4th Wrenboy: There is nothing here to satisfy
our need.
2nd. Dowager Messenger: I am nearly sorry for
them, poor youngsters. When they were but little
toddlers they never behaved like that at home.
3rd Wrenboy: It's the starvingest place ever I
was in!
1st Dowager Messenger: There must be something
in what they say. They would not ask for
food if they were not in need of it. And the
Guardian making so much talk about his table and
his cooks. We cannot go home and report that
they have no learning and no food.
2nd Dowager Messenger: As to learning I don't
mind. But as to food, I would not wish to leave
them without it for the night. They might be as
small as cats in the morning.
Guardian: They are dreaming when they say
they are in want of food.
1st Dowager Messenger: It is a dream that will
waken up their Godmother.
Servant: Look, ma'am, at the table behind you,
and you will see is this a scarce house! That is
what is set out for yourselves, ma'am, lobsters
from Aughanish! A fat turkey from the barley
gardens! A spiced and larded sucking pig! Cakes
and sweets and all sorts! It is not the want of
provision was ever brought against us up to this!
2nd Dowager Messenger: If all this is for us, we
would sooner give it up to those poor children.
(To Wrenboys.) Here, my dears, we will not eat
while you are in want of food. We will give it all
to you.