No More Learning

CUCHULAIN.

[_Speaking, while they are singing. _]

I'll take and keep this oath, and from this day
I shall be what you please, my chicks, my nestlings.
Yet I had thought you were of those that praised
Whatever life could make the pulse run quickly,
Even though it were brief, and that you held
That a free gift was better than a forced. --
But that's all over. --I will keep it, too.
I never gave a gift and took it again.
If the wild horse should break the chariot-pole,
It would be punished. Should that be in the oath?

[_Two of the WOMEN, still singing, crouch in front of
him holding the bowl over their heads. He spreads his
hands over the flame. _

I swear to be obedient in all things
To Conchubar, and to uphold his children.

CONCHUBAR.

We are one being, as these flames are one:
I give my wisdom, and I take your strength.
Now thrust the swords into the flame, and pray
That they may serve the threshold and the hearthstone
With faithful service.
[_The KINGS kneel in a semicircle before the two WOMEN
and CUCHULAIN, who thrusts his sword into the flame.
They all put the points of their swords into the flame.
The third WOMAN is at the back near the big door. _

CUCHULAIN.

O pure, glittering ones
That should be more than wife or friend or mistress,
Give us the enduring will, the unquenchable hope,
The friendliness of the sword! --

[_The song grows louder, and the last words ring out
clearly. There is a loud knocking at the door, and a
cry of_ 'Open! open! '

CONCHUBAR.

Some king that has been loitering on the way.
Open the door, for I would have all know
That the oath's finished and Cuchulain bound,
And that the swords are drinking up the flame.

[_The door is opened by the third WOMAN, and a YOUNG
MAN with a drawn sword enters. _

YOUNG MAN.

I am of Aoife's army.

[_The KINGS rush towards him. CUCHULAIN throws himself
between.