MATT Ellen, it's no shame for a man to have harsh words said to him when it's about a woman like you.
ELLEN Let nothing come between us now. I saw you in the winter making drains and ditches, and it wet. It's a poor story, the life of a man on the land.
MATT
I had too much thought for the land.
ELLEN You had. Have thought for me now. There is no one in fair or market but would notice me. I was never a favourite. I lived to myself. I did not give my love about. You have never offered me anything. In the song a man offers towns to his sweetheart. You can offer me the sights of great towns, and the fine manners, and the fine life.
MATT Ellen! (He draws a little away) It's not me that could offer the like of that. I never had anything to my hand but a spade.
ELLEN
Your brothers—think of them.
MATT
They all left some one behind them. I am the last of my name.
ELLEN
Why should that keep you back?
MATT His name is something to a man. Could you hear of your own name melting away without unease? And you are a woman. A man feels it more.
ELLEN I do not understand men. Will you go back to your father's house after he shaming you out of it?