[_They go._ WISE MAN I have no reason left. All dark, all dark! [_Pupils return laughing. They push forward fourth pupil._ FIRST PUPIL Here, Master, is the very man you want. He said, when we were studying the book, That maybe after all the monks were right, And you mistaken, and if we but gave him time, He'd prove that it was so. FOURTH PUPIL I never said it. WISE MAN Dear friend, dear friend, do you believe in God? FOURTH PUPIL Master, they have invented this to mock me. WISE MAN You are afraid of me. FOURTH PUPIL They know well, Master, That all I said was but to make them argue. They've pushed me in to make a mock of me, Because they knew I could take either side And beat them at it. WISE MAN If you believe in God, You are my soul's one friend. [_Pupils laugh._ Mistress or wife Can give us but our good or evil luck Amid the howling world, but you shall give Eternity, and those sweet-throated things That drift above the moon. [_The pupils look at one another and are silent._ SECOND PUPIL How strange he is. WISE MAN The angel that stood there upon that spot, Said that my soul was lost unless I found out One that believed. FOURTH PUPIL Cease mocking at me, Master, For I am certain that there is no God Nor immortality, and they that said it Made a fantastic tale from a starved dream To plague our hearts. Will that content you, Master? WISE MAN The giddy glass is emptier every moment, And you stand there, debating, laughing and wrangling. Out of my sight! Out of my sight, I say. [_He drives them out._ I'll call my wife, for what can women do, That carry us in the darkness of their bodies, But mock the reason that lets nothing grow Unless it grow in light. Bridget, Bridget. A woman never ceases to believe, Say what we will. Bridget, come quickly, Bridget. [_Bridget comes in wearing her apron. Her sleeves turned up from her arms, which are covered with flour._ Wife, what do you believe in? Tell me the truth, And not--as is the habit with you all-- Something you think will please me. Do you pray? Sometimes when you're alone in the house, do you pray? BRIDGET Prayers--no, you taught me to leave them off long ago. At first I was sorry, but I am glad now, for I am sleepy in the evenings. WISE MAN Do you believe in God? BRIDGET Oh, a good wife only believes in what her husband tells her. WISE MAN