Let Him that made mankind, the angels and devils And dearth and plenty, mend what He has made, For when we labour in vain and eye still sees Heart breaks in vain. CATHLEEN How would that quiet end? ALEEL How but in healing? CATHLEEN You have seen my tears And I can see your hand shake on the floor. ALEEL (_faltering_) I thought but of healing. He was angelical. CATHLEEN (_turning away from him_) No, not angelical, but of the old gods, Who wander about the world to waken the heart-- The passionate, proud heart--that all the angels, Leaving nine heavens empty, would rock to sleep. (_She goes to chapel door;_ ALEEL _holds his clasped hands towards her for a moment hesitatingly, and then lets them fall beside him_.) CATHLEEN Do not hold out to me beseeching hands. This heart shall never waken on earth. I have sworn, By her whose heart the seven sorrows have pierced, To pray before this altar until my heart Has grown to Heaven like a tree, and there Rustled its leaves, till Heaven has saved my people. ALEEL (_who has risen_) When one so great has spoken of love to one So little as I, though to deny him love, What can he but hold out beseeching hands, Then let them fall beside him, knowing how greatly They have overdared? (_He goes towards the door of the hall._ _The_ COUNTESS CATHLEEN _takes a few steps towards him_.) CATHLEEN If the old tales are true, Queens have wed shepherds and kings beggar-maids; God's procreant waters flowing about your mind Have made you more than kings or queens; and not you But I am the empty pitcher. ALEEL Being silent, I have said all, yet let me stay beside you. CATHLEEN No, no, not while my heart is shaken. No, But you shall hear wind cry and water cry, And curlew cry, and have the peace I longed for. ALEEL Give me your hand to kiss. CATHLEEN I kiss your forehead. And yet I send you from me. Do not speak; There have been women that bid men to rob Crowns from the Country-under-Wave or apples Upon a dragon-guarded hill, and all That they might sift men's hearts and wills, And trembled as they bid it, as I tremble That lay a hard task on you, that you go, And silently, and do not turn your head; Goodbye; but do not turn your head and look; Above all else, I would not have you look. (ALEEL _goes_.) I never spoke to him of his wounded hand, And now he is gone. (_She looks out._) I cannot see him, for all is dark outside. Would my imagination and my heart Were as little shaken as this holy flame! (_She goes slowly into the chapel. The distant sound of an alarm bell._ _The two_ MERCHANTS _enter hurriedly_.) SECOND MERCHANT They are ringing the alarm, and in a moment They'll be upon us. FIRST MERCHANT (_going to a door at the side_)