Shut to the door before the night has fallen, For who can say what walks, or in what shape Some devilish creature flies in the air, but now Two grey-horned owls hooted above our heads.
(He goes out, his singing dies away. MARY comes in. SHEmus has been counting the money.)
TEIG. There's no good luck in owls, but it may be That the ill luck's to fall upon their heads.
MARY. You never thanked her ladyship.
SHEMUS. Thank her, For seven halfpence and a silver bit?
TEIG. But for this empty purse?
SHEMUS. What's that for thanks, Or what's the double of it that she promised? With bread and flesh and every sort of food Up to a price no man has heard the like of And rising every day.
MARY. We have all she had; She emptied out the purse before our eyes.
SHEMUS (to MARY, who has gone to close the door) Leave that door open.
MARY. When those that have read books, And seen the seven wonders of the world, Fear what's above or what's below the ground, It's time that poverty should bolt the door.