ACOMEDYINTHREEACTS
　　PREFACE
　　InwritingTHEPLAYBOYOFTHEWESTERNWORLD，asinmyotherplays，IhaveusedoneortwowordsonlythatIhavenotheardamongthecountrypeopleofIreland，orspokeninmyownnurserybeforeIcouldreadthenewspapers。A
　　certainnumberofthephrasesIemployIhaveheardalsofromherdsandfishermenalongthecoastfromKerrytoMayo，orfrombeggar-womenandballadsingersnearerDublin；andIamgladtoacknowledgehowmuchIowetothefolkimaginationofthesefinepeople。AnyonewhohaslivedinrealintimacywiththeIrishpeasantrywillknowthatthewildestsayingsandideasinthisplayaretameindeed，comparedwiththefanciesonemayhearinanylittlehillsidecabininGeesala，orCarraroe，orDingleBay。Allartisacollaboration；andthereislittledoubtthatinthehappyagesofliterature，strikingandbeautifulphraseswereasreadytothestory-teller’sortheplaywright’shand，astherichcloaksanddressesofhistime。ItisprobablethatwhentheElizabethandramatisttookhisink-hornandsatdowntohisworkheusedmanyphrasesthathehadjustheard，ashesatatdinner，fromhismotherorhischildren。InIreland，thoseofuswhoknowthepeoplehavethesameprivilege。WhenIwaswriting"TheShadowoftheGlen，"someyearsago，IgotmoreaidthananylearningcouldhavegivenmefromachinkintheflooroftheoldWicklowhousewhereIwasstaying，thatletmehearwhatwasbeingsaidbytheservantgirlsinthekitchen。Thismatter，Ithink，isofimportance，forincountrieswheretheimaginationofthepeople，andthelanguagetheyuse，isrichandliving，itispossibleforawritertoberichandcopiousinhiswords，andatthesametimetogivethereality，whichistherootofallpoetry，inacomprehensiveandnaturalform。Inthemodernliteratureoftowns，however，richnessisfoundonlyinsonnets，orprosepoems，orinoneortwoelaboratebooksthatarefarawayfromtheprofoundandcommoninterestsoflife。Onehas，ononeside，MallarmeandHuysmansproducingthisliterature；andontheother，IbsenandZoladealingwiththerealityoflifeinjoylessandpallidwords。Onthestageonemusthavereality，andonemusthavejoy；andthatiswhytheintellectualmoderndramahasfailed，andpeoplehavegrownsickofthefalsejoyofthemusicalcomedy，thathasbeengiventheminplaceoftherichjoyfoundonlyinwhatissuperbandwildinreality。Inagoodplayeveryspeechshouldbeasfullyflavouredasanutorapple，andsuchspeechescannotbewrittenbyanyonewhoworksamongpeoplewhohaveshuttheirlipsonpoetry。InIreland，forafewyearsmore，wehaveapopularimaginationthatisfieryandmagnificent，andtender；
　　sothatthoseofuswhowishtowritestartwithachancethatisnotgiventowritersinplaceswherethespringtimeofthelocallifehasbeenforgotten，andtheharvestisamemoryonly，andthestrawhasbeenturnedintobricks。
　　J。M。S。
　　January21st，1907。
　　PERSONS
　　CHRISTOPHERMAHON。
　　OLDMAHON，hisfather，asquatter。
　　MICHAELJAMESFLAHERTY（calledMICHAELJAMES），apublican。
　　MARGARETFLAHERTY（called]PEGEENMIKE），hisdaughter。
　　WIDOWQUIN，awomanofaboutthirty。
　　SHAWNKEOUGH，hercousin，ayoungfarmer。
　　PHILLYCULLENANDJIMMYFARRELL，smallfarmers。
　　SARATANSEY，SUSANBRADY，ANDHONORBLAKE，villagegirls。
　　ABELLMAN。
　　SOMEPEASANTS。
　　Theactiontakesplacenearavillage，onawildcoastofMayo。ThefirstActpassesonaneveningofautumn，theothertwoActsonthefollowingday。
　　THEPLAYBOYOFTHEWESTERNWORLD
　　__________
　　ACTI。
　　SCENE：[Countrypublic-houseorshebeen，veryroughanduntidy。Thereisasortofcounterontherightwithshelves，holdingmanybottlesandjugs，justseenaboveit。Emptybarrelsstandnearthecounter。Atback，alittletoleftofcounter，thereisadoorintotheopenair，then，moretotheleft，thereisasettlewithshelvesaboveit，withmorejugs，andatablebeneathawindow。Attheleftthereisalargeopenfire-place，withturffire，andasmalldoorintoinnerroom。Pegeen，awildlookingbutfinegirl，ofabouttwenty，iswritingattable。Sheisdressedintheusualpeasantdress。]
　　PEGEEN——[slowlyasshewrites。]——Sixyardsofstufffortomakeayellowgown。Apairoflacebootswithlengthyheelsonthemandbrassyeyes。Ahatissuitedforawedding-day。Afinetoothcomb。TobesentwiththreebarrelsofporterinJimmyFarrell’screelcartontheeveningofthecomingFairtoMisterMichaelJamesFlaherty。Withthebestcomplimentsofthisseason。MargaretFlaherty。
　　SHAWNKEOGH——[afatandfairyoungmancomesinasshesigns，looksroundawkwardly，whenheseessheisalone。]——Where’shimself？
　　PEGEEN——[withoutlookingathim。]——He’scoming。（Shedirectstheletter。）
　　ToMisterSheamusMulroy，WineandSpiritDealer，Castlebar。
　　SHAWN——[uneasily。]——Ididn’tseehimontheroad。
　　PEGEEN。Howwouldyouseehim（licksstampandputsitonletter）anditdarknightthishalfhourgoneby？
　　SHAWN——[turningtowardsthedooragain。]——IstoodawhileoutsidewonderingwouldIhavearighttopassonortowalkinandseeyou，PegeenMike（comestofire），andIcouldhearthecowsbreathing，andsighinginthestillnessoftheair，andnotastepmovinganyplacefromthisgatetothebridge。
　　PEGEEN——[puttingletterinenvelope。]——It’saboveatthecross-roadsheis，meetingPhillyCullen；andacouplemorearegoingalongwithhimtoKateCassidy’swake。
　　SHAWN——[lookingatherblankly。]——Andhe’sgoingthatlengthinthedarknight？
　　PEGEEN——[impatiently。]Heissurely，andleavingmelonesomeonthescruffofthehill。（Shegetsupandputsenvelopeondresser，thenwindsclock。）
　　Isn’titlongthenightsarenow，ShawnKeogh，tobeleavingapoorgirlwithherownselfcountingthehourstothedawnofday？
　　SHAWN——[withawkwardhumour。]——Ifitis，whenwe’reweddedinashortwhileyou’llhavenocalltocomplain，forI’velittlewilltobewalkingofftowakesorweddingsinthedarknessofthenight。
　　PEGEEN——[withratherscornfulgoodhumour。]——You’remakingmightycertain，Shaneen，thatI’llwedyounow。
　　SHAWN。Aren’tweaftermakingagoodbargain，thewaywe’reonlywaitingthesedaysonFatherReilly’sdispensationfromthebishops，ortheCourtofRome。
　　PEGEEN——[lookingathimteasingly，washingupatdresser。]——It’sawonder，Shaneen，theHolyFather’dbetakingnoticeofthelikesofyou；forifIwashimIwouldn’tbotherwiththisplacewhereyou’llmeetnonebutRedLinahan，hasasquintinhiseye，andPatcheenislameinhisheel，orthemadMulranniesweredrivenfromCaliforniaandtheylostintheirwits。We’reaqueerlotthesetimestogotroublingtheHolyFatheronhissacredseat。
　　SHAWN——[scandalized。]Ifweare，we’reasgoodthisplaceasanother，maybe，andasgoodthesetimesaswewereforever。
　　PEGEEN——[withscorn。]——Asgood，isit？WherenowwillyoumeetthelikeofDaneenSullivanknockedtheeyefromapeeler，orMarcusQuin，Godresthim，gotsixmonthsformaimingewes，andheagreatwarranttotellstoriesofholyIrelandtillhe’dhavetheoldwomensheddingdowntearsabouttheirfeet。Wherewillyoufindthelikeofthem，I’msaying？
　　SHAWN——[timidly。]Ifyoudon’tit’sagoodjob，maybe；for（withpeculiaremphasisonthewords）FatherReillyhassmallconceittohavethatkindwalkingaroundandtalkingtothegirls。
　　PEGEEN——[impatiently，throwingwaterfrombasinoutofthedoor。]——StoptormentingmewithFatherReilly（imitatinghisvoice）whenI’maskingonlywhatwayI’llpassthesetwelvehoursofdark，andnottakemydeathwiththefear。[Lookingoutofdoor。]
　　SHAWN——[timidly。]WouldIfetchyouthewidowQuin，maybe？
　　PEGEEN。Isitthelikeofthatmurderer？You’llnot，surely。
　　SHAWN——[goingtoher，soothingly。]——ThenI’mthinkinghimselfwillstopalongwithyouwhenheseesyoutakingon，forit’llbealongnight-timewithgreatdarkness，andI’mafterfeelingakindoffellowaboveinthefurzyditch，groaningwickedlikeamaddeningdog，thewayit’sgoodcauseyouhave，maybe，tobefearingnow。
　　PEGEEN——[turningonhimsharply。]——What’sthat？Isitamanyouseen？
　　SHAWN——[retreating。]Icouldn’tseehimatall；butIheardhimgroaningout，andbreakinghisheart。Itshouldhavebeenayoungmanfromhiswordsspeaking。
　　PEGEEN——[goingafterhim。]——Andyouneverwentneartoseewashehurtedorwhatailedhimatall？
　　SHAWN。Ididnot，PegeenMike。Itwasadark，lonesomeplacetobehearingthelikeofhim。
　　PEGEEN。Well，you’readaringfellow，andiftheyfindhiscorpsestretchedaboveinthedewsofdawn，what’llyousaythentothepeelers，ortheJusticeofthePeace？
　　SHAWN——[thunderstruck。]Iwasn’tthinkingofthat。FortheloveofGod，PegeenMike，don’tletonIwasspeakingofhim。Don’ttellyourfatherandthemeniscomingabove；foriftheyheardthatstory，they’dhavegreatblabbingthisnightatthewake。
　　PEGEEN。I’llmaybetellthem，andI’llmaybenot。
　　SHAWN。Theyarecomingatthedoor，Willyouwhisht，I’msaying？
　　PEGEEN。Whishtyourself。
　　[Shegoesbehindcounter。MichaelJames，fatjovialpublican，comesinfollowedbyPhillyCullen，whoisthinandmistrusting，andJimmyFarrell，whoisfatandamorous，aboutforty-five。]
　　MEN——[together。]——Godblessyou。TheblessingofGodonthisplace。
　　PEGEEN。Godblessyoukindly。
　　MICHAEL——[tomenwhogotothecounter。]——Sitdownnow，andtakeyourrest。（CrossestoShawnatthefire。）Andhowisityouare，ShawnKeogh？
　　AreyoucomingoverthesandstoKateCassidy’swake？
　　SHAWN。Iamnot，MichaelJames。I’mgoinghometheshortcuttomybed。
　　PEGEEN——[speakingacrossthecounter。]——He’srighttoo，andhaveyounoshame，MichaelJames，tobequittingoffforthewholenight，andleavingmyselflonesomeintheshop？
　　MICHAEL——[good-humouredly。]Isn’titthesamewhetherIgoforthewholenightorapartonly？andI’mthinkingit’saqueerdaughteryouareifyou’dhavemecrossingbackwardthroughtheStooksoftheDeadWomen，withadroptaken。
　　PEGEEN。IfIamaqueerdaughter，it’saqueerfather’dbeleavingmelonesomethesetwelvehoursofdark，andIpilingtheturfwiththedogsbarking，andthecalvesmooing，andmyownteethrattlingwiththefear。
　　JIMMY——[flatteringly。]——Whatistheretohurtyou，andyouafine，hardygirlwouldknocktheheadofanytwomenintheplace？
　　PEGEEN——[workingherselfup。]——Isn’ttheretheharvestboyswiththeirtonguesredfordrink，andthetentinkersiscampedintheeastglen，andthethousandmilitia——badcesstothem！——walkingidlethroughtheland。
　　There’slotssurelytohurtme，andIwon’tstopaloneinit，lethimselfdowhathewill。
　　MICHAEL。Ifyou’rethatafeard，letShawnKeoghstopalongwithyou。It’sthewillofGod，I’mthinking，himselfshouldbeseeingtoyounow。[TheyallturnonShawn。]
　　SHAWN——[inhorrifiedconfusion。]——Iwouldandwelcome，MichaelJames，butI’mafeardofFatherReilly；andwhatatallwouldtheHolyFatherandtheCardinalsofRomebesayingiftheyheardIdidthelikeofthat？
　　MICHAEL——[withcontempt。]——Godhelpyou！Can’tyousitinbythehearthwiththelightlitandherselfbeyondintheroom？You’lldothatsurely，forI’veheardtellthere’saqueerfellowabove，goingmadorgettinghisdeath，maybe，inthegripeoftheditch，soshe’dbesaferthisnightwithapersonhere。
　　SHAWN——[withplaintivedespair。]——I’mafeardofFatherReilly，I’msaying。
　　Letyounotbetemptingme，andwenearmarrieditself。
　　PHILLY——[withcoldcontempt。]——Lockhiminthewestroom。He’llstaythenandhavenosintobetellingtothepriest。
　　MICHAEL——[toShawn，gettingbetweenhimandthedoor。]——Goupnow。
　　SHAWN——[atthetopofhisvoice。]——Don’tstopme，MichaelJames。Letmeoutofthedoor，I’msaying，fortheloveoftheAlmightyGod。Letmeout（tryingtododgepasthim）。Letmeoutofit，andmayGodgrantyouHisindulgenceinthehourofneed。
　　MICHAEL——[loudly。]Stopyournoising，andsitdownbythehearth。[Giveshimapushandgoestocounterlaughing。]
　　SHAWN——[turningback，wringinghishands。]——Oh，FatherReillyandthesaintsofGod，wherewillIhidemyselfto-day？Oh，St。JosephandSt。
　　PatrickandSt。Brigid，andSt。James，havemercyonmenow！[Shawnturnsround，seesdoorclear，andmakesarushforit。]
　　MICHAEL——[catchinghimbythecoattail。]——You’dbegoing，isit？
　　SHAWN——[screaming。]Leavemego，MichaelJames，leavemego，youoldPagan，leavemego，orI’llgetthecurseofthepriestsonyou，andofthescarlet-coatedbishopsofthecourtsofRome。[Withasuddenmovementhepullshimselfoutofhiscoat，anddisappearsoutofthedoor，leavinghiscoatinMichael’shands。]
　　MICHAEL——[turninground，andholdingupcoat。]——Well，there’sthecoatofaChristianman。Oh，there’ssaintedglorythisdayinthelonesomewest；andbythewillofGodI’vegotyouadecentman，Pegeen，you’llhavenocalltobespyingafterifyou’veascoreofyounggirls，maybe，weedinginyourfields。
　　PEGEEN[takingupthedefenceofherproperty。]——Whatrighthaveyoutobemakinggameofapoorfellowformindingthepriest，whenit’syourownthefaultis，notpayingapennypot-boytostandalongwithmeandgivemecourageinthedoingofmywork？[Shesnapsthecoatawayfromhim，andgoesbehindcounterwithit。]
　　MICHAEL——[takenaback。]——WherewouldIgetapot-boy？Wouldyouhavemesendthebell-manscreaminginthestreetsofCastlebar？
　　SHAWN——[openingthedoorachinkandputtinginhishead，inasmallvoice。]
　　——MichaelJames！
　　MICHAEL——[imitatinghim。]——Whatailsyou？
　　SHAWN。Thequeerdyingfellow’sbeyondlookingovertheditch。He’scomeup，I’mthinking，stealingyourhens。（Looksoverhisshoulder。）Godhelpme，he’sfollowingmenow（herunsintoroom），andifhe’sheardwhatIsaid，he’llbehavingmylife，andIgoinghomelonesomeinthedarknessofthenight。[Foraperceptiblemomenttheywatchthedoorwithcuriosity。Someonecoughsoutside。ThenChristyMahon，aslightyoungman，comesinverytiredandfrightenedanddirty。]
　　CHRISTY——[inasmallvoice。]——Godsaveallhere！
　　MEN。Godsaveyoukindly。
　　CHRISTY——[goingtothecounter。]——I’dtroubleyouforaglassofporter，womanofthehouse。[Heputsdowncoin。]
　　PEGEEN——[servinghim。]——You’reoneofthetinkers，youngfellow，isbeyondcampedintheglen？
　　CHRISTY。Iamnot；butI’mdestroyedwalking。
　　MICHAEL——[patronizingly。]Letyoucomeupthentothefire。You’relookingfamishedwiththecold。
　　CHRISTY。Godrewardyou。（Hetakesuphisglassandgoesalittlewayacrosstotheleft，thenstopsandlooksabouthim。）Isitoftenthepolicedobecomingintothisplace，masterofthehouse？
　　MICHAEL。Ifyou’dcomeinbetterhours，you’dhaveseen"LicensedforthesaleofBeerandSpirits，tobeconsumedonthepremises，"writteninwhitelettersabovethedoor，andwhatwouldthepoliswantspyingonme，andnotadecenthousewithinfourmiles，thewayeverylivingChristianisabonafide，savingonewidowalone？
　　CHRISTY——[withrelief。]——It’sasafehouse，so。[Hegoesovertothefire，sighingandmoaning。Thenhesitsdown，puttinghisglassbesidehimandbeginsgnawingaturnip，toomiserabletofeeltheothersstaringathimwithcuriosity。]
　　MICHAEL——[goingafterhim。]——Isityourselffearingthepolis？You’rewanting，maybe？
　　CHRISTY。There’smanywanting。
　　MICHAEL。Manysurely，withthebrokenharvestandtheendedwars。（Hepicksupsomestockings，etc。，thatarenearthefire，andcarriesthemawayfurtively。）Itshouldbelarceny，I’mthinking？
　　CHRISTY——[dolefully。]Ihaditinmyminditwasadifferentwordandabigger。
　　PEGEEN。There’saqueerlad。Wereyouneverslappedinschool，youngfellow，thatyoudon’tknowthenameofyourdeed？
　　CHRISTY——[bashfully。]I’mslowatlearning，amiddlingscholaronly。
　　MICHAEL。Ifyou’readunceitself，you’dhavearighttoknowthatlarceny’srobbingandstealing。Isitforthelikeofthatyou’rewanting？
　　CHRISTY——[withaflashoffamilypride。]——AndIthesonofastrongfarmer（withasuddenqualm），Godresthissoul，couldhaveboughtupthewholeofyouroldhouseawhilesince，fromthebuttofhistailpocket，andnothavemissedtheweightofitgone。
　　MICHAEL——[impressed。]Ifit’snotstealing，it’smaybesomethingbig。
　　CHRISTY——[flattered。]Aye；it’smaybesomethingbig。
　　JIMMY。He’sawicked-lookingyoungfellow。Maybehefollowedafterayoungwomanonalonesomenight。
　　CHRISTY——[shocked。]Oh，thesaintsforbid，mister；Iwasalltimesadecentlad。
　　PHILLY——[turningonJimmy。]——You’reasillyman，JimmyFarrell。Hesaidhisfatherwasafarmerawhilesince，andthere’shimselfnowinapoorstate。Maybethelandwasgrabbedfromhim，andhedidwhatanydecentmanwoulddo。
　　MICHAEL——[toChristy，mysteriously。]——Wasitbailiffs？
　　CHRISTY。Thedivilaone。
　　MICHAEL。Agents？
　　CHRISTY。Thedivilaone。
　　MICHAEL。Landlords？
　　CHRISTY——[peevishly。]Ah，notatall，I’msaying。You’dseethelikeofthemstoriesonanylittlepaperofaMunstertown。ButI’mnotcallingtomindanyperson，gentle，simple，judgeorjury，didthelikeofme。[Theyalldrawnearerwithdelightedcuriosity。]
　　PHILLY。Well，thatlad’sapuzzle——theworld。
　　JIMMY。He’dbeatDanDavies’circus，ortheholymissionersmakingsermonsonthevillainyofman。Tryhimagain，Philly。
　　PHILLY。Didyoustrikegoldenguineasoutofsolder，youngfellow，orshillingcoinsitself？
　　CHRISTY。Ididnot，mister，notsixpencenorafarthingcoin。
　　JIMMY。Didyoumarrythreewivesmaybe？I’mtoldthere’sasprinklinghavedonethatamongtheholyLuthersofthepreachingnorth。
　　CHRISTY——[shyly。]——Inevermarriedwithone，letalonewithacoupleorthree。
　　PHILLY。MaybehewentfightingfortheBoers，thelikeofthemanbeyond，wasjudgedtobehanged，quarteredanddrawn。Wereyouoffeast，youngfellow，fightingbloodywarsforKrugerandthefreedomoftheBoers？
　　CHRISTY。IneverleftmyownparishtillTuesdaywasaweek。
　　PEGEEN——[comingfromcounter。]——He’sdonenothing，so。（ToChristy。）Ifyoudidn’tcommitmurderorabad，nastything，orfalsecoining，orrobbery，orbutchery，orthelikeofthem，thereisn’tanythingthatwouldbeworthyourtroublingfortorunfromnow。Youdidnothingatall。
　　CHRISTY——[hisfeelingshurt。]——That’sanunkindlythingtobesayingtoapoororphanedtraveller，hasaprisonbehindhim，andhangingbefore，andhell’sgapgapingbelow。
　　PEGEEN[withasigntothementobequiet。]——You’reonlysayingit。Youdidnothingatall。Asoftladthelikeofyouwouldn’tslitthewindpipeofascreechingsow。
　　CHRISTY——[offended。]You’renotspeakingthetruth。
　　PEGEEN——[inmockrage。]——Notspeakingthetruth，isit？Wouldyouhavemeknocktheheadofyouwiththebuttofthebroom？
　　CHRISTY——[twistingroundonherwithasharpcryofhorror。]——Don’tstrikeme。Ikilledmypoorfather，Tuesdaywasaweek，fordoingthelikeofthat。
　　PEGEEN[withblankamazement。]——Isitkilledyourfather？
　　CHRISTY——[subsiding。]WiththehelpofGodIdidsurely，andthattheHolyImmaculateMothermayintercedeforhissoul。
　　PHILLY——[retreatingwithJimmy。]——There’sadaringfellow。
　　JIMMY。Oh，glorybetoGod！
　　MICHAEL——[withgreatrespect。]——Thatwasahangingcrime，misterhoney。
　　Youshouldhavehadgoodreasonfordoingthelikeofthat。
　　CHRISTY——[inaveryreasonabletone。]——Hewasadirtyman，Godforgivehim，andhegettingoldandcrusty，thewayIcouldn’tputupwithhimatall。
　　PEGEEN。Andyoushothimdead？
　　CHRISTY——[shakinghishead。]——Ineverusedweapons。I’venolicense，andI’malaw-fearingman。
　　MICHAEL。Itwaswithahiltedknifemaybe？I’mtold，inthebigworldit’sbloodyknivestheyuse。
　　CHRISTY——[loudly，scandalized。]——Doyoutakemeforaslaughter-boy？
　　PEGEEN。Youneverhangedhim，thewayJimmyFarrellhangedhisdogfromthelicense，andhaditscreechingandwrigglingthreehoursatthebuttofastring，andhimselfswearingitwasadeaddog，andthepeelersswearingithadlife？
　　CHRISTY。Ididnotthen。Ijustriztheloyandletfalltheedgeofitontheridgeofhisskull，andhewentdownatmyfeetlikeanemptysack，andneverletagruntorgroanfromhimatall。
　　MICHAEL——[makingasigntoPegeentofillChristy’sglass。]——Andwhatwayweren’tyouhanged，mister？Didyouburyhimthen？
　　CHRISTY——[considering。]Aye。Iburiedhimthen。Wasn’tIdiggingspudsinthefield？
　　MICHAEL。Andthepeelersneverfollowedafteryoutheelevendaysthatyou’reout？
　　CHRISTY——[shakinghishead。]——Neveraoneofthem，andIwalkingforwardfacinghog，dog，ordivilonthehighwayoftheroad。
　　PHILLY——[noddingwisely。]——It’sonlywithacommonweek-daykindofamurdererthemladswouldbetrustingtheircarcase，andthatmanshouldbeagreatterrorwhenhistemper’sroused。
　　MICHAEL。Heshouldthen。（ToChristy。）Andwherewasit，misterhoney，thatyoudidthedeed？
　　CHRISTY——[lookingathimwithsuspicion。]——Oh，adistantplace，masterofthehouse，awindycornerofhigh，distanthills。
　　PHILLY——[noddingwithapproval。]——He’sacloseman，andhe’sright，surely。
　　PEGEEN。That’dbealadwiththesenseofSolomontohaveforapot-boy，MichaelJames，ifit’sthetruthyou’reseekingoneatall。
　　PHILLY。Thepeelersisfearinghim，andifyou’dthatladinthehousethereisn’toneofthemwouldcomesmellingaroundifthedogsitselfwerelappingpoteenfromthedungpitoftheyard。
　　JIMMY。Bravery’satreasureinalonesomeplace，andaladwouldkillhisfather，I’mthinking，wouldfaceafoxydivilwithapitchpikeontheflagsofhell。
　　PEGEEN。It’sthetruththey’resaying，andifI’dthatladinthehouse，I
　　wouldn’tbefearingtheloosedkharkicut-throats，orthewalkingdead。
　　CHRISTY——[swellingwithsurpriseandtriumph。]——Well，glorybetoGod！
　　MICHAEL——[withdeference。]——Wouldyouthinkwelltostophereandbepot-boy，misterhoney，ifwegaveyougoodwages，anddidn’tdestroyyouwiththeweightofwork？
　　SHAWN——[comingforwarduneasily。]——That’dbeaqueerkindtobringintoadecentquiethouseholdwiththelikeofPegeenMike。
　　PEGEEN——[verysharply。]——Willyouwhisht？Who’sspeakingtoyou？
　　SHAWN——[retreating。]Abloody-handedmurdererthelikeof……
　　PEGEEN——[snappingathim。]——WhishtIamsaying；we’lltakenofoolingfromyourlikeatall。（ToChristywithahoneyedvoice。）Andyou，youngfellow，you’dhavearighttostop，I’mthinking，forwe’ddoourallandutmosttocontentyourneeds。
　　CHRISTY——[overcomewithwonder。]——AndI’dbesafeinthisplacefromthesearchinglaw？
　　MICHAEL。Youwould，surely。Ifthey’renotfearingyou，itself，thepeelersinthisplaceisdecentdroughtypoorfellows，wouldn’ttouchacurdogandnotgivewarninginthedeadofnight。
　　PEGEEN——[verykindlyandpersuasively。]——Letyoustopashortwhileanyhow。Aren’tyoudestroyedwalkingwithyourfeetinbleedingblisters，andyourwholeskinneedingwashinglikeaWicklowsheep。
　　CHRISTY——[lookingroundwithsatisfaction。]It’saniceroom，andifit’snothumbuggingmeyouare，I’mthinkingthatI’llsurelystay。
　　JIMMY——[jumpsup。]——Now，bythegraceofGod，herselfwillbesafethisnight，withamankilledhisfatherholdingdangerfromthedoor，andletyoucomeon，MichaelJames，orthey’llhavethebeststuffdrunkatthewake。
　　MICHAEL——[goingtothedoorwithmen。]Andbeggingyourpardon，mister，whatnamewillwecallyou，forwe’dliketoknow？
　　CHRISTY。ChristopherMahon。
　　MICHAEL。Well，Godblessyou，Christy，andagoodresttillwemeetagainwhenthesun’llberisingtothenoonofday。
　　CHRISTY。Godblessyouall。
　　MEN。Godblessyou。[TheygooutexceptShawn，wholingersatdoor。]
　　SHAWN——[toPegeen。]——Areyouwantingmetostopalongwithyouandkeepyoufromharm？
　　PEGEEN——[gruffly。]Didn’tyousayyouwerefearingFatherReilly？
　　SHAWN。There’dbenoharmstayingnow，I’mthinking，andhimselfinittoo。
　　PEGEEN。Youwouldn’tstaywhentherewasneedforyou，andletyoustepoffnimblethistimewhenthere’snone。
　　SHAWN。Didn’tIsayitwasFatherReilly……
　　PEGEEN。Goon，then，toFatherReilly（inajeeringtone），andlethimputyouintheholybrotherhoods，andleavethatladtome。
　　SHAWN。IfImeettheWidowQuin……
　　PEGEEN。Goon，I’msaying，anddon’tbewakingthisplacewithyournoise。
　　（Shehustleshimoutandboltsthedoor。）Thatladwouldwearthespiritsfromthesaintsofpeace。（Bustlesabout，thentakesoffherapronandpinsitupinthewindowasablind。Christywatchinghertimidly。Thenshecomestohimandspeakswithblandgood-humour。）Letyoustretchoutnowbythefire，youngfellow。Youshouldbedestroyedtravelling。
　　CHRISTY——[shylyagain，drawingoffhisboots。）I’mtired，surely，walkingwildelevendays，andwakingfearfulinthenight。[Heholdsuponeofhisfeet，feelinghisblisters，andlookingatthemwithcompassion。]
　　PEGEEN——[standingbesidehim，watchinghimwithdelight。]——Youshouldhavehadgreatpeopleinyourfamily，I’mthinking，withthelittle，smallfeetyouhave，andyouwithakindofaqualityname，thelikeofwhatyou’dfindonthegreatpowersandpotentatesofFranceandSpain。
　　CHRISTY——[withpride。]——Weweregreatsurely，withwideandwindyacresofrichMunsterland。
　　PEGEEN。Wasn’tItellingyou，andyouafine，handsomeyoungfellowwithanoblebrow？
　　CHRISTY——[withaflashofdelightedsurprise。]Isitme？
　　PEGEEN。Aye。Didyouneverhearthatfromtheyounggirlswhereyoucomefrominthewestorsouth？
　　CHRISTY——[withvenom。]——Ididnotthen。Oh，they’rebloodyliarsinthenakedparishwhereIgrewaman。
　　PEGEEN。Iftheyareitself，you’vehearditthesedays，I’mthinking，andyouwalkingtheworldtellingoutyourstorytoyounggirlsorold。
　　CHRISTY。I’vetoldmystorynoplacetillthisnight，PegeenMike，andit’sfoolishIwashere，maybe，tobetalkingfree，butyou’redecentpeople，I’mthinking，andyourselfakindlywoman，thewayIwasn’tfearingyouatall。
　　PEGEEN——[fillingasackwithstraw。]——You’vesaidthelikeofthat，maybe，ineverycotandcabinwhereyou’vemetayounggirlonyourway。
　　CHRISTY——[goingovertoher，graduallyraisinghisvoice。]——I’vesaiditnowheretillthisnight，I’mtellingyou，forI’veseennonethelikeofyoutheelevenlongdaysIamwalkingtheworld，lookingoveralowditchorahighditchonmynorthormysouth，intostonyscatteredfields，orscribesofbog，whereyou’dseeyoung，limbergirls，andfineprancingwomenmakinglaughterwiththemen。
　　PEGEEN。Ifyouweren’tdestroyedtravelling，you’dhaveasmuchtalkandstreeleen，I’mthinking，asOwenRoeO’SullivanorthepoetsoftheDingleBay，andI’veheardalltimesit’sthepoetsareyourlike，finefieryfellowswithgreatrageswhentheirtemper’sroused。
　　CHRISTY——[drawingalittlenearertoher。]——You’veapowerofrings，Godblessyou，andwouldtherebeanyoffenceifIwasaskingareyousinglenow？
　　PEGEEN。WhatwouldIwantweddingsoyoung？
　　CHRISTY——[withrelief。]——We’realike，so。
　　PEGEEN——[sheputssackonsettleandbeatsitup。]——Ineverkilledmyfather。I’dbeafeardtodothat，exceptIwasthelikeofyourselfwithblindragestearingmewithin，forI’mthinkingyoushouldhavehadgreattusslingwhentheendwascome。
　　CHRISTY——[expandingwithdelightatthefirstconfidentialtalkhehaseverhadwithawoman。]——Wehadnotthen。Itwasahardwomanwascomeoverthehill，andifhewasalwaysacrustykindwhenhe’dahardwomansettinghimon，notthedivilhimselforhisfourfatherscouldputupwithhimatall。
　　PEGEEN——[withcuriosity。]——Andisn’titagreatwonderthatonewasn’tfearingyou？
　　CHRISTY——[veryconfidentially。]——UptothedayIkilledmyfather，therewasn’tapersoninIrelandknewthekindIwas，andItheredrinking，waking，eating，sleeping，aquiet，simplepoorfellowwithnomangivingmeheed。
　　PEGEEN——[gettingaquiltoutofthecupboardandputtingitonthesack。]——
　　Itwasthegirlsweregivingyouheedmaybe，andI’mthinkingit’smostconceityou’dhavetobegamingwiththeirlike。
　　CHRISTY——[shakinghishead，withsimplicity。]Notthegirlsitself，andI
　　won’ttellyoualie。Therewasn’tanyoneheedingmeinthatplacesavingonlythedumbbeastsofthefield。[Hesitsdownatfire。]
　　PEGEEN——[withdisappointment。]——AndIthinkingyoushouldhavebeenlivingthelikeofakingofNorwayortheEasternworld。[Shecomesandsitsbesidehimafterplacingbreadandmugofmilkonthetable。]
　　CHRISTY——[laughingpiteously。]——Thelikeofaking，isit？AndIaftertoiling，moiling，digging，dodgingfromthedawntillduskwithneverasightofjoyorsportsavingonlywhenI’dbeabroadinthedarknightpoachingrabbitsonhills，forIwasadeviltopoach，Godforgiveme，（verynaively）
　　andIneargotsixmonthsforgoingwithadungforkandstabbingafish。
　　PEGEEN。Andit’sthatyou’dcallsport，isit，tobeabroadinthedarknesswithyourselfalone？
　　CHRISTY。Idid，Godhelpme，andthereI’dbeashappyasthesunshineofSt。
　　Martin’sDay，watchingthelightpassingthenorthorthepatchesoffog，tillI’dheararabbitstartingtoscreechandI’dgorunninginthefurze。ThenwhenI’dmyfullshareI’dcomewalkingdownwhereyou’dseetheducksandgeesestretchedsleepingonthehighwayoftheroad，andbeforeI’dpassthedunghill，I’dhearhimselfsnoringout，aloudlonesomesnorehe’dbemakingalltimes，thewhilehewassleeping，andheaman’dberagingalltimes，thewhilehewaswaking，likeagaudyofficeryou’dhearcursinganddamningandswearingoaths。
　　PEGEEN。ProvidenceandMercy，spareusall！
　　CHRISTY。It’sthatyou’dsaysurelyifyouseenhimandheafterdrinkingforweeks，risingupinthereddawn，orbeforeitmaybe，andgoingoutintotheyardasnakedasanashtreeinthemoonofMay，andshyingclodsagainstthevisageofthestarstillhe’dputthefearofdeathintothebanbhsandthescreechingsows。
　　PEGEEN。I’dbewell-nightafeardofthatladmyself，I’mthinking。Andtherewasnooneinitbutthetwoofyoualone？
　　CHRISTY。Thedivilaone，thoughhe’dsonsanddaughterswalkingallgreatstatesandterritoriesoftheworld，andnotaoneofthem，tothisday，butwouldsaytheirsevencursesonhim，andtheyrousinguptoletacoughorsneeze，maybe，inthedeadnessofthenight。
　　PEGEEN[noddingherhead。]——Well，youshouldhavebeenaqueerlot。I
　　nevercursedmyfatherthelikeofthat，thoughI’mtwentyandmoreyearsofage。
　　CHRISTY。Thenyou’dhavecursedmine，I’mtellingyou，andheamannevergavepeacetoany，savingwhenhe’dgettwomonthsorthree，orbelockedintheasylumsforbatteringpeelersorassaultingmen（withdepression）thewayitwasabitterlifeheledmetillIdidupaTuesdayandhalvehisskull。
　　PEGEEN——[puttingherhandonhisshoulder。]——Well，you’llhavepeaceinthisplace，ChristyMahon，andnonetotroubleyou，andit’sneartimeafineladlikeyoushouldhaveyourgoodshareoftheearth。
　　CHRISTY。It’stimesurely，andIaseemlyfellowwithgreatstrengthinmeandbraveryof……[Someoneknocks。]
　　CHRISTY——[clingingtoPegeen。]——Oh，glory！it’slateforknocking，andthislastwhileI’minterrorofthepeelers，andthewalkingdead。[Knockingagain。]
　　PEGEEN。Who’sthere？
　　VOICE——[outside。]Me。
　　PEGEEN。Who’sme？
　　VOICE。TheWidowQuin。
　　PEGEEN[jumpingupandgivinghimthebreadandmilk。]——Goonnowwithyoursupper，andletontobesleepy，forifshefoundyouweresuchawarranttotalk，she’dbestringinggabbletillthedawnofday。（Hetakesbreadandsitsshylywithhisbacktothedoor。）
　　PEGEEN[openingdoor，withtemper。]——Whatailsyou，orwhatisityou’rewantingatthishourofthenight？
　　WIDOWQUIN——[cominginastepandpeeringatChristy。]——I’maftermeetingShawnKeoghandFatherReillybelow，whotoldmeofyourcuriosityman，andtheyfearingbythistimehewasmayberoaring，rompingonyourhandswithdrink。
　　PEGEEN[pointingtoChristy。]——Looknowisheroaring，andhestretchedawaydrowsywithhissupperandhismugofmilk。WalkdownandtellthattoFatherReillyandtoShaneenKeogh。
　　WIDOWQUIN——[comingforward。]——I’llnotseethemagain，forI’vetheirwordtoleadthatladforwardfortolodgewithme。
　　PEGEEN——[inblankamazement。]——Thisnight，isit？
　　WIDOWQUIN——[goingover。]——Thisnight。"Itisn’tfitting，"saysthepriesteen，"tohavehislikenesslodgingwithanorphanedgirl。"（ToChristy。）Godsaveyou，mister！
　　CHRISTY——[shyly。]——Godsaveyoukindly。
　　WIDOWQUIN——[lookingathimwithhalf-amazedcuriosity。]——Well，aren’tyoualittlesmilingfellow？Itshouldhavebeengreatandbittertormentsdidrouseyourspiritstoadeedofblood。
　　CHRISTY——[doubtfully。]Itshould，maybe。
　　WIDOWQUIN。It’smorethan"maybe"I’msaying，andit’dsoftenmyhearttoseeyousittingsosimplewithyourcupandcake，andyoufittertobesayingyourcatechismthanslayingyourda。
　　PEGEEN——[atcounter，washingglasses。]——There’stalkingwhenany’dseehe’sfittobeholdinghisheadhighwiththewondersoftheworld。Walkonfromthis，forI’llnothavehimtormentedandhedestroyedtravellingsinceTuesdaywasaweek。
　　WIDOWQUIN——[peaceably。]We’llbewalkingsurelywhenhissupper’sdone，andyou’llfindwe’regreatcompany，youngfellow，whenit’softhelikeofyouandmeyou’dhearthepennypoetssinginginanAugustFair。
　　CHRISTY——[innocently。]Didyoukillyourfather？
　　PEGEEN——[contemptuously。]Shedidnot。Shehithimselfwithawornpick，andtherustedpoisondidcorrodehisbloodthewayheneveroveredit，anddiedafter。Thatwasasneakykindofmurderdidwinsmallglorywiththeboysitself。[ShecrossestoChristy’sleft。]
　　WIDOWQUIN——[withgood-humour。]——Ifitdidn’t，maybeallknowsawidowwomanhasburiedherchildrenanddestroyedhermanisawisercomradeforayoungladthanagirl，thelikeofyou，who’dgohelter-skelteringafteranymanwouldletyouawinkupontheroad。
　　PEGEEN——[breakingoutintowildrage。]——Andyou’llsaythat，WidowQuin，andyougaspingwiththerageyouhadracingthehillbeyondtolookonhisface。
　　WIDOWQUIN——[laughingderisively。]——Me，isit？Well，FatherReillyhascutenesstodivideyounow。（ShepullsChristyup。）There’sgreattemptationinamandidslayhisda，andwe’dbestbegoing，youngfellow；soriseupandcomewithme。
　　PEGEEN——[seizinghisarm。]——He’llnotstir。He’spot-boyinthisplace，andI’llnothavehimstolenoffandkidnabbedwhilehimself’sabroad。
　　WIDOWQUIN。It’dbeacrazypot-boy’dlodgehimintheshebeenwhereheworksbyday，soyou’dhavearighttocomeon，youngfellow，tillyouseemylittlehouseen，aperchoffontherisinghill。
　　PEGEEN。Waittillmorning，ChristyMahon。Waittillyoulayeyesonherleakythatchisgrowingmorepastureforherbuckgoatthanhersquareoffields，andshewithoutatrampitselftokeepinorderherplaceatall。
　　WIDOWQUIN。Whenyouseemecontrivinginmylittlegardens，ChristyMahon，you’llsweartheLordGodformedmetobelivinglone，andthatthereisn’tmymatchinMayoforthatching，ormowing，orshearingasheep。
　　PEGEEN——[withnoisyscorn。]——It’struetheLordGodformedyoutocontriveindeed。Doesn’ttheworldknowyourearedablacklambatyourownbreast，sothattheLordBishopofConnaughtfelttheelementsofaChristian，andheeatingitafterinakidneystew？Doesn’ttheworldknowyou’vebeenseenshavingthefoxyskipperfromFranceforathreepennybitandasopofgrasstobaccowouldwringtheliverfromamountaingoatyou’dmeetleapingthehills？
　　WIDOWQUIN——[withamusement。]——Doyouhearhernow，youngfellow？Doyouhearthewayshe’llberatingatyourownselfwhenaweekisby？
　　PEGEEN——[toChristy。]——Don’theedher。Tellhertogointoherpigstyandnotplagueushere。
　　WIDOWQUIN。I’mgoing；buthe’llcomewithme。
　　PEGEEN——[shakinghim。]——Areyoudumb，youngfellow？
　　CHRISTY——[timidly，toWidowQuin。]——Godincreaseyou；butI’mpot-boyinthisplace，andit’shereI’dlieferstay。
　　PEGEEN——[triumphantly。]Nowyouhaveheardhim，andgoonfromthis。
　　WIDOWQUIN——[lookingroundtheroom。]——It’slonesomethishourcrossingthehill，andifhewon’tcomealongwithme，I’dhavearightmaybetostopthisnightwithyourselves。Letmestretchoutonthesettle，PegeenMike；
　　andhimselfcanliebythehearth。
　　PEGEEN——[shortandfiercely。]——Faith，Iwon’t。QuitofforIwillsendyounow。
　　WIDOWQUIN——[gatheringhershawlup。]——Well，it’saterrortobeagedascore。（ToChristy。）Godblessyounow，youngfellow，andletyoubewary，orthere’srighttormentwillawaityouhereifyougoromancingwithherlike，andshewaitingonly，astheybademesay，onasheepskinparchmenttobewedwithShawnKeoghofKillakeen。
　　CHRISTY——[goingtoPegeenassheboltsthedoor。]——What’sthatshe’saftersaying？
　　PEGEEN。Liesandblather，you’venocalltomind。Well，isn’tShawnKeoghanimpudentfellowtosendupspyingonme？WaittillIlayhandsonhim。Lethimwait，I’msaying。
　　CHRISTY。Andyou’renotweddinghimatall？
　　PEGEEN。Iwouldn’twedhimifabishopcamewalkingfortojoinushere。
　　CHRISTY。ThatGodinglorymaybethankedforthat。
　　PEGEEN。There’syourbednow。I’veputaquiltuponyouI’mafterquiltingawhilesincewithmyowntwohands，andyou’dbeststretchoutnowforyoursleep，andmayGodgiveyouagoodresttillIcallyouinthemorningwhenthecockswillcrow。
　　CHRISTY——[asshegoestoinnerroom。]——MayGodandMaryandSt。Patrickblessyouandrewardyou，foryourkindlytalk。（Sheshutsthedoorbehindher。Hesettleshisbedslowly，feelingthequiltwithimmensesatisfaction。]
　　——Well，it’sacleanbedandsoftwithit，andit’sgreatluckandcompanyI’vewonmeintheendoftime——twofinewomenfightingforthelikesofme——tillI’mthinkingthisnightwasn’tIafoolishfellownottokillmyfatherintheyearsgoneby。