STRIFE
A monologue from the
play by John
Galsworthy
|
NOTE: This monologue is reprinted
from Strife. John Galsworthy. New York: Charles Scribner's
Sons, 1918. |
|
|
- ROBERTS: Ye best know whether the condition of the
Company is any better than the condition of the men. Ye best
know whether ye can afford your tyranny--but this I tell ye:
If ye think the men will give way the least part of an inch,
ye're making the worst mistake ye ever made. Ye think because
the Union is not supporting us--more shame to it!--that we'll
be coming on our knees to you one fine morning. Ye think because
the men have got their wives an' families to think of--that it's
just a question of a week or two. I will say this for you, Mr.
Anthony--ye know your own mind! And I know mine. I tell ye this.
The men will send their wives and families where the country
will have to keep them; an' they will starve sooner than give
way. I advise ye, Mr. Anthony, to prepare yourself for the worst
that can happen to your Company. We are not so ignorant as you
might suppose. We know the way the cat is jumping. From the time
that I remember anything ye have been an enemy to every man that
has come into your works. I don't say that ye're a mean man,
or a cruel man, but ye've grudged them the say of any word in
their own fate. Ye've fought them down four times. I've heard
ye say ye love a fight--mark my words--ye're fighting the last
fight ye'll ever fight!
MORE
MONOLOGUES BY JOHN GALSWORTHY |
|
|
