"MAK, BOOK—HOW TO “ MAKE- OP.” A practical guide • Amatei^, with Twenty-three Colored Illustrations. NO. CCCUL FRENCH’S STANDARD DRAMA. THE LONG STRIKE, §> §*am» in Jour BY DION BAUCICATJLT, ESCi. NEW YOKE SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 26 West 22d Street LONDON SAMUEL ERENf PUBLISHEK. ,TD„ S9 Stiiand . MAKE-CT box. lamel Hair Brushe >, Hare's Foot, Wool, C raped lla.r, Cold Cieam Jo.nL> amre Puffs Sci»e'>rs and Looking Glass ; packed neatly m fc>tion e j ' Cases, $5.00. FRENCH® STANDARD DRAMJ 9 10 11 12 13 14 1* 16 18 iy 80 21 28 23 V4 V5 26 27 ta 29 30 SI 82 S3 84 3ft 8rt 37 38 32 40 VOL. I. Ion Fazio Tha Lady of Lyons Riehelitm Tlie Wife The Honeymoon The School for Scandal Money VOL. II. The Stranger Grandfather Whitehead Richard III Lere’e Sacrifice 1 he Gamester A Cure for the Heartacln- Tbe Hunchback Don C*?sar d« Kazan VOL. 111. The P*or Gentleman Hamlet Charles II Venice Preserved I'izarro Tnc Love Chase Othello Lend me Five Shillings VOL. IV. Virginins King of the Commons London Assurance The Rent Day Two Gentlemen ol'Verona The Jealous Wile The Rivals Perfection VOL. V. [Debts A New Way to Pay Old Look Before You Leap King John Nervous Man Damon and Pythias Clandestine Marriage William Tell Day after the Wedding VOL. VI. Speed the Plough Romeo and Juliet Feudal Times Charles the Twelfth The Bride The Follies of a Night Iron Chest [Fair Lady int Heart Never Won VOL. VII. to Ruin Prio ents each.—Bound Volumes $1.25. out Nothing Venice i Young Hearts rs [riage Iks it ft. r Mar- Iix. li* B't her Country Devils VOL. X. fenry VIII Married and Single Henry IV Paul "Pry Guy Mannering i Sweethearts and Wives prions Family hStoops to Conquer VOL. XI. 81 Jullhs Ca'sar 82 Vicar of Wakefield 83 Leap Year 84 The Catspaw 85 The Passing Cloud 86 Drunkard 87 Rob Roy 88 George Barnwell VOL. XII. 89 Ingomar 90 Sketches in India 91 Two Friends 9 ' Jane Shore 93 Corsican Brothers 94 Mind your own Business 95 Writing on the Wall 96 Heir at Law VOL. XIII. 97 Soldier’s Daughter 9-< Douglas 99 Marco Spada 100 Nature’s Nobleman 101 Sardanapalus 102 Civilization 103 The Robbers 104 Katharine and Petruchio VOL. XIV. 105 Game of Love 106 Midsummer Night’s 107 Ernestine [Dream 108 Rag Picker of Paris 109 Flying Dutchman 110 Hypocrite 111 Therese 112 La Tour de Nesle VOL. XV. 113 Ireland As It Is 114 Sea of Ice 115 Seven Clerks 116 Game of Life 117 Forty Thieves 118 Bryan Boroihme 119 Romance and Reality 120 Ugolino VOL. XVI. 121 The Tempest 122 The Pilot 23 Carpenter of Rouen 1 4 King’s Rival 12ft Little Treasure 126 Dombey and Son 127 Parents' and Guardians 128 Jewess vol. xvir. 129 Camille 130 Married Life 131 Wen lock of Wenlock 132 Rose of Ettrickvale 133 David Copperfield 134 Aline, or the Rose of 135 Pauline [Killarney 136 Jane Evre VOL. XVIII. 137 Night and Morning 138 /Ethiop 139 Three Guardsmen 140 Tom Cringle 141 Henriette. the Forsaken 142 Eustaclie Baudin 143 Ernest Maltravers 144 Bold Dragoons VOL. XIX. 145 Dred, or the Dismal [Swamp 146 Last Days of Pompeii 147 Esmeralda 148 Peter Wilt ins 149 Ben the Boatswain 150 Jonathan Bradford 151 Retribution 152 Minerali VOL. XX. 153 French Spy 154 Wept of Wish-ton V 1. h 155 Evil Genius 156 Ken Bolt 167 Sailor of France 158 Red Mask 159 Life of an Actress 160 Wedding Lay 141 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 VOL. XXL All’s Fair in Love Hofer Self Cinderella Phantom Franklin [Moscow 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 21 > 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 1279 8 ? The Gunmaker of The Love of a Prince VOL. XXII. Son of the Night Rory O’More Golden Eagle Rienzi Broken Sword Rip Van Winkle Isabelle Heart of Mid Lothian VOL. XXIII. Actress of Padua Floating Beacon Bride of Lammermoor Cataract of the Ganges Robber of the Rhine School of Reform Wandering Boys Mazeppa VOL. XXIV. Young New York The Victims Romance after Marriage Brigand Poor of New York Ambrose Gwinett Raymond and Agnes Gambler’s Fate VOi- XXV. Father and Son Mnssaniello Sixteen String Jack Youthful Queen Skeleton Witness Innkeeper of Abbeville Miller and his Men Aladdin VOL. XXVI. Adrienne the Actress Undine Jesse Brown Asmodeus Mormons Blanche of Brandywine Viola Deseret Deserted VOL. XXVII. Americans in Paris Victorine Wizard of the Wave Castle Spectre Horse-shoe Robinson Artnand, Mrs. Mowatt Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt Glance at New York VOL. XXVIII. Inconstant Uncle Tom’s Cabin Guide to the Stage Veteran Miller of New Jersey Dark 1 lour Before Dawn Midsutn’r N iglj t’s Dream [Laura Keene’* Edition Art and Artifice VQL. XXIX. Poor Young Man Ossawattomie Brow r n Pope of Rome op Pauvr Man : 233 Twist tte the Iron Mask of Arva Mo! teller Y< XXX. Iliac;; Kved S'usau •itan Paris leadows [ess I, or Irish Heir- - :es of Crime and the Devil or Moor of Sici- .nsili E VOL. XXXI. 241 Merry Wives of W 242 Mary’s Birthday 243 Shandy Maguire 244 Wild Oats 245 Michael Erie ;4 5 Idiot Witness 247 Willow Copse 248 People’s Lawyer VOL. XXXII. 248 The Boy Martyrs 250 Lucretia Borgia 251 Surgeon of Paris 252 Patrician’s Daughl 253 Shoemaker of Ton I 254 Momentous Quest!' 255 Love and Loyalty 256 Robber’s Wife VOL. XXXIII. 257 Dumb Girl of Gem 2. 8 Wreck Ashore 259 Clari 260 Rural Felicity 261 Wallace 262 Madelaine 263 The Fireman 264 Grist to the Mill VOL. XXXIV. 265 Two Loves and a I 266 Annie Blake 267 Steward 268 Captain Kyd 269 Nick of the Woods 270 Marble Heart « 271 Second Love 272 Dream at Sea VOL. X.XXV. 273 Breach of Promise 274 Review 275 Lady of the Lake 276 Still Water Runs 277 The Scholar 278 Helping Hands 279 Faust and Margue 280 Last M-..n VOL. XXXVf. 281 Belle’s Stratagem 282 Old and Young 283 Raffaella 284 Ruth Oakley 285 British Slave 2»6 A Life’s Ransom 287 Giralda 28j Time Tries All VOL. XXXVII. 289 Ella Rosenburg 290 Warlock oi' the Gh 291 Zelina 292 Beatrice 293 Neighbor Jack woo 294 Wonder 295 Robert Emmet 296 Green Bushes VOL. XXXVIIT. 297 Flowers of the For 298 A Bachelor of Arts 299 The Midnight Ban 300 Husband of an Hot 301 Love’s Labor Lost 302 Naiad Queen 303 Caprice 304 Cradle of I.ibertv VOL. XXXIX. 305 The Cost Ship 306 Country Squire 307 'Fraud and its Viet 308 I’utnam 309 King and Desei ter 310 La Kianmiina 311 A Hard Struggle 312 Gwinnette Vaughn VOL. XL. 313 The Love Knot [ 314 Lavater, or Not 315 The Noble Heart 316 Coriolantis 317 The Winter’s Tale 3'8 Eveleen Wilson 319 Ivanhoe ( French's Standard Drama C Faces 'Ilv'320 Jonathan in Engl: d page of (lover 1 ) e of C07 nr.«x NO. CCCLX. FRENCH’S STANDARD DRAMA. grama in Jtnw gwrtji, BY DION BAIJCICAULT, ESQ. play is the property of J. H. Stoddard, Esq., to whom application must b~ made for permission to perform. New York SAMUEL FRENCH ! PUBLISHER 26 WEST 22D STREET [ London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd, PUBLISHERS 89 STRAND DBAMATIS PERSON2E. — Tiie Long Stiitse. As originally played at the Lyceum Theater , London. Noaii Learoyd .. Jem Starkee. .,. *. Richard Hi:abley Mr. Armitage, Mr. Aspinwall, Mr. Brooke, Moneypenny, ) Mr. Spurrier, >-. Mr. Wigley, ) Crankshaw. Johnny Reilly.. Captain Wole. Telegraph Operator ... Gentleman from London Jack 0 Bobs, i John O’Dick, 1 To n 0 Bills, Old Siia brock, J Sir John Fairfield. Court Crier. Policeman, &c. Jane Learoyd. Betsey . Maggie, \ Susan, J. Leader of the Strike, Foreman of Engineers .Manufacturers .. Solicitors. . .A Policeman. . .An Irish Sailor. .. Capt. of 11 Eliza and Mary . '* Strikers. Presiding Judge* Operator*. A THE LONG STRIKE. ACT I. SCENE I. —Parlor of Seven Star Inn. Box scene. Practical door, r. 8 e. ; practical windoiv, r. 2 e.; set fireplace, l. 2 e.; grate, etc.; rug on floor; baise down ; mantlepicce and looking glass; ornaments; clock on mantel; sideboard with decanters, glasses, cigars, etc., against flat; long table, l. c.; 8 chairs set same as ls£ scene, 8 rd act, “ School for Scandal one arm-chair at head of table, elevated; tor Ling materials and books on table; office settee, r. 2 e., by window; Waiter discovered at sideboard ; Armi- tage discovered head of table ; Brooke, r. h. corner table; Aspinwall, l h., second chair ; Readley at table ; Crankshaw discovered at door. P 3 e.; noise outside; voices outside at rise ; music. Armitage Have you dispersed the crowd ? Crankshaw No, sir, the people are very orderly but they will not move on. Readley The street below is impassable ; the mob increases. Arm Very well. [Exit Crankshaw. Armitage, rising .] Gentle- tlemen, we have to deal with a most perilous crisis. The working men of Manchester have now maintained the longest stike on record. The claims I advanced some weeks ago, were, I confess, extravagant but I hear that moderate counsels have lately prevailed amongst them. Let us hope the moment has arrived when, by manual con¬ cession,— Read I, for one, will concede nothing. The longer this strike is maintained, the more salutary will be the lesson. Their suffering, wantonly self inflicted, will remain a tradition amongst singular com bination. Brooke I agree with Mr. Readley. Concession, to these people, is encouragement. Aspinwall If this demand be just, it may be provoking to find it widely prevented, but our dignity should not stand in the way of our honesty. Enter Crankshaw, r. 3 e. Crank The deputation of the working committee is below, gentle¬ men. I THE LONG STRIKE. Arm How is it composed? D’ye know the men? Crank Yes, sir—there’s Noah Learoyd— Arm The crazy enthusiast ? I am sorry he is amongst them - Well ? Crank James Starkee, John O’Dick and Old Sharroek. Read These are the ringleaders. Arm So much the better—show them in. [Exit Cranksiiaw, r. 3 e. Read It seems, gentlemen, we are divided in our policy—our party id for firm measures, the other for conciliation. We who are resolute will hold aloof from this interview, leaving the negotiations for peace in your hands. Enter Cranksiiaw, r. 3 e. and is about to admit the deleqates; is stopped by Readley saying One moment, officer. [Cranksiiaw doses door—delegates still outside .] If terms be proposed to you which are acceptable, we consent to adhere to your resolution; but if, on the other hand, terms are offered by these men which you reject, then you pledge yourselves to follow in your wake and support the measures we resolve to adopt. [0ninesi except Armitage, signifying consent by saying “ agreed, very good." Readley, Brooke and one Gentleman retire to fireplace.] Arm [To Cranksiiaw.] You may admit the deputation. [Cranksiiaw opens door. Euler Noaii Learoyd, John O’ Dick and Old Sharrock. r. 3 e. Arm Well, my men, which of you is spokesman? Noah I am. Arm You come as delegates from the discontented workmen? Noah We come from the men of Manchester, and we come to a Manchester man. Thou wer’st a working man once thyself, John Armitage, and to thee — Arm We don’t want a speech — expose your griefs. What are they? Noah No one knows but Him above, who looks down on our alleys and lanes. He’s keeping a reckonin’, and when you get up there He’ll show it up to ye. Delegation Hear, hear ! Arm My good men, we shall be glad to redress your wrongs if you will but state them. Read Aye, and state them humbly. n. Noah Aye, as workingmen should— I know how you look upon the workingrjaen, Dick Renxlley—they are at home in three places— the mill, the felon’s dock and the grave. Arm Noah Learoyd, the people have chosen you unwisely to repre¬ sent them. This is no place for such language. Noah That’s so ; I know it; I am wrong ; I have no right to speak so here. It’s only once a week you rich folks go to hear the truth, and I am not licensed to tell it ye. No offense, but there on that bit o’ THE LONG STRIKE. 5 paner is writ the people’s prayer. It’s nut so big as the Magna Charta, but, smal. as it is, a million of men do take their stand upon it. Arm This, then, contains vour ultimatum? Noah What’s that? Arm I mean is it all the concession the people are prepared tu make? Noah Aye ? ayc, you may call it the last word to a proud heart, to an empty bully. Arm [After reading paper.] I hope you have some other proposal more moderate than this ? Aspin [Reading paper.] You ask too much. Noah If I thought there was one w r ord there that was not right, I’d cut the hand off that wrote it, and that’s my own. I’d starve, man, before I’d ask it, and if I tried to let a lie out on it I’d choke. Arm Please to retire while we take your terms iuto consideration. We are very desirous to adjust our unhappy differences. Noah You are, John Armitage, but some here ain’t. Read If you mean me, my man, you are right—if I had my way with you I would not listen"to a word until you had learned submis¬ sion. Noah Aye, condemn and execute us first and then hear what we’ve to say. [Exit Noah, O' Dick and Old Shakrock, r. 3 e. Read Those ruffians are always ready with some vulgar retort. [Grosses c. and joins Brooke and party up stage. Aspin It is impossible to meet those demands. [Headley and party laugh after reading paper in undertone. Arm The city is in a fever—we should not expect cool judgment lrom a distempered body. [Headley and party repeat bus. as before. Aspin But we may interpose moderation in their counsel. Readley is inclined to go too far. Read [Advancing to l. ii. corner .] Well, gentlemen, I presume you reject this precious document, and if so, you resign yourselves to support our measures. [Omnes, except Armitage, exclaim yes , yes. Arm Then you must permit me to vacate the chair if I must sub¬ mit. I decline to be the leader of an action I can not approve. [Rises and stands by chair Brooke Gentlemen, I propose that Richard Readley do take the chair. Omnes Aye, Readley, Readley. [Readley bows; goes up and takes chair. Read Gentlemen, I shall endorse, on this paper, and in a few words, the proposal (we are agreed to) I think, to make to these mis¬ guided fellows. Should our terms be rejected, we bind ourselves to a general lockout. When they find there is no hope of coercing us they will come to their senses. Arm Or lose them altogether. [Thepaper on which Readley has written he hands to Gentleman on r. and it is passed around table and to Armitage by fireplace.] 6 THE LONG STRIKE. Retd You may admit those men. [To Crankshaw, who opens douf and admits Noaii and others.] We have considered your proposal. —Noah I know ye have and I know what’ll come of it. I am Surry to see thee in the chair, Richard Readley. Headley You have set down your terms; they are not quite such as we can entertain, so we have embodied our views and you will find them endorsed on your own paper. Arm [Aside to Readley, handing paper.] This is a most serious stop. Read I accept the responsibility. [Readley hands paper to Noah who reads and consults delegates in an under tone.] Noah Do you mean this ? It ain’t no joke ? Is this the stone you gave us when we asked for bread ? Read We are resolved to abate no jot of those conditions. You have formed a league to coerce your employers ; beware, or the mus¬ ters may combine against you. The few mills now open will then be closed and there will follow a general lockout. [Striking table with hand. Noah This is thy writing, too ? Read Aye, in reply to yours. It is well that you should learn that there are those here as firm as you are stubborn. Noah Do you not know that this will harden the hearts of the men ? Iron as they are, they will become steel. Read Return to work then and open the mills. Noah and Delegates Give us our rights. Read Further discussion is useless. Noah Come, lads, we have no further business here. [Gentlemen are in earnest conversation , and Noaii and Delegates are about • to exit as scene closes. SCENE H.— First groove. Old Millgate Lane; a view of mills in distance . Enter Jane Learoyd, l. 1 e., looking around as if expecting some one ; throws back hood she wears over head. Enter Jem Starkee, l. 1 e. Jem Why, Jane, why are you loitering here ? This is a lone place for a girl like you; I'll see you home ; there’s rough folk abroad- to¬ night. Jane Nay, I’m not afraid, Jem. Jem But I am, and bodily scared for your sake. This ain’t the first time you’ve chosen this way home in the dark, and if you ain’t afraid it’s because you had some one with you. Jane You have spied on me, Jem Starkee. What right have you to watch my doings ? Jem \V hat right? Oh, can you ask me? I have the right to love vou, Jane. THE LONG STRIKE. 7 Jane Who gave it to you? Jem You did. What has my life been but one long service of lor* to you ? You saw it plain enough and you never told me to go my ways. Jane I—I—looked on you as a friend, Jem, as a brother. Jem No you didn’t; you know better ; and not long ago you grew to love me a bit, until— Jane Until what ? Jem Until Richard Readlej, your master, took to meeting you slightly in the lane on your way home from the mill, until he filled your ears with lies and your heart with vanity. Jane I don’t know what rights I have given you, but I’ve given no man the right to insult me. You said I never told you to go your ways—I do so now—I don’t care for ye— 1 never did—there, [Crosses to r. 1 e.] you have no excuse now to play the spy upon me. [Exit, R. 1 E. Jem I don’t care for ye, and I never did! Was it Jane who spoke ? Was it my girl ? She told me to go my ways ! Where shall I go where she is not ? Ah ! yonder is Readley ; I knew why she was loitering here. I knew it all over me. [ Looks off, r 1 e.] He crosses*the lane—they speak—oh, Jane !— Jane ! -but what is she to me ? She never cared for me— I must not watch them—she turns back wi’ him—they come—his eyes on hers, her breath mixin’ wi’ his’n. [ Crosses to l. n.] They come, and I must go my ways—I must go my ways. [Exit, l. 1 e. Enter Readley and Jane, his arm around her waist. Jem You must not stop me, sir. Indeed, I must go home. Read Your home must not be a hovel, Jane ; those bright eyes must not grow dim over night work ; those delicate hands were never made for labor. Jane Pray let me go. Read Not until you whisper you would rather stay. Give me some little word to nurse until we meet again. Jane W hat shall I say ? Read Say that you will meet me to-morrow night in the lane, be¬ hind my house. Jane Hush ! Some one is stirring yonder—see ! Read It is a policeman. Jane Nay, not him. There is the gloom sittin’ on yonder block o* stone. Good night, sir, I must be gone. Read How you tremble. Jane Good night. [Exit, r. 1 e. Read She loves me. I must not chide her fears ; they arc the proof of her innocence and of the power of her passion for me, but to-mor¬ row night I will put her heart to the test. Jem Starkee enters during speech and walks to c. as Readley turns. Jem May I speak a word to you, sir ? 8 THE LONG STRIKE. Ready Certainly—who are you ? Jem Jem—Jem Starkee, sir—foreman of the engineers at Aspin walls. Read Well, what do you want with me? Make haste—I’m hurried, so come to the point. Jem I will, sir. I think you are keeping company wi’ a young woman called Jane Learoyd ? Read [Added] Who the deuce is this ? Some low admirer of hers— a rival ? It’s rather degrading to be mixed up with such cattle. Jem Well? Read I was thinking—let me see—Jane—you mean the daughter of old Norah Learoyd—a little blue eyed hussey ? Jem She’s a good girl, sir, tho’ maybe a little set up wi’ her beauty but she’s her father’s only child and— Read What’s all this to me? Have you stopped me here to tell me the girl is pretty ? I know it. Goodnight. Jem Stop, sir, I’ll tell you in plain words what I’ve got to say. Jane Learoyd loves ye. I ha’ known her long enough to feel surf she’ll make a noble wife for any man, be he who he may. Do you mean to marry the girl ? Read Are you her brother ? Jem I mean to stand by her like one. If you mean rightly, you won’t think the worse of me for what I’m saying, but if not, for your own sake, as well as for hers, let her alone and never speak to her more. Read Has she authorized you to take this step ? Jem I want no authority to do what’s right. Read You are neither her father or her brother, and you have no right to interfere. Jem Neither father nor brother could love her as I ha’ done. Aye, as I love her still. If love gives any claims, then no one can comf up to my right. Do you mean fair by Jane or not ? Read Confound you, man, stand back. Jem Not until you have answered me. Read Then I’ll make you. [Strikes Jem, who seizes him ; struggle. Music. Enter Crankshaw, l. 1 e., ivho separates them. OranJc I saw the assault, sir ; shall I take the man into custody ? Read No, I struck him first—let him go. But don’t think thi* sort of bullying will serve your end or help the girl. I sliall not for¬ get 3 t ou. my man. Jem I’ll take care ye sha’n’t. Bare to injure my girl and I’ll find ye where no policeman can step in to serve ye. Heaven shall judge between us two. [Exit Headley, r i e. Crank Take care; my lad, there’s no woman in the world worth what you will bring upon yourself, if you don’t mind. Jen D’ye think I’ll stand by and have him injure my girl? No, no, 1 11— THE LONG STRIKE. Orank Como, come —move on, move on now ! [Crankshaw forces him of , l. 1 b WHISTLE SCENE. SCENE III.— Noah’s dwelling; box scene in four; plain rustic chamber; practical door, l. 8 e. ; practical, r. flat; set staircase, l. c., against flat, ascending to a practical door to open up stage—real lock onaooi ; set platform behind door, L. C.; flat interior backing cut window, flat, l. 3 e ; table and two chairs, c.; Gentlemen from London, Jack 0’Bob3, Tom O’Bills, Maggie, Susan, and two small children, and all the mill hands discovered at change. Clerk seated at table upon ivhich is a bag of money, ledger, writing materials and lighted candles ; crowd gathers round table ; murmurs by crowd. Gentleman from London [Taking stage l. of c. , hack to audience, reading list.] Susan Olland—two h’infants and von 'usband, h’operatives li’on the strike—one shilling and three pence for the man, h’eight pence for the woman, and three pence a ’eadfor h’each h’infant—total, two an’ three pence ha’ penny. Maggie [As Susan is about to take money.] Stop ! Her man he dead. Thou hast no right to draw for he, lass ? Gent Dead ? Tom Aye, he be as dead as a door post. Gent For shame, Mrs. Oiland, ’ow could you h’impose h’on the “ London Central Strike Fund ?” Susan Oh, sir, my babies are clemming. Gent Clemming! What does she mean ? Jack Starving, sir—that’s all. Gent Retire, Mrs. Olland, babies IT ain’t on the list. [Reads.] Jack O’Bobs! Jack That’s me [Goes to table. Gent Full growed h’operative—one and three pence. Clerk hands money to Jack. Jack [Turns to Susan.] Here, lass, take it. I can clem better than thee and thy childer. [Gives money to Susan. Crowd murmurs approvingly. Tom That’s right, Jack, thou art a good lad, and as long as I have a shilling, we’ll share it together. Omnes Aye ! Aye ! Tom But here comes the delegates. Omnes Aye ! the delegates! The delegates ! Enter NoAn, Sharrock, Stalet and O’Dick. Noah [Making way through crowd ' stands by table.] We came from the masters. Cnnes Well—well? Noah [Hands paper to Clerk, who hands it to Gentleman from London.) The: an, read it out, for I’ve not the heart to do it. to THE LONG STRIKE. Gent [Reads.] “ The masters give you twenty-four hours to return to work- [Murmurs.] After that time every mill will be closed against you. [Murmurs.] No further communications will be re¬ ceived. Signed for the Masters’ League, Richard Readley.” Noah [Loud murmurs.] They’re right, lads, they’re right. For when a man has said his last word the time has come to strike the first blow. Omnes Aye, aye ! Gent The Central Fund h’is h’opposed to h’any violence, unless the blows is constitootional, and— [Murmurs. Noah Silence, lads, the gentleman from London is going to speak. Well—well—what does London advise Manchester to do ? Gent Be h’ordley, k’igitate, and the Central Fund, which have sup¬ ported the strike, will continue to discharge its docties. Noah You mean that it will enable us to starve by inches, and by so doing, it will continue to support us in the strike. Go tell Lun nin’ that we’ve looked death in the face long enough—long enough not to be afeard of it now, and if it’s got to come, we may as well *etch it in striking for our rights. Gent Really, this here talk is getting beyond the h’object of the fund —I withdraw. [Takes money from table. Noah Go then, men, for I’ll argue wi’ my tongue no more, but wi’ my hands. Omnes Aye ! Aye ! Gent Go! It’s all very well to say go, but look at this money. How shall I carry it through the famishing crowd outside ? Noah [Looking round.] Come here, Maggie. Go wi’ this man, and, as you walk along, tell them ye meet that he’s carrying the poor man’s money. Go wi’ that lass, man, and ye’ll meet wi’ no harm. [Exit Gentleman, followed by Clerk and Maggie, d. f. r. c.] Home 77i’ ye lads and leave me wi’ the delegates. I’ve brought ye to this pass and I’ll die but I’ll see ye righted. Jack Come, lads, we’ll go to Headley's mill and give the glaziers a job, and woe betide his carcass if he shows his nose in Manchester. [Exit omnes except Noah, Shamicle, Staley and O’ Dick, d. f. Omnes Aye ! to Readley’s! To Readley’s. Noah To-night we must fix on what we’ve to do and where the first blow shall fall. - [Exeunt hi room , l. 3 e. Enter Jane, d. r. f. Jane The streets are full of angry men. The night will not pass wi’ out some outrage. As I hurried home 1 heard the name of Read- iey in their mouths, coupled with such threats that made my very heart stand still with terror. [Knock at d. f. Enter Jem Starkee, d. f Jem Jane, I’ve come to ax your pardon. Jane Say no more about it, Jem, I’m sorry I spoke unkindly to thee, lad, but I was vexed sorely. THE LONG STRIKE. n Jem Thank ye, Jane, I mun say no more about it. I’ve said too much or I’ve said too little ; don’t stop me, for I mun have it out this night. Jane Well? Jem Since we were boy and girl, I have loved thee above father, mother and all. I dare na speak to you, for I had no way of keeping a wife then, but oh ! I lived in fright some one else should take ye from me afore I’d made a home for ye. Jane I knew it! I knew it! Jem But now I have a home to offer thee. It ain’t a rich one, may be, but if a loving heart and a strong right arm can shield ye from sorrow and want, mine shall do it. I—I—can’t speak as I would like to, nor as you deserve; nay, love won’t let itself be put in words, but won’t ye help me out a bit ? Jane [ Placing her hand in his.] Jem, I won’t deceive ye—I can not be your wife. Jem Not be—I—I—I—can not swallow these words. Jane I did love you once. Jem Aye, aye. Jane And may be I would a had ye then but that time went by and then I came to look upon ye as a brother. Jem But would not that other time may be coom again ? I’d wait. Jane; I’d weary out. Just say the word, won’t ye ? No ! no ! don’t answer—don't! I see what’s a cornin’! Oh, think a while and try to—to—oh ! if you only knew how I love ye ! Jane I do!—I do ! but don’t ask me, Jem ! Jem D’ye mean it, Jane? Is it once for all? You are silent, and this is the end on it. It is the end of my life, then, for it’s the end of all that’s worth living for. My bitter curse on him that took ye from me. The time will soon coom when he and I will square this thing. I feel it in me, and after we meet again there will be one of us less to trouble ye. Good-by, Jane, I won’t cross ye again. If ye hear of me as a drunkard you may say I drove him to that, or if, may be, I stand in a felon’s dock as a murderer, or thief, when all are speaking ill of me don’t you blame me, for you will make me what I shall become. [Tnr :s and goes to door.'] You won’t even say you will try and like me, will ye ? Oh ! will ye, Jane ? Jane [Crosses to him.] Nay, Jem, don’t leave me in anger. I’m not worth one of them big tears in your eyes ; if I was, I’d ha’ loved ye as you deserve. But I—I—can’t—I can’t and I’m too honest to gi’ ye a heart wi’ another man in it. [Music harried. Murmurs outside in distance gradually increasing . Enter Readley, breathlessly , d. f., without hat. Closes door. Read Jane! Jane Readley! Read Save me ! The infuriated mob beset me ! I tore myself from a hundred murderers and fled here! Jane My father is in yon room. 12 THE LONG STRIKE. Read Your father ? and [Nees Jem.] lie here ? I am lost! [foirmun outside.] Hark ! They are coming to kill me ! Jane No ! In there—quick ! [Points to staircase. Exit Headley up staircase and through d. l. f. Jane Oh, Jem ! [Music. Enter Jack O’Bobs, followed by Tom O’ Bills, Susan and Maggie, and all mill hands , d. r. f., shouting—where is he? where is he? Enter Noah and Delegates same time , l. 2 e. Jack Where is he ? Noah Who d’ye seek ? Jack Headley. Noah What ? Readley in my house ? Jack I could not ha’ been mistaken. Did no one coom in here but now ? Jane Yes, Jem Starkee came in, and there he is. Jack So he be ; but did no one coom in since ? Jane How could they unless we seed them ? Noah Speak out, Jem Starkee—did ye see the man ? - Jem [Catching Jane’s eye.] No! Jack He sped down the lane and he can’t get from it, so we are safe to find him. [Exit Jack, d. f., followed by crowd shouting. Exit Noah, Sharrock, Staley and O’ Dicks, into room l. 3 e.] Read [Appears at door above.] Are they gone ? Jane Nay, they beset the lane. They will be hack here anon or my father will find you and cast you out amongst them, and they’11 tear thee limb for limb. Read Oh, save me, Jane! Jane I couldn’t, but Jem can do it if he will. Read He loves you and will do anything you ask him. Jane [To Jem.] You coom here. You asked me but now to marry you and I said I’d never be your wife ; well, now I say—save his life and take mine. Jem Can you ask me to do this, and will he let you? Ah, now I feel you will never love—never—your life for liis’n. No, Jane, I will not take thy heart wi’ another man in it. Good-by, my darling, it’s all over wi’ me now. [To Headley.] I’ll save thy life for her sake. Stand by, sir, while I lead the crowd away—I’ll coom back for ye when the lane is clear. [Exit d. f. Read May I trust him ? Jane Aye, till they kill him — then thou must take care of thyself. Hark ! I hear my father stirring—in wi’ thee —quick ! [Exit Read- ley up stairs.] Oh, why did he let me gi’ myself away and never said a word. Enter Noak and the Three Delegates, l. 8 e. Noah Go, lass, speed thee cross the lane to thy sister’s house and THE LONG STRIKE. tt spend tbe night there ; I have business wi’ these men alone—work to do—aDd do not need thee—get thee gone, lass. Jane [Aside, as she takes up shawl.] Do they know that he is there? There’s a wild, red mischief in their eyes, and they’re fain to tremble and look pale at what they’re goin’ to do. [Goes up staircase ; locks door and lakes key. Noah What are you doing there, lass ? Jane Locking my bedroom door. [Exit d. f. Music pp. Noah Now we are alone, lads. [After locking door , d. f.] Are we all agreed ? Omnes We are. Noah Then, to night, let them feel our vengeance. Each night a mill shall be burned to the ground. The first may look like accident, but they shall soon find by the chimneys standing how long Man¬ chester will last. [During above speech Eeadley appears at window in flat r. of door , up staircase.] Read [Aside.] A plot to destroy the city. Noah Let Eeadley be the first to feel it. Omnes Aye, let him have it! Read [Aside.] Villians! what do I hear? Noah Mark me—I tear this bit o’ paper into four. [Musicpp.] On one I put a cross. [Business of same.] Now gi’ me your hat. [Siiar- rock gets hat from rail in flat r.] I throw in the four lots. Now let each man draw and go his way alone. Him as draws the cross shall be the people’s executioner. None shall know which one of us is elected—so he will have no accomplice. Now, James Staley, you begin. [Staley draws slip of paper and goes off slowly, d. f. ; O’ Dick and Siiarrock do same ; Noah draws last lot , goes slowly to window , l. 3 e., looks at it—pause.] I knew it. [Exit l. 2 e. Enter Jane, d. f. , goes up staircase and unlocks door. Eeadley appears. Jane Quick—make haste! Enter Jem, d. f., as Eeadley descends. Jem Come—nay, do not doubt me—for her sake, I save your life. Jane on staircase, Jem at door, Eeadley back to audience. CURTAIN. ACT II. SCENE 1.— Same as last scene first Act. Jane discovered laying table for tea; goes ton. f. ; looks out; returns. Jane He let me give myself away and never said a word. . Oh! how it galls me to think on’t. And Jem wouldn’t have me either 1 never liked as well as when so—“ I’ll save his life for your sake,’ 14 THE LONG STRIKE. said lie, but I’m too proud to take your heart wi’ another man in it [Bell strikes five o’clock.'] Hark ! There goes five o’clock and all day I’ve sat here waiting for thee, lad. I can’t bear this any longer—I'll write to him and ask him to come to me. [ Writes ] “ Dear Jem- come and see me. Jane.” That will do. [Knock, n. f.] Ah! there he is. [Brushespaper in hand and throws on floor.] I—I—won’t seem glad to see him. [Knock, d. f.] I won’t ask him to come in either. Past five o’clock—why wasn’t he here before ? There he is. Enter Johnny Reilly with bundle and stick , d. f. Ah ! what’s there ? Why, Johnny Reilly, is it thee, lad ? John V ve come to say good-by, Jane ; my ship sails from Mersey to-morrow. Jane You have come here twice a week for the last three months to say the same thing. John It is your fault, Jane, that I couldn’t get away. Jane Don’t be foolish, Johnny, I told you not to think of me, it’s only wasting good love that many another girl would be grateful for. John I knew that and I’m not going to court ye any more—never mind me—it’s Jem I want to talk to ye about. . Jem and me have been sweet on you this many a While—bout of us was bad about you —one worse than the other—but especially Jem. Ah ! a pair of honester hearts a girl never had to her back. Many a night we’ve spent the night talking over you and swapping minds about ye. Jane Pulled me to pieces, you mean ? John No we didn’t; if we had I’d ’a’ wept a bit. Jane I’m sorry if I’ve given you any pain. John I’ve got a cargo of it aboard and I’d not part wi' an ounce of it for all the pleasure in the world. But never mind me, it’s Jem I’m here about. Oh, Jane dear, what did you say or do to him last night ? Jane I was cruel and scarce knew what I said. John Then I’ll tell you. You broke his heart—that’s all you did. You know we lodge together ? Well, all night long I heard him walk¬ in’ the deck of his room until I couldn’t stand it, and then I opened his door. He turned and looked at me. What’s the matter wi’ you ? says I. He never spoke, but I saw that his eyes were white, his lips turned dim and 'death was all over his face. On the table before him I found that. [Draws pistol from his pocket and places on table. Jane Oh! f John And beside it I found that, and [Places powder-flask , bullets, ilc. on table.] oh, Jane! when I saw them things my heart turned over inside me. Jane As mine does now. John Never mind if it comes the right side up and turns that side to him. June Had I awakened this morning and learned what I had done— John That’s what I said to Jem. Do you want to leave Jane a tfidow at her time o’ life? Won't she feel that t wos herself that THE LONG STRIKE. 15 murdered you ? And if you bring that shame upon the girl I love, I’m your enemy to your dying day says I, and a heap more, for I passed the night between him and his sorrow, and what a night it was. I never knew how much he loved you—but I know it now— and sure I’m going away for his sake, because, d’ye see. Jem and I went shares in you and I want to give my share to Jem. Jane Did he not tell you what I had done ? John How could he without speakin’ against you. But I know it was mighty bad because he never said a word. Jane Oh ! what shall I do ? John Put them things away and never let on I told you this, and begged you to be kind to him. His love is as proud as that gun¬ powder, and would take fire more easy. But oh, Jane ! do let your heart soften to him—do dear, and then if—if—you marry him some day when I’m gone, and you are happy together—you can give him, back them things and tell him what I have done for his sake and yours. Good-by. I’ve nothing to give you for a keepsake except my heart, and small blame to you for leaving that behind, because it won’t follow me anyhow. Jane Oh ! if you could, indeed, leave it with me, if I could place it here in my breast instead of the frightful, vain, wcA’thless thing that shames me. I—I—do not deserve that two such men should go to waste upon me. [Exit into room up staircase. John She’s gone. I have seen the last of her. Let me take one more good look at the place that holds her—good luck to it. The place I’m going to leave her in when I am far away. Enter Cranksuaw, d. e. Crank Good morning ! Johnny Reilly, ain’t it ? Now, Noah Lea- royd wouldn’t be at home, would he ? John D'ye want him? Crank Not particularly—I can wait a bit. Hello, what’s here? John Sugar toys. Crank Firearms. Yours I suppose? John No. Jem Starkee’s. Crank Bad companions for a hasty man. John That’s why I took them out of his hands and brought them here. Crank To show this girl what she might drive him to, eh ? John He is in sore trouble, but sure,, blowing a man’s brains out h’is a poor way of giving ease to his mind. Crank Hello, has it come to this ? ^ John If I had not been nigh hand last night Jane would have had one sweet missing this morning—but that’s what she s going to ha\ e to-morrow, anyway, for I am off to join my ship at last. Crank I’m glad to hear it, for you were wasting your time and money on Jane Learoyd. Why, lad, she’s no better than a John [ Dropping bundle .] Don’t say it! Don t tack a bad word to r 16 THE LONG STRIKE. my girl’s name ! I won’t stand by and let any man hurt a letter of it! Look in my eye twice before you speak once. Crank Well, well, good-by. John Good-by. [ Takes up bundle and exits , d. f. Crank I must warn Mr. Readley. If lie don’t mind, this girl will cost him more than he reckons to pay. [Picks up Jane’s letter.] Humph! “ Dear Jem—come and see me. Jane. So she begins to fear she may push the poor lad too far and now she will fill his heart with sweet lies and when his back is turned be off with t’other one. [Throws letter on table. Enter Noah, d. f. Noah Crankshaw! Crank Don’t be scared, I come here as a friend not as an officer. 1 am ordered to help you to escape. Noah Escape? Crank Aye, you and your mates met here last night. There was a witness to that meeting you little suspected. He saw and heard all that passed and made his desposition before the magistrate this morning. Noah It’s a lie ! Crank Don’t deny it—your plot to burn the mills one by one are sworn to. . Your three accomplices are already in custody and if you are not in jail beside them on a capital charge, you owe it to your daughter, who saved young Readley’s life. Noah Saved his life ! What do you mean ? Crank W T hen he was hunted by the mob, he found shelter here. Noah No ! no, man ! Not here ! Crank Yes—I tell you—she had him in her room yonder. Noah There, there? Crank And there he overheard your doings and saw you draw th.0 lots. Noah She—she did this! She, my child ! Crank That is the only thing in your favor. Don’t you see he can’t, with any grace, bring against you what he discovered whilst she was saving his life. Noah So I am allqwed to creep away whilst they are in prison suf¬ fering for my doings ? Crank Readley will take care of you, for he is Jane’s sweetheart. Noah My Jane—his— Crank Don’t be hard upon him. He has been an admirer of herg for a long time. You may thank his love for her that you are safe. De will find the money for you to escape at once. Jane is to meet him to-night when all will be arranged. There’s a letter he gave me for the girl. [Puts letter on table.] Take my advice, Noah, I’ve known you a good many years and I’d be sorry to find you in my hands, where you will be if you don’t quit Manchester at once, and for the girl s sake, take her wi’ ye or she’T get into more trouble. Good evening r Exit. d. f. THE LONG- STRIKE. IT Noah [ Sinks into chair.] My child—my flesh and blood—hns paia* monr? It was for this, then, she locked him in! ’Tvvas for this that she betrayed the cause we have starved for—we have prayed tor! They are in prison asking one another, where is Noah Learoyd ? There—don’t you see him—skulking behind his daughter?—livin’ on her shame ? She is to meet Headley to-night! [Rises—sees pistol on table.] Ah! what’s this? [Takes up pistol.] Their fate hangs on Headley’s breath. No breath of his shall ever testify against them. [Loads pistol. Music p.] Now, dinna ye see why free ? ’Tis to scotch the snake, lads—to scotch the snake. [He loads pistol, using the letter Jane has ivritlen to Jem Starkee for wadding . [Music continued till change. SCENE H. — Whiting Street. Plain English, 1. Enter Jem Starkee, followed by Jack O’ Bobs, Tom O’ Bills, Susan Mag¬ gie, and all the mill hands murmuring, r. 1 e. Jem My lads, I dinna hold wi’ ye. Tom They have sent our delegates to prison for talkin’ our part— standin’ oop for the people. Jack Our men have been thrown into prison, and for what ? Why, for standing up for the workin’man’s rights. Well, we’ll tear it down stick and stones but we’ll have them out. Aye, that we will. Omnes Aye, that we will—give us our men ! Tom We have right wi’ us, lads—now let us show ’em we have might on our side as well. Omnes Aye, aye! Jem Stop, lads. Why, what are thee going to do ? See thee, lads, there have been many a strike in Manchester—men have starved, and women and babies have gi’ ’em up and died, but no blood has stained our cause—no act can be recorded against us that makes the honest, workmen turn back with shame. If the masters be wrong don’t let us be on the other side—two wrongs don’t make a right. Tom What right have they to be ricKn’ in their carriages while we ha’ not bread to eat? Omnes Aye, ayo! Tom Why do they waste what we want? Jem What right have you to be walkin’ about in health and strength when so many lie sick abed? Why don’t ye gic a coat to a beggar and share your bed wi’ (he tramp ? Tom Because I ain’t got a coat, and I’vO got a u r ife. Omnes Ha ! ha ! ha ! Jem Well said, Tom—get thee home, then—and there, lads, there a all I have to share among ye—fill your mouths with something bet¬ ter than wild words— [Gives money.] get thee home, and good night. [Music. All exit , shouting , r. 1 e. Jem Poor lads, how bright their sorrow seems beside mine IS THE LONG STRIKE. Enter Johnny Reilly, l. 1 e. Jem Oh, Johnny, but I’ve waited sorely for thee, lad Thou hast Been her? John Aye, I've seen her—I’ve said good-by. Jem And did she sorrow any at parting wi’ ye ? John For my sake she did, not for her own. I didn’t mane to hurt ye, but I couldn’t help it. Jem Just what she said to me. Johnny, lad, I’ve made up my mind I can not stop here ; I’m going wi’ thee. John W i’ me ? Jen Aye, wherever your ship is bound—anywhere—it don’t matter. John Are you going to desert the girl only because she does not love you ? Are you going to leave her in trouble and want, wid a bad man in her head and a devil stirring in her pocket. Jem What can I do ? John Stand by her like a man—work for her if she wants it and see that the blackguard she loves treats her well. That’s what one cf us must stop to do, and you must be the one. Jem Oh, Johnny, thou art more worthy of her than I am. John May be that’s why I’ve so little chance, bad luck to me. Jem I’ll remain then. John Good-by then. Jem Nay, we munna part so, I’ 11 go wi’ thee as far as the station and see the last of thee. John Thank ye, Jem, I’m not going to Liverpool by rail. Jem How then ? John You see I’ve been idling about Jane for the last five months until I spent every shillin’ of my pay; then, bit by bit, I sold every¬ thing I had, till devil a thing I have bat what I stand up in. Jem Nay, I can gi’ thee a trifle I have at home. John Never fear, Jem, I’ve a shipmate keeps the “ Load of Hay ” public house, t’other side of Prescote, That’s not four and twenty miles from here and it is a fine night for a walk. I’ll reach his place by six in the morning. There I’ll find all I want and welcome, so good-by and bless'thee, Jem. Jem Nay, then I’ll walk wi’ ye as far as Fox Hill; it’ll lightenin’ the road a bit. John And we’ll talk of her? \Exi% 50 1 e Enter Jane, with letter , l. 1 e. June Who brought this letter? How came it where I iovh’dt? [Read*.] “My dearest Jane— Meet me to-night in Fuller’s ' tiie gate behind my house I must see you! Richard Rcrdiey.’' Yes, I will go and meet him for the last time. I’ll be honest with him. I dreamed that I loved him and I have just awoke to find there is nothing real or true in it, and then I’ll go to Jem and ax his pardon—I’ll be honest wi’ him too, and let my heart out to him THE LONG STRIKE. 19 Th