Oliver monologue (Act 3) — Touch and Go: A Play in Three Acts

Yes, he shall answer you. He shall answer you. But let him stand up. No more of this. Let him stand up. He must stand up. (Men still hold GERALD down.) OLIVER takes hold of their hands and removes them.) Let go--let go now. Yes, let go--yes--I ask you to let go. (Slowly, sullenly, the men let go. GERALD is free, but he does not move.) There--get up, Gerald! Get up! You aren't hurt, are you? You must get up--it's no use. We're doing our best--you must do yours. When things are like this, we have to put up with what we get. (GERALD rises slowly and faces the mob. They roar dully.) You ask why the clerks didn't get this increase? Wait! Wait! Do you still wish for any answer, Mr. Freer?