MARY. When those that have read books, And seen the seven wonders of the world, Fear what's above or what's below the ground, It's time that poverty should bolt the door. SHEMUS. I'll have no bolts, for there is not a thing That walks above the ground or under it I had not rather welcome to this house Than any more of mankind, rich or poor. TEIG. So that they brought us money. SHEMUS. I heard say There's something that appears like a white bird, A pigeon or a seagull or the like, But if you hit it with a stone or a stick It clangs as though it had been made of brass; And that if you dig down where it was scratching You'll find a crock of gold. TEIG. But dream of gold For three nights running, and there's always gold. SHEMUS. You might be starved before you've dug it out. TEIG. But maybe if you called, something would come, They have been seen of late. MARY. Is it call devils? Call devils from the wood, call them in here? SHEMUS. So you'd stand up against me, and you'd say Who or what I am to welcome here. (He hits her.) That is to show who's master. TEIG. Call them in. MARY. God help us all! SHEMUS. Pray, if you have a mind to. it's little that the sleepy ears above Care for your words; but I'll call what I please. TEIG. There is many a one, they say, had money from them. SHEMUS. (at door) Whatever you are that walk the woods at night, So be it that you have not shouldered up Out of a grave--for I'll have nothing human-- And have free hands, a friendly trick of speech, I welcome you. Come, sit beside the fire. What matter if your head's below your arms Or you've a horse's tail to whip your flank, Feathers instead of hair, that's but a straw, Come, share what bread and meat is in the house, And stretch your heels and warm them in the ashes. And after that, let's share and share alike And curse all men and women. Come in, come in. What, is there no one there? (Turning from door) And yet they say They are as common as the grass, and ride Even upon the book in the priest's hand. (TEIG lifts one arm slowly and points toward the door and begins moving backwards. SHEMUS turns, he also sees something and begins moving backward. MARY does the same. A man dressed as an Eastern merchant comes in carrying a small carpet. He unrolls it and sits cross-legged at one end of it. Another man dressed in the same way follows, and sits at the other end. This is done slowly and deliberately. When they are seated they take money out of embroidered purses at their girdles and begin arranging it on the carpet. TEIG. You speak to them. SHEMUS. No, you. TEIG. 'Twas you that called them. SHEMUS. (coming nearer) I'd make so bold, if you would pardon it, To ask if there's a thing you'd have of us. Although we are but poor people, if there is, Why, if there is-- FIRST MERCHANT. We've travelled a long road, For we are merchants that must tramp the world, And now we look for supper and a fire And a safe corner to count money in.