Scene Five


The music now switches to a quiet, foreboding "Grumblings". Lights rise on the Escabosa living room. ISHMAEL and ALEJANDRO are seated at the table surrounded by armed PEASANTS. ROSA is by Ishmael’s side; BLASINA by Alejandro’s.
 
 
ISHMAEL
No, it’s wrong.

ROSA

But we want you for our leader!

ISHMAEL

I’m willing to make the plans, and I’m willing to fight. But I can’t be the leader.

FIRST PEASANT

Please, Baldomero!

SECOND PEASANT

You must be!

THIRD PEASANT

We need you!

ROSA

Ishmael, we all believe in you!

ISHMAEL

It’s not a question of that, Rosa. We can’t do this unless we have the approval of the Americans. The Ibañezes have recalled the entire police force, the army and the navy to the capitol. Our only hope is to get famous people to support us…you know, American movie stars, English ballerinas, that kind of thing. And they won’t lift a finger if they discover the insurgents are being led by an ex-drama critic. If they find that out, they’ll help the other side. No, it’s got to be someone who will appeal to them.

BLASINA

But who, Ishmael? (ALEJANDRO stands up, as if believing they will choose him.)
ISHMAEL
It’s got to be someone young.
                                                                                (ALEJANDRO collapses back into his chair.)
The Americans love youth. It must be someone very young. (At that very moment, INKEY enters from the rutabaga room with his cup and ball.)
INKEY
Papa, look! I can do it fifty-three times in a row without missing! (EVERYONE stares at him. There is a quick BLACOUT, then the lights come up on PEASANTS marching across stage, armed to the teeth, holding INKEY upon their shoulders. ISHMAEL, ALEJANDRO, ROSA and BLASINA follow.)
PEASANTS
It’s fun to be young,
To be young, young, young, young, young!
It’s fun to be so young and free!
It’s fun to be young,
To be young, young, young, young, young!
And Inkey’s young as young can be!

It’s fun to be young,
To be young, young, young, young, young!
It’s fun to be so young, indeed!
It’s fun to be young,
To be young, young, young, young, young!
And we all know a child shall lead!

He loves a dare!
He’s going into his teens---
He’ll grow his hair
And wear a beanie and jeans.

Since Inkey is young,
Oh, so young, young, young, young, young,
Americans will flip their lids!
They’re mad for the young,
For the young, young, young, young, young!
They love their wives, but oh, those kids!
They love their wives, but oh, those kids!
 

(INKEY is so taken by this demonstration of love and confidence, HE squirms out of their arms, confiscates one of their swords and rushes to the head of the troop.)
INKEY

On! On to Ciudad Ibañez!

                                                                                ("It’s Fun To Be Young" swells in volume.)
 
 

LIGHTS DIM QUICKLY


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