Children, what do you
believe?
Yeats
Leave me alone now; I have to make the bread for you and the children.
WISE MAN.
Out of this, woman, out of this, I say! [_BRIDGET goes through the
kitchen door. _] Will nobody find a way to help me! But she spoke of my
children. I had forgotten them. They will believe. It is only those who
have reason that doubt; the young are full of faith. Bridget, Bridget,
send my children to me.
BRIDGET [_inside_].
Your father wants you; run to him now.
[_The two CHILDREN come in. They stand together a
little way from the threshold of the kitchen door,
looking timidly at their father. _
WISE MAN.
Children, what do you believe? Is there a Heaven? Is there a Hell? Is
there a Purgatory?
FIRST CHILD.
We haven't forgotten, father.
THE OTHER CHILD.
O no, father. [_They both speak together as if in school. _] There is
nothing we cannot see; there is nothing we cannot touch.
FIRST CHILD.
Foolish people used to think that there was, but you are very learned
and you have taught us better.
WISE MAN.
You are just as bad as the others, just as bad as the others! Do not
run away, come back to me! [_The CHILDREN begin to cry and run away.
