Anthony.  It is the same. [His voice grows stronger and stronger, his feeling is more and more made manifest.] I am not aware that if my adversary suffer in a fair fight not sought by me, it is my fault.  If I fall under his feet—­as fall I may—­I shall not complain.  That will be my look-out—­and this is—­his.  I cannot separate, as I would, these men from their women and children.  A fair fight is a fair fight!  Let them learn to think before they pick a quarrel!

Edgar. [In a low voice.] But is it a fair fight, Father?  Look at them, and look at us!  They’ve only this one weapon!

Anthony. [Grimly.] And you’re weak-kneed enough to teach them how to use it!  It seems the fashion nowadays for men to take their enemy’s side.  I have not learnt that art.  Is it my fault that they quarrelled with their Union too?

Edgar.  There is such a thing as Mercy.

Anthony.  And justice comes before it.

Edgar.  What seems just to one man, sir, is injustice to another.

Anthony. [With suppressed passion.] You accuse me of injustice—­of what amounts to inhumanity—­of cruelty?

     [Edgar makes a gesture of horror—­a general frightened
     movement.]

Wanklin.  Come, come, Chairman.

Anthony. [In a grim voice.] These are the words of my own son.  They are the words of a generation that I don’t understand; the words of a soft breed.

     [A general murmur.  With a violent effort Anthony recovers his
     control.]

Edgar. [Quietly.] I said it of myself, too, Father.

[A long look is exchanged between them, and Anthony puts out his hand with a gesture as if to sweep the personalities away; then places it against his brow, swaying as though from giddiness.  There is a movement towards him.  He moves them back.]

Anthony.  Before I put this amendment to the Board, I have one more word to say. [He looks from face to face.] If it is carried, it means that we shall fail in what we set ourselves to do.  It means that we shall fail in the duty that we owe to all Capital.  It means that we shall fail in the duty that we owe ourselves.  It means that we shall be open to constant attack to which we as constantly shall have to yield.  Be under no misapprehension—­run this time, and you will never make a stand again!  You will have to fly like curs before the whips of your own men.  If that is the lot you wish for, you will vote for this amendment.

     [He looks again, from face to face, finally resting his gaze on
     Edgar; all sit with their eyes on the ground.  Anthony makes a
     gesture, and Tench hands him the book.  He reads.]

“Moved by Mr. Wilder, and seconded by Mr. Wanklin:  ’That the men’s demands be placed at once in the hands of Mr. Simon Harness for settlement on the lines indicated by him this morning.’” [With sudden vigour.] Those in favour:  Signify the same in the usual way!