_]
I'll dip this piece of bread into the wine,
For that will make you stronger for the journey.
I'll dip this piece of bread into the wine,
For that will make you stronger for the journey.
Yeats
SEANCHAN.
I can remember now,
It's out of a poem I made long ago
About the Garden in the East of the World,
And how spirits in the images of birds
Crowd in the branches of old Adam's crabtree.
They come before me now, and dig in the fruit
With so much gluttony, and are so drunk
With that harsh wholesome savour, that their feathers
Are clinging one to another with the juice.
But you would lead me to some friendly place,
And I would go there quickly.
FEDELM.
[_Helping him to rise. _]
Come with me.
_He walks slowly, supported by her, till he comes to
table. _
SEANCHAN.
But why am I so weak? Have I been ill?
Sweetheart, why is it that I am so weak?
[_Sinks on to seat. _
FEDELM.
[_Goes to table.
_]
I'll dip this piece of bread into the wine,
For that will make you stronger for the journey.
SEANCHAN.
Yes, give me bread and wine; that's what I want,
For it is hunger that is gnawing me.
[_He takes bread from FEDELM, hesitates, and then
thrusts it back into her hand. _
But, no; I must not eat it.
FEDELM.
Eat, Seanchan.
For if you do not eat it you will die.
SEANCHAN.
Why did you give me food? Why did you come?
For had I not enough to fight against
Without your coming?
FEDELM.
Eat this little crust,
Seanchan, if you have any love for me.
SEANCHAN.
I must not eat it--but that's beyond your wit.
