23
GB Shaw
men will take this child and rescue her from the house of the
devil?
JUDITH
(
coming to Essie and throwing a protecting arm about
her). I will. You should be burnt alive.
ESSIE
. But I don’t want to. (
She shrinks back, leaving Rich-
ard and Judith face to face.)
RICHARD
(
to Judith). Actually doesn’t want to, most virtu-
ous lady!
UNCLE TITUS
. Have a care, Richard Dudgeon. The law—
RICHARD
(
turning threateningly on him). Have a care, you.
In an hour from this there will be no law here but martial
law. I passed the soldiers within six miles on my way here:
before noon Major Swindon’s gallows for rebels will be up in
the market place.
ANDERSON
(
calmly). What have we to fear from that, sir?
RICHARD
. More than you think. He hanged the wrong man
at Springtown: he thought Uncle Peter was respectable, be-
cause the Dudgeons had a good name. But his next example
will be the best man in the town to whom he can bring home
a rebellious word. Well, we’re all rebels; and you know it.
ALL THE MEN
(
except Anderson). No, no, no!
RICHARD
. Yes, you are. You haven’t damned King George
up hill and down dale as I have; but you’ve prayed for his
defeat; and you, Anthony Anderson, have conducted the
service, and sold your family bible to buy a pair of pistols.
They mayn’t hang me, perhaps; because the moral effect of
the Devil’s Disciple dancing on nothing wouldn’t help them.
But a Minister! (
Judith, dismayed, clings to Anderson) or a
lawyer! (
Hawkins smiles like a man able to take care of him-
Dostları ilə paylaş: