Mr. Carv. (who has been re-considering the examinations) It appears to me that you, Mr. Philip McBride, did, as the law allows, only lay hands softly upon complainant, Catherine Rooney; and the Rooneys, as it appears, struck, and did strike, the first blow.
Randal. I can’t deny, plase your honour, we did.
Mr. Carv. (tearing the examinations) Then, gentlemen—you Roonies—beaten men, I cannot possibly take your examinations.
{When the examinations are torn, the McBRIDES all bow and thank his honour.
Mr. Carv. Beaten men! depart in peace.
The ROONIES sigh and groan, and after turning their hats several times, bow, walk a few steps away, return, and seem loath to depart. CATTY springs forward, holding up her hands joined in a supplicating attitude to Mr. CARVER.
Randal. If your honour would be plasing to let her spake now, or she’d burst, may be.
Mr. Carv. Speak now, woman, and ever after hold your tongue.
Catty. Then I am rasonable now, plase your honour; for I’ll put it to the test—see, I’ll withdraw my examinations entirely, and I’ll recant—and I’ll go farther, I’ll own I’m wrong—(though I know I’m right)—and I’ll beg your pardon, McBrides, if—(but I know I’ll not have to beg your pardon either)—but I say I will beg your pardon, McBrides, if, mind if, you will accept my test, and it fails me.
Mr. Carv. Very fair, Mrs. Rooney.