GRANDFATHER. Ah, what doings! what doings! One would think, what more would any one want than to do his work on week days, and when Sunday comes round, to have a good wash, clean the harness, and rest a bit and sit with his family; or go outside and have a talk with the old folk about matters concerning the Commune. Or, if you're young, have a game. There they are playing,—and it's pleasant to look at them. It's all pleasant and good. [Screams inside the hut] But this sort of thing, what is it? It only leads men astray, and pleases the Devils. And it all comes of fat living!
Tipsy men come tumbling out of the hut, shout, and catch hold of the girls.
GIRLS. Leave off, Daddy Tom! What do you mean by it?
LADS. Let's go into the lane. It's impossible to play here.
Exeunt all who were playing in the ring.
PEASANT [goes up to Grandfather] What have you got now? The Elders will allot everything to me! [Snaps his fingers at him] That's what you'll get! So there you are! It's all mine and you've nothing! They'll tell you so themselves!
The four Elders speak all at once.
FIRST ELDER. 'Cos I know what's what!
“'Fore all I'll be heard,
'Cos I'm an old bird!”