter to the floor._ + +Very good. He can find a new Prime Minister. I resign. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Turning abruptly._ + +No, you don't! + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Hotly._ + +We stick together in this. You are not going to resign. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +My good friends, I am going to resign. + +[_He picks up the paper off the floor._ + +Give me your seat at the desk. On the back of this ignoble parley, my +resignation goes to him. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You are the support of the army. We go to the dogs, if you leave us. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Sitting at the desk._ + +So? "The King suggests to the Foreign Office that these facts be put +before our Ambassadors abroad and, to pacify the public mind, be given +at once to the newspapers." He suggests. So do I suggest--something +different. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_In front of the map again._ + +Three hundred thousand men here, turning the flank of a possible army +marching north with that ridge of mountains as a cover--If we can only +have the chance! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Studying the message, suddenly._ + +By Heaven! If-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +What is it? You look as if-- + + +PRIME MINISTER + +If nothing! Bring me some claret out of that inexhaustible cabinet of +yours. + +[_He draws his pen through a section of the message. The_ MINISTER +OF WAR _goes to a cabinet in the rear wall and brings forth a +decanter of claret and glasses._ + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Pouring a glassful for the_ PRIME MINISTER. + +Here, dear old Titan. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Gulping it down._ + +Thanks. More. And cigars. + +[_The_ MINISTER OF WAR _refills the glass and brings cigars. +The_ PRIME MINISTER _wreathes himself in smoke._ + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With his back still turned to the others._ + +I planned this campaign first some twenty years ago. But there was no +navy then to speak of, and no airships. It is more intricate now, but +very much more interesting as an intellectual problem. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Indicating his glass._ + +Another, good man. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You're smelling blood when you drink like that. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Turning to the_ CHIEF OF STAFF. + +Here! You old death's head! You are prepared, you say? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Calmly._ + +I have been making my plans for twenty years. The present plans have +been complete, except for slight revisions, for three years. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +The army and navy are fully equipped? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Down to the last shoe-string. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_To_ CHIEF OF STAFF. + +Would you say it would be better to wait a week or a month or even a +year--or to strike at once? + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Firmly and quietly._ + +Strike at once. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +You dreamers, you theorists! How about the King's negotiations? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Rising, with the message in his hand._ + +Gentlemen, I have seen fit to abbreviate the King's message. I have not +altered a word nor added a word. I have merely omitted all that did not +seem to me pertinent or useful. The message reads as follows: "The King +sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this afternoon and outlined a +plan that would satisfy the royal government. The Ambassador regretted +that he was unable to consider any compromise. The King replied that +then he could have nothing more to say in the matter." + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +There's ginger, by Heaven! The other was a dove-peep to a parley. This +is a trumpet call of defiance. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_With quiet delight._ + +The Republic will never swallow that. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +They are not supposed to. They will declare war, and then be the +aggressors. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Exultantly._ + +Our God of old lives yet and will not let us perish in disgrace! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Looking about._ + +My helmet. Damn it! Where is my helmet? I am going to dig at the plans +once more. If God lets me lead the armies in such a fight, the devil can +come when I'm through and fetch away the old carcass. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +Where's your Secretary? + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Crossing to door._ + +Secretary, here! + +[SECRETARY _enters._ + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Handing him the paper._ + +To the telegraph-operator with this. It is to be sent to every news +bureau in the city and to all our embassies abroad. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +Tomorrow, the mobilization! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +Tonight! I need those twelve hours for my plans. + +[_The_ SECRETARY _holds the door open for the_ CHIEF OF +STAFF _who is about to go out when suddenly in the doorway appears +a young man of thirty, pale, dark, timid. He hesitates on the +threshold._ + + +SECRETARY + +[_Taken aback, bowing._ + +Your Majesty! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Drawing back._ + +My King! + +[PRIME MINISTER _and_ MINISTER OF WAR _bow._ + + +KING + +[_Courteously._ + +I trust I am not breaking in upon a matter that does not concern me? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +There is nothing that the King's servants may do that does not concern +the King. + + +KING + +True. But sometimes the King is kept in ignorance nevertheless. + +[_To the_ SECRETARY. + +What paper is that you have there, if you please? + + +SECRETARY + +[_With an uneasy glance at the others._ + +Here, your Majesty. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Aside to_ SECRETARY. + +Get out! + +[_Exit_ SECRETARY. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +It is the report of your Majesty's interview with the Ambassador. + + +KING + +[_Glancing at the paper and speaking in quick, excited tones._ + +My message has been altered. It was conciliatory. It is a challenge now. +Who did this? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty sees the culprit before you. + + +KING + +Are you trying to make war? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I am trying, your Majesty, to save the country from the results of your +Majesty's indiscretion in calling the Ambassador to your palace without +consulting your Ministers. If we do not strike now we lose our prestige +as a great nation, our national honor is dragged in the dust. We have to +fight. We cannot afford to back down. + + +KING + +[_Striding across the room, agitatedly._ + +But this is unholy, barbaric--this deliberate concoction of a great, +terrible war. I saw clearly this evening as I was talking with the +Ambassador how utterly without inner necessity this war-scare is. It is +a made thing from beginning to end, and I refuse absolutely to sanction +it. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Deliberately._ + +Your Majesty is an idealist. We are practical, and, I may say, +far-seeing men. And we are the three men, perhaps, who have given your +Majesty the chair you sit on and made your kingdom what it is. + + +KING + +[_Drawing himself up._ + +I think I have not been ungrateful. But my people come first, and I will +not have my people plunged into misery for no valid and inevitable +necessity. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty, I have served you for fifteen years and I served your +exalted father for twenty. You are right. This war may be avoided. In +two days this war-cloud could be so utterly dissipated that men would +laugh here and in the great Republic that for a day they had talked so +hotly of war. Dissipated. For a year, for two years. For always? No. The +war must come sooner or later. It is a matter, in the first place, of +prestige, of national honor. But, more emphatically, it is a question of +mathematics, birth-rate, death-rate, revenue, taxes, industries, +imports, exports. + +[_Crossing to left._ + +There is a map of the world, your Majesty. This stretch of land there we +need as a safety-valve. If we get that we are safe. If we fail to get it +we explode. Not at once. But sooner or later. Our army and navy have +never been in better shape. These two gentlemen can give your Majesty +their word for that. But you can take mine, too. The enemy's army is +politically rotten, and enfeebled by sentimental peace propaganda. Their +defenses are inadequate and their navy likewise. Those things will +change. Strike today--and they never raise their heads again. Wait--and +it is you who may be crushed. + + +KING + +[_Sharply._ + +That is a theory. Not a fact. Ten years may change the aspect of things +entirely, particularly if we use those ten years in preparations not for +war but for peace, honest at home and abroad, just, open, civil, to our +neighbors. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty, I look farther than ten years, farther than ten times ten +years. And I have wrought for this moment, prepared for this moment, +this moment of our strength and our enemy's weakness. I have a right to +insist that I, who have brought your kingdom thus far, shall not have my +hands tied when the moment for stern action arrives. + + +KING + +[_With a whimsical smile._ + +After all, my good Prime Minister, it is _my_ kingdom, you know. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Moved._ + +Your Majesty knows that what I have done I have done for your glory. +The liberals have cursed me for a reactionary through the length and +breadth of the kingdom; because I served you, and served you in all love +and devotion. + + +KING + +I know your devotion. But give me a fresh example of it. Keep my kingdom +at peace with the world. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +That I cannot do. + + +KING + +You cannot? You _will_ not. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I could not face my conscience, or make my peace with God, if I weakened +now and allowed the golden opportunity to pass by. For your Majesty's +sake as well as for our country's. + + +KING + +For mine? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty has forgotten that your throne was built by war and rests +on force. Force only, military prestige only, can uphold you. The rebels +of labor have crept close to your throne now. Ten more years of peace, +and you are cast out overnight, to wander over Europe, a homeless +absurdity, a king without a chair to sit on. + + +KING + +[_With flashing eyes._ + +We shall see! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Quietly._ + +May I ask your Majesty in all humility and devotion to give me back that +slip of paper? + + +KING + +You have thought of our national honor, our prestige, our commercial +growth, our dynastic life. Have you given no thought at all to the men +you send to death to purchase these? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +A man has no higher privilege than to die for his country. I beg your +Majesty--the paper? + + +KING + +[_Tearing the paper once across._ + +And the women? + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Grimly._ + +We'll find them new husbands, your Majesty. The paper, if you please. + + +KING + +[_Tearing the paper into shreds._ + +I forbid this war! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_With controlled anger._ + +My God, your Majesty! You are letting a sentiment master you. There are +worse things than war. There are possibilities in peace infinitely worse +than any war, or there would be no war. War may kill a million bodies, +but a wicked peace can snuff out unnumbered souls! + + +KING + +I will take my chances with peace. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +It is for you we are fighting, your Majesty, but not for you only, not +for your glory only and the permanence of your House, but for the +permanence of the monarchical principle, which we know is better and +higher than the principle of democracy, since it is the earthly symbol +of God's singleness of rule, and comes direct from God. + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +[_Coolly._ + +Moreover, your Majesty, it works! + + +KING + +This is a matter of war and peace, not a matter of monarchy or +democracy. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +Your Majesty does not see far enough. Give us war, and we keep our +monarchy. Give us peace, and we plunge within ten years into the rapids +of revolution and democracy. + + +KING + +[_Simply._ + +I will take my chances with peace. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Stern and cold._ + +Very good, your Majesty. Then you may paddle your bark alone. I resign. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +And I resign! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +And I! + + +KING + +[_Crossing to the window, where he stands with his back turned to the +others. His voice is uncertain._ + +I did not expect that of you. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Moved._ + +Oh, your Majesty! You know what my love has been-- + + +KING + +[_Turning._ + +Half the country will fall from me if you three desert me. + + +PRIME MINISTER + +It is not desertion, your Majesty. It is loyalty to something even +higher than the King, the principle that makes him King. + + +KING + +[_Perplexed._ + +Perhaps I am wrong. Perhaps I am sentimental-- + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Gently._ + +Your Majesty is humane, but perhaps a deeper humanity demands a +hardening of the heart sometimes. + + +KING + +[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +But you always detested war. You called yourself my Minister not of War, +but of Peace. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +[_Rigidly._ + +When the honor of our country is at stake-- + + +KING + +[_Impatiently._ + +But nobody is attacking our honor! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_Bluntly._ + +The case is as I said. We need this war, and we must have it. + + +KING + +[_Torn by his conflicting desires._ + +I cannot let you resign. There is no one else I can trust as I trust you +three. But not war, not war! + + +PRIME MINISTER + +I am a lover of peace, but the time has come when we must have war. + + +MINISTER OF WAR + +It is our sacred duty, your Majesty, to draw our swords for light and +justice when God calls! + + +CHIEF OF STAFF + +And God has always been with us. God will be with us now! + + +KING + +[_White and tense._ + +You are three strong men against me. I want peace, but I am helpless +without you three. For I am an anachronism. Not nature but human force, +fighting against nature, keeps me on my throne. If you must have war, +have it. But I tell you this: God has no part in it. Leave God out of +the game! + +[_He sinks into the chair by the desk._ + + +PRIME MINISTER + +[_To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +Call your Secretary! + +[MINISTER OF WAR _goes to the door. The_ SECRETARY +_enters. The_ PRIME MINISTER _takes a paper out of his pocket._ + +Here. It is a copy of the message I directed you to send to the news +bureaus and embassies. Transmit it at once. + +[_The_ SECRETARY _bows and goes out. The_ KING _falls +forward on the desk, sobbing. At his side, straight and stern, the_ +PRIME MINISTER _Stands. To_ MINISTER OF WAR. + +Give orders for immediate mobilization. + +[_The stage is slowly darkened._ + + + + +SCENE II + + +_As the lights rise again they reveal a small, comfortably furnished +clubroom, with a wide window opening on a balcony in the back, and doors +right and left. It is evening and the electric lamps are lit._ + + +GROSVENOR, _a man of fifty-odd, large, sleek, unctuous, +well-groomed, is discovered in an arm-chair, surrounded by newspapers. +He glances with feverish interest at one after the other. A cheer is +heard outside, then the sound of fifes and drums. He rises excitedly and +throws open the French window. The tramp, tramp of a regiment is heard._ +TWO OFFICERS _in uniform, a_ GENERAL _and a_ CAPTAIN, _enter left._ + + +GENERAL + +[_A strongly-built man in middle age, with a firm, resolute face._ + +Evening, Grosvenor. Not poaching on your rights if we come in here a +minute? The other windows were crowded. + + +GROSVENOR + +Not at all, General, not at all. We're all making way for the khaki +today, sir. And proud to have the chance. + +[_With overdone politeness to the Captain, a handsome man of the +romantic type._ + +Take my place, Captain. + + +CAPTAIN + +Thanks. Great tune that, eh? Stirs up a man's vitals, eh? + + +GROSVENOR + +Yes, indeed; yes, indeed. + + +CAPTAIN + +Wait till we put that into the repertory of the enemy's bandmasters. + +[_Leaning out of the window._ + +Come. They're a fine-looking lot, eh? + + +GENERAL + +Fine! Fine! The pick of the land. Fighters to a finish, every one of +'em. + + +CAPTAIN + +And say, but they're thanking God tonight for the war-scare that's +brought 'em back from manoeuvres. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Eagerly._ + +They are, eh? + + +CAPTAIN + +Manoeuvres are too tame. They're crazy to get into a real fight. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_In excited, subdued tones._ + +Then you think--there'll be war? + + +GENERAL + +[_Turning._ + +The President expects to hear from our Ambassador any minute about the +private interview he wired he was about to have with the King. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Taking up the papers._ + +Seen the latest? + + +GENERAL + +[_Picking out one paper with a particularly flaring headline._ + +"Iberia planning secret attack," eh? That man Pollen knows more things +that aren't so than a college graduate. + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Taking another paper._ + +He's entertaining enough, though. I daresay he has some influence. + + +GROSVENOR + +I pray to God that we may keep peace, but we must not let ourselves be +walked over--we must not-- + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Laughing._ + +Exactly. The nation is at last to see what it spends its army and navy +appropriations for. Eh? + + +GENERAL + +No sane man wants war, but if-- + + +CAPTAIN + +I'm sane. And I want war. I want to go out and help lambaste those +infernally cocksure armies of that jelly-and-cream King. We've parleyed +long enough. Now we'll fight. Force is the only convincing argument +after all. + + +GROSVENOR + +As our Master said, "I bring a sword"-- + + +GENERAL + +[_At the window again._ + +Fine fellows those. Look at that boy there, third from the end. And that +lieutenant. Strapping, wonderful fellows--with brains! That's the great +thing. Give me five hundred thousand of those and I'll hold off all +comers. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_With nervous acuteness._ + +How long d'ye think it'll last? + + +GENERAL + +Six months. Maybe a year. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Tentatively._ + +You couldn't, I suppose--say--more exactly? + + +GENERAL + +[_With a glance of suspicion._ + +How should I--before it's even begun? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Hastily._ + +Oh--er--just a matter of curiosity. + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Laughing._ + +At any rate, we'll be back in time for the next presidential election. +We're coming back with the General on our shoulders, and when we drop +him it'll be through the skylight of the President's house. + + +GENERAL + +[_Self-consciously._ + +Don't talk nonsense. + + +CAPTAIN + +There's nothing like a war to make a man President. + +[_At window._ + +More and more and more of 'em. Bully lines. Not natty enough to be a +joke, just straight and trim. Those fellows'll carry you into the +presidency, General, if anyone can. A few of 'em'll have to choke first, +but that's fisherman's luck. + + +GENERAL + +[_Turning._ + +That'll do, Dave. + +[_A_ PAGE _enters Right._ + + +PAGE + +[_Crossing the room._ + +Mr. Grosvenor? Mr. Grosvenor? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Eagerly._ + +Here. + + +PAGE + +[_Handing him a telegram._ + +Any answer? + + +GROSVENOR + +Wait. + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Still watching the soldiers._ + +They _are_ happy. + +[_Pause._ + +I wonder which of 'em'll come back, and which won't. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Who has torn open the yellow envelope, sinks back in his chair. To_ +PAGE. + +No answer. + +[_He mops his brow in utter dejection. The officers by the window do not +see him as he studies the telegram and studies it again as though he +could not believe his eyes._ + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Turning._ + +Any news, Mr. Grosvenor? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Thickly._ + +A plot, a damned Stock Exchange plot. + +[_He hands the_ CAPTAIN _the message._ + + +CAPTAIN + +[_After a glance at the message._ + +Hello! Say, General, look at this. + + +GENERAL + +[_Turning._ + +What's up? + + +CAPTAIN + +The State Department has just had news from our Ambassador to Iberia. +Delightful interview with the King. Evident willingness to meet us half +way. + + +GENERAL + +[_Coolly._ + +Is this straight? It sounds fishy. + + +CAPTAIN + +They're trying to gain time. I don't believe it. + + +GROSVENOR + +It's a damned plot. + + +GENERAL + +Looks to me like a blind to stop our preparations. I'm going over to +the War Department. Coming, Captain? + + +CAPTAIN + +It's that crafty Prime Minister over there playing us tricks, eh? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Hotly._ + +It's a plot! + + +GENERAL + +Something's queer! Good night, Grosvenor! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Effusively._ + +Good night, General, good night. God be with us all in these dark days, +I say! + + +GENERAL + +[_Solemnly._ + +Amen to that! + + +CAPTAIN + +[_Saluting carelessly._ + +Good night. + + +GROSVENOR + +Good night, good night. + +[_The_ OFFICERS _go out._ GROSVENOR _strides excitedly +up and down._ + +It's a plot, it's a damned plot-- + +[_He goes toward the rear and picks up a telephone instrument on a desk +by the window._ + +Can you get me the House? Mr. Maynard. Yes. Making a speech? Never mind. + +[_He hangs up the receiver and presses a button on the wall. Then he +quickly writes a message on the back of the telegram and encloses it in +an envelope. The_ PAGE _enters._ + + +PAGE + +Ring, sir? + + +GROSVENOR + +Yes. Take this to the House at once. To Mr. Maynard. See that he gets it +himself. Here's a dollar. + + +PAGE + +[_Touching his cap._ + +Thank you, sir. + +[_Exit._ + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Taking up the telephone again._ + +Give me the Senate. Mr. Taney. Saw him go out? + +[_He hangs up the receiver impatiently._ + +Isn't anyone on the job? + +[_He strides up and down._ + +A damned plot!-- + +[_Enter, right, hurriedly,_ SENATOR TANEY_, a stout, red-haired +man, clean-shaven._ + + +TANEY + +[_Puffing._ + +Hello, Grosvenor. + + +GROSVENOR + +Thank God, you're here. + + +TANEY + +Only got a minute. Hell's loose in the Senate. + + +GROSVENOR + +I've been nearly crazy waiting for news. + + +TANEY + +God, man. Perhaps you think I ain't been busy rounding up a lot of +on-the-fence-men? It seems to me pretty nearly everybody was on the +fence. No decided opinions at all. But they're coming, they're coming. + + +GROSVENOR + +How 'bout that report about the King over there wanting peace? + + +TANEY + +That's what the row's about. The highbrows an' the peace people are +shouting hurrahs all over the place, an' the rest of us has to do what +we can to drown 'em out. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Restlessly moving about the room._ + +If it's true about the King, can you--work it--anyway? + + +TANEY + +How do I know? + + +GROSVENOR + +Got any figures? For or against? + + +TANEY + +Yes. It's about an even go. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Disappointed._ + +You can't give me anything more definite? + + +TANEY + +What's up, anyway? You look nervous. + + +GROSVENOR + +I am. This business is cutting into my sleep. My last cent is tied up, +and I've got a good many other people's last cents as well. Damn it, +Taney, this is worse than Monte Carlo. You're dealing with cold-blooded +chance there, but here you're dealing with sentiments, emotions. It's +exhausting. War is a terrible thing, Taney. It worries me day and night. +Think of the lives! And yet we need this war, we need it for the good of +the nation. And now that we're ready, it would be a calamity if-- + + +TANEY + +[_Turning to go._ + +Don't you worry about that. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Nervously._ + +How's the House going? + + +TANEY + +Don't know anything about the House. But I guess your man Maynard is +doing his job. I'm off to see Cottrell. Another man that wants news. Be +back in ten minutes. + + +GROSVENOR + +Keep me posted, for God's sake. You know--I'm not ungrateful. You shan't +lose by your efforts, Taney. You know I'm a liberal man. + + +TANEY + +[_Quietly, but with emphasis._ + +Look here. You're not Conroy and you're not Pollen. They're the whales +in this pond. You're only a nervous minnow. I'm working with bigger men +than you. And perhaps I've got some convictions of my own, had 'em for +years. If I hadn't, no money of yours would buy me. I believe the people +want this war to settle once and for all whether that wishy-washy King +or us is going to direct the universe, and if the people want it, it's +my business to see that they get it. If that means any money in your +pocket, it's none of my business. But I'm not your slave, Grosvenor. And +don't you forget it. + + +GROSVENOR + +You'll keep me posted? If anything goes wrong, I've got to have time to +get from under. You'll surely keep me posted? + + +TANEY + +Get your man Maynard on the string. I'm hanged if I'll be your office +boy. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Beseechingly._ + +Taney-- + +[TANEY _goes out._ GROSVENOR _takes a step toward the +door, stops, and drawing a cigar from his pocket, begins chewing the end +nervously. Then he turns quickly, and crossing to the right, picks up +the telephone instrument again._ + +Office of the "Morning Bulletin," please. + +[_Pause._ + +Mr. Pollen, please. Out? This is Mr. Grosvenor. On his way to the Club? +Thanks. + +[MR. CONROY _enters, right. He is a short, stockily-built man +with a belligerent chin covered by a close-cropped, grizzled beard._ + + +CONROY + +Hello, Grosvenor. + +[_With a sharp glance and not entirely pleasant smile._ + +I might have known that I'd find you on the job. What is it this +time--canned goods, uniforms, hospital supplies--or just general +enthusiasm? + + +GROSVENOR + +A little business, but mainly enthusiasm. A great time to be alive, +Conroy! Any news? + + +CONROY + +Maynard's making a rousing speech. Spread eagle. Our honor as a nation. +The dearest, sweetest flag that ever waved over a noble, invincible +people. Damned rot. But the brethren from the rural districts lap it up +like cider in October. He's gaining votes. Protege of yours, ain't he? + + +GROSVENOR + +Yes. Used to be my office boy. Clever chap. Has a sensible view of +things. Realizes that our national honor and our property must be +defended at all hazards. + + +CONROY + +[_Sitting down at the desk and beginning to write. With a cynical +laugh._ + +You mean _property_. You don't give a damn about national _honor_. You +know you don't. What's the use of trying to fool me? + + +GROSVENOR + +Conroy, do you mean to impugn my patriotic motives? + + +CONROY + +[_Without looking up, good-naturedly._ + +Grosvenor, we've known each other thirty years. I don't try to bluff you +because I know that you know too much about me. You made the beginnings +of your pile out of one big war and you've been playing up a lot of +little republics against each other ever since, harvesting a neat +little fortune every time. Now it's a real world-war you're after. If it +comes, you're made, if it don't, you're broke. It's a cinch. Mind you, +I'm not throwing stones. Only I don't want you to think you can pull the +noble patriotic guff on me. + + +GROSVENOR + +I have certain investments, of course, which might possibly be promoted +by a war. But I am not thinking of that. I am thinking of the honor of +my country, that honor which has never yet been stained, and shall not +be stained if I can do aught by my own efforts and by my prayers to God, +to keep it pure. + + +CONROY + +[_Rising._ + +You carry it off well. I couldn't bluff the way you can. I haven't your +religious feeling. I know why I want war. It's because I'm a +manufacturer of guns. Everybody knows my business, and they know that if +there wasn't war or a fear of war constantly, I and my wife and children +would starve. War is my work and it's been my work most of my life. And +I've worked for this war because it was the biggest thing in sight. I've +worked for it with all the brains I've got, just as I'd have worked for +two-hundred-egg hens if I'd been a chicken farmer. I'm not a +sentimentalist. Besides, war's a good thing occasionally. I believe that +absolutely. It quiets down your socialists, cuts down your superfluous +population, increases the moral stamina of the nation. A lot of this +talk of war being hell is mush. A few people get shot up, but no one +forced 'em to go. It's their own funeral. + + +GROSVENOR + +No, Conroy, no. I don't agree with you. I may possibly not lose +financially by this war, but nevertheless, war is terrible, awful. The +Christian sense balks at it. Only, I feel this way, sometimes when the +honor of the nation demands-- + + +CONROY + +You damn bluff! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Confronting him._ + +Conroy! If you please! + +[POLLEN, _a tall, thin man in the late forties, enters left. +He has an impassive, intellectual face, interesting though +unsympathetic. His manner is calm and quietly alert, suggestive of +reserve power._ + + +POLLEN + +[_Without cordiality._ + +Hello, Conroy. Hello, Mr. Grosvenor. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Obsequious at once._ + +Mr. Pollen! + + +CONROY + +I was just going to send a note round to you, Pollen. Couldn't get you +on the phone. What d'ye think? Yes or no? + + +POLLEN + +[_With a faint, ironic smile._ + +Yes. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Excitedly._ + +What? + + +CONROY + +[_Deliberately._ + +Are you sure? + + +GROSVENOR + +How can you be sure? + + +POLLEN + +I have two reasons. One, because the biggest banker in the country told +me so. That's unimportant. He may have been lying. The other, because-- + +[_He smiles quietly._ + +my papers tell me so. + +[_He picks up one of the papers off the floor._ + +I see you have been honoring me by reading them. Don't my papers tell +you that there's going to be war? + + +CONROY + +No one pretends, Pollen, that your papers are wonders of undecorated +truth. + + +POLLEN + +Well, this time, trust them. What if they do lie about facts +occasionally? I am not interested in facts. Facts are always misleading. +But I know something about psychology-- + + +CONROY + +And you're sure? + + +GROSVENOR + +How can you be sure? + + +POLLEN + +[_Standing at the window._ + +Because the people are smelling blood. That's why. And now they won't +let up till they're satisfied. I've watched the war-feeling growing for +a year. I tried 'em out on headlines and editorials, first little mild +fellows to set them thinking. Then, when their thoughts were set toward +trouble, well, we increased the percentage of oxygen. + +[_Thoughtfully._ + +It's been extremely interesting. The psychology of crowds is one of the +most satisfying subjects I have ever studied. Say, fifteen, twenty +millions, that individually hate you, but as a crowd, a body of readers, +unconsciously, perhaps, even against their will, do exactly what you +say. We're going to have war, because the people have now got to a state +in which they believe that nothing short of war will save them from +utter ruin. They want war. I know it. The circulation of my papers has +mounted by the hundred thousand daily. And it isn't only because the +people want the news. They want the excitement. It's the gambling +instinct in them. They've seen the ball rolling, and they can't keep out +of the game. The very bigness of the thing lures them on; the bigger the +issue, the bigger the fascination. The millions of men and the billions +of dollars--that lures them. And the awfulness--the dead, the wounded, +the horrors, that lures them like nothing else. There was one thing +missing until tonight. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Fascinated._ + +What was that? + + +POLLEN + +Fear. They were too cocksure. But I gave them fear in the eight o'clock +extra. There was a rumor that the rest of Europe would take part. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_With a malicious glance._ + +That looks well for your business, Conroy. + + +CONROY + +I'm not complaining. + + +POLLEN + +We're playing the thing up in the late editions all over the country. +It'll give the people a queer catch in the throat. They'll see the +possibility of a fierce struggle, even of defeat. There'll be a +wonderful wave of patriotism. You watch. The people'll rise right up. In +twenty-four hours there won't be a man in the country that'll be able to +tell black from white. All they'll see will be red. + +[_Pointing out of the window._ + +Look at the people out there, standing round. They can't stay indoors. +They're waiting for the extras. They won't believe 'em when they read +'em, but they can't resist the excitement. Well, the bonfire's ready. +Nothing lacking now except the match. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Striding up and down._ + +That's all very well, Mr. Pollen. But suppose the King over there backs +down? + + +POLLEN + +He won't. The people won't let him. + + +CONROY + +_His_ people? They don't want war. + + +POLLEN + +Not _his_ people. + +[_Pointing._ + +Ours. I tell you, they've smelt blood. + +[_From a distance, faintly, but growing louder, boys are heard calling, +"Extra! Extra!"_ + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Excitedly._ + +Extra! I wonder-- + + +CONROY + +[_Going to the balcony, and calling down._ + +Here, boy! + + +POLLEN + +[_Laughing softly._ + +There you go. + +[_He presses a bell-button on the wall, bends over the writing-desk and +writes a line which he encloses in an envelope._ + +You're easy. And there are a hundred million like you. When it comes to +war, reason goes to sleep. You both of you knew perfectly well that I +had absolutely no later news than you, but you let yourself be +hypnotized like children. I can do anything I want with you. + +[_Enter_ PAGE. + + +PAGE + +Ring, sir? + + +POLLEN + +Take this to the news-stand in the hall. + + +PAGE + +Yes, sir. + +[_Exit._ + + +POLLEN + +[_At the window again._ + +The edition is going like hotcakes. It has Maynard's speech in it. Did +either of you hear it? + + +CONROY + +Yes. Damned rot, but effective. + + +POLLEN + +He keeps the patriotism hot. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Proudly._ + +I trained that young man in patriotism. + +[_Enter_ REPRESENTATIVE MAYNARD, _left; a young man, conceited +and with a swagger._ + + +MAYNARD + +Good evening, gentlemen. + + +GROSVENOR + +Maynard! + + +CONROY + +Great boy! + +[_They all clap him on the shoulder and shake his hand._ + + +POLLEN + +A wonderful speech, my boy. We're playing you up for Governor of the +State in tonight's late editions. + + +MAYNARD + +I'll sweep the State. It's patriotism, it's the flag, that gets the +rubes. You should have seen the whiskers of the rural sections waving in +the wind! + +[_Shouts of newsboys outside: "Bulletin! War! All about the war!"_ + + +CONROY + +Eh? + + +MAYNARD + +[_To Pollen._ + +Any news I've missed? + + +GROSVENOR + +How's that? They're shouting "War" already. + + +POLLEN + +[_Calmly._ + +I told 'em to. That was the message I sent down. That shout gave you a +thrill, didn't it? Well, that was what I was after. If I don't hold you +down in your chair you'll rush out to buy a copy, even though I should +stand here all night, shouting in your ears that it's a fake. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Shocked._ + +You are inflaming the people! + + +POLLEN + +Exactly. There have been people unkind enough to assert that that was my +business. What's yours, Grosvenor? + + +GROSVENOR + +Eh? + +[_Hotly._ + +What d'ye mean? + + +CONROY + +You're livin' in a crystal palace, Grosvenor. Don't you go and forget +that. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Indignantly._ + +I-- + + +MAYNARD + +[_To Grosvenor._ + +I've got to get back to the House, Mr. Grosvenor. I just came over to +see if you had any--suggestions? + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Testily._ + +No. Only keep me posted. That's all. + +[_Expanding again._ + +And remember, our honor as a nation is at stake. + + +MAYNARD + +They're not forgetting our honor while I'm on the floor. + + +CONROY + +[_Drawing_ MAYNARD _aside as he is about to go out, and +whispering._ + +Need any--ready money? + + +MAYNARD + +[_Grinning._ + +There were a half dozen brethren on the steps as I came out, who +implied they were broke, and wouldn't object to a loan. + + +CONROY + +[_Taking a wallet from his pocket and handing it to Maynard, after he +has made sure that Grosvenor and Pollen are not looking._ + +Here. Help the poor devils along. + + +MAYNARD + +Thanks. I will. + +[PAGE _enters right, with a card on a salver._ + + +PAGE + +Senator Taney? + + +MAYNARD + +No. + +[_Taking up the card._ + +Who wants him? + +_[He whistles softly._ + +Harradan! No, son, Senator Taney is not here. + +[_Exit_ PAGE, _left._ + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Excitedly._ + +Harradan's smelling a rat. He's getting after Taney! + + +POLLEN + +[_Quietly._ + +Don't you worry. I can finish Harradan up in black-faced letters +tomorrow morning. He'll think he's reading his own tombstone. + +[TANEY _enters, right._ + + +TANEY + +Hello, Pollen. Hello, Conroy. Well, Grosvenor, Cottrell is as jumpy as +you are. + + +GROSVENOR + +Have you seen Harradan? + + +TANEY + +Have I seen Harradan? I should say I had! He's leading the peace party +in the Senate. Fighting like a fiend. + +[_Clearing his throat._ + +That man has nearly cost me my vocal chords. + +[_Ruefully._ + +To see him you wouldn't connect him with the word "peace." + + +GROSVENOR + +He's in the club. He's asked for you. + + +CONROY + +Come on, Grosvenor. This is no place for an honest business-man to be +found conversing with a Senator. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Nervously._ + +Quite right. + + +TANEY + +[_With a grin._ + +Well, Maynard, they don't seem to think we're safe company for good +little boys. Suppose we get back on the job? + +[_They move toward the right._ POLLEN _remains standing, calm +and imperturbable, by the window._ + + +POLLEN + +You people act as though you had a bad conscience. I don't think I'd let +a mere Senator interfere with the freedom of my movements, if I were +you. + +[SENATOR HARRADAN _enters, left. He is a soldierly-looking man +in the seventies._ + + +HARRADAN + +Good evening, gentlemen. + +[_Pause._ + +I seem to have tumbled into headquarters. + + +TANEY + +Hello, Harradan. Looking for me? + + +HARRADAN + +Yes. + + +TANEY + +You know these gentlemen? + + +HARRADAN + +[_Coolly._ + +Sufficiently. + + +TANEY + +I'm due back at the Senate. I'll talk with you till the cock crows after +we adjourn. Will that do? + + +HARRADAN + +I should like to talk to you now. + + +MAYNARD + +In that case, I'll go back to the House. + + +GROSVENOR + +We won't intrude-- + + +CONROY + +The Senators have the floor-- + +[_They are about to beat a retreat._ + + +HARRADAN + +I wish you'd stay, gentlemen. + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Looking at his watch, nervously._ + +I'm sorry I-- + + +HARRADAN + +You'll please stay, Mr. Grosvenor. You, too, Mr. Conroy. + + +CONROY + +I'm hanged if I'll be dictated to. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Quietly._ + +Do as you please. But if you don't stay, I'll have you both under arrest +in fifteen minutes. + + +CONROY + +[_In disgust._ + +Oh, come off! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Indignantly._ + +What do you mean, Senator? + + +HARRADAN + +[_Fiercely._ + +My God, man, don't make me mad. I'm twenty years older than you, but I +could wipe the floor up with you yet! + + +GROSVENOR + +[_Nervously lights a cigar and during the ensuing scene shifts it with +his lips from one corner of his mouth to the other in extreme +agitation._ + +I don't know what you're talking about. + + +MAYNARD + +Well, you don't need me. + + +HARRADAN + +I do. + +[MAYNARD _sits down, chewing his lips._ + + +POLLEN + +[_With an amused, patronizing smile._ + +You haven't expressed yourself about me yet, Senator. Am I invited to +the party? + + +HARRADAN + +You may stay or not as you like. + + +POLLEN + +Thanks. + +[_Deliberately._ + +Do you know, if I were you, I don't think I'd detain these other +gentlemen just now. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Calmly._ + +Go to the Devil to whom you belong, Mr. Pollen. I'll do as I see fit. + + +POLLEN + +I merely advise you. It isn't always considered patriotic when the +people want war, for a Senator to want peace too hard. I shall strive to +point that out to twenty million people or so tomorrow morning. Make +your will, Senator. The avalanche is coming. You'll be the loneliest +voice that ever came out of the wilderness. I prophesy your swift +demise. + + +HARRADAN + +This is wartime. Most of us are ready to die, if necessary. Only some of +us would rather die in the service of peace than in the service of war. +You're a very powerful man, Mr. Pollen. I don't doubt at all that you +can kill me if you put your mind on it. You have poisoned the whole +nation. You are at liberty to kill me outright, but I won't let you +slow-poison me. + +[_Turning._ + +Taney, I've got information against you, and you've got to listen. You, +too, Maynard. + + +POLLEN + +[_At window._ + +Am I out in the cold again? I'm listening intently. + +[_He goes to the telephone and takes up the receiver._ + +News-stand, please. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Pleadingly._ + +Taney-- + + +POLLEN + +[_At the telephone._ + +That you, Burke? Liven up your youngsters outside. They've gone to +sleep. + +[_He hangs up the receiver, and complacently lights a cigarette._ + + +HARRADAN + +We were friends in the past, Taney. I always knew you were a jingo, but +I thought there was hope. I came here because I still thought so. I +didn't know you had lined up with the buzzards. + + +TANEY + +See here, Harradan. What are you talking about anyway? + + +HARRADAN + +We all know why Grosvenor and Conroy and their kind are here. And a few +of us have been wondering who were pulling the wires for them. + + +GROSVENOR + +You've got me mixed up with somebody else. I'm here attending to--to my +regular business. + + +CONROY + +[_Bluntly._ + +And why shouldn't we be down here? I'm in a legitimate business. Guns. +And I'm looking after my interests. I'm not declaring war. But if there +is a war I don't see any reason why I should get left in the scramble. + + +HARRADAN + +War! God, do you know what the word means? I've been in two wars. I've +seen and heard and--smelt battlefields. And I've seen women and children +waiting at home--and waiting. + + +POLLEN + +I'll give you a thousand dollars, Senator, for a thousand-word article +on the horrors of war. You can't make it strong enough. + + +MAYNARD + +[_Laughing._ + +That's one on you, Senator. + + +HARRADAN + +Taney, you're a man of sense, and you love your country. Now-- + + +TANEY + +Good night, gentlemen, I'm going. + +[_He turns toward the door._ + + +MAYNARD + +Same here. + + +HARRADAN + +[_Turning swiftly._ + +No, you're not. I want a list of names. I want a list of all the people +who are paying you to shout for war. Understand? + +[_Fiercely._ + +I want that list now. + + +TANEY + +[_Coolly._ + +Hell may grow buttercups, Harradan. But you don't get any names out o' +me. + +[_Quickly._ + +Besides, I ain't got any to give. And I'll have you up for defamation of +character for saying that there's anybody can buy me! + + +HARRADAN + +[_After a pause, quietly._ + +Taney, you've always been a business-man. You look at things just one +way. You aren't bothered much by imagination. Perhaps you don't know +what you're doing. War, man! Dead men by thousands, wounded men +shrieking for some one to put them out of their misery, fire, ruin, +starvation! For what good, for what good, ever? + + +POLLEN + +I raise my offer, Senator. Make it two thousand. + + +TANEY + +You ought to go into vaudeville, Senator. Subject, "The Horrors of War." + +[_The others laugh._ + + +HARRADAN + +God, the country stands on the verge of the greatest calamity in its +history and you can't do anything but laugh! + + +MAYNARD + +You're an inspiration, Senator. Just like that dago or Dutchman or +whoever he was who tried to smash up the windmills. But you haven't a +sense of humor. + + +HARRADAN + +[_With quiet dignity._ + +No. My sense of humor died during our last war. Will you give me those +names that are going to help me kill this satanic craving for war? Are +you? + + +MAYNARD + +You're talking through your hat, Senator. I don't know anything about +any names. + + +HARRADAN + +Very well. + +[_Turning to go._ + +I have five names. They'll do until to-morrow. God willing, they'll +bring Congress back to its senses. I thank my God that I found you +buzzards out in time. I'll fling your names across the Senate +tonight--yours, Conroy, and yours, Grosvenor, and yours, Taney, and +yours, Pollen, and yours, Maynard! By Heaven, the country shall hear +them from end to end. And there'll be less talk of war then! You and +your kind are stirring up the millions to dream of war, to shout about +defending our national honor--What honor is there in murder?--stirring +their blood with the fifes and drums of your rhetoric! Through your +newspapers, you are turning the thoughts of our children to war, our +children who should be to us the symbol of a nobler, purer future +rising out of the sordid wreckage of the present--you make them drunk +with your cant about national glory--_glory!_--until their innocent +faces glow feverishly up to you, hungry for battle. You will not rest +until you hear the terrible savage cry from their lips--War, war! You +shall not hear it if I can prevent it! I am going to the Senate now. In +fifteen minutes your names shall be a byword and a hissing among the +nations. The best you can do is to take your vile guns and turn them on +yourselves! + +[_A great shout is heard outside. Then the fifes and drums again. The_ +PAGE _enters excitedly._ + + +PAGE + +Message for Senator Taney. + + +TANEY + +Here, quick. + +[_He takes the paper._ + +Gentlemen, listen to this from the Iberian Foreign Office to the +Associated Press: "The King sent for the Ambassador of the Republic this +afternoon and outlined a plan that would satisfy the royal government. +The Ambassador regretted that he was unable to consider any compromise. +The King replied that he could have nothing further to say in the +matter." + +[GROSVENOR _and the others jump to their feet with excited +exclamations._ + + + +HARRADAN + +[_Quickly._ + +The thing's not true. There's a mistake somewhere. It doesn't fit in +with what went before. + + + +MAYNARD + +Fit in? Who cares? It's a challenge! They've insulted us! + + +GROSVENOR + +They've challenged our national honor! + + +CONROY + +Now, by God, they can pay! + + +HARRADAN + +[_Rushing to the telephone._ + +Give me the Department of State. + +[_There are more shouts outside and more bands. Suddenly the door, +left, is burst open by a crowd of men, some in dress clothes, some in +uniform, shouting "War!"_ + + +TANEY + +For God's sake, what's up? + + +AN OFFICER + +[_Delightedly._ + +We're off! + + +GROSVENOR + +What d'ye mean? + + +A CIVILIAN + +They've declared war! + + +HARRADAN + +[_Turning._ + +Who has? + + +OFFICER + +Congress! + + +TANEY + +Senator, you're left. + + +HARRADAN + +[_With a sob._ + +God! You buzzard! You buzzard! + +[_A band in the distance strikes up the national anthem._ GROSVENOR, +CONROY, POLLEN, TANEY _and_ MAYNARD _stand._ +HARRADAN _sinks into a chair._ + + +MAYNARD + +Senator, it's the national anthem. Haven't you got _any_ patriotism? + +[GROSVENOR _opens the windows. The notes of the anthem are +drowned out by shouts and cries and the calls of newsboys._ + + +VOICES OF THE CROWD + +War! War! + +[_The anthem sounds loud and clear, but_ HARRADAN _buries his +face in his hands. The stage is gradually darkened. The music grows +fainter as if the band were marching away; and now and then the shouts +of the crowd make themselves heard above it. These subside, too, into a +low, muffled roar, sullen and ominous._ + + + + +SCENE III + + +[_The stage grows light again. In the foreground, a black group of trees +may be dimly discerned; beyond are indistinct hills and the last glow of +a bloody sunset. Smoke and dust blacken the scene. Even before the cloud +breaks to reveal the valley for a moment, the low roar is suddenly +broken by the rattle of musketry, followed by the booming of artillery +and the drumming sound of the machine guns. A trumpet sounds the charge. +The dust cloud breaks. A thickly crowded mass of men is vaguely seen +through the twilight charging with cries and curses. The rear ranks +press over the fallen, waver, shout and fall back. The rattle of +musketry continues. The men return to the charge, are repulsed once more +with awful slaughter and again return. The dust cloud passes over the +scene. It is night now. The wounded are tossing on the field, shrieking. +Ghouls prowl about. A flock of buzzards flies across the moon. In the +distance is heard a shout of victory, then the national anthem once +more, played by a trumpeter. A thousand voices seem to rise out of the +ground, moaning, drowning out the music. Then a woman's voice, clear and +distinct._ + + + +VOICE + +How long, O Lord? How long? + +[_Cries and wailings answer the cry. Silence. Again the bugle, drowned +out by cries, cries, cries._ + + + + +CURTAIN + + + + +The following pages contain advertisements of books by the same author, +and other poetry + + + + +BY THE SAME AUTHOR + +Faces in the Dawn +By HERMANN HAGEDORN +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.35 net_ + +A great many people already know Mr. Hagedorn through his verse. "Faces +in the Dawn" will, however, be their introduction to him as a novelist. +The same qualities that have served to raise his poetry above the common +level help to distinguish this story of a German village. The theme of +the book is the transformation that was wrought in the lives of an +irritable, domineering German pastor and his wife through the influence +of a young German girl and her American lover. Sentiment, humor, and a +human feeling, all present in just the right measure, warm the heart and +contribute to the enjoyment which the reader derives in following the +experiences of the well-drawn characters. + + "A Christmas story, unusual and welcome.... All the people in the + tale are real human beings."--_New York Times._ + + "A good substantial story ... written in plain, homely, and + convincing prose."--_New York Globe._ + +Poems and Ballads +_New Edition. Cloth, 12mo, $1.00 net_ + + "We can see from this volume that Mr. Hagedorn is a truly + accomplished poet ... the poems are worth writing and are worth + reading, because Mr. Hagedorn only writes what he really feels, and + this volume will strike in many a reader a responsive + chord."--_Poetry Review_ (England). + + "Hermann Hagedorn's work suggests a keynote for all future + poetry."--Alfred Noyes. + + " ... contains an unusual amount of pure poetry."--_New York + Times._ + + +JOHN MASEFIELD'S NEW VOLUME +Philip the King, and Other Poems +BY JOHN MASEFIELD +Author of "The Tragedy of Pompey," "The Everlasting Mercy," +"The Daffodil Fields" +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + "Mr. Masefield's new poetical drama is a piece of work such as only + the author of 'Nan' and 'The Tragedy of Pompey' could have written, + tense in situation and impressive in its poetry.... In addition to + this important play, the volume contains some new and powerful + narrative poems of the sea--the men who live on it and their ships. + There are also some shorter lyrics as well as an impressive poem on + the present war in Europe which expresses, perhaps, better than + anything yet written, the true spirit of England in the present + struggle." + + +PERCY MACKAYE'S NEW POEMS +The Present Hour +By PERCY MACKAYE +Author of "The Scarecrow," "Sappho and Phaon," etc. +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + "The Present Hour" is a vital expression of America in themes of + war and peace. The first section (War) contains the gripping + narrative poem "Fight: The Tale of a Gunner," and a series of + powerful poems dealing with the great struggle in Europe. Few + war-poems of the many published in this country and England reveal + such sincerity, force and imagery, as these of Mr. MacKaye. Among + them are "American Neutrality," "Peace," "Wilson," "Louvain," + "Rheims," "The Muffled Drums," "Magna Carta," "France," "A Prayer + of the Peoples," etc. The second section (Peace) includes his + widely read poems, "Goethals," "Panama Hymn," "School," "The Heart + in the Jar," and other representative work. The volume is an + important addition to Mr. MacKaye's long list of books and a + valuable contribution to the poetry of our time. + + + + +RABINDRANATH TAGORE'S NEW DRAMA +The King of the Dark Chamber +By +RABINDRANATH TAGORE + +Nobel Prizeman in Literature, 1913; Author of "Gitangali," "The +Gardener," "The Crescent Moon," "Sadhana," "Chitra," "The Post-Office," +etc. Cloth 12mo. $1.25 net. + + "The real poetical imagination of it is unchangeable; the allegory, + subtle and profound and yet simple, is cast into the form of a + dramatic narrative, which moves with unconventional freedom to a + finely impressive climax; and the reader, who began in idle + curiosity, finds his intelligence more and more engaged until, when + he turns the last page, he has the feeling of one who has been + moving in worlds not realized, and communing with great if + mysterious presences." + + _The London Globe._ + + + + + +_NEW POEMS AND PLAYS_ + + +The Congo and Other Poems BY VACHEL LINDSAY. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 +net. + + In the readings which he has given throughout the country Mr. + Lindsay has won the approbation of the critics and of his audiences + in general for the new verse form which he is employing. The + wonderful effects of sound produced by his lines, their relation to + the idea which the author seeks to convey and their marvelous + lyrical quality are something, it is maintained, quite out of the + ordinary and suggest new possibilities and new meanings in poetry. + In this book are presented a number of Mr. Lindsay's most daring + experiments, that is to say they _were_ experiments when they were + first tried; they have been more than justified by their reception. + It is believed that the volume will be one of the most discussed of + all the year's output. + + +Borderlands and Thoroughfares +BY WILFRID WILSON GIBSON, +Author of "Daily Bread," "Fires," +"Womenkind," etc. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net. + + With the publication of _Daily Bread_ Mr. Gibson was hailed as a + new poet of the people. _Fires_, his later volume, confirmed the + impression that here was a man whose writing was close to real + life, a man in whom were combined a sympathy and appreciation of + humankind with a rare lyrical genius. This present book continues + the work which Mr. Gibson can do so well. In it are brought + together three plays and a number of short lyrics which reveal + again his very decided talent. It is a collection which should + indeed gratify those students of modern verse who are looking to + such men as Gibson and Masefield for permanent and representative + contributions to literature. + + + + +Plaster Saints +BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL. Cloth, 12mo. $1.25 net. + + A new play of deep social significance. + +The Melting Pot +BY ISRAEL ZANGWILL. Revised edition. Cloth, 12mo. + + This is a revised edition of what is perhaps Mr. Zangwill's most + popular play. Numerous changes have been made in the text, which + has been considerably lengthened thereby. The appeal of the drama + to the readers of this country is particularly strong, in that it + deals with that great social process by which all nationalities are + blended together for the making of the real American. + + +Sword Blades and Poppy Seed +BY AMY LOWELL, Author of "A Dome of Many-Coloured Glass." +Boards, 12mo. $1.25 net. + + Of the poets who to-day are doing the interesting and original + work, there is no more striking and unique figure than Amy Lowell. + The foremost American member of the "Imagists"--a group of poets + that includes William Butler Yeats, Ezra Pound, Ford Madox + Hueffer--she has won wide recognition for her writing in new and + free forms of poetical expression. Miss Lowell's present volume of + poems, "Sword Blades and Poppy Seed," is an unusual book. It + contains much perhaps that will arouse criticism, but it is a new + note in American poetry. Miss Lowell has broken away from academic + traditions and written, out of her own time, real singing poetry, + free, full of new effects and subtleties. + + + + +Earth Triumphant and Other Tales in Verse +BY CONRAD AIKEN +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + Conrad Aiken is one of the first American writers to choose to tell + his stories in verse. Helston, Masefield, and other Europeans have + been doing it with marked success, but hitherto this country has + had no notable representative in this line of endeavor. Though Mr. + Aiken has been writing for a number of years, _Earth Triumphant and + Other Tales in Verse_ is his first published book. In it are + contained, in addition to the several narratives of modern life, a + number of shorter lyrics. It is a volume distinguished by + originality and power. + + +Van Zorn: A Comedy in Three Acts +BY EDWIN A. ROBINSON +_Cloth, 12mo, $1.25 net_ + + This play makes delightful reading and introduces in the person of + its author a playwright of considerable promise. Mr. Robinson tells + an interesting story, one which by a clever arrangement of incident + and skillful characterization arouses strongly the reader's + curiosity and keeps it unsatisfied to the end. The dialogue is + bright and the construction of the plot shows the work of one well + versed in the technique of the drama. + + + + +A LIST OF PLAYS + + ++Leonid Andreyev's+ Anathema $1.25 net ++Clyde Fitch's+ The Climbers .75 net + Girl with the Green Eyes 1.25 net + Her Own Way .75 net + Stubbornness of Geraldine .75 net + The Truth .75 net ++Hermann Hagedorn's+ Makers of Madness 1.00 net ++Thomas Hardy's+ The Dynasts. 3 Parts. Each 1.50 net ++Henry Arthur Jones's+ + Whitewashing of Julia .75 net + Saints and Sinners .75 net + The Crusaders .75 net + Michael and His Lost Angel .75 net ++Jack London's+ Scorn of Women 1.25 net + Theft 1.25 net ++Mackaye's+ Jean D'Arc 1.25 net + Sappho and Phaon 1.25 net + Fenris the Wolf 1.25 net + Mater 1.25 net + Canterbury Pilgrims 1.25 net + The Scarecrow 1.25 net + A Garland to Sylvia 1.25 net ++John Masefield's+ The Tragedy of Pompey 1.25 net + Philip the King 1.25 net ++William Vaughn Moody's+ + The Faith Healer 1.25 net ++Stephen Phillip's+ Ulysses 1.25 net + The Sin of David 1.25 net + Nero 1.25 net + Pietro of Siena 1.00 net ++Phillips and Carr.+ Faust 1.25 net ++Edward Sheldon's+ The Nigger 1.25 net + Romance 1.25 net ++Katrina Trask's+ In the Vanguard 1.25 net ++Rabindranath Tagore's+ The Post Office 1.00 net + Chitra 1.00 net + The King of the Dark Chamber 1.25 net ++Edwin A. Robinson's+ Van Zorn 1.25 net ++Sarah King Wiley's+ Coming of Philibert 1.25 net + Alcestis .75 net ++Yeats'+ Poems and Plays, Vol. II, Revised Edition 2.00 net + Hour Glass (and others) 1.25 net + The Green Helmet and Other Poems 1.25 net ++Yeats and Lady Gregory's+ Unicorn from the Stars 1.50 net ++Israel Zangwill's+ The Melting Pot, New Edition 1.25 net + The War God 1.25 net + The Next Religion 1.25 net + Plaster Saints 1.25 net + + + +THE MACMILLAN COMPANY +Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Makers of Madness, by Hermann Hagedorn + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAKERS OF MADNESS *** + +***** This file should be named 16636.txt or 16636.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/3/16636/ + +Produced by Melissa Er-Raqabi and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net. + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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