Part 4
[_The ship heels and dips, the Tracker yells again, and even the Carpenter gasps and moans._]
I thought that she would even carry God back again to earth to tarry. Oh! If she’d had another master Than you, she would have got on faster, But with this God-forsaken mind No other body could I find.
TRACKER
[_To Carpenter, blubbering._]
I’d like to tell you what I think Of you.
CARPENTER
I jalouse we must sink Our differences for a little; This boat won’t stand it, she’s too brittle.
[_The boat gives a wild lurch and appears to founder. Both cry wildly to Finn. The Tracker clutches the Thief’s knees, weeping loudly._]
THIEF
[_Quietly._]
Have patience!
FINN
[_Looking desperately up to the sky._]
If there is any Truth in what she said, If there is any Hope that answers prayer, If there is any Faith beyond her share That stretches nervous from a lovelier Head Than ours, and quickens in the brighter dead, I summon all my strong human emotion To stir that Brain to feel what I am feeling, And rouse a Thought of which I had no notion Into consideration of my healing, For though my mind is smaller than That Other I have enough of sense to call it Brother If It be there at all. If It be there.
[_At his words a golden life-line is suddenly whirled on board and falls at his feet. The Carpenter and the Tracker cry wildly: “A rope! A rope! Oh, make it fast!”_]
THIEF
[_With a sigh of relief._]
The danger’s past!
[_She runs hurriedly and makes the rope fast to the mast, while Finn remains gazing at it as if dazed. In a moment the Climber is seen swinging along it, immediately followed by the Gripper, the Listener, and the Marksman. Finn remains as if spellbound, while the Gripper runs to the tiller, seizes it from him, and turns the boat completely round._]
FINN
[_To himself, as if bewildered._]
This is more than any sense deserves!
CLIMBER
[_Shaking her head at him._]
Fancy going off like that in an open boat Without your coat! Your state of mind is preying on my nerves.
[_She helps him into his coat, which he submits to passively, gazing at her as if dazed; then suddenly falling on his knees, he snatches her hand, crying exultantly—_]
FINN
Before the sun shall rise upon the land I’ll shake all darkness by this other hand!
[_The storm gradually abates, and as the ship slips away the Gripper leans back against the tiller and sings._]
GRIPPER’S SONG
I saw above the straining shrouds No rift nor hint of dawn, I saw no light beyond the clouds, But still I carried on.
I saw the end of the world, Dear Heart, And I believed it true, But still I held to my small part, And so she carried through.
ACT IV
THE GIANT’S CASTLE: MIDNIGHT
_In a dim twilight of stars a castle is seen upon a rock. It is thatched with eel-skins, and there appears to be neither door nor window. The dark figures of Finn, the Climber, the Thief, the Marksman, and the Listener are presently seen stealing softly over the rocks. The other three have evidently remained with the boat. They talk in whispers._
FINN
[_To Climber._]
Is this the place?
CLIMBER
I believe so.
FINN
It’s very dark, I cannot see your face.
LISTENER
Hark!
FINN
[_Nervously._]
What is it?
LISTENER
I hear something inside, It sounds like children’s voices. Have you tried The door?
FINN
There isn’t any door.
LISTENER
[_Positively._]
I really hear Something, I don’t know what. It sounds quite near.
CLIMBER
If there’s no front door there must be a stair, I’m certain he has put the child in there; And since it must have got inside somehow, I rather think the door is in the brow. At any rate, I’m going to climb and see.
FINN
[_Anxiously._]
Take care! The thatch is very slippery!
LISTENER
[_Cheerfully._]
If there’s a way in, then there is no doubt There must be just the same way to get out.
[_The Climber’s figure is soon dimly seen silhouetted on the roof against the stars._]
CLIMBER
[_With a delighted exclamation._]
Just as I thought!
FINN
[_Nervously._]
What?
CLIMBER
I’ve found a door just where I thought.
FINN
Can you open it?
CLIMBER
Oh yes, there’s not Much difficulty there, It comes away with prayer.
[_She is seen kneeling._]
FINN
What’s that you’re saying?
LISTENER
Be quiet! Can’t you see she’s praying?
CLIMBER
[_Presently._]
It’s opening up!
FINN
[_Eagerly._]
What is inside?
CLIMBER
I’m looking, but I haven’t tried My eyes yet in a night so deep.
[_She calls down softly presently._]
The Giant is sound asleep!
FINN
Oh! Can you see if he’s still got the child Inside the cap Of the other hand?
CLIMBER
[_Delighted._]
It’s there! It’s still taking its little nap!
FINN
[_Desperately._]
If only I were strong enough to creep Inside and steal it while he is asleep! But with this heavy box I can’t get up.
LISTENER
Why don’t you throw it away then altogether?
FINN
[_Arrested._]
I wonder if I could? I don’t know whether—
CLIMBER
[_Calling down._]
There’s a dog here too besides, and a little pup!
FINN
Abominable! They’re sure to bark.
LISTENER
[_Delighted._]
I say! A puppy! What a lark! Please try and get it for me. Hark!
FINN
[_Nervously._]
What is it?
LISTENER
I hear the Giant coming up out of his sleep. You must be quick, Or else you’ll stick.
THIEF
[_To Climber._]
I’m almost certain I could creep And steal the child while he is sleeping, Only I’m rather old to do much leaping; You’d have to carry me a bit, And let me gently down to it.
CLIMBER
All right! There is no difficulty there. With your support I could go anywhere.
[_She swings down, takes the Thief on her back, and is presently seen on the roof letting her gently down inside the castle. The Climber is seen again kneeling._]
FINN
[_Anxiously, from below._]
Oh dear! How slow she is! It’s very dark. Why is she delaying?
LISTENER
Be quiet! Can’t you see she’s praying? Hark!
FINN
[_Nervously._]
What is it now?
LISTENER
[_Joyously._]
I hear the child coming up out of his sleep.
CLIMBER
[_Calling softly down to the Thief._]
It is so deep Inside, I can’t see where you are.
LISTENER
[_Anxiously._]
Has she got the puppy?
CLIMBER
[_Reassuringly._]
She’ll get it all right, never fear!
LISTENER
[_Whispering loudly._]
Good man! I say! Can You hand it down and let me hold its muzzle? I guess to both of you it is a puzzle To know at present where to put it, And if Finn sees it probably he’ll shoot it.
FINN
[_Anxiously._]
Has she got the child? I can’t endure To wait like this.
CLIMBER
[_A trifle hesitatingly._]
I think so. I’m not sure.
LISTENER
Be quick! I hear the dog coming up out of her sleep.
THIEF’S VOICE
[_From within, faintly._]
Oh! Lower me again to Mother Earth, For I in spirit have been called as far As the secret place where her lost children are, And I now bring them back to second birth, Rescuing both the body and the soul Out of the Hand of death entire and whole, If you are strong enough to bear us back To the same side from which we came.
CLIMBER
[_Reeling with the sudden relaxation of nervous tension._]
Alack! I am as wearied as a falling star, I cannot do it alone.
[_At this moment the Hand is seen emerging from the roof. It grips the Climber and takes her in._]
FINN
[_With a frantic cry._]
Where are They? Oh! My God, what shall I do?
MARKSMAN
Put your finger underneath your wisdom tooth And find what it replies.
FINN
[_Doing so._]
It says that I must tell the truth.
MARKSMAN
[_Sternly._]
Confess your previous lies!
[_Finn hides his face with a groan._]
MARKSMAN
[_Gently._]
You need fear no disgrace If you will look me in the face.
FINN
[_Trembling._]
I’m thinking that there are not many here Can look you in the face without some fear.
MARKSMAN
[_Quietly._]
If you are too shy I cannot help you at all. You must all die.
[_He turns away._]
FINN
[_Clutching him by the shoulder._]
No! No! No!
[_The Marksman turns and gazes at him. Finn remains upright, his eyes riveted on the Marksman’s._]
FINN
[_Steadily._]
I told her I was wide enough awake.
MARKSMAN
[_Quietly._]
That was a great mistake.
FINN
I told her I could quite well do Without her aid.
MARKSMAN
[_Quietly._]
That was untrue.
FINN
I told her that I did not feel The slightest pain. Her dream was real,
[_He points to the box._]
For overburdened with this weight Of earth, I was in such a state I really could not recognize Myself reflected in her eyes. I felt in such a deep disgrace I could not look her in the face, So when she brought her dream by and by I put her off. Trying to deny My God, I told a fearful lie.
MARKSMAN
[_Tranquilly._]
She never believed it, and she marked it die Dwindling slowly away As the light grew stronger and the grey Faded for ever from the windows.
[_He points to the faint line of green, which is now showing on the horizon._]
In the cottages they will soon be putting out all the lamps And going about their work in unreflected light.
FINN
[_Springing up with a cry of joy._]
What! Is it really all right?
MARKSMAN
[_Quietly._]
Yes, quite; You’ve told me all that I require To set you free.
FINN
[_Now a different man._]
If God be true no man can be a liar. Come, follow me.
LISTENER
Where are you going?
FINN
[_Eagerly and joyously._]
I’m going after the Climber, Her point of view’s sublimer. I’m going to throw away my bow.
[_He casts the box from him._]
MARKSMAN
[_Picking up the box._]
Take care, you’ve not much yet on which to go!
FINN
[_Radiantly._]
I cannot fall, The way she chose is practical!
LISTENER
Since you have let her in for this, no doubt You’re bound to find a way to get her out.
MARKSMAN
[_Turning on a little electric torch to light Finn._]
It’s still a little dark to-night. I’ve put things in the proper light For you, but it strikes me I’ll have to clear up more before you’ll see Her way out of the difficulty.
[_Finn reaches the roof in safety, and calls down anxiously._]
FINN
Are you there? Are you there?
CLIMBER
[_Calling faintly from within._]
Oh! Have you come? I knew you’d not be long, I’d noticed you were getting very strong. He’s tied me hand and foot. I cannot move, I’ve found the Thief and he are hand in glove!
FINN
No matter! I’m entirely of your mind. I’ll find My way inside and get you out just now.
CLIMBER
[_Anxiously._]
The door is just behind your brow.
FINN
[_Hitting his forehead._]
I’ve got it!
[_His figure is seen against the dim twilight kneeling._]
LISTENER
Be quick! I hear the Giant coming up out of his sleep!
[_The Hand takes in Finn._]
CLIMBER’S VOICE
[_With a muffled cry of despair._]
Too late! Too late! My God, what shall I do?
MARKSMAN
[_Hurriedly, calling from below._]
Put your finger under your wisdom tooth and tell me what it replies.
CLIMBER’S VOICE
It says that I must tell the truth!
MARKSMAN
[_Very sternly._]
What! You as well! Confess your previous lies!
CLIMBER’S VOICE
It is so dark I cannot see your face, I feel that I’m in very deep disgrace. Alas! I told him that I was asleep!
MARKSMAN
Your error there was truly very deep.
CLIMBER
I thought that I was strong enough To return alone.
MARKSMAN
What utter stuff!
CLIMBER
[_Desperately._]
I said I thought he was in pain; The pain was mine, for in my brain I felt a tugging and a stress I could not understand, unless One in the likeness of a man Had summoned me to Heaven. I ran, I climbed, I reached the topmost stair, And found that I was not all there, For if I’d left the earth behind I should have gone out of my mind, Since God requires a soul and body too To make the substance of His dream come true. I understood God did devise To make this earth His Paradise; I saw our second birth was got Just out of earth by happy thought, But fearful that a Truth so glad Would seem an impudence half-mad, I made him think that God’s design Was just a silly dream of mine.
MARKSMAN
[_Quietly._]
He always believed your dream; He marked it grow Out upon his sleep with bewildered joy, Until at last, just like a little boy, He put his hand up in the dark to feel Her face, and found he had touched something real.
[_He opens the box and takes the rainbow from it._]
In the cottages they have put out all the lamps, And go about their work in unreflected light.
LISTENER
[_Excitedly._]
The Giant is coming up out of his sleep for the last time, and he is bringing the dog with him!
MARKSMAN
[_Quietly._]
I am not afraid of myself, you need not shout, For I am strong enough to bear them out.
[_At this moment the Hand rises again from the chimney. The Marksman is seen stringing the rainbow and letting fly an arrow, which transfixes the Hand. There is terrible darkness for a moment, the stars fall from the sky and the moon turns crimson, leaving pitchy night. With a loud crash the walls of the castle fall away, and in a serene silent splendour of purple and crimson the dawn rises over the sea, revealing the Big Young Hero standing upon the rock with the child in his arms. The Climber and Finn are in each other’s arms, the Thief is holding the puppy._]
MARKSMAN
They have all come up out of their sleep for ever!
LISTENER
[_With a great cry of joy._]
I always knew this would happen! She’s got the puppy too!
ACT V
THE GREEN ISLE REALIZED ON EARTH. DAWN
_The same as Act I, but this time there is no rainbow haze between, only a great rainbow stretching in the sky across the Hebrides seen in the distance. On a table under the trees the girl has spread all sorts of delightful fruits and cakes. She is now decorating it with flowers, and singing as she works._
SONG
I love all lovely things— The dragon-fly’s wings, The rainbow and the rain, The light that comes again Joyously like a smile, When for a little while God disposes the night elsewhere.
His sun is very fair, I can catch it in my hair. Look! It’s there! And there! And there! Oh! the earth’s a lovely thing, The mind of a Mighty King, I cannot help but sing. I cannot end my song, God’s thought is very long. Many years He took to make The bracken in the brake; He was a long time building The fragrant yellow gilding On the early poplar tree When no eye was there to see.
The clouds, the atmosphere, My breath, the water clear, How fair and sweet they are! Oh! hate was very far From God’s divine intention When these things He did mention; When He canopied the earth With cloud, and fire, and mirth; When He set the privy shade For the pheasant in the glade; When He built the mossy nest For the wren, His little guest; When He taught the mind of man By its love to find His plan.
For no one shall discover His science, save the lover. Oh! Life’s a lovely thing, The mind of a Mighty King! Emotion, will, desire, Earth, water, air, and fire, The elements intertwined, With these He built the mind; The love of green things growing, The shadows they keep throwing Across man’s fiery thought Till they’re fused and merged and wrought Into the liquid union Of one divine communion With God, Who made his college An earthly place of knowledge.
I cannot help but sing, Life’s such a lovely thing! The catkin and the willow God’s chosen for His pillow. I wonder why He fashioned A Beauty so impassioned; I wonder why it matters Which way the raindrop patters, Or why a God should care To give His creatures share Of this delightful song. His love must be very strong.
I cannot end my singing, For still the starling’s winging With a straw held in her beak To build in the old tree-peak; And still across the sky The compacted clouds go by; And when God thinks upon it The lily’s yellow bonnet Nid-nods delightfully Beneath the walnut tree. And clear, and still more clear, In God’s mind I read and hear That only Love shall learn The wherefore of flower and fern, That only Love alone Shall live to be full-grown, That merely Love and Wonder Shall bring all Heaven hereunder.
[_Towards the end of the song the brown-sailed fishing-boat is seen approaching gradually under the rainbow. As it draws near, Finn and the Big Young Hero are seen in it with the puppy. It touches the shore, at first unperceived of the girl. The Big Young Hero leaps lightly from it, and helps Finn out._]
FINN
[_Looking round bewildered._]
I recognize this place.
HERO
You have been here before.
FINN
Isn’t that the Bidean’s face?
[_Pointing to the distant hills._]
Please tell me, for I can’t stand any more.
[_He staggers, but the Hero puts an arm round him._]
There must be some mistake, I seem To be asleep and yet I am awake. Is this a dream?
HERO
No, it is real. Put up your hand and feel Her face.
CLIMBER
[_Perceiving him, calls._]
The breakfast’s ready, I have set your place.
[_Catching sight of Finn she puts her hand to her face with a cry of amazed delight._]
It is the man I dreamed about last night! I didn’t know! I’m looking such a sight! I didn’t know that you would bring a guest.
[_She puts her hand up to her head as if she were going to fall, and the Hero puts his other arm round her._]
I’ll be all right after a little rest. What a beautiful rainbow!
[_Pointing._]
I always knew the morning would be fine.
FINN
[_Putting his hand up in amazement to find the box is gone._]
It’s mine! How did it get up there?
HERO
You hoisted it on a prayer; The Marksman’s left it in the sky to show The right direction to the folk below. The others are not very far behind; Presently they will all be of your mind.
[_He points to where, far off under the bow, the sails of Conan’s boat are dimly visible on the horizon._]
FINN
[_Wild with delight._]
Oh! I feel strong enough to turn the moon Right round upon his other face, And I feel ready now to sup The stars up with a spoon.
CLIMBER
[_In an awed whisper, gazing at Finn._]
I only know I am aware Of God for ever, everywhere.
HERO
[_Who has still an arm round either, to Finn._]
It was the Gate of Heaven that you carried. Now it is time that you and she were married. Since I have found you strong enough to share Her faith that I am more than quite all there, Ask what you will, it shall be given you As your reward. Tell me, what is your due?
FINN
[_In a whisper._]
I am beginning now to understand! Lord, I beseech, help Thou mine other hand.
HERO
[_Leading the two forward to the table, he takes the Climber’s hand and places it in Finn’s._]
It has spread breakfast in my house for two, The other place was always meant for you; I pray you, warm it at your hearth hereunder. What I have joined let no man put asunder.
APPENDIX
_HOW FINN KEPT HIS CHILDREN FOR THE BIG YOUNG HERO OF THE SHIP AND HOW BRAN WAS FOUND._
A day Finn and his men were in the Hunting-hill they killed a great number of deer; and when they were wearied after the chase they sat down on a pleasant green knoll, at the back of the wind and at the face of the sun, where they could see everyone and no one at all could see them.
While they were sitting in that place Finn lifted his eyes towards the sea, and saw a ship making straight for the haven beneath the spot on which they were sitting. When the ship came to land, a Big Young Hero leaped out of her on the shore, seized her by the bows and drew her up, her own seven lengths, on the green grass, where the eldest son of neither landowner nor of holder of large townland dared mock or gibe at her. Then he ascended the hillside, leaping over the hollows and slanting the knolls, till he reached the spot on which Finn and his men were sitting.
He saluted Finn frankly, energetically, fluently; and Finn saluted him with the equivalent of the same words. Finn then asked him whence did he come or what was he wanting? He answered Finn that he had come through night-watching and tempest of sea where he was, because he was losing his children, and it had been told him that there was not a man in the world who could keep his children for him but him, Finn, King of the Feinne. And he said to Finn, “I lay on thee, as crosses and spells and seven fairy fetters of travelling and straying, to be with me before thou shalt eat food or drink a draught or close an eye in sleep.”
Having said this he turned away from them and descended the hillside the way he ascended it. When he reached the ship he placed his shoulder against her bow and put her out. He then leaped into her, and departed in the direction he came until they lost sight of him.
Finn was now under great heaviness of mind, because the vows had been laid on him, and he must fulfil them or travel onwards until he would die. He knew not whither he should go, or what he should do. But he left farewell with his men, and descended the hillside to the seaside. When he reached that he could not go farther on the way in which he saw the Big Young Hero depart. He therefore began to walk along the shore, but before he had gone very far forward, he saw a company of seven men coming to meet him.
When he reached the men he asked the first of them what was he good at? The man answered that he was a good Carpenter. Finn asked him how good was he at carpentry? The man said that, with three strokes of his axe he could make a large, capacious, complete ship of the alder stock over yonder. “Thou art good enough,” said Finn; “thou mayest pass by.”
He then asked of the second man what was he good at? The man said that he was a good Tracker. “How good art thou?” said Finn. “I can track the wild duck over the crests of the nine waves within nine days,” said the man. “Thou art good enough,” said Finn; “thou mayest pass by.”