_Seanchan._ O long soft fingers and pale finger-tips Well worthy to be laid in a king’s hand; O you have fair white hands, for it is certain There is uncommon whiteness in these hands. But there is something comes into my mind, Princess. A little while before your birth I saw your mother sitting by the road In a high chair, and when a leper passed She pointed him the way into the town, And he lifted his hand and blessed her hand; I saw it with my own eyes. Hold out your hands, I will find out if they are contaminated; For it has come into my thoughts that may be The King has sent me food and drink by hands That are contaminated. I would see all your hands, You’ve eyes of dancers, but hold out your hands, For it may be there are none sound among you---- [_The PRINCESSES have shrunk back in terror._ _Princess Buan._ He has called us lepers. _Chamberlain._ He’s out of his mind, And does not know the meaning of what he said. _Seanchan._ [_Standing up._] There are no sound hands among you. No sound hands. Away with you, away with all of you, You are all lepers. There is leprosy Among the plates and dishes that you have brought me. I would know why you have brought me leper’s wine? [_He flings the wine in their faces._ There, there, I have given it to you again, and now Begone or I will give my curse to you. You have the leper’s blessing, but you think Maybe the bread will something lack in savour Unless you mix my curse into the dough. [_They go out to L., all except the CRIPPLES. SEANCHAN is staggering in the middle of the stage._ _Seanchan._ Where did I say the leprosy came from? I said it came out of a leper’s hand And that he walked the highway; but that’s folly, For he was walking up there in the sky And there he is even now with his white hand Thrust out of the blue air and blessing them With leprosy. _A Cripple._ He’s pointing at the moon That’s coming out up yonder, and he calls it Leprous, because the daylight whitens it. _Seanchan._ He’s holding up his hand above them all King, Noblemen, Princesses, blessing all. Who could imagine he’d have so much patience. _First Cripple._ Come out of this. [_Clutching other CRIPPLE._ _Second Cripple._ If you don’t need it, sir, May we not carry some of it away? [_He points to food._ _Seanchan._ Who’s speaking? Who are you? _First Cripple._ Come out of this. _Second Cripple._ Have pity on us, that must beg our bread From table to table throughout the entire world And yet be hungry. _Seanchan._ But why were you born crooked? What bad poet did your mothers listen to That you were born so crooked? _First Cripple._ Come away. Maybe he’s cursed the food and it might kill us. _Second Cripple._ Yes, better come away. [_They go out._