ACT I.
(Samantha’s kitchen, Samantha standing by a big churn looking very tired. Josiah sitting by the table reading a newspaper with great interest).
Samantha. I’ve been churnin’ on this cream for two full hours, ever since I finished white-washin’ the back kitchen, and ironin’ and moppin’ and bakin’; I’m all beat out and I wish you’d help me a little.
Josiah. (Not lookin’ up from his paper). I would love to Samantha, nothin’ pleases me more than to churn two or three pails full of cream. Men had always ruther do that than to eat.
Samantha. Take holt then and let me rest a minute. I did a big day’s work before I begun to churn, and I’m tired out.
Josiah. (Still reading). I would in a minute, Samantha, but if I take this tub of butter to Jonesville I’ve got to grease the democrat, it don’t run good. (Lookin’ up from his paper). I want you to hear this Samantha. Here is eloquence and good horse sense, I feel that I love the man that wrote it—love him like a brother. You know I always contended that wimmen wuz too weak and helpless to vote, even if they knew enough, which they don’t.
(Samantha stretches up her weary form and leans on the churn dasher and says). Yes, I know you always argyed that way, but what is the piece, Josiah?
Josiah. Oh, he is answerin’ a Woman’s Sufferage argument. He sez the idee of a great strong man allowin’ a weak and delicate woman to vote or endure any other hardship is perfectly obnoxious and repugnant to any man that has the sperit of a man. The very idee of lettin’ them angels strain themselves liftin’ at the political pole is more than a tender-hearted man can endure. And he goes on to say, If I were a woman I would do nothin’ important, I would emulate the rose and its wisdom, I would allure and charm and be silent. Man wuz made to protect woman, to work for her, and vote for her. Woman wuz made to smile on man and charm him in his hours of ease. Do you hear that, Samantha? That masterly, convincin’ logick?
(Samantha has resumed her churning again and says). Yes, I hear it, Josiah. But I want a pail of cold water; you know I have to draw it up by hand since the pump broke, and git a ten quart pail of water on the end of the pole, I don’t believe the political pole would draw much harder.