Rada - A Drama of War in One Act

FIRST SOLDIER Liars! Liars!

RADA There is one woman here, One woman and a child---- And war they tell me is a noble thing; It is the mother of heroic deeds, The nurse of honour, manhood.

SECOND SOLDIER Christ, a speech!

RADA Yes, and your training benefits your health.

NANKO [Who is crouching over the fire again.] Certainly, Rada! Military training! Life is a battle.

RADA You hear, drunk as you are, Up to your necks in blood, you hear this fool, This poor old fool, piping his dreary cry; And through his lips, and through his softening brain, You and the men that buy you, statesmen, kings, Teach the poor sheep of the world that war is good. Go! Take your manhood out of this. Or else---- [She threatens to shoot.] I have one bullet for the child, and five To share between you and myself!

FIRST SOLDIER O, Christ, A speech! [They fall back before the revolver as she raises it.]

RADA If you h