_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. [_He sinks down on steps._ _Enter from R. FEDELM, CIAN and BRIAN._ _Brian._ There he is lying. Go over to him now And bid him eat. _Fedelm._ I’ll 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. _Brian._ That is a good plan. But there is little time, for he is weakening. _Fedelm._ [_Crying._] I cannot think of any other plan Although it breaks my heart. _Cian._ Let’s leave them now, For she will press the honey from her bag When we are gone. _Brian._ It will be hard to move him If hunger and thirst have got into his bones. [_They go out leaving FEDELM and SEANCHAN alone. FEDELM runs over to SEANCHAN and kneels down before him._ _Fedelm._ Seanchan! Seanchan! [_He remains looking into the sky._ Can you not see me, Seanchan? It is myself. [_SEANCHAN 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 plough-lands, 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.