THE FOURTH ACT
_Peterswaldau.—Private room of DREISSIGER, the fustian manufacturer—luxuriously furnished in the chilly taste of the first half of this century. Ceiling, doors, and stove are white, and the wall paper, with its small, straight-lined floral pattern, is dull and cold in tone. The furniture is mahogany, richly-carved, and upholstered in red. On the right, between two windows with crimson damask curtains, stands the writing-table, a high bureau with falling flap. Directly opposite to this is the sofa, with the strong-box; beside it; in front of the sofa a table, with chairs and easy-chairs arranged about it. Against the back wall is a gun-rack. All three walls are decorated with bad pictures in gilt frames. Above the sofa is a mirror with a heavily gilt rococo frame. On the left an ordinary door leads into the hall. An open folding door at the back shows the drawing-room, over-furnished in the same style of comfortless ostentation. Two ladies, MRS. DREISSIGER and MRS. KITTELHAUS, the Pastor's wife, are seen in the drawing-room, looking at pictures. PASTOR KITTELHAUS is there too, engaged in conversation with WEINHOLD, the tutor, a theological graduate.
KITTELHAUS
[A kindly little elderly man, enters the front room, smoking and chatting familiarly with the tutor, who is also smoking; he looks round and shakes his head in surprise at finding the room empty.] You are young, Mr. Weinhold, which explains everything. At your age we old fellows held—well, I won't say the same opinions—but certainly opinions of the same tendency. And there's something fine about youth—youth with its grand ideals. But unfortunately, Mr. Weinhold, they don't last; they are as fleeting as April sunshine. Wait till you are my age. When a man has said his say from the pulpit for thirty years—fifty-two times every year, not including saints' days—he has inevitably calmed down. Think of me, Mr. Weinhold, when you come to that pass.
WEINHOLD
[Nineteen, pale, thin, tall, with lanky fair hair; restless and nervous in his movements.] With all due respect, Mr. Kittelhaus…. I can't think … people have such different natures.
KITTELHAUS
My dear Mr. Weinhold, however restless-minded and unsettled, a man may be—[in a tone of reproof]—and you are a case in point—however violently and wantonly he may attack the existing order of things, he calms down in the end. I grant you, certainly, that among our professional brethren individuals are to be found, who, at a fairly advanced age, still play youthful pranks. One preaches against the drink evil and founds temperance societies, another publishes appeals which undoubtedly read most effectively. But what good do they do? The distress among the weavers, where it does exist, is in no way lessened—but the peace of society is undermined. No, no; one feels inclined in such cases to say: Cobbler, stick to your last; don't take to caring for the belly, you who have the care of souls. Preach the pure Word of God, and leave all else to Him who provides shelter and food for the birds, and clothes the lilies of the field.—But I should like to know where our good host, Mr. Dreissiger, has suddenly disappeared to.
[MRS. DREISSIGER, followed by MRS. KITTELHAUS, now comes forward. She is a pretty woman of thirty, of a healthy, florid type. A certain discrepancy is noticeable between her deportment and way of expressing herself and her rich, elegant toilette.]
MRS. DREISSIGER
That's what I want to know too, Mr. Kittelhaus. But it's what William always does. No sooner does a thing come into his head than off he goes and leaves me in the lurch. I've said enough about it, but it does no good.
KITTELHAUS
It's always the way with business men, my dear Mrs. Dreissiger.
WEINHOLD
I'm almost certain that something has happened downstairs.
DREISSIGER enters, hot and excited.
DREISSIGER
Well, Rosa, is coffee served?
MRS. DREISSIGER
[Sulkily.] Fancy your needing to run away again!
DREISSIGER
[Carelessly.] Ah! these are things you don't understand.
KITTELHAUS
Excuse me—has anything happened to annoy you, Mr. Dreissiger?
DREISSIGER
Never a day passes without that, my dear sir. I am accustomed to it. What about that coffee, Rosa?
[MRS. DREISSIGER goes ill-humouredly and gives one or two violent tugs at the broad embroidered bell-pull.
DREISSIGER
I wish you had been downstairs just now, Mr. Weinhold. You'd have gained a little experience. Besides…. But now let us have our game of whist.
KITTELHAUS
By all means, sir. Shake off the dust and burden of the day, Mr.
Dreissiger; forget it in our company.
DREISSIGER
[Has gone to the window, pushed aside a curtain, and is looking out. Involuntarily.] Vile rabble!! Come here. Rosa! [She goes to the window.] Look … that tall red-haired fellow there!…
KITTELHAUS
That's the man they call Red Becker.
DREISSIGER
Is he the man that insulted you the day before yesterday? You remember what you told me—when John was helping you into the carriage?
MRS. DREISSIGER
[Pouting, drawls.] I'm sure I don't know.
DREISSIGER
Come now, drop that offended air! I must know. I am thoroughly tired of their impudence. If he's the man, I mean to have him arrested. [The strains of the Weavers' Song are heard.] Listen to that! Just listen!
KITTELHAUS
[Highly incensed.] Is there to be no end to this nuisance? I must acknowledge now that it is time for the police to interfere. Permit me. [He goes forward to the window.] See, see, Mr. Weinhold! These are not only young people. There are numbers of steady-going old weavers among them, men whom I have known for years and looked upon as most deserving and God-fearing. There they are, taking part in this unheard-of mischief, trampling God's law under foot. Do you mean to tell me that you still defend these people?
WEINHOLD
Certainly not, Mr. Kittelhaus. That is, sir … cum grano salis. For after all, they are hungry and they are ignorant. They are giving expression to their dissatisfaction in the only way they understand. I don't expect that such people….
MRS. KITTELHAUS
[Short, thin, faded, more like an old maid than a married woman.] Mr. Weinhold, Mr. Weinhold, how can you?
DREISSIGER
Mr. Weinhold, I am sorry to be obliged to…. I didn't bring you into my house to give me lectures on philanthropy, and I must request that you will confine yourself to the education of my boys, and leave my other affairs entirely to me—entirely! Do you understand?
WEINHOLD
[Stands for a moment rigid and deathly pale, then bows, with a strained smile. In a low voice.] Certainly, of course I understand. I have seen this coming. It is my wish too.
[Goes out.
DREISSIGER
[Rudely.] As soon as possible then, please. We require the room.
MRS. DREISSIGER
William, William!
DREISSIGER
Have you lost your senses, Rosa, that you're taking the part of a man who defends a low, blackguardly libel like that song?
MRS. DREISSIGER
But, William, he didn't defend it.
DREISSIGER
Mr. Kittelhaus, did he defend it or did he not?
KITTELHAUS
His youth must be his excuse, Mr. Dreissiger.
MRS. KITTELHAUS
I can't understand it. The young man comes of such a good, respectable family. His father held a public appointment for forty years, without a breath on his reputation. His mother was overjoyed at his getting this good situation here. And now … he himself shows so little appreciation of it.
PFEIFER
[Suddenly opens the door leading from the hall and shouts in.] Mr. Dreissiger, Mr. Dreissiger! they've got him! Will you come, please? They've caught one of 'em.
DREISSIGER
[Hastily.] Has some one gone for the police?
PFEIFER
The superintendent's on his way upstairs.
DREISSIGER
[At the door.] Glad to see you, sir. We want you here.
[KITTELHAUS makes signs to the ladies that it will be better for them to retire. He, his wife, and MRS. DREISSIGER disappear into the drawing-room.
DREISSIGER
[Exasperated, to the POLICE SUPERINTENDENT, who has now entered.] I have at last had one of the ringleaders seized by my dyers. I could stand it no longer—their insolence was beyond all bounds—quite unbearable. I have visitors in my house, and these blackguards dare to…. They insult my wife whenever she shows herself; my boys' lives are not safe. My visitors run the risk of being jostled and cuffed. Is it possible that in a well-ordered community incessant public insult offered to unoffending people like myself and my family should pass unpunished? If so … then … then I must confess that I have other ideas of law and order.
SUPERINTENDENT
[A man of fifty, middle height, corpulent, full-blooded. He wears cavalry uniform with a long sword and spurs.] No, no, Mr. Dreissiger … certainly not! I am entirely at your disposal. Make your mind easy on the subject. Dispose of me as you will. What you have done is quite right. I am delighted that you have had one of the ringleaders arrested. I am very glad indeed that a day of reckoning has come. There are a few disturbers of the peace here whom I have long had my eye on.
DREISSIGER
Yes, one or two raw lads, lazy vagabonds, that shirk every kind of work, and lead a life of low dissipation, hanging about the public-houses until they've sent their last half-penny down their throats. But I'm determined to put a stop to the trade of these professional blackguards once and for all. It's in the public interest to do so, not only my private interest.
SUPERINTENDENT
Of course it is! Most undoubtedly, Mr. Dreissiger! No one can possibly blame you. And everything that lies in my power….
DREISSIGER
The cat-o'-nine tails is what should be taken to the beggarly pack.
SUPERINTENDENT
You're right, quite right. We must institute an example.
KUTSCHE, the policeman, enters and salutes. The door is open, and the sound of heavy steps stumbling up the stair is heard.
KUTSCHE
I have to inform you, sir, that we have arrested a man.
DREISSIGER
[To SUPERINTENDENT.] Do you wish to see the fellow?
SUPERINTENDENT
Certainly, most certainly. We must begin by having a look at him at close
quarters. Oblige me, Mr. Dreissiger, by not speaking to him at present.
I'll see to it that you get complete satisfaction, or my name's not
Heide.
DREISSIGER
That's not enough for me, though. He goes before the magistrates. My mind's made up.
JAEGER is led in by five dyers, who have come straight from their work—faces, hands, and clothes stained with dye. The prisoner, his cap set jauntily on the side of his head, presents an appearance of impudent gaiety; he is excited by the brandy he has just drunk.
JAEGER
Hounds that you are!—Call yourselves working men!—Pretend to be comrades! Before I would do such a thing as lay hands on a mate, I'd see my hand rot off my arm!
[At a sign from the SUPERINTENDENT KUTSCHE orders the dyers to let go their victim. JAEGER straightens himself up, quite free and easy. Both doors are guarded.
SUPERINTENDENT
[Shouts to JAEGER.] Off with your cap, lout! [JAEGER takes it off, but very slowly, still with an impudent grin on his face.] What's your name?
JAEGER
What's yours? I'm not your swineherd.
[Great excitement is produced among the audience by this reply.
DREISSIGER
This is too much of a good thing.
SUPERINTENDENT
[Changes colour, is on the point of breaking out furiously, but controls his rage.] We'll see about this afterwards.—Once more, what's your name? [Receiving no answer, furiously.] If you don't answer at once, fellow, I'll have you flogged on the spot.
JAEGER
[Perfectly cheerful, not showing by so much as the twitch of an eyelid that he has heard the SUPERINTENDENT'S angry words, calls over the heads of those around him to a pretty servant girl, who has brought in the coffee and is standing open-mouthed with astonishment at the unexpected sight.] Hillo, Emmy, do you belong to this company now? The sooner you find your way out of it, then, the better. A wind may begin to blow here, an' blow everything away overnight.
[The girl stares at JAEGER, and as soon as she comprehends that it is to her he is speaking, blushes with shame, covers her eyes with her hands, and rushes out, leaving the coffee things in confusion on the table. Renewed excitement among those present.
SUPERINTENDENT
[Half beside himself, to DREISSIGER.] Never in all my long service … a case of such shameless effrontery…. [JAEGER spits on the floor.
DREISSIGER
You're not in a stable, fellow! Do you understand?
SUPERINTENDENT
My patience is at an end now. For the last time: What's your name?
KITTELHAUS who has been peering out at the partly opened drawing-room door, listening to what has been going on, can no longer refrain from coming forward to interfere. He is trembling with excitement.
KITTELHAUS
His name is Jaeger, sir. Moritz … is it not? Moritz Jaeger. [To
JAEGER.] And, Jaeger, you know me.
JAEGER
[Seriously.] You are Pastor Kittelhaus.
KITTELHAUS
Yes, I am your pastor, Jaeger! It was I who received you, a babe in swaddling clothes, into the Church of Christ. From my hands you took for the first time the body of the Lord. Do you remember that, and how I toiled and strove to bring God's Word home to your heart? Is this your gratitude?
JAEGER
[Like a scolded schoolboy. In a surly voice.] I paid my half-crown like the rest.
KITTELHAUS
Money, money…. Do you imagine that the miserable little bit of money…. Such utter nonsense! I'd much rather you kept your money. Be a good man, be a Christian! Think of what you promised. Keep God's law. Money, money…!
JAEGER
I'm a Quaker now, sir. I don't believe in nothing.
KITTELHAUS
Quaker! What are you talking about? Try to behave yourself, and don't use words you don't understand. Quaker, indeed! They are good Christian people, and not heathens like you.
SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. Kittelhaus, I must ask you…. [He comes between the Pastor and
JAEGER.] Kutsche! tie his hands!
[Wild yelling outside: "Jaeger. Jaeger! come out!"
DREISSIGER
[Like the others, slightly startled, goes instinctively to the window.] What's the meaning of this next?
SUPERINTENDENT
Oh, I understand well enough. It means that they want to have the blackguard out among them again. But we're not going to oblige them. Kutsche, you have your orders. He goes to the lock-up.
KUTSCHE
[With the rope in his hand, hesitating.] By your leave, sir, but it'll not be an easy job. There's a confounded big crowd out there—a pack of raging devils. They've got Becker with them, and the smith….
KITTELHAUS
Allow me one more word!—So as not to rouse still worse feeling, would it not be better if we tried to arrange things peaceably? Perhaps Jaeger will give his word to go with us quietly, or….
SUPERINTENDENT
Quite impossible! Think of my responsibility. I couldn't allow such a thing. Come, Kutsche! lose no more time.
JAEGER
[Putting his hands together, and holding them, out.] Tight, tight, as tight as ever you can! It's not for long.
[KUTSCHE, assisted by the workmen, ties his hands.
SUPERINTENDENT
Now off with you, march! [To DREISSIGER.] If you feel anxious, let six of the weavers go with them. They can walk on each side of him, I'll ride in front, and Kutsche will bring up the rear. Whoever blocks the way will be cut down.
[Cries from below: "Cock-a-doodle-doo-oo-oo! Bow, wow, wow!"
SUPERINTENDENT
[With a threatening gesture in the direction of the window.] You rascals, I'll cock-a-doodle-doo and bow-wow you! Forward! March!
[He marches out first, with drawn sword; the others, with JAEGER, follow.
JAEGER
[Shouts as he goes.] An' Mrs. Dreissiger there may play the lady as proud as she likes, but for all that she's no better than us. Many a hundred times she's served my father with a halfpenny-worth of schnapps. Left wheel—march!
[Exit laughing.
DREISSIGER
[ After a pause, with apparent calmness.] Well, Mr. Kittelhaus, shall we have our game now? I think there will be no further Interruption. [He lights a cigar, giving short laughs as he does so; when it is lighted, bursts into a regular fit of laughing.] I'm beginning now to think the whole thing very funny. That fellow! [Still laughing nervously.] It really is too comical: first came the dispute at dinner with Weinhold—five minutes after that he takes leave—off to the other end of the world; then this affair crops up—and now we'll proceed with our whist.
KITTELHAUS
Yes, but … [Roaring is heard outside.] Yes, but … that's a terrible uproar they're making outside.
DREISSIGER
All we have to do is to go into the other room; it won't disturb us in the least there.
KITTELHAUS
[Shaking his head.] I wish I knew what has come over these people. In so far I must agree with Mr. Weinhold, or at least till quite lately I was of his opinion, that the weavers were a patient, humble, easily-led class. Was it not your idea of them, too, Mr. Dreissiger?
DREISSIGER
Most certainly that is what they used to be—patient, easily managed, well-behaved and orderly people. They were that as long as these so-called humanitarians let them alone. But for ever so long now they've had the awful misery of their condition held up to them. Think of all the societies and associations for the alleviation of the distress among the weavers. At last the weaver believes in it himself, and his head's turned. Some of them had better come and turn it back again, for now he's fairly set a-going there's no end to his complaining. This doesn't please him, and that doesn't please him. He must have everything of the best.
[A loud roar of "Hurrah!" is heard from, the crowd.
KITTELHAUS
So that with all their humanitarianism they have only succeeded in almost literally turning lambs over night into wolves.
DREISSIGER
I won't say that, sir. When you take time to think of the matter coolly, it's possible that some good may come of it yet. Such occurrences as this will not pass unnoticed by those in authority, and may lead them to see that things can't be allowed to go on as they are doing—that means must be taken to prevent the utter ruin of our home industries.
KITTELHAUS
Possibly. But what is the cause, then, of this terrible falling off of trade?
DREISSIGER
Our best markets have been closed to us by the heavy import duties foreign countries have laid on our goods. At home the competition is a struggle of life and death, for we have no protection, none whatever.
PFEIFER
[Staggers in, pale and breathless.] Mr. Dreissiger, Mr. Dreissiger!
DREISSIGER
[In the act of walking into the drawing-room, turns round, annoyed.] Well, Pfeifer, what now?
PFEIFER
Oh, sir! Oh, sir!… It's worse than ever!
DREISSIGER
What are they up to next?
KITTELHAUS
You're really alarming us—what is it?
PFEIFER
[Still confused.] I never saw the like. Good Lord—The superintendent himself … they'll catch it for this yet.
DREISSIGER
What's the matter with you, in the devil's name? Is any one's neck broken?
PFEIFER
[Almost crying with fear, screams.] They've set Moritz Jaeger free—they've thrashed the superintendent and driven him away—they've thrashed the policeman and sent him off too—without his helmet … his sword broken … Oh dear, oh dear!
DREISSIGER
I think you've gone crazy, Pfeifer.
KITTELHAUS
This is actual riot.
PFEIFER
[Sitting on a chair, his whole body trembling.] It's turning serious, Mr. Dreissiger! Mr. Dreissiger, it's serious now!
DREISSIGER
Well, if that's all the police …
PFEIFER
Mr. Dreissiger, it's serious now!
DREISSIGER
Damn it all, Pfeifer, will you hold your tongue?
MRS. DREISSIGER
[Coming out of the drawing-room with MRS. KITTELHAUS.] This is really too bad, William. Our whole pleasant evening's being spoiled. Here's Mrs. Kittelhaus saying that she'd better go home.
KITTELHAUS
You mustn't take it amiss, dear Mrs. Dreissiger, but perhaps, under the circumstances, it would be better …
MRS. DREISSIGER
But, William, why in the world don't you go out and put a stop to it?
DREISSIGER
You go and see if you can do it. Try! Go and speak to them! [Standing in front of the pastor, abruptly.] Am I such a tyrant? Am I a cruel master?
Enter JOHN the coachman.
JOHN
If you please, m'm, I've put to the horses. Mr. Weinhold's put Georgie and Charlie into the carriage. If it comes to the worst, we're ready to be off.
MRS. DREISSIGER
If what comes to the worst?
JOHN
I'm sure I don't know, m'm. But I'm thinkin' this way: The crowd's gettin' bigger and bigger, an' they've sent the superintendent an' the p'liceman to the right-about.
PFEIFER
It's gettin' serious now, Mr. Dreissiger! It's serious!
MRS. DREISSIGER
[With increasing alarm.] What's going to happen?—What do the people want?—They're never going to attack us, John?
JOHN
There's some rascally hounds among 'em, ma'am.
PFEIFER
It's serious now! serious!
DREISSIGER
Hold your tongue, fool!—Are the doors barred?
KITTELHAUS
I ask you as a favour, Mr. Dreissiger … as a favour … I am determined to … I ask you as a favour … [To JOHN.] What demands are the people making?
JOHN
[Awkwardly.] It's higher wages they're after, the blackguards.
KITTELHAUS
Good, good!—I shall go out and do my duty. I shall speak seriously to these people.
JOHN
Oh sir, please sir, don't do any such thing. Words is quite useless.
KITTELHAUS
One little favour, Mr. Dreissiger. May I ask you to post men behind the door, and to have it closed at once after me?
MRS. KITTELHAUS
O Joseph, Joseph! you're not really going out?
KITTELHAUS
I am. Indeed I am. I know what I'm doing. Don't be afraid. God will protect me.
[MRS. KITTELHAUS presses his hand, draws back, and wipes tears from her eyes.
KITTELHAUS
[While the dull murmur of a great, excited crowd is heard uninterruptedly outside.] I'll go … I'll go out as if I were simply on my way home. I shall see if my sacred office … if the people have not sufficient respect for me left to … I shall try … [He takes his hat and stick.] Forward, then, in God's name!
[Goes out accompanied by DREISSIGER, PFEIFER and JOHN.
MRS. KITTELHAUS
Oh, dear Mrs. Dreissiger! [She bursts into tears and embraces her.] I do trust nothing will happen to him.
MRS. DREISSIGER
[Absently.] I don't know how it is, Mrs. Kittelhaus, but I … I can't tell you how I feel. I didn't think such a thing was possible. It's … it's as if it was a sin to be rich. If I had been told about all this beforehand, Mrs. Kittelhaus, I don't know but what I would rather have been left in my own humble position.
MRS. KITTELHAUS
There are troubles and disappointments in every condition of life, Mrs.
Dreissiger.
MRS. DREISSIGER
True, true, I can well believe that. And suppose we have more than other people … goodness me! we didn't steal it. It's been honestly got, every penny of it. It's not possible that the people can be goin' to attack us! If trade's bad, that's not William's fault, is it?
[A tumult of roaring is heard outside. While the two women stand gazing at each other, pale and startled, DREISSIGER rushes in.
DREISSIGER
Quick, Rosa—put on something, and get into the carriage. I'll be after you this moment.
[He rushes to the strong-box, and takes out papers and various articles of value.
Enter JOHN.
JOHN
We're ready to start. But come quickly, before they gets round to the back door.
MRS. DREISSIGER
[In a transport of fear, throwing her arms around JOHN'S neck.] John, John, dear, good John! Save us, John. Save my boys! Oh, what is to become of us?
DREISSIGER
Rosa, try to keep your head. Let John go.
JOHN
Yes, yes, ma'am! Don't you be frightened. Our good horses'll soon leave them all behind; an' whoever doesn't get out of the way'll be driven over.
MRS. KITTELHAUS
[In helpless anxiety.] But my husband … my husband? But, Mr. Dreissiger, my husband?
DREISSIGER
He's in safety now, Mrs. Kittelhaus. Don't alarm yourself; he's all right.
MRS. KITTELHAUS
Something dreadful has happened to him. I know it. You needn't try to keep it from me.
DREISSIGER
You mustn't take it to heart—they'll be sorry for it yet. I know exactly whose fault it was. Such an unspeakable, shameful outrage will not go unpunished. A community laying hands on its own pastor and maltreating him—abominable! Mad dogs they are—raging brutes—and they'll be treated as such. [To his wife who still stands petrified.] Go, Rosa, go quickly! [Heavy blows at the lower door are heard.] Don't you hear? They've gone stark mad! [The clatter of window-panes being smashed on the ground-floor is heard.] They've gone crazy. There's nothing for it but to get away as fast as we can.
[Cries of "Pfeifer, come out!"—"We want Pfeifer!"—"Pfeifer, come out!" are heard.
MRS. DREISSIGER
Pfeifer, Pfeifer, they want Pfeifer!
PFEIFER
[Dashes in.] Mr. Dreissiger, there are people at the back gate already, and the house door won't hold much longer. The smith's battering at it like a maniac with a stable pail.
[The cry sounds louder and clearer: "Pfeifer! Pfeifer! Pfeifer! come out!" MRS. DREISSIGER rushes off as if pursued. MRS. KITTELHAUS follows. PFEIFER listens, and changes colour as he hears what the cry is. A perfect panic of fear seizes him; he weeps, entreats, whimpers, writhes, all at the same moment. He overwhelms DREISSIGER with childish caresses, strokes his cheeks and arms, kisses his hands, and at last, like a drowning man, throws his arms round him and prevents him moving.
PFEIFER
Dear, good, kind Mr. Dreissiger, don't leave me behind. I've always served you faithfully. I've always treated the people well. I couldn't give 'em more wages than the fixed rate. Don't leave me here—they'll do for me! If they finds me, they'll kill me. O God! O God! My wife, my children!
DREISSIGER
[Making his way out, vainly endeavouring to free himself from PFEIFER'S clutch.] Can't you let me go, fellow? It'll be all right; it'll be all right.
For a few seconds the room is empty. Windows are shattered in the drawing-room. A loud crash resounds through the house, followed by a roaring "Hurrah!" For an instant there is silence. Then gentle, cautious steps are heard on the stair, then timid, hushed ejaculations: "To the left!"—"Up with you!"—"Hush!"—"Slow, slow!"—"Don't shove like that!"—"It's a wedding we're goin' to!"—"Stop that crowdin'!"—"You go first!"—"No, you go!"
Young weavers and weaver girls appear at the door leading from the hall, not daring to enter, but each trying to shove the other in. In the course of a few moments their timidity is overcome, and the poor, thin, ragged or patched figures, many of them sickly-looking, disperse themselves through DREISSIGER'S room and the drawing-room, first gazing timidly and curiously at everything, then beginning to touch things. Girls sit down on the sofas, whole groups admire themselves in the mirrors, men stand up on chairs, examine the pictures and take them down. There is a steady influx of miserable-looking creatures from the hall.
FIRST OLD WEAVER
[Entering.] No, no, this is carryin' it too far. They've started smashin' things downstairs. There's no sense nor reason in that. There'll be a bad end to it. No man in his wits would do that. I'll keep clear of such goings on.
JAEGER, BECKER, WITTIG carrying a wooden pail, BAUMERT, and a number of other old and young weavers, rush in as if in pursuit of something, shouting hoarsely.
JAEGER
Where has he gone?
BECKER
Where's the cruel brute?
BAUMERT
If we can eat grass he may eat sawdust.
WITTIG
We'll hang him when we catch him.
FIRST YOUNG WEAVER
We'll take him by the legs and fling him out at the window, on to the stones. He'll never get up again.
SECOND YOUNG WEAVER
[Enters.] He's off!
ALL
Who?
SECOND YOUNG WEAVER
Dreissiger.
BECKER
Pfeifer too?
VOICES
Let's get hold o' Pfeifer! Look for Pfeifer!
BAUMERT
Yes, yes! Pfeifer! Tell him there's a weaver here for him to starve.
[Laughter.
JAEGER
If we can't lay hands on that brute Dreissiger himself … we'll make him poor!
BAUMERT
As poor as a church mouse … we'll see to that!
[All, bent on the work of destruction, rush towards the drawing-room door.
BECKER
[Who is leading, turns round and stops the others.] Halt! Listen to me! This is nothing but a beginnin'. When we're done here, we'll go straight to Bielau, to Dittrich's, where the steam power-looms is. The whole mischief's done by them factories.
OLD ANSORGE
[Enters from hall. Takes a few steps, then stops and looks round, scarcely believing his eyes; shakes his head, taps his forehead.] Who am I? Weaver Anton Ansorge. Has he gone mad, Old Ansorge? My head's goin' round like a humming-top, sure enough. What's he doin' here. He'll do whatever he's a mind to. Where is Ansorge? [He taps his forehead repeatedly.] Something's wrong! I'm not answerable! I'm off my head! Off with you, off with you, rioters that you are! Heads off, legs off, hands off! If you takes my house, I takes your house. Forward, forward!
[Goes yelling into the drawing-room, followed by a yelling, laughing mob.