Molly the Scold. What do they want at all? I wish we didn't come into a place with no back door to it.
Paul Ruttledge. There's nothing to be afraid of. Open the door, Charlie. [Charlie Ward opens the door.
Enter Mr. Green, Colonel Lawley, Mr. Dowler, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Algie and Thomas Ruttledge.
Paddy Cockfight. All J.P.'s; I have looked at every one of them from the dock!
Mr. Green. Mr. Ruttledge, this is very sad.
Mr. Joyce. This is a disgraceful business, Paul; the whole countryside is demoralized. There is not a man who has come to sensible years who is not drunk.
Mr. Dowler. This is a flagrant violation of all propriety. Society is shaken to its roots. My own servants have been led astray by the free drinks that are being given in the village. My butler, who has been with me for seven years, has not been seen for the last two days.
Paul Ruttledge. I am sure you will echo Mr. Dowler, Algie.
Mr. Algie. Indeed I do. I endorse his sentiments completely. There has not been a stroke of work done for the last week. The hay is lying in ridges where it has been cut, there is not a man to be found to water the cattle. It is impossible to get as much as a horse shod in the village.