The Americans Part 83

I know of nothing nearer home than this, The cry of men for justice at our doors.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Suppose we get the Company to agree To let bygones be bygones with the men, And to restore conditions as they were----

RALPH ARDSLEY.

In other words to meet the men's demands.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

And put the guards they ask about the saws.

That would remove the causes, would it not, Of the misunderstanding?

RALPH ARDSLEY.

Every one.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Would there be any valid reason then Why Peace should not return and all be friends As formerly?

HARRY EGERTON.

For weeks they waited for it.

(_Listens back_)

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

What's time to do with right and wrong, my brother?

HARRY EGERTON.

But men in misery often have a vision Beyond the eye of prosperous days to see.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

If it was fair last week, then why not now?

HARRY EGERTON.

They're building something fairer.

(_Walks back_)

RALPH ARDSLEY.

It's no use.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

On what foundations, Harry? All about I see the wreck and ruin of our land; Her altars down, her sacred inst.i.tutions----

(_Cheering outside_)

Harry, I beg of you to stop and think What it has cost, this Law that you defy And cast before the swine of riotous feet.

(_Continuous cheering_)

I appeal to you, my brother----

HARRY EGERTON.

Bishop Hardbrooke----

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

In the name of everything that you hold dear----

HARRY EGERTON.

There's nothing you could say that could persuade me----

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Think of your country plunged in civil war!

HARRY EGERTON.

To stay even with a word what's rising there.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Think of your mother, think of how she feels Sitting----

RALPH ARDSLEY.

Here's Anderson!

HARRY EGERTON.

What is it, Harvey?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Hurrying in_)

Well, President of Free Mill Number One And many more hereafter!