No More Learning

FIRST MERCHANT.

Our bags are full
Of golden pieces to buy merchandise.

[_They pour gold pieces on to the table out of their
bags. It is covered with the gold pieces. They shine in
the firelight. MAIRE goes to the door of pantry, and
watches the MERCHANTS, muttering to herself. _

TEIG.

These are great gentlemen.

FIRST MERCHANT.

[_Taking a stone bottle out of his bag. _]

Come to the fire,
Here is the headiest wine you ever tasted.

SECOND MERCHANT.

Wine that can hush asleep the petty war
Of good and evil, and awake instead
A scented flame flickering above that peace
The bird of prey knows well in his deep heart.

SHEMUS.

[_Bringing drinking-cups.
_]

I do not understand you, but your wine
Sets me athirst: its praise made your eyes lighten.
I am thirsting for it.

FIRST MERCHANT.

Ay, come drink and drink,
I bless all mortals who drink long and deep.
My curse upon the salt-strewn road of monks.

[_TEIG and SHEMUS sit down at the table and drink. _]

TEIG.

You must have seen rare sights and done rare things.

FIRST MERCHANT.

What think you of the master whom we serve?

SHEMUS.

I have grown weary of my days in the world
Because I do not serve him.

FIRST MERCHANT.

More of this
When we have eaten, for we love right well
A merry meal, a warm and leaping fire
And easy hearts.

SHEMUS.

Come, Maire, and cook the wolf.