When they see the old man at his
loom they start, and cool down a little._
BECKER
Come, father Hilse, stop that. Leave your work to them as wants to work.
There's no need now for you to be doin' yourself harm. You'll be well
taken care of.
FIRST YOUNG WEAVER
You'll never need to go hungry to bed again.
SECOND YOUNG WEAVER
The weaver's goin' to have a roof over his head an' a shirt on his back
once more.
OLD HILSE
An' what's the devil sendin' you to do now, with your poles an' axes?
BECKER
These are what we're goin' to break on Dittrich's back.
SECOND YOUNG WEAVER
We'll heat 'em red hot an' stick 'em down the manufacturers' throats, so
as they'll feel for once what burnin' hunger tastes like.
THIRD YOUNG WEAVER
Come along, father Hilse! We'll give no quarter.
SECOND YOUNG WEAVER
No one had mercy on us--neither God nor man. Now we're standin' up for
our rights ourselves.
_OLD BAUMERT enters, somewhat shaky on the legs, a newly killed cock
under his arm._
OLD BAUMERT
[_Stretching out his arms._] My brothers--we're all brothers! Come to my
arms, brothers!
[_Laughter._
OLD HILSE
And that's the state you're in, Willem?
OLD BAUMERT
Gustav, is it you? My poor starvin' friend.
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