BRIDGET BRUIN She is the child of gentle people; look At her white hands and at her pretty dress. I've brought you some new milk, but wait awhile, And I will put it by the fire to warm, For things well fitted for poor folk like us Would never please a high-born child like you. THE CHILD Old mother, my old mother, the green dawn Brightens above while you blow up the fire; And evening finds you spreading the white cloth. The young may lie in bed and dream and hope, But you work on because your heart is old. BRIDGET BRUIN The young are idle. THE CHILD Old father, you are wise And all the years have gathered in your heart To whisper of the wonders that are gone. The young must sigh through many a dream and hope, But you are wise because your heart is old. MAURTEEN BRUIN Oh, who would think to find so young a child Loving old age and wisdom? (BRIDGET _gives her more bread and honey._) THE CHILD No more, mother. MAURTEEN BRUIN What a small bite! The milk is ready now; What a small sip! THE CHILD Put on my shoes, old mother, For I would like to dance now I have eaten. The reeds are dancing by Coolaney lake, And I would like to dance until the reeds And the white waves have danced themselves to sleep. BRIDGET (_Having put on her shoes, she gets off the old man's knees and is about to dance, but suddenly sees the crucifix and shrieks and covers her eyes._) What is that ugly thing on the black cross? FATHER HART You cannot know how naughty your words are! That is our Blessed Lord! THE CHILD Hide it away! BRIDGET BRUIN I have begun to be afraid, again! THE CHILD Hide it away! MAURTEEN BRUIN That would be wickedness! BRIDGET BRUIN That would be sacrilege! THE CHILD The tortured thing! Hide it away! MAURTEEN BRUIN Her parents are to blame. FATHER HART That is the image of the Son of God. (THE CHILD _puts her arm around his neck and kisses him._) THE CHILD Hide it away! Hide it away! MAURTEEN BRUIN No! no! FATHER HART Because you are so young and little a child I will go take it down. THE CHILD Hide it away, And cover it out of sight and out of mind.