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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"Soldiers Three"

_) It's much too soon. Let's light up! Let's have
a peg! Let's--
CAPT. M. Let's make bally asses of ourselves!
BELLS. (_Without._)--
'Good--peo--ple--all
To prayers--we call."
CAPT. M. There go the bells! Come on--unless you'd rather not. (_They
ride off._)
BELLS.--
'We honour the King
And Brides joy do bring--
Good tidings we tell,
And ring the Dead's knell.'
CAPT. G. (_Dismounting at the door of the Church._) I say, aren't we
much too soon? There are no end of people inside. I say, aren't we
much too late? Stick by me, Jack! What the devil do I do?
CAPT. M. Strike an attitude at the head of the aisle and wait for Her.
(G. _groans as_ M. _wheels him into position before three hundred
eyes._)
CAPT. M. (_Imploringly._) Gaddy, if you love me, for pity's sake, for
the Honour of the Regiment, stand up! Chuck yourself into your uniform!
Look like a man! I've got to speak to the Padre a minute. (G. _breaks
into a gentle perspiration._) If you wipe your face I'll _never_ be
your best man again. Stand _up!_ (G. _trembles visibly._)
CAPT. M. (_Returning.


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