Danny Eily, I have a word to say t’ye; listen now, and don’t trimble that way.
Eily I won’t, Danny—I won’t.
Danny Wonst, Eily, I was a fine brave boy, the pride of my ould mother, her white haired-darlin’—you wouldn’t think it to look at me now. D’ye know how I got changed to this?
Eily Yes, Hardress told me.
Danny He done it—but I loved him before it, an’ I loved him after it—not a dhrop of blood I have, but I’d pour out like wather for the masther.
Eily I know what you mean—as he has deformed your body—ruined your life—made ye what ye are.
Danny Have you, a woman, less love for him than I, that you wouldn’t give him what he wants of you, even if he broke your heart as he broke my back, both in a moment of passion? Did I ax him to ruin himself and his ould family, and all to mend my bones? No! I loved him, and I forgave him that.
Eily Danny, what do you want me to do?
[Danny steps out on to rock.