This threshold worn away by many a foot

Has been passed only by the snails and birds

And by our own poor hunger-shaken feet.

[The COUNTESS CATHLEEN, ALEEL, who carries a small square harp, OONA, and a little group of fantastically dressed musicians come in.

CATHLEEN.

Are you so hungry?

TEIG.
[From beside the fire.]

Lady, I fell but now,

And lay upon the threshold like a log.

I have not tasted a crust for these four days.