Too many
strangers
in the house.
Yeats
I have travelled far, very far; there are few have travelled so far as
myself, and there's many a one that doesn't make me welcome. There was
one that had strong sons I thought were friends of mine, but they were
shearing their sheep, and they wouldn't listen to me.
PETER.
It's a pity indeed for any person to have no place of their own.
OLD WOMAN.
That's true for you indeed, and it's long I'm on the roads since I
first went wandering.
BRIDGET.
It is a wonder you are not worn out with so much wandering.
OLD WOMAN.
Sometimes my feet are tired and my hands are quiet, but there is no
quiet in my heart. When the people see me quiet, they think old age
has come on me and that all the stir has gone out of me. But when the
trouble is on me I must be talking to my friends.
BRIDGET.
What was it put you wandering?
OLD WOMAN.
Too many strangers in the house.
BRIDGET.
Indeed you look as if you'd had your share of trouble.
OLD WOMAN.
I have had trouble indeed.
BRIDGET.
What was it put the trouble on you?
OLD WOMAN.
My land that was taken from me.
PETER.
Was it much land they took from you?
OLD WOMAN.
My four beautiful green fields.
PETER [_aside to BRIDGET_].
Do you think could she be the widow Casey that was put out of her
holding at Kilglass a while ago?
BRIDGET.
