_PERSONS IN THE PLAY_ FORGAEL AIBRIC SAILORS DECTORA _The deck of an ancient ship. At the right of the stage is the mast, with a large square sail hiding a great deal of the sky and sea on that side. The tiller is at the left of the stage; it is a long oar coming through an opening in the bulwark. The deck rises in a series of steps behind the tiller, and the stern of the ship curves overhead. All the woodwork is of dark green; and the sail is dark green, with a blue pattern upon it, having a little copper colour here and there. The sky and sea are dark blue. All the persons of the play are dressed in various tints of green and blue, the men with helmets and swords of copper, the woman with copper ornaments upon her dress. When the play opens there are four persons upon the deck. AIBRIC stands by the tiller. FORGAEL sleeps upon the raised portion of the deck towards the front of the stage. Two SAILORS are standing near to the mast, on which a harp is hanging._ FIRST SAILOR. Has he not led us into these waste seas For long enough? SECOND SAILOR. Aye, long and long enough. FIRST SAILOR. We have not come upon a shore or ship These dozen weeks. SECOND SAILOR. And I had thought to make A good round sum upon this cruise, and turn— For I am getting on in life—to something That has less ups and downs than robbery. FIRST SAILOR. I am so lecherous with abstinence I’d give the profit of nine voyages For that red Moll that had but the one eye. SECOND SAILOR. And all the ale ran out at the new moon; And now that time puts water in my blood, The ale cup is my father and my mother. FIRST SAILOR. It would be better to turn home again, Whether he will or no; and better still To make an end while he is sleeping there. If we were of one mind I’d do it. SECOND SAILOR. Were’t not That there is magic in that harp of his, That makes me fear to raise a hand against him, I would be of your mind; but when he plays it Strange creatures flutter up before one’s eyes, Or cry about one’s ears. FIRST SAILOR. Nothing to fear. SECOND SAILOR. Do you remember when we sank that galley At the full moon? FIRST SAILOR. He played all through the night. SECOND SAILOR. Until the moon had set; and when I looked Where the dead drifted, I could see a bird Like a grey gull upon the breast of each. While I was looking they rose hurriedly, And after circling with strange cries awhile Flew westward; and many a time since then I’ve heard a rustling overhead in the wind. FIRST SAILOR. I saw them on that night as well as you. But when I had eaten and drunk a bellyful My courage came again. SECOND SAILOR.