No More Learning

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.

MAIRE.

I will not cook for you.

SHEMUS.

Maire is mad.

[_TEIG and SHEMUS stand up and stagger about. _

SHEMUS.

That wine is the suddenest wine man ever tasted.

MAIRE.

I will not cook for you: you are not human:
Before you came two horned owls looked at us;
The dog bayed, and the tongue of Shemus maddened.
When you came in the Virgin's blessed shrine
Fell from its nail, and when you sat down here
You poured out wine as the wood sidheogs do
When they'd entice a soul out of the world.
Why did you come to us? Was not death near?

FIRST MERCHANT.

We are two merchants.

MAIRE.

If you be not demons,
Go and give alms among the starving poor,
You seem more rich than any under the moon.

FIRST MERCHANT.

If we knew where to find deserving poor,
We would give alms.

MAIRE.

Then ask of Father John.

FIRST MERCHANT.

We know the evils of mere charity,
And have been planning out a wiser way.
Let each man bring one piece of merchandise.

MAIRE.

And have the starving any merchandise?