Act 3, Scene 1, Part 1 Summary

In the town square, Hurst beats his drum. Attercliffe is putting the finishing touches on the podium, and Musgrave, the Mayor, the Pastor and the Constable climb up to where the podium stands, ready to make their speeches. Also on the platform are the soldiers' boxes, draped with flags and rope. The Bargee stands in front of the platform, urging the crowd (the audience) into enthusiastic responses. Mrs. Hitchcock appears with a keg of beer and some tankards, and the Bargee says there will be free beer for everyone later.

The Mayor steps forward. Over jeers from an offstage crowd, interpreted by the Bargee, he says that he isn't there to talk about the strike. He has come instead to introduce Sergeant Musgrave, there to recruit soldiers to serve the Queen. The Parson quotes the Bible, telling the crowd...