Scene 2.—The crypt under the Monastery church. A small barred window high up in the wall, through which the cold dawn is breaking. Altar in a niche at the back of stage; there are seven unlighted candles on the altar. A little hanging lamp near the altar. Paul Ruttledge is lying on the altar steps. Friars are dancing slowly before him in the dim light. Father Aloysius is leaning against a pillar.
Some Friars come in carrying lanterns.
First Friar. What are they doing? Dancing?
Second Friar. I told you they were dancing, and you would not believe me.
First Friar. What on earth are they doing it for?
Third Friar. I heard them saying Father Paul told them to do it if they ever found him in a trance again. He told them it was a kind of prayer and would bring joy down out of heaven, and make it easier for him to preach.
Second Friar. How still he is lying; you would nearly think him to be dead.
A Friar. It is just a twelvemonth to-day since he was in a trance like this.
Second Friar. That was the time he gave his great preaching. I can't blame those that went with him, for he all but persuaded me.
First Friar. They think he is going to preach again when he awakes, that's why they are dancing. When he wakes one of them will go and call the others.