FATHER HART
She must both look and listen,
For only the soul's choice can save her now.
Daughter, I point you out the way to heaven.
THE CHILD
But I can lead you, newly married bride,
Where nobody gets old and crafty and wise,
Where nobody gets old and godly and grave,
Where nobody gets old and bitter of tongue,
And where kind tongues bring no captivity;
For we are only true to the far lights
We follow singing, over valley and hill.
FATHER HART
By the dear name of the one crucified,
I bid you, Maire Bruin, come to me.
THE CHILD
I keep you in the name of your own heart!
(She leaves the settle, and stooping takes up a mass
of primroses and kisses them.)
We have great power to-night, dear golden folk,
For he took down and hid the crucifix.
And my invisible brethren fill the house;
I hear their footsteps going up and down.
Oh, they shall soon rule all the hearts of men
And own all lands; last night they merrily danced
About his chapel belfry! (To MAIRE) Come away,
I hear my brethren bidding us away!
FATHER HART
I will go fetch the crucifix again.
(They hang about him in terror and prevent him from
moving.)
BRIDGET BRUIN
The enchanted flowers will kill us if you go.
MAURTEEN BRUIN
They turn the flowers to little twisted flames.