TIME (_on the threshold_) Are they ready whose hour has struck?... BLUE CHILDREN (_elbowing their way and running up from all sides_) Here we are!... Here we are!... Here we are!... TIME (_in a gruff voice to the_ CHILDREN _defiling before him to go out_) One at a time!... Once again, there are many more of you than are wanted!... It's always the same thing!... You can't deceive me!...(_Pushing back a_ CHILD.) It's not your turn!... Go back and wait till to-morrow.... Nor you either; go in and return in ten years.... A thirteenth shepherd?... There are only twelve wanted; there is no need for more; the days of Theocritus and Virgil are past.... More doctors?... There are too many already; they are grumbling about it on earth.... And where are the engineers?... They want an honest man, only one, as a phenomenon.... Where is the honest man?... Is it you?... (THE CHILD _nods yes_.) You appear to me to be a very poor specimen!... Hallo, you, over there, not so fast, not so fast!... And you, what are you bringing?... Nothing at all, empty-handed?... Then you can't go through.... Prepare something, a great crime, if you like, or a fine sickness, I don't care ... but you mast have something.... (_Catching sight of a little_ CHILD _whom the others are pushing forward, while he resists with all his strength_.) Well, what's the matter with you?... You know that the hour has come.... They want a hero to fight against injustice; you're the one: you most start.... THE BLUE CHILDREN He doesn't want to, sir.... TIME What?... He doesn't want to?... Where does the little monster think he is?... No objections, we have no time to spare.... THE CHILD (_who is being pushed_) No, no!...I don't want to go!... I would rather not be born!... I would rather stay here!... TIME That is not the question.... When the hour comes, it comes!... Now then, quick, forward!... A CHILD (_stepping forward_) Oh, let me pass!... I will go and take his place!... They say that my parents are old and have been waiting for me so long!... TIME None of that!... You will start at your proper hour, at your proper time.... We should never be done if we listened to you.... One wants to go, another refuses; it's too soon or it's too late.... (_Pushing back some_ CHILDREN _who have encroached upon the threshold_.) Not so near, you children!... Back, you inquisitive ones!... Those who are not starting have no business outside.... You are in a hurry now; later, when your turn comes, you will be frightened and hang back.... Look, there are four who are trembling like leaves.... (_To a_ CHILD _who, on the point of crossing the threshold, suddenly goes back_.) Well, what is it?... What's the matter?... THE CHILD I have forgotten the box containing the two crimes which I shall have to commit.... ANOTHER CHILD And I the little pot with my idea for enlightening the crowd.... A THIRD CHILD I have forgotten the graft of my finest pear!...