Saint. Kneel down now, I’m saying, for it’s in haste I am to be going on with the marriage and be walking my own way before the fall of night.

The People. Kneel down, Mary! Kneel down when you’re bid by the Saint!

Mary Doul (looking uneasily towards Martin Doul). Maybe it’s right they are, and I will if you wish it, holy father.

She kneels down. The Saint takes off his hat and gives it to some one near him. All the men take off their hats. He goes forward a step to take Martin Doul’s hand away from Mary Doul.

Saint (to Martin Doul). Go aside now; we’re not wanting you here.

Martin Doul (pushes him away roughly, and stands with his left hand on Mary Doul’s shoulder). Keep off yourself, holy father, and let you not be taking my rest from me in the darkness of my wife.… What call has the like of you to be coming between married people—that you’re not understanding at all—and be making a great mess with the holy water you have, and the length of your prayers? Go on now, I’m saying, and leave us here on the road.

Saint. If it was a seeing man I heard talking to me the like of that I’d put a black curse on him would weigh down his soul till it’d be falling to hell; but you’re a poor blind sinner, God forgive you, and I don’t mind you at all. (He raises his can.) Go aside now till I give the blessing to your wife, and if you won’t go with your own will, there are those standing by will make you, surely.

Martin Doul (pulling Mary Doul). Come along now, and don’t mind him at all.

Saint (imperiously, to the People). Let you take that man and drive him down upon the road.

Some men seize Martin Doul.

Martin Doul (struggling and shouting). Make them leave me go, holy father! Make them leave me go, I’m saying, and you may cure her this day, or do anything that you will.

Saint (to People). Let him be.… Let him be if his sense is come to him at all.

Martin Doul (shakes himself loose, feels for Mary Doul, sinking his voice to a plausible whine). You may cure herself, surely, holy father; I wouldn’t stop you at all—and it’s great joy she’ll have looking on your face—but let you cure myself along with her, the way I’ll see when it’s lies she’s telling, and be looking out day and night upon the holy men of God.

He kneels down a little before Mary Doul.

Saint (speaking half to the People). Men who are dark a long while and thinking over queer thoughts in their heads, aren’t the like of simple men, who do be working every day, and praying, and living like ourselves; so if he has found a right mind at the last minute itself, I’ll cure him, if the Lord will, and not be thinking of the hard, foolish words he’s after saying this day to us all.

Martin Doul (listening eagerly). I’m waiting now, holy father.

Saint (with can in his hand, close to Martin Doul). With the power of the water from the grave of the four beauties of God, with the power of this water, I’m saying, that I put upon your eyes——

He raises can.

Martin Doul (with a sudden movement strikes the can from the Saint’s hand and sends it rocketing across stage. He stands up; People murmur loudly). If I’m a poor dark sinner I’ve sharp ears, God help me,