All along the line,' said the volunteer, pulling the blanket over him, 'everything in the army stinks of rottenness. Up till now the wide-eyed masses haven't woken up to it. With goggling eyes they let themselves be made into mincemeat and then when they're struck by a bullet they just whisper, "Mummy!" Heroes don't exist, only cattle for the slaughter and the butchers in the general staffs. But in the end every body will mutiny and there will be a fine shambles. Long live the army! Goodnight!
A volunteer reflects on the grim realities of army life, expressing disappointment in the naivety of soldiers who blindly accept their fate. He uses a stark metaphor, comparing soldiers to livestock destined for slaughter, indicating that they are treated as mere tools for the war effort. The army is portrayed as a corrupt institution, where the true nature of war is hidden from those who participate.
The volunteer foresees a coming rebellion among the troops, highlighting a sense of inevitability to the suffering and disillusionment they face. His bitter farewell, "Long live the army! Goodnight!" underscores a cynical view of the military, suggesting that while the masses may remain unaware now, a breaking point will eventually lead to chaos and revolt.
