Chapter VII: Act III (2)

MRS. CRILLY There are no more claims on you.

MUSKERRY I'm willing to leave in the shop what I put into the shop. Let Anna know that it will come to her from me. I'll write to the Guardians to-night and I'll send in my resignation. I venture to think that they'll know their loss.

_Mrs. Crilly goes out quietly by corridor door_.

MUSKERRY _(by himself)_ And I had made this place as fit for me as the nest for the wren. Wasn't he glad to write that card, the impudent rascal, with his tongue in his cheek? I'll consider it again. I won't leave this place till it fits myself to leave it.

_Christy Clarice enters by corridor door with papers_.

MUSKERRY They want me to resign from this place, Christy.

CHRISTY You're thirty years here! Aren't you, Mister Muskerry?

MUSKERRY Thirty years, thirty years. Ay, Christy, thirty years; it's a long time. And I'm at my failing time. Perhaps I'm not able to do any more. Day after day there would be troubles here, and I wouldn't be able to face them. And in the end I might lose my position. I'm going to write out my resignation. _(He goes to the desk and writes. Christy is at table. Muskerry turns round after writing)_

MUSKERRY No one that comes here can have the same heart for the poor that I had. I was earning in the year of the famine. I saw able men struggling to get the work that would bring them a handful of Indian meal. And I saw the little children waiting on the roads for relief. _(He turns back and goes on with letter. Suddenly a bell in the House begins to toll)_ What's that for, Christy?

CHRISTY Malachi O'Rourk, the Prince, as they called him, is dead.

MUSKERRY Aye, I gave orders to toll him when he died. He was an estated gentleman, and songs were made about his family. People used to annoy him, but he's gone from them now. Bring me a little whisky, Christy.

_Christy goes to Cabinet. Muskerry follows him_.

CHRISTY There's none in the bottle, Mister Muskerry.

MUSKERRY _(bitterly)_ No, I suppose not. And is that rascal, Albert Crilly, coming back?

CHRISTY He's coming, Mister Muskerry. I left the novelette on the table. Miss Coghlan says it's a nice love story. "The Heart of Angelina," it is called.

MUSKERRY I haven't the heart to read.

_The bell continues to toll. Christy goes to door_.

CHRISTY Good night, Mister Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Good night, Christy.

_Christy Clarke goes out through apartments. Thomas Muskerry is
standing with hand on arm chair. The bell tolls_.

CURTAIN

ACT SECOND

_In Crilly's, a month later. The room is the parlour off the shop.
A glass door, right, leads into the shop, and the fireplace is above
this door. In the back, right, is a cupboard door. Back is a window
looking on the street. A door, left, leads to other rooms. There is
a table near shop door and a horse-hair sofa back, an armchair at
fire, and two leather-covered chairs about. Conventional pictures on
walls, and two certificates framed, showing that some one in the
house has passed some Intermediate examinations._

_It is the forenoon of an April day. Mrs. Crilly is seated on sofa,
going through a heap of account books. Anna Crilly is at window.
Crofton Crilly enters from the shop._

CRILLY It's all right, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY Well?

CRILLY The Guardians insisted on appointing an outside person to take stock of the workhouse stores. It's the new regulation, you know. Well, the job lay between young Dobbs and Albert, and Albert has got it. I don't say but it was a near thing.

MRS. CRILLY I hope Albert will know what to do.

CRILLY He'll want to watch the points. Where's the Master?

MRS. CRILLY He's in his room upstairs.

CRILLY Was he not out this morning?

MRS. CRILLY He's not dressed yet.

CRILLY He was more particular when he was in the workhouse.

ANNA I know who those two children are now. They are the new gas-manager's children.

CRILLY He's a Scotchman.

ANNA And married for the second time. Mother, Mrs. Dunne is going to the races. Such a sketch of a hat.

MRS. CRILLY It would be better for her if she stayed at home and looked after her business.

ANNA She won't have much business to look after soon. That's the third time her husband has come out of Farrell's public-house.

CRILLY He's drinking with the Dispensary Doctor. Companions! They're the curse of this town, Marianne. _(He sits down)_

ANNA She's walked into a blind man, hat and all. He's from the Workhouse.

CRILLY He's the blind piper out of the workhouse, Myles Gorman.

MRS. CRILLY There's no one within. You should go into the shop, Anna.

ANNA Yes, mother. _(She crosses)_ James Scollard is coming in, mother.

MRS. CRILLY Very well, Anna. Stay in the shop until Mary comes.

_Anna goes into the shop. Crilly moves about_.

MRS. CRILLY You're very uneasy.

CRILLY Yes, I am uneasy, Marianne. There's some presentment on me. Fifty pounds a year is a good pension for the old man. He's a month out now. He ought to be getting an instalment.

_Anna comes in from shop_.

ANNA Mother, the doctor's daughter is in the shop.

MRS. CRILLY What does she want?

ANNA _(imitating an accent)_ Send up a pound of butter, two pounds of sugar, and a pound of tea.

MRS. CRILLY These people are paying nobody. But we can't refuse her. I suppose we'll have to send them up. Be very distant with her, Anna.

ANNA I've kept her waiting. Here's a letter, mother.

MRS. CRILLY _(taking letter)_ When did it come, Anna?

ANNA It's just handed in.

_Anna goes out. Mrs. Crilly opens letter_.

MRS. CRILLY It's from the bank. They want me to call. What does the bank manager want with me, I wonder?

CRILLY I have something to tell you, Marianne. I'll tell you in a while. _(He takes a turn up and down)_

MRS. CRILLY What do you want to tell me?

CRILLY Prepare your mind, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY What is it?

CRILLY I owe you money, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY Money! How do you owe me money?

CRILLY That cute boy, James Covey, who took in all the town--

MRS. CRILLY _(rising)_ Covey! My God! You backed a bill for him?

CRILLY I'll make a clean breast of it. I did.

MRS. CRILLY _(with fear in her eyes)_ How much is it?

CRILLY _(walking away to window)_ I'll come to that, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY Did any one back the bill with you?

CRILLY I obliged the fellow. No one backed the bill with me.

MRS. CRILLY Does any one know of it?

CRILLY No, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY The bank.... Tell me what happened.

CRILLY The bank manager sent for me when he came to the town after Covey cleared.

MRS. CRILLY We had four hundred pounds in the bank.

CRILLY We had, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY Tell me how much was the bill.

CRILLY There's no use in beating about the bush. The bill was for three hundred pounds.

MRS. CRILLY And what has the bank done?

CRILLY I'm sorry to say, Marianne, the bank has taken the money over from our account.

MRS. CRILLY You've ruined us at last, Crofton Crilly.

CRILLY You should never forgive me, Marianne. I'll go to America and begin life again. _(He turns to go out by shop)_

MRS. CRILLY We have no money left.

CRILLY A hundred pounds, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY That's Anna's money.

CRILLY Scollard should be satisfied.

MRS. CRILLY Anna insists on getting her money.

CRILLY Very well, Marianne. I'll leave it all to yourself.

_James Scollard comes in. Anna is behind him. Scollard has an
account book in his hand_.

SCOLLARD Good morning, Mrs. Crilly. Good morning, Mr. Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY Good morning, Mr. Scollard.

_Crofton Crilly turns to go_.

ANNA Don't go, father.

SCOLLARD Don't go, Mr. Crilly. I have something particular to say to yourself and Mrs. Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY Sit down, Mr. Scollard.

_Anna brings chair, and Scollard sits center. Anna stands behind him.
Mrs. Crilly sits left of him_.

SCOLLARD I am here to propose for the hand of your daughter, Miss Anna Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY We have nothing to say against your proposal, Mr. Scollard.

CRILLY Won't you take something, James?

SCOLLARD No, thanks, Mr. Crilly. I never touch intoxicants.

_Crofton Crilly goes into shop_.

MRS. CRILLY We couldn't wish for a better match for Anna. But I feel bound to tell you, Mr. Scollard, that we have had a very severe loss in our business.

ANNA What is it, mother?

MRS. CRILLY I don't mind telling you. Mr. Crilly has made himself responsible for a bill on the bank.

SCOLLARD In whose interest, Mrs. Crilly?

MRS. CRILLY He backed a bill for James Covey. A bill for three hundred pounds.

ANNA Oh, mother!

MRS. CRILLY It's a dead sure loss. I don't know what we are to do, Anna.

SCOLLARD This is very bad, Mrs. Crilly.

_Crofton Crilly comes back from shop. He brings in a glass of whisky.
He puts whisky on chimney-piece._

MRS. CRILLY The bank has taken over three hundred pounds from our account.

CRILLY Perhaps Scollard--

SCOLLARD What were you saying, Mr. Crilly?

CRILLY Oh, I was just thinking--about a bill you know--If some one would go security for us at the bank--

ANNA Father, what are you saying?

MRS. CRILLY It's unnecessary to talk like that. In spite of your foolishness, we still have a balance at the bank.

ANNA My portion comes to me from my grandmother.

SCOLLARD May I ask, Mrs. Crilly, is Miss Crilly's portion safe?

MRS. CRILLY It is safe, Mr. Scollard.

SCOLLARD I have been definitely appointed Master of the Union, and I may say that Anna and myself are anxious to marry.

MRS. CRILLY It needn't be soon, Mr. Scollard.

SCOLLARD After Easter, Mrs. Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY But that's very soon.

SCOLLARD I am anxious to settle down, Mrs. Crilly. I'm on my way to a meeting of the Board of Guardians, but before I go I'd like to have some more information about your loss.

MRS. CRILLY Anna's portion is not touched, but we could hardly afford to let the money go from us now.

SCOLLARD Is that so, Mrs. Crilly?

MRS. CRILLY Three hundred pounds is a very severe loss.

SCOLLARD Very severe, indeed. Still, you understand, Mrs. Crilly, the difficulties of taking such a step as marriage without adequate provision.

CRILLY Damn it all, man, Marianne and myself married without anything at all.

MRS. CRILLY _(bitterly)_ Anna won't be such a fool as her mother.

CRILLY Well, Scollard has his position, and we helped him to it.

SCOLLARD I acknowledge that.

ANNA Isn't my portion eighty pounds, mother?

MRS. CRILLY Yes, Anna. But I'd like to tell Mr. Scollard that it would come as a strain on us to let the money go at once.

SCOLLARD I daresay, Mrs. Crilly.

ANNA But, mother, wouldn't the money be safer with us?

MRS. CRILLY Well, I leave the whole thing in the hands of Mr. Scollard.

SCOLLARD Anna and myself have been talking things over, Mrs. Crilly.

ANNA And we don't want to begin life in a poor way.

SCOLLARD We see the advantage of being always solvent, Mrs. Crilly.

ANNA James has ambitions, and there's no reason why he shouldn't venture for the post of Secretary of the County Council when old Mr. Dobbs retires.

SCOLLARD In a few years, Mrs. Crilly, when I had more official experience and some reputation.

ANNA Then he would have seven or eight hundred a year.

SCOLLARD As I said, a man like myself would want to be in a perfectly solvent position.

ANNA Besides, James has no money of his own.

SCOLLARD I never had the chance of putting money by--Family calls, Mrs. Crilly.

ANNA And we don't want to begin life in a poor way.

MRS. CRILLY You won't want the whole of the money. I'll give you forty pounds now.

CRILLY And forty when the first child is born.

ANNA Oh, father, how can you say such a thing?

SCOLLARD I need only say this. Anna and myself were talking over affairs, and we came to the conclusion it would be best not to start with less than eighty pounds. _(He rises)_ I have to go down to the Board Room now, for there is a meeting of the Guardians. _(He goes towards door)_

CRILLY Won't you take a glass?

SCOLLARD No, thanks, Mr. Crilly. I never touch stimulants. Good day to you all.

_He goes out. Crofton Crilly goes after him_.

MRS. CRILLY Anna, you won't be deprived of your money.

ANNA Then what's the difficulty, mother?

MRS. CRILLY Let half of the money remain with us for a while.

ANNA But, mother, if I don't get all my money, what security have I that what's left will be good in six months or a year?

MRS. CRILLY I'll watch the money for you, Anna.

ANNA It's hard to keep a hold on money in a town where business is going down.

MRS. CRILLY Forty pounds will be given to you and forty pounds will be kept safe for you.

ANNA Forty pounds! There's not a small farmer comes into the shop but his daughter has more of a dowry than forty pounds.

MRS. CRILLY Think of all who marry without a dowry at all.

ANNA You wouldn't have me go to James Scollard without a dowry?

MRS. CRILLY Well, you know the way we're situated. If you insist on getting eighty pounds we'll have to make an overdraft on the bank, and, in the way business is, I don't know how we'll ever recover it.

ANNA There won't be much left out of eighty pounds when we get what suits us in furniture.

MRS. CRILLY I could let you have some furniture.

ANNA No, mother. We want to start in a way that is different from this house.

MRS. CRILLY You'll want all the money together?

ANNA All of it, mother.

MRS. CRILLY You'll have to get it so. But you're very hard, Anna.

ANNA This house would teach any one to look to themselves.

MRS. CRILLY Come upstairs. _(Anna goes, left)_ Three hundred pounds of a loss. Eighty pounds with that. I'm terrified when I think. _(She goes after Anna)_

_Crofton Crilly comes in from shop. He takes glass of whisky from
table, and sits down in arm chair_.

CRILLY I don't know what Marianne's to do at all. She has a shocking lot to contend with. Can anything be got from the old man, I wonder?

_Albert Crilly comes in by door, left_.

ALBERT Well, pa.

CRILLY Well, Albert. What's the news in the town, Albert?

ALBERT They say that you've backed a bill for Covey.

CRILLY If your mother hears that kind of talk she'll be vexed, Albert.

ALBERT But did you back the bill?

CRILLY For Heaven's sake, let me alone, Albert. Yes, I backed the bill.

ALBERT How much?

CRILLY You'll hear all about it from your mother.

ALBERT They say the bill was for three hundred.

CRILLY It was three or thereabouts.

ALBERT 'Pon my word, father, the mother will have to take out a mandamus against you.

CRILLY _(with parental dignity)_ Don't talk to me in that way, Sir.

ALBERT It's scandalous, really. I expect you've ruined the business.

CRILLY I hate the world and all its works and pomps.

ALBERT I believe you've done for the business. I'm going away.

CRILLY Then you've got the other appointment?

ALBERT Temporary clerkship in the Land Department. I wonder would the mother let me have the money for clothes?

CRILLY _(desperately)_ Don't mention it at all to her.

ALBERT I have a card from a Dublin tailor in my pocket. If I could pay him for one suit, I could get another on tick.

CRILLY I tell you not to talk to your mother about money. That fellow, Scollard, has put her out.

ALBERT How's that?

CRILLY Money again. Wants the whole of Anna's portion down. And Anna's backing him up, too. I don't know how your mother can stand it. I don't like Scollard. Then you won't be staying on, Albert, to do the stocktaking in the Workhouse?

ALBERT No; they'll have to get some one else. I'm glad to be out of that job.

CRILLY I'm not sorry, Albert.

ALBERT The mother would expect me to do something queer in my report.

CRILLY Between you and me, Albert, women aren't acquainted with the working of affairs, and they expect unusual things to happen. Who will they make stocktaker, now?

ALBERT Young Dobbs, likely. I suppose the whole business about the coal will come out then?

CRILLY I suppose it will; but say nothing about it now, Albert. Let the hare sit.

ALBERT What does the old man think about it now?

CRILLY He's very close to himself. I think he has forgotten all about it.

ALBERT I wouldn't say so.

CRILLY Who's that in the shop, Albert?

ALBERT Felix Tournour.

CRILLY _(rising)_ I wonder what they think about Scollard in the Poor-house. _(He and Albert go into the shop as Muskerry enters from left)_

_Muskerry is untidily dressed. His boots are unlaced. He walks
across the room and speaks pettishly_.

MUSKERRY They haven't brought my soup yet. They won't give much of their time to me. I'm disappointed in Anna Crilly. Well, a certain share in this shop was to have gone to Anna Crilly. I'll get that share, and I'll hoard it up myself. I'll hoard it up. And the fifty pounds of my pension, I'll hoard that up, too.

_Albert comes in from shop_.

MUSKERRY That's a black fire that's in the grate. I don't like the coal that comes into this place.

ALBERT Coal, eh, grandpapa.

MUSKERRY I said coal.

ALBERT We haven't good stores here.

MUSKERRY Confound you for your insolence.

ALBERT Somebody you know is in the shop--Felix Tournour.

MUSKERRY Bid Tournour come in to me.

ALBERT _(talking into the shop)_ You're wanted here, Tournour. Come in now or I'll entertain the boss with "The Devil's Rambles." _(He turns to Muskerry)_ I was given the job of stocktaking.

MUSKERRY That's a matter for yourself.

ALBERT I don't think I'll take the job now.

MUSKERRY Why won't you take it?

ALBERT I don't know what to say about the fifty tons of coal.

MUSKERRY I was too precipitate about the coal. But don't have me at the loss of fifty pounds through any of your smartness.

ALBERT All right, grandfather; I'll see you through.

MUSKERRY Confound you for a puppy.

_Felix Tournour enters. He looks prosperous. He has on a loud check
suit. He wears a red tie and a peaked cap_.

ALBERT The Master wants to speak to you, Tournour.

TOURNOUR What Master.

ALBERT The boss, Tournour, the boss.

MUSKERRY I want you, and that's enough for you, Tournour.

ALBERT I suppose you don't know, grandpapa, that Tournour has a middling high position in the Poorhouse now.

MUSKERRY What are you saying?

ALBERT Tournour is Ward-master now.

MUSKERRY I wasn't given any notice of that.

ALBERT Eh, Tournour--

"The Devil went out for a ramble at night,
Through Garrisowen Union to see every sight.
He saw Felix Tournour--"

TOURNOUR

"He saw one in comfort, of that you'll be sure.
With his back to the fire stands Felix Tournour,"

_He puts his back to fire_.

ALBERT Well, so-long, gents. _(He goes out by shop door)_

MUSKERRY Let me see you, Tournour.

TOURNOUR I'm plain to be seen.

MUSKERRY Who recommended you for Ward-master?

TOURNOUR Them that had the power.

MUSKERRY I would not have done it, Tournour.

TOURNOUR No. And still, d'ye see, I'm up and not down. Well, I'll be going.

MUSKERRY Come back here, Tournour. I made it a rule that no Ward-master should let drink be brought in to the paupers.

TOURNOUR It's a pity you're not Master still!

MUSKERRY What are you saying?

TOURNOUR It's a pity that you're not still the Master over us.

MUSKERRY Tournour, you're forgetting yourself.

TOURNOUR Well, maybe you are still the Master.

MUSKERRY How dare you speak to me with such effrontery? How dare you?

TOURNOUR I dunno. I'm going away now, if your _honour_ has nothing more to say to me. _(He turns to go)_

MUSKERRY You shall not. You shall not, I say.

TOURNOUR What?

MUSKERRY You shall not go away until you've apologised to me.

TOURNOUR Don't be talking, Thomas Muskerry. You're not Master over me.

MUSKERRY Not the Master over you?

TOURNOUR No. There's an end to your sway, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Go out of the house. No, stay here. You think I'm out of the Workhouse. No. That's not so. I've claims, great claims, on it still. Not for nothing was I there for thirty years, the pattern for the officials of Ireland.

TOURNOUR Twenty-nine years, I'm telling you.

MUSKERRY The Guardians will take account of me.

TOURNOUR And maybe they would, too.

MUSKERRY What's that you're saying?

TOURNOUR The Guardians might take an account of Thomas Muskerry in a way he mightn't like. _(He goes to door)_

MUSKERRY Come back here, Felix Tournour.

TOURNOUR I'm not your sub-servant.

MUSKERRY Stand here before me.

TOURNOUR You and your before me! Your back to heaven and your belly to hell.

MUSKERRY Go away. Go away out of this.

TOURNOUR Don't try to down-face me. I know something about you.

MUSKERRY About me!

TOURNOUR Aye, you and your fifty tons of coal. _(Muskerry goes back from him)_ Great claims on the Workhouse have you. The Guardians will take account of you. Will they? Talk to them about the fifty tons of coal. Go and do that, my pattern of the officials of Ireland!

_Tournour goes out by shop. Muskerry stands with his hands on the
arm chair_.

MUSKERRY This minute I'll go down to the Guardians and make my complaint. _(He notices his appearance)_ I'm going about all day with my boots unlaced. I'm falling into bad ways, bad, slovenly ways. And my coat needs brushing, too. _(He takes off his coat and goes to window and brushes it)_ That's Myles Gorman going back to the Workhouse. I couldn't walk with my head held as high as that. In this house I am losing my uprightness. I'll do more than lace my boots and brush my coat. I'll go down to the Guardians and I'll pay them back their fifty pounds.

_Anna Crilly comes in from left with a bowl of soup_.

ANNA Here's your soup, grandpapa.

MUSKERRY I can't take it now, Anna. _(He puts on his coat)_

ANNA Are you going out, grandpapa?

MUSKERRY I'm going before the meeting of the Board of Guardians.

ANNA Are you, grandpapa?

MUSKERRY Yes, Anna, I am. I'm going to pay them back their fifty pounds.

ANNA And have you the fifty pounds?

MUSKERRY Your mother has it for me.

ANNA Sit down, grandpapa, and take your soup.

MUSKERRY No, Anna, I won't take anything until my mind is at rest about the coal. A certain person has spoken to me in a way I'll never submit to be spoken to again.

_Mrs. Crilly comes in_.

MRS. CRILLY What has happened to you?

MUSKERRY Felix Tournour knows about the coal, Marianne. He can disgrace me before the world.

ANNA And grandpapa wants to go before the Guardians and pay them back the fifty pounds.

MRS. CRILLY Wait until we consult Mr. Scollard.

_Anna goes out_.

MUSKERRY No, Marianne. I'm not going to be a party to this any longer. I'm going before the Guardians, and I'll pay them back their fifty pounds.

MRS. CRILLY Fifty pounds. From what place is fifty pounds to come so easily?

MUSKERRY I'll ask you to give me the fifty pounds, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY I'll do no such thing. Anna is getting married, and she claims her fortune.

MUSKERRY Anna getting married. This was kept from me. And who is Anna getting married to?

MRS. CRILLY To James Scollard.

MUSKERRY To James Scollard. And so Anna is getting married to my successor, James Scollard. My successor. How well I knew there was some such scheme behind shifting me out of the Workhouse. And Anna Crilly was against me all the time. Well, well, well. I'll remember this.

MRS. CRILLY I'm at great losses since you came here.

MUSKERRY I'm at greater losses, Marianne.

MRS. CRILLY What losses are you at?

MUSKERRY The loss of my trust, the loss of my dignity, my self-respect, and--

MRS. CRILLY I think we did all we could for you.

MUSKERRY I'm going out now to pay back the Guardians the sum due to them from me. I want fifty pounds from you. I claim it, and I have a right to claim it.

MRS. CRILLY We have no money at all. Listen. Crofton Crilly backed a bill for James Covey, and three hundred pounds has been taken from our account.

MUSKERRY Three hundred pounds!

MRS. CRILLY Yes. Three hundred pounds.

MUSKERRY He backed a bill for three hundred pounds. And do you think, Marianne Crilly, there can be any luck, in a house where such a thing could happen? I tell you there is no luck nor grace in your house. _(He puts on his hat and goes to cupboard to get his stick. He opens the cupboard. He turns round)_

MUSKERRY _(greatly moved)_ My God, my God. I'm made cry at the things that happen in this house.

MRS. CRILLY What is it?

MUSKERRY The good meat I brought in. There it is on the floor and the cat mangling it. I'll go out of this house, and I'll never put foot into it again.

MRS. CRILLY And where will you go?

MUSKERRY I'll go before the Board of Guardians and I'll ask them to provide for me.

MRS. CRILLY What do you want me to do for you?

MUSKERRY Give me fifty pounds, so that I can pay them off now.

MRS. CRILLY Haven't I told you the way I'm straitened for money?

MUSKERRY You have still in the bank what would save my name.

MRS. CRILLY Don't be unreasonable. I have to provide for my children.

MUSKERRY Your children. Yes, you have to provide for your children. I provided for them long enough. And now you would take my place, my honour, and my self-respect, and provide for them over again. _(He goes out)_

MRS. CRILLY I'll have to put up with this, too.

_Anna re-enters._

ANNA Where has he gone, mother?

MRS. CRILLY He has gone down to the Workhouse.

ANNA What is he going to do, mother?

MRS. CRILLY He says he will ask the Guardians to provide for him.

ANNA It's not likely they'll do that for a man with a pension of fifty pounds a year.

MRS. CRILLY I don't know what will happen to us.

ANNA He'll come back, mother.

MRS. CRILLY He will. But everything will have been made public, and the money will have to be paid.

ANNA _(at the window)_ There he is going down the street, mother.

MRS. CRILLY Which way?

ANNA Towards the Workhouse. And here's the doctor's daughter coming into the shop again, mother.

MRS. CRILLY I'll go out and see her myself. _(As she goes out she hands Anna a cheque)_ That's the last cheque I'll be able to make out. There's your eighty pounds, Anna. _(She goes into the shop)_

ANNA We can begin to get the furniture now.

_She sits down at the table and makes some calculation with a pencil_.

CURTAIN

ACT THIRD

_The infirm ward in the Workhouse. Entrance from corridor, right.
Forward, left, are three beds with bedding folded upon them. Back,
left, is a door leading into Select Ward. This door is closed, and a
large key is in lock. Fireplace with a grating around it, left. Back,
right, is a window with little leaded panes_.

_It is noon on a May day, but the light inside the ward is feeble._

_Two paupers are seated at fire. One of them, Mickie Cripes, is a
man of fifty, stooped and hollow-chested, but with quick blue eyes.
The other man, Tom Shanley, is not old, but he looks broken and
listless. Myles Gorman, still in pauper dress, is standing before
window, an expectant look on his face_.

_Thomas Muskerry enters from corridor. He wears his own clothes,
but he has let them get into disorder. His hair and beard are
disordered, and he seems very much broken down. Nevertheless, he
looks as if his mind were composed_.

MUSKERRY It's dark in here, Michael.

GRIPES It is, sir.

MUSKERRY I find it very spiritless after coming up from the chapel. Don't pass your whole day here. Go down into the yard. _(He stands before the window)_ This is the first fine day, and you ought to go out along the country road. Ask the Master for leave. It's the month of May, and you'll be glad of the sight of the grass and the smell of the bushes. Now here's a remarkable thing. I venture to think that the like of this has never happened before. Here are the bees swarming at the window pane.

GORMAN You'll hear my pipes on the road to-day. That's as sure as the right hand is on my body. _(He goes out by corridor door)_

CRIPES Myles Gorman must have been glad to hear that buzzing.

MUSKERRY Why was Myles glad to hear it?

SHANLEY He was leaving on the first fine day.

CRIPES The buzzing at the pane would let any one know that the air is nice for a journey.

MUSKERRY I am leaving to-day, myself.

CRIPES And where are you going, Mr. Muskerry?

MUSKERRY I'm going to a place of my own.

_Muskerry goes into the Select Ward_.

CRIPES I'll tell you what brought Thomas Muskerry back to the workhouse to be an inmate in it. Living in a bad house. Living with his own. That's what brought him back. And that's what left me here, too.

SHANLEY _(listlessly)_ The others have the flour, and we may hawk the bran.

_An old pauper comes into the ward. His face looks bleached. He has
the handle of a sweeping-brush for a staff. He moves about the ward,
muttering to himself. He seats himself on chair, right_.

THE OLD MAN _(speaking as if thinking aloud)_ I was at twelve o'clock Mass. Now one o'clock would be a late Mass. I was at Mass at one o'clock. Wouldn't that be a long time to keep a priest, and he fasting the whole time?

CRIPES I'll tell you what Thomas Muskerry did when he left the bad house he was in. _(He puts coal on the fire)_

THE OLD MAN I was at one o'clock Mass in Skibbereen. I know where Skibbereen is well. In the County Cork. Cork is a big county. As big as Dublin and Wicklow. That's where the people died when there was the hunger.

CRIPES He came before the meeting of the Guardians, and he told them he owed them the whole of his year's pension. Then he got some sort of a stroke, and he broke down. And the Guardians gave him the Select Ward there for himself.

SHANLEY They did well for him.

CRIPES Why wouldn't they give him the Select Ward? It's right that he'd get the little room, and not have to make down the pauper's bed with the rest of us.

SHANLEY He was at the altar to-day, and he stayed in the chapel after Mass.

CRIPES He'll be here shortly.

THE OLD MAN Skibbereen! That's where the people died when there was the hunger. Men and women without coffins, or even their clothes off. Just buried. Skibbereen I remember well, for I was a whole man then. And the village. For there are people living in it yet. They didn't all die.

SHANLEY We'll have somebody else in the Select Ward this evening.

CRIPES That's what they were talking about. The nuns are sending a patient up here.

SHANLEY I suppose the Ward-master will be in here to regulate the room. _(He rises)_

CRIPES Aye, the Ward-master. Felix Tournour, the Ward-master. You've come to your own place at last, Felix Tournour.

SHANLEY Felix Tournour will be coming the master over me if he finds me here. _(Shanley goes out)_

CRIPES Felix Tournour! That's the lad that will be coming in with his head up like the gander that's after beating down a child.

_Christy Clarice enters. He carries a little portmanteau_.

CHRISTY Is Mr. Muskerry here?

CRIPES He's in the room. _(A sound of water splashing and the movements of a heavy person are heard)_ Will you be speaking with him, young fellow?

CHRISTY I will.

CRIPES Tell him, like a good little boy, that the oul' men would be under a favour to him if he left a bit of tobacco. You won't forget that?

CHRISTY I won't forget it.

CRIPES I don't want to be in the way of Felix Tournour. We're going down to the yard, but we'll see Mr. Muskerry when he's going away.

_Cripes goes out_.

MUSKERRY _(within)_ Is that you, Christy Clarke?

CHRISTY It is, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Have you any news, Christy?

CHRISTY No news, except that my mother is in the cottage, and is expecting you to-day.

MUSKERRY I'll be in the cottage to-day, Christy. I'm cleaning myself. _(A sound of splashing and moving about)_ The Guardians were good to get the little house for me. I'd as lieve be there as in a mansion. There's about half an acre of land to the place, and I'll do work on the ground from time to time, for it's a good thing for a man to get the smell of the clay.

CHRISTY And how are you in health, Mr. Muskerry?

MUSKERRY I'm very well in health. I was anointed, you know, and after that I mended miraculously.

CHRISTY And what about the pension?

MUSKERRY I'm getting three hundred pounds. They asked me to realize the pension. I hope I have life enough before me. _(He comes out. He has on trousers, coat, and starched shirt. The shirt is soiled and crushed)_

MUSKERRY On Saturdays I'll do my marketing. I'll come into the town, and I'll buy the bit of meat for my dinner on Sunday. But what are you doing with this portmanteau, Christy?

CHRISTY I'm going away myself.

MUSKERRY To a situation, is it?

CHRISTY To a situation in Dublin.

MUSKERRY I wish you luck, Christy. _(He shakes hands with the boy, and sits down on a chair)_ I was dreaming on new things all last night. New shirts, new sheets, everything new.

CHRISTY I want to be something.

MUSKERRY What do you want to be?

CHRISTY A writer.

MUSKERRY A writer of books, is it?

CHRISTY Yes, a writer of books.

MUSKERRY Listen, now, and tell me do you hear anything. That's the sound of bees swarming at the window. That's a good augury for you, Christy.

CHRISTY All life's before me.

MUSKERRY Will you give heed to what I tell you?

CHRISTY I'll give heed to it, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Live a good life.

CHRISTY I give heed to you.

MUSKERRY Your mother had great hardship in rearing you.

CHRISTY I know that, Mr. Muskerry, but now I'm able for the world.

MUSKERRY I wish success to all your efforts. Be very careful of your personal appearance.

CHRISTY I will, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Get yourself a new cravat before you leave the town.

CHRISTY I'll get it.

MUSKERRY I think I'd look better myself if I had a fresher shirt.

CHRISTY I saw clean shirts of yours before the fire last night in my mother's house.

MUSKERRY I wish I could get one before I leave this place.

CHRISTY Will I run off and get one for you?

MUSKERRY Would you, Christy? Would it be too much trouble?

_Muskerry rises_.

CHRISTY I'll go now.

MUSKERRY You're a very willing boy, Christy, and you're sure to get on. _(He goes to a little broken mirror on the wall)_ I am white and loose of flesh, and that's not a good sign with me, Christy. I'll tell you something. If I were staying here to-night, it's the pauper's bed I'd have to sleep on.

_Mrs. Crilly comes to the door_.

MRS. CRILLY Well, I see you're making ready for your departure.

MUSKERRY _(who has become uneasy)_ I am ready for my departure.

MRS. CRILLY And this young man has come for you, I suppose?

MUSKERRY This young man is minding his own business.

CHRISTY I'm going out now to get a shirt for the Master.

MRS. CRILLY A starched shirt, I suppose, Christy. Go down to our house, and tell Mary to give you one of the shirts that are folded up.

MUSKERRY The boy will go where he was bid go.

MRS. CRILLY Oh, very well. Run, Christy, and do the message for the Master.

_Christy Clarke goes out_.

MUSKERRY I don't know what brought you here to-day.

MRS. CRILLY Well, I wanted to see you.

MUSKERRY You could come to see me when I was settled down.

MRS. CRILLY Settled in the cottage the Guardians have given you?

MUSKERRY Yes, ma'am.

MRS. CRILLY _(with nervous excitement, restrained)_ No one of us will ever go near the place.

MUSKERRY Well, you'll please yourself.

MRS. CRILLY You put a slight on us all when you go there to live.

MUSKERRY Well, I've lived with you to my own loss.

MRS. CRILLY Our house is the best house in the town, and I'm the nearest person to you.

MUSKERRY Say nothing more about that.

MRS. CRILLY Well, maybe you do right not to live with us, but you ought not to forsake us altogether.

MUSKERRY And what do you mean by forsaking you altogether?

MRS. CRILLY When you leave the place and do not even turn your step in our direction it's a sign to all who want to know that you forsake us altogether.

MUSKERRY What do you want me to do?

MRS. CRILLY Come up to Cross Street with me, have dinner and spend the night with us. People would have less to talk about if you did that.

MUSKERRY You always have a scheme.

MRS. CRILLY Come to us for this evening itself.

MUSKERRY I wish you wouldn't trouble me, woman. Can't you see that when I go out of this I want to go to my own place?

MRS. CRILLY You can go there to-morrow.

MUSKERRY Preparations are made for me.

MRS. CRILLY You don't know what preparations.

MUSKERRY Two pounds of the best beef-steak were ordered to be sent up to-day.

MRS. CRILLY I wouldn't trust that woman, Mrs. Clarke, to cook potatoes.

MUSKERRY Well, I'll trust her, ma'am.

MRS. CRILLY _(taking Muskerry's sleeve)_ Don't go to-day, anyway.

MUSKERRY You're very anxious to get me to come with you. What do you want from me?

MRS. CRILLY We want nothing from you. You know how insecure our business is. When it's known in the town that you forsake us, everybody will close in on us.

MUSKERRY God knows I did everything that a man could do for you and yours. I won't forget you. I haven't much life left to me, and I want to live to myself.

MRS. CRILLY I know. Sure I lie awake at night, too tired to sleep, and long to get away from the things that are pressing in on me. I know that people are glad of their own way, and glad to live in the way that they like. When I heard the birds stirring I cried to be away in some place where I won't hear the thing that's always knocking at my head. The business has to be minded, and it's slipping away from us like water. And listen, if my confinement comes on me and I worried as I was last year, nothing can save me. I'll die, surely.

MUSKERRY _(moved)_ What more do you want me to do?

MRS. CRILLY Stay with us for a while, so that we'll have the name of your support.

MUSKERRY I'll come back to you in a week.

MRS. CRILLY That wouldn't do at all. There's a reason for what I ask. The town must know that you are with us from the time you leave this.

MUSKERRY _(with emotion)_ God help me with you all, and God direct me what to do.

MRS. CRILLY It's not in you to let us down.

_Muskerry turns away. His head is bent. Mrs. Crilly goes to him_.

MUSKERRY Will you never be done taking from me? I want to leave this and go to a place of my own.

_Muskerry puts his hand to his eyes. When he lowers his hand again
Mrs. Crilly lays hers in it. Christy Clarke comes in. Muskerry turns
to him. Muskerry has been crying_.

MUSKERRY Well, Christy, I'll be sending you back on another message.

_Mrs. Crilly makes a sign to Christy not to speak_.

MUSKERRY Go to your mother and tell her---

CHRISTY I met my mother outside.

MUSKERRY Did she get the things that were sent to her?

CHRISTY My mother was sent away from the cottage.

MUSKERRY Who sent your mother away from the cottage?

CHRISTY Mrs. Crilly sent her away.

MUSKERRY And why did you do that, ma'am?

MRS. CRILLY I sent Mary to help to prepare the place for you, and the woman was impertinent to Mary--

MUSKERRY Well, ma'am?

MRS. CRILLY I sent the woman away.

MUSKERRY And so you take it on yourself to dispose of the servants in my house?

MRS. CRILLY I daresay you'll take the woman's part against my daughter.

MUSKERRY No, ma'am, I'll take no one's side, but I'll tell you this. I want my own life, and I won't be interfered with.

MRS. CRILLY I'm sorry for what occurred, and I'll apologise to the boy's mother if you like.

MUSKERRY I won't be interfered with, I tell you. From this day out I'm free of my own life. And now, Christy Clarke, go down stairs and tell the Master, Mr. Scollard, that I want to see him.

_Christy Clarice goes out_.

MRS. CRILLY I may as well tell you something else. None of the things you ordered were sent up to the cottage.

MUSKERRY Do you tell me that?

MRS. CRILLY I went round to the shop, and everything you ordered was sent to us.

MUSKERRY And what is the meaning of that, ma'am?

MRS. CRILLY If the town knew you were going from us, in a week we would have to put up the shutters.

MUSKERRY Well, I'll walk out of this, and when I come to the road I'll go my own way.

MRS. CRILLY We can't prevent you.

MUSKERRY No, ma'am, you can't prevent me.

MRS. CRILLY You've got your discharge, I suppose?

MUSKERRY I've given three hours' notice, and I'll get my discharge now.

MRS. CRILLY _(at corridor door)_ We can't prevent you going if you have the doctor's discharge.

MUSKERRY The doctor's discharge! He would have given it to me--

MRS. CRILLY You can't leave without the doctor's sanction.

MUSKERRY Out of this house I will go to-day.

_James Scollard enters_.

SCOLLARD I believe you want to see me, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY I do, Mr. Scollard. I am leaving the house.

SCOLLARD I will be glad to take up the necessary formalities for you, Mr. Muskerry.

MRS. CRILLY First of all, has the doctor marked my father off the infirmary list?

SCOLLARD No, Mrs. Crilly. Now that I recall the list, he has not.

MUSKERRY I waited after Mass to-day, and I missed seeing him.

MRS. CRILLY My father was seriously ill only a short time ago, and I do not believe he is in a fit state to leave the infirmary.

SCOLLARD That certainly has to be considered. Without the doctor explicitly sending you down to the body of the house you are hardly under my jurisdiction, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY Mr. Scollard, I ask you to give me leave to go out of the Workhouse for a day. You can do this on your own responsibility.

MRS. CRILLY In the present state of his mind it's not likely he would return to-night. Then if anything happened him your situation is at stake.

MUSKERRY I'm not a pauper. I'll go out of this to-day without leave or license from any of you.

SCOLLARD As you know yourself, Mr. Muskerry, it would be as much as my situation is worth to let you depart in that way.

MUSKERRY Well, go I will.

SCOLLARD I cannot permit it, Mr. Muskerry. I say it with the greatest respect.

MUSKERRY How long will you keep me here?

SCOLLARD Until the doctor visits the house.

MUSKERRY That will be on Monday morning.

SCOLLARD And this is Saturday, Mr. Muskerry.

MUSKERRY And where will you put me until Monday?

SCOLLARD Other arrangements will be made for you.

MUSKERRY It's the pauper's bed you would give me!

SCOLLARD The old arrangements will continue. Can I do anything further for you, Mr. Muskerry?

MUSKERRY No, you can do nothing further for me. It's a great deal you have done for me! It's the pauper's bed you have given me! _(He goes into the Select Ward)_

MRS. CRILLY Sit down, Mr. Scollard. I want to speak to you.

_Mrs. Crilly seats herself at the table. Scollard sits down also._

MRS. CRILLY The bank manager is in the town to-day, and there are people waiting to tell him whether my father goes to our house or goes away from us.

SCOLLARD No doubt there are, Mrs. Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY But you have nothing to do with that, Mr. Scollard.

SCOLLARD No, Mrs. Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY I have my own battle to fight, and a hard battle it is. I have to make bits of myself to mind everything and be prepared for everything.

SCOLLARD No doubt, Mrs. Crilly.

MRS. CRILLY There are people who will blame me, but they cannot see into my mind.

SCOLLARD Will you come down to the parlour, Mrs. Crilly?

MRS. CRILLY Yes, I'll go down.

_She remains seated, looking out steadily before her. Myles Gorman
comes in. He is dressed in his own clothes_.

SCOLLARD Well, Gorman, what brings you back to the ward?

GORMAN I just want to do something to my pipes, Master.

SCOLLARD Very well, Gorman. You have your discharge, and you are free to leave.

GORMAN Oh, in a while I'll be taking the road.

_He seats himself at the fire and begins to fix the bag of his pipes_.

SCOLLARD Now, Mrs. Crilly, come down to the parlour.

MRS. CRILLY Yes.

SCOLLARD Anna is waiting to see you.

MRS. CRILLY _(rising)_ He will be well cared for here.

SCOLLARD He will, Mrs. Crilly. I will give him all attention.

MRS. CRILLY He expected to be in a different place to-day, but delay does little harm.

SCOLLARD Come down to the parlour, Mrs. Crilly, and drink a glass of wine with us.

_They go out. The door of the Select Ward opens, and Thomas
Muskerry appears. He has got a stroke. His breathing makes a noise
in his mouth. As he moves he lags somewhat at the right knee. He
carries his right hand at his breast. He moves slowly across ward.
Felix Tournour enters, carrying a bunch of keys_.

TOURNOUR And where are you going?

MUSKERRY _(in a thickened voice)_ Ow--out. _(Motioning with left hand. He moves across ward, and goes out on door of corridor)_

TOURNOUR Well, you're not getting back to your snuggery, my oul' cod. _(He goes into the Select Ward and begins to pitch Muskerry's belongings into the outer ward. First of all come the pillows and clothes off the bed)_ And there's your holy picture, and there's your holy book. _(He comes out holding another book in official binding. He opens it and reads)_ "Marianne, born May the 20th, 1870." _(He turns back some pages and reads)_ Thomas Muskerry wrote this, 1850--

"In the pleasant month of May,
When the lambkins sport and play,
As I roved out for recreation,
I spied a comely maid,
Sequestered in the shade,
And on her beauty I gazed in admiration."

"I said I greatly fear
That Mercury will draw near,
As once he appeared unto Venus,
Or as it might have been
To the Carthaginian Queen,
Or the Grecian Wight called Polyphemus."

_Muskerry comes back to the ward. He stands looking stupidly at the
heap Tournour has thrown out. Tournour throws down the book.
Muskerry goes towards the open door of the ward. Felix Tournour
closes the door deliberately turns the key and holds the key in his
hand_.

TOURNOUR You have no more to do with your snug little ward, Mr. Muskerry. _(He puts the key on his bunch and goes out)_

MUSKERRY _(muttering with slack lips and cheeks)_ It's--it's--the pau--pauper's bed they've given me.

GORMAN _(turning round his face)_ Who's there?

MUSKERRY It's--it's--Thomas Muskerry.

GORMAN Is that the Master?

MUSKERRY It's--it's the pauper's bed they've given me.

GORMAN Can I give you any hand, Master?

MUSKERRY I'll want to make--the bed. Give me a hand to make the bed. _(Gorman comes over to him)_ My own sheet and blanket is here. I needn't lie on a pauper's sheet. Whose bed is this?

GORMAN It's the middle bed, Master. It's my own bed.

MUSKERRY _(helplessly)_ What bed will I take, then?

GORMAN My bed. I won't be here.

MUSKERRY And where are you going?

GORMAN I'm leaving the house this day. I'll be going on the roads.

MUSKERRY Myles--Myles Gorman. The man that was without family or friends. Myles Gorman. Help me to lay down the mattress. Where will you sleep to-night, Myles Gorman?

GORMAN At Mrs. Muirnan's, a house between this and the town of Ballinagh. I haven't the money to pay, but she'll give me the place for to-night. Now, Master, I'll spread the sheet for you. _(They spread the sheet on the bed_.)

MUSKERRY Can you go down the stairs, Myles Gorman? I tried to get down the stairs and my legs failed me.

GORMAN One of the men will lead me down.

MUSKERRY _(resting his hand on the bed and standing up)_ Sure one of the men will lead me down the stairs, too.

_Myles Gorman spreads blanket on bed. He stands up, takes pipes,
and is ready to go out. Muskerry becomes more feeble. He puts
himself on the bed_.

MUSKERRY Myles--Myles Gorman--come back.

GORMAN What will I do for you, Master?

MUSKERRY Say a prayer for me.

GORMAN What prayer will I say, Master?

MUSKERRY Say "God be good to Thomas Muskerry."

GORMAN _(taking off his hat)_ "God be good to Thomas Muskerry, the man who was good to the poor." Is that all, Master?

MUSKERRY That's--that's all.

_Gorman goes to the door_.

GORMAN In a little while you'll hear my pipes on the road.

_He goes out. There is the sound of heavy breathing from the bed.
Then silence. The old pauper with the staff enters. He is crossing
the ward when his attention is taken by the humming of the bees at
the window pane. He listens for a moment_.

THE OLD PAUPER A bright day, and the clay on their faces. That's what I saw. And we used to be coming from Mass and going to the coursing match. The hare flying and the dogs stretching after her up the hill. Fine dogs and fine men. I saw them all.

_Christy Clarke comes in. He goes to table for his bag. He sees the
figure on the bed, and goes over_.

CHRISTY I'm going now, Mister Muskerry. Mister Muskerry! Mister Muskerry! Oh! the Master is dead. _(He runs back to the door)_ Mrs. Crilly. Mrs. Crilly. _(He goes back to the bed, and throws himself on his knees)_ Oh! I'm sorry you're gone, Thomas Muskerry.

THE OLD PAUPER And is he gone home, too! And the bees humming and all! He was the best of them. Each of his brothers could lift up their plough and carry it to the other side of the field. Four of them could clear a fair. But their fields were small and poor, and so they scattered.

_Mrs. Crilly comes in_.

MRS. CRILLY Christy Clarke, what is it?

CHRISTY The Master is dead.

MRS. CRILLY My God, my God!

CHRISTY Will I go and tell them below?

MRS. CRILLY No. Bring no one here yet. We killed him. When everything is known that will be known.

CHRISTY I'll never forget him, I think.

MRS. CRILLY What humming is that?

CHRISTY The bees at the window pane. And there's Myles Gorman's pipes on the road.

_The drear call of the pipes is heard_.

END OF PLAY

"Thomas Muskerry" was first produced on May 5th, 1910, by the Abbey Theater Company, at the Abbey Theater, Dublin, with the following cast:--

THOMAS MUSKERRY Arthur Sinclair MRS. CRILLY Cara Allgood CROFTON CRILLY J.M. Kerrigan ALBERT CRILLY Eric Gorman ANNA CRILLY Maire O'Neill MYLES GORMAN Fred O'Donovan FELIX TOURNOUR Sydney Morgan JAMES SCOLLARD J.A. O'Rourke CHRISTY CLARKE U. Wright MICKIE GRIPES Fred Rowland TOM SHANLEY Ambrose Power AN OLD PAUPER J.M. Kerrigan.