[Aloysius goes out. Jerome stands by Paul Ruttledge, holding his hand.
Paul Ruttledge. [Raising his head.] Ah, you are there, Jerome. I am glad you are there. I could not get up to drive away the mouse that was eating the wax that dropped from the candles. Have you driven it away?
Jerome. It is not evening now. It is almost morning. You were on your knees praying for a great many hours, and then I think you fainted.
Paul Ruttledge. I don't think I was praying. I was among people, a great many people, and it was very bright—I will remember presently.
Jerome. Do not try to remember. You are tired, you must be weak, you must come and have food and rest.
Paul Ruttledge. I do not think I can rest. I think there is something else I have to do, I forget what it is.
Jerome. I am afraid you are thinking of preaching again. You must not preach. The Superior says you must not. He is very angry; I have never seen him so angry. He will not allow you to preach again.
Paul Ruttledge. Did I ever preach?
Jerome. Yes. It was in the garden you got the trance last time. We found you like this, and we lifted you to the bench under the yew tree, and then you began to speak. You spoke about getting out of the body while still alive, about getting away from law and number. All the friars came to listen to you. We had never heard such preaching before, but it was very like heresy.
Paul Ruttledge. [Getting up.] Jerome, Jerome, I remember now where I was. I was in a great round place, and a great crowd of things came round me. I couldn't see them very clearly for a time, but some of them struck me with their feet, hard feet like hoofs, and soft cat-like feet; and some pecked me, and some bit me, and some clawed me. There were all sorts of beasts and birds as far as I could see.