HIS NEIGHBOUR. I knew that from the beginning. A YOUNG M. That is not the subject for to-day; you were going to talk about the words the beggar wrote upon the walls of Babylon. WISE M. If there is one amongst you that believes, he will be my best friend. Surely there is one amongst you. [_They are all silent._] Surely what you learned at your mother's knees has not been so soon forgotten. A YOUNG M. Master, till you came, no teacher in this land was able to get rid of foolishness and ignorance. But every one has listened to you, every one has learned the truth. You have had your last disputation. ANOTHER. What a fool you made of that monk in the market-place! He had not a word to say. WISE M. [_comes from his desk and stands among them in the middle of the room_]. Pupils, dear friends, I have deceived you all this time. It was I myself who was ignorant. There is a God. There is a Heaven. There is fire that passes and there is fire that lasts for ever. [TEIGUE, _through all this, is sitting on a stool by the door, reckoning on his fingers what he will buy with his money._] A YOUNG M. [_to_ Another]. He will not be satisfied till we dispute with him. [_To the_ WISE MAN.] Prove it, Master. Have you seen them? WISE M. [_in a low, solemn voice_]. Just now, before you came in, someone came to the door, and when I looked up I saw an angel standing there. A YOUNG M. You were in a dream. Anybody can see an angel in his dreams. WISE M. Oh, my God! It was not a dream! I was awake, waking as I am now. I tell you I was awake as I am now. A YOUNG M. Some dream when they are awake, but they are the crazy, and who would believe what they say? Forgive me, Master, but that is what you taught me to say. That is what you said to the monk when he spoke of the visions of the saints and the martyrs. ANOTHER YOUNG M. You see how well we remember your teaching. WISE M. Out, out from my sight! I want someone with belief. I must find that grain the Angel spoke of before I die. I tell you I must find it, and you answer me with arguments. Out with you, out of my sight! [_The_ YOUNG MEN _laugh._] A YOUNG M. How well he plays at faith! He is like the monk when he had nothing more to say. WISE M. Out, out, this is no time for laughter! Out with you, though you are a king's son! [_They begin to hurry out._] A YOUNG M. Come, come; he wants us to find someone who will dispute with him. [_All go out._] WISE M. [_alone; he goes to the door at the side_]. I will call my wife. She will believe; women always believe. [_He opens the door and calls._] Bridget! Bridget! [BRIDGET _comes in, wearing her apron, her sleeves turned up from her floury arms._] Bridget, tell me the truth; do not say what you think will please me. Do you sometimes say your prayers? BRIDGET. Prayers! No, you taught me to leave them off long ago. At first I was sorry, but I am glad now, for I am sleepy in the evening.