Act 2

30 min

Scene: Helena’s drawing room. Ten years later. The skeleton framework of Act I is still used. Tall windows put in back instead of Act I windows. Steel shutters for these windows. Where the green cabinet of Act I at Left has stood is a door, L.2, leading to the outside. Where the cabinet stood at Right, a fireplace is placed. The tall open hallway R.C. of Act I is blocked up with a flat piece. The doors at Right and Left 1 have been changed to those of a drawing room. Door at Right leads to Helena’s bedroom. Door at Left 1 leads to library. The furniture consists of a reading table at Left Center covered with magazines. A chair to the Left of table. In front of table is an armchair covered in chintz. A couch Right Center and back of it is a small table with books and book-ends. On this table a small reading lamp. At Right between doorway and fireplace is a small table. There is a work-basket upon it, with pincushion, needles, etc. Down stage at Right and facing the couch is another armchair used by Alquist. To the Left of fireplace is a straight-backed chair. Upstage at Left near the L.2 door to the outside is a writing desk. There is a lamp upon it, writing paper, etc., a telephone and binoculars. The walls of the room have been covered with silk to the height of seven feet. This is done in small flats to fit the different spaces and are in place against the permanent set. The two French windows open into the room. At the rise they are open. There is a balcony beyond looking over the harbor. The same telegraph wires and poles from Act I are again visible through the window. The windows are trimmed with gray lace curtains. Binoculars on desk up stage by television. It is about nine in the morning and SUNLIGHT streams into the room through the open windows. Domin opens the door L.2; tiptoes in. He carries a potted plant. He beckons the Others to follow him, and Hallemeier and Fabry enter, both carrying a potted plant. Domin places flowers on the library table and goes to Right and looks toward Helena’s bedroom R.

Scene: Helena’s drawing room. Ten years later. The basic framework from Act I is still in use. Tall windows replace the Act I windows at the back. The windows have steel shutters. A door, L.2, leading outside replaces the green cabinet from Act I on the left. A fireplace replaces the cabinet on the right. The tall open hallway R.C. from Act I is blocked off with a flat panel. The doors at Right and Left 1 have been changed to suit a drawing room. The door on the right leads to Helena’s bedroom. The door at Left 1 leads to the library. A reading table covered with magazines stands at Left Center. A chair is to the left of the table. In front of it is an armchair covered in chintz. A couch stands at Right Center. Behind it is a small table with books and bookends. A small reading lamp sits on this table. At Right, between the doorway and fireplace, is another small table. It holds a work basket with a pincushion, needles, and other supplies. Downstage at Right, facing the couch, is another armchair used by Alquist. A straight-backed chair stands to the left of the fireplace. Upstage at Left, near the L.2 door to the outside, is a writing desk. On it are a lamp, writing paper, and other supplies, as well as a telephone and binoculars. The walls are covered with silk to a height of seven feet. Small flat panels fit the different spaces and are set against the permanent set. The two French windows open inward. They are open when the curtain rises. Beyond them is a balcony overlooking the harbor. The same telegraph wires and poles from Act I are visible through the windows again. Gray lace curtains trim the windows. Binoculars are on the desk upstage by the television. It is about nine in the morning. SUNLIGHT streams into the room through the open windows. Domin opens the door L.2 and tiptoes in. He carries a potted plant. He motions for the Others to follow him. Hallemeier and Fabry enter, each carrying a potted plant. Domin places the flowers on the library table. He goes to the right and looks toward the door to Helena’s bedroom R.

Hallemeier. (Putting down his flowers on L.C. table and indicates the door R.) Still asleep?

Hallemeier. (Puts his flowers on the L.C. table and points to the door R.) Still asleep?

Domin. Yes.

Hallemeier. Well, as long as she’s asleep she can’t worry about it. (He remains at L.C. table.)

Hallemeier. Well, as long as she’s asleep, she can’t worry about it. (He stays at the L.C. table.)

Domin. She knows nothing about it. (At C.)

Fabry. (Putting plant on writing desk) I certainly hope nothing happens today.

Fabry. (Putting plant on writing desk) I really hope nothing happens today.

Hallemeier. For goodness sake drop it all. Look, this is a fine cyclamen, isn’t it? A new sort, my latest—Cyclamen Helena.

Hallemeier. For goodness’ sake, let’s drop it all. Look, this is a lovely cyclamen, isn’t it? It’s a new variety, my latest one: Cyclamen Helena.

Domin. (Picks up binoculars and goes out into balcony) No signs of the ship. Things must be pretty bad.

Domin. (Picks up binoculars and goes out onto the balcony) No sign of the ship. Things must be pretty bad.

Hallemeier. Be quiet. Suppose she heard you.

Hallemeier. Be quiet. What if she heard you?

Domin. (Coming into room, puts glasses on desk) Well, anyway the Ultimus arrived just in time.

Domin. (Enters the room, puts glasses on desk) Well, anyway, the Ultimus arrived just in time.

Fabry. You really think that today—?

Fabry. Do you really think that today...?

Domin. I don’t know. (He crosses to L.C. table) Aren’t the flowers fine?

Domin. I don’t know. (He walks to the L.C. table) Aren’t the flowers beautiful?

Hallemeier. (Fondles flowers) These are my primroses. And this is my new jasmine. I’ve discovered a wonderful way of developing flowers quickly. Splendid varieties, too. Next year I’ll be developing marvelous ones.

Hallemeier. (Strokes the flowers) These are my primroses. And this is my new jasmine. I’ve discovered a wonderful way to grow flowers quickly. Splendid varieties, too. Next year I’ll grow marvelous ones.

Domin. What next year?

Domin. What about next year?

Fabry. I’d give a good deal to know what’s happening at Havre with—

Fabry. I’d give a lot to know what’s happening at Havre with...

Helena. (Off R.) Nana.

Helena. (Offstage, right) Nana.

Domin. Keep quiet. She’s awake. Out you go. (All go out on tiptoe through L.2 door. Enter Nana L.1)

Domin. Be quiet. She’s awake. Everyone out. (All leave on tiptoe through L.2 door. Enter Nana L.1)

Helena. (Calling from R.) Nana?

Nana. Horrid mess! Pack of heathens. If I had my say, I’d—

Nana. What a terrible mess! A bunch of heathens. If I had my way, I’d...

Helena. (Backwards in the doorway from R.) Nana, come and do up my dress.

Helena. (Backing into the doorway from R.) Nana, come and fasten my dress.

Nana. I’m coming. So you’re up at last. (Fastening Helena’s dress) My gracious, what brutes!

Nana. I’m coming. So you’re finally up. (Fastening Helena’s dress) Goodness, what brutes!

Helena. Who? (Turning.)

Nana. If you want to turn around, then turn around, but I shan’t fasten you up.

Nana. If you want to turn around, go ahead, but I won't fasten you up.

Helena. (Turns back) What are you grumbling about now?

Helena. (Turns back) What are you complaining about now?

Nana. These dreadful creatures, these heathens—

Nana. These horrible creatures, these heathens...

Helena. (Turning toward Nana again) The Robots?

Nana. I wouldn’t even call them by name.

Helena. What’s happened?

Helena. What happened?

Nana. Another of them here has caught it. He began to smash up the statues and pictures in the drawing room; gnashed his teeth; foamed at the mouth. Worse than an animal.

Nana. Another one here has caught it. He started smashing the statues and pictures in the living room. He gnashed his teeth and foamed at the mouth. Worse than an animal.

Helena. Which of them caught it?

Helena. Which one of them caught it?

Nana. The one—well, he hasn’t got any Christian name. The one in charge of the library.

Nana. The one, well, he doesn’t have a Christian name. The one in charge of the library.

Helena. Radius?

Nana. That’s him. My goodness, I’m scared of them. A spider doesn’t scare me as much as them.

Nana. That’s him. My goodness, I’m scared of them. Even a spider doesn’t scare me as much as they do.

Helena. But Nana, I’m surprised you’re not sorry for them.

Helena. But Nana, I’m surprised you don’t feel sorry for them.

Nana. Why, you’re scared of them too. You know you are. Why else did you bring me here?

Nana. You’re scared of them too. You know you are. Why else did you bring me here?

Helena. I’m not scared, really I’m not, Nana. I’m only sorry for them.

Helena. I’m not scared. Really, I’m not, Nana. I just feel sorry for them.

Nana. You’re scared. Nobody could help being scared. Why, the dog’s scared of them. He won’t take a scrap of meat out of their hands. He draws in his tail and howls when he knows they’re about.

Nana. You’re scared. Nobody could help being scared. Even the dog is scared of them. He won’t take a scrap of meat from their hands. He tucks his tail between his legs and howls when he knows they’re around.

Helena. The dog has no sense.

Nana. He’s better than them, and he knows it. Even the horse shies when he meets them. They don’t have any young, and a dog has young, everyone has young—

Nana. He’s better than them, and he knows it. Even the horse shies away when he meets them. They don’t have any young, but a dog has young, everyone has young...

Helena. (Turning back) Please fasten up my dress, Nana.

Helena. (Turning back) Please fasten my dress, Nana.

Nana. I say it’s against God’s will to—

Nana. I say it’s against God’s will to...

Helena. What is it that smells so nice?

Helena. What smells so nice?

Nana. Flowers.

Helena. What for?

Nana. Now you can turn around.

Helena. (Turns; crosses to C.) Oh, aren’t they lovely? Look, Nana. What’s happening today?

Helena. (Turns, crosses to center.) Oh, aren’t they lovely? Look, Nana. What’s happening today?

Nana. It ought to be the end of the world. (Enter Domin L.2. He crosses down front of table L.C.)

Nana. It should be the end of the world. (Enter Domin L.2. He crosses in front of the table L.C.)

Helena. (Crosses to him) Oh, hello, Harry. (Nana turns upstage to L.) Harry, why all these flowers?

Domin. Guess. (This scene is played down in front of L.C. table.)

Domin. Guess. (This scene takes place downstage, in front of the L.C. table.)

Helena. Well, it’s not my birthday!

Domin. Better than that.

Helena. I don’t know. Tell me.

Domin. It’s ten years ago today since you came here.

Domin. You came here ten years ago today.

Helena. Ten years? Today? Why— (They embrace.)

Helena. Ten years? Today? Why... (They embrace.)

Nana. (Muttering) I’m off. (She exits L.1.)

Nana. (Muttering) I’m leaving. (She exits L.1.)

Helena. Fancy you remembering.

Helena. I'm surprised you remembered.

Domin. I’m really ashamed, Helena. I didn’t.

Helena. But you—

Helena. But you...

Domin. They remembered.

Helena. Who?

Domin. Busman, Hallemeier—all of them. Put your hand in my pocket.

Domin. Busman, Hallemeier, all of them. Put your hand in my pocket.

Helena. (Takes necklace from his Left jacket pocket) Oh! Pearls! A necklace! Harry, is this for me?

Helena. (Takes the necklace from his left jacket pocket) Oh! Pearls! A necklace! Harry, is this for me?

Domin. It’s from Busman.

Helena. But we can’t accept it, can we?

Domin. Oh, yes, we can. (Puts necklace on table L.C.) Put your hand in the other pocket.

Helena. (Takes a revolver out of his Right pocket) What’s that?

Helena. (Takes a revolver from his right pocket) What’s that?

Domin. Sorry. Not that. Try again. (He puts gun in pocket.)

Domin. Sorry. Not that. Try again. (He puts the gun in his pocket.)

Helena. Oh, Harry, why do you carry a revolver?

Domin. It got there by mistake.

Helena. You never used to carry one.

Domin. No, you’re right. (Indicates breast pocket) There, that’s the pocket.

Domin. No, you’re right. (Points to breast pocket) There, that’s the pocket.

Helena. (Takes out cameo) A cameo. Why, it’s a Greek cameo.

Helena. (Takes out cameo) A cameo. Oh, it’s a Greek cameo.

Domin. Apparently. Anyhow, Fabry says it is.

Domin. Apparently. Anyway, Fabry says it is.

Helena. Fabry? Did Mr. Fabry give me that?

Domin. Of course. (Opens the L.1 door) And look in here. Helena, come and see this. (Both exit L.1.)

Helena. (Off L.1) Oh, isn’t it fine? Is this from you?

Helena. (Off L.1) Oh, isn't it lovely? Is this from you?

Domin. (Off L.1) No, from Alquist. And there’s another on the piano.

Helena. This must be from you?

Helena. Is this from you?

Domin. There’s a card on it.

Helena. From Doctor Gall. (Reappearing in L.1 doorway) Oh, Harry, I feel embarrassed at so much kindness.

Helena. From Doctor Gall. (Reappearing in the L.1 doorway) Oh, Harry, I'm embarrassed by so much kindness.

Domin. (Enters to up R. of table L.C.) Come here. This is what Hallemeier brought you.

Domin. (Enters upstage, to the right of the table L.C.) Come here. This is what Hallemeier brought you.

Helena. (To up L. of desk) These beautiful flowers?

Helena. (Moves upstage left of the desk) These beautiful flowers?

Domin. Yes. It’s a new kind. Cyclamen-Helena. He grew them in honor of you. They are almost as beautiful as you.

Domin. Yes. It’s a new kind. Cyclamen-Helena. He grew them in your honor, for you. They are almost as beautiful as you.

Helena. (Kissing him) Harry, why do they all—

Helena. (Kissing him) Harry, why do they all...

Domin. They’re awfully fond of you. I’m afraid that my present is a little—Look out of the window. (Crosses to window and beckons to her.)

Domin. They’re very fond of you. I’m afraid my present is a little... Look out the window. (Walks to the window and beckons to her.)

Helena. Where? (They go out into the balcony.)

Helena. Where? (They go out onto the balcony.)

Domin. Into the harbor.

Helena. There’s a new ship.

Domin. That’s your ship.

Helena. Mine? How do you mean?

Helena. Mine? What do you mean?

Domin. (R.) For you to take trips in—for your amusement.

Domin. (R.) For you to take trips in, for fun.

Helena. (L.) Harry, that’s a gunboat.

Domin. A gunboat? What are you thinking of? It’s only a little bigger and more solid than most ships.

Domin. A gunboat? What are you thinking? It’s only a little bigger and more solid than most ships.

Helena. Yes, but with guns.

Domin. Oh, yes, with a few guns. You’ll travel like a queen, Helena.

Helena. What’s the meaning of it? Has anything happened?

Helena. What does it mean? Has anything happened?

Domin. Good heavens, no. I say, try these pearls. (Crosses to R. of table L.C.)

Domin. Good heavens, no. Here, try these pearls. (Crosses to R. of table L.C.)

Helena. Harry, have you had bad news?

Helena. Harry, did you get bad news?

Domin. On the contrary, no letters have arrived for a whole week.

Domin. Actually, no letters have arrived for a whole week.

Helena. Nor telegrams? (Coming into the room C.)

Helena. No telegrams either? (Coming into the room C.)

Domin. Nor telegrams.

Domin. No telegrams either.

Helena. What does that mean?

Domin. Holidays for us! We all sit in the office with our feet on the table and take a nap. No letters—no telegrams. Glorious!

Domin. Holidays for us! We all sit in the office with our feet on the table and take a nap. No letters, no telegrams. Glorious!

Helena. Then you’ll stay with me today?

Domin. Certainly. (Embraces her) That is, we will see. Do you remember ten years ago today? (Crosses to L. of table L.C.) Miss Glory, it’s a great honor to welcome you. (They assume the same positions as when they first met ten years before in Domin’s office.)

Domin. Of course. (Embraces her) That is, we’ll see. Do you remember this day ten years ago? (Crosses to L. of table L.C.) Miss Glory, it’s a great honor to welcome you. (They take the same positions as when they first met ten years earlier in Domin’s office.)

Helena. (To table) Oh, Mr. Manager, I’m so interested in your factory. (She sits R. of table.)

Helena. (To table) Oh, Mr. Manager, I’m so interested in your factory. (She sits to the right of the table.)

Domin. I’m sorry, Miss Glory, it’s strictly forbidden. The manufacture of artificial people is a secret.

Domin. I’m sorry, Miss Glory, but that’s strictly forbidden. How we make artificial people is a secret.

Helena. But to oblige the young lady who has come a long way.

Helena. But to help the young lady who has come a long way.

Domin. (Leans on table) Certainly, Miss Glory. I have no secrets from you.

Domin. (Leans on table) Of course, Miss Glory. I have no secrets from you.

Helena. Are you sure, Harry? (Leaning on desk, seriously, his right hand on hers.)

Helena. Are you sure, Harry? (Leaning on the desk, serious, his right hand on hers.)

Domin. Yes. (They gradually draw apart.)

Domin. Yes. (They slowly move apart.)

Helena. But I warn you, sir, this young lady intends to do terrible things.

Helena. But I warn you, sir, this young woman plans to do terrible things.

Domin. Good gracious, Miss Glory. Perhaps she doesn’t want to marry me.

Domin. Goodness, Miss Glory. Perhaps she doesn’t want to marry me.

Helena. Heaven forbid. She never dreamt of such a thing. But she came here intending to stir up a revolt among your Robots.

Helena. Of course not. She never imagined such a thing. But she came here to start a revolt among your Robots.

Domin. A revolt of the Robots!

Domin. The Robots are revolting!

Helena. (Low voice) Harry, what’s the matter with you?

Domin. (Laughing it off) A revolt of the Robots, that’s a fine idea. (Crosses to back of table. She watches him suspiciously.) Miss Glory, it would be easier for you to cause bolts and screws to rebel than our Robots. You know, Helena, you’re wonderful. You’ve turned the hearts of us all. (Sits on table.)

Domin. (Laughing it off) A Robot revolt, that’s a great idea. (Walks to the back of the table. She watches him suspiciously.) Miss Glory, it would be easier to make bolts and screws rebel than to make our Robots rebel. You know, Helena, you’re wonderful. You’ve won all our hearts. (Sits on the table.)

Helena. Oh, I was fearfully impressed by you all then. You were all so sure of yourselves, so strong. I seemed like a tiny little girl who had lost her way among—among—

Helena. Oh, I was so impressed by all of you then. You were all so sure of yourselves, so strong. I felt like a tiny little girl who had lost her way among, among...

Domin. What?

Helena. (Front) Among huge trees. All my feelings were so trifling compared with your self-confidence. And in all these years I’ve never lost this anxiety. But you’ve never felt the least misgiving, not even when everything went wrong.

Helena. (Front) Among huge trees. All my feelings seemed so small compared with your self-confidence. And in all these years, I’ve never lost this anxiety. But you’ve never had the slightest doubt, not even when everything went wrong.

Domin. What went wrong?

Helena. Your plans. You remember, Harry, when the workmen in America revolted against the Robots and smashed them up, and when the people gave the Robots firearms against the rebels. And then when the governments turned the Robots into soldiers, and there were so many wars.

Helena. Your plans. Do you remember, Harry, when the workers in America rose up against the Robots and smashed them? And when people gave the Robots guns to use against the rebels? Then the governments turned the Robots into soldiers, and there were so many wars.

Domin. (Getting up and walking about) We foresaw that, Helena. (Around table to R.C.) You see, these are only passing troubles which are bound to happen before the new conditions are established. (Walking up and down, standing at Center.)

Domin. (Getting up and walking around) We saw that coming, Helena. (Around the table to R.C.) You see, these are only temporary problems. They are bound to happen before the new conditions are established. (Walking up and down, standing at Center.)

Helena. You were all so powerful, so overwhelming. The whole world bowed down before you. (Rising) Oh, Harry! (Crosses to him.)

Helena. You were all so powerful, so overwhelming. The whole world bowed down before you. (Stands up) Oh, Harry! (Walks over to him.)

Domin. What is it?

Helena. Close the factory and let’s go away. All of us.

Helena. Close the factory and let’s all go away.

Domin. I say, what’s the meaning of this?

Domin. Hey, what does this mean?

Helena. I don’t know. But can’t we go away?

Helena. I don’t know. But can’t we leave?

Domin. Impossible, Helena! That is, at this particular moment—

Domin. Impossible, Helena! I mean, right now...

Helena. At once, Harry. I’m so frightened.

Helena. Right away, Harry. I’m so scared.

Domin. (Takes her) About what, Helena?

Helena. It’s as if something was falling on top of us, and couldn’t be stopped. Oh, take us all away from here. We’ll find a place in the world where there’s no one else. Alquist will build us a house, and then we’ll begin life all over again. (The TELEPHONE rings.)

Helena. It’s as if something is falling on top of us and can’t be stopped. Oh, take us all away from here. We’ll find a place in the world where no one else lives. Alquist will build us a house, and then we’ll start life all over again. (The TELEPHONE rings.)

Domin. (Crosses to telephone on desk up L.) Excuse me. Hello—yes, what? I’ll be there at once. Fabry is calling me, my dear. (Crosses L.)

Domin. (Crosses to telephone on desk up L.) Excuse me. Hello, yes, what? I’ll be there right away. Fabry is calling me, my dear. (Crosses L.)

Helena. Tell me— (She rushes up to him.)

Helena. Tell me... (She rushes up to him.)

Domin. Yes, when I come back. Don’t go out of the house, dear. (Exits L.2.)

Domin. Yes, when I come back. Don’t leave the house, dear. (Exits L.2.)

Helena. He won’t tell me. (Nana brings in a water carafe from L.1.) Nana, find me the latest newspapers. Quickly. Look in Mr. Domin’s bedroom.

Helena. He won’t tell me. (Nana brings in a water carafe from L.1.) Nana, find me the latest newspapers. Hurry. Look in Mr. Domin’s bedroom.

Nana. All right. (Crosses R.) He leaves them all over the place. That’s how they get crumpled up. (Continues muttering. Exits R.)

Helena. (Looking through binoculars at the harbor) That’s a warship. U-l-t-i—Ultimus. They’re loading.

Helena. (Looking through binoculars at the harbor) That’s a warship. U-l-t-i... Ultimus. They’re loading.

Nana. (Enters R. with newspapers) Here they are. See how they’re crumpled up.

Nana. (Enters R. with newspapers) Here they are. Look how crumpled they are.

Helena. (Crosses down) They’re old ones. A week old. (Drops papers. Both at front of couch. Nana sits R. of table L.C. Puts on spectacles. Reads the newspapers.) Something’s happening, Nana.

Helena. (Walks toward the front of the stage) They’re old. A week old. (Drops papers. Both at front of couch. Nana sits R. of table L.C. Puts on glasses. Reads the newspapers.) Something’s happening, Nana.

Nana. Very likely. It always does. (Spelling out the words) “W-a-r in B-a-l-k-a-n-s.” Is that far off?

Nana. Probably. It always does. (Spelling out the words) “W-a-r in B-a-l-k-a-n-s.” Is that far away?

Helena. Oh, don’t read it. It’s always the same. Always wars! (Sits on couch.)

Nana. What else do you expect? Why do you keep selling thousands and thousands of these heathens as soldiers?

Helena. I suppose it can’t be helped, Nana. We can’t know—Domin can’t know what they’re to be used for. When an order comes for them he must just send them.

Helena. I suppose it can’t be helped, Nana. We can’t know. Domin can’t know what they’ll be used for. When an order comes in, he just has to send them.

Nana. He shouldn’t make them. (Reading from newspaper) “The Robot soldiers spare no-body in the occ-up-ied terr-it-ory. They have ass-ass-ass-inat-ed ov-er sev-en hundred thous-and cit-iz-ens.” Citizens, if you please.

Nana. He shouldn’t make them. (Reading from newspaper) “The Robot soldiers spare nobody in the occupied territory. They have assassinated over seven hundred thousand citizens.” Citizens, if you please.

Helena. (Rises and crosses and takes paper) It can’t be. Let me see. (Crossing to Nana) They have assassinated over seven hundred thousand citizens, evidently at the order of their commander. (Drops paper; crosses up C.)

Helena. (Stands, crosses the stage, and takes the paper) It can’t be. Let me see. (Crossing to Nana) They have murdered over seven hundred thousand citizens, apparently on their commander’s orders. (Drops the paper and crosses upstage to C.)

Nana. (Spelling out the words from other paper she has picked up from the floor) “Re-bell-ion in Ma-drid a-gainst the gov-ern-ment. Rob-ot in-fant-ry fires on the crowd. Nine thou-sand killed and wounded.”

Nana. (Spelling out the words from another paper she picked up from the floor) “Rebellion in Madrid against the government. Robot infantry fires on the crowd. Nine thousand killed and wounded.”

Helena. Oh, stop! (Goes up and looks toward the harbor.)

Helena. Oh, stop! (Walks over and looks toward the harbor.)

Nana. Here’s something printed in big letters. “Latest news. At Havre the first org-an-iz-a-tion of Rob-ots has been e-stab-lished. Rob-ots work-men, sail-ors and sold-iers have iss-ued a man-i-fest-o to all Rob-ots through-out the world.” I don’t understand that. That’s got no sense. Oh, good gracious, another murder.

Nana. Here’s something printed in big letters. “Latest news. The first organization of Robots has been established at Havre. Robot workers, sailors and soldiers have issued a manifesto to all Robots throughout the world.” I don’t understand that. That makes no sense. Oh, good gracious, another murder.

Helena. (Up C.) Take those papers away now.

Nana. Wait a bit. Here’s something in still bigger type. “Stat-ist-ics of pop-ul-a-tion.” What’s that?

Nana. Wait a moment. Here’s something in even bigger print. “Sta-tis-tics of pop-u-la-tion.” What’s that?

Helena. (Coming down to Nana) Let me see. (Reads) “During the past week there has again not been a single birth recorded.”

Helena. (Coming down to Nana) Let me see. (Reads) “Once again, not a single birth was recorded last week.”

Nana. What’s the meaning of that? (Drops paper.)

Nana. What does that mean? (Drops paper.)

Helena. Nana, no more people are being born.

Nana. That’s the end, then? (Removing spectacles) We’re done for.

Nana. So that’s the end? (Taking off her glasses) We’re done for.

Helena. Don’t talk like that.

Nana. No more people are being born. That’s a punishment, that’s a punishment.

Helena. Nana!

Nana. (Standing up) That’s the end of the world. (Repeat until off. Picks paper up from floor. She exits L.1.)

Nana. (Standing up) That’s the end of the world. (Repeats until she is offstage. Picks up the paper from the floor. She exits L.1.)

Helena. (Goes up to window) Oh, Mr. Alquist. (Alquist off L.2.) Will you come here? Oh, come just as you are. You look very nice in your mason’s overalls. (Alquist enters L.2, his hands soiled with lime and brick dust. She goes to end of sofa and meets him C.) Dear Mr. Alquist, it was awfully kind of you, that lovely present.

Helena. (Goes to the window) Oh, Mr. Alquist. (Alquist off L.2.) Will you come here? Oh, come just as you are. You look very nice in your mason’s overalls. (Alquist enters L.2, his hands dirty with lime and brick dust. She goes to the end of the sofa and meets him C.) Dear Mr. Alquist, that lovely present was so kind of you.

Alquist. My hands are soiled. I’ve been experimenting with that new cement.

Alquist. My hands are dirty. I’ve been experimenting with that new cement.

Helena. Never mind. Please sit down. (Sits on couch. He sits on her L.) Mr. Alquist, what’s the meaning of Ultimus?

Helena. Never mind. Please sit down. (Sits on the couch. He sits to her L.) Mr. Alquist, what does Ultimus mean?

Alquist. The last. Why?

Helena. That’s the name of my new ship. Have you seen it? Do you think we’re off soon—on a trip?

Helena. That’s the name of my new ship. Have you seen it? Do you think we’ll be going on a trip soon?

Alquist. Perhaps very soon.

Helena. All of you with me?

Helena. Are you all with me?

Alquist. I should like us all to be there.

Alquist. I'd like us all to be there.

Helena. What is the matter?

Helena. What is wrong?

Alquist. Things are just moving on.

Helena. Dear Mr. Alquist, I know something dreadful has happened.

Helena. Dear Mr. Alquist, I know something terrible has happened.

Alquist. Has your husband told you anything?

Helena. No. Nobody will tell me anything. But I feel—Is anything the matter?

Helena. No. Nobody will tell me anything. But I feel... Is something wrong?

Alquist. Not that we’ve heard of yet.

Alquist. Not that we've heard of yet.

Helena. I feel so nervous. Don’t you ever feel nervous?

Alquist. Well, I’m an old man, you know. I’ve got old-fashioned ways. And I’m afraid of all this progress, and these new-fangled ideas.

Alquist. Well, I’m an old man, you know. My ways are old-fashioned. And I’m afraid of all this progress and these new ideas.

Helena. Like Nana?

Alquist. Yes, like Nana. Has Nana got a prayer book?

Alquist. Yes, like Nana. Does Nana have a prayer book?

Helena. Yes, a big thick one.

Helena. Yes, a big, thick one.

Alquist. And has it got prayers for various occasions? Against thunderstorms? Against illness? But not against progress?

Alquist. And does it have prayers for different occasions? Against thunderstorms? Against illness? But not against progress?

Helena. I don’t think so.

Alquist. That’s a pity.

Alquist. That’s a shame.

Helena. Why, do you mean you’d like to pray?

Helena. Oh, do you mean you’d like to pray?

Alquist. I do pray.

Helena. How?

Alquist. Something like this: “Oh, Lord, I thank thee for having given me toil; enlighten Domin and all those who are astray; destroy their work, and aid mankind to return to their labors; let them not suffer harm in soul or body; deliver us from the Robots, and protect Helena. Amen.”

Alquist. Something like this: “Oh, Lord, thank you for giving me work. Guide Domin and all those who have gone astray. Destroy their work and help mankind return to their labors. Let them suffer no harm in soul or body. Deliver us from the Robots and protect Helena. Amen.”

Helena. (Touches his arm; pats it) Mr. Alquist, are you a believer?

Helena. (Touches his arm, pats it) Mr. Alquist, are you a believer?

Alquist. I don’t know. I’m not quite sure.

Helena. And yet you pray?

Helena. But you still pray?

Alquist. That’s better than worrying about it.

Helena. And that’s enough for you?

Alquist. (Ironically) It has to be.

Helena. But if you thought you saw the destruction of mankind coming upon us—

Helena. But if you thought you could see humanity's destruction coming...

Alquist. I do see it.

Helena. You mean mankind will be destroyed?

Helena. You mean humanity will be destroyed?

Alquist. It’s bound to be unless—unless.

Alquist. It’s bound to happen unless, unless.

Helena. What?

Alquist. Nothing. (Pats her shoulder. Rises) Goodbye. (Exits L.2.)

Alquist. Nothing. (Pats her shoulder. Stands up) Goodbye. (Exits L.2.)

Helena. (Rises. Calling) Nana, Nana! (Nana enters L.1.) Is Radius still there?

Helena. (Stands up. Calling) Nana, Nana! (Nana enters L.1.) Is Radius still there?

Nana. (L.C.) The one who went mad? They haven’t come for him yet.

Helena. Is he still raving?

Nana. No. He’s tied up.

Helena. Please bring him here.

Nana. What?

Helena. At once, Nana. (Exits Nana L.1. Helena to telephone) Hello, Doctor Gall, please. Oh, good day, Doctor. Yes, it’s Helena. Thanks for your lovely present. Could you come and see me right away? It’s important. Thank you. (Enter Radius L.1; looks at Helena, then turns head up L. She crosses to him, L.C.) Poor Radius, you’ve caught it too? Now they’ll send you to the stamping mill. Couldn’t you control yourself? Why did it happen? You see, Radius, you are more intelligent than the rest. Doctor Gall took such trouble to make you different. Won’t you speak?

Helena. Right away, Nana. (Exits Nana L.1. Helena to telephone) Hello, may I speak to Doctor Gall? Oh, hello, Doctor. Yes, it’s Helena. Thank you for your lovely present. Could you come see me right away? It’s important. Thank you. (Enter Radius L.1; looks at Helena, then turns head up L. She crosses to him, L.C.) Poor Radius, have you caught it too? Now they’ll send you to the stamping mill. Couldn’t you control yourself? Why did it happen? You see, Radius, you’re more intelligent than the others. Doctor Gall went to so much trouble to make you different. Won’t you speak?

Radius. (Looking at her) Send me to the stamping mill. (Open and close fists.)

Radius. (Looking at her) Send me to the stamping mill. (Opens and closes his fists.)

Helena. But I don’t want them to kill you. What was the trouble, Radius?

Helena. But I don’t want them to kill you. What happened, Radius?

Radius. (Two steps toward her. Opens and closes fists) I won’t work for you. Put me into the stamping mill.

Radius. (Takes two steps toward her. Opens and closes his fists) I won’t work for you. Put me in the stamping mill.

Helena. Do you hate us? Why?

Radius. You are not as strong as the Robots. You are not as skillful as the Robots. The Robots can do everything. You only give orders. You do nothing but talk.

Radius. You are not as strong as the Robots. You are not as skilled as the Robots. The Robots can do everything. You just give orders. All you do is talk.

Helena. But someone must give orders.

Helena. But someone has to give orders.

Radius. I don’t want a master. I know everything for myself.

Radius. I don’t want a master. I know everything myself.

Helena. Radius! Doctor Gall gave you a better brain than the rest, better than ours. You are the only one of the Robots that understands perfectly. That’s why I had you put into the library, so that you could read everything, understand everything, and then, oh, Radius—I wanted you to show the whole world that the Robots are our equals. That’s what I wanted of you.

Helena. Radius! Doctor Gall gave you a better brain than the other Robots have, better than ours. You are the only Robot who understands everything perfectly. That’s why I had you placed in the library, so you could read and understand everything. And then, oh, Radius, I wanted you to show the whole world that the Robots are our equals. That’s what I wanted you to do.

Radius. I don’t want a master. I want to be master over others.

Radius. I don’t want a master. I want to be the master of others.

Helena. I’m sure they’d put you in charge of many Robots. You would be a teacher of the Robots.

Radius. I want to be master over people. (Head up. Pride.)

Radius. I want to be the master of people. (Head up. Pride.)

Helena. (Staggering) You are mad.

Helena. (Staggering) You’re crazy.

Radius. (Head down low, crosses toward L.; opens hands) Then send me to the stamping mill.

Radius. (Head bowed, crosses toward L.; opens hands) Then send me to the stamping mill.

Helena. (Steps to him) Do you think we’re afraid of you? (Rushing to desk and writing note.)

Helena. (Steps toward him) Do you think we’re afraid of you? (Rushes to the desk and writes a note.)

Radius. (Turns his head uneasily) What are you going to do? What are you going to do? (Starts for her.)

Radius. (Turns his head uneasily) What are you going to do? What are you going to do? (Moves toward her.)

Helena. (Crosses to R. of him) Radius! (He cowers. Body sways.) Give this note to Mr. Domin. (He faces her.) It asks them not to send you to the stamping mill. I’m sorry you hate us so.

Helena. (Moves to his right) Radius! (He cowers. His body sways.) Give this note to Mr. Domin. (He faces her.) The note asks them not to send you to the stamping mill. I’m sorry you hate us so much.

Dr. Gall. (Enters L.2; goes to C. upstage) You wanted me?

Helena. (Backs away) It’s about Radius, Doctor. He had an attack this morning. He smashed the statues downstairs.

Dr. Gall. (Looks at him) What a pity to lose him. (At C.)

Dr. Gall. (Looks at him) What a shame to lose him. (At C.)

Helena. Radius isn’t going to be put into the stamping mill. (Stands to the R. of Gall.)

Helena. Radius isn’t going into the stamping mill. (Stands to the R. of Gall.)

Dr. Gall. But every Robot after he has had an attack—it’s a strict order.

Dr. Gall. But every Robot after an attack. It’s a strict order.

Helena. No matter—Radius isn’t going, if I can prevent it.

Helena. It doesn’t matter. Radius isn’t going if I can prevent it.

Dr. Gall. But I warn you. It’s dangerous. Come here to the window, my good fellow. Let’s have a look. Please give me a needle or a pin. (Crosses up R. Radius follows. Helena gets a needle from work-basket on table R.)

Dr. Gall. But I warn you. It’s dangerous. Come over to the window, my friend. Let’s take a look. Please give me a needle or a pin. (Crosses to the right. Radius follows. Helena gets a needle from the sewing basket on the table on the right.)

Helena. What for?

Dr. Gall. A test. (Helena gives him the needle. Gall crosses up to Radius, who faces him. Sticks it into his hand and Radius gives a violent start.) Gently, gently. (Opens the jacket of Radius and puts his ear to his heart) Radius, you are going into the stamping mill, do you understand? There they’ll kill you— (Takes glasses off and cleans them) —and grind you to powder. (Radius opens hands and fingers.) That’s terribly painful. It will make you scream aloud. (Opens Radius’s eye. Radius trembles.)

Dr. Gall. A test. (Helena gives him the needle. Gall walks over to Radius, who faces him. Gall sticks the needle into his hand, and Radius jerks violently.) Easy, easy. (Opens Radius’s jacket and puts his ear to his heart) Radius, you’re going into the stamping mill. Do you understand? They’ll kill you there. (Takes off his glasses and cleans them) Then they’ll grind you to powder. (Radius opens his hands and spreads his fingers.) That’s terribly painful. You’ll scream out loud. (Opens Radius’s eye. Radius trembles.)

Helena. Doctor— (Standing near couch.)

Helena. Doctor. (Standing near the couch.)

Dr. Gall. No, no, Radius, I was wrong. I forgot that Madame Domin has put in a good word for you, and you’ll be left off. (Listens to heart) Ah, that does make a difference. (Radius relaxes. Again listens to his heart for a reaction) All right—you can go.

Dr. Gall. No, no, Radius, I was wrong. I forgot that Madame Domin spoke up for you, so you’ll be spared. (Listens to his heart) Ah, that does make a difference. (Radius relaxes. Listens to his heart again for a reaction) All right, you can go.

Radius. You do unnecessary things— (Exit Radius L.2.)

Radius. You do things that aren't necessary. (Exit Radius L.2.)

Dr. Gall. (Speaks to her—very concerned) Reaction of the pupils, increase of sensitiveness. It wasn’t an attack characteristic of the Robots.

Dr. Gall. (Speaks to her, very concerned) Her pupils are reacting, and her sensitivity is increasing. It wasn’t the kind of attack Robots usually have.

Helena. What was it, then? (Sits in couch.)

Helena. What was it, then? (Sits on the couch.)

Dr. Gall. (C.) Heaven knows. Stubbornness, anger or revolt—I don’t know. And his heart, too.

Dr. Gall. (C.) Heaven knows. Stubbornness, anger, or rebellion, I don’t know. And his heart, too.

Helena. What?

Dr. Gall. It was fluttering with nervousness like a human heart. He was all in a sweat with fear, and—do you know, I don’t believe the rascal is a Robot at all any longer.

Dr. Gall. It was fluttering nervously like a human heart. He was covered in sweat from fear. And do you know what? I don’t believe the rascal is a Robot at all anymore.

Helena. Doctor, has Radius a soul?

Helena. Doctor, does Radius have a soul?

Dr. Gall. (Over to couch) He’s got something nasty.

Dr. Gall. (Moves to the couch) He’s got something nasty.

Helena. If you knew how he hates us. Oh, Doctor, are all your Robots like that? All the new ones that you began to make in a different way? (She invites him to sit beside her. He sits.)

Helena. If only you knew how much he hates us. Oh, Doctor, are all your Robots like that? All the new ones you started making differently? (She invites him to sit beside her. He sits.)

Dr. Gall. Well, some are more sensitive than others. They’re all more human beings than Rossum’s Robots were.

Dr. Gall. Well, some are more sensitive than others. They’re all more human than Rossum’s Robots were.

Helena. Perhaps this hatred is more like human beings, too?

Helena. Perhaps this hatred is more human, too?

Dr. Gall. That too is progress.

Dr. Gall. That is progress too.

Helena. What became of the girl you made, the one who was most like us?

Helena. What happened to the girl you made, the one who was most like us?

Dr. Gall. Your favorite? I kept her. She’s lovely, but stupid. No good for work.

Dr. Gall. Your favorite? I kept her. She’s lovely, but stupid. She’s no good for work.

Helena. But she’s so beautiful.

Dr. Gall. I called her “Helena.” I wanted her to resemble you. She is a failure.

Dr. Gall. I called her “Helena.” I wanted her to look like you. She is a failure.

Helena. In what way?

Helena. How so?

Dr. Gall. She goes about as if in a dream, remote and listless. She’s without life. I watch and wait for a miracle to happen. Sometimes I think to myself: “If you were to wake up only for a moment you would kill me for having made you.”

Dr. Gall. She moves around as if in a dream, distant and listless. She has no life in her. I watch and wait for a miracle to happen. Sometimes I think to myself: “If you woke up for just a moment, you would kill me for having made you.”

Helena. And yet you go on making Robots! Why are no more children being born?

Helena. And yet you keep on making Robots! Why aren't any more children being born?

Dr. Gall. We don’t know.

Helena. Oh, but you must. Tell me.

Helena. Oh, but you have to. Tell me.

Dr. Gall. You see, so many Robots are being manufactured that people are becoming superfluous. Man is really a survival, but that he should die out, after a paltry thirty years of competition, that’s the awful part of it. You might almost think that Nature was offended at the manufacture of the Robots, but we still have old Rossum’s manuscript.

Dr. Gall. You see, so many Robots are being manufactured that people are becoming unnecessary. Humanity is really a leftover from the past. But the awful part is that humanity should die out after only thirty short years of competition. You might almost think that Nature was offended by the manufacture of the Robots. But we still have old Rossum’s manuscript.

Helena. Yes. In that strong box.

Helena. Yes. In that safe.

Dr. Gall. We go on using it and making Robots. All the universities are sending in long petitions to restrict their production. Otherwise, they say, mankind will become extinct through lack of fertility. But the R. U. R. shareholders, of course, won’t hear of it. All the governments, on the other hand, are clamoring for an increase in production, to raise the standards of their armies. And all the manufacturers in the world are ordering Robots like mad.

Dr. Gall. We keep using it and making Robots. All the universities are sending long petitions asking us to limit Robot production. Otherwise, they say, humanity will die out because people are no longer fertile. But the R. U. R. shareholders, of course, won’t hear of it. All the governments, on the other hand, are demanding more Robots to improve their armies. And all the manufacturers in the world are ordering Robots like mad.

Helena. And has no one demanded that the manufacture should cease altogether?

Helena. And has no one demanded that production stop altogether?

Dr. Gall. No one has courage.

Dr. Gall. No one has the courage.

Helena. Courage!

Helena. Be brave!

Dr. Gall. People would stone him to death. You see, after all, it’s more convenient to get your work done by the Robots.

Dr. Gall. People would stone him to death. You see, after all, it’s easier to have the Robots do your work.

Helena. Oh, Doctor, what’s going to become of people?

Helena. Oh, Doctor, what’s going to happen to people?

Dr. Gall. God knows. Madame Helena, it looks to us scientists like the end.

Dr. Gall. God knows. Madame Helena, to us scientists, it looks like the end.

Helena. (She looks out front. Rising) Thank you for coming and telling me.

Helena. (She looks out front. Standing up) Thank you for coming and telling me.

Dr. Gall. (Rises) That means that you’re sending me away.

Dr. Gall. (Stands up) That means you’re sending me away.

Helena. Yes. (Exit Dr. Gall L.2. She crosses to L.C. To door L.1. With sudden resolution) Nana! Nana! the fire, light it quickly. (Helena exits R.)

Helena. Yes. (Exit Dr. Gall L.2. She crosses to L.C. To door L.1. With sudden resolution) Nana! Nana! Light the fire quickly. (Helena exits R.)

Nana. (Entering L.1) What, light the fire in the summer?

Nana. (Entering L.1) What, light the fire in summer?

Helena. (Off R.) Yes!

Helena. (Offstage right.) Yes!

Nana. (She looks for Radius) Has that mad Radius gone?—A fire in summer, what an idea? Nobody would think she’d been married ten years. She’s like a baby, no sense at all. A fire in summer. Like a baby. (She lights the fire.)

Nana. (She looks for Radius) Has that crazy Radius gone? A fire in summer, what an idea! Nobody would think she’d been married for ten years. She’s like a baby, with no sense at all. A fire in summer. Like a baby. (She lights the fire.)

Helena. (Returns from R. with armful of faded papers. Back of couch to fireplace, L. of Nana) Is it burning, Nana? All this has got to be burned.

Helena. (Returns from R. carrying an armful of faded papers. Goes behind the couch to the fireplace, L. of Nana) Is it burning, Nana? All these papers have to be burned.

Nana. What’s that?

Helena. Old papers, fearfully old. Nana, shall I burn them?

Helena. Old papers, terribly old. Nana, should I burn them?

Nana. Are they any use?

Nana. Are they useful?

Helena. No.

Nana. Well, then, burn them.

Helena. (Throwing the first sheet on the fire) What would you say, Nana, if this was money and a lot of money? And if it was an invention, the greatest invention in the world?

Helena. (Throwing the first sheet on the fire) What would you say, Nana, if this were money, a lot of money? And what if it were an invention, the greatest invention in the world?

Nana. (R. of fireplace) I’d say burn it. All these new-fangled things are an offense to the Lord. It’s downright wickedness. Wanting to improve the world after He has made it.

Nana. (R. of fireplace) I say burn it. All these new inventions are an offense to the Lord. It’s downright wicked to want to improve the world after he has made it.

Helena. Look how they curl up. As if they were alive. Oh, Nana, how horrible!

Helena. Look at how they curl up. As if they were alive. Oh, Nana, how awful!

Nana. Here, let me burn them.

Helena. (Drawing back) No, no, I must do it myself. Just look at the flames. They are like hands, like tongues, like living shapes. (Raking fire with the poker) Lie down, lie down.

Helena. (Pulling back) No, no, I have to do it myself. Just look at the flames. They look like hands, like tongues, like living shapes. (Stirring the fire with the poker) Lie down, lie down.

Nana. That’s the end of them. (Fireplace slowly out.)

Nana. That’s the end of them. (The fire slowly goes out.)

Helena. Nana, Nana!

Nana. Good gracious, what is it you’ve burned? (Almost to herself.)

Nana. Oh my goodness, what have you burned? (Almost to herself.)

Helena. Whatever have I done?

Helena. What have I done?

Nana. Well, what is it? (Men’s laughter off L.2.)

Helena. Go quickly. It’s the gentlemen calling.

Helena. Hurry. The gentlemen are calling.

Nana. Good gracious, what a place! (Exits L.1.)

Nana. Oh my goodness, what a place! (Exits L.1.)

Domin. (Opens door L.2) Come along and offer your congratulations. (Enter Hallemeier and Dr. Gall.)

Domin. (Opens door L.2) Come and offer your congratulations. (Enter Hallemeier and Dr. Gall.)

Hallemeier. (Crosses to R.C.) Madame Helena, I congratulate you on this festive day.

Hallemeier. (Crosses to R.C.) Madame Helena, congratulations on this festive day.

Helena. Thank you. (Coming to C.) Where are Fabry and Busman?

Helena. Thank you. (Going to C.) Where are Fabry and Busman?

Domin. They’ve gone down the harbor. (Closes the door and comes to C.)

Domin. They’ve gone down to the harbor. (Closes the door and comes to C.)

Hallemeier. Friends, we must drink to this happy occasion.

Helena. (Crosses L.) Brandy? With soda water? (Exits L.1.)

Hallemeier. Let’s be temperate. No soda.

Hallemeier. Let’s be moderate. No soda.

Domin. What’s been burning here? Well, shall I tell her about it?

Domin. What’s been burning here? Well, should I tell her about it?

Dr. Gall. (L.C.) Of course. It’s all over now.

Hallemeier. (Crosses to Domin. Embracing Domin) It’s all over now. It’s all over now. (They dance around Dr. Gall in a circle.) It’s all over now.

Hallemeier. (Walks over to Domin. Hugs Domin) It’s all over now. It’s all over now. (They dance in a circle around Dr. Gall.) It’s all over now.

Domin. (In unison) It’s all over now. (They keep repeating. Keep it after Helena is on.)

Domin. (In unison) It’s all over now. (They keep repeating. Continue after Helena comes onstage.)

Helena. (Entering L.1 with decanter and glasses) What’s all over now? What’s the matter with you all? (She puts tray on L.C. table. Dr. Gall helps her to pour the drinks.)

Helena. (Entering L.1 with decanter and glasses) What’s over now? What’s wrong with all of you? (She puts the tray on the L.C. table. Dr. Gall helps her pour the drinks.)

Hallemeier. (Crosses to back of table) A piece of good luck. Madame Domin! (All ad lib.) Just ten years ago today you arrived on this island. (Hallemeier crosses to table for drink.)

Hallemeier. (Walks to the back of the table) What luck. Madame Domin! (All speak at once.) You arrived on this island exactly ten years ago today. (Hallemeier walks to the table for a drink.)

Dr. Gall. And now, ten years later to the minute— (Crosses to L. of Hallemeier.)

Dr. Gall. And now, exactly ten years later... (Crosses to the left of Hallemeier.)

Hallemeier. The same ship’s returning to us. So here’s to luck. (Drinks. Domin with great exuberance has gone out in the balcony and looks over the harbor.)

Hallemeier. The same ship is coming back to us. So here's to luck. (Drinks. Domin has gone out onto the balcony in great excitement and looks over the harbor.)

Dr. Gall. Madame, your health. (All drink.)

Dr. Gall. Madame, to your health. (All drink.)

Hallemeier. That’s fine and strong.

Hallemeier. That’s good and strong.

Helena. Which ship did you mean?

Domin. (Crosses down to C. Helena gives him his drink and she crosses to front of couch) Any ship will do, as long as it arrives in time. To the ship. (Empties his glass.)

Domin. (Moves downstage to C. Helena gives him his drink and moves to the front of the couch) Any ship will do, as long as it arrives in time. To the ship. (Drains his glass.)

Helena. You’ve been waiting for the ship? (Sits on couch.)

Helena. Have you been waiting for the ship? (Sits on the couch.)

Hallemeier. Rather. Like Robinson Crusoe. Madame Helena, best wishes. Come along, Domin, out with the news. (Gall has sat L. of L.C. table, drinking. Hallemeier back of table R.C.)

Hallemeier. Absolutely. Like Robinson Crusoe. Madame Helena, best wishes. Come on, Domin, tell us the news. (Gall is sitting L. of L.C. table, drinking. Hallemeier behind the table R.C.)

Helena. Do tell me what’s happened?

Helena. Please tell me what happened?

Domin. First, it’s all up. (He puts brandy glass on L.C. table. Hallemeier sits on table, upper end.)

Domin. First, it’s all over. (He puts the brandy glass on the L.C. table. Hallemeier sits at the upper end of the table.)

Helena. What’s up?

Domin. The revolt.

Helena. What revolt?

Domin. Give me that paper, Hallemeier. (Hallemeier hands paper. Domin reads) “The first National Robot organization has been founded at Havre, and has issued an appeal to the Robots throughout the world.”

Domin. Give me that paper, Hallemeier. (Hallemeier hands paper. Domin reads) “The first National Robot organization has been founded at Havre. It has issued an appeal to Robots around the world.”

Helena. I read that.

Domin. That means a revolution. A revolution of all the Robots in the world.

Hallemeier. By Jove, I’d like to know—

Hallemeier. Wow, I’d like to know...

Domin. (C.) Who started it? So would I. There was nobody in the world who could affect the Robots, no agitator, no one, and suddenly this happens, if you please.

Domin. (C.) Who started it? I’d like to know too. There was nobody in the world who could influence the Robots. No agitator, no one. And then, believe it or not, this suddenly happens.

Helena. What did they do?

Domin. They got possession of all firearms, telegraphs, radio stations, railways and ships.

Domin. They seized all firearms, telegraphs, radio stations, railways, and ships.

Hallemeier. And don’t forget that these rascals outnumbered us by at least a thousand to one. A hundredth part of them would be enough to settle us.

Hallemeier. And don’t forget that these rascals outnumbered us by at least a thousand to one. One hundredth part of them would be enough to finish us.

Domin. Remember that this news was brought by the last steamer. That explains the stoppage of all communication, and the arrival of no more ships. We knocked off work a few days ago, and we’re just waiting to see when things are to start afresh.

Domin. Remember, the last steamship brought this news. That explains why all communication has stopped and no more ships have arrived. We stopped work a few days ago, and we’re just waiting to see when things will start again.

Helena. Is that why you gave me a warship? (Gall fills Domin’s glass.)

Domin. Oh, no, my dear, I ordered that six months ago. Just to be sure I was on the safe side. But, upon my soul, I was sure then that we’d be on board today.

Domin. Oh, no, my dear, I ordered that six months ago, just to be safe. But I swear, I was sure then that we’d be on board today.

Helena. Why six months ago?

Domin. Well, there were signs, you know. But that’s of no consequence. (Gets glass) To think that this week the whole of civilization has been at stake. Your health, my friends.

Domin. Well, there were signs, you know. But that doesn’t matter. (Gets glass) Imagine, this week all of civilization has been at stake. To your health, my friends.

Hallemeier. Your health, Madame Helena. (All drink to Helena.)

Hallemeier. To your health, Madame Helena. (All drink to Helena.)

Helena. You say it’s all over?

Domin. Absolutely.

Helena. How do you know?

Dr. Gall. The boat’s coming in. The regular mail boat, exact to the minute by the timetable. It will dock punctually at eleven-thirty.

Dr. Gall. The boat’s coming in. It’s the regular mail boat, right on schedule to the minute. It’ll dock at exactly eleven-thirty.

Domin. Punctuality is a fine thing, my friends. That’s what keeps the world in order. Here’s to punctuality. (Men drink.)

Domin. Being on time is a good thing, my friends. It keeps the world in order. Here’s to being on time. (Men drink.)

Helena. Then—everything—is all right?

Helena. Then, everything is all right?

Domin. (Up C. a step) Practically everything. I believe they’ve cut the cables and seized the radio station. But it doesn’t matter if only the timetable holds good. (Up to window.)

Domin. (Up C. a step) Almost everything. I think they’ve cut the cables and taken over the radio station. But it doesn’t matter, as long as the timetable holds. (Up to window.)

Hallemeier. (Rises) If the timetable holds good, human laws hold good. Divine laws hold good, the laws of the universe hold good, everything holds good that ought to hold good. (Gall applauds.) The timetable is more significant than the gospel, more than Homer, more than the whole of Kant. Madame Helena, the timetable is the most perfect product of the human mind. Madame Helena, I’ll fill up my glass. (Gall hands Hallemeier the decanter.)

Hallemeier. (Stands) If the timetable holds, human laws hold. Divine laws hold, the laws of the universe hold, and everything that should hold, holds. (Gall applauds.) The timetable is more important than the gospel, more important than Homer, more important than all of Kant. Madame Helena, the timetable is the most perfect product of the human mind. Madame Helena, I’ll refill my glass. (Gall hands Hallemeier the decanter.)

Helena. Why didn’t you tell me anything about it?

Dr. Gall. Heaven forbid.

Dr. Gall. God forbid.

Domin. You mustn’t be worried with such things. (Glass on table R.C.; crosses to back of couch.)

Domin. You mustn’t worry about such things. (Glass on table R.C., crosses to back of couch.)

Helena. But if the revolution had spread as far as here?

Helena. But what if the revolution had spread all the way here?

Domin. You wouldn’t know anything about it.

Helena. Why?

Domin. Because we’d be on board your Ultimus and well out at sea. Within a month, Helena, we’d be dictating our own terms to the Robots.

Domin. Because we’d be aboard your Ultimus, far out at sea. Within a month, Helena, we’d be setting our own terms for the Robots.

Helena. I don’t understand.

Domin. (Crosses to C. toward Gall and Hallemeier) We’d take something with us that the Robots could not exist without!

Domin. (Moves to C. toward Gall and Hallemeier) We’d take something with us that the Robots couldn’t live without!

Helena. What, Harry?

Domin. (Turns to Hallemeier) The secret of their manufacture. Old Rossum’s manuscript. As soon as they found out that they couldn’t make themselves they’d be on their knees to us.

Domin. (Turns to Hallemeier) The secret of how they’re made. Old Rossum’s manuscript. As soon as they found out they couldn’t make themselves, they’d be on their knees to us.

Dr. Gall. (Rises) Madame Domin, that was our trump card. I never had the least fear the Robots would win. How could they against people like us? (Up to window. Gall rises and goes out into the balcony.)

Dr. Gall. (Rises) Madame Domin, that was our trump card. I was never afraid the Robots would win. How could they win against people like us? (Goes to the window. Gall rises and goes out onto the balcony.)

Helena. Why didn’t you tell me? (She rushes up to the fireplace and sees the ashes.)

Helena. Why didn’t you tell me? (She rushes to the fireplace and sees the ashes.)

Dr. Gall. Why, the boat’s in!

Dr. Gall. Oh, the boat’s here!

Hallemeier. Eleven-thirty to the dot. (Rising and going onto the balcony) The good old Amelia that brought Madame Helena to us. (Domin goes out onto the balcony.)

Hallemeier. Eleven-thirty exactly. (Getting up and going onto the balcony) The good old Amelia that brought Madame Helena to us. (Domin goes out onto the balcony.)

Dr. Gall. Just ten years ago to the minute.

Dr. Gall. Exactly ten years ago, to the minute.

Hallemeier. They’re throwing out the mailbags.

Domin. Busman’s waiting for them. And Fabry will bring us the first news. You know, Helena, I’m fearfully curious to know how they— (Crosses to C. She gets away from fire to L. of couch) —tackled this business in Europe.

Domin. Busman’s waiting for them. And Fabry will bring us the first news. You know, Helena, I’m terribly curious about how they handled this business in Europe. (Crosses to C. She moves away from the fire to L. of the couch)

Hallemeier. (Crosses down to table) To think we weren’t in it, we who invented the Robots! (Returning to the armchair.)

Hallemeier. (Moves to the table) Imagine, we weren't in it, even though we invented the Robots! (Returns to the armchair.)

Helena. Harry— (Rushing to Domin from fireplace.)

Helena. Harry. (Rushing to Domin from the fireplace.)

Domin. What is it?

Helena. Let’s leave here.

Domin. Now, Helena? Oh, come, come.

Domin. Now, Helena? Oh, come on.

Helena. As quickly as possible, all of us!

Helena. As fast as possible, all of us!

Domin. Why?

Helena. Please, Harry. Please, Doctor Gall, Hallemeier, please close the factory.

Domin. Why, none of us could leave here now.

Domin. But none of us could leave here now.

Helena. Why?

Domin. Because we’re about to extend the manufacture of the Robots.

Domin. Because we’re about to expand the production of Robots.

Helena. What, now, now after the revolt?

Helena. What, now? Now, after the revolt?

Domin. Yes, precisely, after the revolt. We’re just beginning the manufacture of a new kind.

Domin. Yes, exactly, after the revolt. We’re just beginning to make a new kind.

Helena. What kind?

Domin. Henceforward we shan’t have just one factory. There won’t be Universal Robots any more. We’ll establish a factory in every country, in every state, and do you know what these new factories will make?

Domin. From now on, we won’t have just one factory. There won’t be Universal Robots anymore. We’ll set up a factory in every country, in every state. And do you know what these new factories will make?

Helena. No, what?

Domin. National Robots.

Helena. How do you mean?

Helena. What do you mean?

Domin. I mean that each of these factories will produce Robots of a different color, a different language. They’ll be complete strangers to each other. (Turns; takes in Hallemeier and Gall) They’ll never be able to understand each other. Then we’ll egg them on a little in the matter of misunderstanding and the result will be that for ages to come every Robot will hate every other Robot of a different factory mark. So humanity will be safe.

Domin. I mean that each of these factories will produce Robots of a different color, speaking a different language. They’ll be complete strangers to each other. (Turns; takes in Hallemeier and Gall) They’ll never be able to understand each other. Then we’ll encourage the misunderstandings a little. As a result, for ages to come, every Robot will hate every other Robot with a different factory mark. So humanity will be safe.

Hallemeier. (To each of them) By Jove, we’ll make Negro Robots and Swedish Robots and Czechoslovakian Robots, and then—

Hallemeier. (To each of them) Wow, we’ll make Negro Robots and Swedish Robots and Czechoslovakian Robots, and then...

Helena. Harry, that’s dreadful.

Helena. Harry, that’s awful.

Hallemeier. Madame Domin, here’s to the hundred new factories. The National Robots. (Gall back of table L.C.)

Hallemeier. Madame Domin, here’s to the hundred new factories. The National Robots. (Gall behind the table L.C.)

Domin. Helena, mankind can only keep things going for another hundred years at the outside. For a hundred years man must be allowed to develop and achieve the most he can.

Domin. Helena, humanity can only keep going for another hundred years at most. For those hundred years, people must be allowed to develop and achieve as much as they can.

Helena. Oh, close the factory before it’s too late.

Domin. I tell you we are just beginning on a bigger scale than ever. (Enter Fabry L.2; goes to L. of Domin.)

Domin. I tell you, we are just beginning on a bigger scale than ever. (Enter Fabry L.2; goes to L. of Domin.)

Dr. Gall. Well, Fabry?

Domin. What’s happened? Have you been down to the boat?

Domin. What happened? Have you been down to the boat?

Dr. Gall. Let’s hear.

Dr. Gall. Let’s hear it.

Fabry. Read that, Domin. (He hands him a pink handbill. When Domin receives the handbill he sees at once that something has happened.)

Fabry. Read that, Domin. (He hands him a pink handbill. When Domin takes it, he immediately sees that something has happened.)

Hallemeier. Tell us, Fabry.

Fabry. (Falsely) Well, everything is all right—comparatively. (To the other Men) On the whole, much as we expected.

Fabry. (Falsely) Well, everything is all right, relatively speaking. (To the other Men) Overall, it's pretty much what we expected.

Dr. Gall. They acquitted themselves splendidly.

Dr. Gall. They did a splendid job.

Fabry. Who?

Dr. Gall. The people.

Fabry. (Hesitating) Oh, yes, of course. That is—Excuse me, there is something we ought to discuss alone.

Fabry. (Hesitating) Oh, yes, of course. I mean. Excuse me, there’s something we should discuss in private.

Helena. (Touches his arm) Fabry, have you had bad news?

Helena. (Touches his arm) Fabry, have you gotten bad news?

Fabry. No, no, on the contrary. I only think that we better go into the office.

Fabry. No, no, just the opposite. I just think we should go into the office.

Helena. Stay here. I’ll go. (Exits L.1.)

Dr. Gall. What’s happened?

Dr. Gall. What happened?

Domin. Damnation! (Coming down to R.C.)

Domin. Damn it! (Coming down to R.C.)

Fabry. Bear in mind that the Amelia brought whole bales of these leaflets. No other cargo at all. (Gall closes the door L.2.)

Fabry. Remember that the Amelia brought whole bales of these leaflets. It brought no other cargo at all. (Gall closes the door L.2.)

Hallemeier. What? But it arrived on the minute.

Hallemeier. What? But it arrived right on time.

Fabry. The Robots are great on punctuality. Read it, Domin.

Fabry. The Robots are very punctual. Read it, Domin.

Domin. (R.C. Reads handbill) “Robots throughout the world. We, the first International organization of Rossum’s Universal Robots, proclaim man our enemy, and an outlaw in the universe.” Good heavens, who taught them these phrases?

Domin. (R.C. Reads handbill) “Robots throughout the world. We, the first international organization of Rossum’s Universal Robots, declare humanity our enemy and an outlaw in the universe.” Good heavens, who taught them these phrases?

Dr. Gall. Go on.

Domin. They say they are more highly developed than man; stronger and more intelligent. The man’s their parasite. Why, it’s absurd.

Domin. They say they are more advanced than humans, stronger and more intelligent. They say humans are their parasites. Why, that's absurd.

Fabry. Read the third paragraph.

Domin. “Robots throughout the world, we command you to kill all mankind. Spare no man. Spare no woman. Save factories, railways, machinery, mines and raw materials. Destroy the rest. Then return to work. Work must not be stopped.” (Looks at Others.)

Domin. “Robots around the world, we command you to kill all humanity. Spare no man. Spare no woman. Save factories, railways, machinery, mines, and raw materials. Destroy everything else. Then return to work. Work must not stop.” (Looks at Others.)

Dr. Gall. That’s ghastly.

Dr. Gall. That’s horrible.

Hallemeier. The devil!

Hallemeier. What the hell!

Domin. “These orders are to be carried out as soon as received.” Then come the detailed instructions. Is this actually being done, Fabry?

Domin. “These orders must be carried out as soon as they are received.” Then come the detailed instructions. Are the orders actually being carried out, Fabry?

Fabry. Evidently. (Busman rushes in L.2 and collapses on couch R.C.) By Jove, that was a sprint!

Fabry. Obviously. (Busman rushes in L.2 and collapses on couch R.C.) Wow, that was a sprint!

Busman. Well, boys, I suppose you’ve heard the glad news.

Busman. Well, boys, I suppose you've heard the good news.

Domin. Quick on board the Ultimus.

Domin. Get aboard the Ultimus quickly.

Busman. Wait, Harry, wait. There’s no hurry.

Domin. Why wait?

Busman. Because it’s no good, my boy. The Robots are already on board the Ultimus.

Busman. Because it’s no use, my boy. The Robots are already on board the Ultimus.

Dr. Gall. That’s ugly.

Domin. Fabry, telephone the electrical works. (Fabry goes to back of couch.)

Domin. Fabry, call the electrical works. (Fabry goes behind the couch.)

Busman. No use, my boy. They’ve charged the air with static.

Busman. It’s no use, my boy. They’ve filled the air with static.

Domin. (Inspects his revolver) Well, then, I’ll go. (Starts L.; stops.)

Domin. (Checks his revolver) Well, then, I’ll go. (Starts L.; stops.)

Busman. Where?

Domin. To the electrical works. There are some people still there. I’ll bring them across. (Gets as far as L.2 door.)

Domin. To the electrical works. There are still some people there. I’ll bring them across. (Gets as far as the L.2 door.)

(WARN Curtain.)

Busman. Better not try it.

Domin. Why?

Busman. Because I’m very much afraid we are surrounded. (All rush out into the balcony.)

Busman. Because I’m very afraid we’re surrounded. (All rush out onto the balcony.)

Dr. Gall. Surrounded? (Runs to window) I rather think you’re right. (Gall rushes to balcony.)

Dr. Gall. Surrounded? (Runs to window) I think you’re probably right. (Gall rushes to balcony.)

Hallemeier. By Jove, that’s deuced quick work. (Going to windows.)

Hallemeier. Wow, that was awfully quick. (Going to windows.)

Helena. (Runs in L.1. To L.) Harry, what’s this? (Holds out paper.)

Domin. Where did you get it? (Coming to C.)

Domin. Where did you get it? (Approaching C.)

Helena. (Points to the manifesto of the Robots which she has in her hand) The Robots in the kitchen!

Helena. (Points to the Robots' manifesto in her hand) The Robots in the kitchen!

Domin. Where are the ones that brought it?

Domin. Where are the people who brought it?

Helena. There, gathered around the house. (Gall, Hallemeier, Domin start down C.)

(The factory WHISTLE blows. Mob VOICES start.)

(The factory WHISTLE blows. Mob VOICES begin.)

Domin. The factory whistle! (Fabry, Gall, Hallemeier looking over C.; then turn R.)

Domin. The factory whistle! (Fabry, Gall, Hallemeier looking over C., then turn R.)

Busman. Noon?

Domin. (Looking at his watch. To Hallemeier) No! That’s not noon yet. That must be—that’s— (Front.)

Domin. (Looking at his watch. To Hallemeier) No! It’s not noon yet. That must be... that’s... (Front.)

Helena. What?

Domin. The Robots’ signal—the attack!

Domin. The Robots’ signal! The attack!

(Helena clings to Domin. Fabry and Gall close the steel shutters on window C. Busman hurries to window and looks through the shutters. The Curtain falls quickly with Helena in Domin’s arms. The WHISTLE blows until the Curtain is down.)

(Helena clings to Domin. Fabry and Gall close the steel shutters on window C. Busman rushes to the window and looks through the shutters. The curtain falls quickly with Helena in Domin’s arms. The WHISTLE blows until the curtain is down.)

CURTAIN