How Green Was My Valley Page #2

- Come and wash now.

- May we speak first, sir?

- Yes.

- They did not give you the real reason.

We've been expecting it since

the ironworks at Dowlais closed down.

What have the ironworks to do with us?

The men from Dowlais will work for any

wage, so all our wages must come down.

And this is only the beginning. Watch now.

They will cut us again and still again, until

they have this as empty as their promises.

- A good worker is worth good wages.

- Not while there are three men for every job.

Why should the owners pay more

if men will work for less?

Because the owners are not savages.

They are men too, like us.

Men, yes, but not like us.

Would they deal with you just now, sir,

when you went to them?

- No.

- Because they have power and we have none.

- How will we get power, then? From the air?

- No. From a union of all the men.

Union, is it? I never thought I'd hear

my own sons talking socialist nonsense.

- It's good sense.

- Unless we stand together...

- I've had enough of this talk.

- But, Father, it does...

Come and wash now.

Your good mother will be waiting.

Do you think I'll let them make you stand

in the rain and not raise my hands to stop it?

Hush, Davy.

- Who gave you permission to speak?

- It is too important for silence.

- They're trying to punish you because...

- It is not more important than good manners.

But what are we going to do about it?

You'll die of cold when it comes to snow.

Let us stand together

and see how they act then.

Right. The men will come out

if we say the word.

All the pits are ready.

You'll not make me a plank for your politics.

I will not be the excuse for any strike.

But if they do that to the spokesman,

what will they try and do to the men?

We will see.

Be silent now. Finish your supper.

- Father...

- Enough now.

- But...

- On with your work.

- It is not enough.

- Wait until you have permission to speak.

I will speak against injustice anywhere,

with permission or without it.

- Not in this house.

- In this house and outside, sir.

- Leave the table.

- I will leave the house.

- Tell your father you're sorry.

- I'm not sorry.

I'm with you. We can find

lodgings in the village.

Gwilym.

All of you, then?

For the last time, sit down,

finish your supper. I will say no more.

We are not questioning your authority, sir.

But if manners prevent our speaking

the truth, we will be without manners.

Get your clothes and go.

- I'm going with them to look after them.

- Hold your tongue. Get on with your dishes.

Yes, my son, I know you are there.

The men have struck.

What does it mean, Mr Gruffydd?

It means that...

something has gone out of this valley

that may never be replaced.

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