The Dynasts: An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon Part 18

YOUNG MAN [to Private]

He don't know what it is! That's his pride and puffery. What is it that' so ghastly--hey?

PRIVATE

Well, there, I can't tell it. 'Twas that that made the whole eighty of our company run away--though we be the bravest of the brave in natural jeopardies, or the little boys wouldn't run after us and call us and call us the "Bang-up-Locals."

WOMAN [in undertones]

I can tell you a word or two on't. It is about His victuals. They say that He lives upon human flesh, and has rashers o' baby every morning for breakfast--for all the world like the Cernal Giant in old ancient times!

YOUNG MAN

Ye can't believe all ye hear.

PRIVATE

I only believe half. And I only own--such is my challengeful character--that perhaps He do eat pagan infants when He's in the desert. But not Christian ones at home. Oh no--'tis too much.

WOMAN

Whether or no, I sometimes--G.o.d forgive me!--laugh wi' horror at the queerness o't, till I am that weak I can hardly go round the house. He should have the was.h.i.+ng of 'em a few times; I warrant 'a wouldn't want to eat babies any more!

[A silence, during which they gaze around at the dark dome of the starless sky.]

YOUNG MAN

There'll be a change in the weather soon, by the look o't. I can hear the cows moo in Froom Valley as if I were close to 'em, and the lantern at Max Turnpike is s.h.i.+ning quite plain.

OLD MAN

Well, come in and taste a drop o' sommat we've got here, that will warm the c.o.c.kles of your heart as ye wamble homealong. We housed eighty tuns last night for them that shan't be named--landed at Lullwind Cove the night afore, though they had a narrow shave with the riding-officers this run.

[They make toward the hut, when a light on the west horizon becomes visible, and quickly enlarges.]

YOUNG MAN

He's come!

OLD MAN

Come he is, though you do say it! This, then, is the beginning of what England's waited for!

[They stand and watch the light awhile.]

YOUNG MAN

Just what you was praising the Lord for by-now, Private Cantle.

PRIVATE

My meaning was---

WOMAN [simpering]

Oh that I hadn't married a fiery sojer, to make me bring fatherless children into the world, all through his dreadful calling! Why didn't a man of no sprawl content me!

OLD MAN [shouldering his pike]

We can't heed your innocent pratings any longer, good neighbours, being in the King's service, and a hot invasion on. Fall in, fall in, mate. Straight to the tinder-box. Quick march!

[The two men hasten to the hut, and are heard striking a flint and steel. Returning with a lit lantern they ignite a blaze.

The private of the Locals and his wife hastily retreat by the light of the flaming beacon, under which the purple rotundities of the heath show like bronze, and the pits like the eye-sockets of a skull.]

SPIRIT SINISTER

This is good, and spells blood. [To the Chorus of the Years.] I a.s.sume that It means to let us carry out this invasion with pleasing slaughter, so as not to disappoint my hope?

SEMICHORUS I OF THE YEARS [aerial music]

We carry out? Nay, but should we Ordain what bloodshed is to be it!

SEMICHORUS II

The Immanent, that urgeth all, Rules what may or may not befall!

SEMICHORUS I

Ere systemed suns were globed and lit The slaughters of the race were writ,

SEMICHORUS II