Adam the Creator/Scene 4

H’m. I’ve got that quite well. (Pause.) H’m, h’m. But it’s rather cold. (A still longer pause.) Wouldn’t you like me to read it to you? Then you can tell me if it’s good.

It isn’t. (Pause.)

You don’t write down your ideas?

No. (Pause.) And you’d better not ask me to write down what I’m thinking.

Just write it down. It’s such a relief.

Why should I want to be relieved? Don’t you go making personal remarks.

What, I making personal remarks?

Malicious and stupid remarks. It’s unfounded gossip that my wife has run away. She merely went out. She went out with my permission, if you want to know.

But you shouldn’t have given her permission, old chap.

Shouldn’t have! That’s easy to say! Just you try to keep her in! And, you know, it’s all your fault. Why did you create that Superman? I should like to know! And now you make sneering remarks about my wife having gone off with him!

She did go away

Well, what about it? I prefer to be alone. The family is after all a mere survival. The progress of the world does not stop at such trifling institutions as the family. Really, the mess things are in here—

Look here, do you need anything—anything mended, you know, or things like that. . . . Lilith would do it for you.

No really, thanks very much—but—there’s no need. What is Mrs. Lilith doing?

I’ve no idea. You know I have so much work of my own———

Work, you call it? Is that work, always strolling around here and peering about? I don’t know what it is you’re keeping hidden from me.

Why nothing! Nothing at all. What should I keep hidden from you? I come here to do my writing. A fellow has no peace at home, you know———

Why did you create her, really?

Who? Lilith?

No, the other one.

Your wife? But it was you who wanted her!

It was I who wanted her? But, my dear fellow, I imagined her altogether different, you see.

So did I, you may be sure! I can’t make her out. She reminds me of someone I used to know—in the old world, you know. An interesting type, that woman———

And did she go off with someone?

I think so.

Oh, so you created her for me on the pattern of some woman you’d known before, did you? And then you want to make a new world, when you’ve got the old one at the back of your mind all the time! Everything you create you make like something that used to be before! My dear fellow, a creator simply mustn’t know anything. If you want to create something new, you mustn’t have an eye on what used to be.

That’s all you know about it. In order to create one must have a tremendous lot of knowledge.

Nonsense. If you want to create, it’s enough if you just think clearly and scientifically.

But even to think you must have an awful lot of experience.

Nonsense. Experiences are just so much old trash. Experience only burdens you with the weight of all that’s been before. You belong to the older generation, Adam; you can’t create anything new. A brand new spirit must start on the job.

Meaning yourself, I suppose?

Of course. Why not? You’d just see what I’d do! Why don’t you create any more now? Because you are afraid! Because you don’t know how to go on! You just idle about here and go spying round to see that no one takes a handful of clay.—You’re afraid someone else will start creating. Aren’t you?

That’s not true. Do you think creating is just a game? Creating is torture, my friend. It is a labour harder than hewing stone.

Then drop it.

I cannot. Alter Ego, it has been laid upon me to create.

And who laid it upon you?

The voice of the highest.

Have you witnesses to prove that?—Aha, you haven’t. It’s simply that you don’t want to let anyone else have a hand in it. You are afraid of new ideas, that’s what it is.

I afraid? Just out with your new ideas!

I don’t want to talk; I want to create. Each one of us has the right to create, hasn’t he?

That’d be a pretty look-out! Creating isn’t just trying experiments! For goodness’ sake don’t get that into your head. If you want to create write it, write it down, but don’t try to put it into practice. You can write it down so beautifully; you can write down whatever you want, but the moment you begin to put it into practice———

Just let me try and you’ll see!

Wait a bit! As soon as you begin creating it turns out quite different from what you expected. I tell you, the best way is to think out and write down what the world ought to be like. I’ve written down plans for five new worlds already; each of them is splendid, only now I don’t know which of them would really be the best of all, and which of them to start———

That’s sheer nonsense, to have five ideas! If you want to do a thing you should have only one idea.

Yes, but which?

Your own. Let me create just once! Adam, do give me the clay!

You want to work? My friend, you’re worried, you know. Yes, yes; how often a man creates merely to dull his pain! Alter Ego, the pain will pass; forget the woman who has deserted you. . . .

What’s she to do with you? Give me the clay or———

Or?

Or I’ll smash your old world to bits. So now you know.

Old world? So it’s an old world already? So be it. Rather than smash it up——— O God, why did you say that? Alter Ego, create what you like but only for this once, do you hear? I implore you once more not to do it. Creation is a terrible responsibility; why, even by creating you can destroy the world!

I know. Now let me, creator. Are you going to let me create?

Yes, yes. Creating’s better than destroying.

Good then! (He kneels down by the heap of clay.) And how do you do it?

You just make a figure out of clay, and then you breathe the breath of life into it.

Oh, I knew all that before. Am I to begin with the head or the feet?

Begin where you like, but———

Thanks. I don’t need anyone to tell me how to do it. Go farther off, Creator. Don’t come poking your nose in here.

Alter Ego, what’s it going to be?

It’ll make you sit up.

Is it going to have two legs?

What’s that to you?

I say, it’s not going to be another woman, is it?

Look here, you just keep your gig-lamps off it, can’t you?

All right. I won’t disturb you. (He shakes his head.) But it looks like just an ordinary human being again.

Alter Ego!

I’m busy.

It is I, Mary of Magdala.

What? (Getting up.) It’s you, is it? Where have you sprung from?

I have come home.

You clear out. It’s no good your coming here.

But Alter Ego, what is to become of me?

Stay with him, with your Superman.

I never want to set eyes on him again! . . . He did not understand me!

Oh, didn’t he? Then why did you go after him?

Oh, but he looked at me with such a godlike glance! If you knew what steely eyes he has! And those heroic hands of his! Alter Ego, I am so unhappy!

I can’t help that. Why have you come back here, anyway?

For you to kill me!

I? What an idea!

I knew that you would kill me. And that was the only reason why—you see—the only reason why I did it, so as to know how much you love me! Kill me!

No, chuck that. I’m busy. Come, get up. Why are you kneeling?

I am kneeling to you! You are so good and great! I knew that you would forgive me; I swear to you that I only did it so that you could prove your goodness to me!

Goodness? I’d like to give you a good beating!

You are so beautiful when you are angry! Beat me!

Stop play-acting, do!

You know, you are the only man who is able to understand me. Give your hand to your erring Anna; she wants to bid you farewell.

Where d’you want to go?

Do not ask me. I know where deep waters flow. Yonder, behind the mountains in the black ravine———

H’m. You’d far better go home.

I am so tired! And did you know that Eve used to be Adam’s wife? Just think! she ran away from him with the Superman!

Get along with you!

She did; and you see, she didn’t come back. You bet Lilith doesn’t know about it, but I shall tell her. Tell me, weren’t you lonely without your lost Louise?

Why no. Well yes. I hadn’t time.

I am so glad to be home again! It is such a beautiful thing, to come home. Don’t I look older?

Why no. There now, get up.[He helps her.

My feet do hurt so! Do you know, that’s out of love for you.

For me?

For you. They began to ache as soon as I started back.

Now hurry up. I’ve some work here that’s just begun.[He leads her away.

Pity Lilith can’t see us, isn’t it? How she would stare!

Come along!

Well now, are you ready?—Oho, so he’s given it up! You see, my friend, creating isn’t quite so easy, after all. It’s easy to say create something new. (Looking at the half-finished work.) I thought so. He’s begun to make a woman! These youngsters always want to make a clean sweep of the world, and it’s really all because of some woman or other. But I say, I only hope he doesn’t dig out the Cannon of Negation; I was afraid just now. . . . So I don’t know how to go on, don’t I? I’ll make you sit up! (He kneels down by the clay of Creation and rolls up his sleeves.) I’ll show you how to do it! And why did he say that I’ve left off creating anything new? Just you wait!

Hullo, what are you doing here?

Nothing. I’m creating.

You’ve got no business creating here. Get out! It’s my turn now!

Your turn, indeed! You’ve just been creating. Show me what you’ve made.

I only went away for a minute. I can create when I like, can’t I? Get out with you. I’m waiting.

Are you in such a hurry to make yourself a new wife?

Look here—in the first place it’s nothing to do with you, and in the second place I don’t need to make a wife at all.

What? D’you mean to say your wife’s come back? I am surprised.

Yes, she’s come back. Why shouldn’t she come back? I’d like to know what there is strange in that?

Nothing. And what did you say to her?

What did I say? I said: “Welcome! You may come and go just as you please; you are a free woman.”

What, did you really say that to her?

Why, of course. Nowadays, you know, relations between husbands and wife are quite different. You don’t understand the new way of life at all.

Well, there’s not much new in your girl running off and leaving you.

There is a fundamental difference. The new woman doesn’t run away. The new woman goes where she pleases. Get out, Adam. I’m going to create now.

And what are you going to create?

More than you!

Is it to be a man?

More than a man.

Is it to be a god?

No, not a god. Something more! Something new!

What can it be that’s new?

Will you let me do it if I tell you?

Yes, I’ll let you. But first tell me———

Good! (He jumps onto the clay of creation.) Adam, do you know what I want to create? The Mass! That’s my discovery: to create crowds.

Crowds of people?

No, not people. People are a superseded notion. Now it’s the turn of the Mass.

What Mass? The Mass is made up of people, you know.

Nonsense. You’ll never make a crowd out of individuals. Out of the way, Adam.

Then what the devil are you going to make it of?

That’s just the point! Simply out of clay. I may tell you I’ve invented a completely new method of creating. You can shut up shop, you old bungler. Or try which of us can do the most. Let’s have a bet.

Who knows most?

Who can create most!

No, I’m not betting.

You’re afraid!

Oh, am I!

Well, then, will you try against me?

All right!

All right. (He spits on his hands.) Competition of the old and new worlds! Creation contest for world record. (He jumps off the heap of clay.) Do you take me on?

Done!

Then so long!

What have you got there? Good God, where did you get that from?

Oh, I found it over there in the bushes.

The world—must—be—destroyed! My board!—Take it away! What do you want it here for?

So that you can’t watch me working. That’s another invention of mine, healthy competition.

The world must be destroyed!—That’s an ill omen!—Alter Ego, don’t put up that board here!

Why not? One board’s as good as another.

But that notice doesn’t fit here!

It does. It’s just the right size!—There, ready. (He goes over to Adam and holds out his hand.) Now, old boy, let’s shake hands; life’s a battle.

Thanks. Every success!

Don’t worry. Shall we start now?

No, not yet. I must get ready. Go to your side and wait till I say, “Now”.

All right, only do get on.

There, now I’ll show him!—But this won’t do; d’you hear? You must clap your hands so that I know you haven’t begun yet.

Right-o, but do hurry up.

Now to create my masterpiece! Let’s choose out the greatest one of all my great ideas——— But which?

Shall we begin?

In a minute!—I must concentrate—Oh, do shut up with your beastly clapping!

But you wanted me to clap.

Yes, yes. Go on clapping! Now, quick! Something great! Why, I had so many great ideas! Why doesn’t anything occur to me?—Something which simply must be! (He looks at the board.) The world must be destroyed! Damn that board! How am I to create with it in front of me?

Ready?

Not yet. Oh Lord—what, now?

Hooray!

What’s that?

At last you’ve said, “Now!”

But I didn’t say, “Now”. That doesn’t count! What are you doing there?

Creating.

But this doesn’t count. I haven’t begun yet!

Well then, begin and stop talking.

It’s all very well to say, “Begin!”—but what? What is there that’s perfect? What human thing is without flaw? (He stops working.) I say, you there; why are you whistling?

To make it turn out better.

How can you whistle while you’re creating?

Why shouldn’t I whistle? You whistle, too!

Listen; creating is really a religious rite, and there you go whistling like a street-boy. How can I create if you keep whistling all the time?

Get on with your creating and don’t keep crowing all the time, you old turkey-cock!

What’s that you say I am?

A mangy old turkey-cock.

Well, I like that! (Bursting out bitterly.) When you’ve created as much as I have you’ll be an old turkey-cock too, you young whipper-snapper!

Have you finished yet?

No. (He throws himself on his work.) I shall begin with the navel. He must have a belly whatever he is. ​And then I shall make him. . . . I’ve got it! No, why should it be Balzac? I’d rather have him some genius of action; or perhaps Einstein?——I say, are you nearly done?

Of course not.

Ha, ha, he isn’t getting on! Well, what about Einstein? But the world won’t be put to rights even if there is an Einstein in it. Why did he jeer at me and say I only make people? I expect he’s creating a whole social order! Ah, why of course, I’ve got my notes! I have five schemes for the new world order! Quick! (He pulls out his note-book and turns over the pages feverishly.) Golden Age———? No, how about number two. Plato’s Republic. He won’t have got that, certainly. But he’ll just say: Get along with you, is that meant to be something new? Or perhaps better a Socialist State? Damn, where have I put it? I hope to God he hasn’t taken one of my ideas! (He turns over the pages.) Bakunin―Marx——— Oh, do shut up with your whistling!

Why shouldn’t I whistle if I know how?

Then at least whistle something else.

Why? Each man his own tune.

Look here, Alter Ego. Remember that the fate of the world is hanging on what you’re creating; that every mistake you make, every idea you give form to now——— I say, are you listening?

Just go on talking; it doesn’t worry me!

Think twice about what you are making. Can you hold yourself responsible for it? If you feel the merest shadow of doubt, for heaven’s sake give it up, throw it aside. You know, it’s only fools who never doubt. Think and doubt!

That would be stupid. When a fellow’s got an idea he needn’t think.

I appeal to your conscience!

The man who has an idea of his own needn’t have a conscience. (He starts whistling.)

If only I knew what he’s doing there! Then I’d create exactly the reverse; it’s always a good thing to do the reverse on principle. Quick, what shall I create? And why create at all? My head’s ready to split!

Aha, I’ve got it!

What’s he got there? (He throws himself on his knees.) God, create something for me! Show once more that you exist! Do something! They always called you Creator; so now create something great, or at least spoil that other fellow’s work!

Finished!

That’s not fair! I haven’t begun yet! Wait a bit!

Time waits for no man.

What have you created?

This, my dear sir. (He taps the mould.) This is what I’ve created; d’you see?

What’s that?

A mould. The new method of creating. Wholesale creation. Adam, old boy, I’ve gone one better than you!

What is it for? What does it mean?

My own invention. You fill it with clay, breathe on it, done! Fill it again, breathe on it, done! Mass production! A dozen in five minutes! You do it like this, Creator; look!

Good God in Heaven! What’s this you’ve made!

Adam, before you stands the Mass.

Why are they all alike? Why are there a dozen of them?

That’s what’s really great about it, Creator. That’s the really superhuman part. I have created the Mass!

You mean to say they’re people?

Not people; Mass. You look. One just like another. And they’ve all got the same idea.

What idea?

That remains to be seen. Any idea you like, provided they all have the same. The idea of the Mass is something sublime.

Do you see that? Didn’t I tell you so? The Mass is waking up!

But why do they just stand there? Why don’t they say anything?

Hush, hush. They’re getting an idea. The Mass is gaining consciousness. The Crowd Soul is entering into them. Look, look, they’re raising their heads! Now they’re opening their mouths. Listens———

What are they whistling?

That’s my tune! They’re whistling my tune! Creator, I’ve beaten you! I’m their leader! I’ve made myself into a leader!

Why are you shouting like that?

Because to be a leader is a thousand times greater than to be a Creator, you fool!