SOLLERS, the Wainwright.
MERRICK, the Smith.
VINE, the Publican.
SHALE, the Labourer.
A DOWSER.
MRS HUFF.
WARP, the Molecatcher.
Men and Women of the Village.'
ACT I
[Scene: A public-house kitchen. HUFF the Farmer and SOLLERS the
Wainwright talking; another man, a stranger, sitting silent.]
Huff:
Ay, you may think we're well off--
Sollers:
Now for croaks,
Old toad! who's trodden on you now?--Go on;
But if you can, croak us a new tune.
Huff:
Ay,
You think you're well off--and don't grab my words
Before they're spoken--but some folks, I've heard,
Pity us, living quiet in the valley.
Sollers:
Well, I suppose 'tis their affair.
Huff:
Is it?
But what I mean to say,--if they think small
Of us that live in the valley, mayn't it show
That we aren't all so happy as we think?
[MERRICK the Smith comes in.]
Merrick:
Quick, cider! I believe I've swallowed a coal.
Sollers:
Good evening. True, the heat's a wonder to-night.
[Smith draws himself cider.]
Huff:
Haven't you brought your flute? We've all got room
For music in our minds to-night, I'll swear.
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