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
It will buy lots of toys; see how it glitters!
THE CHILD
Come, tell me, do you love me?
MAURTEEN BRUIN
I love you!
THE CHILD
Ah, but you love this fireside!
FATHER HART
I love you.
THE CHILD
But you love Him above.
BRIDGET BRUIN
She is blaspheming.
THE CHILD [to MAIRE]
And do you love me?
MAIRE BRUIN
I – I do not know.
THE CHILD
You love that great tall fellow over there:
Yet I could make you ride upon the winds,
Run on the top of the dishevelled tide,