MUSKERRY
We couldn't let you out to play your pipes through the town.
GORMAN I'm not thinking of the music at all, Master, but to be out in the day and to feel the throng moving about, and to be talking to the men that do be on the roads.
MUSKERRY We'll consider it, Gorman. (He takes off muffler, and puts it on back of armchair)
GORMAN
Well, I'm very much obliged to your honour. Good night to you,
Master. (He passes Muskerry and goes towards the door. Muskerry has
been regarding him)
MUSKERRY
Tell me this, Gorman, were you always on the roads?
GORMAN I was driving cattle, and I was dealing in horses. Then I took up with an oul' man, and he taught me the pipes. I'm playing the pipes ever since, and that's thirty years ago. Well, the eyes began to wither up on me, and now I've only a stim of sight. I'm a blinded man from this out, Master.
MUSKERRY
And what will you do?
GORMAN
Oh, sure the roads of Ireland are before me when I leave this;
I'll be playing my bit of music. (He moves to the door)
MUSKERRY
Tell me; have you any family yourself?
GORMAN
Ne'er a chick nor child belonging to me. Ne'er a woman lay by
me. I went the road by myself. Will you think of what I asked you,
Master?