(During the hubbud Boles climbs a little way up the steps of the Moot Hall.)
Boles
People -...No! I will speak...!
This thing concerns you all.
Chorus (crowding round Boles)
Whoever's guilty gets the rap
The Borough keeps its standards up.
Balstrode
Tub-thumping.
Boles
This prentice system's
Uncivilised and unchristian.
Balstrode
Something of the sort befits
Brats conceived outside the sheets.
Boles
Where's the parson in his black?
Is he here or is he not?
To guide a sinful straying flock?
Chorus
Where's the parson?
Rector
Is it my business?
Boles
Your business to ignore
Growing at your door
Evils, like your fancy flowers?
Chorus
Evils!
Rector
Calm now! Tell me what it is.
(Ellen comes in. She is met by Auntie who has picked up Ellen's abandoned basket and
its contents.)
Auntie
Ellen dear, see I've gathered
All your things. Come rest inside.
Boles and Chorus
She can tell you, Ellen Orford.
She helped him in his cruel games.
Rector (holding his hand up for silence)
Ellen please.
Ellen
What am I to do?
Boles and Chorus
Speak out in the name of the Lord.
Boles
People -...No! I will speak...!
This thing concerns you all.
Chorus (crowding round Boles)
Whoever's guilty gets the rap
The Borough keeps its standards up.
Balstrode
Tub-thumping.
Boles
This prentice system's
Uncivilised and unchristian.
Balstrode
Something of the sort befits
Brats conceived outside the sheets.
Boles
Where's the parson in his black?
Is he here or is he not?
To guide a sinful straying flock?
Chorus
Where's the parson?
Rector
Is it my business?
Boles
Your business to ignore
Growing at your door
Evils, like your fancy flowers?
Chorus
Evils!
Rector
Calm now! Tell me what it is.
(Ellen comes in. She is met by Auntie who has picked up Ellen's abandoned basket and
its contents.)
Auntie
Ellen dear, see I've gathered
All your things. Come rest inside.
Boles and Chorus
She can tell you, Ellen Orford.
She helped him in his cruel games.
Rector (holding his hand up for silence)
Ellen please.
Ellen
What am I to do?
Boles and Chorus
Speak out in the name of the Lord.