"And it was from you I heard about the wild geese. You told me the history of Ireland, sitting on a Druid stone?"
"You want to go, Ned? And the desire to go is as strong in you as in the wild geese."
"Maybe; but I shall come back, Ellen."
"Do you think you will, Ned? How can you if you go to fight for the Boers?"
"There's nothing for me to do here. I want new life. It was you who said that I should go."
"For five years you have been devoted to Ireland, and now you and Ireland are separated like two ships."
"Yes, like two ships. Ireland is still going Rome-ward, and Rome is not my way."
"You are the ship, Ned, and you came to harbour in Ireland. But you and I are like two ships that have lain side by side in the harbour, and now—"
"And now what, Ellen? Go on!"
"It seemed to me that we were like two ships."