The Americans Part 17

Then by the----

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

One moment, brother Egerton; One moment, Governor; let me say a word.

(_Steps toward the Figures_)

My brothers, If hunger hath driven you here, then know I speak For one whose self was hungry, Jesus Christ; Yet was he meek and lamb-like. Why do you not Go to those places that have been prepared By charitable, Christian men and women For this very purpose, to relieve distress?

If you are worthy you will there be fed.

FIGURES.

Whited sepulchre! He's a whited sepulchre!

(_They advance toward him_)

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

How dare you, armed with Labor's sacred tools Which our Lord's father sanctified when he Wrought at his wood in Nazareth, how dare you, With envy in your hearts, on murder bent, Intrude upon the quiet social hour Of honorable, law-abiding men?

G.o.d sees you with your axes lifted there.

And though you fear not law nor anything Of man, fear G.o.d, for he hath power And he can reach you in the uttermost Parts of the earth or air, as David saith.

FIGURES.

The rich man's friend! The rich man's friend!

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

Then by the power vested in me----

FIGURES.

We are the power! We are the power!

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

As Governor of this commonwealth I will call out the military!

FIGURES.

We are the military! We are the military!

GOVERNOR BRADDOCK.

(_Calls_)

General Chadbourne!

PEOPLE.

(_Who have been peering in forward right_)

Chadbourne! Chadbourne!

(_Egerton and the Bishop follow the Governor out centre right, and the people disappear_)

FIGURES.

(_Aloud_)

Release, release us from this spell!

LION.

Release yourselves!

FIGURES.

(_With tremendous surprise_)

We can! We can!

(_There are shouts and a thunder of tools falling upon the floor_)

SHOUTS.

We're free! We're free!

OTHER SHOUTS.

And seize the throats that nailed us fast!

HARRY EGERTON.

Forget the past! Forget the past!

SHOUTS.

An enemy! He's an enemy!

HARRY EGERTON.

Release your brothers!

SHOUTS.

To h.e.l.l with the scabs!