Just now when she came near I thought I heard
Other small steps beating upon the floor,
And a faint music blowing in the wind,
Invisible pipes giving her feet the time.
Other small steps beating upon the floor,
And a faint music blowing in the wind,
Invisible pipes giving her feet the time.
Yeats
THE CHILD.
Hide it away,
And cover it out of sight and out of mind.
[_FATHER HART takes it down and carries it towards the
inner room. _
FATHER HART.
Since you have come into this barony,
I will instruct you in our blessed faith:
Being a clever child, you will soon learn.
[_To the others. _] We must be tender with all budding things.
Our Maker let no thought of Calvary
Trouble the morning stars in their first song.
[_Puts the crucifix in the inner room. _
THE CHILD.
Here is level ground for dancing. I will dance.
The wind is blowing on the waving reeds,
The wind is blowing on the heart of man.
[_She dances, swaying about like the reeds. _
MAIRE [_to SHAWN BRUIN_].
Just now when she came near I thought I heard
Other small steps beating upon the floor,
And a faint music blowing in the wind,
Invisible pipes giving her feet the time.
SHAWN BRUIN.
I heard no step but hers.
MAIRE BRUIN.
Look to the bolt!
Because the unholy powers are abroad.
MAURTEEN BRUIN [_to THE CHILD_].
Come over here, and if you promise me
Not to talk wickedly of holy things
I will give you something.
THE CHILD.
Bring it me, old father!
[_MAURTEEN BRUIN goes into the next room. _
FATHER HART.
I will have queen cakes when you come to me!
[_MAURTEEN BRUIN returns and lays a piece of money on
the table. THE CHILD makes a gesture of refusal. _
MAURTEEN BRUIN.
