No 1 of 2
Q1. DEATH: Come, Life, forget your losses, it's no fun playing with a dull partner. I had hoped for a good game tonight, although there is little in it for me—just a couple of suicides.
LIFE: (With a gesture of anxiety) My dear Death, I wish you would grant me a favor.
DEATH: (Grumbling) A favor. Now isn't that just like a women? I never saw one yet who was willing to abide by the results of a fair game.
LIFE: (Earnestly) But I want these two, whether I win or lose. I really must have them. They are geniuses—and you know how badly I am in need of geniuses right now. Ungrateful spoiled children! They always want to commit suicide over their first disappointments.
DEATH: (Impatiently) How many times must I tell you that the game must be played! It's the law – you know it as well as I do.
LIFE: (shrugging) O, the law! Laws are always in your favor, Death!
DEATH: There you are. I always said the universe would be in a wild state of disorder if the women had any say! No, you must play the game.
LIFE: (Indignantly) whoever said anything about not playing? All I want is your consent to let them meet here before the game begins.
DEATH: I'll bet this isn't so innocent as it sounds. Who are they? I haven't paid much attention to the case.
LIFE: Youth and The Girl. He is a Poet, and she a Dancer.
DEATH: A strong man and a beautiful women. ( He laughs, ironically) Up to the same old tricks, eh? You sly thing, you think if they meet they'll fall in love and cheat me! (pause.) Well, suppose I consent. What will you give?
LIFE: (Quickly) I'll give you Kaiser Wilhelm, The Czar of Russia, George of England and old Francis Joseph—that's two to one!
DEATH: Now that's dishonest. You're always trying to unload a lot of monarchs on me when you know I don't want them. Why, when you play for them you almost go to sleep, and I always win. No bargaining in kings, my dear.
LIFE: I'll give you a whole regiment of soldiers.
DEATH: (With scorn) Soldiers! What do you care about soldiers? Look at your figures again.
Result