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Scene 5

In this scene Bob is showing some of the fruits of his success His clothing is richer, though not as rich as in the next scene He has now grown the Semple moustache and is wearing horn rimmed spectacles. He has a small cigarette holder at the beginnong of the scene. The stage is bare except for a small table and chair in the middle at which Bob is seated facing the audience. Drawing depicting justice with black patch on one eye. Black curtains are the sols drapings. At the middle back is a large mirror.

The curtain rises and Bob is discovered seated at his table. At either corner of the stage four or five assorted types are seated on the floor writing on wooden scrolls. At either side of the table two slaves, Montague Normun and Leslie the Foe, kneel, their heads touching the ground. Everyone is obviously afraid. The people in the corners of the stage are writing feverishly.

Bob:

And know ye all that my strength is the strength of stones and my flesh is of brass. I will wipe out the over-oiled charioteer and cast the road-hog into the wilderness.

(Reporters cease writing.)

A Reporter:

But what, O Bob of the strike in the factory of Phasteners of Ziph?

Bob:

Hear diligently my speech, when I say unto you that that strike must not be mentioned. Mark ye and lay your hands upon your mouths. And now haste away. Remember publish my words in great and many tablets throughout the land.

(Exit reporters at the double. [unclear: The] two slaves stand up)

Bob:

Montague Normun! Bring in the Stalinites.

(Exit Normun running backwards)

Foe, haste ye and tell the army to slaughter all the Bankers of Grab. Their wealth shall be mine?

(Exit the foe, similarly out of other exit. Enter from other side two unkempt individuals the Stalinites)

Stalinites:

(In unison with the clenched fist salute)

Vive la Front Populaire! Greetings, Comrade.

Bob:

(Rising and losing his tamper)

Comrade be damned. Bloody agitators. This is no place for you. The Kingdom Uz is a free state and there's no room in it for agitators and revolutionists. Yes indeed, 'tis a fine land for honest men...

First Stalinite:

But you were a......

Bob:

(To Normun at Entrance) Chuch 'em out

(Norman chucks them out, enter the Foe from other side of stage)

Foe:

O stout hearted Bob! The herdsmen in the valleys are stirred up against thee.

Bob:

What manner of man dares so to do?

page break Foe:

'Tis a women. She waiteth without. Her name is Jessie Dirk. She claims to know thee.

Bob:

(Start of horror then calm)

Jessie Dirk? I know her not.

(Jessie Dirk shrieks off stage)

Foe:

[unclear: Heardest] thou a [unclear: scream without??]

Bob:

Its the past, what's done can't be undone!!

(Enter messenger dirty, dishevelled and running)

Messenger:

Viva (gives Fascist salute to Bob) Joseph and Noash have fled into a far country. They call it Britannia. Thou art supreme.

Bob:

What of the Huttites and the Nobles?

Messenger:

Slaughtered, O Scourge of men.

Bob:

(Taking a pair of large running shoes from the table) And so are they all who dare to defy me. Go forth and give these to the teachers and the learned. (Gives messenger shoes) Tell 'em there's no room for thought and progress (sneers) in my land.

(Exit messenger)

Bob:

Hearken, Normun [unclear: andeslie] the Foe. You are all my slaves now..... [unclear: rvone] is.... There is no more joyous living.... more beer....no more wine.. at least not for my people Everything obevs me.. Doesn't it?

Normun and the Foe:

Yes master.

Bob:

Go forth then...scroungers...assemble the builders and erect me a palace on a 'igh place...Go, with all speed.....

(They beat it)

Bob is now alone on the stage, He takes up a tremendous cigarette holder, He poises himself in front of the mirror. He lights a cigarette in the large holder. He steps back, he looks sideways. He strides an attitude - pushing his chest out and smiling boastfully and evilly.)

Bob:

(slowly) Fellow workers!!!!

A Voice:

Time marches on.

Curtain.

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