Page:The life of the insects by Čapek brothers.pdf/47

 Ichneumon Fly. Get out, you filthy creature. What d’ye want here, clear off.

Parasite. I’m movin’, your worship; no offence, captain. (Cowers.)

Ichneumon Fly. (To ). Well, did you see that neat piece of work, eh? It ’s not every one who could do that. Ah, my boy, that ’s what you want—brains, expert knowledge, enterprise, imagination, initiative—and love of work, let me tell you.

Parasite. That ’s what I say.

Ichneumon Fly. My good man, if you want to keep alive, you’ve got to fight your way. There ’s your future, there ’s your family. And then you know there must be a certain amount of ambition. A strong personality is bound to assert itself.

Parasite. That ’s what I say, sir.

Ichneumon Fly. Of course, of course. Make your way in the world. Use the talent that ’s in you, that ’s what I call a useful life.

Parasite. Absolutely, your grace ’its it every time.

Ichneumon Fly. Hold your tongue, you filthy creature. I’m not talking to you.

Parasite. No, of course you weren’t, my lord, beg your pardon, I’m sure.

Ichneumon Fly. And how it cheers you up when you do your duty like that. ‘Do the job that ’s nearest, though it ’s dull at whiles.’ When you feel that, you feel that you are not living in vain. ‘Life is real, life is earnest, life is not an empty dream.’ Well, good afternoon, sir, I must be off again ‘The daily round, the common task!’ So long!

Parasite. The old murderer. Believe me, it