MARIE BRUIN Did you hear something call? Oh, guard me close, Because I have said wicked things to-night; And seen a pale-faced child with red-gold hair, And longed to dance upon the winds with her. A VOICE (_close to the door_) The wind blows out of the gates of the day, The wind blows over the lonely of heart And the lonely of heart is withered away, While the faeries dance in a place apart, Shaking their milk-white feet in a ring, Tossing their milk-white arms in the air; For they hear the wind laugh, and murmur and sing Of a land where even the old are fair, And even the wise are merry of tongue; But I heard a reed of Coolaney say, "When the wind has laughed and murmured and sung, The lonely of heart is withered away!" MAURTEEN BRUIN I am right happy, and would make all else Be happy too. I hear a child outside, And will go bring her in out of the cold. (_He opens the door. A_ CHILD _dressed in pale green and with red-gold hair comes into the house._) THE CHILD I tire of winds and waters and pale lights! MAURTEEN BRUIN You are most welcome. It is cold out there; Who would think to face such cold on a May Eve? THE CHILD And when I tire of this warm little house There is one here who must away, away, To where the woods, the stars, and the white streams Are holding a continual festival. MAURTEEN BRUIN Oh, listen to her dreamy and strange talk. Come to the fire. THE CHILD I will sit upon your knee, For I have run from where the winds are born, And long to rest my feet a little while. (_She sits upon his knee._) BRIDGET BRUIN How pretty you are! MAURTEEN BRUIN Your hair is wet with dew! BRIDGET BRUIN I will warm your chilly feet. (_She takes the child's feet in her hands._) MAURTEEN BRUIN You must have come A long, long way, for I have never seen Your pretty face, and must be tired and hungry; Here is some bread and wine. THE CHILD The wine is bitter. Old mother, have you no sweet food for me? BRIDGET BRUIN I have some honey! (_She goes into the next room._) MAURTEEN BRUIN You are a dear child; The mother was quite cross before you came. (BRIDGET _returns with the honey, and goes to the dresser and fills a porringer with milk._)