.

The Professor's Son--I didn't know you were a pianist.

The Pawnbroker's Son--Yes--ever since I was a boy--I have had no other
interest. My father tried to make me go into his shop but I couldn't
stand it. He got angry and refused to support me; I had a hard time
until I won a scholarship at a New York musical college. Just before the
war I had a chance to play the Schumann concerto with the Philharmonic;
the critics all said that in another year I would be--but fellows--you
must think me frightfully conceited to talk so, and besides what matters
my musical career in comparison with the sacrifice which everyone is
making?

The Streetcleaner's Son--And gladly making, too, for it is easy to give
up all, as did Joan of Arc, for France. Attention, men! here comes one
of our officers.

The three stand at attention.

Enter the Lieutenant.

The Lieutenant--Well, men, do you feel ready?

The Three--More than ready, sir--eager.

The Lieutenant--Brave men! (To the Professor's Son) Come here a minute,
Keating. I have something to ask you before we go over the top.

The Professor's Son and the Lieutenant go to one side.

The Lieutenant--(To the other two in a kindly manner)--At ease!

The Streetcleaner's Son--Thank you, sir.

They relax from their rigid posture of "attention".

The Lieutenant--(To the Professor's Son)--Keating, when we "go over",
we--may--never come back, you know. And I want to ask a favor of you.
I am engaged--to a girl back home--here is her picture (he draws a
photograph from his inner breast pocket and shows it to the Professor's
Son.)

The Professor's Son--She is beautiful, Sir.

The Lieutenant--(Putting the photograph back in his pocket)--Yes very
beautiful. And (dropping his eyes)--I love her. If--if I should "go
west" I want you to write her and tell her that my last thoughts were of
my country and--her. We are to be married--after the war--if (suddenly
clearing his throat). Her name is Ellen Radcliff--here, I'll write the
address down for you.

He does so, and hands the slip of paper to the Professor's Son, who
discreetly turns away.

The Lieutenant--(Brusquely)--That's all, Keating.

A bugle sounds.

The Lieutenant--Attention men! At the next bugle call you go over the
top--remember that you are Americans and that Americans know how to
fight and die in the cause of liberty and for the freedom of the world.
The Three Soldiers--We are ready to make the supreme sacrifice if need