Here is the Treasury, You'd my commands to put them all to sleep. SECOND MERCHANT Some angel or else her prayers protected them. (_Goes into the Treasury and returns with bags of treasure._ FIRST MERCHANT _has been listening at the oratory door_.) FIRST MERCHANT She has fallen asleep. (SECOND MERCHANT _goes out through one of the arches at the back and stands listening. The bags are at his feet._) SECOND MERCHANT We've all the treasure now, So let's away before they've tracked us out. FIRST MERCHANT I have a plan to win her. SECOND MERCHANT You have time enough If you would kill her and bear off her soul Before they are upon us with their prayers; They search the Western Tower. FIRST MERCHANT That may not be. We cannot face the heavenly host in arms. Her soul must come to us of its own will, But being of the ninth and mightiest Hell Where all are kings, I have a plan to win it. Lady, we've news that's crying out for speech. (CATHLEEN _wakes and comes to door of chapel_.) CATHLEEN Who calls? FIRST MERCHANT We have brought news. CATHLEEN What are you? FIRST MERCHANT We are merchants, and we know the book of the world Because we have walked upon its leaves; and there Have read of late matters that much concern you; And noticing the castle door stand open, Came in to find an ear. CATHLEEN The door stands open, That no one who is famished or afraid, Despair of help or of a welcome with it. But you have news, you say. FIRST MERCHANT We saw a man, Heavy with sickness in the bog of Allen, Whom you had bid buy cattle. Near Fair Head We saw your grain ships lying all becalmed In the dark night; and not less still than they, Burned all their mirrored lanthorns in the sea. CATHLEEN My thanks to God, to Mary and the angels, That I have money in my treasury, And can buy grain from those who have stored it up To prosper on the hunger of the poor. But you've been far and know the signs of things, When will this famine end? FIRST MERCHANT Day copies day, And there's no sign of change, nor can it change, With the wheat withered and the cattle dead. CATHLEEN And heard you of the demons who buy souls? FIRST MERCHANT