by George Moore
And you, my dear Mayor, how did it happen? You have lost your hat?
TENCH.
Yes, I lost it at the top of the stairs; it fell off and rolled down the steps.
POLLOCK.
I had no chance whatever.
TENCH.
Would you mind telling me if there’s a cut here at the back of my neck, it feels a bit sore?
CAROLINE.
I will get some sticking-plaster in a moment if you require it. But Alderman Ferguson is going to tell us how it all happened.
ARABELLA.
Tell us how it all happened.
FERGUSON.
I had no sooner got possession of the platform than I was attacked by an organised body of the greatest blackguards in the town. I believe they were sent there by Lawrence, though he did not dare to show his face. I had to oppose you at the meeting, Kirwan, but if you will advocate a restoration of our line of steamers we can work together.
KIRWAN.
We can do nothing without a leader.
FERGUSON.
That is indeed true. When will Providence send us a leader? (Cheers for LAWRENCE outside.)
KIRWAN.
The people are cheering Lawrence — listen!
(They all listen.)
POLLOCK.
Lawrence is the leader of the people. It is his voice they like, and I like to hear it myself when I am drunk.
KIRWAN.
I believe that is he walking at the head of the mob. How has this popularity come about?
FERGUSON.
When Jasper Dean deserted us the mob turned like a greedy pike and swallowed the first bait.
KIRWAN.
Then the tramway has been accepted as an equivalent.
FERGUSON.
That or the residence. Oh, that residence! I can see all the plush footmen and the matrons and their charges making obeisance to the largest export trade in the world.
(A ring. Enter ALDERMAN FOLEY.)
CAROLINE.
I hope you’re not hurt, my dear Valentine?
FOLEY.
My dear Caroline, thanks to you, I found myself once more with the majority. Alderman Lawrence has carried all but the most extreme of the people with him. You’ve no idea of the ovation he’s receiving; the town will be lighted up, and a banquet is preparing. He told me to tell you and your sister that he expected to have the pleasure of your company.
FERGUSON.
We would like to hear how you were persuaded to the other side.
FOLEY.
That is a matter for the next number of the Denouncer. I’ve no fear whatever but that my readers will approve of my conduct. At all events as much as your supporters seem to have approved of yours. (Turning towards the others.) After some friends had gone among the people and explained matters a little Alderman Lawrence addressed them from the pediment of the statue of Patriotism in front of the Town Hall, and told them how he had arranged to lay down the tramway from the centre of the city to the poorer quarters which has given us all so much trouble. Mayor Hardman has promised to find the money.
FERGUSON.
Tell us about the residence. What office are you going to take in that establishment?
FOLEY.
(Answers FERGUSON with a glance, then turning to the others.) I then addressed the people. I told them that the Aldermen of Southhaven would bring their wives here during the summer and spend a little money among them, and that Mr. Hardman might be induced to live amongst us occasionally.
CAROLINE.
You’ve given an excellent account of these proceedings, Valentine. Now, will you tell us where are Mr. Hardman and Millicent?
FOLEY.
They are at the Railway Hotel waiting for Jasper. After the banquet Jasper is going with them to Southhaven. I do not expect my friends here to agree with me, but I hope that in time they too will learn what I have learnt, that the State is founded on such happy lives as Jasper’s and Miss Fell’s will be, that our private interests are the foundation of the State, and that he who does the best for himself does the best for the State in the long run.
KIRWAN.
You’ve quite caught the master’s accent. With one’s eyes shut one would swear it was he who is speaking.
FOLEY.
And you? You will go on repeating the same ideas for another ten years and then the end. Since I have known you, you have not acquired a single new idea. (Turning to the others.) I have the pleasure to announce to you all that I’m going to be married. Miss Dean and I have decided to make our engagement public.
KIRWAN.
Let nothing disturb the happiness of this evening. (The stage continues to darken.) Let all the bitterness, the dregs of our late folly, be forgotten among us; we are all at peace now.
FOLEY.
(To CAROLINE.) But where is Jasper? His presence is essential. I hope he will not disappoint this meeting of friends. Is he at home, Miss Dean?
ARABELLA.
I’m afraid to venture out in the present condition of the street You said that Alderman Lawrence had invited us to supper. You will use your influence, Alderman Foley, to protect us.
FOLEY.
I’m afraid that that would strain my influence, great as it is, and for an insufficient end. Those who want to restore our line of steamers are always dangerous; we can go out through the back door. Come, Miss Dean, and come, Miss Arabella Dean, let us delay no longer. The supper will be getting cold.
CAROLINE.
Valentine, give me your arm!
FERGUSON.
(To KIRWAN.) This marriage at all events cannot lessen Alderman Foley’s reputation for austerity. Come, Pollock. (He rouses him.) Don’t you want any supper?
POLLOCK.
Yes, indeed I do! Alderman Pollock will always drink the health of the happy bride and bridegroom.
(He goes out clinging to FERGUSON, TENCH follows limping. KIRWAN remains alone on the stage. JASPER DEAN enters from the other side. The stage is in twilight.)
DEAN.
Kirwan.... I hoped to get away without meeting you; but we cannot escape our punishment. But, Kirwan, you who see deep into the heart, can you find nowhere an excuse for me? Kirwan, have you never been in love?
KIRWAN.
Yes, and I have been faithful to my love.
DEAN.
I understand. All men are not as high and as steadfast as you, Kirwan. You must judge others by a different Standard. I have failed, I know, but is my failure irreparable? Is there nothing for me to do now except to be happy?
KIRWAN.
There is an antiquarian society, you might join it, and advocate the preservation of our antiquities. But if I were you, I would not vex my mood with anything except the matter in hand. You’ve chosen to be happy, be a success in what the world calls success.
DEAN.
But the cause I have abandoned, is it lost for ever? Can I not return?
KIRWAN.
The cause is not lost, but the next opportunity will come to a new man.
DEAN.
Goodbye, Kirwan! (He turns to go. Turning back.) And you, what are you going to do?
KIRWAN.
For the moment our hopes are ended, our ideas gone by. What remains now? I will go home and write a violent attack on some personal friend; if I do not I shall not be in the fashion.
DEAN.
On me?
KIRWAN.
Oh no, not on you; nor does it matter on whom, so long as the attack be bitter.
END OF THE PLAY.
Diarmuid and Grania
A Play in Three Acts Co-written with W. B. Yeats
CONTENTS
PERSONS IN THE PLAY
ACT I
ACT II.
ACT III.
PERSONS IN THE PLAY
King Cormac, the High King
Finn MacCoole, the Chief of the Fianna
His chief men:
Diarmuid
Usheen
Caoelte
Conan the Bald, one of the Fianna
Niall, a head servant
Spearmen:
Fergus
Fathna
Griffan.
Grania, the King’s daughter
Laban, a druidess
An Old Man
A Boy
A Young Man
A Shepherd
The Four Troops of the Fianna
Serving Men
ACT I
THE BANQUETING HALL in Tara. A table at the back of the stage on a dais. Pillars in front. There are doors to the right and left. A number of Serving Men are laying the table for the feast. Niall is directing them. There is a spinning wheel to left.
NIALL. DO not put the salmon there; put it in front of the chief man at the feast.
BOY. IS not the King the chief man at a feast?
NIALL. Not at a wedding feast; the chief man at a wedding feast is the man comes to be wed.
BOY. Where shall I put the boar’s head?
NIALL. Put it where the old King used to sit, Art, King Cormac’s father, Art the Melancholy they used to call him. He was deaf at the left ear, and he was always complaining that the meat was hard, and that the wind came under the door. Yes, Boy, under this roof a hundred kings have sat, right back to Ollam Fodla that made the laws. What meals they have eaten! What ale they have drunk! Before Cormac there was Art, and before Art there was
Conn.
BOY. Was that Conn the Hundred Fighter?
NIALL. Yes, Conn the Hundred Fighter they used to call him and he knew a hare was put before him if the fire had been bright behind it; and he knew if the swine’s flesh had been dried in the smoke of a whitehorn tree. Put the curds over there; it is not the curds but the trotters and cow-heel that used to be put there, for that was the place of the king’s fool. One day he flouted the Fianna on the high road, and they hanged him on an apple tree.
BOY. Did they hang the king’s fool in time of peace?
NIALL. Fool, or wise man, war or peace, it’s all one to them when their pride is up. But they are great men. Bring the dishes quickly, it is time for their messenger to be here. Put the bread there, Art’s wife, Queen Maeve, used to sit there, Maeve the Half Ruddy they called her, and she liked thin barley cakes, and six men got their death because of her. [To the Servants]. Bring in the flagons; put them here, where Art’s hound used to lie. [A knocking at the door]. Here is the messenger of the Fianna. I knew we should not get done in time. Bring in the flagons. [To the Servants]. Where are the drinking horns? [More knocking. He goes to the door and opens it. Conan comes in. He is a fat rough man and is much out of breath. He is followed by three men, who carry bundles of shields on their backs].
CONAN. Well, here are the shields. I must tell you the order they have to be hung in; and you will want to know the deeds of all these boasters, that you may tell them to the horse boys and the scullions... but no, I have seen you before. Yes, now I remember, you have been in Tara fifty years and have hung them many a time. Come, the sooner we bring the Fianna, the sooner we shall eat. [He turns to go out, coming back]. Well, there is good food on this table and all for the marriage of Finn and Grania. This boar was a fine beast, they fatten well on the acorns of Tara, and you have good big salmon in your river. Many a time I have had nothing but badger’s flesh and otter’s flesh when I have been in the woods with the Fianna, and the war about us. Give me a horn of ale. [He is given a horn of ale but the horn is not a big one and he flings it away in disgust. He is given a larger one]. Ah, you have a good life of it here, but I am tired running the messages of the Fianna. Have
I not legs to grow weary, and a body to sweat like another? I am hungry too, but I dare not put a knife in the meat till the Fianna are here.
NIALL. You are one of the Fianna and have just left them. You will be able to tell us when they will be here.
CONAN. I left them at the foot of the hill. A shepherd’s wife followed
Diarmuid and Diarmuid laughed at her. Goll took her part and
Finn took Diarmuid’s part for Finn and Diarmuid always stand together. Well, come, let us go hurry them. I will tell them about the boar’s head and the salmon. Yes, you have fine salmon in Tara.
[They go out].
BOY. The Fianna have a rough messenger.
NIALL. I would have none say that I have said it, but he is a man of little account among them.
BOY. Men wear sheep-skins in my country, but I had thought that the
Fianna wore fine clothes.
NIALL. I will tell you why the Fianna made him wear it one of these days, and why Finn made him one of the Fianna. Would you be one of them?
BOY. Yes, if I might be Finn, or Diarmuid, or Caoelte.
NIALL. They are famous for their battles; they are great men, but would you not be Conan the Bald if you could?
BOY. That man with the sheep skin?
NIALL. Well, he eats when he is hungry, and sleeps when he is sleepy and rails at whomever displeases him. Those great men have the best seats at the table, and the fairest women for their bed-fellows, and yet I would not... [He rushes across the stage to keep one of the men from hanging Goll’s shield at the lower end of the table.]
Would you put Goll son of Morna’s shield below Alvin’s and Fergus’s; would you have the roof tree burnt over our heads? It is the third shield from Finn’s. Let me see now, let me think, it was Cool Finn’s father who made this custom of the hanging up of every man’s shield above his place. No quarreling, everything settled. I was going to tell you who made the Fianna, Boy; it was Cool. He took a thousand men out of every kingdom, and made them into an army, and set them to watch the shores. No one is old enough except myself to remember those times. The men of Lochland and the men of Mona, and the men of Alba carrying off women here and sheep there, and leaving smoke and fire behind them, and nobody to meet them but men taken from the sheep-fold, and from the plough and from the smithy. Yes, that is where Caoelte’s shield hangs. I told you its place last time and you remembered it. [Returning to the Boy]. But I was telling you how the Fianna saved the women and sheep. They fight well, but they are proud. Ah, they are very proud. I was telling you Boy, how they hanged the king’s fool, and many and many a time they have made war on the king himself. Finn’s father, Cool, died fighting against Cormac’s father, Art the Melancholy, and it was for that death Finn kept out of the battle Cormac fought against the men of Mona. It has been this way always, and sometimes Eri has been like a shaking sod between them; but this marriage mends all.
[Enter Grania and Laban].
BOY. There is old Laban and the King’s daughter.
NIALL. Quick, quick put up the rest of the shields — Come away.
BOY. I have heard that there are women who live seven hundred years in the woods, spinning the threads of the long lived people of the woods, and then seven hundred years spinning for men. She is one of them. She has come back after these many years an old witch; they say she has more shapes than one.
[Niall and the Boy go out, and are followed by other serving men].
GRANIA. You cannot persuade me. I will not marry Finn.
LABAN. Hush! Hush!
GRANIA. But the Fianna are coming too; you will tell me about them, about the young men. Yes, their shields are here already.
LABAN. Conan has brought them.
GRANIA. YOU have promised to tell me about the Fianna. If you will not, Niall will.
LABAN. YOU have been in the woods with Niall lately, and he has shown you where bees make their nests, and you have come home with honeycomb and flowers.
GRANIA. But it was you who taught me the magic there is in the herbs. You took me to a place where Earth breathes out of a cave.
LABAN. I am too old to go far now.
GRANIA. Mother, there are some that say you will never be older than you are. And now we will go over to the shields, because you will not refuse me anything I ask. Niall would not refuse me anything.
LABAN. DO not call him. Let
nobody know what is in your mind.
GRANIA. [Going to the table]. My father sits here, Finn son of Cool sits next to him, and here is my place next to Finn... but it will be empty.
LABAN. Hush! no man matters to you now but Finn.
GRANIA. YOU told me his hair was grey. Grey hair and brown hair were the same to me a month ago. A month ago I was in the woods...
LABAN. It was spring time when the young find many things among the woods.
GRANIA. I had climbed a little path, and stood on the hill, where the trees grow sparer, looking into the mist.
LABAN. And it was then that you thought about a young man.
GRANIA. The mist was hanging on the brow of the hill, and something seemed to be moving over the world and to come out of the mist. It was beautiful, mother. The world was singing and the singing came into my breasts. But come to the shields and tell me of the men who are to sit under them.
LABAN. I dare not, I dare not.
GRANIA. But you said that to-night would not be my marriage night.
LABAN. NO, no child I never said such a thing. Hush, lest they should hear you.
GRANIA. They who are wiser than you said it, Mother. The thread that you spun yesterday, the stars that we watched last night, the pebbles that we threw into the well this morning.
LABAN. Hush, your father will be here; there is no time now. I saw you talking to King Cormac this morning, why did you not tell him of this change?
GRANIA. I took his hands in mine, and thought to tell him.
LABAN. YOU should have told him.
GRANIA. But he would have sent a messenger, and I should not have seen the Fianna together.
LABAN. So that you might pick a man who would carry you away. It will be long before men come to the end of this mischief. The Fianna shall be broken in two because of it. Oh, why did Cormac shut his ears to what I told him? There will be flights and battles, ruin on ruin, and neither you nor I can do anything.
GRANIA. I would not be a trouble if I could help it. I would not set
Finn against any man. I would have Finn and my man friends. I would stand between them. I would hand them their ale. Whose shield is that, mother? That one with the red otter painted upon it.
