Man and Superman, George Bernard Shaw [hardest books to read txt] 📗

Devil Oh, it was not about music. Wagner once drifted into life force worship, and invented a Superman called Siegfried. But he came to his senses afterwards. So when they met here, Nietzsche denounced him as a renegade; and Wagner wrote a pamphlet to prove that Nietzsche was a Jew; and it ended in Nietzsche’s going to Heaven in a huff. And a good riddance too. And now, my friend, let us hasten to my palace and celebrate your arrival with a grand musical service. The Statue With pleasure: you’re most kind. The Devil This way, Commander. We go down the old trap. He places himself on the grave trap. The Statue Good. Reflectively. All the same, the Superman is a fine conception. There is something statuesque about it. He places himself on the grave trap beside The Devil. It begins to descend slowly. Red glow from the abyss. Ah, this reminds me of old times. The Devil And me also. Ana Stop! The trap stops. The Devil You, Señora, cannot come this way. You will have an apotheosis. But you will be at the palace before us. Ana That is not what I stopped you for. Tell me where can I find the Superman? The Devil He is not yet created, Señora. The Statue And never will be, probably. Let us proceed: the red fire will make me sneeze. They descend. Ana Not yet created! Then my work is not yet done. Crossing herself devoutly. I believe in the life to come. Crying to the universe. A father⁠—a father for the Superman! She vanishes into the void; and again there is nothing: all existence seems suspended infinitely. Then, vaguely, there is a live human voice crying somewhere. One sees, with a shock, a mountain peak showing faintly against a lighter background. The sky has returned from afar; and we suddenly remember where we were. The cry becomes distinct and urgent: it says Automobile, Automobile. The complete reality comes back with a rush: in a moment it is full morning in the Sierra; and the brigands are scrambling to their feet and making for the road as the goatherd runs down from the hill, warning them of the approach of another motor. Tanner and Mendoza rise amazedly and stare at one another with scattered wits. Straker sits up to yawn for a moment before he gets on his feet, making it a point of honor not to show any undue interest in the excitement of the bandits. Mendoza gives a quick look to see that his followers are attending to the alarm; then exchanges a private word with Tanner. Mendoza Did you dream? Tanner Damnably. Did you? Mendoza Yes. I forget what. You were in it. Tanner So were you. Amazing. Mendoza I warned you. A shot is heard from the road. Dolts! They will play with that gun. The brigands come running back scared. Who fired that shot? To Duval. Was it you? Duval Breathless. I have not shoot. Dey shoot first. Anarchist I told you to begin by abolishing the State. Now we are all lost. The Rowdy Social-Democrat Stampeding across the amphitheatre. Run, everybody. Mendoza Collaring him; throwing him on his back; and drawing a knife. I stab the man who stirs. He blocks the way. The stampede is checked. What has happened? The Sulky Social-Democrat A motor⁠— The Anarchist Three men⁠— Duval Deux femmes⁠— Mendoza Three men and two women! Why have you not brought them here? Are you afraid of them? The Rowdy One Getting up. Thyve a hescort. Ow, de-ooh lut’s ook it, Mendowza. The Sulky One Two armored cars full o soldiers at the end o the valley. Anarchist The shot was fired in the air. It was a signal. Straker whistles his favorite air, which falls on the ears of the brigands like a funeral march. Tanner It is not an escort, but an expedition to capture you. We were advised to wait for it; but I was in a hurry. The Rowdy One In an agony of apprehension. And Ow my good Lord, ere we are, wytin for em! Lut’s tike to the mahntns. Mendoza Idiot, what do you know about the mountains? Are you a Spaniard? You would be given up by the first shepherd you met. Besides, we are already within range of their rifles. The Rowdy One Bat⁠— Mendoza Silence. Leave this to me. To Tanner. Comrade: you will not betray us. Straker Oo are you callin comrade? Mendoza Last night the advantage was with me. The robber of the poor was at the mercy of the robber of the rich. You offered your hand: I took it. Tanner I bring no charge against you, comrade. We have spent a pleasant evening with you: that is all. Straker I gev my and to nobody, see? Mendoza Turning on him impressively. Young man, if I am tried, I shall plead guilty, and explain what drove me from England, home and duty. Do you wish to have the respectable name of Straker dragged through the mud of a Spanish criminal court? The police will search me. They will find Louisa’s portrait. It will be published in the illustrated papers. You blench. It will be your doing, remember. Straker With baffled rage. I don’t care about the court. It’s avin our name mixed up with yours that I object to, you blackmailin swine, you. Mendoza Language unworthy of Louisa’s brother! But no matter: you are muzzled: that is enough for us. He turns to face his own men, who back uneasily across the amphitheatre towards the cave to take refuge behind him, as a fresh party, muffled for motoring, comes from the road in riotous spirits. Ann, who makes straight for Tanner, comes first; then Violet, helped over the rough ground by Hector holding her right hand and Ramsden her left. Mendoza goes to his presidential block and seats himself calmly with his rank and file grouped behind him, and his