[They struggle violently, and sing as they leave the house.
PADNA and MICUS (together)
"When boyhood's fire was in my blood,
I read of ancient freemen
For Grace and Rome who bravely stood,
Three hundred men and three men.
And then I prayed I yet might see
Our fetters rent in twain,
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again."
[Mrs. Cotter follows them to the door, and while the Head is alone, he writes in his notebook, talking aloud as he does so.
HEAD "Found drunk an' disorderly on the licensed premises o' Mrs. Cotter, Ballyferris, during prohibited hours. Using bad an' offensive language. Resistin' arrest, assaultin' the police, an' doin' sayrious damage to their garments. Singin' songs of a nature likely to cause rebellion an' threatenin' to exterminate the whole Royal Irish Constabulary." (Places book back in pocket)
[There is a little whiskey in each of the three glasses that were placed on the mantleshelf. The Head pours
the contents of each into one and drinks it before Mrs. Cotter returns. Enter Mrs. Cotter.
MRS. COTTER Oh, Head, you won't be hard on a lone widow, will ye? Don't prosecute thim poor min. Sure, they have done no more harm than y'erselves.
HEAD (as he stands at door)
Mrs. Cotter, ma'am! I'm surprised at you.
MRS. COTTER
For what, Head?
HEAD To think that you'd dare attempt to interfere with me in the discharge o' me duty!