_Chief Engineer._ (_To 2nd_ ENGINEER) The First and Second Divisions will attack frontally. The Fourth will envelope the Pine Wood, and break into the Ant Heap of the Yellows. Women and children to be slaughtered--Third Division in reserve--no quarter!
May God assist us in this. Soldiers, 'shun! Right turn--quick march!
One, two! War forced upon us--one, two, one, two! In the name of Justice! No quarter! For your hearths and homes! One, two, one, two! We are only defending ourselves. War on the world. For a Greater Home Country. One, two--a ruthless enemy. Will of the Nation! To battle--strike hard. Historical claims. Brilliant spirit of the Army. One, two, one, two!
Good luck, soldiers, I shall be behind you--Well done the fifth! The conquerors of the Pine Trees. A mighty epoch, to victory--conquer the world, magnificent daring--one, two! Well done, Seventh! Beat them, soldiers, the Yellow are cowards. Hack your way through, burn, destroy, heroes!
_Messenger._ The Yellows have invaded the stretch of country between the roots of the Pine Tree and the Stone----
_Chief Engineer._ Entirely according to plan. Faster, soldiers, one, two, War forced on us for honour and glory, needs of the State, no conception of Justice; soldiers show your bravery, victory is ours, greatest moment in history. Quick march, quick march, quick march!
The battle is beginning. Up with the reserves.
_Blind Ant._ Blank, two, three, four--blank--
_Chrysalis._ Wild voices of the world, be dumb! Your woes are at an end. I come!
_Chief Engineer._ Reserves stand to! (_To 2nd_ ENGINEER) Issue a report.
_2nd Engineer._ (_In a loud voice_) The battle has begun at last, under favourable weather conditions. Our heroic men are fighting in magnificent spirits.
_Chief Engineer._ Right turn, quick march!--one, two, one, two--faster boys!
_Messenger._ Our right wing is retreating. The Fifth Regiment is completely destroyed.
_Chief Engineer._ According to plan. Sixth Regiment replace them.
_Tramp._ Ho, yuss!... There was other reports that began 'The Regiment was butchered--accordin' to plan!' And after 'is battle, 'e'll go round and scan The corpses, all 'eaped up--'accordin' to plan'.
_Enter_ STRETCHER-BEARERS _with wounded_.