In the Shadow of the Glen
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J. M. Synge >> In the Shadow of the Glen
DAN
{Goes over to them crying out impatiently.}
Go out of that door, I'm telling you, and do your blathering
below in the glen.
{Nora gathers a few things into her shawl.}
TRAMP
{At the door.}
Come along with me now, lady of the house, and it's not my
blather you'll be hearing only, but you'll be hearing the herons
crying out over the black lakes, and you'll be hearing the grouse
and the owls with them, and the larks and the big thrushes when
the days are warm, and it's not from the like of them you'll be
hearing a talk of getting old like Peggy Cavanagh, and losing the
hair off you, and the light of your eyes, but it's fine songs
you'll be hearing when the sun goes up, and there'll be no old
fellow wheezing, the like of a sick sheep, close to your ear.
NORA
I'm thinking it's myself will be wheezing that time with lying
down under the Heavens when the night is cold; but you've a fine
bit of talk, stranger, and it's with yourself I'll go.
{She goes towards the door, then turns to Dan.} You think it's a
grand thing you're after doing with your letting on to be dead,
but what is it at all? What way would a woman live in a lonesome
place the like of this place, and she not making a talk with the
men passing? And what way will yourself live from this day, with
none to care for you? What is it you'll have now but a black
life, Daniel Burke, and it's not long I'm telling you, till
you'll be lying again under that sheet, and you dead surely.
{She goes out with the Tramp. Micheal is slinking after them, but
Dan stops him.}
DAN
Sit down now and take a little taste of the stuff, Micheal Dara.
There's a great drouth on me, and the night is young.
MICHEAL
{Coming back to the table.}
And it's very dry I am, surely, with the fear of death you put on
me, and I after driving mountain ewes since the turn of the day.
DAN
{Throwing away his stick.}
I was thinking to strike you, Micheal Dara, but you're a quiet
man, God help you, and I don't mind you at all.
{He pours out two glasses of whisky, and gives one to Micheal.}
DAN
Your good health, Micheal Dara.
MICHEAL
God reward you, Daniel Burke, and may you have a long life, and a
quiet life, and good health with it.
{They drink.}
CURTAIN.