Sam Williams.
Well, comrades, it's the Union first with me.
That props the rest. You take that prop away
And everything comes down. We've climbed a bit
Since we first organized. And what we've won,
What is it that keeps it won? The Union, comrades,
Is just another name for all of us.
Jergens.
(Appearing at the gate)
Another thing. If you don't come to work
We'll want those shacks up there. Remember that.
(Goes out)
Sam Williams.
And we need something bigger than we are,
Don't we, if they do with their mills and lands?
You heard Aug. Jergens what he said just now
When Chris here called to him, 'But you unite.'
You heard him say, 'That's none of your affair.'
Then how's it their affair if we unite?
Logs you can't handle, but you saw them up,
Then you can handle them. It's the same with us;
They want to handle us to suit themselves.
Comrades, I don't see if you go in there
How you'll not have to come out here again;
Unless you mean to bear whatever comes.
You'll hear no big voice, 'Then we'll all go out,'
That's kept their hands from off you many a time.
Or is it their mercy that you're counting on?
Poor hold you've got there. One window yonder
Of Egerton's big house would put the guards
About the saws. But you hear what he says.
And it's our lives he's talking of.
A Woman.
(To another who begins to cry)