Part 14 (1/2)

FOURTH PUPIL

Master, they have invented this to mock me.

WISE MAN

You are afraid of me.

FOURTH PUPIL

They know well, Master, That all I said was but to make them argue.

They've pushed me in to make a mock of me, Because they knew I could take either side And beat them at it.

WISE MAN

If you believe in G.o.d, You are my soul's one friend.

[_Pupils laugh._

Mistress or wife Can give us but our good or evil luck Amid the howling world, but you shall give Eternity, and those sweet-throated things That drift above the moon.

[_The pupils look at one another and are silent._

SECOND PUPIL

How strange he is.

WISE MAN

The angel that stood there upon that spot, Said that my soul was lost unless I found out One that believed.

FOURTH PUPIL

Cease mocking at me, Master, For I am certain that there is no G.o.d Nor immortality, and they that said it Made a fantastic tale from a starved dream To plague our hearts. Will that content you, Master?

WISE MAN

The giddy gla.s.s is emptier every moment, And you stand there, debating, laughing and wrangling.

Out of my sight! Out of my sight, I say.

[_He drives them out._

I'll call my wife, for what can women do, That carry us in the darkness of their bodies, But mock the reason that lets nothing grow Unless it grow in light. Bridget, Bridget.

A woman never ceases to believe, Say what we will. Bridget, come quickly, Bridget.

[_Bridget comes in wearing her ap.r.o.n. Her sleeves turned up from her arms, which are covered with flour._

Wife, what do you believe in? Tell me the truth, And not--as is the habit with you all-- Something you think will please me. Do you pray?

Sometimes when you're alone in the house, do you pray?

BRIDGET