Corrig Gentlemen, put up your swords; the house is surrounded by a military force, and we are here in the king’s name.
Anne [R.] Gentlemen, come on, there was a time in Ireland when neither king nor faction could call on Castle Chute without a bloody welcome.
Guests Clear them out!
Kyrle [Interposing.] Anne, are you mad? Put up your swords—stand back there—speak—O’Moore, what does this strange outrage mean?
[Soldiers fall back—Gentlemen on steps; Kyrle comes forward.
O’Moore Mrs. Cregan, a fearful charge is made against your son; I know—I believe he is innocent; I suggest, then, that the matter be investigated here at once, amongst his friends, so that this scandal may be crushed in its birth.
Kyrle Where is Hardress?
Corrig Where?—why, he’s escaping while we are jabbering here. Search the house. [Exit two Soldiers, R. 3 E.
Mrs. C [L.] Must we submit to this, sir? Will you, a magistrate, permit—
O’Moore I regret Mrs. Cregan, but as a form—