Page:The life of the insects by Čapek brothers.pdf/61

 The night we left a thousan’ dead—

And keptured two latrines.

Now, fellers, dig yerselves right in,

And stay there till yer bust.

Them Yellers wants your yard o’ dust,

And don’t you let ’em win!

Chrysalis. They call, they shout, they beat their drums.

The world wakes. The great moment comes!

[Beating of drums— transform themselves into becomes.

Chief Engineer. Soldiers! We find ourselves compelled to call you to the colours. A wicked enemy has treacherously attacked us, for the purpose of outwitting our peaceable preparations. At this great hour I have been appointed Dictator.

2nd Engineer. Three cheers for the Dictator—Shout boys, or

Soldiers. Hip, hip, hooray!

Chief Engineer. (Saluting) Thank you! You have responded to the gravity of the moment. Soldiers, we are fighting for life and liberty.