The White Plague [Volume: 7(1988), pp. 431-504]

490 KAREL CAPEK
MARSHAL
To wage this war. In the name of the Nation...
GALEN... whose sons will die in battle...
MARSHAL.. whose sons will die for it. In the name of the Nation...
GALEN... whose mothers and fathers will die of the white plague...
MARSHAL
It's a miracle I haven't had you locked up yet.
GALEN (standing)
As you wish, Your Excellency...
MARSHAL
No, you will cure the Baron first.
GALEN
You may send him to me as soon as he carries out my condition.
MARSHAL
If that's the case... (Goes over to his desk. At that moment the phone
rings. The MARSHAL picks up the receiver.) Yes, speaking... What?...
Yes, I'm still here... He's... When did it take place?... I see. Thank
you. (Hangs up. In a hoarse voice.) You may go. The issue is settled. Five
minutes ago the Baron blew his brains out.
ACT THREE-THE MARSHAL
SCENE ONE
(The Marshal's office.)
MARSHAL
Well, a general outline will do...
MINISTER OF INFORMATION
There is a new tide of anti-war agitation, especially in the British press-the
English have always been fastidious about their health-and the government
has been receiving petitions with millions of signatures.
MARSHAL
Nothing like agitation to slow down armament production.