Act II

Scene: Helena’s drawing room. Ten years later. The skeleton framework of Act I is still used. Tall windows put in back instead of Act I windows. Steel shutters for these windows. Where the green cabinet of Act I at Left has stood is a door, L. 2, leading to the outside. Where the cabinet stood at Right, a fireplace is placed. The tall open hallway R. C. of Act I is blocked up with a flat piece. The doors at Right and Left 1 have been changed to those of a drawing room. Door at Right leads to Helena’s bedroom. Door at Left 1 leads to library.

The furniture consists of a reading table at Left Center covered with magazines. A chair to the Left of table. In front of table is an armchair covered in chintz. A couch Right Center and back of it is a small table with books and bookends. On this table a small reading lamp. At Right between doorway and fireplace is a small table. There is a workbasket upon it, with pincushion, needles, etc. Down stage at Right and facing the couch is another armchair used by Alquist. To the Left of fireplace is a straight-backed chair. Upstage at Left near the L. 2 door to the outside is a writing desk. There is a lamp upon it, writing paper, etc., a telephone and binoculars.

The walls of the room have been covered with silk to the height of seven feet. This is done in small flats to fit the different spaces and are in place against the permanent set. The two French windows open into the room. At the rise they are open. There is a balcony beyond looking over the harbor. The same telegraph wires and poles from Act I are again visible through the window. The windows are trimmed with gray lace curtains. Binoculars on desk up stage by television.

It is about nine in the morning and sunlight streams into the room through the open windows. Domin opens the door L. 2; tiptoes in. He carries a potted plant. He beckons the Others to follow him, and Hallemeier and Fabry enter, both carrying a potted plant. Domin places flowers on the library table and goes to Right and looks toward Helena’s bedroom R.

Hallemeier Putting down his flowers on L. C. table and indicates the door R. Still asleep?
Domin Yes.
Hallemeier Well, as long as she’s asleep she can’t worry about it. He remains at L. C. table.
Domin She knows nothing about it. At C.
Fabry Putting plant on writing desk. I certainly hope nothing happens today.
Hallemeier For goodness sake drop it all. Look, this is a fine cyclamen, isn’t it? A new sort, my latest⁠—Cyclamen Helena.
Domin Picks up binoculars and goes out into balcony. No signs of the ship. Things must be pretty bad.
Hallemeier Be quiet. Suppose she heard you.
Domin Coming into room, puts glasses on desk. Well, anyway the Ultimus arrived just in time.
Fabry You really think that today⁠—?
Domin I don’t know. He crosses to L. C. table. Aren’t the flowers fine?
Hallemeier Fondles flowers. These are my primroses. And this is my new jasmine. I’ve discovered a wonderful way of developing flowers quickly. Splendid varieties, too. Next year I’ll be developing marvelous ones.
Domin What next year?
Fabry I’d give a good deal to know what’s happening at Havre with⁠—
Helena Off R. Nana.
Domin Keep quiet. She’s awake. Out you go. All go out on tiptoe through L. 2 door. Enter Nana L. 1.
Helena Calling from R. Nana?
Nana Horrid mess! Pack of heathens. If I had my say, I’d⁠—
Helena Backwards in the doorway from R. Nana, come and do up my dress.
Nana I’m coming. So you’re up at last. Fastening Helena’s dress. My gracious, what brutes!
Helena Who? Turning.
Nana If you want to turn around, then turn around, but I shan’t fasten you up.
Helena Turns back. What are you grumbling about now?
Nana These dreadful creatures, these heathens⁠—
Helena Turning toward Nana again. The Robots?
Nana I wouldn’t even call them by name.
Helena What’s happened?
Nana Another of them here has caught it. He began to smash up the statues and pictures in the drawing room; gnashed his teeth; foamed at the mouth. Worse than an animal.
Helena Which of them caught it?
Nana The one⁠—well, he hasn’t got any Christian name. The one in charge of the library.
Helena Radius?
Nana That’s him. My goodness, I’m scared of them. A spider doesn’t scare me as much as them.
Helena But Nana, I’m surprised you’re not sorry for them.
Nana Why, you’re scared of them too. You know you are. Why else did you bring me here?
Helena I’m not scared, really I’m not, Nana. I’m only sorry for them.
Nana You’re scared. Nobody could help being scared. Why, the dog’s scared of them. He won’t take a scrap of meat out of their hands. He draws in his tail and howls when he knows they’re about.
Helena The dog has no sense.
Nana He’s better than them, and he knows it. Even the horse shies when he meets them. They don’t have any young, and a dog has young, everyone has young⁠—
Helena Turning back. Please fasten up my dress, Nana.
Nana I say it’s against God’s will to⁠—
Helena What is it that smells so nice?
Nana Flowers.
Helena What for?
Nana Now you can turn around.
Helena Turns; crosses to C. Oh, aren’t they lovely? Look, Nana. What’s happening today?
Nana It ought to be the end of the world. Enter Domin L. 2. He crosses down front of table L. C.
Helena Crosses to him. Oh, hello, Harry. Nana turns upstage to L. Harry, why all these flowers?
Domin Guess. This scene is played down in front of L. C. table.
Helena Well, it’s not my birthday!
Domin Better than that.
Helena I don’t know. Tell me.
Domin It’s ten years ago today since you came here.
Helena Ten years? Today? Why⁠—They embrace.)
Nana Muttering. I’m off. She exits L. 1.
Helena Fancy you remembering.
Domin I’m really ashamed, Helena. I didn’t.
Helena But you⁠—
Domin They remembered.
Helena Who?
Domin Busman, Hallemeier⁠—all of them. Put your hand in my pocket.
Helena Takes necklace from his Left jacket pocket. Oh! Pearls! A necklace! Harry, is this for me?
Domin It’s from Busman.
Helena But we can’t accept it, can we?
Domin Oh, yes, we can. Puts necklace on table L. C. Put your hand in the other pocket.
Helena Takes a revolver out of his Right pocket. What’s that?
Domin Sorry. Not that. Try again. He puts gun in pocket.
Helena Oh, Harry, why do you carry a revolver?
Domin It got there by mistake.
Helena You never used to carry one.
Domin No, you’re right. Indicates breast pocket. There, that’s the pocket.
Helena Takes out cameo. A cameo. Why, it’s a Greek cameo.
Domin Apparently. Anyhow, Fabry says it is.
Helena Fabry? Did Mr. Fabry give me that?
Domin Of course. Opens the L. 1 door. And look in here. Helena, come and see this. Both exit L. 1.
Helena (Off L. 1) Oh, isn’t it fine? Is this from you?
Domin Off L. 1 No, from Alquist. And there’s another on the piano.
Helena This must be from you?
Domin There’s a card on it.
Helena From Doctor Gall. Reappearing in L. 1 doorway. Oh, Harry, I feel embarrassed at so much kindness.
Domin Enters to up R. of table L. C. Come here. This is what Hallemeier brought you.
Helena To up L. of desk. These beautiful flowers?
Domin Yes. It’s a new kind. Cyclamen-Helena. He grew them in honor of you. They are almost as beautiful as you.
Helena Kissing him. Harry, why do they all⁠—
Domin They’re awfully fond of you. I’m afraid that my present is a little⁠—Look out of the window. Crosses to window and beckons to her.
Helena Where? They go out into the balcony.
Domin Into the harbor.
Helena There’s a new ship.
Domin That’s your ship.
Helena Mine? How do you mean?
Domin R. For you to take trips in⁠—for your amusement.
Helena L. Harry, that’s a gunboat.
Domin A gunboat? What are you thinking of? It’s only a little bigger and more solid than most ships.
Helena Yes, but with guns.
Domin Oh, yes, with a few guns. You’ll travel like a queen, Helena.
Helena What’s the meaning of it? Has anything happened?
Domin Good heavens, no. I say, try these pearls. Crosses to R. of table L. C.
Helena Harry, have you had bad news?
Domin On the contrary, no letters have arrived for a whole week.
Helena Nor telegrams? Coming into the room C.
Domin Nor telegrams.
Helena What does that mean?
Domin Holidays for us! We all sit in the office with our feet on the table and take a nap. No letters⁠—no telegrams. Glorious!
Helena Then you’ll stay with me today?
Domin Certainly. Embraces her. That is, we will see. Do you remember ten years ago today? Crosses to L. of table L. C. Miss Glory, it’s a great honor to welcome you. They assume the same positions as when they first met ten years before in Domin’s office.
Helena To table. Oh, Mr. Manager, I’m so interested in your factory. She sits R. of table.
Domin I’m sorry, Miss Glory, it’s strictly forbidden. The manufacture of artificial people is a secret.
Helena But to oblige the young lady who has come a long way.
Domin Leans on table. Certainly, Miss Glory. I have no secrets from you.
Helena Are you sure, Harry? Leaning on desk, seriously, his right hand on hers.
Domin Yes. They gradually draw apart.
Helena But I warn you, sir, this young lady intends to do terrible things.
Domin Good gracious, Miss Glory. Perhaps she doesn’t want to marry me.
Helena Heaven forbid. She never dreamt of such a thing. But she came here intending to stir up a revolt among your Robots.
Domin A revolt of the Robots!
Helena Low voice. Harry, what’s the matter with you?
Domin Laughing it off. A revolt of the Robots, that’s a fine idea. Crosses to back of table. She watches him suspiciously. Miss Glory, it would be easier for you to cause bolts and screws to rebel than our Robots. You know, Helena, you’re wonderful. You’ve turned the hearts of us all. Sits on table.
Helena Oh, I was fearfully impressed by you all then. You were all so sure of yourselves, so strong. I seemed like a tiny little girl who had lost her way among⁠—among⁠—
Domin What?
Helena Front. Among huge trees. All my feelings were so trifling compared with your self-confidence. And in all these years I’ve never lost this anxiety. But you’ve never felt the least misgiving, not even when everything went wrong.
Domin What went wrong?
Helena Your plans. You remember, Harry, when the workmen in America revolted against the Robots and smashed them up, and when the people gave the Robots firearms against the rebels. And then when the governments turned the Robots into soldiers, and there were so many wars.
Domin Getting up and walking about. We foresaw that, Helena. Around table to R. C. You see, these are only passing troubles which are bound to happen before the new conditions are established.Walking up and down, standing at Center.
Helena You were all so powerful, so overwhelming. The whole world bowed down before you. Rising. Oh, Harry! Crosses to him.
Domin What is it?
Helena Close the factory and let’s go away. All of us.
Domin I say, what’s the meaning of this?
Helena I don’t know. But can’t we go away?
Domin Impossible, Helena! That is, at this particular moment⁠—
Helena At once, Harry. I’m so frightened.
Domin Takes her. About what, Helena?
Helena It’s as if something was falling on top of us, and couldn’t be stopped. Oh, take us all away from here. We’ll find a place in the world where there’s no one else. Alquist will build us a house, and then we’ll begin life all over again. The telephone rings.
Domin Crosses to telephone on desk up L. Excuse me. Hello⁠—yes, what? I’ll be there at once. Fabry is calling me, my dear. Crosses L.
Helena Tell me⁠—She rushes up to him.
Domin Yes, when I come back. Don’t go out of the house, dear. Exits L. 2.
Helena He won’t tell me. Nana brings in a water carafe from L. 1. Nana, find me the latest newspapers. Quickly. Look in Mr. Domin’s bedroom.
Nana All right. Crosses R. He leaves them all over the place. That’s how they get crumpled up. Continues muttering. Exits R.
Helena Looking through binoculars at the harbor. That’s a warship. U-l-t-i⁠—Ultimus. They’re loading.
Nana Enters R. with newspapers. Here they are. See how they’re crumpled up.
Helena Crosses down. They’re old ones. A week old. Drops papers. Both at front of couch. Nana sits R. of table L. C. Puts on spectacles. Reads the newspapers. Something’s happening, Nana.
Nana Very likely. It always does. Spelling out the words. “W-a-r in B-a-l-k-a-n-s.” Is that far off?
Helena Oh, don’t read it. It’s always the same. Always wars! Sits on couch.
Nana What else do you expect? Why do you keep selling thousands and thousands of these heathens as soldiers?
Helena I suppose it can’t be helped, Nana. We can’t know⁠—Domin can’t know what they’re to be used for. When an order comes for them he must just send them.
Nana He shouldn’t make them. Reading from newspaper. “The Robot soldiers spare no-body in the occ-up-ied terr-it-ory. They have ass-ass-ass-inat-ed ov-er sev-en hundred thous-and cit-iz-ens.” Citizens, if you please.
Helena Rises and crosses and takes paper. It can’t be. Let me see. Crossing to Nana. They have assassinated over seven hundred thousand citizens, evidently at the order of their commander. Drops paper; crosses up C.
Nana Spelling out the words from other paper she has picked up from the floor. “Re-bell-ion in Ma-drid a-gainst the gov-ern-ment. Rob-ot in-fant-ry fires on the crowd. Nine thou-sand killed and wounded.”
Helena Oh, stop! Goes up and looks toward the harbor.
Nana Here’s something printed in big letters. “Latest news. At Havre the first org-an-iz-a-tion of Rob-ots has been e-stab-lished. Rob-ots work-men, sail-ors and sold-iers have iss-ued a man-i-fest-o to all Rob-ots through-out the world.” I don’t understand that. That’s got no sense. Oh, good gracious, another murder.
Helena Up C. Take those papers away now.
Nana Wait a bit. Here’s something in still bigger type. “Stat-ist-ics of pop-ul-a-tion.” What’s that?
Helena Coming down to Nana. Let me see. Reads. “During the past week there has again not been a single birth recorded.”
Nana What’s the meaning of that? Drops paper.
Helena Nana, no more people are being born.
Nana That’s the end, then? Removing spectacles. We’re done for.
Helena Don’t talk like that.
Nana No more people are being born. That’s a punishment, that’s a punishment.
Helena Nana!
Nana Standing up. That’s the end of the world. Repeat until off. Picks paper up from floor. She exits L. 1.
Helena Goes up to window. Oh, Mr. Alquist. Alquist off L. 2. Will you come here? Oh, come just as you are. You look very nice in your mason’s overalls. Alquist enters L. 2, his hands soiled with lime and brick dust. She goes to end of sofa and meets him C. Dear Mr. Alquist, it was awfully kind of you, that lovely present.
Alquist My hands are soiled. I’ve been experimenting with that new cement.
Helena Never mind. Please sit down. Sits on couch. He sits on her L. Mr. Alquist, what’s the meaning of Ultimus?
Alquist The last. Why?
Helena That’s the name of my new ship. Have you seen it? Do you think we’re off soon⁠—on a trip?
Alquist Perhaps very soon.
Helena All of you with me?
Alquist I should like us all to be there.
Helena What is the matter?
Alquist Things are just moving on.
Helena Dear Mr. Alquist, I know something dreadful has happened.
Alquist Has your husband told you anything?
Helena No. Nobody will tell me anything. But I feel⁠—Is anything the matter?
Alquist Not that we’ve heard of yet.
Helena I feel so nervous. Don’t you ever feel nervous?
Alquist Well, I’m an old man, you know. I’ve got old-fashioned ways. And I’m afraid of all this progress, and these newfangled ideas.
Helena Like Nana?
Alquist Yes, like Nana. Has Nana got a prayer book?
Helena Yes, a big thick one.
Alquist And has it got prayers for various occasions? Against thunderstorms? Against illness? But not against progress?
Helena I don’t think so.
Alquist That’s a pity.
Helena Why, do you mean you’d like to pray?
Alquist I do pray.
Helena How?
Alquist Something like this: “Oh, Lord, I thank thee for having given me toil; enlighten Domin and all those who are astray; destroy their work, and aid mankind to return to their labors; let them not suffer harm in soul or body; deliver us from the Robots, and protect Helena. Amen.”
Helena Touches his arm; pats it. Mr. Alquist, are you a believer?
Alquist I don’t know. I’m not quite sure.
Helena And yet you pray?
Alquist That’s better than worrying about it.
Helena And that’s enough for you?
Alquist Ironically. It has to be.
Helena But if you thought you saw the destruction of mankind coming upon us⁠—
Alquist I do see it.
Helena You mean mankind will be destroyed?
Alquist It’s bound to be unless⁠—unless.
Helena What?
Alquist Nothing. Pats her shoulder. Rises. Goodbye. Exits L. 2.
Helena Rises. Calling. Nana, Nana! Nana enters L. 1. Is Radius still there?
Nana L. C. The one who went mad? They haven’t come for him yet.
Helena Is he still raving?
Nana No. He’s tied up.
Helena Please bring him here.
Nana What?
Helena At once, Nana. Exits Nana L. 1. Helena to telephone. Hello, Doctor Gall, please. Oh, good day, Doctor. Yes, it’s Helena. Thanks for your lovely present. Could you come and see me right away? It’s important. Thank you. Enter Radius L. 1; looks at Helena, then turns head up L. She crosses to him, L. C. Poor Radius, you’ve caught it too? Now they’ll send you to the stamping mill. Couldn’t you control yourself? Why did it happen? You see, Radius, you are more intelligent than the rest. Doctor Gall took such trouble to make you different. Won’t you speak?
Radius Looking at her. Send me to the stamping mill. Open and close fists.
Helena But I don’t want them to kill you. What was the trouble, Radius?
Radius Two steps toward her. Opens and closes fists. I won’t work for you. Put me into the stamping mill.
Helena Do you hate us? Why?
Radius You are not as strong as the Robots. You are not as skillful as the Robots. The Robots can do everything. You only give orders. You do nothing but talk.
Helena But someone must give orders.
Radius I don’t want a master. I know everything for myself.
Helena Radius! Doctor Gall gave you a better brain than the rest, better than ours. You are the only one of the Robots that understands perfectly. That’s why I had you put into the library, so that you could read everything, understand everything, and then, oh, Radius⁠—I wanted you to show the whole world that the Robots are our equals. That’s what I wanted of you.
Radius I don’t want a master. I want to be master over others.
Helena I’m sure they’d put you in charge of many Robots. You would be a teacher of the Robots.
Radius I want to be master over people. Head up. Pride.
Helena Staggering. You are mad.
Radius Head down low, crosses toward L.; opens hands. Then send me to the stamping mill.
Helena Steps to him. Do you think we’re afraid of you? Rushing to desk and writing note.
Radius Turns his head uneasily. What are you going to do? What are you going to do? Starts for her.
Helena Crosses to R. of him. Radius! He cowers. Body sways. Give this note to Mr. Domin. He faces her. It asks them not to send you to the stamping mill. I’m sorry you hate us so.
Dr. Gall Enters L. 2; goes to C. upstage. You wanted me?
Helena Backs away. It’s about Radius, Doctor. He had an attack this morning. He smashed the statues downstairs.
Dr. Gall Looks at him. What a pity to lose him. At C.
Helena Radius isn’t going to be put into the stamping mill. Stands to the R. of Gall.
Dr. Gall But every Robot after he has had an attack⁠—it’s a strict order.
Helena No matter⁠—Radius isn’t going, if I can prevent it.
Dr. Gall But I warn you. It’s dangerous. Come here to the window, my good fellow. Let’s have a look. Please give me a needle or a pin. Crosses up R. Radius follows. Helena gets a needle from workbasket on table R.
Helena What for?
Dr. Gall A test. Helena gives him the needle. Gall crosses up to Radius, who faces him. Sticks it into his hand and Radius gives a violent start. Gently, gently. Opens the jacket of Radius and puts his ear to his heart. Radius, you are going into the stamping mill, do you understand? There they’ll kill you⁠—takes glasses off and cleans them⁠—and grind you to powder. Radius opens hands and fingers. That’s terribly painful. It will make you scream aloud. Opens Radius’s eye. Radius trembles.
Helena Doctor⁠—(Standing near couch.)
Dr. Gall No, no, Radius, I was wrong. I forgot that Madame Domin has put in a good word for you, and you’ll be left off. Listens to heart. Ah, that does make a difference. Radius relaxes. Again listens to his heart for a reaction. All right⁠—you can go.
Radius You do unnecessary things⁠—Exit Radius L. 2.
Dr. Gall Speaks to her⁠—very concerned. Reaction of the pupils, increase of sensitiveness. It wasn’t an attack characteristic of the Robots.
Helena What was it, then? Sits in couch.
Dr. Gall (C.) Heaven knows. Stubbornness, anger or revolt⁠—I don’t know. And his heart, too.
Helena What?
Dr. Gall It was fluttering with nervousness like a human heart. He was all in a sweat with fear, and⁠—do you know, I don’t believe the rascal is a Robot at all any longer.
Helena Doctor, has Radius a soul?
Dr. Gall Over to couch. He’s got something nasty.
Helena If you knew how he hates us. Oh, Doctor, are all your Robots like that? All the new ones that you began to make in a different way? She invites him to sit beside her. He sits.
Dr. Gall Well, some are more sensitive than others. They’re all more human beings than Rossum’s Robots were.
Helena Perhaps this hatred is more like human beings, too?
Dr. Gall That too is progress.
Helena What became of the girl you made, the one who was most like us?
Dr. Gall Your favorite? I kept her. She’s lovely, but stupid. No good for work.
Helena But she’s so beautiful.
Dr. Gall I called her “Helena.” I wanted her to resemble you. She is a failure.
Helena In what way?
Dr. Gall She goes about as if in a dream, remote and listless. She’s without life. I watch and wait for a miracle to happen. Sometimes I think to myself: “If you were to wake up only for a moment you would kill me for having made you.”
Helena And yet you go on making Robots! Why are no more children being born?
Dr. Gall We don’t know.
Helena Oh, but you must. Tell me.
Dr. Gall You see, so many Robots are being manufactured that people are becoming superfluous. Man is really a survival, but that he should die out, after a paltry thirty years of competition, that’s the awful part of it. You might almost think that Nature was offended at the manufacture of the Robots, but we still have old Rossum’s manuscript.
Helena Yes. In that strong box.
Dr. Gall We go on using it and making Robots. All the universities are sending in long petitions to restrict their production. Otherwise, they say, mankind will become extinct through lack of fertility. But the R.U.R. shareholders, of course, won’t hear of it. All the governments, on the other hand, are clamoring for an increase in production, to raise the standards of their armies. And all the manufacturers in the world are ordering Robots like mad.
Helena And has no one demanded that the manufacture should cease altogether?
Dr. Gall No one has courage.
Helena Courage!
Dr. Gall People would stone him to death. You see, after all, it’s more convenient to get your work done by the Robots.
Helena Oh, Doctor, what’s going to become of people?
Dr. Gall God knows. Madame Helena, it looks to us scientists like the end.
Helena She looks out front. Rising. Thank you for coming and telling me.
Dr. Gall Rises. That means that you’re sending me away.
Helena Yes. Exit Dr. Gall L. 2. She crosses to L. C. To door L. 1. With sudden resolution. Nana! Nana! the fire, light it quickly. Helena exits R.
Nana Entering L. 1. What, light the fire in the summer?
Helena Off R. Yes!
Nana She looks for Radius. Has that mad Radius gone?⁠—A fire in summer, what an idea? Nobody would think she’d been married ten years. She’s like a baby, no sense at all. A fire in summer. Like a baby. She lights the fire.
Helena Returns from R. with armful of faded papers. Back of couch to fireplace, L. of Nana. Is it burning, Nana? All this has got to be burned.
Nana What’s that?
Helena Old papers, fearfully old. Nana, shall I burn them?
Nana Are they any use?
Helena. No.
Nana Well, then, burn them.
Helena Throwing the first sheet on the fire. What would you say, Nana, if this was money and a lot of money? And if it was an invention, the greatest invention in the world?
Nana R. of fireplace. I’d say burn it. All these newfangled things are an offense to the Lord. It’s downright wickedness. Wanting to improve the world after He has made it.
Helena Look how they curl up. As if they were alive. Oh, Nana, how horrible!
Nana Here, let me burn them.
Helena Drawing back. No, no, I must do it myself. Just look at the flames. They are like hands, like tongues, like living shapes. Raking fire with the poker. Lie down, lie down.
Nana That’s the end of them. Fireplace slowly out.
Helena Nana, Nana!
Nana Good gracious, what is it you’ve burned? Almost to herself.
Helena Whatever have I done?
Nana Well, what is it? Men’s laughter off L. 2.
Helena Go quickly. It’s the gentlemen calling.
Nana Good gracious, what a place! Exits L. 1.
Domin Opens door L. 2. Come along and offer your congratulations. Enter Hallemeier and Dr. Gall.
Hallemeier Crosses to R. C. Madame Helena, I congratulate you on this festive day.
Helena Thank you. Coming to C. Where are Fabry and Busman?
Domin They’ve gone down the harbor. Closes the door and comes to C.
Hallemeier Friends, we must drink to this happy occasion.
Helena Crosses L. Brandy? With soda water? Exits L. 1.
Hallemeier Let’s be temperate. No soda.
Domin What’s been burning here? Well, shall I tell her about it?
Dr. Gall L. C. Of course. It’s all over now.
Hallemeier Crosses to Domin. Embracing Domin. It’s all over now. It’s all over now. They dance around Dr. Gall in a circle. It’s all over now.
Domin In unison. It’s all over now. They keep repeating. Keep it after Helena is on.
Helena Entering L. 1 with decanter and glasses. What’s all over now? What’s the matter with you all? She puts tray on L. C. table. Dr. Gall helps her to pour the drinks.
Hallemeier Crosses to back of table. A piece of good luck. Madame Domin! All ad lib. Just ten years ago today you arrived on this island. Hallemeier crosses to table for drink.
Dr. Gall And now, ten years later to the minute⁠—Crosses to L. of Hallemeier.
Hallemeier The same ship’s returning to us. So here’s to luck. Drinks. Domin with great exuberance has gone out in the balcony and looks over the harbor.
Dr. Gall Madame, your health. All drink.
Hallemeier That’s fine and strong.
Helena Which ship did you mean?
Domin Crosses down to C. Helena gives him his drink and she crosses to front of couch. Any ship will do, as long as it arrives in time. To the ship. Empties his glass.
Helena You’ve been waiting for the ship? Sits on couch.
Hallemeier Rather. Like Robinson Crusoe. Madame Helena, best wishes. Come along, Domin, out with the news. Gall has sat L. of L. C. table, drinking. Hallemeier back of table R. C.
Helena Do tell me what’s happened?
Domin First, it’s all up. He puts brandy glass on L. C. table. Hallemeier sits on table, upper end.
Helena What’s up?
Domin The revolt.
Helena What revolt?
Domin Give me that paper, Hallemeier. Hallemeier hands paper. Domin reads. “The first National Robot organization has been founded at Havre, and has issued an appeal to the Robots throughout the world.”
Helena I read that.
Domin That means a revolution. A revolution of all the Robots in the world.
Hallemeier By Jove, I’d like to know⁠—
Domin C. Who started it? So would I. There was nobody in the world who could affect the Robots, no agitator, no one, and suddenly this happens, if you please.
Helena What did they do?
Domin They got possession of all firearms, telegraphs, radio stations, railways and ships.
Hallemeier And don’t forget that these rascals outnumbered us by at least a thousand to one. A hundredth part of them would be enough to settle us.
Domin Remember that this news was brought by the last steamer. That explains the stoppage of all communication, and the arrival of no more ships. We knocked off work a few days ago, and we’re just waiting to see when things are to start afresh.
Helena Is that why you gave me a warship? Gall fills Domin’s glass.
Domin Oh, no, my dear, I ordered that six months ago. Just to be sure I was on the safe side. But, upon my soul, I was sure then that we’d be on board today.
Helena Why six months ago?
Domin Well, there were signs, you know. But that’s of no consequence. Gets glass. To think that this week the whole of civilization has been at stake. Your health, my friends.
Hallemeier Your health, Madame Helena. All drink to Helena.
Helena You say it’s all over?
Domin Absolutely.
Helena How do you know?
Dr. Gall The boat’s coming in. The regular mail boat, exact to the minute by the timetable. It will dock punctually at eleven-thirty.
Domin Punctuality is a fine thing, my friends. That’s what keeps the world in order. Here’s to punctuality. Men drink.
Helena Then⁠—everything⁠—is all right?
Domin Up C. a step. Practically everything. I believe they’ve cut the cables and seized the radio station. But it doesn’t matter if only the timetable holds good. Up to window.
Hallemeier Rises. If the timetable holds good, human laws hold good. Divine laws hold good, the laws of the universe hold good, everything holds good that ought to hold good. Gall applauds. The timetable is more significant than the gospel, more than Homer, more than the whole of Kant. Madame Helena, the timetable is the most perfect product of the human mind. Madame Helena, I’ll fill up my glass. Gall hands Hallemeier the decanter.
Helena Why didn’t you tell me anything about it?
Dr. Gall Heaven forbid.
Domin You mustn’t be worried with such things. Glass on table R. C.; crosses to back of couch.
Helena But if the revolution had spread as far as here?
Domin You wouldn’t know anything about it.
Helena Why?
Domin Because we’d be on board your Ultimus and well out at sea. Within a month, Helena, we’d be dictating our own terms to the Robots.
Helena I don’t understand.
Domin Crosses to C. toward Gall and Hallemeier. We’d take something with us that the Robots could not exist without!
Helena What, Harry?
Domin Turns to Hallemeier. The secret of their manufacture. Old Rossum’s manuscript. As soon as they found out that they couldn’t make themselves they’d be on their knees to us.
Dr. Gall Rises. Madame Domin, that was our trump card. I never had the least fear the Robots would win. How could they against people like us? Up to window. Gall rises and goes out into the balcony.
Helena Why didn’t you tell me? She rushes up to the fireplace and sees the ashes.
Dr. Gall Why, the boat’s in!
Hallemeier Eleven-thirty to the dot. Rising and going onto the balcony. The good old Amelia that brought Madame Helena to us. Domin goes out onto the balcony.
Dr. Gall Just ten years ago to the minute.
Hallemeier They’re throwing out the mailbags.
Domin Busman’s waiting for them. And Fabry will bring us the first news. You know, Helena, I’m fearfully curious to know how they⁠—Crosses to C. She gets away from fire to L. of couch.⁠—tackled this business in Europe.
Hallemeier Crosses down to table. To think we weren’t in it, we who invented the Robots! Returning to the armchair.
Helena Harry⁠—Rushing to Domin from fireplace.
Domin What is it?
Helena Let’s leave here.
Domin Now, Helena? Oh, come, come.
Helena As quickly as possible, all of us!
Domin Why?
Helena Please, Harry. Please, Doctor Gall, Hallemeier, please close the factory.
Domin Why, none of us could leave here now.
Helena Why?
Domin Because we’re about to extend the manufacture of the Robots.
Helena What, now, now after the revolt?
Domin Yes, precisely, after the revolt. We’re just beginning the manufacture of a new kind.
Helena What kind?
Domin Henceforward we shan’t have just one factory. There won’t be Universal Robots any more. We’ll establish a factory in every country, in every state, and do you know what these new factories will make?
Helena No, what?
Domin National Robots.
Helena How do you mean?
Domin I mean that each of these factories will produce Robots of a different color, a different language. They’ll be complete strangers to each other. Turns; takes in Hallemeier and Gall. They’ll never be able to understand each other. Then we’ll egg them on a little in the matter of misunderstanding and the result will be that for ages to come every Robot will hate every other Robot of a different factory mark. So humanity will be safe.
Hallemeier To each of them. By Jove, we’ll make Negro Robots and Swedish Robots and Czechoslovakian Robots, and then⁠—
Helena Harry, that’s dreadful.
Hallemeier Madame Domin, here’s to the hundred new factories. The National Robots. Gall back of table L. C.
Domin Helena, mankind can only keep things going for another hundred years at the outside. For a hundred years man must be allowed to develop and achieve the most he can.
Helena Oh, close the factory before it’s too late.
Domin I tell you we are just beginning on a bigger scale than ever. Enter Fabry L. 2; goes to L. of Domin.
Dr. Gall Well, Fabry?
Domin What’s happened? Have you been down to the boat?
Dr. Gall Let’s hear.
Fabry Read that, Domin. He hands him a pink handbill. When Domin receives the handbill he sees at once that something has happened.
Hallemeier Tell us, Fabry.
Fabry Falsely. Well, everything is all right⁠—comparatively. To the other Men. On the whole, much as we expected.
Dr. Gall They acquitted themselves splendidly.
Fabry Who?
Dr. Gall The people.
Fabry Hesitating. Oh, yes, of course. That is⁠—Excuse me, there is something we ought to discuss alone.
Helena Touches his arm. Fabry, have you had bad news?
Fabry No, no, on the contrary. I only think that we better go into the office.
Helena Stay here. I’ll go. Exits L. 1.
Dr. Gall What’s happened?
Domin Damnation! Coming down to R. C.
Fabry Bear in mind that the Amelia brought whole bales of these leaflets. No other cargo at all. Gall closes the door L. 2.
Hallemeier What? But it arrived on the minute.
Fabry The Robots are great on punctuality. Read it, Domin.
Domin R. C. Reads handbill. “Robots throughout the world. We, the first International organization of Rossum’s Universal Robots, proclaim man our enemy, and an outlaw in the universe.” Good heavens, who taught them these phrases?
Dr. Gall Go on.
Domin They say they are more highly developed than man; stronger and more intelligent. The man’s their parasite. Why, it’s absurd.
Fabry Read the third paragraph.
Domin “Robots throughout the world, we command you to kill all mankind. Spare no man. Spare no woman. Save factories, railways, machinery, mines and raw materials. Destroy the rest. Then return to work. Work must not be stopped.” Looks at Others.
Dr. Gall That’s ghastly.
Hallemeier The devil!
Domin “These orders are to be carried out as soon as received.” Then come the detailed instructions. Is this actually being done, Fabry?
Fabry Evidently. Busman rushes in L. 2 and collapses on couch R. C. By Jove, that was a sprint!
Busman Well, boys, I suppose you’ve heard the glad news.
Domin Quick, on board the Ultimus.
Busman Wait, Harry, wait. There’s no hurry.
Domin Why wait?
Busman Because it’s no good, my boy. The Robots are already on board the Ultimus.
Dr. Gall That’s ugly.
Domin Fabry, telephone the electrical works. Fabry goes to back of couch.
Busman No use, my boy. They’ve charged the air with static.
Domin Inspects his revolver. Well, then, I’ll go. Starts L.; stops.
Busman Where?
Domin To the electrical works. There are some people still there. I’ll bring them across. Gets as far as L. 2 door.
(Warn Curtain)
Busman Better not try it.
Domin Why?
Busman Because I’m very much afraid we are surrounded. All rush out into the balcony.
Dr. Gall Surrounded? Runs to window. I rather think you’re right. Gall rushes to balcony.
Hallemeier By Jove, that’s deuced quick work. Going to windows.
Helena Runs in L. 1. To L. Harry, what’s this? Holds out paper.
Domin Where did you get it? Coming to C.
Helena Points to the manifesto of the Robots which she has in her hand. The Robots in the kitchen!
Domin Where are the ones that brought it?
Helena There, gathered around the house. Gall, Hallemeier, Domin start down C.
The factory whistle blows. Mob voices start.
Domin The factory whistle! Fabry, Gall, Hallemeier looking over C.; then turn R.
Busman Noon?
Domin Looking at his watch. To Hallemeier. No! That’s not noon yet. That must be⁠—that’s⁠—Front.
Helena What?
Domin The Robots’ signal⁠—the attack!
Helena clings to Domin. Fabry and Gall close the steel shutters on window C. Busman hurries to window and looks through the shutters. The Curtain falls quickly with Helena in Domin’s arms. The whistle blows until the Curtain is down.
Curtain