The night we left a thousan’ dead—
And keptured two latrines.
Now, fellers, dig yerselves right in,
And stay there till yer bust.
Them Yellers wants your yard o’ dust,
And don’t you let ’em win!
Chrysalis. They call, they shout, they beat their drums.
The world wakes. The great moment
comes!
[Beating of drums—Ants transform themselves into Soldiers. Chief Engineer becomes Commander-in-Chief.
Tramp. Now, that ’s what trainin’ does. You’re smart lads. Put it there!
Crumbs! if you’re half the ant I takes yer for, I swear
You’ll cop that bit o’ land afore the Yellers cop it—
But ’ere 's the brass ’ats comin’. I guess I’d better ’op it.
Chief Engineer. Soldiers! We find ourselves compelled to call you to the colours. A wicked enemy has treacherously attacked us, for the purpose of outwitting our peaceable preparations. At this great hour I have been appointed Dictator.
2nd Engineer. Three cheers for the Dictator—Shout boys, or
Soldiers. Hip, hip, hooray!
Chief Engineer. (Saluting) Thank you! You have responded to the gravity of the moment. Soldiers, we are fighting for life and liberty.
