Labor unions -- United States -- Drama; Social classes -- United States -- Drama; Strikes and lockouts -- Drama
I sincerely hope
We're on the eve, however, of a day
When trouble-makers in the ranks of Labor,
Not only here in Foreston but elsewhere,
May find it to their interest to respect,
Nay, reverence as a thing ordained by God,
The right of men to earn their daily bread,
As well as profitable to obey the laws
Without the unseemly presence of armed men.
(_There is a clapping of hands. General Chadbourne appears just
inside the door and beckons to Ardsley, who goes in to him_)
BISHOP HARDBROOKE.
And I will take occasion here and now
To say what you've been thinking all this while,
And in the presence of the man himself:
We are fortunate, my friends----
RALPH ARDSLEY.
(_Appears and calls to one of the guests farther back_)
The Governor.
BISHOP HARDBROOKE.
In having at the helm of our great State
One who loves order more than he loves votes.
(_General clapping of hands_)
SEVERAL.
Good!
GUEST.
(_In a low voice over the crowd_)
Governor!
SEVERAL.
That's good!
(_The Governor bows_)
CRIES.
Speech! Speech!
GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.
My friends,
I quite agree with the Bishop.
SEVERAL.
Ha, ha, ha!
GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.
I don't mean in his estimate of me.
(_More laughter. The Governor catches sight of the guest beckoning
to him_)
GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.
But here's my better half. You might ask her.
Pardon me till I see----
RALPH ARDSLEY.
(_Calls urgently to the Bishop in a voice that is barely heard_)
Go on! Go on!
BISHOP HARDBROOKE.
Society, my friends, is like this house,
This mansion that we all so much admire.
(_Ardsley stands impassive till the Governor has gone out and the
Bishop has again got the attention of the people, then goes quickly
into the side room_)
BISHOP HARDBROOKE.
Imagine what a state of things we'd have
If every wooden fellow in these walls,
Not only here but in the mill upstairs,
Should lend his heart to tongues of discontent
Until his very tools became a burden.
A VOICE.
Anarchy.
BISHOP HARDBROOKE.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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