SHAWN.
coming forward a little.—Will I strike him with my hand?
MICHAEL.
Take the loy is on your western side.
SHAWN.
I’d be afeard of the gallows if I struck him with that.
CHRISTY.
taking up the loy.—Then I’ll make you face the gallows or quit off from this. [Shawn flies out of the door.]
CHRISTY.
Well, fine weather be after him, (going to Michael, coaxingly) and I’m thinking you wouldn’t wish to have that quaking blackguard in your house at all. Let you give us your blessing and hear her swear her faith to me, for I’m mounted on the spring-tide of the stars of luck, the way it’ll be good for any to have me in the house.
PEGEEN.
at the other side of Michael.—Bless us now, for I swear to God I’ll wed him, and I’ll not renege.
MICHAEL.
standing up in the centre, holding on to both of them.—It’s the will of God, I’m thinking, that all should win an easy or a cruel end, and it’s the will of God that all should rear up lengthy families for the nurture of the earth. What’s a single man, I ask you, eating a bit in one house and drinking a sup in another, and he with no place of his own, like an old braying jackass strayed upon the rocks? (To Christy.) It’s many would be in dread to bring your like into their house for to end them, maybe, with a sudden end; but I’m a decent man of Ireland, and I liefer face the grave untimely and I seeing a score of grandsons growing up little gallant swearers by the name of God, than go peopling my bedside with puny weeds the like of what you’d breed, I’m thinking, out of Shaneen Keogh. (He joins their hands.) A daring fellow is the jewel of the world, and a man did split his father’s middle with a single clout, should have the bravery of ten, so may God and Mary and St. Patrick bless you, and increase you from this mortal day.
CHRISTY and PEGEEN.
Amen, O Lord!
[Hubbub outside. Old Mahon rushes in, followed by all the crowd, and Widow Quin. He makes a rush at Christy, knocks him down, and begins to beat him.]
PEGEEN.
dragging back his arm.—Stop that, will you. Who are you at all?