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!

     [For a minute no one moves; then hastily, just as Anthony is
     about to speak, WILDER’s hand and WANKLIN’S are held up, then
     SCANTLEBURY’S, and last EDGAR’S who does not lift his head.]

     [Anthony lifts his own hand.]

[In a clear voice.] The amendment is carried.  I resign my position on this Board.

     [Enid gasps, and there is dead silence.  Anthony sits
     motionless, his head slowly drooping; suddenly he heaves as
     though the whole of his life had risen up within him.]

Contrary?

Fifty years!  You have disgraced me, gentlemen.  Bring in the men!

[He sits motionless, staring before him.  The Board draws hurriedly together, and forms a group.  Tench in a frightened manner speaks into the hall.  Underwood almost forces Enid from the room.]

Wilder. [Hurriedly.] What’s to be said to them?  Why isn’t Harness here?  Ought we to see the men before he comes?  I don’t——­