s the crucifix in the inner room._)

THE CHILD
Here is level ground for dancing. I will dance.
The wind is blowing on the waving reeds,
The wind is blowing on the heart of man.

(_She dances, swaying about like the reeds._)

MAIRE (_to_ SHAWN BRUIN)
Just now when she came near I thought I heard
Other small steps beating upon the floor,
And a faint music blowing in the wind,
Invisible pipes giving her feet the time.

SHAWN BRUIN
I heard no step but hers.

MARIE BRUIN
Look to the bolt!
Because the unholy powers are abroad.

MAURTEEN BRUIN (_to_ THE CHILD)
Come over here, and if you promise me
Not to talk wickedly of holy things
I will give you something.

THE CHILD
Bring it me, old father!

(MAURTEEN BRUIN _goes into the next room._)

FATHER HART
I will have queen cakes when you come to me!

(MAURTEEN BRUIN _returns and lays a piece of money on
the table._ THE CHILD _makes a gesture of refusal._)

MAURTEEN BRUIN
It will buy lots of toys; see how it glitters!

THE CHILD
Come, tell me, do you love me?

MAURTEEN BRUIN
I love you!

THE CHILD
Ah! but you love this fireside!

FATHER HART
I love you.
When the Almighty puts so great a share
Of His own ageless youth into a creature,
To look is but to love.

THE CHILD
But you love Him above.

BRIDGET BRUIN
She is blaspheming.

THE CHILD (_to_ MAIRE)
And do you love me?

MARIE BRUIN
I--I do not know.

THE CHILD
You love that great tall fellow over there:
Yet I could make you ride upon the winds,
Run on the top of the dishevelled tide,
And dance upon the mountains like a flame!

MARIE BRUIN
Queen of the Angels and kind Saints, defend us!
Some dreadful fate has fallen: a while ago
The wind cried out and took the primroses,
And she ran