Human Nature

A Celestial Morality Play in One Act.

FLOYD DELL

BOUNDLESS blue space. Two celestial figures stand in front of it, talking. One of them carries a pointer, such as is used in classroom demonstrations at the blackboard. The other has a redcovered guide-book under his arm.

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

The one with the pointer.) Well, I guess that is all. You've seen everything now.

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

(The one with the guide-book.) It has all been very interesting, and I don't know how to thank you for the trouble you've taken.

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

Don't mention it. That's my business, you know—to show young and curious Spirits what there is to see in the universe. And I must say that you've been an exceptionally patient pupil. I don't usually take as much time with youngsters as I have with you. But when I find someone as interested in the Universe as you are, I don't mind spending a few more aeons on the job. We've been all around, this trip. I don't think we've missed anything of any importance. But if there is anything else you can think of that you'd like to see—

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

(Hesitatingly) Well, there is one place— It's only mentioned in a footnote in the guide-book, but for that very reason I thought perhaps—

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

You have the right attitude. There's nothing too small or insignificant to know about. Do you remember the name of the place?

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

No, but—(He turns to the leaves of the guide-book.) Here it is. {He holds the book closer so as to read the fine print at the bottom of the page.) Earth, it's called.

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

Ah, yes, there is such a place.

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

The guide-book doesn't give any information about it. Just mentions its name.

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

Well, there isn't very much to say about it. After what you've seen, you wouldn't be impressed by its art or its architecture. Still, it has one curious feature that perhaps you'd be very much interested in. It's—{He pauses.)

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

Yes?

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

Perhaps I had better just show you, and let you make what you can of it.

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

(Deferentially.) As you say.

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

Here, then—look for yourself!

He raises the pointer, and boundless space rolls up like a curtain disclosing a comfortable drawing-room. The two celestial figures stand aside and look. A man and woman are sitting on a sofa, kissing each other. From time to time, in intervals between the kisses, they speak.

THE MAN

No! No! I must not!

But he does.

THE WOMAN

We must not—we must not!

But they do.

THE MAN

We must not—we must not!

The second celestial figure turns to look inquiringly at the first, and boundless space falls like a blue curtain between them and the scene.

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

It is strange. I've seen nothing like that anywhere in the universe. But why do you suppose—

THE FIRST CELESTIAL FIGURE

Oh, as to that, I really cannot say. It's what is called "Human nature."

THE SECOND CELESTIAL FIGURE

Oh!

They walk off thoughtfully.