Come away! Maybe he’s cursed the food, and it might kill us. OTHER CRIPPLE. Yes, better come away. [_They go out._ SEANCHAN. [_Staggering, and speaking wearily._] He has great strength And great patience to hold his right hand there, Uplifted, and not wavering about. He is much stronger than I am, much stronger. [_Sinks down on steps. Enter MAYOR and FEDELM._ FEDELM. [_Her finger on her lips._] Say nothing! I will get him out of this Before I have said a word of food and drink; For while he is on this threshold and can hear, It may be, the voices that made mock of him, He would not listen. I’d be alone with him. [_MAYOR goes out. FEDELM goes to SEANCHAN and kneels before him._ Seanchan! Seanchan! [_He remains looking into the sky._ Can you not hear me, Seanchan? It is myself. [_He looks at her, dreamily at first, then takes her hand._ SEANCHAN. Is this your hand, Fedelm? I have been looking at another hand That is up yonder. FEDELM. I have come for you. SEANCHAN. Fedelm, I did not know that you were here. FEDELM. And can you not remember that I promised That I would come and take you home with me When I’d the harvest in? And now I’ve come, And you must come away, and come on the instant. SEANCHAN. Yes, I will come. But is the harvest in? This air has got a summer taste in it. FEDELM. But is not the wild middle of the summer A better time to marry? Come with me now! SEANCHAN. [_Seizing her by both wrists._] Who taught you that? For it’s a certainty, Although I never knew it till last night, That marriage, because it is the height of life, Can only be accomplished to the full In the high days of the year. I lay awake: There had come a frenzy into the light of the stars, And they were coming nearer, and I knew All in a minute they were about to marry Clods out upon the ploughlands, to beget A mightier race than any that has been. But some that are within there made a noise, And frighted them away. FEDELM. Come with me now! We have far to go, and daylight’s running out. SEANCHAN. The stars had come so near me that I caught Their singing. It was praise of that great race That would be haughty, mirthful, and white-bodied, With a high head, and open hand, and how, Laughing, it would take the mastery of the world. FEDELM. But you will tell me all about their songs When we’re at home. You have need of rest and care, And I can give them you when we’re at home. And therefore let us hurry, and get us home. SEANCHAN. It’s certain that there is some trouble here, Although it’s gone out of my memory. And I would get away from it. Give me your help. [_Trying to rise._ But why are not my pupils here to help me? Go, call my pupils, for I need their help.