BRIDGET BRUIN
The young are idle.
THE CHILD
Old father, you are wise
And all the years have gathered in your heart
To whisper of the wonders that are gone.
The young must sigh through many a dream and hope,
But you are wise because your heart is old.
MAURTEEN BRUIN
Oh, who would think to find so young a child
Loving old age and wisdom?
(BRIDGET gives her more bread and honey.)
THE CHILD
No more, mother.
MAURTEEN BRUIN
What a small bite! The milk is ready now;
What a small sip!
THE CHILD
Put on my shoes, old mother,
For I would like to dance now I have eaten.
The reeds are dancing by Coolaney lake,
And I would like to dance until the reeds
And the white waves have danced themselves to sleep.
BRIDGET
(Having put on her shoes, she gets off the old man's knees
and is about to dance, but suddenly sees the crucifix
and shrieks and covers her eyes.)
What is that ugly thing on the black cross?
FATHER HART
You cannot know how naughty your words are!
That is our Blessed Lord!
THE CHILD
Hide it away!