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diff --git a/76247-h/76247-h.htm b/76247-h/76247-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..25da477 --- /dev/null +++ b/76247-h/76247-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6713 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + How Joy Was Found | Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover"> + <style> + +a { + text-decoration: none; +} + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +h1,h2,h3 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +h2.nobreak { + page-break-before: avoid; +} + +hr.chap { + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + clear: both; + width: 65%; + margin-left: 17.5%; + margin-right: 17.5%; +} + +img.w100 { + width: 100%; +} + +div.chapter { + page-break-before: always; +} + +p { + margin-top: 0.5em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: 0.5em; + text-indent: 1em; +} + +table { + margin: 1em auto 1em auto; + max-width: 30em; + border-collapse: collapse; +} + +td { + padding-left: 2.25em; + padding-right: 0.25em; + vertical-align: top; + text-indent: -2em; + text-align: justify; +} + +.tdr { + text-align: right; +} + +.valign { + vertical-align: middle; +} + +.center { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; +} + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + +.footnotes { + margin-top: 1em; + border: dashed 1px; +} + +.footnote { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size: 0.9em; +} + +.footnote .label { + position: absolute; + right: 84%; + text-align: right; +} + +.fnanchor { + vertical-align: super; + font-size: .8em; + text-decoration: none; +} + +.hanging { + padding-left: 2em; + text-indent: -2em; +} + +.larger { + font-size: 150%; +} + +.mid { + font-size: 125%; +} + +.pagenum { + position: absolute; + right: 4%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + font-style: normal; +} + +.scene-container { + text-align: center; + margin: auto; + max-width: 35em; +} + +.scene { + display: inline-block; + text-align: left; +} + +.scene .direction { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; +} + +.scene .direction-long { + text-align: justify; + text-indent: 1em; +} + +.scene .speaker { + text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; +} + +.scene .speech { + margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; +} + +.scene .line { + padding-left: 3em; +} + +.scene .indent0 {text-indent: -3em;} +.scene .indent2 {text-indent: -2em;} +.scene .indent4 {text-indent: -1em;} +.scene .indent6 {text-indent: 0em;} +.scene .indent8 {text-indent: 1em;} +.scene .indent10 {text-indent: 2em;} +.scene .indent12 {text-indent: 3em;} +.scene .indent14 {text-indent: 4em;} +.scene .indent16 {text-indent: 5em;} +.scene .indent18 {text-indent: 6em;} +.scene .indent24 {text-indent: 9em;} +.scene .indent28 {text-indent: 11em;} +.scene .indent36 {text-indent: 15em;} + +.right { + text-align: right; +} + +.smaller { + font-size: 80%; +} + +.smcap { + font-variant: small-caps; + font-style: normal; +} + +.titlepage { + text-align: center; + margin-top: 3em; + text-indent: 0; +} + +.x-ebookmaker img { + max-width: 100%; + width: auto; + height: auto; +} + +.x-ebookmaker .speech { + display: block; + margin-left: 1.5em; +} + +/* Illustration classes */ +.illowp100 {width: 100%;} +.illowp58 {width: 58%;} +.x-ebookmaker .illowp58 {width: 100%;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76247 ***</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1"></a>[1]</span></p> + +<h1>HOW JOY WAS FOUND</h1> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2"></a>[2]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3"></a>[3]</span></p> + +<p class="titlepage larger">How Joy was Found</p> + +<p class="center mid"><i>A Fantasy</i></p> + +<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br> +ISOBEL W. HUTCHISON</p> + +<figure class="figcenter titlepage illowp58" id="pegasus" style="max-width: 15.625em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/pegasus.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> + +<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">NEW YORK</span><br> +FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY<br> +<span class="smaller">PUBLISHERS</span></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4"></a>[4]</span></p> + +<p class="titlepage smaller"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1917,<br> +By ISOBEL W. HUTCHISON</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</h2> + +</div> + +<p>This study in the psychology of Faith is founded on an +old Scottish folk-tale told me last year at Onich by Mr. +Alexander Cameron, who, a good many years ago, had +given it also to the Rev. J. Macdougall of Duror, in +whose volume, <i>Waifs and Strays of Celtic Tradition</i>, now +out of print, it is included. Mr. Macdougall’s version is +printed in full at the end of this volume.</p> + +<p>I have used the story as the framework of an allegory, +and have not tried to rival Mr. Macdougall’s narrative, +nor have I often kept very close to the text. Most of +these beautiful Highland tales are in such intimate +touch with nature that they lend themselves very +readily to further development, and the story of <i>How +Finn Kept His Children for the Big Young Hero</i> +seemed to adapt itself wonderfully to my purpose.</p> + +<p class="right">I. W. H.</p> + +<p class="hanging"><span class="smcap">Carlowrie, West Lothian</span>,<br> +<i>June, 1917</i>.</p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="The_Characters"><i>The Characters</i></h2> + +</div> + +<table> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Big Young Hero</span>: One who + goes out at the beginning, comes in at the end, and appears unexpectedly + all through.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Finn</span>: Humanity, + a long-suffering man.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Carpenter</span>: Duty, a + scientific man.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Tracker</span>: Obedience, a + dutiful man.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Gripper</span>: Constancy, a + patient man.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Climber</span>: Faith, a girl who + is more than quite all there.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Thief</span>: Love, an old woman + wearing a chaperon.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Listener</span>: Hope, a boy wearing + a smile.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Marksman</span>: Truth, a + straightforward man carrying a bow and arrows.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Giant</span>: A mere notion.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Dog</span>: Fear (never visible).</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Her Puppy, Bran</span>: Joy. Given + to Hope for the present.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">The Baby</span>: The Rest of Humanity.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span>: The Heart-wounder, + a sarcastic man.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td colspan="3"><span class="smcap">Angus</span>: A good-natured lazy man.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Torquil</span></td> + <td class="tdr">}</td> + <td rowspan="3" class="valign" style="width: 85%;">Unemotional men.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Conan</span></td> + <td class="tdr">}</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td><span class="smcap">Condhla</span></td> + <td class="tdr">}</td> + </tr> +</table> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_I">ACT I<br> +<span class="smaller">THE GREEN ISLE. EVENING</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>This Earthly Paradise lies across the western main +before you come to the sunset. It is seen imperfectly, +like a thought not fully realized, and shimmers as if +through a rainbow. It is thus described by one who has +been there:</i></p> + +<p><i>“Fair is that land to all eternity beneath the snowfall +of blossoms. The gleaming walls are bright with many +colours, the plains are vocal with joyous cries, mirth and +song are at home on the plain, the silver-clouded one. +No wailing there for judgment, naught but sweet song +to be heard. No pain, no grief, no death, no discord, no +sin, no decay, but ever we feast and need none to serve +us, ever we love and no strife ensues. Such is the land.”</i></p> + +<p><i>In this place the Big Young Hero, the most attractive +person ever imagined, is seen vaguely as if through a +radiant light. He is seated alone on the grass watching +the flowers in the midst of great beauty. Far off across +the sea the outline of the Hebrides is faintly seen, and +presently a brown-sailed fishing-boat appears on the +edge of the horizon and approaches the shore. As it +nears, the figure of a girl is discerned kneeling up in the +bows, shading her eyes with her hand, and gazing earnestly +towards the shore. She carries a coil of rope over +her shoulder. As she draws near her voice is heard saying:</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">My anchorage was not as beautiful as I thought</div> + <div class="line indent2">And I have weighed anchor and sailed away.</div> + <div class="line indent4">I trust that my boat will be brought</div> + <div class="line indent4">Into haven before the end of the day.</div> + <div class="line indent6">I do not wish to voyage till sunset</div> + <div class="line indent10">In this yeasty fret.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Captain! there is no harbour that is beautiful save Thine.</div> + <div class="line indent2">Why dost thou reserve it for the evening mariners?</div> + <div class="line indent4">Their eyes are old and full of brine,</div> + <div class="line indent6">They cannot see the stars.</div> + <div class="line indent2">But mine are young, and I can count them all,</div> + <div class="line indent4">I praise Thee, for they are full of light,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Therefore bring me into Thy harbour before the shadows fall,</div> + <div class="line indent2">That I may praise Thee louder—in the young night.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>As the boat nears the isle it comes into calm water. +The big Young Hero goes down to meet it and helps the +girl ashore, drawing up the boat.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The end of all thought is peace,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And you have found ere night the day’s increase.</div> + <div class="line indent0">The bright and radiant day is loath to die,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Even yet there are hardly any stars in the sky,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Only a soft dim radiance under the moon,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And dark trees on the brightness. Very soon</div> + <div class="line indent0">You will be gathered in a thoughtful rest,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And fall asleep like a bird up there in its nest.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Are you not glad at last to realize</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your insubstantial dream that never dies?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, but I’m wearied. I’ve had rather a fight</div> + <div class="line indent0">To get here all right,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The sea’s so deep.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Take your sleep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He sits down as before and draws her on to his knee, +and she falls asleep at once with her head on his shoulder, +like a tired child. He also appears to sleep. +Presently the shadow of a man carrying a rainbow falls +across his face, and a dream is heard singing.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Dream</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The gates of Heaven are pearls, and stand four-square,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And people enter in from everywhere.</div> + <div class="line indent0">But when the heather’s on the ben</div> + <div class="line indent0">And the wind races down the glen</div> + <div class="line indent0">And in the wake of Highland ships</div> + <div class="line indent0">The creaking sea-gull wheels and dips,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And on the bogs, the hills below,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The cotton-grass and myrtle blow—</div> + <div class="line indent0">Bog-myrtle, with the spicy breath</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of bitter-sweet and life and death—</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m glad to think that God has heard</div> + <div class="line indent0">The meaning of the unspoken word,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The stammering whisper of a tongue</div> + <div class="line indent0">That learned no speech the hills among,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The supplication of a hand</div> + <div class="line indent0">Too fierce for men to understand,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And that for such as me He’ll wait</div> + <div class="line indent0">In silence by His northern gate.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The shadow falls across the girl’s face, and she stirs +and smiles in her sleep, and a dream-shadow goes from +her also, singing. The two shadows meet, and passing +into each other, become one.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Girl’s Dream</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I love to think that, high in Heaven,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Above the stars, the planets seven,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Daybreak and darkness—if I’m there!—</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll feel the wind stir in my hair,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And Heaven’s steadfast floor will float</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like water underneath a boat,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And, looking down across the gold</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll see the sunset, fold on fold,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Go tumbling down the sky’s wild screes</div> + <div class="line indent0">Beyond the Outer Hebrides.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Then something in my heart will stir</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like earth when spring remembers her,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I’ll ask, firm but quite polite,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If God will set my compass right,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And if He’ll aiblins help to bail</div> + <div class="line indent0">My old boat with the tattered sail,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And lend a hand to launch her clear</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of Heaven, unless there’s sea like here.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The blended shadow falls across the face of the Big +Young Hero, and he looks up.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Stirring restlessly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I need something.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who touches me?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The shadow of a desire.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What do you require?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t know.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have sent you a dream.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I will no longer go</div> + <div class="line indent0">After a dream.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I do not want to be a bore,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But I seem</div> + <div class="line indent0">Nowadays to need something more;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">That I have need of something real.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The girl stirs, and gives a little sigh.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hush! if you talk so loud you’ll waken her</div> + <div class="line indent0">Before she’s ready.</div> + <div class="line indent0">She needs her rest just now. She mustn’t stir;</div> + <div class="line indent0">She’s got to steady</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her head a bit, for she’s spent hours</div> + <div class="line indent0">Filling her mind with things like flowers,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Till she had sucked out of earth’s genial root</div> + <div class="line indent0">My name like a tender shoot</div> + <div class="line indent0">That was bound to put her in mind</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of something unconfined.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, do be quick!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m sick</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of standing still.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There’s no use getting ill</div> + <div class="line indent0">About it. I am with you now;</div> + <div class="line indent0">The very first step to Heaven’s inside your brow.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Look there, and tell me your most dear desire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For it is surely something you require.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadow shifts to that of a carpenter.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I want something to do.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good carpenter.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I had a sense of something due</div> + <div class="line indent0">To someone, though I scarce kent who</div> + <div class="line indent0">(It might have been myself or maybe you),</div> + <div class="line indent0">And so, just at my own expense,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I fashioned out of common sense</div> + <div class="line indent0">A ship that’s bound to carry me</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> + <div class="line indent0">From earth to Heaven, and as far’s I see,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Ought to bring God again to me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have need of you. Show me your ship.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadow of a large fine ship falls across the sea.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">She is a very beautiful wide ship. Can you manage her alone?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I would be the better of another, to do my bidding in her.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Send me your brother.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadow shifts to that of a tracker.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good tracker.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I do what I am told,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I wait and look,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Silent, ready to hold.</div> + <div class="line indent0">It is not true</div> + <div class="line indent0">That I am idle. I am waiting for you.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> + <div class="line indent0">I hook</div> + <div class="line indent0">Strange fish upon my individual line.</div> + <div class="line indent0">No other hand could take them, they were mine</div> + <div class="line indent0">From all eternity, and in the eternal sea</div> + <div class="line indent0">They would be lost for ever but for me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are good enough to take his telling.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, but the clouds are swelling,</div> + <div class="line indent0">You might maybe lend us another man forby</div> + <div class="line indent0">To hold the tiller, in case that he and I</div> + <div class="line indent0">Are called to the sheets together</div> + <div class="line indent0">By a sudden change in the weather.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Send me a man off the heather.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadow shifts to that of a gripper.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good gripper.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You call me insistently,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Yet when I run blithely to the place</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Where your voice deaves be, you bar the door in my face.</div> + <div class="line indent0">What for do you treat me thus and hide?</div> + <div class="line indent0">For still I hear you calling me from the other side.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I am going to hold on to the sneck and wait.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I ken there is something behind the door; early and late</div> + <div class="line indent0">You cry on me still.</div> + <div class="line indent0">If it be your will</div> + <div class="line indent0">Never to open, yet is it meet</div> + <div class="line indent0">That I come</div> + <div class="line indent0">For under the door I can keek at the shadow of your feet</div> + <div class="line indent0">Moving in a larger room.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are good enough then</div> + <div class="line indent0">To hold the tiller for these men,</div> + <div class="line indent0">In case they are called to the sheets together</div> + <div class="line indent0">By a sudden change in the weather.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No earthly blast can overwhelm</div> + <div class="line indent0">The ship of which I hold the helm</div> + <div class="line indent0">If I have just a kenning more to grip,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Something that will not give me the slip</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like the rudder he has fashioned.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I need something more impassioned,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Something to which a mind can hold</div> + <div class="line indent0">For a body’s apt to grow cold.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The sleeping girl stirs and smiles.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">This is a shade sublimer.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Talking in her sleep.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good climber.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have climbed from the mind of man to the mind of God on a nervous stair.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Astonished.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Lassie, that’s no canny! Were you no feared to fall?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In her sleep.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Some day I’ll die, but how, or when, or where</div> + <div class="line indent0">I do not greatly care,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Because I know that with the flowers and weeds</div> + <div class="line indent0">My life proceeds,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If so I will, inside a gracious law.</div> + <div class="line indent0">No flaw</div> + <div class="line indent0">My death will be, nor mischievous accident,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Howe’er besprent</div> + <div class="line indent0">My blood upon the highway or the turf,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or in the surf</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of thunderous combers on the ungathered sea</div> + <div class="line indent0">But it will be</div> + <div class="line indent0">An obvious hint of a Supreme design,</div> + <div class="line indent0">A little clew of mine</div> + <div class="line indent0">Left huddled by the beach or cliff to tell—</div> + <div class="line indent0">“Pass, friend, all’s well!”</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Let him hold fast</div> + <div class="line indent0">The substance of your mind,</div> + <div class="line indent0">So that he’ll find</div> + <div class="line indent0">The evidence of unseen things that last,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And that he’ll still behold</div> + <div class="line indent0">Although his hand grows cold</div> + <div class="line indent0">And cannot any longer feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">The thing he thought was real.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Still in her sleep.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent2">I said I climbed upon a nervous stair</div> + <div class="line indent12">Into the mind of God,</div> + <div class="line indent12">Yet all the way I trod</div> + <div class="line indent18">On air</div> + <div class="line indent2">Because great Love upheld me there.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I leaned and she resisted, gathering strength</div> + <div class="line indent12">To toss me all that length</div> + <div class="line indent10">Like some tall fountain-shower,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> + <div class="line indent10">And I have power</div> + <div class="line indent2">To return again and water all the earth,</div> + <div class="line indent10">Giving her second birth,</div> + <div class="line indent12">Weaving her flesh,</div> + <div class="line indent16">Meseems,</div> + <div class="line indent12">Out of the mesh</div> + <div class="line indent16">Of mind,</div> + <div class="line indent2">After the fashion of immediate dreams,</div> + <div class="line indent12">If I can find</div> + <div class="line indent16">And force</div> + <div class="line indent2">All Love into her proper course.</div> + <div class="line indent0">With such support it is quite true</div> + <div class="line indent0">There’s nothing that I cannot do.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Send me something I can see through.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadow shifts to that of a bent old woman.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I was old and perfect at the heart</div> + <div class="line indent0">Ere human life could start.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Before the mind conceived of life</div> + <div class="line indent0">I was a wife.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Joyfully.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What are you good at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good thief.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Joy in my heart grew strong and very bright,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Luxuriantly fed in the light of stars,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Planets, and suns, the speed of motor-cars,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Fire’s untamed energy, the wireless might</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of telepathy, that burns between the bars.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I recognized her in the lofty spars</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of the rigging, hailing land far out of sight,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And as she leaned and peered entranced, I crept</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into God’s mind, the while He slept,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And stole it bit by bit away,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And packed it in a brain of clay;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But unaccustomed ripples broke</div> + <div class="line indent0">On that calm surface. He awoke,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I, all trembling to depart,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Was caught a prisoner in His heart.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are good enough,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If that’s the stuff</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your mind is made on.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Help her to climb higher,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Otherwise she’ll tire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For she must be stayed on</div> + <div class="line indent0">Such substantial matter</div> + <div class="line indent0">If she’s to get fatter.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, but I need one to hold the rope</div> + <div class="line indent0">At the other end, to give us both more scope.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I need something full of joy.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Send me a boy.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadow shifts to that of a boy, and leaps lightly about.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sings.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am something always true.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t care twopence what they think;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I know the sky is always blue,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And the rest of life rose-pink.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Affectionately.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Stand still! Stand still! What are you good at besides singing, eh?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Shadow</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Standing still suddenly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good listener.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With his hand cupped to his ear.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, well, by now I really think I’m able</div> + <div class="line indent0">To hear folk talking at the other end of the cable</div> + <div class="line indent0">When I lay my ear to the ground.</div> + <div class="line indent0">There’s certainly some sort of sound</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like the noise I hear</div> + <div class="line indent0">In the early part of the year,</div> + <div class="line indent0">When underground the lilies</div> + <div class="line indent0">Whisper: “Hark! There still is</div> + <div class="line indent0">Life in us; don’t look so blue.</div> + <div class="line indent0">To-morrow we’ll be getting through,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If on your side you’ll scrape away</div> + <div class="line indent0">As much earth as you dare to-day.”</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are strong enough to hold the rope</div> + <div class="line indent0">At the other end, since they require more scope.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I know I am, quite well;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But they think I’m just a sell.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Can’t you show them that I’m true?</div> + <div class="line indent0">Hullo! Why, who are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Big Young Hero has suddenly lifted his right +hand, and lets fall from it the shadow of a man carrying +a bow and arrows.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Placidly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am one too simple to be understood.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">At what are you good?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good marksman.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">From childhood I have had a single aim.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I did not deviate,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I just went straight</div> + <div class="line indent0">Ahead, till, in the place</div> + <div class="line indent0">Where I was standing, I beheld your face,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And found I had transfixed your name.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With delight.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then I should think he’s good enough</div> + <div class="line indent0">To show them that I’m not mere bluff.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">He is good enough.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The shadows fade, and the girl stirs restlessly in her sleep.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have need of something more than dream.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have given you something more:</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your dream was real.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Climber laughs suddenly in her sleep, and wakens up.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rubbing her eyes, and looking round with delight.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">Very happy, everything looks so bright.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I knew it would clear up before to-night,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Because I saw a rainbow very high</div> + <div class="line indent0">Up in the sky.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am going out fishing before the sun sets.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Will you lend me your boat to gather</div> + <div class="line indent0">In my nets?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent12">Rather!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Will you be long away?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I will be back with the first screich of day.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I pray you, if it does not trouble you,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Have breakfast ready in my house for two.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>They go down to the beach and launch the boat together, +and the Big Young Hero sails slowly away in +her towards the Hebrides, seen far off in the sunset.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> +Soft twilight falls on the island, but a phosphorescence +shines about the boat, outlining the figure of the Big +Young Hero at the prow, who is leaning down towards +the water setting the nets. Stars begin to come out +in the sky, and on the distant shore a light suddenly +twinkles out every few seconds on a buoy. The girl’s +voice is heard singing as the boat drifts away.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber’s Song</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">To-night I saw a rainbow;</div> + <div class="line indent2">It hung my way before,</div> + <div class="line indent0">As if the hills were gate-posts</div> + <div class="line indent2">And it was the arch of a door.</div> + <div class="line indent0">The moor stretched all about me,</div> + <div class="line indent2">The heather and the bee;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I longed to trap that rainbow</div> + <div class="line indent2">For all the world to see.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Perhaps in distant cities,</div> + <div class="line indent2">Perhaps down in the glen,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The rainbow was the signal</div> + <div class="line indent2">Of rain for other men.</div> + <div class="line indent0">But high upon the hilltops</div> + <div class="line indent2">The clouds blow far and free,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And leave behind the rainbow</div> + <div class="line indent2">Blue sky for you and me.</div> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_II">ACT II<br> +<span class="smaller">A MOUNTAIN-SIDE IN ARGYLLSHIRE: MORNING</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>A Scottish mountain-side covered with heather and +bracken. In the crannies of the rocks oak fern and +roseroot are growing. There is a pebbly brook running +down to the sea; the sides are starred with sphagnum +moss. Grass of Parnassus, and butterwort. In its bed +the yellow marsh saxifrage is growing, and up the hillside +a silver birch hangs over it. Farther up the hill +there are a rowan and an alder, and on the crest, against +the sky, a Scotch pine. Low down, by a green mound, +there is a yew-tree. In the distance the white breakers +of the sea are seen, and they are heard regularly crashing +in upon the shore. There is sunshine everywhere, +and a breeze blowing the heather and chasing the +shadows of clouds across the hillside.</i></p> + +<p><i>At the back of the wind, behind a great rock, Finn, a +middle-aged man, is sitting, asleep. He is bowed down +by a heavy pack containing a rainbow, whose light escapes +from the corners and colours it all. Some distance +off some other men are lying asleep on the heather.</i></p> + +<p><i>Presently the Big Young Hero’s boat is seen approaching +from far out at sea. As it nears, Finn stirs +from his sleep and perceives it, and, starting to his feet, +watches it, with his hand shading his eyes. The Big +Young Hero lands from the boat, and, pulling her well +up on the beach, comes leaping over the mountain to +Finn strongly and gaily. As he runs, flowers spring +up under his feet. The other men sleep on undisturbed.</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Saluting Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent4">Darling of all men in the world!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I give you the greeting in grandeur and splendour!</div> + <div class="line indent2">I bring you glad tidings of great joy!</div> + <div class="line indent8">I publish peace!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Utterly bewildered.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Loveliest of all heroes that I have ever seen,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I salute you frankly, fluently, and energetically</div> + <div class="line indent0">With the equivalent of the same words,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Though I do not know who you are.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your feet are beautiful as a star.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I wish that I could sing like the birds,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or blossom like the green wet earth,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For my heart is full of mirth.</div> + <div class="line indent0">But I can only glower and gaze</div> + <div class="line indent0">While my mind plays,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And sings and tumbles up and down</div> + <div class="line indent0">Inside me, like a clown</div> + <div class="line indent0">That makes me feel quite silly,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Laughing willy-nilly,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like a man in love.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Do you come from above,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or round about or below,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or anywhere I know?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p>I come through night-watching and tempest of sea +where I am, because I am losing my children, and it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span> +has been told me there is not a man in all the world +who can keep them for me but you.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Astonished.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, how can I do that when I must bear</div> + <div class="line indent0">This heavy rainbow with me everywhere,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And all the years</div> + <div class="line indent0">Have found my laughter through a mist of tears?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Since you alone were strong enough to creep</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into my mind, and fetch me out of sleep,</div> + <div class="line indent0">You have attained my stature, and I find</div> + <div class="line indent0">You are a man according to my mind.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crying out, afraid.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It was a dream, only a dream I stole!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I never did as much</div> + <div class="line indent0">As touch</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your garment’s hem.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No, but you clasped my soul.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Virtue went out of me immediately</div> + <div class="line indent0">The moment that your love was strong enough</div> + <div class="line indent0">To push aside the earth and find the stuff</div> + <div class="line indent0">That dreams are made on.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Up through the senseless clay</div> + <div class="line indent0">You sprang like some green sappy shoot,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And touched the nervous thoughtful root</div> + <div class="line indent0">That I am stayed on.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dumbfounded.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It was a dream—I never knew—</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent6">I lay upon you</div> + <div class="line indent2">As crosses and spells</div> + <div class="line indent0">And seven fairy fetters of travelling and straying,</div> + <div class="line indent2">To be with me before you shall eat food,</div> + <div class="line indent8">Or drink a draught,</div> + <div class="line indent6">Or close an eye in sleep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>At his words a delicate web of gossamer covered with +dewdrops, spiders’ webs, and flower seeds falls over +Finn. The Hero leaves him spellbound, and, returning +gaily to his boat, launches her and sails away. When +the boat has vanished the web falls away, and Finn +turns round with a cry which arouses the other men.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where is he?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The stranger that was here anon.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Condhla</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I never knew.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Is he gone?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Which way did he go?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I do not know.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What was he like?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can’t tell.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I must find him; he has gone</div> + <div class="line indent0">Off with something I had on.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You don’t look very well.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sarcastically.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I saw him running up the ben,</div> + <div class="line indent0">As swift as a spot of sunlight when</div> + <div class="line indent0">The clouds bend with a cup</div> + <div class="line indent0">To pounce on him and cover him up</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like a wasp inside a glass.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hush! I hear Mactalla pass,</div> + <div class="line indent0">He’s surely singing in his sleep.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Since it’s never very deep,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Let us rouse him up and speir</div> + <div class="line indent0">If the stranger is still here.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>All cry aloud, against the rocks: “Mactalla! Mactalla! +Mactalla!” The echo is returned mockingly: +“Mactalla! Mactalla! Mactalla!”</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Tut! He’s in a teasing mood to-day;</div> + <div class="line indent0">We’ll get nothing out of him. I say!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Answer, and I’ll promise you fair,</div> + <div class="line indent0">A big laugh to yourself off the back of Ben Y Bheithir.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mactalla</span><a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mocking from somewhere.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I say! I say! A big laugh off the back of Ben Y Bheithir?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ha! ha! You’re there, little fellow!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, at the back of Ben Bheithir, where the yellow</div> + <div class="line indent0">Saxifrage grows out of the crannied rock,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll give you a laugh to yourself that’ll shock</div> + <div class="line indent0">The natives, if you’ll tell us now</div> + <div class="line indent0">Which way the stranger went.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mactalla</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Bow-wow!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll have the big laugh out of you,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But I cannot tell you true</div> + <div class="line indent0">Which one way the stranger went,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For he’s left an echo pent</div> + <div class="line indent0">In everything he came across.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m entirely at a loss.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Can’t you catch it here and there?</div> + <div class="line indent0">I think he must be everywhere.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The growing things are heard talking.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Alder-tree</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Is that you, Grass?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Grass</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, I am growing</div> + <div class="line indent0">Under his feet,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If the heather will let me pass.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Heather</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll try to, if you’ll meet</div> + <div class="line indent0">Me half-way.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Scotch Pine</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Loftily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I say,</div> + <div class="line indent0">There’s no knowing</div> + <div class="line indent0">What she’ll be up to next.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Take my text,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And scarcely let yourself be seen,</div> + <div class="line indent0">With anyone so very green.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Yew-tree</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Phlegmatically.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am quite at a loss</div> + <div class="line indent0">To know what came across</div> + <div class="line indent0">My barrowful of withered leaves.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Rowan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">A bairnie couped it, coming home from school,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Among the sheaves.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Birch</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Whispering.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hush! hush! Softly, softly, my daughters;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I hear the sound of mountain waters.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Burn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Singing.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent8">Bubble! Bubble! Bubble!</div> + <div class="line indent8">Hush! Let me down.</div> + <div class="line indent8">Bubble! Bubble! Bubble!</div> + <div class="line indent8">What a lot of trouble</div> + <div class="line indent8">There is in the world</div> + <div class="line indent8">Before you can get down</div> + <div class="line indent14">To bed-rock,</div> + <div class="line indent12">And stand stock</div> + <div class="line indent18">Still</div> + <div class="line indent0">As reserved, as reserved, as reserved as can be,</div> + <div class="line indent12">Not letting slip</div> + <div class="line indent8">A word over your lip.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! I say! Hurry! Hurry! I must get to the sea!</div> + <div class="line indent8">Bubble! Bubble! Bubble!</div> + <div class="line indent8">Hush! Let me down</div> + <div class="line indent8">Without any more trouble,</div> + <div class="line indent8">Bubble! Bubble! Bubble! Bubble!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>All remain listening, wrapt in wonder. Even Finn, +who since the spell has been laid upon him has been +sitting in great heaviness of mind, looks up and listens +to the song with growing delight. Suddenly Angus +roars with laughter.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Mactalla</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Mocking.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ha! Ha! Ha! Big Angus! Bow-wow!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I said I’d have the big laugh out of you the now.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Unable to stop laughing.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Did ever anybody hear the like of that?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The others look at him half-angrily.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What’s taken the fool!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Condhla</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Pat him on the back.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Torquil</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Can’t you hold your tongue.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Did you ever hear of anyone that could!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In desperation.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hold my tongue! Will that do any good?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He tries to do so. It makes him laugh all the more, +and one by one they all gradually join in his laughter +except Finn, till they are roaring fit to split the rocks. +Above it all Mactalla is heard mocking. At last Angus +subsides, wiping the tears from his eyes.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What on earth are you laughing at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Nothing on earth. What are you laughing at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How should I know?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, how should I know what I’m laughing at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Because you began, you gomeril.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not I.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, then, who did?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Mactalla.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What was Mactalla laughing at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That’s what I’d like to know.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I never heard him.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That’s because you’ve no sense of humour.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Fiercely.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have a sense of humour.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where is it, then?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Up my sleeve.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He looks up his sleeve and gives a sarcastic grin.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, nobody can see it there</div> + <div class="line indent0">But yourself, so you’d better take care.</div> + <div class="line indent0">If folk don’t see what you’re laughing at</div> + <div class="line indent0">They’ll end by laughing at you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Stooping to pick up a button.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What’s that?</div> + <div class="line indent0">A button. Is it anywhere off me?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He looks himself all over.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Condhla</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What’s it like?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Greenish-white. No, it’s not off me</div> + <div class="line indent0">As far as I can see.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Holding out his hand.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Here, it’s mine. I burst it laughing.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Conan hands it over to him casually.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Lighting his pipe.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come on! It’s time we were at work again.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Torquil</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Are you taking the boat out to-day?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Conan</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ay.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit Conan, Condhla, and Torquil.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Aren’t you coming?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Abstractedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not to-day, not to-day.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gonachry</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Laughing carelessly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">He looks to me as if he had gone daft.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He slouches off after the others with his hands in his +pockets.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s very queer the way he never laughed.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He goes up to Finn and gives him a hearty slap on +the back.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come, man! What ails you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Throwing him off with sudden irritation.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Get away, you gomeril!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Angus</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aside.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">He’s fey!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He makes a sign to keep off the evil eye, and retreats +hurriedly after the others, casting suspicious +glances backwards at Finn.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Seeing himself alone, with a sigh of relief hoists his +rainbow resolutely and tightens his belt.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I will prick on my way</div> + <div class="line indent0">Far into the country of my God,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And if it be true, as they say,</div> + <div class="line indent0">That He is calm and unhurried,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Some day I shall break through a gap in the hedge</div> + <div class="line indent0">And come upon Him seated by the road-edge.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Then shall I say to Him these three things, baring my brow:</div> + <div class="line indent0">“Wherefore art Thou, whence didst Thou come, and whither goest Thou?</div> + <div class="line indent0">Answer, I pray, for I ask of Thee</div> + <div class="line indent0">As one traveller of another.”</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Enter the Carpenter, unperceived by Finn.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Good day!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Starting violently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Good day!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s a fine day.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gloomily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s fine as long as this breeze lasts, but I’m thinking</div> + <div class="line indent0">it’ll not be long before there’s a shower coming over</div> + <div class="line indent0">from Badenoch.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ay! It’s soft; but it’ll not be much with the sun</div> + <div class="line indent0">where it is.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The sun may be as high as it likes, it’ll not make</div> + <div class="line indent0">much difference to the shadow on my mind.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What sort of a shadow is on your mind?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">A shadow like the one across the breast</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of Kinlochleven when the sun goes west,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And the Bidean, that great serious Ben,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Stoops to consider men.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That’s a long shadow.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p>It’s a shadow of crosses and spells and seven fairy +fetters of travelling and straying, to be with the one +that considers me before I shall eat food, or drink a +draught, or close an eye in sleep.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p>It’s a long shadow, but maybe I can help you to the +one that considers you if you’ll consider me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What are you good at to help me?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good carpenter.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you at carpentry?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p>With three strokes of this axe I can make a large +capacious complete ship of the alder-stock over yonder.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are good enough then, carpenter, for I am wanting a ship</div> + <div class="line indent0">To go on this trip.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Can you prove me your skill?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ay, with a will.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Carpenter goes to the alder-stock, strikes it with +his axe thrice, and, as he says, the ship is ready in +the sea waiting for them.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Delighted.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It is a very beautiful wide ship; what can it do?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It can take you to the one that considers you,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If rightly handled, and, as far’s I see,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Brings such a one again to you and me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Will you lend her to me?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pawkily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ay, if you are willing to engage</div> + <div class="line indent0">My brother too for a trifling wage.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll not can manage her alone.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Impatiently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come on! Come on! Call me your brother;</div> + <div class="line indent0">He’ll do as well as any other.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Carpenter whistles shrilly on his fingers, and +the Tracker enters.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You’re wanted for the boat the now;</div> + <div class="line indent0">He needs you at the bow.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is your will?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What are you good at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good tracker.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you at tracking?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can track the wild duck over the crests of the nine +waves within nine days.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then you are good enough to track</div> + <div class="line indent0">The one that considers me, and bring him back.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That will I blindfold;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But I need another to hold</div> + <div class="line indent0">The tiller, in case we’re called to the sheets together.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Call me that man there, coming across the heather.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Gripper is seen approaching over the hillside.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Good day!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Good day! What are you good at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good gripper.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p>The hold I once get I will not let go until my two +arms come from my shoulder, or until my hold comes +with me.</p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then you are good enough to hold until</div> + <div class="line indent0">The one that considers me comes with your hold?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That will I, sitting still;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But as my hand’s apt to grow cold,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll need that lassie there to keep my mind</div> + <div class="line indent0">Off thinking of it.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Climber has suddenly swung herself down by a +golden rope at Finn’s side.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Astonished.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, how did you find</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your way down here?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He takes off his cap politely.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I climbed down.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aside.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t see any stair.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I wonder if she’s quite all there!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Answering his thought.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No, just at present I am mostly here.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aside.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Her answer isn’t very clear.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aloud.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">And what are you good at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good climber.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I see that.</div> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you at climbing?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I could climb on a filament of silk to the stars if you +were to tie it there.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking at her dreamily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Will you be good enough then, please, to stare</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into each star and tell me if He’s there.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He collects himself, and adds hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The one that considers me, I mean.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll be your go-between</div> + <div class="line indent0">With pleasure, but I’m young to come alone;</div> + <div class="line indent0">Call me that woman there as a chaperon.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Thief and the Listener have entered hand in +hand. Finn beckons to the Thief, taking off his cap +again politely.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What are you good at, dame?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good thief.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you at thieving?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can steal the egg from the heron while her two +eyes are looking at me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then if you’ll come with me and steal</div> + <div class="line indent0">The one that considers me, I’ll feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">Greatly obliged to you, there is no doubt.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll take you by a pretty roundabout</div> + <div class="line indent0">If you are also able to employ</div> + <div class="line indent0">My boy.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is he good at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good listener.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you at listening?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can hear what the people are saying at the extremity +of the uttermost world.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are good enough, then. Maybe you can hear</div> + <div class="line indent0">Whether the one that considers me is near?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Putting his hand to his ear.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You’re very hot!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Finn, who has been standing beside the Climber, +moves forward hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No, now you’re colder!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll find Him ere I am much older,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Only some people are so narrow,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll need that man with the bow and arrow</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Enter Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">To bear me out ere they’ll agree</div> + <div class="line indent0">That seeing’s believing what I see.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What are you good at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am a good marksman.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How good are you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I could hit an egg as far off in the sky as bowstring +could send or bow could carry.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If you can hit the place where He</div> + <div class="line indent0">Is hidden who considers me,</div> + <div class="line indent0">We need no longer tarry.</div> + <div class="line indent0">For I am drawn by an insatiable desire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I am consumed in an impetuous fire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I am denied all rest</div> + <div class="line indent0">Until my quest</div> + <div class="line indent0">Is ended. Would that I could find</div> + <div class="line indent0">A lodge for my soul, where I might leave behind</div> + <div class="line indent0">All longing for ever, slumbering complete</div> + <div class="line indent0">At His feet.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Would I could rest in that bright place where I</div> + <div class="line indent0">In spirit lie.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Its light has cast a shadow on the brow</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of this fair “Now.”</div> + <div class="line indent0">Why did He make that garden-place so fair?</div> + <div class="line indent0">My soul, a bird, is there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">With limed wings fast to that apple-bough.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Putting his hand kindly on his shoulder.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come, then, and let’s be gone.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your fellows will come after you anon.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>They launch the ship, and the Gripper takes the +helm. The Tracker, who is at the bow, is seen telling +him now to go this way and now to go that way, and +the ship obeys his hand beautifully. The waves begin +to rise as the ship gets farther from sight, but the +Tracker still finds a smooth path through the waters. +The Listener leans over the side, and sings a song as the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span> +boat slips out to sea. It is a wild and beautiful song, +haunting, sweet, and long-drawn-out.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener’s Song</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I made a little song, and it was true,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Though nobody heeded it in the press of things;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I left it alone a thousand years, and it grew,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I heard it again one day in the mouth of kings.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All as I went I joyed me a mighty joy.</div> + <div class="line indent0">They laughed at me; they said: “You’re still very young”;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But I knew better than that when I was a boy,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And when I was old I found the song I’d sung.</div> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<div class="footnotes"> + +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + +<div class="footnote"> + +<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> The Highland “Echo.”</p> + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III_SCENE_1">ACT III. SCENE 1<br> +<span class="smaller">A BEAUTIFUL HIGHLAND SHORE: AFTERNOON</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>In the distance up the glen there is seen smoke evidently +rising from a house hidden somewhere in the +trees. In the foreground there are heather and rocks +and a beautiful alder-tree with thick foliage. Curlews +and sea-gulls are crying, and a breeze is tossing the +waves into white horses. At this moment Finn enters, +looking rather wretched and storm-tossed. He sits down +on a boulder, with a weary sigh.</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Yawning.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Heigh-ho!—Hay-hum-harry!</div> + <div class="line indent0">This box is a weary weight to carry.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber’s Voice</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calling from the alder-tree.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I wish you’d let me take a share!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Starting violently, and looking up.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Certainly not! What are you doing up there?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pushing her head out through the leaves.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I went up after a squirrel.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">At your age that’s not proper for a girl.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Singing.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, to-day I’m twenty-seven!</div> + <div class="line indent0">What delight to rhyme with Heaven!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m as happy as can be,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Here inside the alder-tree.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All my life’s a song that flows</div> + <div class="line indent0">With the river and the rose,</div> + <div class="line indent0">All my life’s a song to me</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like the lovely alder-tree.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All the years I’ve left behind</div> + <div class="line indent0">Are translated in my mind</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into something new and free,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like the seed-pod on the tree.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All that’s past is unforgotten;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I have wrapped it up in cotton,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like the larva that I see</div> + <div class="line indent0">In the leaf upon the tree.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It will grow and change and gather</div> + <div class="line indent0">Knowledge of a mind, its Father;</div> + <div class="line indent0">Some morning in its glee</div> + <div class="line indent0">It will float above the tree.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, to-day I’m twenty-seven!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Just a little nearer Heaven</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Than I ever used to be</div> + <div class="line indent0">When I climbed the alder-tree.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">For I feel at last that I,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Like the larva, change and fly</div> + <div class="line indent0">Yet a grander, fuller me,</div> + <div class="line indent0">On the self-same alder-tree.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Who has listened with delight to the song.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You’re a very eccentric sort of girl.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coming down hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No! Eccentricity I hate!</div> + <div class="line indent0">It’s just a name for off the straight;</div> + <div class="line indent0">And, if you’ll only pay me more attention,</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ll find it’s almost too far off to mention.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Finn looks at her doubtfully.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coaxingly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I wish you’d let me take a share</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of that old box you’re carrying there.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I wouldn’t dream of such a thing!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Take care! It needs a stronger piece of string.</div> + <div class="line indent0">And if you drop it, that would be a pity;</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span> + <div class="line indent0">It looks as if the contents were so pretty.</div> + <div class="line indent0">What is inside it? May I know?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Guess!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can’t. It seems to show</div> + <div class="line indent0">All bright about the edge.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She tries the weight.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent28">I can’t see quite</div> + <div class="line indent0">What makes it heavy when it looks so light?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Tears of all sorts, and colours to suit each eye.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then why</div> + <div class="line indent0">Is it so light when it feels such a weight?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! that’s just Fate.</div> + <div class="line indent0">A glint of laughter</div> + <div class="line indent0">Getting through each tear</div> + <div class="line indent0">A little after.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Clapping her hands.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh dear!</div> + <div class="line indent0">How beautiful! I’ve guessed it—a rainbow!</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve got a rainbow there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I knew last night the morning would be fair!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Astonished.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How did you guess?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I saw the rain-clouds yesterday</div> + <div class="line indent0">Coming up Crianlarich way,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Black as peat and full of dark.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Suddenly God set His mark</div> + <div class="line indent0">Over them all in a rainbow,</div> + <div class="line indent10">And so</div> + <div class="line indent10">I knew</div> + <div class="line indent0">The sun was somewhere getting through,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And, turning, saw him come</div> + <div class="line indent0">Hurriedly over the hills above Tyndrum.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She turns and sees Finn looking at her with a wistful +expression.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What are you thinking about?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Nothing at all. A dream.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Look out! They are not what they seem!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">They’re harmless enough. They aren’t real.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">They’re made of stuff</div> + <div class="line indent0">That’s very apt to steal</div> + <div class="line indent4">Intact</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Into actual fact.</div> + <div class="line indent0">For instance, look at these.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She points to some mountain pansies in the grass.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Explain the connection, please.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Don’t you see it, sumph?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Umph!</div> + <div class="line indent0">They seem to give you a lot of pleasure.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sniffing delightedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, without measure.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Don’t they give it you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Well enough.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Though, as a rule, I think</div> + <div class="line indent0">That I prefer a more substantial stuff,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Something to eat or drink,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Yet somehow now I feel dead beat;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I couldn’t stand the sight of meat.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Rapturously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, I could feed</div> + <div class="line indent0">On flowers for ever!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, then, you must be very clever.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh no! there is no need.</div> + <div class="line indent0">It happened through a violet’s power,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For that’s my favourite flower.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Shyly, in a burst of sudden confidence.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll tell you how it came about</div> + <div class="line indent0">If you’d care to find out.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Settling himself on the bank.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All right, I don’t mind if you do;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But it won’t be the same for me as you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sitting up and clasping her hands round her knees shyly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I was attracted by a violet,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For purple’s my favourite colour, and you get</div> + <div class="line indent0">Such a delightful perfume out of these</div> + <div class="line indent0">When the wind makes a breeze</div> + <div class="line indent4">Among the petals.</div> + <div class="line indent0">God said: “That settles</div> + <div class="line indent0">It. Now she’ll come back here</div> + <div class="line indent4">Another year,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And look for me where she has found her pleasure.”</div> + <div class="line indent4">I did not measure</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span> + <div class="line indent0">God’s far arrangement thus; but sure enough</div> + <div class="line indent0">(Since purple’s my favourite colour), when the puff</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of spring cast up her wild young flowery wrack,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I looked to see if the violet were blown back.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She begins to lose her self-consciousness. Finn +watches her interestedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent4">Sufficient she was there!</div> + <div class="line indent4">I pushed my hair</div> + <div class="line indent0">Back from my brow, and on my knees I went</div> + <div class="line indent4">To catch her scent.</div> + <div class="line indent4">Oh, it was joy</div> + <div class="line indent2">I thought would never cloy!</div> + <div class="line indent0">And God, who saw me on the grass beside</div> + <div class="line indent4">That purple pride,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Laughed softly to Himself, and said: “I knew</div> + <div class="line indent4">She’d not resist My blue.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Now I’ll be bound she’ll come again next year</div> + <div class="line indent4">To find my fragrance here.”</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She continues with increasing animation, having +quite lost all self-consciousness.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">In very deed I came,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But now a flame</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of ultra-violet flickered on my thought.</div> + <div class="line indent0">It wasn’t just the scent that brought</div> + <div class="line indent0">Me back like that, nor yet the lovely blue;</div> + <div class="line indent0">It was because I felt that God was true.</div> + <div class="line indent0">And that was how, having had my attention called</div> + <div class="line indent0">To something that came back and never palled,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But seemed each year more lovely than the last,</div> + <div class="line indent4">I passed</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span> + <div class="line indent0">To looking for the far-off deeper things</div> + <div class="line indent0">That God had tucked behind the violet’s wings.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I said to myself: “This is some sort of sign</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of constancy divine,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I expect there must be some such mark</div> + <div class="line indent0">Set on our ultimate dark;</div> + <div class="line indent0">For we are all just one material here—</div> + <div class="line indent0">My heart, the violet clear.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Dreamily, to herself.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Isn’t it delightful thus to grow</div> + <div class="line indent0">Together yet apart a little while?</div> + <div class="line indent0">God needs this time to shape us to the style</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of His eternity, as, strong and slow,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The separate shadows of the flowery prime</div> + <div class="line indent0">Become one purple deep at evening-time.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She takes a violet in her hands and looks at it. To +herself.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Here’s all the evidence of things unseen,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Delicious substance of a life to be,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Where maybe I’ll share His identity,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And we’ll be One to all eternity.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Who has forgotten that she is not alone, blushing self-consciously +and starting violently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Nothing! It’s not</div> + <div class="line indent0">Meant for you to hear.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Go on about next year.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Very shyly, with averted face.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, in the spring I came, with joyous thirst,</div> + <div class="line indent0">To find the violet where I found her first;</div> + <div class="line indent0">Till, kneeling there one day, I felt my heart</div> + <div class="line indent0">Quicken and start,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And pushing back the lid, to look within,</div> + <div class="line indent4">I saw a thin</div> + <div class="line indent0">Long tongue of lavender amid the red,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And God knelt there, and spread</div> + <div class="line indent0">His strong white hands above the warm, bright stain,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And laughed, and said: “I have found faith again</div> + <div class="line indent4">On earth.”</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She pauses, and adds in a whisper.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">But I, too much amazed for mirth,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Could only gaze and stammer: “Sir, not yet,</div> + <div class="line indent4">It was Your violet.”</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>There is silence. The Climber remains with shy averted face.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>After an embarrassed pause.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t see how a violet’s shown</div> + <div class="line indent0">You that. Tell me it all again.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Jumping up, with a nervous laugh.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh dear! I wish I could explain</div> + <div class="line indent0">Better. But it’s the sort of thing</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> + <div class="line indent0">You’ll have to find alone. I’m off to bring</div> + <div class="line indent0">The others. I’ll be back in a minute.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She runs away, with a very red face. Finn yawns, +sighs, and, picking a violet, sniffs and sniffs again.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Delicious! I believe there’s something in it!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He puts the violet in his buttonhole.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Even if it isn’t much</div> + <div class="line indent0">It’s something I could almost touch</div> + <div class="line indent0">A morsel of just now.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Enter the Listener, whistling, and chipping himself +a whistle out of an alder branch.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hallo! Where are the others?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Patching up the boat a bit in smothers</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of spray. The wind seems blowing this way.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He waves his hand in the direction in which the Climber has gone.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Still feeling sick?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Certainly not. I wasn’t sick!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! I thought that was why</div> + <div class="line indent0">You wouldn’t come down to tea,</div> + <div class="line indent0">When you said you wished we’d let you die.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Certainly not!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then why——</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hurriedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There’s a sort of spell on me.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I can’t consider common stuff like tea</div> + <div class="line indent0">Until I have found the one that considers me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sympathetically.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I say! How beastly! Worse than being in love.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Indignantly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not at all! It’s not the least the same.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Innocently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why? What’s the difference?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, go away! How should I know?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Would you like to hear what I heard up above</div> + <div class="line indent8">The tree-tops, before I came</div> + <div class="line indent12">Out of the wood?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not unless it’s easily understood.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Cheerily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh yes!</div> + <div class="line indent0">It’s the sort of thing that any child could guess.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He begins to pipe a very cheery little tune, and +then stops and looks at Finn enquiringly.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Brightening.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That’s not bad. Go on!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Beginning to sing.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Tiravee! Tiravee! Tiravee!</div> + <div class="line indent0">The year has heard the spring</div> + <div class="line indent0">In far recesses smouldering.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Tiravee! Tiravee! Tiravee!</div> + <div class="line indent4">The robins sing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Daffadowndillies and lilies</div> + <div class="line indent0">And crocuses are hiding,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Under the garden abiding,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Soon you’ll see! Soon you’ll see!</div> + <div class="line indent4">Soon you’ll see!</div> + <div class="line indent0">For along the west border,</div> + <div class="line indent0">All in their proper order,</div> + <div class="line indent4">Just like last year—</div> + <div class="line indent0">Look!—the tops of the snowdrops are here!</div> + <div class="line indent4">Tiravee! Tiravee! Tiravee!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, how wonderful it is to see</div> + <div class="line indent0">The spring again just as she used to be!</div> + <div class="line indent4">Showing how the bulbs grow</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> + <div class="line indent8">Under the ground,</div> + <div class="line indent4">Making a sound</div> + <div class="line indent4">Where silence lay low.</div> + <div class="line indent8">Displaying</div> + <div class="line indent4">The beauty of the earth,</div> + <div class="line indent8">Saying:</div> + <div class="line indent4">“There is no death.</div> + <div class="line indent4">For consider the lilies</div> + <div class="line indent0">How they grow, and the daffadowndillies,</div> + <div class="line indent8">Underground</div> + <div class="line indent4">They have found</div> + <div class="line indent8">The spring!”</div> + <div class="line indent4">Oh, Robin, sing!</div> + <div class="line indent4">Oh, come away and see</div> + <div class="line indent8">The tops</div> + <div class="line indent4">Of the first snowdrops!</div> + <div class="line indent4">Tiravee! Tiravee! Tiravee!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>During the song the others, drawn by the sound of +piping, all begin to come in one by one, with the exception +of the Climber, beginning with the Marksman and +ending with the Carpenter, dancing and humming the +tune. When the Listener has done they all applaud +him delightedly, and the Marksman lets fly an arrow +seaward.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Astonished.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What’s that for?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You hit the mark that time.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Running to look.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where? I didn’t see!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Nobody did but me.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Who taught you that song sublime?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">A robin back there in the wood;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I haven’t got it very good.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You have a very fine ear.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Is there anything else you can hear?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Putting his ear to the ground and listening intently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can hear the voice of your mother.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is she saying?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">She’s saying she’s unravelling</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your fetters of travelling</div> + <div class="line indent4">And straying;</div> + <div class="line indent4">She’s saying</div> + <div class="line indent0">She’s sending your father</div> + <div class="line indent0">To help you to gather</div> + <div class="line indent0">The children he’s losing</div> + <div class="line indent0">Through none of her choosing.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Bewildered.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Talk sense!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Offended.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I do; but it’s too immense</div> + <div class="line indent0">For you to comprehend</div> + <div class="line indent0">With your unenlightened end!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aside.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There! didn’t I tell you she’d send!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>At this moment the Climber runs in excitedly.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ve just met a woman in the wood</div> + <div class="line indent0">Who says she’s losing</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her children through none of her choosing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And that you are the only man</div> + <div class="line indent0">Who can</div> + <div class="line indent0">Help her, if you’ll be so very good.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Amazed.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That’s what the Big Young Hero said to me</div> + <div class="line indent0">This morning, brought him through the strife</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of night-watching and tempest of sea!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I wonder who this woman can be?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Excitedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I believe she is his wife?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">How is she losing the children?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">She says she’s losing them in the night</div> + <div class="line indent0">That claps down on men,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For a Hand comes in at the window ere it’s light,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And takes them all away ben.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>After a pause.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I can’t help that!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, she says you can,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If you were half a man.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, what must I be at?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">She says you must watch through the night</div> + <div class="line indent0">Within her house, until you see daylight.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sighing wearily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I want my supper now. I really couldn’t keep</div> + <div class="line indent0">My eyes open; I’m sure I’d go to sleep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Very earnestly and impressively.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Although she has laid supper in her house,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Please do not touch it yet, or you’ll arouse</div> + <div class="line indent0">The Hand</div> + <div class="line indent0">Before you understand</div> + <div class="line indent0">How you must use the body to discern</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> + <div class="line indent0">The proper system of the mind, and learn</div> + <div class="line indent0">You were not built like the bewildered moon,</div> + <div class="line indent0">To dwindle ere you’ve found another face,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Revolving inwards like an old buffoon,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Too much attracted by an earthly grace;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But, on a nervous pivot justly hung,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Bringing your mind to bear upon the clay,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Can turn your sleepy body round among</div> + <div class="line indent0">The starry systems of another day;</div> + <div class="line indent0">For that is how I think we’re meant to gather</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her earthly treasure for a Heavenly Father,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Till He recall us from her dewy field</div> + <div class="line indent0">At evening-time, building a finer bield</div> + <div class="line indent0">For souls returning mindful of earth’s beauty,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Not naked as they came.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent24">I’ll do my duty</div> + <div class="line indent0">If you’ll show me the way</div> + <div class="line indent0">To the place where I’m to stay.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Delighted.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All right!</div> + <div class="line indent0">We must look sharp as long as there’s this light.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She beckons the others to follow.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pausing suddenly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, what was that that fell?</div> + <div class="line indent0">I believe it was the spell.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He looks about.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I feel hungry enough for two</div> + <div class="line indent0">All of a sudden. Aren’t you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Warningly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No, I had something to eat before I came,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And in the morning you will get the same</div> + <div class="line indent0">If only now you’ll try not to eat double;</div> + <div class="line indent0">For if you do we’ll all get into trouble.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit all after the Climber.</i>] + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III_SCENE_2">ACT III. SCENE 2<br> +<span class="smaller">THE HOUSE OF THE EARTH-MOTHER: GLOAMING</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>The kitchen of the Earth-Mother’s house. A big open +fire in the middle of the room, with a hole in the thatch +above it to let the smoke out. A child asleep in a cradle +beside it. The remains of a lavish supper on a table in +the corner. The men are all lying about the fire asleep. +Finn alone is sitting in a low chair drowsing. The +Climber is lying asleep on a settle in the corner, near +the Thief, who is sitting quietly watchful by the child. +She alone seems wide awake.</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Nodding drowsily, starts and falls forward. Shaking +himself up, he looks round, rubbing his +eyes and yawning.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Heigh-ho!—Heigh-hum-harry!</div> + <div class="line indent0">This rainbow is a weary job to carry.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looks round.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No one seems awake that I can see.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You forget me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Startled.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Are you awake?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m always awake.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then I can take</div> + <div class="line indent4">A nap.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calmly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">For Heaven’s sake</div> + <div class="line indent4">Keep awake,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or the child will be taken away in the cap</div> + <div class="line indent4">Of the Hand.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Drowsily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Bother! I don’t understand.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing to the Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Even she’s sleeping.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, she has been weeping.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Uneasy.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, whatever’s the matter?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Everything.</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve eaten too much.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Defensively.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, I didn’t touch</div> + <div class="line indent0">More than I ought,</div> + <div class="line indent4">Did I?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You took a thought</div> + <div class="line indent0">More than she did, that’s why</div> + <div class="line indent0">You have upset her.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sulkily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I wish to goodness I had never met her,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If she’s so very easily upset.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I fear she’s very childish for her age.</div> + <div class="line indent0">It’s apt to overbalance her at this stage;</div> + <div class="line indent0">She isn’t up to all God’s ropes as yet.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Crossly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I thought she said</div> + <div class="line indent0">That she could climb upon a thread</div> + <div class="line indent4">Up to a star</div> + <div class="line indent0">Were I to tie it there.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Ay! But it needs more care</div> + <div class="line indent0">To return so far</div> + <div class="line indent0">Trundling the star.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Finn sits silent for a little while, and begins to nod +again. At last he rouses himself with a start.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m much too plastic;</div> + <div class="line indent0">This needs something drastic.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He snatches a brand of wood from the fire, and +thrusts it through the bone of his palm. The Climber +immediately starts up in her sleep with a cry of pain.</i>] + +<p class="direction">[<i>Startled.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What’s wrong? Why——?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Talking in her sleep, in great distress.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are in pain!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Defiantly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not I!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Half asleep.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You’re hurting yourself with trying to keep awake!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coldly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You’re making a mistake.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Bewildered and dreamy.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, I’m sorry! I thought you called me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Stoically.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Marksman turns in his sleep with a groan.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I beg your pardon.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Lie down. If he’s in pain</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll call you again.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Climber lies down again.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief sings</span>:</p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have a lover in my mind,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And there I stray.</div> + <div class="line indent0">He whispers dreams to me all night;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I dream with him all day.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">We tell each other foreign things,</div> + <div class="line indent0">We dream strange dreams, we two;</div> + <div class="line indent0">Sometimes he whispers He is God,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I dream I am too.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Finn, nodding, repeats former process. Again the +Climber starts up in her sleep with a loud cry of +anguish.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>As before, talking half in her sleep.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You are in pain?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Wiping his brow.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not I, you’re dreaming.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Marksman again groans in his sleep.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Lie down. If he’s in pain</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll call you again.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Bewildered and troubled, still asleep.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m very sorry, indeed I meant no harm;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I feel as if I were under some sort of charm.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She lies down again.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief sings</span>:</p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Love seeketh not a Heaven’s delight.</div> + <div class="line indent0">If her beloved inhabit there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">She is content with outer night,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And finds in Hell no deep despair.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yet if the love of God divine</div> + <div class="line indent0">Feel lonely Heaven a grave mistake,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And say: “Is Hell not also mine?”</div> + <div class="line indent0">Love answers: “Yea, Lord, take.”</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>By this time Finn has fallen quite asleep. The fire +dies low. Suddenly a strange light begins to play about<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span> +the Climber. She starts up half-awake, and looks round +bewildered. Then she speaks to the Thief in an awed +whisper.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who called me? Was it you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have been sitting quietly by the cradle all this time.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Inside my brain</div> + <div class="line indent0">There’s something tugging me, a sort of strain,</div> + <div class="line indent0">A terrible wistfulness, my mind’s all bruised.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Something calls me that is not amused.</div> + <div class="line indent6">Is it God?</div> + <div class="line indent6">Or is it not God?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gravely.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It is God.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Lie down. He will call you again</div> + <div class="line indent0">If He is in pain.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Climber lies down again. The fire dies quite +low, but the radiance about her grows bright and +brighter; she alone is left visible. Suddenly, for a +moment, as through a veil, the face of the Big Young +Hero is seen looking wistfully down on her. She starts +up with her hands clasped to her breast, and speaks in +an awed whisper.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Did you call me, sir?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I sent Finn to call you.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I heard him. Do you require us both?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, urgently; make haste.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The vision fades, leaving the Climber alone in the +midst of a great brightness.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Whispering.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Always I have known Thou wert there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But to-night Thou hast revealed Thyself utterly and</div> + <div class="line indent0">Thy face is bare.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot tell how beautiful Thou art.</div> + <div class="line indent0">All of my heart</div> + <div class="line indent0">Is radiant with the fierce surprise</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of Thine eyes,</div> + <div class="line indent0">All of my soul</div> + <div class="line indent0">Stands shuddering at her goal.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Long ago she knew Thee, yet she feared</div> + <div class="line indent0">To name Thee, ever she peered</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into the darkness, whispering: “Not mine,”</div> + <div class="line indent0">To-night she doth divine</div> + <div class="line indent0">Wholly, and she is very bold, and boasts, and hath good cheer,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Entertaining the love that casts out fear.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The brightness fades, leaving darkness for a +moment, then the fire leaps up again, illuminating the +room. The Climber looks about her, bewildered with +ecstasy.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, I have had such a wonderful dream!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Why, they all seem</div> + <div class="line indent0">To be asleep!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am not asleep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Radiant.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, did you see my dream?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes; I stole it for you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where did you get it?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Out of the mind of God.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It was most beautiful; can’t you find</div> + <div class="line indent0">Another the same?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, from where that one came;</div> + <div class="line indent0">But it is not for you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Disappointed.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Who’s it for?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Never mind,</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ll find</div> + <div class="line indent0">When you make yours come true.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Very eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, what must I do?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You must make them believe it.</div> + <div class="line indent0">You must take it and weave it,</div> + <div class="line indent0">By a kind of story,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into actual glory.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Jumping up joyfully.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where shall I begin?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">With Finn.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Drawing back nervously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh no, I can’t! He’ll think it very queer.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I—I haven’t got the courage to reveal</div> + <div class="line indent0">A dream so very delicate and real.</div> + <div class="line indent0">They’ll laugh at me. They’ll all think I am queer.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Indifferently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I have nothing to do with fear.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your business is to do just as I tell.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Summoning up all her resolution.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Very well.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If you’re to carry out God’s plan</div> + <div class="line indent0">You must pitch into every man.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Trembling with nervousness.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All right! To make my dream come true</div> + <div class="line indent0">There’s nothing I’m afraid to do.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She runs quickly over to Finn and takes him eagerly +by the hand to wake him. He starts awake with a +quiver of pain, withdrawing his hand.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Overstrained and very nervous.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, are you angry at me?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why should I be angry?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Shyly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">For—for waking you up.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Was I asleep?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes; but I’ve brought you something that’ll keep</div> + <div class="line indent0">You awake for ever.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She laughs nervously.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Politely.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Never!</div> + <div class="line indent0">What is it?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Shyly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">N—nothing; just a dream.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Embarrassed.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Better keep it to yourself.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Dreams are things some folk don’t understand.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In distress, catching sight of his hand.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why, what have you done to your hand?</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve burnt it all!</div> + <div class="line indent0">You were in pain, I knew!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I heard you call.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Why did you say it wasn’t true?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Withdrawing his hand hastily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s nothing to do with you.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Go to sleep again;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I never felt the slightest pain.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Marksman groans in his sleep.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Embarrassed and shy.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Don’t you, really?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Resolutely.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No. I tell you it’s quite numb.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Grieved and awkward.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then you didn’t call me to come?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning his head away with a groan.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No. I am in no need.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Marksman groans in his sleep again. Finn +turns and looks more attentively at the Climber, hesitating. +She is pale and overstrained looking.</i>] + +<p class="direction">[<i>Kindly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I really think you ought to feed</div> + <div class="line indent0">Yourself up a bit.</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’re not looking very fit.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hurriedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I was asleep. I’m quite all right.</div> + <div class="line indent0">It’s just a silly dream. Good night.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Marksman groans.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Be sure you keep awake.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She retreats nervously.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Good night. Be sure you keep</div> + <div class="line indent4">Asleep.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Don’t worry about me for any sake;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m wide enough awake.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Marksman groans again, and Finn begins to +nod heavily even as he speaks.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To the thief, bursting into tears.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">They won’t believe my dream.</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve made me feel an awful fool.</div> + <div class="line indent0">He’s laughing now. I know I seem</div> + <div class="line indent0">Quite childish!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Aside.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent16">To keep cool,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The best way is by letting off some steam.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To the Climber, very sternly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The fault was yours. You have betrayed your dream.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Weeps silently for a little, then wipes her eyes and +speaks as if to herself.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">They tell me that I have my birth</div> + <div class="line indent0">Some other where,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And though indeed I do not greatly care</div> + <div class="line indent0">If this be true or no,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I really think it must be partly so;</div> + <div class="line indent0">For no one understands me in this house,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I am not able all alone to rouse</div> + <div class="line indent0">Them up. They just ignore me everywhere.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I begin to think that I’m not quite all there.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She sinks her head desperately between her hands.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I wasn’t laughing at you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Lifting her head quietly and recovering herself.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No, I knew.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Perhaps I’ve left you rather much alone.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh no! I think I’ve just outgrown</div> + <div class="line indent4">My strength.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then if you’ve got that length</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve come into your own. Lie down again;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll call you if he is in pain.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No! No! This time I must lie still</div> + <div class="line indent0">Unless he comes himself. He’d take it ill</div> + <div class="line indent0">If I should offer him a change of diet</div> + <div class="line indent0">He’s not accustomed to. I must lie quiet</div> + <div class="line indent0">Unless he says that he’s prepared to try it.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She lies down again. The stage gradually becomes +quite dark, as the Thief sings this song.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief’s Song</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">God gave me a little fire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And, as He did require,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I burnt it all away,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And He gave me more each day.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> + <div class="line indent0">At last to one most dear</div> + <div class="line indent0">I denied my fire in fear,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And now the light’s gone out,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And God’s nowhere about.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>At this moment the eight-day clock in the corner of +the room strikes twelve slowly, and a great Hand +comes in at the hole in the centre of the roof. All have +fallen asleep except the Thief. She springs up with +a cry and shakes the Climber, who does not stir, but +all the others start up, and Finn calls loudly on the +Gripper, who lays hold on the Hand and takes it in to +the two eyebrows at the chimney. The Hand gives a +pull on the Gripper, and takes him out to the top of +his two shoulders. The Gripper gives another pull on +the Hand and brings it in to the neck. The Hand gives +a pull on the Gripper, and brings him out to the very +middle. The Gripper gives a pull on the Hand, and +brings it in over the two armpits. The Hand gives a +pull on the Gripper, and takes him out to the smalls +of his two feet. Then the Gripper gives a brave pull +on the Hand, and it comes out of the shoulder, and +when it falls on the floor the pulling of seven geldings +is in it. All shout with joy.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Wiping his brow in unutterable relief.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What an escape! I nearly lost the child!</div> + <div class="line indent0">She’d have been wild!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I knew I could hold out</div> + <div class="line indent0">Without having to shout</div> + <div class="line indent4">For aid.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>At this moment the Giant, unnoticed, puts in his +other hand and takes the child with him in the cap of +the hand. It screams, awaking the Climber.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! You’ve let it go!</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve been asleep, I know!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Desperately, with his head in his hands.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What a mistake I’ve made!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Furiously, to the Gripper.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You fool! Why couldn’t you</div> + <div class="line indent0">Hold on a little longer?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Plaintively and with resignation.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Because I never knew</div> + <div class="line indent0">There was another Hand a little stronger.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Frantically, to Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You that’s so good at marking eggs,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Why couldn’t you tell other folk</div> + <div class="line indent4">About the yolk?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Tranquilly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You never asked me, or I would have told.</div> + <div class="line indent4">Are you not old</div> + <div class="line indent0">Enough—have you not got two legs,</div> + <div class="line indent0">A pair of hands, a level</div> + <div class="line indent4">Enough head</div> + <div class="line indent0">(When all is done and said)</div> + <div class="line indent0">From which to deduce the devil?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Losing all control.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Liar! It was your duty to tell!</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly and sorrowfully.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Go to Hell.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Finn rushes out. The Climber is all this time +kneeling by the settle with her head buried in her +hands, and does not appear to hear anything around +her.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Angrily, to Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Didn’t the woman tell her that the Giant</div> + <div class="line indent0">Who steals the children was just like a man?</div> + <div class="line indent0">If we had known we wouldn’t have been so pliant.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning to look at him with a strange smile.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why didn’t you ask her about him? She never can</div> + <div class="line indent0">Tell you very much until</div> + <div class="line indent0">You ask her of your own free will.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sneeringly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t believe she knew!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning and looking at him.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Don’t you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Trying to look him in the face, but getting very red, +drops his eyes and mutters.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, maybe she did. You needn’t make a stir,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t pretend to understand folk like her.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>As before.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Don’t you?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Defiantly and reluctantly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, if I do it’s not because I can’t.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>As before.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Isn’t it?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Silence.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come, answer me!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Defiantly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I shan’t!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Letting him go with a contemptuous kick from behind.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then follow Finn until you’ve learned compliance.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calling Tracker.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come on! Let’s show them we’ve some self-reliance!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>To Gripper, who is still standing quietly holding the +arm he has pulled out.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come on! There’s no use holding any more</div> + <div class="line indent0">To the sneck of <i>that</i> door.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing to arm.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where are you going?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He looks undecided.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There’s no knowing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m bound to follow him.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Points to Carpenter.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking round doubtfully.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The light is very dim,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Where is he taking us?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pulling him by the collar.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come on without any more fuss.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pulling at the Hand.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Drop it, I say, drop it!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Intervening sternly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Stop it!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Tracker and the Carpenter fling out after Finn.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll follow them. I musn’t be inhuman,</div> + <div class="line indent0">They’ll certainly get lost without a woman.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Take care, they’ve gone to Hell.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly indicating the Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Look after this child well,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I will steal all Heaven before you can tell.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What fun! May I come too?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing to the Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Not yet, she’s need of you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit Thief.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Coming forward and gazing up at the hole in the roof +with his hands on his knees.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Well, that was a clean sweep!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I say, don’t weep!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With his finger on his lips.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hush! She’s saying her prayers!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Abashed and embarrassed.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh, sorry!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He crosses to the window and leans out, and then +softly beckons to the Gripper. The Marksman is sitting +quietly in Finn’s chair by the fire.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Gripper, speaking softly not to disturb the +Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Look at the sky, and that green stretch of clear</div> + <div class="line indent0">Behind the Bidean! There’s really no night here.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He sits astride the window whistling softly, and +then begins to sing this song under his breath.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I had a vision of Hope. She came to me</div> + <div class="line indent0">Long before morning came, long ere the day</div> + <div class="line indent0">Had folded night in her bosom and gathered away</div> + <div class="line indent4">The stars in her brightness;</div> + <div class="line indent4">I saw as it were a whiteness</div> + <div class="line indent4">Like a shimmer on the sea;</div> + <div class="line indent4">Long before morning broke</div> + <div class="line indent8">She awoke</div> + <div class="line indent6">And came to me.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There are some who never see her,</div> + <div class="line indent0">There are some who never hear</div> + <div class="line indent4">Her whisper at their ear.</div> + <div class="line indent4">I was awake and heard</div> + <div class="line indent6">Before the thrushes stirred.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Deep in her heart she showed me,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Long before it was spring,</div> + <div class="line indent4">A lovely thing.</div> + <div class="line indent0">All the April bulbs unsleeping,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Beneath the garden keeping</div> + <div class="line indent4">Watch for the dawn,</div> + <div class="line indent0">All the eyes of the daisies wide-awake under the lawn.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There are some who will not trust her,</div> + <div class="line indent0">There are some who blindly thrust her</div> + <div class="line indent4">Out of sight</div> + <div class="line indent4">Into the solitary night.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Grievous souls! They do not know</div> + <div class="line indent0">That her lovely sign is true:</div> + <div class="line indent4">I listened and I knew.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That’s good enough!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Climber springs up lightly.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why! Where’s Finn?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Coming down.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Gone off in the huff</div> + <div class="line indent0">While you were saying your prayers.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Desperately, to Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t believe it! Tell me there’s</div> + <div class="line indent0">No truth in what he said.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, for the present, Finn is dead.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly steadfast.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t believe it.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">He has lost his head.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking round.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where are the others?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sarcastically.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">They’ve followed him like brothers.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Has the Thief gone with the rest?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes; she thought it best.</div> + <div class="line indent0">She said it was inhuman</div> + <div class="line indent0">To let them go without a woman.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Radiantly, with upraised face.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Thank you!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Marksman.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Who’s she speaking to?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Marksman quietly shoots an arrow out of the window.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why did you do that?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Being under my protection</div> + <div class="line indent0">She looked straight in the right direction.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Who has run to the window to look after the arrow.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I say! They’ve put off in the boat</div> + <div class="line indent0">And left us all behind!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Anxiously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Has Finn got his coat?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No; there it is behind</div> + <div class="line indent0">The press.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Is the Thief there?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then never mind.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Gripper.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Come! You must follow</div> + <div class="line indent0">And take the tiller, or the sea will swallow</div> + <div class="line indent6">Them all.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Plaintively.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s no use; I would fall</div> + <div class="line indent0">Without something to grip.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Are you afraid to slip</div> + <div class="line indent0">If I make fast</div> + <div class="line indent0">A rope to the mast?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Brightening.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh no! not if you give me anything</div> + <div class="line indent0">To hold to, even the smallest bit of string.</div> + <div class="line indent0">But how will you get over there?</div> + <div class="line indent0">It’s far too rough to swim. Take care!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Listener.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Can you hear</div> + <div class="line indent0">What the Thief is saying?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Putting his ear to the ground and listening intently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I rather think she’s praying.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Clapping her hands delightedly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Then come along, the danger’s past,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ve tied a life-line to the mast!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Exit all running eagerly, the Climber carrying +Finn’s coat.</i>] + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_III_SCENE_3">ACT III. SCENE 3<br> +<span class="smaller">AT SEA: SUNSET</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>A stormy dark sunset, late in the gloaming. The +ship is seen tossing wildly on a tempestuous sea. The +Thief is sitting quietly in the stern with her head +bowed; her face is invisible. The Carpenter and the +Tracker are whimpering on the floor. Finn is alone at +the helm, but the waves are driving the boat about at +their mercy.</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Terrified, from bottom of boat.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I don’t believe this boat is sound.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Blubbering with terror.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Boohoo! Boohoo! We’s all going to be drowned!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Clutches Finn’s legs.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Spurning him suddenly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Be quiet, you fool!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Tracker collapses howling in a corner.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Cheer up! You’ll soon be able to keep cool.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>A great shower of spray comes over and drenches +them. The Tracker cries despairingly.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I had a sense of something due</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span> + <div class="line indent0">To someone, though I scare kent who,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And like a fool I lent my ship to you.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Although I made her at my own expense</div> + <div class="line indent0">I thought you had a little common sense.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Didn’t I tell you she was bound</div> + <div class="line indent0">To carry you quite safe and sound</div> + <div class="line indent0">From earth to Heaven, if you could handle</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her properly. It’s a fair scandal</div> + <div class="line indent0">To see the way you hold the tiller.</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ll sink her. Look! You’ll sink and fill her!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The ship heels and dips, the Tracker yells again, and +even the Carpenter gasps and moans.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I thought that she would even carry</div> + <div class="line indent0">God back again to earth to tarry.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! If she’d had another master</div> + <div class="line indent0">Than you, she would have got on faster,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But with this God-forsaken mind</div> + <div class="line indent0">No other body could I find.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Tracker</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Carpenter, blubbering.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’d like to tell you what I think</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of you.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Carpenter</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I jalouse we must sink</div> + <div class="line indent0">Our differences for a little;</div> + <div class="line indent0">This boat won’t stand it, she’s too brittle.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The boat gives a wild lurch and appears to founder. +Both cry wildly to Finn. The Tracker clutches the +Thief’s knees, weeping loudly.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Have patience!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking desperately up to the sky.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If there is any Truth in what she said,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If there is any Hope that answers prayer,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If there is any Faith beyond her share</div> + <div class="line indent0">That stretches nervous from a lovelier Head</div> + <div class="line indent0">Than ours, and quickens in the brighter dead,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I summon all my strong human emotion</div> + <div class="line indent0">To stir that Brain to feel what I am feeling,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And rouse a Thought of which I had no notion</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into consideration of my healing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For though my mind is smaller than That Other</div> + <div class="line indent0">I have enough of sense to call it Brother</div> + <div class="line indent0">If It be there at all. If It be there.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>At his words a golden life-line is suddenly whirled +on board and falls at his feet. The Carpenter and the +Tracker cry wildly: “A rope! A rope! Oh, make it +fast!”</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a sigh of relief.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The danger’s past!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She runs hurriedly and makes the rope fast to the +mast, while Finn remains gazing at it as if dazed. In +a moment the Climber is seen swinging along it, immediately +followed by the Gripper, the Listener, and the +Marksman. Finn remains as if spellbound, while the +Gripper runs to the tiller, seizes it from him, and turns +the boat completely round.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To himself, as if bewildered.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">This is more than any sense deserves!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Shaking her head at him.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Fancy going off like that in an open boat</div> + <div class="line indent0">Without your coat!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Your state of mind is preying on my nerves.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She helps him into his coat, which he submits to +passively, gazing at her as if dazed; then suddenly falling +on his knees, he snatches her hand, crying +exultantly—</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Before the sun shall rise upon the land</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll shake all darkness by this other hand!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The storm gradually abates, and as the ship slips +away the Gripper leans back against the tiller and +sings.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Gripper’s Song</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I saw above the straining shrouds</div> + <div class="line indent0">No rift nor hint of dawn,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I saw no light beyond the clouds,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But still I carried on.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I saw the end of the world, Dear Heart,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I believed it true,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But still I held to my small part,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And so she carried through.</div> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_IV">ACT IV<br> +<span class="smaller">THE GIANT’S CASTLE: MIDNIGHT</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>In a dim twilight of stars a castle is seen upon a rock. +It is thatched with eel-skins, and there appears to be +neither door nor window. The dark figures of Finn, the +Climber, the Thief, the Marksman, and the Listener are +presently seen stealing softly over the rocks. The other +three have evidently remained with the boat. They talk +in whispers.</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Is this the place?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I believe so.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s very dark,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot see your face.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Hark!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is it?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I hear something inside,</div> + <div class="line indent0">It sounds like children’s voices.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Have you tried</div> + <div class="line indent0">The door?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There isn’t any door.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Positively.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I really hear</div> + <div class="line indent0">Something, I don’t know what. It sounds quite near.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If there’s no front door there must be a stair,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m certain he has put the child in there;</div> + <div class="line indent0">And since it must have got inside somehow,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I rather think the door is in the brow.</div> + <div class="line indent0">At any rate, I’m going to climb and see.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Anxiously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Take care! The thatch is very slippery!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Cheerfully.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If there’s a way in, then there is no doubt</div> + <div class="line indent0">There must be just the same way to get out.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Climber’s figure is soon dimly seen silhouetted +on the roof against the stars.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a delighted exclamation.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Just as I thought!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ve found a door just where I thought.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Can you open it?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh yes, there’s not</div> + <div class="line indent0">Much difficulty there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">It comes away with prayer.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She is seen kneeling.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What’s that you’re saying?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Be quiet! Can’t you see she’s praying?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Presently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s opening up!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is inside?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m looking, but I haven’t tried</div> + <div class="line indent0">My eyes yet in a night so deep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>She calls down softly presently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The Giant is sound asleep!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Can you see if he’s still got the child</div> + <div class="line indent0">Inside the cap</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of the other hand?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Delighted.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s there! It’s still taking its little nap!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Desperately.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If only I were strong enough to creep</div> + <div class="line indent0">Inside and steal it while he is asleep!</div> + <div class="line indent0">But with this heavy box I can’t get up.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Why don’t you throw it away then altogether?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Arrested.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I wonder if I could? I don’t know whether—</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calling down.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There’s a dog here too besides, and a little pup!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Abominable! They’re sure to bark.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Delighted.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I say! A puppy! What a lark!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Please try and get it for me. Hark!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is it?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I hear the Giant coming up out of his sleep.</div> + <div class="line indent0">You must be quick,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or else you’ll stick.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>To Climber.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m almost certain I could creep</div> + <div class="line indent0">And steal the child while he is sleeping,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Only I’m rather old to do much leaping;</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’d have to carry me a bit,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And let me gently down to it.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">All right! There is no difficulty there.</div> + <div class="line indent0">With your support I could go anywhere.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She swings down, takes the Thief on her back, and +is presently seen on the roof letting her gently down +inside the castle. The Climber is seen again kneeling.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Anxiously, from below.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh dear! How slow she is! It’s very dark.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Why is she delaying?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Be quiet! Can’t you see she’s praying?</div> + <div class="line indent4">Hark!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Nervously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What is it now?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Joyously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I hear the child coming up out of his sleep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calling softly down to the Thief.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It is so deep</div> + <div class="line indent0">Inside, I can’t see where you are.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Anxiously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Has she got the puppy?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Reassuringly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">She’ll get it all right, never fear!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Whispering loudly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Good man!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I say! Can</div> + <div class="line indent0">You hand it down and let me hold its muzzle?</div> + <div class="line indent0">I guess to both of you it is a puzzle</div> + <div class="line indent0">To know at present where to put it,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And if Finn sees it probably he’ll shoot it.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Anxiously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Has she got the child? I can’t endure</div> + <div class="line indent0">To wait like this.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>A trifle hesitatingly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent16">I think so. I’m not sure.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Be quick! I hear the dog coming up out of her sleep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Thief’s voice</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>From within, faintly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Lower me again to Mother Earth,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For I in spirit have been called as far</div> + <div class="line indent0">As the secret place where her lost children are,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span> + <div class="line indent0">And I now bring them back to second birth,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Rescuing both the body and the soul</div> + <div class="line indent0">Out of the Hand of death entire and whole,</div> + <div class="line indent0">If you are strong enough to bear us back</div> + <div class="line indent0">To the same side from which we came.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Reeling with the sudden relaxation of nervous tension.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent36">Alack!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I am as wearied as a falling star,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot do it alone.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>At this moment the Hand is seen emerging from +the roof. It grips the Climber and takes her in.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a frantic cry.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where are</div> + <div class="line indent0">They? Oh! My God, what shall I do?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Put your finger underneath your wisdom tooth</div> + <div class="line indent0">And find what it replies.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Doing so.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It says that I must tell the truth.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Sternly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Confess your previous lies!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Finn hides his face with a groan.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Gently.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You need fear no disgrace</div> + <div class="line indent0">If you will look me in the face.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Trembling.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m thinking that there are not many here</div> + <div class="line indent0">Can look you in the face without some fear.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If you are too shy</div> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot help you at all. You must all die.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He turns away.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Clutching him by the shoulder.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No! No! No!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>The Marksman turns and gazes at him. Finn remains +upright, his eyes riveted on the Marksman’s.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Steadily.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I told her I was wide enough awake.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That was a great mistake.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I told her I could quite well do</div> + <div class="line indent0">Without her aid.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">That was untrue.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I told her that I did not feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">The slightest pain. Her dream was real,</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He points to the box.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">For overburdened with this weight</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of earth, I was in such a state</div> + <div class="line indent0">I really could not recognize</div> + <div class="line indent0">Myself reflected in her eyes.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I felt in such a deep disgrace</div> + <div class="line indent0">I could not look her in the face,</div> + <div class="line indent0">So when she brought her dream by and by</div> + <div class="line indent0">I put her off. Trying to deny</div> + <div class="line indent0">My God, I told a fearful lie.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Tranquilly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">She never believed it, and she marked it die</div> + <div class="line indent0">Dwindling slowly away</div> + <div class="line indent0">As the light grew stronger and the grey</div> + <div class="line indent0">Faded for ever from the windows.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He points to the faint line of green, which is now +showing on the horizon.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">In the cottages they will soon be putting out all the lamps</div> + <div class="line indent0">And going about their work in unreflected light.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Springing up with a cry of joy.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What! Is it really all right?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Yes, quite;</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’ve told me all that I require</div> + <div class="line indent0">To set you free.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Now a different man.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">If God be true no man can be a liar.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Come, follow me.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Where are you going?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Eagerly and joyously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’m going after the Climber,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her point of view’s sublimer.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’m going to throw away my bow.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He casts the box from him.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Picking up the box.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Take care, you’ve not much yet on which to go!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Radiantly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot fall,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The way she chose is practical!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Since you have let her in for this, no doubt</div> + <div class="line indent0">You’re bound to find a way to get her out.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Turning on a little electric torch to light Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s still a little dark to-night.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ve put things in the proper light</div> + <div class="line indent0">For you, but it strikes me</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll have to clear up more before you’ll see</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her way out of the difficulty.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Finn reaches the roof in safety, and calls down +anxiously.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Are you there? Are you there?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Calling faintly from within.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Have you come? I knew you’d not be long,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’d noticed you were getting very strong.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span> + <div class="line indent0">He’s tied me hand and foot. I cannot move,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ve found the Thief and he are hand in glove!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No matter! I’m entirely of your mind.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll find</div> + <div class="line indent0">My way inside and get you out just now.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Anxiously.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The door is just behind your brow.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hitting his forehead.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ve got it!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>His figure is seen against the dim twilight kneeling.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Be quick! I hear the Giant coming up out of his sleep!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>The Hand takes in Finn.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber’s voice</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a muffled cry of despair.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Too late! Too late! My God, what shall I do?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Hurriedly, calling from below.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Put your finger under your wisdom tooth and tell me what it replies.</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber’s voice</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It says that I must tell the truth!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Very sternly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What! You as well! Confess your previous lies!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber’s voice</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It is so dark I cannot see your face,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I feel that I’m in very deep disgrace.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Alas! I told him that I was asleep!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Your error there was truly very deep.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I thought that I was strong enough</div> + <div class="line indent0">To return alone.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">What utter stuff!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Desperately.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I said I thought he was in pain;</div> + <div class="line indent0">The pain was mine, for in my brain</div> + <div class="line indent0">I felt a tugging and a stress</div> + <div class="line indent0">I could not understand, unless</div> + <div class="line indent0">One in the likeness of a man</div> + <div class="line indent0">Had summoned me to Heaven. I ran,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I climbed, I reached the topmost stair,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span> + <div class="line indent0">And found that I was not all there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For if I’d left the earth behind</div> + <div class="line indent0">I should have gone out of my mind,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Since God requires a soul and body too</div> + <div class="line indent0">To make the substance of His dream come true.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I understood God did devise</div> + <div class="line indent0">To make this earth His Paradise;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I saw our second birth was got</div> + <div class="line indent0">Just out of earth by happy thought,</div> + <div class="line indent0">But fearful that a Truth so glad</div> + <div class="line indent0">Would seem an impudence half-mad,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I made him think that God’s design</div> + <div class="line indent0">Was just a silly dream of mine.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">He always believed your dream;</div> + <div class="line indent0">He marked it grow</div> + <div class="line indent0">Out upon his sleep with bewildered joy,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Until at last, just like a little boy,</div> + <div class="line indent0">He put his hand up in the dark to feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her face, and found he had touched something real.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He opens the box and takes the rainbow from it.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">In the cottages they have put out all the lamps,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And go about their work in unreflected light.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Excitedly.</i>] + +<p>The Giant is coming up out of his sleep for the last +time, and he is bringing the dog with him!</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Quietly.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am not afraid of myself, you need not shout,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For I am strong enough to bear them out.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>At this moment the Hand rises again from the chimney. +The Marksman is seen stringing the rainbow and +letting fly an arrow, which transfixes the Hand. There +is terrible darkness for a moment, the stars fall from +the sky and the moon turns crimson, leaving pitchy +night. With a loud crash the walls of the castle fall +away, and in a serene silent splendour of purple and +crimson the dawn rises over the sea, revealing the Big +Young Hero standing upon the rock with the child in +his arms. The Climber and Finn are in each other’s +arms, the Thief is holding the puppy.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Marksman</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">They have all come up out of their sleep for ever!</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Listener</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>With a great cry of joy.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I always knew this would happen! She’s got the puppy too!</div> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="ACT_V">ACT V<br> +<span class="smaller">THE GREEN ISLE REALIZED ON EARTH. DAWN</span></h2> + +</div> + +<p><i>The same as Act I, but this time there is no rainbow +haze between, only a great rainbow stretching in the +sky across the Hebrides seen in the distance. On a +table under the trees the girl has spread all sorts of +delightful fruits and cakes. She is now decorating it +with flowers, and singing as she works.</i></p> + +<div class="scene-container"> + +<div class="scene"> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Song</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I love all lovely things—</div> + <div class="line indent0">The dragon-fly’s wings,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The rainbow and the rain,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The light that comes again</div> + <div class="line indent0">Joyously like a smile,</div> + <div class="line indent0">When for a little while</div> + <div class="line indent0">God disposes the night elsewhere.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">His sun is very fair,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I can catch it in my hair.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Look! It’s there! And there! And there!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! the earth’s a lovely thing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The mind of a Mighty King,</div> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot help but sing.</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot end my song,</div> + <div class="line indent0">God’s thought is very long.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Many years He took to make</div> + <div class="line indent0">The bracken in the brake;</div> + <div class="line indent0">He was a long time building</div> + <div class="line indent0">The fragrant yellow gilding</div> + <div class="line indent0">On the early poplar tree</div> + <div class="line indent0">When no eye was there to see.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The clouds, the atmosphere,</div> + <div class="line indent0">My breath, the water clear,</div> + <div class="line indent0">How fair and sweet they are!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! hate was very far</div> + <div class="line indent0">From God’s divine intention</div> + <div class="line indent0">When these things He did mention;</div> + <div class="line indent0">When He canopied the earth</div> + <div class="line indent0">With cloud, and fire, and mirth;</div> + <div class="line indent0">When He set the privy shade</div> + <div class="line indent0">For the pheasant in the glade;</div> + <div class="line indent0">When He built the mossy nest</div> + <div class="line indent0">For the wren, His little guest;</div> + <div class="line indent0">When He taught the mind of man</div> + <div class="line indent0">By its love to find His plan.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">For no one shall discover</div> + <div class="line indent0">His science, save the lover.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! Life’s a lovely thing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The mind of a Mighty King!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Emotion, will, desire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Earth, water, air, and fire,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The elements intertwined,</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span> + <div class="line indent0">With these He built the mind;</div> + <div class="line indent0">The love of green things growing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The shadows they keep throwing</div> + <div class="line indent0">Across man’s fiery thought</div> + <div class="line indent0">Till they’re fused and merged and wrought</div> + <div class="line indent0">Into the liquid union</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of one divine communion</div> + <div class="line indent0">With God, Who made his college</div> + <div class="line indent0">An earthly place of knowledge.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot help but sing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Life’s such a lovely thing!</div> + <div class="line indent0">The catkin and the willow</div> + <div class="line indent0">God’s chosen for His pillow.</div> + <div class="line indent0">I wonder why He fashioned</div> + <div class="line indent0">A Beauty so impassioned;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I wonder why it matters</div> + <div class="line indent0">Which way the raindrop patters,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Or why a God should care</div> + <div class="line indent0">To give His creatures share</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of this delightful song.</div> + <div class="line indent0">His love must be very strong.</div> + </div> +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I cannot end my singing,</div> + <div class="line indent0">For still the starling’s winging</div> + <div class="line indent0">With a straw held in her beak</div> + <div class="line indent0">To build in the old tree-peak;</div> + <div class="line indent0">And still across the sky</div> + <div class="line indent0">The compacted clouds go by;</div> + <div class="line indent0">And when God thinks upon it</div> + <div class="line indent0">The lily’s yellow bonnet</div><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span> + <div class="line indent0">Nid-nods delightfully</div> + <div class="line indent0">Beneath the walnut tree.</div> + <div class="line indent0">And clear, and still more clear,</div> + <div class="line indent0">In God’s mind I read and hear</div> + <div class="line indent0">That only Love shall learn</div> + <div class="line indent0">The wherefore of flower and fern,</div> + <div class="line indent0">That only Love alone</div> + <div class="line indent0">Shall live to be full-grown,</div> + <div class="line indent0">That merely Love and Wonder</div> + <div class="line indent0">Shall bring all Heaven hereunder.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Towards the end of the song the brown-sailed fishing-boat +is seen approaching gradually under the rainbow. +As it draws near, Finn and the Big Young Hero +are seen in it with the puppy. It touches the shore, +at first unperceived of the girl. The Big Young Hero +leaps lightly from it, and helps Finn out.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Looking round bewildered.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I recognize this place.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You have been here before.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Isn’t that the Bidean’s face?</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing to the distant hills.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Please tell me, for I can’t stand any more.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>He staggers, but the Hero puts an arm round him.</i>] + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">There must be some mistake,</div> + <div class="line indent4">I seem</div> + <div class="line indent0">To be asleep and yet I am awake.</div> + <div class="line indent4">Is this a dream?</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">No, it is real.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Put up your hand and feel</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her face.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Perceiving him, calls.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">The breakfast’s ready, I have set your place.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Catching sight of Finn she puts her hand to her face +with a cry of amazed delight.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It is the man I dreamed about last night!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I didn’t know! I’m looking such a sight!</div> + <div class="line indent0">I didn’t know that you would bring a guest.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>She puts her hand up to her head as if she were +going to fall, and the Hero puts his other arm +round her.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I’ll be all right after a little rest.</div> + <div class="line indent0">What a beautiful rainbow!</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Pointing.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I always knew the morning would be fine.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Putting his hand up in amazement to find the box is gone.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It’s mine!</div> + <div class="line indent0">How did it get up there?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">You hoisted it on a prayer;</div> + <div class="line indent0">The Marksman’s left it in the sky to show</div> + <div class="line indent0">The right direction to the folk below.</div> + <div class="line indent0">The others are not very far behind;</div> + <div class="line indent0">Presently they will all be of your mind.</div> +</div> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>He points to where, far off under the bow, the sails +of Conan’s boat are dimly visible on the horizon.</i>] + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Wild with delight.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">Oh! I feel strong enough to turn the moon</div> + <div class="line indent0">Right round upon his other face,</div> + <div class="line indent0">And I feel ready now to sup</div> + <div class="line indent0">The stars up with a spoon.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Climber</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In an awed whisper, gazing at Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I only know I am aware</div> + <div class="line indent0">Of God for ever, everywhere.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>Who has still an arm round either, to Finn.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It was the Gate of Heaven that you carried.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Now it is time that you and she were married.</div> + <div class="line indent0">Since I have found you strong enough to share</div> + <div class="line indent0">Her faith that I am more than quite all there,</div> + <div class="line indent0">Ask what you will, it shall be given you</div> + <div class="line indent0">As your reward. Tell me, what is your due?</div> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span></p> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Finn</span></p> + +<p class="direction">[<i>In a whisper.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">I am beginning now to understand!</div> + <div class="line indent0">Lord, I beseech, help Thou mine other hand.</div> +</div> + +<p class="speaker"><span class="smcap">Hero</span></p> + +<p class="direction-long">[<i>Leading the two forward to the table, he takes the +Climber’s hand and places it in Finn’s.</i>] + +<div class="speech"> + <div class="line indent0">It has spread breakfast in my house for two,</div> + <div class="line indent0">The other place was always meant for you;</div> + <div class="line indent0">I pray you, warm it at your hearth hereunder.</div> + <div class="line indent0">What I have joined let no man put asunder.</div> +</div> + +</div> + +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span></p> + +<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop"> + +<div class="chapter"> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span></p> + +<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX">APPENDIX<br> +<span class="smaller"><i>HOW FINN KEPT HIS CHILDREN FOR THE +BIG YOUNG HERO OF THE SHIP AND +HOW BRAN WAS FOUND.</i></span></h2> + +</div> + +<p>A day Finn and his men were in the Hunting-hill they +killed a great number of deer; and when they were +wearied after the chase they sat down on a pleasant +green knoll, at the back of the wind and at the face of +the sun, where they could see everyone and no one at all +could see them.</p> + +<p>While they were sitting in that place Finn lifted his +eyes towards the sea, and saw a ship making straight +for the haven beneath the spot on which they were sitting. +When the ship came to land, a Big Young Hero +leaped out of her on the shore, seized her by the bows +and drew her up, her own seven lengths, on the green +grass, where the eldest son of neither landowner nor of +holder of large townland dared mock or gibe at her. +Then he ascended the hillside, leaping over the hollows +and slanting the knolls, till he reached the spot on which +Finn and his men were sitting.</p> + +<p>He saluted Finn frankly, energetically, fluently; and +Finn saluted him with the equivalent of the same words. +Finn then asked him whence did he come or what was +he wanting? He answered Finn that he had come +through night-watching and tempest of sea where he +was, because he was losing his children, and it had been +told him that there was not a man in the world who +could keep his children for him but him, Finn, King of +the Feinne. And he said to Finn, “I lay on thee, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> +crosses and spells and seven fairy fetters of travelling +and straying, to be with me before thou shalt eat food +or drink a draught or close an eye in sleep.”</p> + +<p>Having said this he turned away from them and descended +the hillside the way he ascended it. When he +reached the ship he placed his shoulder against her bow +and put her out. He then leaped into her, and departed +in the direction he came until they lost sight of him.</p> + +<p>Finn was now under great heaviness of mind, because +the vows had been laid on him, and he must fulfil them +or travel onwards until he would die. He knew not +whither he should go, or what he should do. But he left +farewell with his men, and descended the hillside to the +seaside. When he reached that he could not go farther +on the way in which he saw the Big Young Hero depart. +He therefore began to walk along the shore, but before +he had gone very far forward, he saw a company of +seven men coming to meet him.</p> + +<p>When he reached the men he asked the first of them +what was he good at? The man answered that he was a +good Carpenter. Finn asked him how good was he at +carpentry? The man said that, with three strokes of his +axe he could make a large, capacious, complete ship of +the alder stock over yonder. “Thou art good enough,” +said Finn; “thou mayest pass by.”</p> + +<p>He then asked of the second man what was he good +at? The man said that he was a good Tracker. “How +good art thou?” said Finn. “I can track the wild duck +over the crests of the nine waves within nine days,” said +the man. “Thou art good enough,” said Finn; “thou +mayest pass by.”</p> + +<p>Then he said to the third man, “What art thou good +at?” The man replied that he was a good Gripper. +“How good art thou?” “The hold I once get I will not +let go until my two arms come from my shoulders or<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span> +until my hold comes with me.” “Thou art good enough; +thou mayest pass by.”</p> + +<p>Then he said to the fourth man, “What art thou good +at?” He answered that he was a good Climber. “How +good art thou?” “I can climb on a filament of silk to +the stars, although thou wert to tie it there.” “Thou art +good enough; thou mayest pass by.”</p> + +<p>He then said to the fifth man, “What art thou good +at?” He replied that he was a good Thief. “How good +art thou?” “I can steal the egg from the heron while +her two eyes are looking at me.” “Thou art good +enough; thou mayest pass by.”</p> + +<p>He asked of the sixth man, “What art thou good at?” +He answered that he was a good Listener. “How good +art thou?” He said that he could hear what people were +saying at the extremity of the Uttermost World (Domhan +Tor). “Thou art good enough; thou mayest pass +by.”</p> + +<p>Then he said to the seventh man, “What art thou good +at?” He replied that he was a good Marksman. “How +good art thou?” “I could hit an egg as far away in +the sky as bowstring could send or bow could carry.” +“Thou art good enough; thou mayest pass by.”</p> + +<p>All this gave Finn great encouragement. He turned +round and said to the Carpenter, “Prove thy skill.” The +Carpenter went where the stock was, and struck it with +his axe thrice; and as he had said, the Ship was ready.</p> + +<p>When Finn saw the Ship ready he ordered his men to +put her out. They did that and went on board of her.</p> + +<p>Finn now ordered the Tracker to go to the bow and +prove himself. At the same time he told him that yesterday +a Big Young Hero left yonder haven in his ship +and that he wanted to follow the Hero to the place in +which he now was. Finn himself went to steer the Ship +and they departed. The Tracker was telling him to +keep her this way or to keep her that way. They sailed +a long time forward without seeing land, but they kept<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span> +on their course until evening was approaching. In the +gloaming they noticed that land was ahead of them, and +they made straight for it. When they reached the shore +they leaped to land and drew up the Ship.</p> + +<p>Then they noticed a large fine house in the glen above +the beach. They took their way up to the house; and +when they were nearing it they saw the Big Young Hero +coming to meet them. He ran and placed his two arms +about Finn’s neck and said, “Darling of all men in the +world, hast thou come?” “If I had been thy darling of +all men in the world, it is not as thou didst leave me that +thou wouldst have left me,” said Finn. “Oh, it was not +without a way of coming that I left thee,” said the Big +Young Hero. “Did I not send a company of seven men +to meet thee?”</p> + +<p>When they reached the house, the Big Young Hero +told Finn and his men to go in. They accepted the +invitation and found abundance of meat and drink.</p> + +<p>After they had quenched their hunger and thirst, the +Big Young Hero came in where they were, and said to +Finn, “Six years from this night, my wife was in childbed +and a child was born to me. As soon as the child +came into the world, a large Hand came in at the chimney, +and took the child with it in the cap (or hollow) +of the Hand. Three years from this night the same +thing happened. And to-night she is going to be in +childbed again. It was told me that thou wert the only +man in the world who could keep my children for me, +and now I have courage since I have found thee.”</p> + +<p>Finn and his men were tired and sleepy. Finn said +to the men that they were to stretch themselves on the +floor and that he was going to keep watch. They did +as they were told and he remained sitting beside the +fire. At last sleep began to come on him; but he had a +bar of iron in the fire, and as often as his eyes would +begin to close with sleep, he would thrust the bar through +the bone of his palm, and that was keeping him awake.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> +About midnight the woman was delivered, and as soon +as the child came into the world the Hand came in at +the chimney. Finn called on the Gripper to get up.</p> + +<p>The Gripper sprang quickly to his feet and laid hold +of the Hand. He gave a pull on the Hand, and took it +in to the two eyebrows at the chimney.</p> + +<p>The Hand gave a pull on the Gripper, and took him +out to the top of his two shoulders. The Gripper gave +another pull on the Hand, and brought it in to the neck. +The Hand gave a pull on the Gripper, and brought him +out to the very middle. The Gripper gave a pull on +the Hand and took it in over the two armpits. The +Hand gave a pull on the Gripper and took him out to +the smalls of his two feet. Then the Gripper gave a +brave pull on the Hand, and it came out of the shoulder. +And when it fell on the floor the pulling of seven geldings +was in it. But the big Giant outside put in the +other hand and took the child with him in the cap of the +Hand.</p> + +<p>They were all very sorry that they lost the child. But +Finn said, “We will not yield to this yet. I and my men +will go away after the Hand before a sun shall rise on +a dwelling to-morrow.”</p> + +<p>At break of dawn Finn and his men turned out, and +reached the beach where they had left the Ship.</p> + +<p>They launched the Ship, and leaped on board of her. +The Tracker went to the bow, and Finn went to steer +her. They departed, and now and again the Tracker +would cry to Finn to keep her in that direction, or to +keep her in this direction. They sailed onward a long +distance without seeing anything before them, except +the great sea. At the going down of the sun, Finn noticed +a black spot in the ocean ahead of them. He +thought it too little for an island and too large for a +bird, but he made straight for it; and it was a rock, and +a Castle thatched with eel-skins was on its top.</p> + +<p>They landed on the rock. They looked about the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span> +Castle but they saw neither window nor door at which +they could get in. At last they noticed that it was on +the roof the door was. They did not know how they +could get up, because the thatch was so slippery. But +the Climber cried, “Let me over and I will not be long +in climbing it.” He sprang quickly towards the Castle +and in an instant was on its roof. He looked in at the +door, and after taking particular notice of everything +that he saw, he descended where the rest were waiting. +Finn asked of him what did he see? He said that he +saw a big Giant lying on a bed, a silk covering over him +and a satin covering under him, and his hand stretched +out and an infant asleep in the cap of the Hand; that +he saw two boys on the floor playing with shinties of +gold and a ball of silver; and that there was a very large +deer-hound bitch lying beside the fire, and two pups +sucking her.</p> + +<p>Then said Finn, “I do not know how we shall get them +out.” The Thief answered and said, “If I get in I will +not be long putting them out.” The Climber said, +“Come on my back and I will take thee up to the door.” +The Thief did as he was told and got into the Castle.</p> + +<p>Instantly he began to prove his skill. The first thing +he put out was the child that was in the cap of the Hand. +He then put out the two boys who were playing on the +floor. He then stole the silk covering that was over the +Giant and the satin covering that was under him, and +put them out. Then he put out the shinties of gold and +the ball of silver. He then stole the two pups that were +sucking the bitch beside the fire. These were the most +valuable things which he saw inside. He left the Giant +asleep and turned out.</p> + +<p>They placed the things which the Thief stole in the +Ship and departed. They were but a short time sailing +when the Listener stood up and said, “’Tis I who am +hearing him, ’tis I who am listening to him!” “What +art thou hearing?” said Finn. “He has just awakened,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span> +said the Listener, “and missed everything that was +stolen from him. He is in great wrath sending away +the Bitch, and saying to her if she will not go that he +will go himself. But it is the Bitch that is going.” In +a short time they looked behind them and saw the Bitch +coming swimming. She was cleaving the sea on each +side of her in red sparks of fire. They were seized +with fear, and said that they did not know what they +should do. But Finn considered, and then told them to +throw out one of the pups; perhaps when she would see +the pup drowning she would return with it. They threw +out the pup, and as Finn said, it happened; the Bitch +returned with the pup. This left them at the time +pleased.</p> + +<p>But shortly after that the Listener arose trembling, +and said, “’Tis I who am hearing him, ’tis I who am +listening to him!” “What art thou saying now?” said +Finn. “He is sending away the Bitch, and since she +will not go he is coming himself.”</p> + +<p>When they heard this their eye was always behind +them. At last they saw him coming, and the great sea +reached not beyond his haunches. They were seized +with fear and great horror, for they knew not what they +should do. But Finn thought of his knowledge set of +teeth, and having put his finger under it, found out that +the Giant was immortal except in a mole which was in a +hollow of his palm. The Marksman then stood up and +said, “If I get one look of it I will have him.” The +Giant came walking forward through the sea to the side +of the Ship. Then he lifted up his hand to seize the +top of the mast, in order to sink the Ship. But when +the Hand was on high the Marksman noticed the mole, +and he let an arrow off in its direction. The arrow +struck the Giant in the death-spot and he fell dead on +the sea. They were now very happy, for there was +nothing before them to make them afraid. They put +about and sailed back to the Castle. The Thief stole<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span> +the pup again, and they took it with them along with +the one they had. After that they returned to the place +of the Big Young Hero. When they reached the Haven +they leaped on land and drew up the Ship on dry +ground.</p> + +<p>Then Finn went away with the family of the Big +Young Hero and with everything which he and his men +took out of the Castle to the fine house of the Big Young +Hero.</p> + +<p>The Big Young Hero met him coming, and when he +saw his children he went on his two knees to Finn and +said, “What now is thy reward?” Finn answered and +said that he was asking nothing but his choice of the +two pups which they took from the Castle. The Big +Young Hero said that he would get that and a great +deal more if he would ask it. But Finn wanted nothing +except the pup. This pup was Bran, and his brother, +that the Big Young Hero got, was the Grey Dog.</p> + +<p>The Big Young Hero took Finn and his men into his +house and made for them a great joyous merry feast, +which was kept up for a year and a day, and if the last +day was not the best it was not the worst.</p> + +<p>That is how Finn kept his children for the Big Young +Hero of the Ship and how Bran was found.</p> + +<p class="right"><i>Waifs and Strays of Celtic Tradition. Argyllshire series. Rev. J. Macdougall.</i></p> + +<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="deco" style="max-width: 43.75em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/deco.jpg" alt=""> +</figure> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 76247 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + |