Of course, as in every family. Fortunately, none of the three has much influence over us. As you see, they are small and sickly; they shrink from century to century and are nothing like as healthy as the others.... But it won't do for them to meddle in your choice.... If the Great Peasant, the Great Mendicant and the Great Ancestor are there, all will go well: the others won't dare to breathe a word; if not, they will try to force their choice upon you and that will be a bad thing for you and for the future of the entire family. (_Enter from the old farm-house a tall_ PEASANT, _dressed in the mediaeval style. He closes the door carefully and steps forward whittling a switch_.) GAFFER TYL Here comes the Great Peasant! That's good, that's good! TYLTYL That long, thin fellow? GAFFER TYL He certainly isn't fat; but he has great influence. He is one of the mainstays of the family. (_Next enter from the villa one or two_ GALLO-ROMANS _and then, from the hack of the street, among other_ MEN _of the Stone Age, an exceedingly tall old_ MAN, _dressed in skins and leaning on a heavy club_.) TYLTYL Why, we've got right back to savages now! GAFFER TYL That's the one! TYLTYL Who? GAFFER TYL The Great Ancestor! TYLTYL What? The one like an ape, with the big stick? GAFFER TYL You _must_ be quiet!... Don't treat him with disrespect!... It's a great favour that he's showing you; he doesn't often go out.... Of all our race he's the most important, the greatest, the most respected.... Everything's shaping well: it'll probably be he, the Great Peasant and the Great Mendicant who will put their heads together and choose your bride for you. TYLTYL (_Indignantly_.) But I won't have that!... It doesn't concern them!... What do they know about it?... A peasant, a savage and a beggar: what next? GAFFER TYL Hold your tongue, I say!... I tell you, they represent all that is best in you and in the whole family. If you obey them, if you submit to their influence, you will be happy and safe.... Mind now! They're coming.... (THE ANCESTORS _have been gradually collecting at the back of the stage. They bow, accost one another, shake hands, exchange compliments. All show affectionate respect to_ THE GREAT PEASANT, THE GREAT MENDICANT _and especially_ THE GREAT ANCESTOR, _gathering around them and listening deferentially to what they say. On the other hand_, THE SICK MAN, THE DRUNKARD _and_ THE MURDERER _are left standing apart, forming a pitiful rear-guard. The group now moves towards the benches in the foreground, where_ TYLTYL _and his companions are gathered_.) THE GREAT ANCESTOR (_Coming forward_.) Good-evening, Tyltyl! TYLTYL Good-evening ... sir! THE GREAT ANCESTOR