ACT II.
SCENE I.—[1st Grooves.]—Gap of Dunloe; same as 2d Scene, Act I.—Music.
EnterHardressandDanny,L.1E.
Hard[R.] Oh, what a giddy fool I’ve been! What would I give to recall this fatal act which bars my fortune?
Danny[L.] There’s something throublin’ yez, Masther Hardress. Can’t Danny do something to aise ye? Spake the word, and I’ll die for ye.
HardDanny, Iamtroubled. I was a fool when I refused to listen to you at the chapel of Castle Island.
DannyWhen I warned ye to have no call to Eily O’Connor?
HardI was mad to marry her.
DannyI knew she was no wife for you. A poor thing widout any manners, or money, or book larnin’, or a ha’porth o’ fortin’. Oh, worra! I told ye that, but ye bate me off, and here now is the way of it.
HardWell, it’s done, and can’t be undone.
DannyBedad, I dun know that. Wouldn’t she untie the knot herself—couldn’t ye coax her?
HardNo.
DannyIs that her love for you? You that give up the divil an’ all for her. What’sherruin to yours? Ruin—goredoutha—ruin is it? Don’t I pluck a shamrock and wear it a day for the glory of St. Patrick, and then throw it away when it’s gone by my likin’s. What issheto be ruined by a gentleman? Whoo! Mighty good for the likes o’ her.
HardShe would have yielded,but—
DannyAsy now, an’ I’ll tell ye. Pay her passage out to Quaybeck and put her aboord a three-master, widout sayin’ a word. Lave it to me. Danny will clear the road foreninst ye.
HardFool, if she still possesses that certificate—the proof of my first marriage—how can I dare to wed another? Commit bigamy—disgrace my wife—bastardize my children?
DannyDen by the powers, I’d do by Eily as wid the glove there on yer hand; make it come off as it came on—an’ if it fits too tight, take the knife to it.
Hard[Turning to him.] What do you mean?
DannyOnly gi’ me the word, an’ I’ll engage that the Colleen Bawn will never trouble ye any more; don’t ax me any questions at all. Only—if you’re agreeable, take off that glove from yer hand an’ give it to me for a token—that’s enough.
Hard[Throws off cloak; seizes him; throws him down.] Villain! Dare you utter a word or meditate a thought of violence towards thatgirl—
DannyOh, murder! may I never die in sin,if—
HardBegone! away, at once, and quit my sight. I have chosen my doom! I must learn to endure it—but blood!—and hers! Shall I make cold and still that heart that beats alone for me?—quench those eyes that look so tenderly in mine? Monster! am I so vile that you dare to whisper such a thought?
DannyOh, masther! divil burn me if I meant any harm.
HardMark me well, now. Respect my wife as you would the queen of the land—whisper a word such as those you uttered to me, and it will be your last. I warn ye—remember and obey.
[ExitHardress,R.
Danny[Rises—picks up cloak.] Oh, the darlin’ crature! would I harrum a hair of her blessed head?—no! Not unless you gave me that glove, and den I’d jump into the bottomless pit for ye.
[ExitDanny,R.Music—change.
SCENE II.—Room inMrs. Cregan’shouse; window,R.,in flat, backed by landscape; door,L.,in flat; backed by interior. Lights up.
EnterAnne Chute,L.in flat.
AnneThat fellow runs in my head. [Looking at window.] There he is in the garden, smoking like a chimney-pot. [Calls.] Mr. Daly!
Kyrle[Outside window.] Good morning!
Anne[Aside.] To think he’d smile that way, after going Leandering all night like a dissipated young owl. [Aloud.] Did you sleep well? [Aside.] Not a wink, you villain, and you know it.
KyrleI slept like a top.
Anne[Aside.] I’d like to have the whipping of ye. [Aloud.] When did you get back?
KyrleGet back! I’ve not been out.
Anne[Aside.] He’s not been out! This is what men come to after a cruise at sea—they get sunburnt with love. Those foreign donnas teach them to make fire-places of their hearts, and chimney-pots of their mouths. [Aloud.] What are you doing down there? [Aside.] As if he was stretched out to dry.[Kyrleputs down pipe outside.
EnterKyrlethrough window,R.,in flat.
Kyrle[R. C.] I have been watching Hardress coming over from Divil’s Island in his boat—the wind was dead against him.
Anne[L. C.] It was fair for going to Divil’s Island last night, I believe.
KyrleWas it?
AnneYou were up late, I think?
KyrleI was. I watched by my window for hours, thinking of her I loved—slumber overtook me, and I dreamed of a happiness I never can hope for.
AnneLook me straight in the face.
KyrleOh! if some fairy could strike us into stone now—and leave us looking forever into each other’s faces, like the blue lake below and the sky above it!
AnneKyrle Daly! What would you say to a man who had two loves, one to whom he escaped at night, and the other to whom he devoted himself during the day—what would you say?
KyrleI’d say he had no chance.
AnneOh, Captain Cautious! Well answered. Isn’t he fit to take care of anybody! his cradle was cut out of a witness-box.
EnterHardressthrough window,R.,in flat.
Kyrle[R.] Anne! I don’t know what you mean, but that I know that I love you, and you are sporting with a wretchedness you cannot console. I was wrong to remain here so long, but I thought my friendship for Hardress would protect me against your invasion—now I will go.[Hardressadvancing.
Hard[C.] No, Kyrle, you will stay. Anne, he loves you, and I more than suspect you prefer him to me. From this moment you are free; I release you from all troth to me: in his presence I do this.
Anne[L.] Hardress!
HardThere is a bar between us which you should have known before, but I could not bring myself to confess. Forgive me, Anne—you deserve a better man than I am.[Exit,L.
AnneA bar between us! What does he mean?
KyrleHe means that he is on the verge of ruin: he did not know how bad things were till last night. His generous noble heart recoils from receiving anything from you but love.
AnneAnd does he think I’d let him be ruined any way? Does he think I wouldn’t sell the last rood of land—the gown off my back, and the hair off my head, before that boy that protected and loved me, the child, years ago, should come to a hap’orth of harrum?
[Crosses toR.
KyrleMiss Chute!
AnneWell, I can’t help it. When I am angry the brogue comes out, and my Irish heart will burst through manners, and graces, and twenty stay-laces. [Crosses toL.] I’ll give up my fortune—that I will!
KyrleYou can’t—you’ve got a guardian who can not consent to such a sacrifice.
AnneHave I? then I’ll find a husband that will.
Kyrle[Aside.] She means me—I see it in her eyes.
Anne[Aside.] He’s trying to look unconscious. [Aloud.] Kyrle Daly, on your honor and word as a gentleman, do you love me and nobody else?
KyrleDo you think me capable of contaminating your image by admitting a meaner passion into my breast?
AnneYes, I do.
KyrleThen you wrong me.
AnneI’ll prove that in one word. Take care, now; it’s coming.
KyrleGo on.
Anne[Aside.] Now I’ll astonish him. [Aloud.] Eily!
KyrleWhat’s that?
Anne“Shule, shule, agrah!”
KyrleWhere to?
AnneThree winks, as much as to say, “Are you coming?” and an extinguisher above here means “Yes.” Now you see I know all about it.
KyrleYou have the advantage of me.
AnneConfess now, and I’ll forgive you.
KyrleI will; tell me what to confess, and I’ll confess it—I don’t care what it is.
Anne[Aside.] If I hadn’t eye proof he’d brazen it out of me. Isn’t he cunning? He’s one of those that would get fat where a fox would starve.
KyrleThat was a little excursion into my past life—a sudden descent on my antecedents, to see if you could not surprise an infidelity—but I defy you.
AnneYou do? I accept that defiance; and, mind me, Kyrle, if I find you true as I once thought, there’s my hand; but if you are false in this, Anne Chute will never change her name for yours. [He kisses her hand.] Leave me now.
KyrleOh, the lightness you have given to my heart! The number of pipes I’ll smoke this afternoon will make them think we’ve got a haystack on fire.[ExitKyrle,through window,R.
Anne[Rings bell on table,R.] Here, Pat, Barney, some one.
EnterServant,L.door in flat.
Tell Larry Dolan, my groom, to saddle the black mare, Fireball, but not bring her round the house—I’ll mount in the stables.
[ExitServant,L.door in flat.
I’ll ride over to Muckross Head, and draw that cottage; I’ll know what’s there. It mayn’t be right, but I haven’t a big brother to see after me—and self-protection is the first law of nature.
[ExitAnne,R.1E.
Music. EnterMrs. CreganandHardress,L.door in flat.
Mrs. C[R. C.] What do you say, Hardress?
Hard[L. C.] I say, mother, that my heart and faith are both already pledged to another, and I can not break my engagement.
Mrs. CAnd this is the end of all our pride!
HardRepining is useless—thought and contrivance are of no avail—the die is cast.
Mrs. CHardress, I speak not for myself, but for you—and I would rather see you in your coffin than married to this poor, lowborn, silly, vulgar creature. I know you, my son; you will be miserable when the infatuation of first love is past; when you turn from her and face the world, as one day you must do, you will blush to say, “This is my wife.” Every word from her mouth will be a pang to your pride. You will follow her movements with terror—the contempt and derision she excites will rouse you first to remorse, and then to hatred—and from the bed to which you go with a blessing, you will rise with a curse.
HardMother! mother![Throws himself in chair.
Mrs. CTo Anne you have acted a heartless and dishonorable part—her name is already coupled with yours at every fireside in Kerry.
EnterServant,L.door in flat.
ServMr. Corrigan, ma’am.
Mrs. CHe comes for his answer. Show him in.
[ExitServant,L.door in flat.
The hour has come, Hardress—what answer shall I give him?
HardRefuse him—let him do his worst.
Mrs. CAnd face beggary! On what shall we live? I tell you the prison for debt is open before us. Can you work? No! Will you enlist as a soldier, and send your wife into service? We are ruined—d’ye hear?—ruined! I must accept this man only to give you and yours a shelter, and under Corrigan’s roof I may not be ashamed, perhaps, to receive your wife.
EnterServant,showing inMr. Corrigan,L.door in flat.
Corrig[L.] Good morning, ma’am; I am punctual, you perceive.
Mrs. C[C.] We have considered your offer, sir, and we see no alternative—but—but—
CorrigMrs. Cregan, I’m proud, ma’am, to take your hand.
Hard[Starting up.] Begone—begone, I say; touch her, and I’ll brain you!
CorrigSquire! Sir! Mr. Hardress!
HardMust I hurl you from the house?
Enter twoServants,door in flat.
Mrs. CHardress, my darling boy, restrain yourself.
CorrigGood morning, ma’am. I have my answer. [ToServant.] Is Miss Chute within?
ServNo, sir; she’s just galloped out of the stable yard.
CorrigSay I called to see her. I will wait upon her at this hour to-morrow. [Looking at the Cregans.] To-morrow! to-morrow!
[Exit, followed byServants,L.door in flat.
Mrs. CTo-morrow will see us in Limerick Jail, and this house in the hands of the sheriff.
HardMother, heaven guide and defend me! let me rest for a while—you don’t know all yet, and I have not the heart to tell you.
[CrossesL.
Mrs. CWith you, Hardress, I can bear anything—anything—but your humiliation and yourunhappiness—
HardI know it, mother, I know it.[Exit,L.1E.Music.
Dannyappears at window,R.,in flat.
DannyWhisht—missiz—whisht.
Mrs. C[L. C.] Who’s there?
DannyIt’s me, sure, Danny—that is—I know the throuble that’s in it. I’ve been through it all wid him.
Mrs. CYou know, then?
DannyEverything, ma’am; and, sure, I shtruv hard and long to impache him from doing it.
Mrs. CIs he, indeed, so involved with this girl that he will not give her up?
DannyNo; he’s got over the worst of it, but she holds him tight, and he feels kindly and soft-hearted for her, and daren’t do what another would.
Mrs. CDare not?
DannySure she might be packed off across the wather to Ameriky, or them parts beyant? Who’d ever ax a word afther her?—barrin’ the masther, who’d murdher me if he knew I whispered such a thing.
Mrs. CBut would she go?
DannyOw, ma’am, wid a taste of persuasion, we’d mulvather her aboord. But there’s another way again, and if ye’d only coax the masther to send me his glove, he’d know the manin’ of that token, and so would I.
Mrs. CHis glove?
DannySorra a ha’porth else. If he’ll do that, I’ll take my oath ye’ll hear no more of the Colleen Bawn.
Mrs. CI’ll see my son.[ExitL. D. F.
DannyTare an’ ’ouns, that lively girl, Miss Chute, has gone theroad to Muckross Head; I’ve watched her—I’ve got my eye on all of them. If she sees Eily—ow, ow, she’ll get the ring itself in that helpin’ maybe, of kale-canon. By the piper, I’ll run across the lake, and get there first; she’s got a long round to go, and the wind rising—a purty blast entirely.
[Goes to window—Music.
Re-enterMrs. Cregan,L. D. F.,with glove.
Mrs. C[Aside.] I found his gloves in the hall, where he had thrown them in his hat.
DannyDid ye ax him, ma’am?
Mrs. CI did—and here is the reply.[Holds out glove.
DannyHe has changed his mind, then?
Mrs. CHe has entirely.
DannyAnd—and—I am—to—do it?
Mrs. CThat is the token.
DannyI know it—I’ll keep my promise. I’m to make away with her?
Mrs. CYes, yes—take her away—away with her!
[ExitMrs. Cregan,L.door in flat.
DannyNever fear, ma’am. [Going to window.] He shall never see or hear again of the Colleen Bawn.
[ExitDannythrough window—change.
SCENE III.—Exterior ofEily’sCottage; Cottage,R.3E.;set pieces, backed by Lake; table and two seats,R. C.
SheelahandEilydiscovered, knitting.
Sheelah[R.] Don’t cry, darlin’—don’t, alanna!
Eily[L.] He’ll never come back to me—I’ll never see him again, Sheelah!
SheelahIs it lave his own wife?
EilyI’ve sent him a letther by Myles, and Myles has never come back—I’ve got no answer—he won’t spake to me—I am standin’ betune him and fortune—I’m in the way of his happiness. I wish I was dead!
SheelahWhisht! be thee husht! what talk is that? when I’m tuk sad that way, I go down to the chapel and pray a turn—it lifts the cloud off my heart.
EilyI can’t pray; I’ve tried, but unless I pray for him, I can’t bring my mind to it.
SheelahI never saw a colleen that loved as you love; sorra come to me, but I b’lieve you’ve got enough to supply all Munster, and more left over than would choke ye if you wern’t azed of it.
EilyHe’ll come back—I’m sure he will; I was wicked to doubt. Oh! Sheelah! what becomes of the girls he doesn’t love? Is there anything goin’ on in the world where he isn’t?
SheelahThere now—you’re smilin’ again.
EilyI’m like the first mornin’ when he met me—there was dew on the young day’s eye—a smile on the lips o’ the lake. Hardress will come back—oh! yes; he’ll never leave his poor Eily all alone by herself in this place. Whisht, now, an’ I’ll tell you.[Music.
Song.—Air, “Pretty Girl Milking her Cow.”
’Twas on a bright morning in summer,I first heard his voice speaking low,As he said to a colleen beside me,“Who’s that pretty girl milking her cow?”And many times after he met me,And vowed that I always should beHis own little darling alanna,Mavourneen a sweelish machree.I haven’t the manners or gracesOf the girls in the world where ye move,I haven’t their beautiful faces,But I have a heart that can love.If it plase ye, I’ll dress in satins,And jewels I’ll put on my brow,But don’t ye be after forgettin’Your pretty girl milking her cow.
’Twas on a bright morning in summer,I first heard his voice speaking low,As he said to a colleen beside me,“Who’s that pretty girl milking her cow?”And many times after he met me,And vowed that I always should beHis own little darling alanna,Mavourneen a sweelish machree.I haven’t the manners or gracesOf the girls in the world where ye move,I haven’t their beautiful faces,But I have a heart that can love.If it plase ye, I’ll dress in satins,And jewels I’ll put on my brow,But don’t ye be after forgettin’Your pretty girl milking her cow.
’Twas on a bright morning in summer,I first heard his voice speaking low,As he said to a colleen beside me,“Who’s that pretty girl milking her cow?”And many times after he met me,And vowed that I always should beHis own little darling alanna,Mavourneen a sweelish machree.
’Twas on a bright morning in summer,
I first heard his voice speaking low,
As he said to a colleen beside me,
“Who’s that pretty girl milking her cow?”
And many times after he met me,
And vowed that I always should be
His own little darling alanna,
Mavourneen a sweelish machree.
I haven’t the manners or gracesOf the girls in the world where ye move,I haven’t their beautiful faces,But I have a heart that can love.If it plase ye, I’ll dress in satins,And jewels I’ll put on my brow,But don’t ye be after forgettin’Your pretty girl milking her cow.
I haven’t the manners or graces
Of the girls in the world where ye move,
I haven’t their beautiful faces,
But I have a heart that can love.
If it plase ye, I’ll dress in satins,
And jewels I’ll put on my brow,
But don’t ye be after forgettin’
Your pretty girl milking her cow.
SheelahAh, the birds sit still on the boughs to listen to her, and the trees stop whisperin’; she leaves a mighty big silence behind her voice, that nothin’ in nature wants to break. My blessin’ on the path before her—there’s an angel at the other end of it.
[ExitSheelahin cottage,R.
Eily[Repeats last line of song.]
EnterAnne Chute,L. U. E.
AnneThere she is.
Eily[Sings till facing Anne—stops—they examine each other.]
AnneMy name is Anne Chute.
EilyI am Eily O’Connor.
AnneYou are the Colleen Bawn—the pretty girl.
EilyAnd you are the Colleen Ruaidh.
Anne[Aside.] She is beautiful.
Eily[Aside.] How lovely she is.
AnneWe are rivals.
EilyI am sorry for it.
AnneSo am I, for I feel that I could have loved you.
EilyThat’s always the way of it; everybody wants to love me, but there’s something spoils them off.
Anne[Showing letter.] Do you know that writing?
EilyI do, ma’am, well, though I don’t know how you came by it.
AnneI saw your signals last night—I saw his departure, and I have come here to convince myself of his falsehood to me. But now that I have seen you, you have no longer a rival in his love, for I despise him with all my heart, who could bring one so beautiful and simple as you are to ruin and shame!
EilyHe didn’t—no—I am his wife! Oh, what have I said!
AnneWhat?
EilyOh, I didn’t mane to confess it—no, I didn’t! but you wrung it from me in defense of him.
AnneYou his wife?
EnterDanny,L. U. E.
Danny[At back—aside.] The divil! they’re at it—an’ I’m too late!
AnneI can not believe this—show me your certificate.
EilyHere it is.
Danny[Advances between them.] Didn’t you swear to the priest that it should niver lave your breast?
AnneOh! you’re the boatman.
DannyIss, ma’am!
AnneEily, forgive me for doubting your goodness, and your purity. I believe you. Let me take your hand. [Crosses to her.] While the heart of Anne Chute beats, you have a friend that won’t be spoiled off, but you have no longer a rival, mind that. All I ask of you is that you will never mention this visit to Mr. Daly—and for you [ToDanny.] this will purchase your silence. [Gives money.] Good-by!
[ExitAnne,L. U. E.
DannyLong life t’ye. [Aside.] What does it mane? Hasn’t she found me out?
EilyWhy did she ask me never to spake to Mr. Daly of her visit here? Sure I don’t know any Mr. Daly.
DannyDidn’t she spake of him before, dear?
EilyNever!
DannyNor didn’t she name Master Hardress?
EilyWell, I don’t know; she spoke of him and of the letter I wrote to him, but I b’lieve she never named him intirely.
Danny[Aside.] The divil’s in it for sport; she’s got ’em mixed yet.
EnterSheelahfrom cottage,R.
SheelahWhat brings you back, Danny?
DannyNothing! but a word I have from the masther for the Colleen here.
EilyIs it the answer to the letter I sent by Myles?
DannyThat’s it, jewel, he sent me wid a message.
Sheelah[C.] Somethin’ bad has happened. Danny, you are as pale as milk, and your eye is full of blood—yez been drinkin’.
DannyMay be I have.
SheelahYou thrimble, and can’t spake straight to me. Oh! Danny, what is it, avick?
DannyGo on now, an’ stop yer keenin’.
EilyFaith, it isn’t yourself that’s in it, Danny; sure there’s nothing happened to Hardress?
DannyDivil a word, good or bad, I’ll say while the mother’s there.
SheelahI’m goin’. [Aside.] What’s come to Danny this day, at all, at all; bedad, I don’t know my own flesh and blood.
[Runs into cottage.
DannySorro’ and ruin has come on the Cregans; they’re broke intirely.
EilyOh, Danny.
DannyWhisht, now! You are to meet Masther Hardress this evenin’, at a place on the Divil’s Island, beyant. Ye’ll niver breathe a word to a mortal where yer goin’, d’ye mind, now; butslip down, unbeknown, to the landin’ below, where I’ll have the boat waitin’ for yez.
EilyAt what hour?
DannyJust after dark; there’s no moon to-night, an’ no one will see us crossin’ the water.[Music till end of scene.
EilyI will be there; I’ll go down only to the little chapel by the shore, and pray there ’till ye come.[ExitEily,into cottage,R.
DannyI’m wake and cowld! What’s this come over me? Mother, mother, acushla.
EnterSheelah,R.
SheelahWhat is it, Danny?
Danny[Staggering to table.] Give me a glass of spirits!
[Falls in chair—Change quickly.
SCENE IV.—The old Weir Bridge, or a Wood on the verge of the Lake—[1st grooves.]
EnterAnne Chute,R.
AnneMarried! the wretch is married! and with that crime already on his conscience he was ready for another and similar piece of villainy. It’s the Navy that does it. It’s my belief those sailors have a wife in every place they stop at.
Myles[Sings outside,R.]
“Oh! Eily astoir, my love is all crost,Like a bud in the frost.”
“Oh! Eily astoir, my love is all crost,Like a bud in the frost.”
“Oh! Eily astoir, my love is all crost,Like a bud in the frost.”
“Oh! Eily astoir, my love is all crost,
Like a bud in the frost.”
AnneHere’s a gentleman who has got my complaint—his love is all crost, like a bud in the frost.
EnterMyles,R.
Myles“And there’s no use at all in my goin’ to bed,For it’s drames, and not sleep, that comes into my head,And it’s all about you,” etc., etc.
Myles“And there’s no use at all in my goin’ to bed,For it’s drames, and not sleep, that comes into my head,And it’s all about you,” etc., etc.
Myles“And there’s no use at all in my goin’ to bed,For it’s drames, and not sleep, that comes into my head,And it’s all about you,” etc., etc.
Myles“And there’s no use at all in my goin’ to bed,
For it’s drames, and not sleep, that comes into my head,
And it’s all about you,” etc., etc.
AnneMy good friend, since you can’t catch your love, d’ye think you could catch my horse?[Distant thunder.
MylesIs it a black mare wid a white stockin on the fore off leg?
AnneI dismounted to unhook a gate—a peal of thunder frightened her, and she broke away.
MylesShe’s at Torc Cregan stables by this time—it was an admiration to watch her stride across the Phil Dolan’s bit of plough.
AnneAnd how am I to get home?
MylesIf I had four legs, I wouldn’t ax betther than to carry ye, and a proud baste I’d be.[Thunder—rain.
AnneThe storm is coming down to the mountain—is there no shelter near?
MylesThere may be a corner in this ould chapel. [Rain.] Here comes the rain—murdher! ye’ll be wet through.[Music—pulls off coat.] Put this round yez.
AnneWhat will you do? You’ll catch your death of cold.
Myles[Taking out bottle.] Cowld is it? Here’s a wardrobe of top coats. [Thunder.] Whoo! this is a fine time for the water—this way, ma’am.
[ExeuntMylesandAnne,L.
EnterEily,cloak and hood,R.
EilyHere’s the place where Danny was to meet me with the boat. Oh! here he is.
EnterDanny,L.
How pale you are!
DannyThe thunder makes me sick.
EilyShall we not wait till the storm is over?
DannyIf it comes on bad we can put into the Divil’s Island Cave.
EilyI feel so happy that I am going to see him, yet there is a weight about my heart that I can’t account for.
DannyI can. [Aside.] Are you ready now?
EilyYes; come—come.
Danny[Staggering.] I’m wake yet. My throat is dry—if I’d a draught of whisky now.
EilySheelah gave you a bottle.
DannyI forgot—it’s in the boat.[Rain.
EilyHere comes the rain—we shall get wet.
DannyThere’s the masther’s boat cloak below.
EilyCome, Danny, lean on me. I’m afraid you are not sober enough to sail the skiff.
DannySober! The dhrunker I am, the better I can do the work I’ve got to do.
EilyCome, Danny, come—come.
[ExeuntEilyandDanny,R.—Music ceases.
Re-enterAnne ChuteandMyles,L.
MylesIt was only a shower, I b’lieve—are ye wet, ma’am?
AnneDry as a biscuit.
MylesAh! then it’s yerself is the brave and beautiful lady—as bould an’ proud as a ship before the blast.[Annelooks off,R.
AnneWhy, there is my mare, and who comes with—[Crosses toR.
MylesIt’s Mr. Hardress Cregan himself.
AnneHardress here?
MylesEily gave me a letter for him this morning.
EnterHardress,R.
HardAnne, what has happened? Your horse galloped wildly into the stable—we thought you had been thrown.
MylesHere is a lether Eily tould me to give him. [ToHardress.] I beg your pardon, sir, but here’s the taste of a lether I was axed to give your honor.[Gives letter.
Hard[Aside.] From Eily!
AnneThanks, my good fellow, for your assistance.
MylesNot at all, ma’am. Sure, there isn’t a boy in the County Kerry that would not give two thumbs off his hands to do a service to the Colleen Ruaidh, as you are called among us—iss indeed, ma’am. [Going—aside.] Ah! then it’s the purty girl she is, in them long clothes.[ExitMyles,R.
Hard[Reads, aside.] “I am the cause of your ruin; I can’t live with that thought killin’ me. If I do not see you before night you will never again be throubled with your poor Eily.” Little simpleton! she is capable of doing herself an injury.
AnneHardress! I have been very blind and very foolish, but today I have learned to know my own heart. There’s my hand; I wish to seal my fate at once. I know the delicacy which promptedyou to release me from my engagement to you. I don’t accept that release; I am yours.
HardAnne, you don’t know all.
AnneI know more than I wanted, that’s enough. I forbid you ever to speak on this subject.
HardYou don’t know my past life.
AnneAnd I don’t want to know. I’ve had enough of looking into past lives; don’t tell me anything you wish to forget.
HardOh, Anne—my dear cousin; if I could forget—if silence could be oblivion.[ExeuntHardressandAnne,L.
SCENE V.—Exterior of Myles’ Hut.[1st grooves.]
EnterMyles,R.,singing “Brian O’Linn.”
“Brian O’Linn had no breeches to wear,So he bought him a sheepskin to make him a pair;The skinny side out, the woolly side in,‘They are cool and convanient,’ said Brian O’Linn.”
“Brian O’Linn had no breeches to wear,So he bought him a sheepskin to make him a pair;The skinny side out, the woolly side in,‘They are cool and convanient,’ said Brian O’Linn.”
“Brian O’Linn had no breeches to wear,So he bought him a sheepskin to make him a pair;The skinny side out, the woolly side in,‘They are cool and convanient,’ said Brian O’Linn.”
“Brian O’Linn had no breeches to wear,
So he bought him a sheepskin to make him a pair;
The skinny side out, the woolly side in,
‘They are cool and convanient,’ said Brian O’Linn.”
[Locks door of cabin.] Now I’ll go down to my whisky-still. It is under my feet this minute, bein’ in a hole in the rocks they call O’Donoghue’s stables, a sort of water cave; the people around here think that the cave is haunted with bad spirits, and they say that of a dark stormy night strange unearthly noises is heard comin’ out of it—it is me singing, “The night before Larry was stretched.” Now I’ll go down to that cave, and wid a sod of live turf under a kettle of worty, I’ll invoke them sperrits—and what’s more, they’ll come.
[ExitMyles,singing,R.Music tillMylesbegins to speak next scene.
SCENE VI.—A Cave; through large opening at back is seen the Lake and the Moon; rocksR.andL.—flat rock,R. C.;gauge waters all over stage; rope hanging fromC.,hitched on wing,R. U. E.
EnterMyles,singing, top of rock,R. U. E.
MylesAnd this is a purty night for my work! The smoke of my whisky-still will not be seen; there’s my distillery beyant in a snug hole up there, [Unfastens rope,L.] and here’s my bridge to cross over to it. I think it would puzzle a gauger to folly me; this is a patent of my own—a tight-rope bridge. [Swings across fromR.toL.] Now I tie up my drawbridge at this side till I want to go back—what’s that—it was an otter I woke from a nap he was takin’ on that bit of rock there—ow! ye divil! if I had my gun I’d give ye a leaden supper. I’ll go up and load it, may be I’ll get a shot; them stones is the place where they lie out of a night, and many a one I’ve shot of them.