King: Will you stop praising yourself and give
out some sense?
Fintan: Knowledge is surely the greatest thing
in the world! And truth! Twelve hours with
the planets is equal to twelve months on earth.
I am well satisfied now.
Queen: So the Dragon is not coming, and the
girl is in no danger at all?
Fintan: Not coming! Heaven help your poor
head! Didn't I get word within the last half-hour
he is after leaving his den in the Kingdoms of the
Cold, and is at this minute ploughing his way to
Ireland, the same as I foretold him, but that I
made a miscount of a year?
Nurse: (Putting her arm round Princess.) Och!
do not listen or give heed to him at all!
Queen: When is he coming so?
Fintan: Amn't I tired telling you this day
in the place of this day twelvemonth. But as to
the minute, there's too much lies in this place
for me to be rightly sure.
King: The curse of the seven elements upon
him!
Fintan: Little he'll care for your cursing. The
whole world wouldn't stop him coming to your
own grand gate.
Princess: (Coming forward.) Then I am to die
to-night?