星空娱乐官网

[Night.]---Torc Cregan, the Residence of Mrs. Cregan, on the Banks of Killarney. House,听濒.听2听别.;听window facing Audience---light behind---light to work in drop at back. Stage open at back. Music---seven bars before curtain.

Enter听Hardress Cregan,听from house,听濒.

Hard听摆Going up听c.] Hist! Danny, are you there?

顿补苍苍测听appearing from below, at back.

Danny听Is it yourself, Masther Hardress?

Hard听Is the boat ready?

Danny听Snug under the blue rock, sir.

Hard听Does Eily expect me to-night?

Danny听Expict is it? Here is a lether she bade me give yes; sure the young thing is never aisy when you are away. Look, masther, dear, do ye see that light, no bigger than a star beyant on Muckross Head?

Hard听Yes, it is the signal which my dear Eily leaves burning in our chamber.

Danny听All night long she sits beside that light, wid her face fixed on that lamp in your windy above.

Hard听Dear, dear Eily! after all here's asleep, I will leap from my window, and we'll cross the lake.

Danny听摆Searching.] Where did I put that lether?

Enter听Kyrle Daly听from house,听濒.

Kyrle听摆l.] Hardress, who is that with you?

Hard听摆c.] Only Mann, my boatman.

Kyrle听That fellow is like your shadow.

Danny听摆r.] Is it a cripple like me, that would be the shadow of an illegant gintleman like Mr. Hardress Cregan?

Kyrle听摆l.] Well, I mean that he never leaves your side.

Hard听摆c.] And he never听shall听leave me. Ten years ago he was a fine boy---we were foster-brothers, and playmates---in a moment of passion, while we were struggling, I flung him from the gap rock into the reeks below, and thus he was maimed for life.

[4]

Danny听Arrah! whist aroon! wouldn't I die for yez? didn't the same mother foster us? Why, wouldn't ye break my back if it plazed ye, and welkim! Oh, Masther Kyrle, if ye'd seen him nursin' me for months, and cryin' over me, and keenin'! Sin' that time, sir, my body's been crimpin' up smaller and smaller every year, but my heart is gettin' bigger for him every day.

Hard听Go along, Danny.

Danny听Long life t'ye, sir! I'm off.

[Runs up and descends rocks,听肠.听to听谤.

Kyrle听Hardress, a word with you. Be honest with me---do you love Anne Chute?

Hard听Why do you ask?

Kyrle听Because we have been fellow-collegians and friends through life, and the five years that I have passed at sea have strengthened, but have not cooled, my feelings towards you.[Offers hand.

Enter听Mrs. Cregan,听from house,听濒.

Hard听摆l.] Nor mine for you, Kyrle. You are the same noble fellow as ever. You ask me if I love my cousin Anne?

Mrs. C听摆c.,听between them.] And I will answer you, Mr. Daly.

Hard听摆r.] My mother!

Mrs. C听摆c.] My son and Miss Chute are engaged. Excuse me, Kyrle, for intruding on your secret, but I have observed your love for Anne with some regret. I hope your heart is not so far gone as to be beyond recovery.

Kyrle听摆l.] Forgive me, Mrs. Cregan, but are you certain that Miss Chute really is in love with Hardress?

Mrs. C听Look at him! I'm sure no girl could do that and doubt it.

Kyrle听But I'm not a girl, ma'am; and sure, if you are听mistaken---

Hard听My belief is that Anne does not care a token for me, and likes Kyrle better.

Mrs. C听摆c.] You are an old friend of my son, and I may confide to you a family secret. The extravagance of my husband left this estate deeply involved. By this marriage with Anne Chute we redeem every acre of our barony. My son and she have been brought up as children together, and don't know their true feelings yet.

Hard听Stop, mother, I know this: I would not wed my cousin if she did not love me, not if she carried the whole county Kerry in her pocket, and the barony of Kenmare in the crown of her hat.

Mrs. C听Do you hear the proud blood of the Cregans?

Hard听Woo her, Kyrle, if you like, and win her if you can. I'll back you.

Enter听Anne Chute,听from house,听濒.

Anne听摆l. c.] So will I---What's the bet?

Mrs. C听贬耻蝉丑!

Anne听I'd like to have bet on Kyrle.

Hard听Well, Anne, I'll tell you what it was.

Mrs. C听摆c.] Hardress!

Anne听摆l. c.] Pull in one side aunt, and let the boy go on.

Hard听摆r.] Kyrle wanted to know if the dark brown colt, Hardress Cregan, was going to walk over the course for the Anne Chute Stakes, or whether it was a scrub-race open to all.

Anne听I'm free-trade---coppleens, mules and biddys.

[5]

Mrs. C听How can you trifle with a heart like Kyrle's?

Anne听Trifle! his heart can be no trifle, if he's all in proportion.

Enter听厂别谤惫补苍迟,听from house,听濒.

Servant听Squire Corrigan, ma'am, begs to see you.

Mrs C听At this hour, what can the fellow want? Show Mr. Corrigan here. [Exit听厂别谤惫补苍迟听into house,听濒.] I hate this man; he was my husband's agent, or what the people here call a middle-man---vulgarly polite, and impudently obsequious.

Hard听摆r.] Genus squireen---a half sir, and a whole scoundrel.

Anne听I know---a potatoe on a silver plate: I'll leave you to peel him. Come, Mr. Daly, take me for a moonlight walk, and be funny.

Kyrle听Funny, ma'am, I'm afraid I听am---

Anne听You are heavy, you mean; you roll through the world like a hogshead of whisky; but you only want tapping for pure spirits to flow out spontaneously. Give me your arm. [Crossing,听谤.] Hold that glove now. You are from Ballinasloe, I think?

Kyrle听I'm Connaught to the core of my heart.

Anne听To the roots of your hair, you mean. I bought a horse at Ballinasloe fair that deceived me; I hope you won't turn out to belong to the same family.

Kyrle听摆r. c.] What did he do?

Anne听Oh! like you, he looked well enough---deep in the chest as a pool---a-dhiol, and broad in the back as the Gap of Dunloe---but after two days' warm work he came all to pieces, and Larry, my groom, said he'd been stuck together with glue.

Kyrle听摆r.] Really, Miss Chute![Music.---Exeunt,听谤.听1听e.

Hard听摆Advancing, laughing.] That girl is as wild as a coppleen,---she won't leave him a hair on the head.[Goes up.

Enter听厂别谤惫补苍迟,听showing in听颁辞谤谤颈驳补苍,听from house,听濒.

[Exit听Servant,听濒.

Corrigan听摆l.] Your humble servant, Mrs. Cregan---my service t'ye, 'Squire---it's a fine night, entirely.

Mrs. C听摆c.] May I ask to what business, sir, we have the honor of your call?

Corrig听摆Aside,听濒. c.] Proud as a Lady Beelzebub, and as grand as a queen. [Aloud.] True for you, ma'am; I would not have, come, but for a divil of a pinch I'm in entirely. I've got to pay 拢8,000 to-morrow or lose the Knockmakilty farms.

Mrs. C听Well, sir?

Corrig听And I wouldn't throuble听ye---

Mrs. C听Trouble me, sir?

Corrig听Iss, ma'am---ye'd be forgettin' now that mortgage I have on this property. It ran out last May, and by听rights---

Mrs. C听It will be paid next month.

Corrig听Are you reckonin' on the marriage of Mister Hardress and Miss Anne Chute?

Hard听摆Advancing,听谤.] Mr. Corrigan, you forget yourself.

Mrs. C听Leave us, Hardress, a while. 摆贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听retires,听谤.] Now, Mr. Corrigan, state, in as few words as possible, what you demand.

Corrig听Mrs. Cregan, ma'am, you depend on Miss Anne Chute's fortune to pay me the money, but your son does not love the lady, or, if he does, he has a mighty quare way of showing it. He has an[6]other girl on hand, and betune the two he'll come to the ground, and so bedad will I.

Mrs. C听That is false---it is a calumny, sir!

Corrig听I wish it was, ma'am. D'ye see that light over the lake? your son's eyes are fixed on it. What would Anne Chute say if she knew that her husband, that is to be, had a mistress beyant---that he slips out every night after you're all in bed, and like Leandher, barrin' the wettin', he sails across to his sweetheart?

Mrs. C听Is this the secret of his aversion to the marriage? Fool! fool! what madness, and at such a moment.

Corrig听That's what I say, and no lie in it.

Mrs. C听He shall give up this girl---he must!

Corrig听I would like to have some security for that. I want, by to-morrow, Anne Chute's written promise to marry him, or my 拢8,000.

Mrs. C听It is impossible, sir; you hold ruin over our heads.

Corrig听Madam, it's got to hang over your head or mine.

Mrs. C听Stay; you know that what you ask is out of our power---you know it---therefore this demand only covers the true object of your visit.

Corrig听'Pon my honor! and you are as 'cute, ma'am, as you are beautiful!

Mrs. C听Go on, sir.

Corrig听Mrs. Cregan, I'm goin' to do a foolish thing---now, by gorra I am! I'm richer than ye think, maybe, and if you'll give me your听personal听security, I'll take it.

Mrs. C听What do you mean?

Corrig听I meant that I'll take a lien for life on听you, instead of the mortgage I hold on the Cregan property. [Aside.] That's nate, I'm thinkin'.

Mrs. C听Are you mad?

Corrig听I am---mad in love with yourself, and that's what I've been these fifteen years.[Music through dialogue, till听Anne Chute听is off.

Mrs. C听Insolent wretch! my son shall answer and chastise you. [Calls.] Hardress!

Hard听摆Advancing.] Madam.

Enter听Anne Chute听and听Kyrle,听谤.

Corrig听Miss Chute! }

Hard听Well, mother? } [Together.]

Anne听Well, sir? 听听听 听听 }

Mrs. C听摆Aside.] Scoundrel! he will tell her all and ruin us! [Aloud.] Nothing.[Turns aside.

Corrig听Your obedient.

Anne听翱丑!摆Crosses with听碍测谤濒别听and exit,听濒. u. e.---Music ceases.

Corrig听You are in my power, ma'am. See, now, not a sowl but myself knows of this secret love of Hardress Cregan, and I'll keep it as snug as a bug in a rug, if you'll only say the word.

Mrs. C听Contemptible hound, I loathe and despise you!

Corrig听I've known that fifteen years, but it hasn't cured my heart ache.

Mrs. C听And you would buy my aversion and disgust!

Corrig听Just as Anne Chute buys your son, if she knew but all. Can he love his girl beyant, widout haten this heiress he's obliged to[7闭听swallow?---ain't you sthriven to sell him? But you didn't feel the hardship of being sold till you tried it on yourself.

Mrs. C听I beg you, sir, to leave me.

Corrig听That's right, ma'am---think over it, sleep on it. To-morrow, I'll call for your answer. Good evenin' kindly.

[Music.---Exit听颁辞谤谤颈驳补苍,听in house,听濒.

Mrs. C听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉.

Hard听What did he want?

Mrs. C听He came to tell me the meaning of yonder light upon Muckross Head.

Hard听Ah! has it been discovered? Well, mother, now you know the cause of my coldness, my indifference for Anne.

Mrs. C听Are you in your senses, Hardress? Who is this girl?

Hard听She is known at every fair and pattern in Munster as the Colleen Bawn---her name is Eily O'Connor.

Mrs. C听A peasant girl---a vulgar, barefooted beggar!

Hard听Whatever she is, love has made her my equal, and when you set your foot upon her you tread upon my heart.

Mrs. C听'Tis well, Hardress. I feel that perhaps I have no right to dispose of your life and your happiness---no, my dear son---I would not wound you---heaven knows how well I love my darling boy, and you shall feel it. Corrigan has made me an offer by which you may regain the estate, and without selling yourself to Anne Chute.

Hard听What is it? Of course you accepted it?

Mrs. C听No, but I will accept, yes, for your sake---I---I will. He offers to cancel this mortgage if---if---I will consent to---become his wife.

Hard听You---you, mother? Has he听dared---

Mrs. C听贬耻蝉丑! he is right. A sacrifice must be made---either you or I must suffer. Life is before you---my days are well nigh past---and for your sake, Hardress---for yours; my pride, my only one.---Oh! I would give you more than my life.

Hard听Never---never! I will not---can not accept it. I'll tear that dog's tongue from his throat that dared insult you with the offer.

Mrs. C听Foolish boy, before to-morrow night we shall be beggars---outcasts from this estate. Humiliation and poverty stand like specters at yonder door---to-morrow they will be realities. Can you tear out the tongues that will wag over our fallen fortunes? You are a child, you can not see beyond your happiness.

Hard听Oh, mother, mother! what can be done? My marriage with Anne is impossible.

Enter听Danny Mann,听up rock, at back.

Danny听摆r. c.] Whisht, if ye plaze---ye're talkin' so loud she'll hear ye say that---she's comin'.

Mrs. C听Has this fellow overheard us?

Hard听If he has, he is mine, body and soul. I'd rather trust him with a secret than keep it myself.

Mrs. C听摆l. c.] I can not remain to see Anne; excuse me to my friends. The night perhaps will bring counsel, or at least resolution to hear the worst! Good night, my son.

[Music.---Exit into house,听濒.

Danny听摆r. c.] Oh, masther! she doesn't know the worst! She doesn't know that you are married to the Colleen Bawn.

[8]

Hard听贬耻蝉丑! what fiend prompts you to thrust that act of folly in my face?

Danny听Thrue for ye, masther! I'm a dirty mane scut to remind ye of it.

Hard听What will my haughty, noble mother say, when she learns the truth! how can I ask her to receive Eily as a daughter?---Eily, with her awkward manners, her Kerry brogue, her ignorance of the usages of society. Oh, what have I done?

Danny听Oh! vo---vo, has the ould family come to this! Is it the daughter of Mihil-na-Thradrucha, the old rope-maker of Garryowen, that 'ud take the flure as your wife?

Hard听Be silent, scoundrel! How dare you speak thus of my love!---wretch that I am to blame her!---poor, beautiful, angel-hearted Eily.

Danny听Beautiful is it! Och---wurra---wurra, deelish! The looking-glass was never made that could do her justice; and if St. Patrick wanted a wife, where would he find an angel that 'ud compare with the Colleen Bawn. As I row her on the lake, the little fishes come up to look at her; and the wind from heaven lifts up her hair to see what the divil brings her down here at all---at all.

Hard听The fault is mine---mine alone---I alone will suffer!

Danny听Why isn't it mine? Why can't I suffer for yez, masther dear? Wouldn't I swally every tear in your body, every bit of bad luck in your life, and then wid a stone round my neck, sink myself and your sorrows in the bottom of the lower lake.

Hard听摆Placing hand on听Danny.] Good Danny, away with you to the boat---be ready in a few moments; we will cross to Muckross Head.[Looks at light at back.

[Music.---Exit听贬补谤诲苍别蝉蝉听into house,听濒.

Danny听Never fear, sir. Oh! it isn't that spalpeen, Corrigan, that shall bring ruin on that ould place. Lave Danny alone. Danny, the fox, will lade yez round and about, and cross the scint. [Takes off his hat---sees letter.] Bedad, here's the letter from the Colleen Bawn that I couldn't find a while ago---it's little use now. [Goes to lower window, and reads by light from house.] "Come to your own Eily, that has not seen you for two long days. Come, acushla agrah machree. I have forgotten how much you love me---Shule, shule agrah.---Colleen Bawn." Divil an address is on it.

Enter听碍测谤濒别听and听Anne,听濒. u. e.

Anne听摆c.] Have they gone?

Kyrle听摆l. c.] It is nearly midnight.

Anne听Before we go in, I insist on knowing who is this girl that possesses your heart. You confess that you are in love---deeply in love.

Kyrle听I do confess it---but not even your power can extract that secret from me---do not ask me, for I could not be false, yet dare not be true.[Exit听碍测谤濒别听into house,听濒.

Anne听摆l. c.] He loves me---oh! he loves me---the little bird is making a nest in my heart. Oh! I'm faint with joy.

Danny听摆As if calling after him.] Sir, sir!

Anne听Who is that?

Danny听I'm the boatman below, an' I'm waitin for the gintleman.

[9]

Anne听What gentleman?

Danny听Him that's jist left me, ma'am---I'm waitin' on him.

Anne听Does Mr. Kyrle Daly go out boating at this hour?

Danny听It's not for me to say, ma'am, but every night at twelve o'clock I'm here wid my boat under the blue rock below, to put him across the lake to Muckross Head. I beg your pardon, ma'am, but here's a paper ye dropped on the walk beyant---if it's no vally I'd like to light my pipe wid it.[Gives it.

Anne听A paper I dropped![Goes to window---reads.

Danny听摆Aside.] Oh, Misther Corrigan, you'll ruin masther will ye? aisy now, and see how I'll put the cross on ye.

Anne听A love-letter from some peasant girl to Kyrle Daly! Can this be the love of which he spoke? have I deceived myself?

Danny听I must be off, ma'am; here comes the signal.[Music.

Anne听The signal?

Danny听D'ye see yonder light upon Muckross Head? It is in a cottage windy; that light goes in and out three times winkin' that way, as much as to say, "Are ye comin'?" Then if the light in that room there [points at house above,] answers by a wink, it manes No! but if it goes out entirely, his honor jumps from the parlor windy into the garden behind, and we're off. Look! [Light in cottage disappears.] That's one. [Light appears.] Now again. [Light disappears.] That's two. [Light appears.] What did I tell you? [Light disappears.] That's three, and here it comes again. [Light appears.] Wait now, and ye'll see the answer. [Light disappears from window,听濒.] That's my gentleman. [Music change.] You see he's goin'---good night, ma'am.

Anne听Stay, here's money; do not tell Mr. Daly that I know of this.

Danny听Divil a word---long life t'ye.[Goes up.

Anne听I was not deceived; he meant me to understand that he loved me! Hark! I hear the sound of some one who leaped heavily on the garden walk.[Goes to house听濒.---looking at back.

Enter听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉,听wrapped in a boat cloak,听濒. u. e.

Danny听摆Going down,听谤. c.] All right, yer honor.

摆贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听crosses at back, and down rock,听谤. c.

Anne听摆Hiding,听濒.] It is he, 'tis he.

[Mistaking听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听for听顿补濒测---closed in.

The Gap of Dunloe.听摆1st grooves.闭听Hour before sunrise.

Enter听Corrigan,听谤.听1听e.

Corrig听From the rock above I saw the boat leave Torc Cregan. It is now crossing the lake to the cottage. Who is this girl? What is this mysterious misthress of young Cregan?---that I'll find out.

摆惭测濒别蝉听sings outside,听濒.

"Oh! Charley Mount is a pretty place,

In the month of July------"

Corrig听Who's that?---'Tis that poaching scoundrel---that horse stealer, Myles na Coppaleen. Here he comes with a keg of illicit whisky, as bould as Nebuckadezzar.

[10]

Enter听惭测濒别蝉,听singing, with keg on his shoulder,听濒.

Is that you, Myles?

Myles听No! it's my brother.

Corrig听I know ye, my man.

Myles听Then why the divil did ye ax?

Corrig听You may as well answer me kindly---civility costs nothing.

Myles听摆l. c.] Ow now! don't it? Civility to a lawyer manes six-and-eight-pence about.

Corrig听摆r. c.] What's that on your shoulder?

Myles听What's that to you?

Corrig听I am a magistrate, and can oblige you to answer.

Myles听Well! it's a boulster, belongin' to my mother's feather bed.

Corrig听Stuff'd with whisky!

Myles听Bedad! how would I know what it's stuff'd wid? I'm not an upholsterer.

Corrig听Come, Myles, I'm not so bad a fellow as ye may think.

Myles听To think of that now!

Corrig听I am not the mane creature you imagine!

Myles听Ain't ye now, sir? You keep up appearances mighty well, indeed.

Corrig听No, Myles! I am not that blackguard I've been represented.

Myles听摆Sits on keg.] See that now---how people take away a man's character. You are another sort of blackguard entirely.

Corrig听You shall find me a gentleman---liberal, ready to protect you.

Myles听Long life t'ye sir.

Corrig听Myles, you have come down in the world lately; a year ago you were a thriving horse-dealer, now you are a lazy, ragged fellow.

Myles听Ah, it's the bad luck, sir, that's in it.

Corrig听No, it's the love of Eily O'Connor that's in it---it's the pride of Garryowen that took your heart away, and made ye what ye are---a smuggler and a poacher.

Myles听Thim's hard words.

Corrig听But they are true. You live like a wild beast in some cave or hole in the rocks above; by night your gun is heard shootin' the otter as they lie out on the stones, or you snare the salmon in your nets; on a cloudy night your whisky-still is going---you see, I know your life.

Myles听Better than the priest, and devil a lie in it.

Corrig听Now, if I put ye in a snug farm---stock ye with pigs and cattle, and rowl you up comfortable---d'ye think the Colleen Bawn wouldn't jump at ye?

Myles听Bedad, she'd make a lape, I b'lieve---and what would I do for all this luck?

Corrig听Find out for me who it is that lives at the cottage on Muckross Head.

Myles听That's aisy---it's Danny Mann---no less and his ould mother Sheelah.

Corrig听Yes, Myles, but there's another---a girl who is hid there.

Myles听Ah, now!

Corrig听She only goes out at night.

[11]

Myles听Like the owls.

Corrig听She's the misthress of Hardress Cregan.

Myles听摆Seizing听Corrigan.] Thurra mon dhiol, what's that?

Corrig听Oh, lor! Myles---Myles---what's the matter---are you mad?

Myles听No---that is---why---why did ye raise your hand at me in that way?

Corrig听I didn't.

Myles听I thought ye did---I'm mighty quick at takin' thim hints, bein' on me keepin' agin the gaugers---go on---I didn't hurt ye.

Corrig听Not much.

Myles听You want to find out who this girl is?

Corrig听I'll give 拢20 for the information---there's ten on account.

[Gives money.

Myles听Long life t'ye; that's the first money I iver got from a lawyer, and bad luck to me, but there's a cure for the evil eye in thim pieces.

Corrig听You will watch to-night?

Myles听In five minutes I'll be inside the cottage itself.

Corrig听That's the lad.

Myles听摆Aside.] I was goin' there.

Corrig听And to-morrow you will step down to my office with the particulars?

Myles听To-morrow you shall breakfast on them.

Corrig听Good night, entirely.[Exit听Corrigan,听濒.

Myles听I'll give ye a cowstail to swally, and make ye think it's a chapter in St. Patrick, ye spalpeen? When he called Eily the misthress of Hardress Cregan, I nearly sthretched him---begorra, I was full of sudden death that minute! Oh, Eily! acushla agrah asthore machree! as the stars watch over Innisfallen, and as the wathers go round it and keep it, so I watch and keep round you, avourneen!

Song.---Myles.

Oh, Limerick is beautiful, as everybody knows,

The river Shannon's full of fish, beside that city flows;

But it is not the river, nor the fish that preys upon my mind,

Nor with the town of Limerick have I any fault to find.

The girl I love is beautiful, she's fairer than the dawn;

She lives in Garryowen, and she's called the Colleen Bawn.

As the river, proud and bold, goes by that famed city,

So proud and cold, without a word, that Colleen goes by me!

Oh, hone! Oh, hone!

Oh, if I was the Emperor of Russia to command,

Or, Julius C忙sar, or the Lord Lieutenant of the land,

I'd give up all my wealth, my manes, I'd give up my army,

Both the horse, the fut, and the Royal Artillery;

I'd give the crown from off my head, the people on their knees,

I'd give my fleet of sailing ships upon the briny seas,

And a beggar I'd go to sleep, a happy man at dawn,

If by my side, fast for my bride, I'd the darlin' Colleen Bawn.

Oh, hone! Oh, hone!

I must reach the cottage before the masther arrives; Father Tom is there waitin' for this keg o' starlight---it's my tithe; I call every[12闭听tenth keg "his riverince." It's worth money to see the way it does the old man good, and brings the wather in his eyes, the only place I ever see any about him---heaven bless him!

[Sings.听Exit听Myles,听谤.---Music.

Interior of Eily's Cottage on Muckross Head; fire burning,听谤.听3听e.;听table,听谤. c.;听arm chair; two stools,听谤.听of table; stool听l.听of table; basin, sugar spoon, two jugs, tobacco, plate, knife, and lemon on table.

Father Tom听discovered smoking in arm chair,听谤. c.---Eily听in balcony, watching over lake.

Father Tom听摆Sings.] "Tobacco is an Injun weed." And every weed want's wathering to make it come up; but tobacco bein' an' Injun weed that is accustomed to a hot climate, water is entirely too cold for its warrum nature---it's whisky and water it wants. I wonder if Myles has come; I'll ask Eily. [Calls.] Eily, alanna! Eily, a suilish machree!

Eily听摆Turning.] Is it me, Father Tom?

Father T听Has he come?

Eily听No; his boat is half a mile off yet.

Father T听Half a mile! I'll choke before he's here.

Eily听Do you mean Hardress?

Father T听No, dear! Myles na Coppaleen---cum spiritu Hiberneuse---which manes in Irish, wid a keg of poteen.

Enter听Myles,听谤. u. e.,听down听c.

Myles听Here I am, your riverince, never fear. I tould Sheelah to hurry up with the materials, knowin' ye be dhry and hasty.

Enter听Sheelah,听with kettle of water,听谤. u. e.

Sheelah听Here's the hot water.

Myles听Lave it there till I brew Father Tom a pint of mother's milk.

Sheelah听Well thin, ye'll do your share of the work, an not a ha'porth more.

Myles听Didn't I bring the sperrits from two miles and more? and I deserve to have pref'rence to make the punch for his riverince.

Sheelah听And didn't I watch the kettle all night, not to let it off the boil?---there now.

Myles听摆Quarreling with听Sheelah.] No, you didn't, etc.

Sheelah听摆Quarreling.] Yes, I did, etc.

Eily听No, no; I'll make it, and nobody else.

Father T听Aisy now, ye becauns, and whist; Myles shall put in the whisky, Sheelah shall put in the hot water, and Eily, my Colleen, shall put the sugar in the cruiskeen. A blessin' on ye all three that loves the ould man. 摆惭测濒别蝉听takes off hat---Women听curtsey---they make punch.] See now, my children, there's a moral in everthing, e'en in a jug of punch. There's the sperrit, which is the sowl and strength of the man. 摆惭测濒别蝉听pours spirit from keg.] That's the whisky. There's the sugar, which is the smile of woman; [Eily听puts sugar.] without that life is without taste or sweetness. Then there's the lemon, [Eily听puts lemon.] which is love; a squeeze now and again does a boy no harm; but not too much. And the hot water [Sheelah听pours water.][13闭听which is adversity---as little as possible if ye plaze---that makes the good things better still.

Myles听And it's complate, ye see, for it's a woman that gets into hot wather all the while.[Pours from jug to jug.

Sheelah听Myles, if I hadn't the kettle, I'd bate ye.

Myles听Then, why didn't ye let me make the punch? There's a guinea for your riverince that's come t'ye---one in ten I got a while ago---it's your tithe---put a hole in it, and hang it on your watch chain, for it's a mighty great charm entirely.

[They sit,听Sheelah听near fire,听Colleen听on stool beside her,听Father Tom听in chair,听Myles听on stool,听濒.听of table.

Father T听Eily, look at that boy, and tell me, haven't ye a dale to answer for?

Eily听He isn't as bad about me as he used to be; he's getting over it.

Myles听Yes, darlin', the storm has passed over, and I've got into settled bad weather.

Father T听Maybe, afther all, ye'd have done better to have married Myles there, than be the wife of a man that's ashamed to own ye.

Eily听He isn't---he's proud of me. It's only when I spake like the poor people, and say or do anything wrong, that he's hurt; but I'm gettin' clane of the brogue, and learnin' to do nothing---I'm to be changed entirely.

Myles听Oh! if he'd lave me yer own self, and only take away wid him his improvements. Oh! murder---Eily, aroon, why wasn't ye twins, an' I could have one of ye, only nature couldn't make two like ye---it would be onreasonable to ax it.

Eily听Poor Myles, do you love me still so much?

Myles听Didn't I lave the world to folley ye, and since then there's been neither night nor day in my life---I lay down on Glenna Point above, where I see this cottage, and I lived on the sight of it. Oh! Eily, if tears were pison to the grass there wouldn't be a green blade on Glenna Hill this day.

Eily听But you knew I was married, Myles.

Myles听Not thin, aroon---Father Tom found me that way, and sat beside, and lifted up my soul. Then I confessed to him, and, sez he, "Myles, go to Eily, she has something to say to you---say I sent you." I came, and ye tould me ye were Hardress Cregan's wife, and that was a great comfort entirely. Since I knew that [Drinks---voice in cup.] I haven't been the blackguard I was.

Father T听See the beauty of the priest, my darlin'---videte et admirate---see and admire it. It was at confession that Eily tould me she loved Cregan, and what did I do?---sez I, "Where did you meet your sweetheart?" "At Garryowen," sez she. "Well," says I; "that's not the place." "Thrue, your riverince, it's too public entirely," sez she. "Ye'll mate him only in one place," sez I; "and that's the stile that's behind my chapel," for, d'ye see, her mother's grave was forenint the spot, and there's a sperrit round the place, 摆惭测濒别蝉听drinks,] that kept her pure and strong. Myles, ye thafe, drink fair.

Sheelah听Come now, Eily, couldn't ye cheer up his riverince wid the tail of a song?

Eily听Hardress bid me not sing any ould Irish songs, he says the words are vulgar.

[14]

Sheelah听Father Tom will give ye absolution.

Father T听Put your lips to that jug; there's only the strippens left. Drink! and while that thrue Irish liquor warms your heart, take this wid it. May the brogue of ould Ireland niver forsake your tongue---may her music niver lave yer voice---and may a true Irishwoman's virtue niver die in your heart!

Myles听Come, Eily, it's my liquor---haven't ye a word to say for it?

Song,听Eily---"Cruiskeen Lawn."

Let the farmer praise his grounds,

As the huntsman doth his hounds,

And the shepherd his fresh and dewy morn;

But I, more blest than they,

Spend each night and happy day.

With my smilin' little Crusikeen Lawn, Lawn, Lawn.

Chorus听摆Repeat.] Gramachree, mavourneen, slanta gal avourneen,

Gramachree ma Cruiskeen Lawn, Lawn, Lawn,

With my smiling little Cruiskeen Lawn.

[Chorused by听惭测濒别蝉,听Father T.,听and听Sheelah.

Myles.

And when grim Death appears,

In long and happy years,

To tell me that my glass is run,

I'll say, begone you slave,

For great Bacchus gave me lave

To have another Cruiskeen Lawn---Lawn---Lawn.

Chorus.---Repeat.

Gramachree, &c., &c.

Hard听摆Without,听濒. u. e.] Ho! Sheelah---Sheelah!

Sheelah听摆Rising.] Whist! it's the master.

Eily听摆Frightened.] Hardress! oh, my! what will he say if he finds us here---run, Myles---quick, Sheelah---clear away the things.

Father T听Hurry now, or we'll get Eily in throuble.

[Takes keg---Myles听takes jugs---Sheelah听kettle.

Hard听Sheelah, I say!

[Exeunt听Father Tom听and听Myles,听谤. u. e.,听quickly.

Sheelah听Comin', Sir, I'm puttin' on my petticoat.

[Exit听Sheelah,听谤. u. e.,听quickly.

Enter听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听and听Danny,听濒. u. e.听opening---顿补苍苍测听immediately goes off,听谤. u. e.

Eily听摆c.] Oh, Hardress, asthore?

Hard听摆l. c.] Don't call me by those confounded Irish words---what's the matter? you're trembling like a bird caught in a trap.

Eily听Am I, mavou---no I mean---is it tremblin' I am, dear?

Hard听What a dreadful smell of tobacco there is here, and the fumes of whisky punch, too; the place smells like a shebeen. Who has been here?

Eily听There was Father Tom, an' Myles dhropped in.

Hard听Nice company for my wife---a vagabond.

[15]

Eily听Ah! who made him so but me, dear? Before I saw you, Hardress, Myles coorted me, and I was kindly to the boy.

Hard听Damn it, Eily, why will you remind me that my wife was ever in such a position?

Eily听I won't see him again---if yer angry, dear, I'll tell him to go away, and he will, because the poor boy loves me.

Hard听Yes, better than I do you mean?

Eily听No, I don't---oh! why do you spake so to your poor Eily!

Hard听Spake so! Can't you say speak?

Eily听I'll thry, aroon---I'm sthrivin'---'tis mighty hard, but what wouldn't I undert-tee-ta---undergo for your sa-se---for your seek.

Hard听Sake---sake!

Eily听Sake---seek---oh, it is to bother people entirely they mixed 'em up! Why didn't they make them all one way?

Hard听摆Aside.] It is impossible! How can I present her as my wife? Oh! what an act of madness to tie myself to one so much beneath me---beautiful---good as she听is---

Eily听Hardress, you are pale---what has happened?

Hard听Nothing---that is, nothing but what you will rejoice at.

Eily听What d'ye mane?

Hard听What do I mane! Mean---mean!

Eily听I beg your pardon, dear.

Hard听Well; I mean that after to-morrow there will be no necessity to hide our marriage, for I shall be a beggar, my mother will be an outcast, and amidst all the shame, who will care what wife a Cregan takes?

Eily听And d'ye think I'd like to see you dhragged down to my side---ye don't know me---see now---never call me wife again---don't let on to mortal that we're married---I'll go as a servant in your mother's house---I'll work for the smile ye'll give me in passing, and I'll be happy, if ye'll only let me stand outside and hear your voice.

Hard听You're a fool. I told you that I was bethrothed to the richest heiress in Kerry; her fortune alone can save us from ruin. To-night my mother discovered my visits here, and I told her who you were.

Eily听Oh! what did she say?

Hard听It broke her heart.

Eily听Hardress! is there no hope?

Hard听None. That is none---that---that I can name.

Eily听There is one---I see it.

Hard听There is. We were children when we were married, and I could get no priest to join our hands but one, and he had been disgraced by his bishop. He is dead. There was no witness to the ceremony but Danny Mann---no proof but his word, and your certificate.

Eily听摆Takes paper from her breast.] This!

Hard听Eily! if you doubt my eternal love, keep that security; it gives you the right to the shelter of my roof; but oh! if you would be content with the shelter of my heart.

Eily听And will it save ye, Hardress? And will your mother forgive me?

Hard听She will bless you---she will take you to her breast.

Eily听But you---another will take you to her breast.

Hard听Oh, Eily, darling, d'ye think I could forget you, machree---forget the sacrifice more than blood you give me?

[16]

Eily听Oh! when you talk that way to me, ye might take my life, and heart, and all. Oh! Hardress, I love you---take the paper and tare it.摆贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听takes paper.

Enter听Myles听c.,听opening.

Myles听No. I'll be damned if he shall.

Hard听Scoundrel! you have been listening?

Myles听To every word. I saw Danny, wid his ear agin that dure, so as there was only one kay-hole, I adopted the windy. Eily, aroon, Mr. Cregan will giv' ye back that paper; you can't tare up an oath; will ye help him then to cheat this other girl, and to make her his mistress, for that's what she'll be if ye are his wife. An' after all, what is there agin' the crature? Only the money she's got. Will you stop lovin' him when his love belongs to another? No! I know it by myself; but if ye jine their hands together your love will be an adultry.

Eily听Oh, no!

Hard听Vagabond! outcast! jail bird! dare you prate of honor to me?

Myles听摆c.] I am an outlaw, Mr. Cregan---a felon, may be---but if you do this thing to that poor girl that loves you so much---had I my neck in the rope---or my fut on the deck of a convict ship---I'd turn round and say to ye, "Hardress Cregan, I make ye a present of the contimpt of a rogue."[Snaps fingers.

Music till end Act.---Enter听Father Tom,听Sheelah听and听Danny,听谤. u. e.---Hardress听throws down paper---goes to table---takes hat.

Hard听Be it so, Eily, farewell! until my house is clear of these vermin---[顿补苍苍测听appears at back]---you will see me no more.

[Exit听Hardress,听濒. c.,听followed by听Danny.

Eily听Hardress---Hardress! [Going up.] Don't leave me, Hardress!

Father T听摆Intercepts her.] Stop, Eily![顿补苍苍测听returns and listens.

Eily听He's gone---he's gone!

Father T听Give me that paper, Myles. 摆惭测濒别蝉听picks it up---gives it.] Kneel down there, Eily, before me---put that paper in your breast.

Eily听摆Kneeling.] Oh, what will I do---what will I do?

Father T听Put your hand upon it now.

Eily听Oh, my heart---my heart!

Father T听Be thee hush, and spake after me---by my mother that's in heaven.

Eily听By my mother that's in heaven.

Father T听By the light and the word.

Eily听By the light and the word.

Father T听Sleepin' or wakin'.

Eily听Sleepin' or wakin'.

Father T听This proof of my truth.

Eily听This proof of my truth.

Father T听Shall never again quit my breast.

Eily听Shall never again quit my breast.

Eily听utters a cry and falls---Tableau.

[17]

[1st Grooves.]---Gap of Dunloe; same as 2d Scene, Act I.---Music.

Enter听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听and听Danny,听濒.听1听e.

Hard听摆r.] Oh, what a giddy fool I've been! What would I give to recall this fatal act which bars my fortune?

Danny听摆l.] There's something throublin' yez, Masther Hardress. Can't Danny do something to aise ye? Spake the word, and I'll die for ye.

Hard听Danny, I听am听troubled. I was a fool when I refused to listen to you at the chapel of Castle Island.

Danny听When I warned ye to have no call to Eily O'Connor?

Hard听I was mad to marry her.

Danny听I knew she was no wife for you. A poor thing widout any manners, or money, or book larnin', or a ha'porth o' fortin'. Oh, worra! I told ye that, but ye bate me off, and here now is the way of it.

Hard听Well, it's done, and can't be undone.

Danny听Bedad, I dun know that. Wouldn't she untie the knot herself---couldn't ye coax her?

Hard听No.

Danny听Is that her love for you? You that give up the divil an' all for her. What's听her听ruin to yours? Ruin---goredoutha---ruin is it? Don't I pluck a shamrock and wear it a day for the glory of St. Patrick, and then throw it away when it's gone by my likin's. What is听she听to be ruined by a gentleman? Whoo! Mighty good for the likes o' her.

Hard听She would have yielded,听but---

Danny听Asy now, an' I'll tell ye. Pay her passage out to Quaybeck and put her aboord a three-master, widout sayin' a word. Lave it to me. Danny will clear the road foreninst ye.

Hard听Fool, if she still possesses that certificate---the proof of my first marriage---how can I dare to wed another? Commit bigamy---disgrace my wife---bastardize my children?

Danny听Den by the powers, I'd do by Eily as wid the glove there on yer hand; make it come off as it came on---an' if it fits too tight, take the knife to it.

Hard听摆Turning to him.] What do you mean?

Danny听Only gi' me the word, an' I'll engage that the Colleen Bawn will never trouble ye any more; don't ax me any questions at all. Only---if you're agreeable, take off that glove from yer hand an' give it to me for a token---that's enough.

Hard听摆Throws off cloak; seizes him; throws him down.] Villain! Dare you utter a word or meditate a thought of violence towards that听girl---

Danny听Oh, murder! may I never die in sin,听if---

Hard听Begone! away, at once, and quit my sight. I have chosen my doom! I must learn to endure it---but blood!---and hers! Shall I make cold and still that heart that beats alone for me?---quench those eyes that look so tenderly in mine? Monster! am I so vile that you dare to whisper such a thought?

[18]

Danny听Oh, masther! divil burn me if I meant any harm.

Hard听Mark me well, now. Respect my wife as you would the queen of the land---whisper a word such as those you uttered to me, and it will be your last. I warn ye---remember and obey.

[Exit听Hardress,听谤.

Danny听摆Rises---picks up cloak.] Oh, the darlin' crature! would I harrum a hair of her blessed head?---no! Not unless you gave me that glove, and den I'd jump into the bottomless pit for ye.

[Exit听Danny,听谤.听Music---change.

Room in听Mrs. Cregan's听house; window,听谤.,听in flat, backed by landscape; door,听濒.,听in flat; backed by interior. Lights up.

Enter听Anne Chute,听濒.听in flat.

Anne听That fellow runs in my head. [Looking at window.] There he is in the garden, smoking like a chimney-pot. [Calls.] Mr. Daly!

Kyrle听摆Outside window.] Good morning!

Anne听摆Aside.] To think he'd smile that way, after going Leandering all night like a dissipated young owl. [Aloud.] Did you sleep well? [Aside.] Not a wink, you villain, and you know it.

Kyrle听I slept like a top.

Anne听摆Aside.] I'd like to have the whipping of ye. [Aloud.] When did you get back?

Kyrle听Get back! I've not been out.

Anne听摆Aside.] He's not been out! This is what men come to after a cruise at sea---they get sunburnt with love. Those foreign donnas teach them to make fire-places of their hearts, and chimney-pots of their mouths. [Aloud.] What are you doing down there? [Aside.] As if he was stretched out to dry.[Kyrle听puts down pipe outside.

Enter听碍测谤濒别听through window,听谤.,听in flat.

Kyrle听摆r. c.] I have been watching Hardress coming over from Divil's Island in his boat---the wind was dead against him.

Anne听摆l. c.] It was fair for going to Divil's Island last night, I believe.

Kyrle听Was it?

Anne听You were up late, I think?

Kyrle听I was. I watched by my window for hours, thinking of her I loved---slumber overtook me, and I dreamed of a happiness I never can hope for.

Anne听Look me straight in the face.

Kyrle听Oh! if some fairy could strike us into stone now---and leave us looking forever into each other's faces, like the blue lake below and the sky above it!

Anne听Kyrle Daly! What would you say to a man who had two loves, one to whom he escaped at night, and the other to whom he devoted himself during the day---what would you say?

Kyrle听I'd say he had no chance.

Anne听Oh, Captain Cautious! Well answered. Isn't he fit to take care of anybody! his cradle was cut out of a witness-box.

Enter听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听through window,听谤.,听in flat.

Kyrle听摆r.] Anne! I don't know what you mean, but that I know that I love you, and you are sporting with a wretchedness you can[19闭听not console. I was wrong to remain here so long, but I thought my friendship for Hardress would protect me against your invasion---now I will go.摆贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听advancing.

Hard听摆c.] No, Kyrle, you will stay. Anne, he loves you, and I more than suspect you prefer him to me. From this moment you are free; I release you from all troth to me: in his presence I do this.

Anne听摆l.] Hardress!

Hard听There is a bar between us which you should have known before, but I could not bring myself to confess. Forgive me, Anne---you deserve a better man than I am.[Exit,听濒.

Anne听A bar between us! What does he mean?

Kyrle听He means that he is on the verge of ruin: he did not know how bad things were till last night. His generous noble heart recoils from receiving anything from you but love.

Anne听And does he think I'd let him be ruined any way? Does he think I wouldn't sell the last rood of land---the gown off my back, and the hair off my head, before that boy that protected and loved me, the child, years ago, should come to a hap'orth of harrum?

[Crosses to听谤.

Kyrle听Miss Chute!

Anne听Well, I can't help it. When I am angry the brogue comes out, and my Irish heart will burst through manners, and graces, and twenty stay-laces. [Crosses to听l.] I'll give up my fortune---that I will!

Kyrle听You can't---you've got a guardian who can not consent to such a sacrifice.

Anne听Have I? then I'll find a husband that will.

Kyrle听摆Aside.] She means me---I see it in her eyes.

Anne听摆Aside.] He's trying to look unconscious. [Aloud.] Kyrle Daly, on your honor and word as a gentleman, do you love me and nobody else?

Kyrle听Do you think me capable of contaminating your image by admitting a meaner passion into my breast?

Anne听Yes, I do.

Kyrle听Then you wrong me.

Anne听I'll prove that in one word. Take care, now; it's coming.

Kyrle听Go on.

Anne听摆Aside.] Now I'll astonish him. [Aloud.] Eily!

Kyrle听What's that?

Anne听"Shule, shule, agrah!"

Kyrle听Where to?

Anne听Three winks, as much as to say, "Are you coming?" and an extinguisher above here means "Yes." Now you see I know all about it.

Kyrle听You have the advantage of me.

Anne听Confess now, and I'll forgive you.

Kyrle听I will; tell me what to confess, and I'll confess it---I don't care what it is.

Anne听摆Aside.] If I hadn't eye proof he'd brazen it out of me. Isn't he cunning? He's one of those that would get fat where a fox would starve.

Kyrle听That was a little excursion into my past life---a sudden descent on my antecedents, to see if you could not surprise an infidelity---but I defy you.

[20]

Anne听You do? I accept that defiance; and, mind me, Kyrle, if I find you true as I once thought, there's my hand; but if you are false in this, Anne Chute will never change her name for yours. [He kisses her hand.] Leave me now.

Kyrle听Oh, the lightness you have given to my heart! The number of pipes I'll smoke this afternoon will make them think we've got a haystack on fire.[Exit听Kyrle,听through window,听谤.

Anne听摆Rings bell on table,听谤.] Here, Pat, Barney, some one.

Enter听Servant,听濒.听door in flat.

Tell Larry Dolan, my groom, to saddle the black mare, Fireball, but not bring her round the house---I'll mount in the stables.

[Exit听Servant,听濒.听door in flat.

I'll ride over to Muckross Head, and draw that cottage; I'll know what's there. It mayn't be right, but I haven't a big brother to see after me---and self-protection is the first law of nature.

[Exit听Anne,听谤.听1听e.

Music. Enter听Mrs. Cregan听and听Hardress,听濒.听door in flat.

Mrs. C听摆r. c.] What do you say, Hardress?

Hard听摆l. c.] I say, mother, that my heart and faith are both already pledged to another, and I can not break my engagement.

Mrs. C听And this is the end of all our pride!

Hard听Repining is useless---thought and contrivance are of no avail---the die is cast.

Mrs. C听Hardress, I speak not for myself, but for you---and I would rather see you in your coffin than married to this poor, lowborn, silly, vulgar creature. I know you, my son; you will be miserable when the infatuation of first love is past; when you turn from her and face the world, as one day you must do, you will blush to say, "This is my wife." Every word from her mouth will be a pang to your pride. You will follow her movements with terror---the contempt and derision she excites will rouse you first to remorse, and then to hatred---and from the bed to which you go with a blessing, you will rise with a curse.

Hard听Mother! mother![Throws himself in chair.

Mrs. C听To Anne you have acted a heartless and dishonorable part---her name is already coupled with yours at every fireside in Kerry.

Enter听Servant,听濒.听door in flat.

Serv听Mr. Corrigan, ma'am.

Mrs. C听He comes for his answer. Show him in.

[Exit听Servant,听濒.听door in flat.

The hour has come, Hardress---what answer shall I give him?

Hard听Refuse him---let him do his worst.

Mrs. C听And face beggary! On what shall we live? I tell you the prison for debt is open before us. Can you work? No! Will you enlist as a soldier, and send your wife into service? We are ruined---d'ye hear?---ruined! I must accept this man only to give you and yours a shelter, and under Corrigan's roof I may not be ashamed, perhaps, to receive your wife.

[21]

Enter听厂别谤惫补苍迟,听showing in听Mr. Corrigan,听濒.听door in flat.

Corrig听摆l.] Good morning, ma'am; I am punctual, you perceive.

Mrs. C听摆c.] We have considered your offer, sir, and we see no alternative---but---but---

Corrig听Mrs. Cregan, I'm proud, ma'am, to take your hand.

Hard听摆Starting up.] Begone---begone, I say; touch her, and I'll brain you!

Corrig听Squire! Sir! Mr. Hardress!

Hard听Must I hurl you from the house?

Enter two听Servants,听door in flat.

Mrs. C听Hardress, my darling boy, restrain yourself.

Corrig听Good morning, ma'am. I have my answer. [To听Servant.] Is Miss Chute within?

Serv听No, sir; she's just galloped out of the stable yard.

Corrig听Say I called to see her. I will wait upon her at this hour to-morrow. [Looking at the Cregans.] To-morrow! to-morrow!

[Exit, followed by听Servants,听濒.听door in flat.

Mrs. C听To-morrow will see us in Limerick Jail, and this house in the hands of the sheriff.

Hard听Mother, heaven guide and defend me! let me rest for a while---you don't know all yet, and I have not the heart to tell you.

[Crosses听l.

Mrs. C听With you, Hardress, I can bear anything---anything---but your humiliation and your听unhappiness---

Hard听I know it, mother, I know it.[Exit,听濒.听1听e.听Music.

顿补苍苍测听appears at window,听谤.,听in flat.

Danny听Whisht---missiz---whisht.

Mrs. C听摆l. c.] Who's there?

Danny听It's me, sure, Danny---that is---I know the throuble that's in it. I've been through it all wid him.

Mrs. C听You know, then?

Danny听Everything, ma'am; and, sure, I shtruv hard and long to impache him from doing it.

Mrs. C听Is he, indeed, so involved with this girl that he will not give her up?

Danny听No; he's got over the worst of it, but she holds him tight, and he feels kindly and soft-hearted for her, and daren't do what another would.

Mrs. C听Dare not?

Danny听Sure she might be packed off across the wather to Ameriky, or them parts beyant? Who'd ever ax a word afther her?---barrin' the masther, who'd murdher me if he knew I whispered such a thing.

Mrs. C听But would she go?

Danny听Ow, ma'am, wid a taste of persuasion, we'd mulvather her aboord. But there's another way again, and if ye'd only coax the masther to send me his glove, he'd know the manin' of that token, and so would I.

Mrs. C听His glove?

Danny听Sorra a ha'porth else. If he'll do that, I'll take my oath ye'll hear no more of the Colleen Bawn.

Mrs. C听I'll see my son.[Exit听l. d. f.

Danny听Tare an' 'ouns, that lively girl, Miss Chute, has gone the[22闭听road to Muckross Head; I've watched her---I've got my eye on all of them. If she sees Eily---ow, ow, she'll get the ring itself in that helpin' maybe, of kale-canon. By the piper, I'll run across the lake, and get there first; she's got a long round to go, and the wind rising---a purty blast entirely.

[Goes to window---Music.

Re-enter听Mrs. Cregan,听濒. d. f.,听with glove.

Mrs. C听摆Aside.] I found his gloves in the hall, where he had thrown them in his hat.

Danny听Did ye ax him, ma'am?

Mrs. C听I did---and here is the reply.[Holds out glove.

Danny听He has changed his mind, then?

Mrs. C听He has entirely.

Danny听And---and---I am---to---do it?

Mrs. C听That is the token.

Danny听I know it---I'll keep my promise. I'm to make away with her?

Mrs. C听Yes, yes---take her away---away with her!

[Exit听Mrs. Cregan,听濒.听door in flat.

Danny听Never fear, ma'am. [Going to window.] He shall never see or hear again of the Colleen Bawn.

[Exit听顿补苍苍测听through window---change.

Exterior of听Eily's听Cottage; Cottage,听谤.听3听e.;听set pieces, backed by Lake; table and two seats,听谤. c.

Sheelah听and听Eily听discovered, knitting.

Sheelah听摆r.] Don't cry, darlin'---don't, alanna!

Eily听摆l.] He'll never come back to me---I'll never see him again, Sheelah!

Sheelah听Is it lave his own wife?

Eily听I've sent him a letther by Myles, and Myles has never come back---I've got no answer---he won't spake to me---I am standin' betune him and fortune---I'm in the way of his happiness. I wish I was dead!

Sheelah听Whisht! be thee husht! what talk is that? when I'm tuk sad that way, I go down to the chapel and pray a turn---it lifts the cloud off my heart.

Eily听I can't pray; I've tried, but unless I pray for him, I can't bring my mind to it.

Sheelah听I never saw a colleen that loved as you love; sorra come to me, but I b'lieve you've got enough to supply all Munster, and more left over than would choke ye if you wern't azed of it.

Eily听He'll come back---I'm sure he will; I was wicked to doubt. Oh! Sheelah! what becomes of the girls he doesn't love? Is there anything goin' on in the world where he isn't?

Sheelah听There now---you're smilin' again.

Eily听I'm like the first mornin' when he met me---there was dew on the young day's eye---a smile on the lips o' the lake. Hardress will come back---oh! yes; he'll never leave his poor Eily all alone by herself in this place. Whisht, now, an' I'll tell you.[Music.

[23]

Song.---Air, "Pretty Girl Milking her Cow."

'Twas on a bright morning in summer,

I first heard his voice speaking low,

As he said to a colleen beside me,

"Who's that pretty girl milking her cow?"

And many times after he met me,

And vowed that I always should be

His own little darling alanna,

Mavourneen a sweelish machree.

I haven't the manners or graces

Of the girls in the world where ye move,

I haven't their beautiful faces,

But I have a heart that can love.

If it plase ye, I'll dress in satins,

And jewels I'll put on my brow,

But don't ye be after forgettin'

Your pretty girl milking her cow.

Sheelah听Ah, the birds sit still on the boughs to listen to her, and the trees stop whisperin'; she leaves a mighty big silence behind her voice, that nothin' in nature wants to break. My blessin' on the path before her---there's an angel at the other end of it.

[Exit听Sheelah听in cottage,听谤.

Eily听摆Repeats last line of song.]

Enter听Anne Chute,听濒. u. e.

Anne听There she is.

Eily听摆Sings till facing Anne---stops---they examine each other.]

Anne听My name is Anne Chute.

Eily听I am Eily O'Connor.

Anne听You are the Colleen Bawn---the pretty girl.

Eily听And you are the Colleen Ruaidh.

Anne听摆Aside.] She is beautiful.

Eily听摆Aside.] How lovely she is.

Anne听We are rivals.

Eily听I am sorry for it.

Anne听So am I, for I feel that I could have loved you.

Eily听That's always the way of it; everybody wants to love me, but there's something spoils them off.

Anne听摆Showing letter.] Do you know that writing?

Eily听I do, ma'am, well, though I don't know how you came by it.

Anne听I saw your signals last night---I saw his departure, and I have come here to convince myself of his falsehood to me. But now that I have seen you, you have no longer a rival in his love, for I despise him with all my heart, who could bring one so beautiful and simple as you are to ruin and shame!

Eily听He didn't---no---I am his wife! Oh, what have I said!

Anne听What?

Eily听Oh, I didn't mane to confess it---no, I didn't! but you wrung it from me in defense of him.

Anne听You his wife?

[24]

Enter听Danny,听濒. u. e.

Danny听摆At back---aside.] The divil! they're at it---an' I'm too late!

Anne听I can not believe this---show me your certificate.

Eily听Here it is.

Danny听摆Advances between them.] Didn't you swear to the priest that it should niver lave your breast?

Anne听Oh! you're the boatman.

Danny听Iss, ma'am!

Anne听Eily, forgive me for doubting your goodness, and your purity. I believe you. Let me take your hand. [Crosses to her.] While the heart of Anne Chute beats, you have a friend that won't be spoiled off, but you have no longer a rival, mind that. All I ask of you is that you will never mention this visit to Mr. Daly---and for you [To听Danny.] this will purchase your silence. [Gives money.] Good-by!

[Exit听Anne,听濒. u. e.

Danny听Long life t'ye. [Aside.] What does it mane? Hasn't she found me out?

Eily听Why did she ask me never to spake to Mr. Daly of her visit here? Sure I don't know any Mr. Daly.

Danny听Didn't she spake of him before, dear?

Eily听Never!

Danny听Nor didn't she name Master Hardress?

Eily听Well, I don't know; she spoke of him and of the letter I wrote to him, but I b'lieve she never named him intirely.

Danny听摆Aside.] The divil's in it for sport; she's got 'em mixed yet.

Enter听Sheelah听from cottage,听谤.

Sheelah听What brings you back, Danny?

Danny听Nothing! but a word I have from the masther for the Colleen here.

Eily听Is it the answer to the letter I sent by Myles?

Danny听That's it, jewel, he sent me wid a message.

Sheelah听摆c.] Somethin' bad has happened. Danny, you are as pale as milk, and your eye is full of blood---yez been drinkin'.

Danny听May be I have.

Sheelah听You thrimble, and can't spake straight to me. Oh! Danny, what is it, avick?

Danny听Go on now, an' stop yer keenin'.

Eily听Faith, it isn't yourself that's in it, Danny; sure there's nothing happened to Hardress?

Danny听Divil a word, good or bad, I'll say while the mother's there.

Sheelah听I'm goin'. [Aside.] What's come to Danny this day, at all, at all; bedad, I don't know my own flesh and blood.

[Runs into cottage.

Danny听Sorro' and ruin has come on the Cregans; they're broke intirely.

Eily听Oh, Danny.

Danny听Whisht, now! You are to meet Masther Hardress this evenin', at a place on the Divil's Island, beyant. Ye'll niver breathe a word to a mortal where yer goin', d'ye mind, now; but[25闭听slip down, unbeknown, to the landin' below, where I'll have the boat waitin' for yez.

Eily听At what hour?

Danny听Just after dark; there's no moon to-night, an' no one will see us crossin' the water.[Music till end of scene.

Eily听I will be there; I'll go down only to the little chapel by the shore, and pray there 'till ye come.[Exit听Eily,听into cottage,听谤.

Danny听I'm wake and cowld! What's this come over me? Mother, mother, acushla.

Enter听Sheelah,听谤.

Sheelah听What is it, Danny?

Danny听摆Staggering to table.] Give me a glass of spirits!

[Falls in chair---Change quickly.

The old Weir Bridge, or a Wood on the verge of the Lake---[1st grooves.]

Enter听Anne Chute,听谤.

Anne听Married! the wretch is married! and with that crime already on his conscience he was ready for another and similar piece of villainy. It's the Navy that does it. It's my belief those sailors have a wife in every place they stop at.

Myles听摆Sings outside,听谤.]

"Oh! Eily astoir, my love is all crost,

Like a bud in the frost."

Anne听Here's a gentleman who has got my complaint---his love is all crost, like a bud in the frost.

Enter听Myles,听谤.

Myles听"And there's no use at all in my goin' to bed,

For it's drames, and not sleep, that comes into my head,

And it's all about you," etc., etc.

Anne听My good friend, since you can't catch your love, d'ye think you could catch my horse?[Distant thunder.

Myles听Is it a black mare wid a white stockin on the fore off leg?

Anne听I dismounted to unhook a gate---a peal of thunder frightened her, and she broke away.

Myles听She's at Torc Cregan stables by this time---it was an admiration to watch her stride across the Phil Dolan's bit of plough.

Anne听And how am I to get home?

Myles听If I had four legs, I wouldn't ax betther than to carry ye, and a proud baste I'd be.[Thunder---rain.

Anne听The storm is coming down to the mountain---is there no shelter near?

Myles听There may be a corner in this ould chapel. [Rain.] Here comes the rain---murdher! ye'll be wet through.
[Music---pulls off coat.] Put this round yez.

Anne听What will you do? You'll catch your death of cold.

Myles听摆Taking out bottle.] Cowld is it? Here's a wardrobe of top coats. [Thunder.] Whoo! this is a fine time for the water---this way, ma'am.

[Exeunt听Myles听and听Anne,听濒.

Enter听Eily,听cloak and hood,听谤.

Eily听Here's the place where Danny was to meet me with the boat. Oh! here he is.

[26]

Enter听Danny,听濒.

How pale you are!

Danny听The thunder makes me sick.

Eily听Shall we not wait till the storm is over?

Danny听If it comes on bad we can put into the Divil's Island Cave.

Eily听I feel so happy that I am going to see him, yet there is a weight about my heart that I can't account for.

Danny听I can. [Aside.] Are you ready now?

Eily听Yes; come---come.

Danny听摆Staggering.] I'm wake yet. My throat is dry---if I'd a draught of whisky now.

Eily听Sheelah gave you a bottle.

Danny听I forgot---it's in the boat.[Rain.

Eily听Here comes the rain---we shall get wet.

Danny听There's the masther's boat cloak below.

Eily听Come, Danny, lean on me. I'm afraid you are not sober enough to sail the skiff.

Danny听Sober! The dhrunker I am, the better I can do the work I've got to do.

Eily听Come, Danny, come---come.

[Exeunt听Eily听and听Danny,听谤.---Music ceases.

Re-enter听Anne Chute听and听Myles,听濒.

Myles听It was only a shower, I b'lieve---are ye wet, ma'am?

Anne听Dry as a biscuit.

Myles听Ah! then it's yerself is the brave and beautiful lady---as bould an' proud as a ship before the blast.[Anne听looks off,听谤.

Anne听Why, there is my mare, and who comes with---[Crosses to听谤.

Myles听It's Mr. Hardress Cregan himself.

Anne听Hardress here?

Myles听Eily gave me a letter for him this morning.

Enter听Hardress,听谤.

Hard听Anne, what has happened? Your horse galloped wildly into the stable---we thought you had been thrown.

Myles听Here is a lether Eily tould me to give him. [To听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉.] I beg your pardon, sir, but here's the taste of a lether I was axed to give your honor.[Gives letter.

Hard听摆Aside.] From Eily!

Anne听Thanks, my good fellow, for your assistance.

Myles听Not at all, ma'am. Sure, there isn't a boy in the County Kerry that would not give two thumbs off his hands to do a service to the Colleen Ruaidh, as you are called among us---iss indeed, ma'am. [Going---aside.] Ah! then it's the purty girl she is, in them long clothes.[Exit听Myles,听谤.

Hard听摆Reads, aside.] "I am the cause of your ruin; I can't live with that thought killin' me. If I do not see you before night you will never again be throubled with your poor Eily." Little simpleton! she is capable of doing herself an injury.

Anne听Hardress! I have been very blind and very foolish, but today I have learned to know my own heart. There's my hand; I wish to seal my fate at once. I know the delicacy which prompted[27闭听you to release me from my engagement to you. I don't accept that release; I am yours.

Hard听Anne, you don't know all.

Anne听I know more than I wanted, that's enough. I forbid you ever to speak on this subject.

Hard听You don't know my past life.

Anne听And I don't want to know. I've had enough of looking into past lives; don't tell me anything you wish to forget.

Hard听Oh, Anne---my dear cousin; if I could forget---if silence could be oblivion.[Exeunt听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听and听Anne,听濒.

Exterior of Myles' Hut.听摆1st grooves.]

Enter听Myles,听谤.,听singing "Brian O'Linn."

"Brian O'Linn had no breeches to wear,

So he bought him a sheepskin to make him a pair;

The skinny side out, the woolly side in,

'They are cool and convanient,' said Brian O'Linn."

[Locks door of cabin.] Now I'll go down to my whisky-still. It is under my feet this minute, bein' in a hole in the rocks they call O'Donoghue's stables, a sort of water cave; the people around here think that the cave is haunted with bad spirits, and they say that of a dark stormy night strange unearthly noises is heard comin' out of it---it is me singing, "The night before Larry was stretched." Now I'll go down to that cave, and wid a sod of live turf under a kettle of worty, I'll invoke them sperrits---and what's more, they'll come.

[Exit听惭测濒别蝉,听singing,听谤.听Music till听Myles听begins to speak next scene.

A Cave; through large opening at back is seen the Lake and the Moon; rocks听谤.听and听濒.---flat rock,听谤. c.;听gauge waters all over stage; rope hanging from听c.,听hitched on wing,听谤. u. e.

Enter听惭测濒别蝉,听singing, top of rock,听谤. u. e.

Myles听And this is a purty night for my work! The smoke of my whisky-still will not be seen; there's my distillery beyant in a snug hole up there, [Unfastens rope,听濒.] and here's my bridge to cross over to it. I think it would puzzle a gauger to folly me; this is a patent of my own---a tight-rope bridge. [Swings across from听谤.听to听l.] Now I tie up my drawbridge at this side till I want to go back---what's that---it was an otter I woke from a nap he was takin' on that bit of rock there---ow! ye divil! if I had my gun I'd give ye a leaden supper. I'll go up and load it, may be I'll get a shot; them stones is the place where they lie out of a night, and many a one I've shot of them.

[Music.---Disappears up rock,听濒. u. e.

Eily听What place is this you have brought me to?

Danny听Never fear---I know where I'm goin'---step out on that rock---mind yer footin'; 'tis wet there.

Eily听I don't like this place---it's like a tomb.

Danny听Step out, I say; the boat is laking.

[Eily听steps on to rock,听谤. c.

Eily听Why do you spake to me so rough and cruel?

[28]

Danny听Eily, I have a word to say t'ye; listen now, and don't trimble that way.

Eily听I won't, Danny---I won't.

Danny听Wonst, Eily, I was a fine brave boy, the pride of my ould mother, her white haired-darlin'---you wouldn't think it to look at me now. D'ye know how I got changed to this?

Eily听Yes, Hardress told me.

Danny听He done it---but I loved him before it, an' I loved him after it---not a dhrop of blood I have, but I'd pour out like wather for the masther.

Eily听I know what you mean---as he has deformed your body---ruined your life---made ye what ye are.

Danny听Have you, a woman, less love for him than I, that you wouldn't give him what he wants of you, even if he broke your heart as he broke my back, both in a moment of passion? Did I ax him to ruin himself and his ould family, and all to mend my bones? No! I loved him, and I forgave him that.

Eily听Danny, what do you want me to do?

[顿补苍苍测听steps out on to rock.

Danny听Give me that paper in your breast?

[Boat floats off slowly,听谤.

Eily听I can't---I've sworn never to part with it! You know I have!

Danny听Eily, that paper stands between Hardress Cregan and his fortune; that paper is the ruin of him. Give it, I tell yez.

Eily听Take me to the priest; let him lift the oath off me. Oh, Danny, I swore a blessed oath on my two knees, and would ye ax me to break that?

Danny听摆Seizes her hands.] Give it up, and don't make me hurt ye.

Eily听I swore by my mother's grave, Danny. Oh! Danny dear, don't. Don't, acushla, and I'll do anything. See now, what good would it be? sure, while I live I'm his wife.[Music changes.

Danny听Then you've lived too long. Take your marriage lines wid ye to the bottom of the lake.

[He throws her from rock backwards into the water,听濒. c.,听with a cry; she reappears, clinging to rock.

Eily听No! save me! Don't kill me! Don't, Danny, I'll do anything---only let me live.

Danny听He wants ye dead.[Pushes her off.

Eily听Oh, heaven! help me! Danny---Dan---[Sinks.

Danny听摆Looking down.] I've done it---she's gone.

[Shot is fired,听濒. u. e.;听he falls---rolls from the rock into the water,听谤. c.

Myles听appears with gun, on rock,听濒. u. e.

Myles听I hit one of them bastes that time. I could see well, though it was so dark. But there was somethin' moving on that stone. [Swings across to听谤. u. e.] Divil a sign of him. Stop! [Looks down.] What's this? It's a woman---there's something white there. [Figure rises near rock,听谤. u. e.;听kneels down; tries to take the hand of figure.] Ah! that dress!---it's Eily. My own darlin' Eily.

[Pulls off waistcoat---jumps off rock.听Eily听rises,听谤.;听then听Myles听and听Eily听rise up,听c.;听he turns, and seizes rock,听谤. c.;听Eily听across left arm.

[29]

Interior of an Irish hut; door and small opening,听谤. c.听Door听l. c.听in flat.

Truckle bed and bedding,听谤. c.,听on which听Danny Mann听is discovered; table with jug of water; lighted candle stuck in bottle,听濒.;听two stools---Sheelah听at table,听濒.听Music.

Danny听摆In his sleep.] Gi' me the paper, thin---screeching won't save ye---down---down! [Wakes.] Oh, mother! darlin' mother!

Sheelah听摆Waking.] Eh! did ye call me, Danny?

Danny听Gi' me a dhrop of wather---it's the thirst that's a killin' me.

Sheelah听摆Takes jug.] The fever's on ye mighty bad.

Danny听摆Drinks, falls back, groans.] Oh, the fire in me won't go out! How long have I been here?

Sheelah听Ten days this night.

Danny听Ten days dis night! Have I been all that time out of my mind?

Sheelah听Iss, Danny. Ten days ago, that stormy night, ye crawled in at that dure, wake an' like a ghost.

Danny听I remind me now.

Sheelah听Ye tould me that ye'd been poachin' salmon, and had been shot by the keepers.

Danny听Who said I hadn't?

Sheelah听Divil a one! Why did ye make me promise not to say a word about it? Didn't ye refuse even to see a doctor itself?

Danny听Has any one axed after me?

Sheelah听No one but Mr. Hardress.

Danny听Heaven bless him!

Sheelah听I told him I hadn't seen ye, and here ye are this day groanin' when there's great doin's up at Castle Chute. To-morrow the masther will be married to Miss Anne.

Danny听Married! but---the---his---

Sheelah听Poor Eily, ye mane?

Danny听Hide the candle from my eyes---it's painin' me; shade it off. Go on, mother.

Sheelah听The poor Colleen! Oh, no, Danny, I knew she'd die of the love that was chokin' her. He didn't know how tindher she was when he gave her the hard word. What was that message the masther sent to her, that he wouldn't let me hear? It was cruel, Danny, for it broke her heart entirely; she went away that night, and, two days after, a cloak was found floatin' in the reeds, under Brikeen Bridge; nobody knew it but me. I turned away, and never said---. The creature is drowned, Danny, and woe to them as dhruv her to it. She has no father, no mother to put a curse on him, but the Father above that niver spakes till the last day, and then---[She turns and sees听顿补苍苍测听gasping, his eyes fixed on her, supporting himself on his arm.] Danny! Danny! he's dyin'---he's dyin'!

[Runs to him,听谤.听of bed.

Danny听Who said that? Ye lie! I never killed her---sure he sent me the glove---where is it?

Sheelah听He's ravin' again.

[30]

Danny听The glove---he sent it to me full of blood. Oh, master, dear, there's your token. I told ye I would clear the path foreninst ye.

Sheelah听Danny, what d'ye mane?

Danny听I'll tell ye how I did it, masther; 'twas dis way---but don't smile like dat---don't, sir! She wouldn't give me de marriage lines, so I sunk her and her proofs wid her. She's gone! she came up wonst, but I put her down agin. Never fear---she'll never throuble yer again---never---never!

[Lies down; mutters.听Sheelah听on her knees, in horror and prayer.

Sheelah听'Twas he! he!---my own son---he's murdered her, and he's dyin' now---dyin', wid blood on his hands! Danny! Danny! spake to me!

Danny听A docther! will they let me die like a baste, and never a docther?

Sheelah听I'll run for one that'll cure ye. Oh, weerasthrue, Danny! Is it for this I've loved ye? No, forgive, acushla, it isn't your own mother that 'ud add to yer heart-breakin' and pain. I'll fetch the docther, avick. [Music---puts on cloak, and pulls hood over her head.] Oh, hone! oh hone!

[Exit听Sheelah,听濒.听door in flat---a pause---knock---pause---knock.

Enter听颁辞谤谤颈驳补苍,听door in flat,听濒. c.

Corrig听Sheelah! Sheelah! Nobody here? I'm bothered entirely. The cottage on Muckross Head is empty---not a sowl in it but a cat. Myles has disappeared, and Danny gone---vanished, bedad, like a fog---Sheelah is the only one remaining. I called to see Miss Chute; I was kicked out. I sent her a letter; it was returned to me, unopened. Her lawyer has paid off the mortgage, and taxed my bill of costs---the spalpeen! [顿补苍苍测听groans.] What's that? Some one is asleep there. 'Tis Danny!

Danny听A docther!---gi' me a docther!

Corrig听Danny here---concealed, too! Oh, there's something going on that's worth peepin' into. Whist! there's footsteps comin'. If I could hide a bit. I'm a magistrate, an' I ought to know what's goin' on---here's a turf-hole, wid a windy in it.

[Exit听颁辞谤谤颈驳补苍,听opening in flat,听谤. c.

Enter听Sheelah听and听Father Tom,听濒. c.听door.

Sheelah听摆Goes to听Danny.] Danny!

Danny听Is that you, mother?

Sheelah听I've brought the docther, asthore.[顿补苍苍测听looks up.

Danny听The priest!

Sheelah听摆On her knees,听谤.听of bed.] Oh, my darlin'! don't be angry wid me, but dis is the docther you want; it isn't in your body where the hurt is; the wound is in your poor sowl---there's all the harrum.

Father T听Danny, my son---[Sits听l.听of bed.]---it's sore-hearted I am to see you down this way.

Sheelah听And so good a son he was to his ould mother.

Danny听Don't say that---don't![Covering his face.

Sheelah听I will say it---my blessin' on ye---see that, now, he's cryin'.

Father T听Danny, the hand of death is on ye. Will ye lave your sins behind ye here below, or will ye take them with ye above, to show them on ye? Is there anything ye can do that'll mend a wrong? leave that legacy to your friend, and he'll do it. Do ye[31闭听want pardon of any one down here? tell me, avick; I'll get it for ye and send it after you---may be ye'll want it.

Danny听摆Rising up an arm.] I killed Eily O'Connor.

Sheelah听摆Covers her face with her hands.] Oh! oh!

Father T听What harrum had ye agin the poor Colleen Bawn?

[Corrigan听takes notes.

Danny听She stud in听his听way, and he had my heart and sowl in his keeping.

Father T听Hardress?

Danny听Hisself! I said I'd do it for him, if he'd give me the token.

Father T听Did Hardress employ you to kill the girl?

Danny听He sent me the glove; that was to be the token that I was to put her away, and I did---I---in the Pool a Dhiol. She would not gi' me the marriage lines; I threw her in and then I was kilt.

Father T听Killed! by whose hand?

Danny听I don't know, unless it was the hand of heaven.

Father T听摆Rising, goes down---aside.] Myles na Coppaleen is at the bottom of this; his whisky-still is in that cave, and he has not been seen for ten days past. [Aloud---goes to听Danny.] Danny, after ye fell, how did ye get home?

Danny听I fell in the wather; the current carried me to a rock; how long I was there half drowned I don't know, but on wakin' I found my boat floatin' close by, an' it was still dark; I got in and crawled here.

Father T听摆Aside.] I'll go and see Myles---there's more in this than has come out.

Sheelah听Won't yer riverince say a word of comfort to the poor boy? He's in great pain entirely.

Father T听Keep him quiet, Sheelah. [Music.] I'll be back again with the comfort for him. Danny, your time is short; make the most of it. [Aside.] I'm off to Myles na Coppaleen. Oh, Hardress Cregan---[Going up.]---ye little think what a bridal day ye'll have!

[Exit door in flat,听濒. c.

Corrig听摆Who has been writing in note-book, comes out at back.] I've got down every word of the confession. Now, Hardress Cregan, there will be guests at your weddin' to-night ye little dhrame of.

[Exit听l.听door in flat,听濒. c.

Danny听摆Rising up.] Mother, mother! the pain is on me. Wather---quick---wather!

[Sheelah听runs to听l.听table; takes jug; gives it to听Danny;听he drinks;听Sheelah听takes jug;听顿补苍苍测听struggles---falls back on bed; close on picture.

Chamber in Castle Chute.听摆1st Grooves.]

Enter听Kyrle Daly听and听Servant,听谤.

Kyrle听Inform Mrs. Cregan that I am waiting upon her.

Enter听Mrs. Cregan,听濒.

Mrs. C听I am glad to see you, Kyrle.[Exit听Servant,听濒.

Kyrle听摆r. c.] You sent for me, Mrs. Cregan. My ship sails from Liverpool to-morrow. I never thought I could be so anxious to quit my native land.

Mrs. C听I want you to see Hardress. For ten days past he shuns the[32闭听society of his bride. By night he creeps out alone in his boat on the lake---by day he wanders round the neighborhood, pale as death. He is heart-broken.

Kyrle听Has ye asked to see me?

Mrs. C听Yesterday he asked where you were.

Kyrle听Did he forget that I left your house when Miss Chute, without a word of explanation, behaved so unkindly to me?

Mrs. C听She is not the same girl since she accepted Hardress. She quarrels---weeps---complains, and has lost her spirits.

Kyrle听She feels the neglect of Hardress.

Anne听摆Without,听谤.] Don't answer me! Obey, and hold your tongue!

Mrs. C听Do you hear? she is rating one of the servants.

Anne听摆Without.] No words---I'll have no sulky looks, neither.

Enter听Anne,听谤.,听dressed as a bride, with a vail and wreath in her hand.

Anne听Is that the vail and wreath I ordered? How dare you tell me that?[Throws it off,听谤.

Mrs. C听Anne![Anne听sees听Kyrle---stands confused.

Kyrle听You are surprised to see me in your house, Miss Chute?

Anne听You are welcome, sir.

Kyrle听摆Aside.] She looks pale! She's not happy---that's gratifying.

Anne听摆Aside.] He doesn't look well---that's some comfort.

Mrs. C听I'll try to find Hardress.[Exit听Mrs. Cregan,听濒.

Kyrle听I hope you don't think I intrude---that is---I came to see Mrs. Cregan.

Anne听摆Sharply.] I don't flatter myself you wished to see me; why should you?

Kyrle听Anne, I am sorry I offended you; I don't know what I did, but no matter.

Anne听Not the slightest.

Kyrle听I released your neighborhood of my presence.

Anne听Yes, and you released the neighborhood of the presence of somebody else---she and you disappeared together.

Kyrle听She!

Anne听Never mind.

Kyrle听But I do mind. I love Hardress Cregan as a brother, and I hope the time may come, Anne, when I can love you as a sister.

Anne听Do you? I don't.

Kyrle听I don't want the dislike of my friend's wife to part my friend and me.

Anne听Why should it? I'm nobody.

Kyrle听If you were my wife, and asked me to hate any one, I'd do it---I couldn't help it.

Anne听I believed words like that once when you spoke them, but I have been taught how basely you can deceive.

Kyrle听Who taught you?

Anne听Who?---your wife.

Kyrle听My what?

Anne听Your wife---the girl you concealed in the cottage on Muckross Head. Stop, now---don't speak---save a falsehood, however many ye may have to spare. I saw the girl---she confessed.

Kyrle听Confessed that she was my wife?

Anne听Made a clean breast of it in a minute, which is more than you could do with a sixteen-foot wagon and a team of ten, in a week.

[33]

Kyrle听Anne, hear me; this is a frightful error---the girl will not repeat it.

Anne听Bring her before me and let her speak.

Kyrle听How do I know where she is?

Anne听Well, bring your boatman then, who told me the same.

Kyrle听I tell you it is false; I never saw---never knew the girl.

Anne听You did not? [Shows听Eily's听letter.] Do you know that? You dropped it, and I found it.

Kyrle听摆Takes letter.] This![Reads.

Enter听Hardress,听濒.

Anne听Hardress![Turns aside.

Kyrle听Oh! [Suddenly struck with the truth; glances towards听Anne;听finding her looking away, places letter to听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉.] Do you know that?---you dropped it.

Hard听摆Conceals letter.] Eh? Oh!

Kyrle听'Twas he. [Looks from one to the other.] She thinks me guilty; but if I stir to exculpate myself, he is in for it.

Hard听You look distressed, Kyrle. Anne, what is the matter?

Kyrle听Nothing, Hardress. I was about to ask Miss Chute to forget a subject which was painful to her, and to beg of her never to mention it again---not even to you, Hardress.

Hard听I am sure she will deny you nothing.

Anne听I will forget, sir. [Aside.] But I will never forgive him---never.

Kyrle听摆Aside.] She loves me still, and he loves another, and I am the most miserable dog that ever was kicked. [Crosses to听l.] Hardress, a word with you.[Exeunt听碍测谤濒别听and听Hardress,听濒.

Anne听And this is my wedding day. There goes the only man I ever loved. When he's here near by me, I could give him the worst treatment a man could desire, and when he goes away he takes the heart and all of me off with him, and I feel like an unfurnished house. This is pretty feelings for a girl to have, and she in her regimentals. Oh! if he wasn't married---but he is, and he'd have married me as well---the malignant! Oh! if he had, how I'd have made him swing for it---it would have afforded me the happiest moment of my life.[Exit听Anne,听濒.听Music.

Exterior of Myles's Hut, door听谤.听in flat. [2nd grooves.]

Enter听Father Tom,听濒.

Father T听Here's Myle's shanty. I'm nearly killed with climbin' the hill. I wonder is he at home? Yes, the door is locked inside. [Knocks.] Myles---Myles, are ye at home?

Myles听摆Outside,听谤.听2听e.] No---I'm out.

Enter听Myles,听谤.听2听e.

Arrah! is it yourself, Father Tom, that's in it?

Father T听Let us go inside, Myles---I've a word to say t'ye.

Myles听I---I've lost the key.

Father T听Sure it's stickin' inside.

Myles听I always lock the dure inside and lave it there when I go out, for fear on losin' it.

Father T听Myles, come here to me. It's lyin' ye are. Look me in[34闭听the face. What's come to ye these tin days past---three times I've been to your door and it was locked, but I heard ye stirrin' inside.

Myles听It was the pig, yer riverince.

Father T听Myles, why did yer shoot Danny Mann?

Myles听Oh, murther, who tould you that?

Father T听Himself.

Myles听Oh, Father Tom! have ye' seen him?

Father T听I've just left him.

Myles听Is it down there ye've been?

Father T听Down where?

Myles听Below, where he's gone to---where would he be, afther murthering a poor crature?

Father T听How d'ye know that?

Myles听How! how did I!---whist, Father Tom, it was his ghost.

Father T听He is not dead, but dyin' fast, from the wound ye gave him.

Myles听I never knew 'twas himself 'till I was tould.

Father T听Who tould you?

Myles听Is it who?

Father T听Who? who?---not Danny, for he doesn't know who killed him.

Myles听Wait, an' I'll tell you. It was nigh twelve that night, I was comin' home---I know the time, betoken Murty Dwyer made me step in his shebeen, bein' the wake of the ould Callaghan, his wife's uncle---and a dacent man he was. "Murty," sez听I---

Father T听Myles, you're desavin' me.

Myles听Is it afther desavin' yer riverence I'd be?

Father T听I see the lie in yer mouth. Who tould ye it was Danny Mann ye killed?

Myles听You said so a while ago.

Father T听Who tould ye it was Danny Mann?

Myles听I'm comin' to it. While I was at Murty's, yer riverince, as I was a-tellin' you---Dan Dayley was there---he had just kim'd in. "Good morrow,---good day"---ses he. "Good morrow, good Dan, ses I,"---jest that ways entirely---"it's an opening to the heart to see you." Well, yer riverence, as I ware sayin',---"long life an' good wife to ye, Masther Dan," ses I. "Thank ye, ses he, and the likes to ye, anyway." The moment I speck them words, Dan got heart, an' up an' tould Murty about his love for Murty's darter---the Colleen Rue. The moment he heard that, he puts elbows in himself, an' stood lookin' at him out on the flure. "You flog Europe, for boldness," ses he---"get out of my sight," ses he,---"this moment," ses he,---"or I'll give yer a kick that will rise you from poverty to the highest pitch of affluence," ses he---"away out 'o that, you notorious delinquent; single your freedom, and double your distance," ses he. Well, Dan was forced to cut an' run. Poor boy! I was sorry for his trouble; there isn't a better son nor brother this moment goin' the road than what he is---said---said---there was'nt better, an', an'---oh! Father Tom, don't ax me; I've got an oath on my lips. [Music.] Don't be hard on a poor boy.

Father T听I lift the oath from ye. Tell me, avick, oh! tell me. Did ye search for the poor thing---the darlin' soft-eyed Colleen? Oh, Myles! could ye lave her to lie in the cowld lake all alone?

[35]

Enter听Eily听from door听谤.听flat.

Myles听No, I couldn't.

Father T听摆Turns---sees听Eily.] Eily! Is it yourself, and alive---an' not---not---Oh! Eily, mavourneen. Come to my heart.

[Embraces听Eily.

Myles听摆Crosses to听l.] D'ye think ye'd see me alive if she wasn't? I thought ye knew me better---it's at the bottom of the Pool a Dhiol I'd be this minute if she wasn't to the fore.

Father T听摆c.] Speak to me---let me hear your voice.

Eily听Oh, father, father! won't ye take me far, far away from this place?

Father T听Why did ye hide yourself this way?

Eily听For fear听he'd听see me.

Father T听Hardress? You knew then that he instigated Danny to get rid of ye?

Eily听Why didn't I die---why am I alive now for him to hate me?

Father T听D'ye know that in a few hours he is going to marry another?

Eily听I know it. Myles tould me---that's why I'm hiding myself.

Father T听What does she mean?

Myles听摆l.] She loves him still---that's what she manes.

Father T听Love the wretch who sought your life!

Eily听Isn't it his own? It isn't his fault if his love couldn't last as long as mine. I was a poor, mane creature---not up to him any way; but if he'd only said, "Eily, put the grave between us and make me happy," sure I'd lain down, wid a big heart, in the loch.

Father T听And you are willing to pass a life of seclusion that he may live in his guilty joy?

Eily听If I was alive wouldn't I be a shame to him an' a ruin---ain't I in his way? Heaven help me---why would I trouble him? Oh! he was in great pain o' mind entirely when he let them put a hand on me---the poor darlin'.

Father T听And you mean to let him believe you dead?

Eily听Dead an' gone: then, perhaps, his love for me will come back, and the thought of his poor, foolish little Eily that worshiped the ground he stood on, will fill his heart a while.

Father T听And where will you go?

Eily听I don't know. Anywhere. What matters?

Myles听摆Against wing,听濒.] Love makes all places alike.

Eily听I am alone in the world now.

Father T听The villain---the monster! He sent her to heaven because he wanted her there to blot out with her tears the record of his iniquity. Eily, ye have but one home, and that's my poor house. You are not alone in the world---there's one beside ye, your father, and that's myself.

Myles听Two---bad luck to me, two. I am her mother; sure I brought her into the world a second time.

Father T听摆Looking,听谤.] Whisht! look down there, Myles---what's that on the road?

Myles听摆Crosses听谤.] It's the sogers---a company of red-coats. What brings the army out?---who's that wid them?---it is ould Corrigan, and they are going towards Castle Chute. There's mischief in the wind.

Father T听In with you, an' keep close a while; I'll go down to the castle and see what's the matter.[Crosses听R.[36]

Eily听Promise me that you'll not betray me---that none but your self and Myles shall ever know I'm livin; promise me that before you go.

Father T听I do, Eily; I'll never breathe a word of it---it is as sacred as an oath.[Exit听濒.---music.

Eily听摆Going to cottage.] Shut me in, Myles, and take the key wid ye, this time.[Exit in cottage,听谤. c.

Myles听摆Locks door.] There ye are like a pearl in an oyster; now I'll go to my bed as usual on the mountain above---the bolster is stuffed wid rocks, and I'll have a cloud round me for a blanket.

[Exit听Myles,听谤.听2听e.

Outside of Castle Chute.听摆1st grooves.]

Enter听Corrigan听and six听Soldiers,听谤.听1听e.

Corrig听Quietly, boys; sthrew yourselves round the wood---some of ye at the gate beyant---two more this way---watch the windies; if he's there to escape at all, he'll jump from a windy. The house is surrounded.

Quadrille music under stage.---Air, "The Boulanger."

Oh, oh! they're dancin'---dancin' and merry-making, while the net is closin' around 'em. Now Masther Hardress Cregan---I was kicked out, was I; but I'll come this time wid a call that ye'll answer wid your head instead of your foot. My letters were returned unopened; but here's a bit of writin' that ye'll not be able to hand back so easy.

Enter听Corporal,听谤.

Corp听All right, sir.

Corrig听Did you find the woman, as I told ye?

Corp听Here she is, sir.

Enter听Sheelah,听guarded by two听Soldiers,听谤.

Sheelah听摆Crying.] What's this? Why am I thrated this way---what have I done?

Corrig听You are wanted a while---it's your testimony we require. Bring her this way. Follow me![Exit,听濒.

Sheelah听摆Struggling.] Let me go back to my boy. Ah! good luck t'ye, don't kape me from my poor boy! [Struggling.] Oh! you dirty blackguards, let me go---let me go!

[Exit听Sheelah听and听Soldiers,听濒.

Ball Room in Castle Chute. Steps,听c.;听platform---balustrade on top, backed by moonlight landscape---doors听谤.听and听l.;听table听l. c.;听writing materials, books, papers, etc., on it; chairs; chair听l.听2听e.,听chairs听谤.;听chandeliers lighted.听Ladies听and听Gentlemen,听Wedding Guests听discovered,听Hyland Creagh,听Bertie O'Moore,听Ducie,听Kathleen Creagh,听Ada Creagh,听Patsie O'Moore,听Bridesmaids听and听Servants听discovered.---Music going on under stage.

Hyland听Ducie, they are dancing the Boulanger, and they can't see the figure unless you lend them the light of your eyes.

Kathleen听We have danced enough; it is nearly seven o'clock.

[37]

Ducie听Mr. O'Moore; when is the ceremony to commence?

O'Moore听The execution is fixed for seven---here's the scaffold, I presume.[Points to table.

Hyland听Hardress looks like a criminal. I've seen him fight three duels, and he never showed such a pale face as he exhibits to-night.

Ducie听He looks as if he was frightened at being so happy.

Hyland听And Kyrle Daly wears as gay an appearance.

Enter听Kyrle Daly听down steps,听c.

Ducie听贬耻蝉丑! here he is.

Kyrle听That need not stop your speech, Hyland. I don't hide my love for Anne Chute, and it is my pride, and no fault of mine if she has found a better man.

Hyland听He is not a better man.

Kyrle听He is---she thinks so---what she says becomes the truth.

Enter听Mrs. Cregan,听濒.听2听e.

Mrs. C听Who says the days of chivalry are over? Come, gentlemen, the bridesmaids must attend the bride. The guests will assemble in the hall.

Enter听Servant,听谤.听2听e.,听with letter and card on salver.

Serv听Mr. Bertie O'Moore, if you plase. A gentlemen below asked me to hand you this card.

O'Moore听A gentleman! what can he want? [Reads card.] Ah! indeed; this is a serious matter, and excuses the intrusion.

Hyland听What's the matter?

O'Moore听A murder has been committed.

All听A murder?

O'Moore听The perpetrator of the deed has been discovered, and the warrant for his arrest requires my signature.

Hyland听Hang the rascal.[Goes up with听Ducie.

O'Moore听A magistrate, like a doctor, is called on at all hours.

Mrs. C听We can excuse you for such a duty, Mr. O'Moore.

O'Moore听摆Crossing,听谤.] This is the result of some brawl at a fair, I suppose. Is Mr. Corrigan below?

Mrs. C听摆Starting.] Corrigan?

O'Moore听Show me to him.

[Exit听O'Moore听and听Servant,听谤.听2听e.---Guests听go up and off,听濒. u. e.

Mrs. C听Corrigan here! What brings that man to this house?

[Exit听Mrs. Cregan,听谤.听3听e.

Enter听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉,听down steps,听肠.听from听谤.,听pale.

Hardress听摆Sits,听濒.] It is in vain---I can not repress the terror with which I approach these nuptials---yet, what have I to fear? Oh! my heart is bursting with its load of misery.

Enter听Anne,听down steps,听肠.听from听谤.

Anne听Hardress! what is the matter with you?

Hard听摆Rising,听濒. c.] I will tell you---yes, it may take this horrible oppression from my heart. At one time I thought you knew my secret: I was mistaken. The girl you saw at Muckross听Head---

Anne听摆r. c.] Eily O'Connor?

Hard听Was my wife!

Anne听Your wife?

Hard听贬耻蝉丑! Maddened with the miseries this act brought upon me, I treated her with cruelty---she committed suicide.

[38]

Anne听Merciful powers!

Hard听She wrote to me bidding me farewell forever, and the next day her cloak was found floating in the lake. [Anne听sinks in chair.] Since then I have neither slept nor waked---I have but one thought, one feeling; my love for her, wild and maddened, has come back upon my heart like a vengeance.

[Music---tumult heard,听谤.

Anne听Heaven defend our hearts, what is that?

[Enter听Mrs. Cregan,听deadly pale.听谤.听3听e.---Locks door behind her.

Mrs. C听Hardress! my child!

Hard听Mother!

Anne听Mother, he is here. Look on him---speak to him---do not gasp and stare on your son in that horrid way. Oh, mother! speak, or you will break my heart.

Mrs. C听Fly---fly! 摆贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉听going,听谤.] Not that way. No---the doors are defended! there is a soldier placed at every entrance! You---are trapped and caught---what shall we do?---the window in my chamber---come---come---quick---quick!

Anne听Of what is he accused!

Hard听Of murder. I see it in her face.[Noise,听谤.

Mrs. C听贬耻蝉丑! they come---begone! Your boat is below that window. Don't speak! when oceans are between you and danger---write! Till then not a word.[Forcing him off,听谤.听3听e.---noise,听谤.

Anne听Accused of murder! He is innocent!

Mrs. C听Go to your room! Go quickly to your room, you will betray him---you can't command your features.

Anne听Dear mother, I will.

Mrs. C听Away, I say---you will drive me frantic, girl. My brain is stretched to cracking! Ha![Noise,听谤.

Anne听There is a tumult in the drawing-room.

Mrs. C听They come! You tremble! Go---take away your puny love; hide it where it will not injure him---leave me to face this danger!

Anne听He is not guilty.

Mrs. C听What's that to me, woman? I am his mother---the hunters are after my blood! Sit there---look away from this door. They come!

[Knocking loudly---crash---door听谤.听3听e.听opened---enter听Corporal听and听Soldiers,听who cross stage, facing up to charge---Gentlemen听with drawn swords on steps,听c.;听Ladies听on at back---O'Moore,听谤.听3听e.---enter听Corrigan,听谤.听3听e.---Kyrle听on steps,听c.

Corrig听Gentlemen, put up your swords; the house is surrounded by a military force, and we are here in the king's name.

Anne听摆r.] Gentlemen, come on, there was a time in Ireland when neither king nor faction could call on Castle Chute without a bloody welcome.

Guests听Clear them out!

Kyrle听摆Interposing.] Anne, are you mad? Put up your swords---stand back there---speak---O'Moore, what does this strange outrage mean?

[Soldiers听fall back---Gentlemen听on steps;听碍测谤濒别听comes forward.

[39]O'Moore听Mrs. Cregan, a fearful charge is made against your son; I know---I believe he is innocent; I suggest, then, that the matter be investigated here at once, amongst his friends, so that this scandal may be crushed in its birth.

Kyrle听Where is Hardress?

Corrig听Where?---why, he's escaping while we are jabbering here. Search the house.[Exit two听Soldiers,听谤.听3听e.

Mrs. C听摆l.] Must we submit to this, sir? Will you, a magistrate,听permit---

O'Moore听I regret Mrs. Cregan, but as a听form---

Mrs. C听Go on, sir!

Corrig听摆At door,听濒.听3听e.] What room is this? 'tis听locked---

Mrs. C听That is my sleeping chamber.

Corrig听My duty compels听me---

Mrs. C听摆Throws key down on ground.] Be it so, sir.

Corrig听摆Picks up key---unlocks door.] She had the key---he's there.

[Exit听Corporal听and two听Soldiers.

Mrs. C听He has escaped by this time.

O'Moore听摆At听l.听table.] I hope Miss Chute will pardon me for my share in this transaction---believe me, I听regret---

Anne听Don't talk to me of your regret, while you are doing your worst. It is hate, not justice, that brings this accusation against Hardress, and this disgrace upon me.

Kyrle听Anne!

Anne听Hold听your听tongue---his life's in danger, and if I can't love him, I'll fight for him, and that's more than any of you men can do. [To听O'Moore.] Go on with your dirty work. You have done the worst now---you have dismayed our guests, scattered terror amid our festival, and made the remembrance of this night, which should have been a happy one, a thought of gloom and shame.

Mrs. C听Hark! I hear---I hear his voice. It can not be.

Re-enter听Corrigan,听濒.听3听e.

Corrig听The prisoner is here!

Mrs. C听摆c.] Ah, [Utters a cry.] is he? Dark bloodhound, have you found him? May the tongue that tells me so be withered from the roots, and the eye that first detected him be darkened in its socket!

Kyrle听Oh, madam! for heaven's sake!

Anne听Mother! mother!

Mrs. C听What! shall it be for nothing he has stung the mother's heart, and set her brain on fire?

Enter听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉,听handcuffed, and two听Soldiers,听濒.听3听e.

I tell you that my tongue may hold its peace, but there is not a vein in all my frame but curses him. [Turns---sees听Hardress;听falls on his breast.] My boy! my boy!

Hard听摆l.] Mother, I entreat you to be calm. [Crosses to听c.] Kyrle, there are my hands, do you think there is blood upon them?

[Kyrle听seizes his hand---Gentlemen听press round him, take his hand, and retire up.

Hard听I thank you, gentlemen; your hands acquit me. Mother, be calm---sit there.[Points to chair,听濒.

Anne听Come here, Hardress; your place is here by me.

Hard听摆r. c.] Now, sir, I am ready.

[40]

Corrig听摆l.听of table.] I will lay before you, sir, the deposition upon which the warrant issues against the prisoner. Here is the confession of Daniel or Danny Mann, a person in the service of the accused, taken on his death-bed---in articulo mortis, you'll observe.

O'Moore听But not witnessed.

Corrig听摆Calling.] Bring in that woman.

Enter听Sheelah听and two听Soldiers,听谤.听3听e.

I have witnesses. Your worship will find the form of the law in perfect shape.

O'Moore听Read the confession, sir.

Corrig听摆Reads.] "The deponent being on his death-bed, in the presence of Sheelah Mann and Thomas O'Brien, parish priest of Kinmare, deposed and said"---

Enter听Father Tom,听谤.听3听e.

Oh, you are come in time, sir.

Father T听I hope I am.

Corrig听We may have to call your evidence.

Father T听摆c.] I have brought it with me.

Corrig听"Deposed and said, that he, deponent, killed Eily O'Connor; that said Eily was the wife of Hardress Cregan, and stood in the way of his marriage with Miss Anne Chute; deponent offered to put away the girl, and his master employed him to do so."

O'Moore听Sheelah, did Danny confess this crime?

Sheelah听摆l. c.] Divil a word---it's a lie from end to end; that ould thief was niver in my cabin---he invented the whole of it---sure you're the divil's own parverter of the truth.

Corrig听Am I? Oh, oh! Father Tom will scarcely say as much? [To him.] Did Danny Mann confess this in your presence?

Father T听I decline to answer that question!

Corrig听Aha! you must---the law will compel you!

Father T听I'd like to see the law that can unseal the lips of the priest, and make him reveal the secrets of heaven.

Anne听So much for your two witnesses. Ladies, stand close. Gentlemen, give us room here.

[Bridesmaids听down,听谤.听Exit听Father Tom,听谤.听3听e.

Corrig听We have abundant proof, your worship---enough to hang a whole country. Danny isn't dead yet. Deponent agreed with Cregan that if the deed was to be done, that he, Cregan, should give his glove as a token.

Mrs. C听Ah!

Hard听Hold! I confess that what he has read is true. Danny did make the offer, and I repelled his horrible proposition.

Corrig听Aha! but you gave him the glove.

Hard听Never, by my immortal soul---never!

Mrs. C听摆Advancing.] But听I---I听did! [Movement of surprise.闭听I听your wretched mother---I gave it to him---I am guilty! thank heaven for that! remove those bonds from his hands and put them here on mine.

Hard听'Tis false, mother, you did not know his purpose---you could not know it.[Corporal听takes off handcuffs.

Mrs. C听I will not say anything that takes the welcome guilt from off me.

[41]

Enter听Myles听from steps,听肠.听from听谤.

Myles听Won't ye, ma'am? Well, if ye won't, I will.

All听Myles!

Myles听Save all here. If you plaze, I'd like to say a word; there's been a murder done, and I done it.

All听You!

Myles听Myself. Danny was killed by my hand. [To听Corrig.] Were yez any way nigh that time?

Corrig听摆Quickly.] No.

Myles听摆Quickly.] That's lucky; then take down what I'm sayin'. I shot the poor boy---but widout manin' to hurt him. It's lucky I killed him that time, for it's lifted a mighty sin off the sowl of the crature.

O'Moore听What does he mean?

Myles听I mane, that if you found one witness to Eily O'Connor's death, I found another that knows a little more about it, and here she is.

Enter听Eily听and听Father Tom听down steps,听肠.听from听谤.

All听Eily!

Myles听The Colleen Bawn herself!

Eily听Hardress! 听听听 听听听听 听听听听 听听听听 听听 听听听 }

Hard听My wife---my own Eily. }

Eily听Here, darlin', take the paper, and tear it if you like.

[Offers him the certificate.

Hard听Eily, I could not live without you.

Mrs. C听If ever he blamed you, it was my foolish pride spoke in his hard words---he loves you with all his heart. Forgive me, Eily.

Eily听Forgive!

Mrs. C听Forgive your mother, Eily.

Eily听摆Embracing her.] Mother!

[Mrs. Cregan,听贬补谤诲谤别蝉蝉,听Eily,听Father Tom,听group together---Anne,听Kyrle,听and听Gentlemen---Ladies听together---their backs to听Corrigan---Corrigan听takes bag, puts in papers, looks about, puts on hat, buttons coat, slinks up stage, runs up stairs, and off听谤.---Myles听points off after him---several听Gentlemen听run after听Corrigan.

Anne听But what's to become of me? is all my emotion to be summoned for nothing? Is my wedding dress to go to waste, and here's all my blushes ready? I must have a husband.

Hyland and Gentlemen听Take me.

O'Moore听Take me.

Anne听Don't all speak at once! Where's Mr. Daly?

Kyrle听摆r.] Here I am, Anne!

Anne听摆r. c.] Kyrle, come here! You said you loved me, and I think you do.

Kyrle听Oh!

Anne听Behave yourself now. If you'll ask me, I'll have you.

Kyrle听摆Embracing听Anne.] Anne![Shouts outside,听濒. u. e.

All听What's that?

Myles听摆Looking off out at back.] Don't be uneasy! it's only the boys outside that's caught ould Corrigan thryin' to get off, and they've got him in the horse-pond.

Kyrle听They'll drown him.

[42]

Myles听Niver fear, he wasn't born to be drowned---he won't sink---he'll rise out of the world, and divil a fut nearer heaven he'll get than the top o' the gallows.

Eily听摆To听Hard.] And ye won't be ashamed of me?

Anne听I'll be ashamed of him if he does.

Eily听And when I spake---no---speak---

Anne听Spake is the right sound. Kyrle Daly, pronounce that word.

Kyrle听That's right; if you ever spake it any other way I'll divorce ye---mind that.

Father T听Eily, darlin', in the middle of your joy, sure you would not forget one who never forsook you in your sorrow.

Eily听Oh, Father Tom!

Father T听Oh, it's not myself I mane.

Anne听No, it's that marauder there, that lent me his top coat in the thunder storm.[Pointing to听Myles.

Myles听Bedad, ma'am, your beauty left a linin' in it that has kept me warm ever since.

Eily听Myles, you saved my life---it belongs to you. There's my hand---what will you do with it?

Myles听摆Takes her hand and听Hardress's.] Take her, wid all my heart. I may say that, for ye can't take her without. I am like the boy who had a penny to put in the poor-box---I'd rather keep it for myself. It's a shamrock itself ye have got, sir; and like that flower she'll come up every year fresh and green foreninst ye. When ye cease to love her may dyin' become ye, and when ye听do听die, lave yer money to the poor, your widdy to me, and we'll both forgive ye.

[Joins hands.]

Eily听I'm only a poor simple girl, and it's frightened I am to be surrounded by so听many---

Anne听Friends, Eily, friends.

Eily听Oh, if I could think so---if I could hope that I had established myself in a little corner of their hearts, there wouldn't be a happier girl alive than听The Colleen Bawn.

THE END.