The King's Threshold; and On Baile's Strand Part 4

[_They go out to L., all except the CRIPPLES. SEANCHAN is staggering in the middle of the stage._

_Seanchan._ Where did I say the leprosy came from?

I said it came out of a leper's hand And that he walked the highway; but that's folly, For he was walking up there in the sky And there he is even now with his white hand Thrust out of the blue air and blessing them With leprosy.

_A Cripple._ He's pointing at the moon That's coming out up yonder, and he calls it Leprous, because the daylight whitens it.

_Seanchan._ He's holding up his hand above them all King, n.o.blemen, Princesses, blessing all.

Who could imagine he'd have so much patience.

_First Cripple._ Come out of this.

[_Clutching other CRIPPLE._

_Second Cripple._ If you don't need it, sir, May we not carry some of it away?

[_He points to food._

_Seanchan._ Who's speaking? Who are you?

_First Cripple._ Come out of this.

_Second Cripple._ Have pity on us, that must beg our bread From table to table throughout the entire world And yet be hungry.

_Seanchan._ But why were you born crooked?

What bad poet did your mothers listen to That you were born so crooked?

_First Cripple._ Come away.

Maybe he's cursed the food and it might kill us.

_Second Cripple._ Yes, better come away.

[_They go out._

_Seanchan._ [_Staggering and speaking wearily._]

He has great strength And great patience to hold his right hand there Uplifted and not wavering about; He is much stronger than I am, much stronger.

[_He sinks down on steps._

_Enter from R. FEDELM, CIAN and BRIAN._

_Brian._ There he is lying. Go over to him now And bid him eat.

_Fedelm._ I'll get him out of this Before I have said a word of food and drink; For while he is on this threshold and can hear, It may be, the voices that made mock of him, He would not listen.

_Brian._ That is a good plan.

But there is little time, for he is weakening.

_Fedelm._ [_Crying._] I cannot think of any other plan Although it breaks my heart.

_Cian._ Let's leave them now, For she will press the honey from her bag When we are gone.

_Brian._ It will be hard to move him If hunger and thirst have got into his bones.

[_They go out leaving FEDELM and SEANCHAN alone. FEDELM runs over to SEANCHAN and kneels down before him._

_Fedelm._ Seanchan! Seanchan!

[_He remains looking into the sky._

Can you not see me, Seanchan?

It is myself.

[_SEANCHAN looks at her dreamily at first, then takes her hand._

_Seanchan._ Is this your hand, Fedelm?

I have been looking at another hand That is up yonder.

_Fedelm._ I have come for you.

_Seanchan._ Fedelm, I did not know that you were here.

_Fedelm._ And can you not remember that I promised That I would come and take you home with me When I'd the harvest in? and now I've come, And you must come away, and come on the instant.

_Seanchan._ Yes, I will come; but is the harvest in?

This air has got a summer taste in it.

_Fedelm._ But is not the wild middle of the summer A better time to marry? Come with me now.

_Seanchan._ [_Seizing her by both wrists._]

Who taught you that, for it's a certainty, Although I never knew it till last night, That marriage, because it is the height of life, Can only be accomplished to the full In the high days of the year. I lay awake, There had come a frenzy into the light of the stars And they were coming nearer and I knew All in a minute they were about to marry Clods out upon the plough-lands, to beget A mightier race than any that has been; But some that are within there made a noise And frighted them away.

_Fedelm._ Come with me now; We have far to go, and daylight's running out.

_Seanchan._ The stars had come so near me that I caught Their singing; it was praise of that great race That would be haughty, mirthful, and white-bodied With a high head, and open hand, and how Laughing, it would take the mastery of the world.

_Fedelm._ But you will tell me all about their songs When we're at home. You have need of rest and care, And I can give them you when we're at home, And therefore let us hurry and get us home.

_Seanchan._ That's true; and there's some trouble here, although I cannot now remember what it is, And I would get away from it. Give me your help.

But why are not my pupils here to help me?

Go, call my pupils, for I need their help.

_Fedelm._ Come with me now, and I will send for them, For I have a great room that's full of beds I can make ready, and there is a smooth lawn Where they can play at hurley and sing poems Under an apple-tree.

_Seanchan._ I know that place, An apple tree and a smooth level lawn, Where the young men can sway their hurley sticks.

_Sings._

The four rivers that run there, Through well-mown level ground, Have come out of a blessed well That is all bound and wound By the great roots of an apple, And all fowls of the air Have gathered in the wide branches And keep singing there.