Father Benedict— So am I.
Abbot—So you are, Benedict, a full grown child.
Father Benedict—Even if I don't pray here
(With a disdainful motion toward the priedieu.)
Abbot— A full grown child;
Large enough, one would think, to have slain the wolf
Of hate in you.
(The Priest takes up the cloak from the chest and begins to put it on.)
Is it the truth you fear? (A pause.)
You dare to go out under the open sky
With hatred in your heart, a night like this? (A pause.)
If you go now I know the reason why.
You fear to lay your heart down here and let
The light shine on it with Oswald's, side by side.
Oswald— (To the Abbot.)
Father—
Father Benedict— (Over his shoulder.)
Call a dog Father?
Abbot— Benedict,
Exasperating beyond word in this
Conduct of yours. You come up here as one
Whose honor has been wounded, and you throw
Your charge down and when Oswald takes it up
To answer it, you will not hear him, but
You slink away. A travesty on man
Is he who has but one ear, and that filled
With his own voice. (Rising.)
But I will settle this.