Superior. Father Aloysius, come to me here. [Aloysius takes Paul Ruttledge's hand.] Father Bartley, Father Colman. [They go nearer to Paul Ruttledge.] Father Patrick! [A Friar comes towards him.] Kneel down! [Father Patrick kneels.] Father Clement, Father Nestor, Father James ... leave the heretic—you are on the very edge of the pit. Your shoes are growing red hot.
A Friar. I am afraid, I am afraid. [He kneels.
Superior. Kneel down; return to your God. [Several Monks kneel.
Colman. They have deserted us.
Paul Ruttledge. Many will forsake the truth before the world is pulled down. [Stretching out his arms over his head.] I pulled down my own house, now I go out to pull down the world.
Superior. Strip off those holy habits.
Paul Ruttledge. [Taking off his habit.] One by one I am plucking off the rags and tatters of the world.
ACT V.
Scene: Smooth level grass near the Shannon. Ecclesiastical ruins, a part of which have been roofed in. Rocky plain in the distance, with a river. Father Colman sorting some bundles of osiers.