CORNELIUS
Well, Murtagh Cosgar, a great and memorial day is ended.
May you live long to enjoy the fruits of it. Twenty years on the
first term, and the land is ours and our children's. I met the men.
MURTAGH COSGAR Ours and our children's, ay. We've been making a match between yourself and Sally.
CORNELIUS
Between me and Sally?
SALLY
Between Cornelius and myself?
MURTAGH COSGAR
Ay, shake hands on it now.
CORNELIUS
And tell me one thing, Murtagh Cosgar. Is it true that
Matt's going to America, and that Ellen will wait for him for a year
at the school? I met them together, and they told me that.
MURTAGH COSGAR What they say is true, I'm sure. The land is yours and your children's.
SALLY (wiping her hands in her apron) O Cornelius.
CORNELIUS Aren't they foolish to be going away like that, father, and we at the mouth of the good times? The men will be coming in soon, and you might say a few words. (Martin shakes his head) Indeed you might, father; they'll expect it of you. (Martin shakes his head. Murtagh and Sally try to restrain him) "Men of Ballykillduff," you might say, "stay on the land, and you'll be saved body and soul; you'll be saved in the man and in the nation. The nation, men of Ballykillduff, do you ever think of it at all? Do you ever think of the Irish nation that is waiting all this time to be born?"
He becomes more excited; he is seen to be struggling with words.