Part 15 (1/2)

It is a hard thing to be married to a man of learning that must always be having arguments.

[_She goes out._

WISE MAN

Strange that I should be blind to the great secret, And that so simple a man might write it out Upon a blade of gra.s.s or bit of rush With naught but berry juice, and laugh to himself Writing it out, because it was so simple.

[_Enter Bridget followed by the Fool._

FOOL

Give me something; give me a penny to buy bacon in the shops and nuts in the market, and strong drink for the time when the sun is weak.

BRIDGET

I have no pennies. (_To Wise Man_) Your pupils cannot find anybody to argue with you. There's n.o.body in the whole country with belief enough for a lover's oath. Can't you be quiet now, and not always wanting to have arguments? It must be terrible to have a mind like that.

WISE MAN

Then I am lost indeed.

BRIDGET

Leave me alone now, I have to make the bread for you and the children.

[_She goes into kitchen._

WISE MAN

Children, children!

BRIDGET

Your father wants you, run to him.

[_Children run in._

WISE MAN

Come to me, children. Do not be afraid.

I want to know if you believe in Heaven, G.o.d or the soul--no, do not tell me yet; You need not be afraid I shall be angry, Say what you please--so that it is your thought-- I wanted you to know before you spoke, That I shall not be angry.

FIRST CHILD

We have not forgotten, Father.

SECOND CHILD

Oh no, Father.

BOTH CHILDREN