what can I do! Is there nobody who believes he can never
die? I must go and find somebody! [_He goes towards the door, but stops
with his eyes fixed on the hour-glass._] I cannot go out; I cannot
leave that; go and call my pupils again--I will make them understand--I
will say to them that only amid spiritual terror, or only when all that
laid hold on life is shaken can we see truth--but no, do not call them,
they would answer as I have bid.

BRIDGET. You want somebody to get up an argument with.

WISE M. Oh, look out of the door and tell me if there is anybody there
in the street! I cannot leave this glass; somebody might shake it! Then
the sand would fall more quickly.

BRIDGET. I don't understand what you are saying. [_Looks out._] There
is a great crowd of people talking to your pupils.

WISE M. Oh, run out, Bridget, and see if they have found somebody that
all the time while I was teaching understood nothing or did not listen.

BRIDGET [_wiping her arms in her apron and pulling down her sleeves_].
It's a hard thing to be married to a man of learning that must be
always having arguments. [_Goes out and shouts through the kitchen
door._] Don't be meddling with the bread, children, while I'm out.

WISE M. [_kneels down_]. "_Confiteor Deo omnipotente beatae Mariae...._"
I have forgotten it all. It is thirty years since I have said a prayer.
I must pray in the common tongue, like a clown begging in the market,
like Teigue the Fool! [_He prays._] Help me, Father, Son, and Spirit!

[BRIDGET _enters, followed by the_ FOOL, _who is holding out
his hat to her._]

FOOL. Give me something; give me a penny to buy bacon in the shops, and
nuts in the market, and strong drink for the time when the sun is weak.

BRIDGET. I have no pennies. [_To the_ WISE MAN.] Your pupils cannot
find anybody to argue with you. There is nobody in the whole country
who has enough belief to fill a pipe with since you put down the monk.
Can't you be quiet now and not always wanting to have arguments? It
must be terrible to have a mind like that.

WISE M. I am lost! I am lost!

BRIDGET. Leave me alone now; I have to make the bread for you and the
children.

WISE M. Out of this, woman, out of this, I say! [BRIDGET _goes through
the kitchen door._] Will nobody find a way to help me! But she spoke of
my children. I had forgotten them. They will believe. It is only those
who have reason that doubt; the young are full of faith