George Bernard Shaw a penn State Electronic Classics Series Publication

way from him, looking steadily at her). Judith.
JUDITH 
(breathless—delighted at the name). Yes.
RICHARD
. If I said—to please you—that I did what I did
ever so little for your sake, I lied as men always lie to women.
You know how much I have lived with worthless men—aye,
and worthless women too. Well, they could all rise to some
sort of goodness and kindness when they were in love. (The
word love comes from him with true Puritan scorn.) That has
taught me to set very little store by the goodness that only

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48
The Devil’s Disciple
comes out red hot. What I did last night, I did in cold blood,
caring not half so much for your husband, or (ruthlessly) for
you (she droops, stricken) as I do for myself. I had no motive
and no interest: all I can tell you is that when it came to the
point whether I would take my neck out of the noose and
put another man’s into it, I could not do it. I don’t know
why not: I see myself as a fool for my pains; but I could not
and I cannot. I have been brought up standing by the law of
my own nature; and I may not go against it, gallows or no
gallows. (She has slowly raised her head and is now looking full
at him.) I should have done the same for any other man in
the town, or any other man’s wife. (Releasing her.) Do you
understand that?
JUDITH
. Yes: you mean that you do not love me.
RICHARD 
(revolted—with fierce contempt). Is that all it
means to you?
JUDITH
. What more—what worse—can it mean to me?
(The sergeant knocks. The blow on the door jars on her heart.)
Oh, one moment more. (She throws herself on her knees.) I
pray to you—
RICHARD
. Hush! (Calling) Come in. (The sergeant unlocks
the door and opens it. The guard is with him.)
SERGEANT 
(coming in). Time’s up, sir.
RICHARD
. Quite ready, Sergeant. Now, my dear. (He at-
tempts to raise her.)
JUDITH 
(clinging to him). Only one thing more—I entreat,
I implore you. Let me be present in the court. I have seen
Major Swindon: he said I should be allowed if you asked it.
You will ask it. It is my last request: I shall never ask you
anything again. (She clasps his knee.) I beg and pray it of you.
RICHARD
. If I do, will you be silent?
JUDITH
. Yes.
RICHARD
. You will keep faith?
JUDITH
. I will keep— (She breaks down, sobbing.)
RICHARD 
(taking her arm to lift her). Just—her other arm,
Sergeant.
They go out, she sobbing convulsively, supported by the two men.
Meanwhile, the Council Chamber is ready for the court mar-
tial. It is a large, lofty room, with a chair of state in the middle
under a tall canopy with a gilt crown, and maroon curtains

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49
GB Shaw
with the royal monogram G. R. In front of the chair is a table,
also draped in maroon, with a bell, a heavy inkstand, and writ-
ing materials on it. Several chairs are set at the table. The door
is at the right hand of the occupant of the chair of state when it
has an occupant: at present it is empty. Major Swindon, a pale,
sandy-haired, very conscientious looking man of about 45, sits
at the end of the table with his back to the door, writing. He is
alone until the sergeant announces the General in a subdued
manner which suggests that Gentlemanly Johnny has been mak-
ing his presence felt rather heavily.
SERGEANT
. The General, sir.