SHAMUS O'BRIEN. 
 
 Drama in Pour Acts, 
 
 '■-^fe»?' ,'~ " 
 
 '^M/ 
 

 SHAMUS O'BRIEN 
 
 Di'.'unu ill Four Acts. 
 
 OAST OV CHARACTERS. 
 
 Sliamus O'Brien Star 
 
 Leslie McMurroiigb Juvenile Heavy Lead 
 
 Sliadrick O'Fiun Heavy Irish Character 
 
 Sir Reginald Dare English Light Comedy 
 
 Colonel Claverly Old Man 
 
 Father Malone Old Man 
 
 Judge Old Man 
 
 Larry Low Comedy 
 
 Williams Cockney Character 
 
 Marry Donoughniore Juvenile Lead 
 
 Kate O'Rielly Soubrette or Light Comedy 
 
 Mrs. O'Brien Old Woman 
 
 Peasants, Soldiers, Etc. Time of plav and costumes, vear 
 1798, 
 
 The part of Shamus can be played without singing. 
 
 Property of Katheriue Walsh. 
 

SHAMUS O'BRIEN. 
 
 BY KATHERINE WALSH. 
 
 ACT FIRST. 
 
 luterior room. (\ \\iiidow to open runiiiiig to ground. 
 Box Set. Doors R. 3. E. and L. 3. E. Fireplace. R. 2. E. 
 Garden landscape backing-. Balcony railing outside windoAv 
 C to close or open. Piano to play. L. 2. E. Car^iet down. 
 Best furniture. 2 tables L and R. Cliairs and tables. Red 
 light for fire. Covers and books on tables. Guitar to play 
 on table L. Chandelier on table R. Fan with long ribbon 
 on table L., also shoiilder scarf for ^^dary. Duster for Larry. 
 Sword on table R. Fender with fire irons. Fire. Rugs. 
 Pictures. Easel with pictiu'o, vtv. Four letters for Larry. 
 Two green seal documents for Shamus. Fire bell off R. 
 to ring. Glass with drinking water for Mary. R. 3. Gun for 
 O'l'inn. Music lively for rise. 
 
 St. Patrick's Day in the Morning. 
 
 LARRY^ — (Discovered at rise. Dusting and singing.) 
 Dust, dust everywhere dust. I wonder where it all comes 
 from. },[aybe from the graveyard beyant. They say when 
 we die we turn into dust, that's because we can't get any- 
 think to drink after we kick the bucket. There's one fellow^ 
 I knoAv that will go after he dies where there will not be 
 much \rv water and that's Sliadrick O'Finn. Bad cess to 
 him. (takes up sword.) Musha that's a fine accutrement 
 to have at a figlit. That belongs to the Captain. If I 'la 1 
 that at a fight in a Fair I'd show them the way to give the 
 first cut, the second cut, tlie upper cut and the under cut, 
 and a jab in the middle. (Enter Mary C. stands at back. 
 Larry flourishes the sword suiting the action to the word 
 and sings.) Oh, there is not a trade that's going worth 
 knowing or showing like that from glory going, says a bold 
 soldier boy. (Flourishes the sword again.) Hurroo and 
 Faugh a Ballaugh. 
 
 St. Patrick's Day for Mary's entrance. 
 
MARY — Larry Mahoney, what are you doing? flaking 
 a fool of yourself again, eh? 
 
 LARRY — (Aside, confused and placing sword on table 
 11.) Be the powers of old Kellcv, it is the ndstress, (Aloud.) 
 Yes, Miss Donnoughmore, niani. Sure making a fool of my- 
 self conies natural. My mother says my father was a born 
 fool, so it's bred in my bones, I think, (Coach horn heard 
 off R. Mary at >\ indow looks off I\.) 
 
 MARY — Tlu' mail car has arriyed at last, go and see if 
 there is any letter;^. 'Die mail is late. 
 
 LARRY — Letters, mnm. Yes, mam. The car is late 
 mam. I'll get the letters mam. (Exit K. 3. yery awkward.) 
 
 ^lARY — (At windoAy.) Here comes my cousin, Captain 
 Leslie McMurrough. How time and circumstances and sur- 
 roundings alter people. Years ago he left Ireland an en- 
 thusiastic young Irish boy, now he returns to his uatiye land 
 an orphan, a stranger and an l']iiglish s(ddier. He loyes me 
 moi'e tlian in a consinly wny, 1 tliink. I wonder would lie do 
 so did he know my secret. Did lie know of Shamus O'Brien, 
 the outlaw as they call him. Outlaw lie may be but to me 
 he is the king of my heart. (Kecites as she comes down L.) 
 For the boldest and bravest boy of them all is Khamus 
 O'Brien of the town of (Jlengall. 
 
 LARKY — (Kilter K. E. with four letters sealed on tray 
 and newspaper in cover.) Here's the letters mam, and a news- 
 pa p<^r with news in it not more than a week old. I asked 
 the niai] car m;ni what made liiiii s(» Inle. Begorra, says 
 he, I might have been later, says he, if I liadu't come at all, 
 ways he. Sure the car was stopped, says he, with all the 
 l>asengers. he said, by a lot of highway robbers, says he, but 
 sure the b'tters are all Iieic al last, ami the saints preserve 
 ns from all harm, says he. 
 
 MARY — (Looking over letters.) Any for me? No; all 
 for Capt. McMurrough. Well, I'll look at the newspaper. 
 Any news I wonder. (Sits on table L. Opens paper.) 
 
 LARRY — (Putting letters on table R.) Lashings of 
 news that's not in the papers. Sure Mrs. Madigan is mad 
 again. Her French hen has hatched out Irish ducks for 
 Ciiickens and is out of her mind at the horse pond over 
 
 — 2 — 
 
their SAvimming tricks. The hen, main, not the woman. 
 Phelini O'Shaiig^hnesscn-'s prize pig has caught tlie nieaseh-; 
 from one of the children and is d^'ing of spazinadiut con- 
 vulsions and last night our three legged mule broke into 
 the garden and ate all the heads off them beautiful 
 heilotropes of yours, mam. And what do you think? but 
 Biddv Mulligan's squint eyed daughter yesterday took a 
 liussyteryrical fit and kicked a. i>ot of boiling pea soup off 
 the fire and scalded all the whiskers off the old tom cat and, 
 and — — 
 
 :MARY—( Laughing.) That will do, Larry, that's 
 enough. 
 
 LARKY— (Going R ,'>, E.j Yis, mam, it ought to do, its 
 enough flisterfications for one day, I'm thinking. (Exit B, 
 8, E.) 
 
 MARY — What's this? Cap. Iveslie ]McMurough and a 
 detachment of men are on active service in Galway. That's 
 why he is my visitor lately and what's this? (Reads.) The 
 government offers a reward of one hundred pounds for in- 
 fornmtion that will lead to the suppression of the Irish 
 rising and the capture of Sha.mus O'Rrieu, a supposed leader 
 among them. But the government shall not have him even 
 if they offer a thousand pounds reward, not even if I have 
 to sell Donoughmore Hall brick by brick to protect him. 
 
 LESLIE — (Enters C. At window during last of speech.) 
 Pardon my intrusion, my dear cousin, but I heard the mail 
 car had arrived and that there were letters for me. (At C. 
 Back.) 
 
 MARY — Yes, Cap. No intrusion. Come in, there are 
 letters for you there. (Motions to table R.) 
 
 LESSLIE — (Goes to table R.) May I read them here? 
 (Mary bows.) Leslie sits at table and opens letters.) Ex- 
 cuse me, (Reads.) I am en tour and intend to pay Galway 
 a visit, I will avail myself of the opportunity to call at 
 Donoughmore Hall. I will be there on the 10th. Wby, that's 
 today. (To Mary.) Ah, this interests you. 
 
 MxlRY— Indeed what is it? Who is it from? 
 
 LESLIE — Sir Reginald Dare, he was over in Ireland 
 
 —3— 
 
two or there yeiirs ago. Yon !iave met him. In fact, he is 
 eoming liere to call today. 
 
 MARY — Sir IJeginald Dare, I think I remember a ^fr. 
 Dare here about two years ago. He met with an accident 
 in the hunting field, but he was a young barrister or laAvyer 
 or something, 
 
 LESLIE — Y<'s, it's tlie same man. 
 
 MARY — Is he a Karonet now? 
 
 LESLIE — Yes, lie became unexpectedly h-ir to some dis- 
 tant kinsman witli a title, and the once briefless youug bar- 
 rister ceased struggling ffvc bread and briefs and became a 
 Baronet and a man of fashion. 
 
 MARY' — Sir Reginald Dare, l^.aronet, it sounds well 
 doesn't it? H()^^• would yt>n like a title. Just fancy. Sir 
 Leslie McMurrough, K. C. P>. and X. Y. Z., etc. Ha hadia, 
 commander of tlie blackguards A\ho ])ut the enemy to flight 
 at the battle of Imllabaloo in the hills r.f Doucgall. 
 
 LEiSILE — Sounds ijuite well, ha-ha, but remember I am 
 a soldier and if I am lucky I may fight my way to a title yet 
 f<u' someone's sake. ( Looks meaningly at Mary. 
 
 MARY — I hope so, Leslie, for someone's sake, who ever 
 that some one may be. Rut about Sir Reginald Dare? 
 
 LESLIE — This Dare is a cousin of the present Yiceroy of 
 Ireland, Lord Cornwallis. the head of the army, and is some- 
 wliat of a fop. 
 
 MARY — 1 know a lady \\ho thought liiiu ;i genuine gen- 
 tk'iiian when he v.as plain Mr. Dare. I mean Kathleen 
 O'Rielly, my friend. 
 
 LESLIE- — My dear cousin, you ladies are^ often mistaken 
 in men. 
 
 MARY' — So some of the married ones say. Ha-ha — 
 
 LESLIE — That's a joke 1 presunu^? 
 
 MARY— It's a jocular fact, a serious joke as it were. 
 
 LESLIE — (Reads another letter.) An' here's something 
 that interests me. (Rea<ls.) Headquarters, Dublin, Cap. Les- 
 lie McMurough, Dear Sir. Your promotion is held out by the 
 (reneral commanding if yon succeed in -quelling the rebel- 
 lion in the Glengall district and in taking prisoner one 
 
 ~4— 
 
Shaiiiiijs O'Rrieii. Signed Col. Claverly, King's Own Regi- 
 ment, Portobello F.tu'i'ieks, Dnblin. Rv jove, a step towards 
 that title, Cousin Mary. I'll do this and try and win ray 
 golden spurs. ( liises. 
 
 MARY — (Alarmed. I Yon will do this? You will cap- 
 ture Sliamus O'Brien? 
 
 LESLIE— I most assuredly shall, if I can find him, but 
 I don't even know what he looks like. Perhaps you can tell 
 nie? 
 
 MARY — (Music. I Have yon forgotten about the man 
 who saved my life? 
 
 LESLIE— Is tliat the same man? Ah, yes, I remember 
 dimly the circumstances. Some one at very little risk saved 
 you from something — ah, drowning — wasn't it? However, 
 I supposed he received thanks enough at the time. I was 
 away in England you know. 
 
 MARY — At little risk I ^Vhy, a gale was blowing at 
 the time, he sv>"am a long distance to the upturned boat to 
 which I clung, the boatsman was drowned in the mad water. 
 Little risk? No other man would liave accomplished it. 'Twas 
 a. great risk, the risk of his life, and I was a stranger to 
 him. What thanks can repay that debt? Cousin, have 
 you no gratitude? (Music stops.) 
 
 LESLIE — ^ly dear cousin, it was your life he saved, 
 not mine, and as for human gratitude, there's no such thing. 
 
 MARY — Well, I've prayed for his welfare many times 
 since, nothing can ever blot his noble action from my mem- 
 ory; no sacrifice I would not nuike in honor, to repay that 
 debt. If that is not gratitude what is it? 
 
 LESLIE — 3Ierely your wonmnly goodness, or weakness. 
 He is as far beneatii you socially as the soil is beneath the 
 rose it seems so n<'ar. You surely cannot regard this fellow 
 as an equal, with all your gratitude? 
 
 MARY — He is poor, I know, but he is of the O'Brien 
 blood who ages ago were lords of the soil. Riches may fly, 
 but we know that blood flows on even when what's called 
 high breeding and fine manners may disappear. 
 
 LESLIE — Pshaw, it's not wliat we were, but what we 
 are that counts always. He is a mere peasant now I be- 
 
 —5— 
 
lieve. llowcner nm^-v your seiitiineuts are so stroug, 1 will 
 give vou an opportunity to show your gratitude to him and 
 if you accept the contlitions I shall never pursue him, nay 
 more, I shall give him the opportunity and find him the 
 money to escape from this country. 
 
 31 AT\Y — Name vour conditions and if I can I will com- 
 ply. 
 
 LESLIE — (Approaches her.) Become my wife. 
 
 MAlvY — (X. to K.) Your wife, impossible, I do not love 
 you as a woman should love the man she's going to maiTy. 
 Would you marry a woman who does not care for you as 
 her husband? 
 
 LESLIE^ — Not any woman, but you I'd marry even 
 tliough you hated mo. 
 
 MARY — Leslie McMurrougli. you know not what you 
 ask. 
 
 LESLIE — 1 do, Eve loved since my ])oyho()d, and during 
 all my years of coUege life in England my <jne desire and 
 hope was that I might Ix'conic wortliy of you. Your every 
 wish is sacred bsw to mc. 1 swear it. 
 
 .MARY— You left Ireland a boy. You come back a man, 
 apparently ind)ued witii feelings against your owu 
 countrymen. That places a barrier betw'een us. You forget 
 I am for tliis country right or wrong. I am your cousin and 
 helves:-; of Donouglniunv, but best of all I am and shall always 
 remain a true Irish woman. 
 
 LESLIE— (II. (\)— Then you refuse my offer? 
 
 3! AKY^ — I do. 1 must decline the honor you have offered 
 me, but still we ran be friends, surely? We are cousins and 
 should be friends. (Offers hand.) 
 
 LESLIE^ — (Takes hand coldly.) Relatives and friends, 
 yes; but you must not blame if I pursue my course against 
 these rebellions peo]>le and against Shamus O'Brien. 
 
 LARRY— (Enter R, E, with letter.) Mr. Leslie, Cap. 
 Sir, if ye plaze, a gassoon brought this letter from Shadrick 
 O'Einn. It's addressed to Cap. Leslie McMurrough, Esq, 
 \A'h('n I asked the Oassoon what Ewq. was he said it stood for 
 Squirrel, musha would you look at the long tail on the squir- 
 rel. (Looks at letter upside down.) 
 
 —6— 
 
LESLIE— (iive it to me. 
 
 LARRY — ((Hvos letter and looks over Leslie's shoulder, 
 aside.) I wonder wliat he can have to do with that O'Finn. 
 
 LESLIE — (Sees liim.) Vou eau ^o. 
 
 LARIiY— (lUickiQg- towards door R. 3.) I can sir, yis. 
 Lui always on the .«i'o. (Bniiips into side of D.) I beg yonr 
 pardon. (Pause.) 
 
 LESLIE — Ai'e von not sou<? J^t? 
 
 LARRY— (Exits (puck, pops his hea<l in door.) I am sir. 
 Tin out of sight. 
 
 LESLIE — That fellow is mad oi- impertinent. 
 
 MAIJY — Larrv is a privileged servant, born and raised 
 !.! ()!ir family, don't mind him, he's frolickscmie like a yonng 
 (•(Mi. lie is most faithful and always good tempered. 
 
 LESLIE— (Reads letter at table R.) From O'Finn. My 
 lift' is threatened. I've learned of a, plot of the rebels to 
 burn my house.- I'm in mortal fear of my life. I demand 
 the protection of the government for my services to them. 
 (Speaks.) Well, they may hang, burn, or do what they like 
 with yon, O'Finn, for all the army cares. 
 
 LARRY — (Enters and stands at R. C. back. The hon- 
 orable Mistress Kathleen O'Rielly, daughter of Patrick 
 O'Rielly of O'Rielly Hall of O'Rielly Town. 
 
 KATE — (Enter R. 3., conies down 0. Larry exits.) The 
 t()[) (»r the morning and the middle of the evening to all 
 here. Mary, how are you. (Kisses her.) Cap. McMur- 
 I'ough, 1 siilvite you. (Does so military style.) I'm uncom- 
 ])!mily glad to visit you both. I just rode over to see how you 
 were. ( Aside t(» Mary.) I saw while on my way, a certain 
 party get off the nuiil car. I heard he was enquiring his 
 way here, so I thought I'd hurry over. How do I look? Is 
 my liat on straiglii ? A ml i)r('sentable. Cap. you see I'm 
 all excited \\ith my — my — ride, excuse we, won't you? (Goes 
 to window C. and looks off R.) 
 
 LESLIE^ — Excuse you, with pleasure. No, I mean cer- 
 tainly, Miss O'Rielly. (Aside.) I wonder what brought her 
 here so unexi>ectedly. Can she have heard the Englishman 
 is coming? Very likely. (Turns R.) 
 
 KATE — Do you know who is coming up the avenue? 
 
 —7— 
 
Vrhy, Mr. Dare, from England. I saw liim but lie failed to 
 recognize me. Don't remember the hunt two or three years 
 ago? He met with an accident, he broke his leg that day. 
 
 MAKY — (Aside to Kate.) And your heart, it got a 
 l.]'(';ik about tliat i^ame time, Kate. 
 
 KATE— ('racked (slightly but not broken, :\Iary. ^Yh\, 
 1 only knew him slightly, you know. 
 
 LESLIE — Pardon me; I think I'll go and receive the 
 visitor. 
 
 MA.KY — ^Vill you? Tlsank you, Leslie, so much. Please 
 play the host and I'll ])e so much obliged. (Exit Leslie K. 3.) 
 
 KATE — (Al window C.) That's him. Here he comes; 
 !:e looks too fine for everyday vrear. He's a regular Sun- 
 day sort of man. A kind of male angel in knee breeches. 
 
 ilAivY — Don't get excited. Come away from that win- 
 Ciow, he may see you. 
 
 KATE^^ — (Kate sings snatches of love song, Mary pulls 
 luT from windov; down ('.) Oh, by the way, wait till I tell 
 you 1 was over by the liookery gathering wild flowers this 
 inorniiig when wljat sliould 1 liear but some one crying whist- 
 wiiist. I can't play it but I'm a darlin' at forty-five. I heard 
 a laugh and a brcMiking of branches and twdgs. I looked 
 around and who stood befiu'e rae, do you think? 
 
 MAllY—A Banshe— 
 
 KATE— NO, but a Han-he. 'Twas himself. The bold 
 boy of Gleugall, Shanuis O'Brien. 
 
 MAIvY — 8hamus, well — A\ell — go on — tell me more; 
 what did he say — what did he do, how did he look? NYhere 
 was he going? 
 
 KATE — Now you're getting excited. Easy now — easy — 
 till I tell you. Well, the Banshe, or he, looked smiling and 
 big, and he gave me a squeeze of the hand that burst my 
 glove, and a message for his mother and something for 
 you that I couldn't carry in my pocket, but I brought it in 
 my mouth . 
 
 MARY— TSTuit was it, a letter? 
 KATE — Worse than that ; guess again. 
 ]MAHY — A message, eh? You tease. 
 
KATE — Now, you're giies^injj;-. Shut your eyes and try 
 and look innocent and ITl give it to you. (:^Iary does so.) 
 It's only that, my dear. (Kisses her.) 
 
 M AKY — Did he really send me that? 
 
 KATE — Troth lie did, and liis breath was iik(^ new uiilk, 
 dear. Couldn't you tell it was his kiss by the flavor? How 
 could I give his kiss if he hadn't given it to me? If you're 
 jealous ITl kee}) it for myself next time. Well, says he, tell 
 Mary ITl be with her this day sure. Just t]ien a dog barked 
 close by. Good bye, my fairy messenger, says he, and off 
 he flew like the hunted Fox of T^allybotheruin . 
 
 LESLIE — (Heard speaking outside R. 3.) This way, Sir 
 j^eginald Dare. 
 
 KATE- — Oh, there they come. Oh, my poor heart. (Bus 
 Ad lib.) x^^%ich side is it on. I vronder will he know me? 
 Let's he doing something. (Goes to piano.) Wbere's the 
 music, Where's my ^ oice. ( Scatters music.) I think I'll be 
 singing something. 
 
 MARY — Don't get exciteil, Kate. Be on your best be- 
 havior, please. 
 
 KATE — I'll be quiet as a dumb waiter. Will I sing 
 something? 
 
 MARY — (Sits L. at table.) Yes, sing something, any- 
 thing. 
 
 KATE — Here goes. ( Sings one verse of love song, dur- 
 ing song Sir Reginald enters followed by Leslie. They stand 
 at back listening. Dare coughs three or four times. Kate 
 starts and rises from Piano as if surprised. Mary also rises.) 
 
 LESLIE — Ladies, permit me to- introduce Sir Reginald 
 Dare. Dare bows to both.) Sir Reginald Dare, this is my 
 cousin. (Dare looks at Kate, mistaking her for Mary, she 
 smiles. He takes her hand and is about to kiss it.) 
 
 DARE — Charmed to meet you again. I've had the honor 
 of meeting you before, I'm sure. 
 
 KATE — Ahem. (Stops him.) That lady is his cousin. 
 (He is about to drop her hand, but she shoves it in his 
 face.) Oh, fire away. You'll be introduced to me presently. 
 
 LESLIE — This is ;Miss O'Rielly, my cousin's friend, and 
 
a ueighbov, as clianuing as Flora aud a breaker of hearts by 
 tlie score. So beware (^f her. Dare. 
 
 DARE — I hope 1 niav be periuitted to add another to 
 t;ie lisi, I'm sure. All, I heard you siu^inj^ just now that 
 Nonr heart was over the S(-a. I should like, I'm sure Miss 
 ()'l\ielly, to be eonuiiissione;! to <•(> over the sea aud find it for 
 you, Miss O'Kielly . 
 
 KATE — I'm afraid youM have your journey for nothing", 
 Sir IJegiuald. 
 
 LEvSLlE — (To Mary.) This is niy cousin. Miss Donough- 
 inore. 
 
 DAlvE — (l>ows very low.) No mistake this time. Miss 
 Donoiighniore, I rein(Mnber. 
 
 MAlvY — (Hows low.) You arc welcome to Donough- 
 more, Sir Keginald. 
 
 DAK'E— (L. r.) Thank ycm extremely. Delighted, I'm 
 suie, to have the honor. ( Looks at Mary, then aside.) Ex- 
 tremely interesting these Irish ladies, and by St. (xeorge, the 
 O'Kielly has captured me already. Plenty of go in her I'll 
 bet a moidvey. 
 
 LAIUIV— (Enter 11. 8., X. to C, at back. If ye plaze, 
 Mistress Mary, r>e conu^ to tell you that Cap. McMurrough's 
 dog, the (lernian tarrier, has run away with the goose that 
 was roasling at the fire, giblets aud all. 
 
 KATE — I adnure that pui)'s a])petite, ha-ha. (Goes to 
 Dare aud talks.) 
 
 LESLIE — I low dare you come here with such nonsense? 
 
 LAlvRY — No nonsense, sir, it's the truth, aud 1 thought 
 you might come and get it away from him, what's left of it. 
 He'd share it wid you but he'd bite any one else. 
 
 MAliV — Never mind, Larry, I'll go to the cook and we 
 sliall have another, lilxcuse me f(U* a nuunent. Conu^ Larry. 
 (Exit.) 
 
 LuVlvRY — Yis, mam, but we're out of young geese. 
 Wouldn't it do to cook the ould gander for a change? 
 
 LESLIE— Oh, get out. 
 
 LARKY— Yis, sir, but \\ ill I shoot the dog? 
 
 LESLIE— If you do I'll shoot you. 
 
 — I o — 
 
LARRY— Och murdlier. (Runs off R. 3.) 
 LESLIE— Have you had a pleasant trip tlirough Ire- 
 land, Dare? 
 
 DARE— With the exception of the highway gentleman 
 who stopped us occasionally my trip has been delightful. I 
 never saw such a place as Ireland. I like it better every 
 time I come to it. At this time of year it is a, perfert gem. 
 
 KATE— An Emerald, they call it. 
 
 DARE— Yes, a perfect Emerald, that rarest of perfect 
 gems. With plenty of ruins and romance, and rivers and 
 that sort of thing, dont ye know. 
 
 KATE — Ruins! Yes, lots of them, thanks to our enemy, 
 don't ye know. 
 
 DARE — Enemy? Oh, Ah, I see! Very good Miss 
 O'Rielly. 
 
 LESLIE — She had you tliere. 
 
 DARE — (To Leslie.) By Jove, she had me there. Sh^ 
 could have me forever if she liked. (To Kate.) Do you 
 know, I like excitement, ccmsequently Ireland and Irish men, 
 who are some of the brightest and bravest fellows alive, and 
 Irish women, too, are almost always good fellows. You see 
 ^Nliss O'Rielly, I am a friendly kind of enemy. 
 
 KATE — Friendly? Then give me your hand. You're 
 the kind of enemy I like. (Holds out hand. Dare takes it.) 
 
 DARE — Love your enemies, some great one somewhere 
 says. 'Tis a sweet injunction and I shall try to follow it 
 witli your permission. ( Rows.) 
 
 ^lARY — (Enter 3.) You must stay to dinner, Sir Regin- 
 ald. This time we'll eat the goose ourselves. I hope you 
 have been well since I saw you last at the hunt. You re- 
 mend)er the only time we met. Allow me to congratulate you 
 on your change of appelation, your accession if I may so 
 express it. 
 
 DARE — Oh, yes. By St. (Jeorge, I'm a Baronet now, and 
 my wife, — 
 
 KATE — ((^uick, coming down L.) Wife, wife, did you 
 say wife? 
 
 DARE — Yes, I was going to say my wife in a joke. 
 
 II — 
 
KATE — Have you ^ot a wife in a joke? 
 
 DAKE — Oh lio, tluit would be no joke. 1 was merely, 
 •ioiniito say my wife, if 1 had one. would be as yon say in 
 Ireland, a rale lady. 
 
 KATE — If you were married I'd never speak to you 
 ajiain. 
 
 DARE — 1 Isope when 1 am married youTl not grow 
 duud), biu alw;iys speak to nu\ ( Fire bells ring loudly off R.) 
 What is that bell for? 
 
 K.VTE — i(5oinii lo window (M Oh, it's not the dinner 
 bell, it's a fire b.'ll. Tiu^re must be a house on fire. Some- 
 luxly else's goose is being cooked today. 
 
 LEv^LIE — ((loing up i\) Some of those rel>el houses 
 burning trieks. I suppose. Oh, it's common enough here, sir. 
 
 DAKE — (To Mary down C.) Things are pretty lively 
 here in Ii-elaud jnst now, and I'm luckily on hand to see 
 
 -MAIiV — If it's a fire yon could get a fine view of it 
 fi'om the tower. 
 
 LAKKV — (Shouts heard off l\. U. E. Larry runs on 
 excited K. I'.l Sure, if ye plaze, mam, the boys have set fire 
 to Shadrick O'Finu's house, the miserable vagabond. Hurro, 
 liuiro, hurro. (Exit L. 2. E.) 
 
 KATE — They're giving O'Fiuu a house warming that's 
 all. Hurro. 
 
 MARY — Sir Keginald. you're just in time for a sensa- 
 tion. 
 
 DAKE — A sensation, delightful. I've had one already, 
 'i'he mail car I came on was attacked and stopped by masked 
 men. 1 might have been badly treated but for the timely 
 arrival of a m.an 1 shall never forget, a man whom they 
 seenuHl to respect and fear. His name, the car man said, wa? 
 Shamus O'Brien. 
 
 .MARY— (Starts.) Shamus O'Brien ! I— I— 
 
 DARf] — Yes, you know him perhaps? 
 
 LESILE — (At back.) Let's go uj) and view the fire from 
 the lookout on the tower, Sir Reginald. Ladies, will you 
 i-ome? ( Exit R. S.) 
 
 — 12 — 
 
DARE — (Goes R. C.) Of course, with pleasure. >riss 
 O'Kiellj will vou come too? Where is she? 
 
 KATE — (Kate, who has been concealed behind cur- 
 tains, comes out and grabs his arm R.) Come along with me, 
 mj English hero, and Fllshow you Ireland on fire. (Rushes 
 him off R. 3.) 
 
 LARRY — (RuFiS on L. 1. Coat off, carrying it.) Miss 
 Mary, Miss 3iary, 1 hope they'll burn Shadrick O'Finn to a 
 cinder, and down with all informers. Hurro — (Exit R.) 
 
 MARY— (Shouts off R. U.) C'Finn's house on fire, the 
 house of that miserable informer, miser, and spy, who is 
 secretly Shamus O'Brien's bitterest enemy, the man he has 
 most cause to drer.d. (^lusic, O'Finn in rags rushes on 
 through curtains (\ and falls on stage, drops gun, shouts 
 heard outside.) 
 
 O'FINN — Save me, for God's sake, save me! 
 
 MARY— (Fp L. 0.) As I live, 'tis O'Finn. O'Finn how 
 dare you come here? 
 
 OFINN — As you hope for salvation hide me. They've 
 burned down my house. They've tore me to ribbons. I 
 jumped the wall and got away wid me life. Oh, Miss Mary', 
 have mercy on me; shelter me for God's sake. (Cringes.) 
 
 MARY — \\'retclie{l man, you can not hide here. Yoii 
 must go. 
 
 O'FINN — If you turn me out they'll kill me. Sure, mam- 
 Fm not fit to die. Let me stay only till the crowd passes by. 
 
 .MARY — 'Tis a just retribution you have brought upon 
 yourself. 
 
 O'FINN — (Goes to window C, shouts outside.) Look 
 there. Somebody's coming to kill me. Have mercy. Let me 
 hide in here. (Goes to R. 3.) 
 
 MARY — No, no, no! Not that way. 
 
 O'FINN — Put out the liglits. (Turns down lamp, lights 
 down.) Draw the curtains, bar the window. 
 
 MARY — Barred in here with you, sir? No! 
 
 O'FINN — Are ye a woman? Have ye a heart? Ye 
 wouldn't surely betray a wretched fellow creature in dis- 
 tress and fear of his life. 
 
 --I3— 
 
MARY — O'l'iiiu, I've iniieli against you. You are the 
 bitterest eueuij of this country and every man in it. You are 
 a. coY\'ard, an informer, but in this ease to prevent outrage 
 and perhaps murder I'll act as my humanity prompts. Y^ou 
 are beneath an Irish roof, and you've asked protection of an 
 Irish woman. Co in there. (Points L. 3.) 
 
 U'FINN — ('loing, kisses her gown, cringing. Leaves 
 gun on floor nc^ar window.) (lod save ye ever, mam. I'll 
 never forget you. (Exit L. 3.) 
 
 MAKY — (^^huts and closes door.) This miserable 
 scoundrel must not remain here long. (At window.) What 
 shj'Jl I do. ril call ^<arry, the servant, he is friendly with 
 all those people. I'li have him put the crowd off O'Finn's 
 track. 
 
 vSHAMUS — I thought I saw the form of an angel here 
 this minute. Had ick to me eyes for two deceivers. (Calls 
 softly.) Hist — .Mary — Asthore — Acushla machree are you 
 in oi- are you out. Don't keep me waiting for every second 
 is a year away from you and I'll be an old man in a minute. 
 Are you hidiug your })eautiful self and maybe kill me wid 
 joy. (Calls.) I\Iary, me angel. (Stumbles over gun.) What 
 the devil is that. (Picks it up.) Look at that now. (tUus 
 lying all over the place. Have they been shooting the rats. 
 I hear the ould place is full of rats. I hope I'll not be the 
 next rat they'll have a crack at (Puts gun standing against 
 wall L. C, at back) Stand there and when you do be going 
 ott" next 1 ho{' ^ I'll be otf meself. Arrah, look at her harp 
 on the table, her guitar I mean. 'Tis herself that can play 
 that. She often tried to teach it to me, but my hands were 
 too big and clumsy. I was a poor scholar at it. ]Maybe if 
 I'd pull the strings now she'd hear me and come. If I pull 
 the strings nobody but herself will know that it's me. (Sees 
 scarf on chair.) Ah, this belongs to her sweet self too. 
 (Kisses it.) (Picks up fan.) What the divil is this? (Fans 
 himself.) This is what she shovels the wind with. Musha 
 there's a fine draft comes off that. (Puts down fan and 
 takes up guitar. Bus Ad-lib, sings. Guitar can be cut out 
 and Bus. arranged to suit. ]Mary enters during song at finish 
 and comes down and throws herself in Shamus arms.) 
 
 MARY— Shamus. 
 
 — 14— 
 
SHAMUS— Core of my heart, you're here at last. But 
 what's the matter. You're trembling. What's troubling you? 
 
 MARY — I'm nervous ; anxious about you. Do you know 
 that Leslie McMurrough is here? 
 
 SHAMUS— Yes, I heard that, but I haven't seen him 
 since I was a boy, before he went to England, that's years 
 ago. He dof n't know me for we never spoke a word to one 
 another in all our lives. Where is he? 
 
 MARY— Hush. We have a visitor and they've all gone 
 up to the top of the tower to see the house burning. 
 
 SHAMUS— The house burning? Ah, that's O'Finn's 
 house, the informer. 
 
 MARY — You had no hand in that, did you Shamus? 
 
 SHAMUS — Is it me? You know I'd scorn such dirty 
 doings, but a lot of the boys knowing him to be "an informer 
 gave him notice to quit the country. He didn't take the 
 hint, and so they're giving him a warming, that's all. But 
 it's for something else I'm here tonight. I have here some 
 papers tliat I diiriHi't lave in me mother'^ house, that have 
 to be put in some safe place, so I brought tliem to you. You 
 must keep them for me till I come back for them, or send a 
 token for them . 
 
 MARY — What do those papers contain, Shamus? 
 
 SHAMUS — (With two papers, green seals, red ink.) 
 This is the oath to the cause; this is the list of the names of 
 the men who have sworn upon it to help the cause of Ireland 
 or die like heroes. A hundred men have written their names 
 in blood to fight for their rights or die like men. Keep them 
 allana for me, they will be safe in your keeping. 
 
 MARY — I'll keep them, no matter what the risk. 
 
 SHAMUS — Acushla, I knew you were true. (Embrace.) 
 
 MARY — And now, Shamus, will you do me a favor? 
 
 SHAMUS — How much? A favor, yes. Every day in the 
 week and twice on Sunday, of course I will, name it. 
 
 ]MARY — You know OFinn, the wretch whose house is 
 burning? 
 
 SHAMUS— To be sure I do. 
 
 MARY — The mob have hunted him in this direction. 
 
 — 15— 
 
They are all arouud the house now searching for him. 
 Shamiis, you have influence with those peoi>le. Will you 
 send them away from here for mv sake? 
 
 SHAM US — To be sure I will, but now come to the favor. 
 
 MARY— Why, that's all . 
 
 SHAMUS— Why, is that what you call a favor? Sure I 
 thought you wautej me to murder somebody for you, sure 
 that's no favor. I'll go outside and give them vagabonds the 
 .signal and in five minutes you'll not find one of them within 
 three quarters of a mile of ye. And now, darlin', I must tell 
 ye Vm starting for Dublin tonight by the light of the moon. 
 ri:i going among me eninnies to play the fool and the fox. 
 I'll be away for two or three months, and if they catch me 
 I'll be away forever. 
 
 MARY — Xo — uo^ — not forever. Don't say that. 
 
 SlIAMUS — Did I say forever? Sure, I was only jokin'. 
 if 1 went away forever I'd be sure to come back tO' see you, 
 darliiT, before three weeks. I'm only going for a month or 
 two. Will you be true tO' me when I'm gone? 
 
 .MARY— Yes, Shamus. 
 
 SHAMUS — ^^Think well now. Three months is a long 
 time nowadays for a girl to be thinking of a man when the 
 man is gone. 
 
 MARY — (Who is sitting in big chair R. Shamus is sit- 
 ."i)!g on arm of chair.) I'll be true as the sun to the day. 
 
 SIIAMI'^S — As tlie sun is it? Sure, there's days when 
 there's no sun. lint there's always daylight and sunlight in 
 your love, and now, darlin', when I'm gone, no matter what 
 happens to me 1 know that you will always pray for me and 
 remember the poor hunted outlaw. 
 
 ^lARY — Ilush, Shamus, the very walls ha\e ears. 
 
 SHAMUS — Are there evedroppers in the house? (Goes 
 II j> (M Ah, sure you're joking, the walls have ears, so has 
 a <]onkey. 'Tis not the ears but the tongue and the heart 
 that tells the tale. I wish my tongue could tell the tale that's 
 in my heart now. I would tell you that v.hen I come back 
 'rom Dublin, if I ever come back, I may find more soldiers 
 here than there 's trees upon the hillside. I would tell you 
 that I may be driven from Dublin or hanged if I stop. I 
 
 — 16— 
 
may be driven from Ireland and that would be as death to 
 nie, for Fll be leaving- my heart behind nie, but before I go 
 ril conu to you and thiow myself upon my knees lief ore you 
 and say, will you be my wife, darlin' and come across the 
 ocean? 
 
 M/ KY — But, Shamus, where in the world would \\e go? 
 
 kSIIA^irS — ^Wljere? There's only one land to go tt) when 
 we leave ould Ireland behind, a land where the loving hand 
 of friendship is stretching across the sea to us, a land where 
 an Irishman can forget his grief and bury his sorrows neath 
 the beautiful sunny skies, the glorious land of America. 
 
 MARY — But, Shamus, we'd have to leave Ireland be- 
 hind. 
 
 SHAMUS^ — I never thought of that — so we would, of 
 course, we can't carry Ireland around in our breeches pocket. 
 But there's one glorious consolation, Ireland will always be 
 just where she is if we want to come back to it, darlin'. 
 
 MARY — But think of it, Shamus, in a strange country, 
 perhaps without a home. 
 
 SHA^IUS — ^Without a home, is it? I'd have you a home 
 l)efore you were there a month, darlin', a home with the sun- 
 shine looking through the roof both night and day. What 
 more could you have than that? 
 
 MARY — You know the old saying, Shamus. 
 
 SHAMUS— Troth I do, lots of them. I've coined a lot 
 of old sayings meself. For instance I'll make some now. 
 Firstly, If you drink like a fish your rejKitation is liable to 
 get scaley. Secondly, Never put off till tomorrow what you 
 can get some one else to do for you today. Also, Where 
 singleness is bliss 'tis folly to be wives. Another, A rolling 
 pin gathers no moss. Now which one do you mane? 
 
 MARY — When poverty comes in the door, love flies out 
 of the window. 
 
 SHAMUS — ^The divil a window we'd have in the house 
 at all . 
 
 MARY^ — But what would we do for the light? 
 
 SHAMUS— We'd have two doors, and if that wasn't 
 light eonugh we'd take off the roof, and the lightness of my 
 heart would shine through my waistcoat and illuminate the 
 
 -17— 
 
whole house, and besides there's the light of your beautiful 
 eyes, and the lo\e and heat that's in my heart. Sure we'll 
 have light and heat f^ ' tlie rest of natural existence, 
 
 MARY — But Shauius. are you sure tliat you'll always 
 love me? 
 
 SHA^IUS— Sure? 1 loved you the first moment I ever 
 saw you, and will on to the end in this world and l)eyond it 
 I hope. I love yu better tluiu the llowevs, tlie sjuiugriine or 
 freedom. I love you better tlian I do me i)0()r ould mother, 
 and I love her from tlie ground she walks on to six feet above 
 her beautiful head. (Shaiiius, if possible, sings here: Be- 
 lieve me if all tliose eud(\n'ing young charms.) (At close of 
 song crash is heard off 1. .'>. Shamus U|) C. quick to window.) 
 I knew there was rats in the liouse. Mary Mavoui'ueen, if 
 T stop here I nmy get you in trouble. I'll leave you now and 
 drive the boys away, but I'll be back before you're ten min- 
 utes older. (Exit C.) 
 
 MARY — How could O'Finn have made that noise? 
 (Mechanically drops papers Shamus gave her on table R.) 
 \Yhat would they all say if he were discovered here. What 
 would Shamus think? He must leave here at once. (Opens 
 door L. 3.) O'Finn, come out quick, you must lonve here. 
 \Yhy, what's the matter, what is it? 
 
 O'FINN — (Staggers out and falls (\, feigned fright.) 
 The divil's in that cloc-.-t. ^ly life is scared out of me. Get 
 me water. (Pretending to faint.) (^uick, a cup of water, for 
 Heaven's sake water, water, — 
 
 MARY — IIusli, keej) quiet. I'll get vou the water. (Exit 
 R. 3.) 
 
 O'FINN— ( Looks around cautiously.) I done that well. 
 I slipped off a broken chair trying to reach the jeweled pistols 
 on the shelf inside. Aha, she loves O'Brien. Wait awhile. 
 I'll make ye pay for yer sacret, me lady. But where are the 
 papers he gave her. ( Looks on both tables, finds them, comes 
 r., kneels.) Here they are, aha, O'Brien you struck nie down 
 like a dog once, now I'll strike back again. Aha, these papers 
 will hang Shamus O'Brien and his whole gang. There's the 
 oath they swore by, and there's a list of the names of the green 
 ribbon boys. Aha, these were once his treasure, now they 
 are mine, mine. ( Holds them up in L. hand.) 
 
 — 18— 
 
MARY — (Enters during last part of O'Finn's speech 
 with glass of water which she quickly puts on table K. Sees 
 O'Finii with papers; as he raises them in his hand she tears 
 them from his grasp.) No, they are mine. 
 
 CTPINN — (O'Finu falls back, leaning on his elbow. Pic- 
 ture. He starts up R. C. well down.) Give them back to 
 m(\ Them papers contain the names of the blackguards that 
 liurued me out of house and home. Give them to me — 
 
 MARY — (C.) Remember my semice to you, O'Finn, and 
 may Heaven deal with you as you deal with me. 
 
 OTINN — The papers. They're worth a hundred pounds 
 to me, to sell to the government. Give them to me, I must 
 have them. (Starts towards her.) 
 
 MARY — (Warning for curtain.) One more step and I'll 
 have you kicked from the house like the low, contemptable 
 cur 3'ou are. 
 
 O'FINN — Kicked from the house, ha-ha, you can't. They 
 are beyond the reach of your voice, and McMurrough, your 
 cousin, is my friend, ha-ha. I'll have them papers if I have 
 to open your lily white throat to get them. (Rushes towards 
 her, she retreats and screams up L. C. near window. Shamus 
 conies on C, throws G'Finn down R. Picture. O'Finn rises, 
 grabs sword from R. table, rushes at Shamus, who picks up 
 gun O'Finn brought on and levels it at O'Finn who drops 
 sword.) (Lights full on from Shamus' entrance.) 
 
 SHAMUS— Stand back or I'll blow yonr life out. 
 
 Picture. 
 
 (Curtain.) 
 
 SHAMUS O'BRIEN, ACT 2. 
 
 (Lights full up all through this act. One scene only. 
 Chamber in 3. C. door. Officers' quarters at Portebello Bar- 
 racks, Dublin. Backed by Chamber Flat. Boxed. No 
 doors L. or R. Sofa down R. Hassock for feet at sofa. 
 Small table above, near sofa. Cloth on table. Table L. C. 
 no cloth, with three chairs, tap bell on table L. Sideboard 
 up R. of C. D. with decanter of vinegar and several wine 
 glasses. Large celery glass or schooner with flowers in it. 
 Ornaments, et cetra; pint bottle with wine like champagne, 
 
 —19— 
 
sealed, on top of side board. Decanter and 3 glasses with 
 wine outside L. (\ Cork screw and official documents in 
 drawer of sideboard. Small parcel containing money and 
 purse. (lold ring enclosed, also letter for servant to bring 
 on, silver tray. Sealed document. Two pistols in sideboard 
 drawer. English flag over door for Shamus to' haul down.) 
 (At rise of curtain servant, Williams, bows to Col. Claverly 
 and McMurrough. Exit servant.) 
 
 COL. — ^Cap. McMurrough, I congratulate you on the 
 lengthened I'cjHtrr you have brought to Dublin; also on the 
 steps you are about taking to suppress this rebellion in Gal- 
 way. 
 
 :McM.— (Both sit at tal-le.) Thank you. Col. Claverly, I 
 shall do all I can for the government at any risk. 
 
 COL. — Have you received any information today? 
 
 McM.;— None. The law-breakers have been quiet lately. 
 Their leader, Shamus O'Brien, has disappeared from Glen- 
 gall. 
 
 COL. — By the way, last night I had a visit from a strange 
 looking vagabond, one Slu^drick O'Finn. Do you know him? 
 
 INIcM — Yes, slightly. He is a cowardlj^ mongrel, a gov- 
 ernment spy. It seems a pity we have to employ such fellows. 
 
 COL— That is the fellow exactly. He told me that he 
 had heard that Shamus O'Brien was somewhere here in Dub- 
 lin. He asked me what reward he would get if he discovered 
 and betrayed O'Brien. 
 
 McM. — And vour answer was 
 
 COL. — J kicked him out, damn it. If we are going to 
 make war on these people let's fight fair. Informers ought 
 to be shot as spies are in time of war. Did any one come 
 with you from Crlengall? 
 
 McM. — Yes, Sir Reginald Dare, cousin of the Viceroy. 
 
 COL. — Indeed. I should like to meet him. "SMiere is he? 
 
 WILKINS— (Enters L. C. Announces.) Sir Reginald 
 Dare, Bar-o-net. 
 
 McM. — Speak of the devil, and here he is — 
 
 DARE — (Enter C.) Speak of Belzebub and here is a 
 
 — 20 — 
 
barrister. Hoav de do, gentlemen. I called to pay my re- 
 spects to the army. 
 
 McM, — (lutroducino liim.) Permit me, Sir IJeginald 
 Dare tliiis is Col Chiverly, coiiiiuunder of my regimeut. (Col, 
 rises. They bow and shake hands.) 
 
 DAKE — Delighted to meet you Col. I am yours to com- 
 mand, also. 
 
 COL. — (Shaking his hand.) Gratified to meet you sir. 
 How are you? 
 
 McM. — Allow me to offer you a comfortable seat. (Points 
 'ouch R.) 
 
 DAIIE— Thanks awfully. (Sits.) 
 
 COL. — (To servant up C.) \Vilkins, some wine? (Ser- 
 vant brings down decanter. Col. smells it.) Wilkins take 
 this back and get a fresh bottle. ( Servant takes it back of 
 sideboard. There is also a bottle of horse hair wash on side- 
 board.) That is vinegar, a joke on a gentleman last night at 
 supper here. Some young devils filled that decanter with 
 vinegar from the cruets and he drank some of it, perfectly 
 oblivious. Ha ha-ha! Oh dear, it was bad taste but great 
 fun. (Servant brings another bottle from sideboard, the 
 one that's meant to pop.) What have you got now? Lets 
 see, Wilkins. Why, this is the latest hair wash for horses — 
 makes hair thick and glossy. No, we wont drink that, Wil- 
 kins. (to to the butler and get a decanter of sherry (juick. 
 (Exit Wilkins.) AVell, lur do you like Ireland, Sir Regin- 
 ald? Your first visit, eh? 
 
 DARE — No, I've been here once before. I am always 
 delighted with the people and charmed with the scenery. 
 Wfl^ren I was a boy I used to think Ireland was a land of 
 savages. I came and found it a laud of saints, and as for 
 women — oh, my heart is gone already. 
 
 COL. — Take care, sir, that the ladies over here don't be- 
 witch you and make a rebel of you. 
 
 DARE — If liking the Irish ladies nmkes a man a rebel 
 I'm afraid I'm getting slightly rebellious, but don't you think 
 the term rebel somewhat too strong? Wlien the people of a 
 foreign land fight bravely for their liberty we call them 
 heroes, but when an Irishman fights for his country he is 
 
 2 1 — 
 
called a rebc4. Sauce for the goose should be sauce for the 
 gander, tho' in this case it's hard to say which is the goose. 
 
 McM. — Don't mind him, Col. He lost his heart in Gal- 
 way . 
 
 COL. — (Laughing.) AVell, I hope he wont lose his head 
 in Dublin. (Crash off L. U.) What the devil is that. (Enter 
 Wilkius with tray, decanter and three glasses, marches mil- 
 itary style, square turns to table, puts wine on table, marches 
 back again, same way; when he gets to C. D., Col speaks.) 
 Halt, Front. By the way, what noise was that I heard just 
 now. 
 
 ^yILKINS — The neAv coachman, yer onor, hupset some 
 dishes, your 'onor. Hi remonstrated with 'im hand 'e tried 
 to 'it me, your 'onor, hand called me ha Henglish homodaun. 
 
 COL. — T\Tiat the duece is a homodaun? 
 
 WILKINS — Hi don't know, your 'onor, but hi think hit 
 must be something 'orrid by the way he said hit. 
 
 COL. — Oh, he means au omadauu I suppose. Bring him 
 here Wilkins. 
 
 WILKINS — Bring that barbarious savage 'ere, sir? 
 
 COL.— I said here, you rascal, not 'ere. (Servant salutes 
 and grotes(iue exit L. quick.) These new devils of servants 
 can never agree, by the way, this new coachman I engaged 
 the other day is quite a character. He's a fine coachman 
 but lie takes pdssessisiU of the entire lot down stairs. (Crash.) 
 Ah, they're at it again. When he comes up lets see if we can't 
 have some fun with him. (Lively music. Enter Wilkins, 
 followed by Shamus disguised as coachman.) 
 
 WILKINS — 'Ere 'e is, your 'onor. 
 
 SHAMI'S — (To Col.) Did you send for me, your honor? 
 You tould me a while ago to harness the horse. Well, the 
 half of the harness is on the half of the horse and the other 
 half of the horse is naked. 
 
 A\'1LKINS — ]^.(^have yourself. There's nobody halloAved 
 hup 'ere but gentlemen. Cawn't you see? 
 
 SHAMUS — Nobody but gentlemen ; how did you get up? 
 
 WILKINS— Hi belongs 'ere. 
 
 SHAMUS — You wouldn't belong here if I was master 
 of the place. 
 
 22 
 
COL.— What is tliat, coacliiiian? 
 SHAMFS— Sir? 
 
 COL.— Wliat is it? 
 
 SHAM US — (Points to AMlkins.) Do you mane tliat? 
 Troth 1 don't know what it is. It looks like something I 
 never saw befor(\ a barber's sign or something. I never saw 
 one of them 'til I came in your house outside the zoological 
 gardens. If I had a face like that I'd walk backwards. He's 
 wliat I call i swivel faced omadaun, wid whiskers on. 
 
 ( ).MXES— lia-iia-ha— 
 
 AVILKINS — Did ye 'ere what 'e's a calling of me yer 
 'onor? 
 
 SHAMUS — I wouldn't call you if I wanted you. I'd 
 whistle to you the same I do to the other dog down stairs. 
 (Starts to hit him.) Col. will you let me hit him once, and 
 if he dies you can stop it out of my wages. lie's worth about 
 sixpence a gross. (Hits at him.) (Jet out. (Wilkins runs 
 off L. C.) 
 
 COL.— Ha-ha-ha— 
 
 SHAMUS — Do you see, sir, (Looking off L. C), he's do- 
 ing that to m". (Puts his finger to nose. Speaks off L. C.) 
 If I hit you once 111 make you sorry your father was ever 
 introduced to your mother. 
 
 McM. — (Aside.) I seem to know that face. (To Col.) 
 By the way, where does he belong? 
 
 SHA^IUS — 1 don't belong anywhere. I'm always mov- 
 ing about. 
 
 McM. — Where do you come from, fool? 
 
 SHAMUS — Down stairs empty, not full. 
 
 McM. — What's your name? 
 
 SHAMUS — I luirdly know, Owney Dugan I think. You 
 see my father's uncle was called Patrick Phatermusty from 
 Lugerhumlagg, my grandfather was Andy Ilolligan wid the 
 lame face, my father was a Dennis Doogin from Skibbereen 
 where they used to ate the donkeys, and my mother-in-law 
 was second cousin to the divil, and I've lots of relations not 
 born yet. 
 
 DARE — Do you keep all those names catalogued? 
 
 —23— 
 
SHAM us — Yis. I keep them catalogued and dog-a- 
 logiied and liorse-a-logued and water-aiogued, we have them 
 with all the filarities. 
 
 COL. — Ha"ha-lir What was your father's trade, 
 O'wney? 
 
 SHAMUS — He was a married man; he didn't work. He 
 was what was called a persuader. 
 
 DARE — A persuader; what's that? 
 
 SHAMUS — A man that can persuade a pig to go to mar- 
 ket if its fourteen miles and the pig will never turn round 
 once to ax questions. He started out once with a i)et pig we 
 had, but the poor crayture hadn't been properly vaccinated 
 and took chillblains on the lungs and died of consumption on 
 the journey. 
 
 DARE— Who, your father? 
 
 SHAMUS — No, the pig. 'Twas a long journey to the 
 fair, and the rain started down. He went into a farm house 
 to get out of the storm, lie walked up to the fire place and 
 commenced to warm his liauds before the bit of turf and have 
 a pull at the pipe — 
 
 McM.— Who, the pig? 
 
 SHAMUS' — No, me father, Ac!i, sure you're taking a 
 rise out of me. (Turns up stage.) Hould on a while, are ye. 
 listening. Just at that time the pig meanders in through the 
 half door and runts around amongst the skillets and pots and 
 the pans, and when the pig came in the fun commenced for 
 there happened to be a monkey in the house — 
 
 McM. — A monkey? 
 
 DARE— A monkey? Ha-ha! 
 
 SHAMUS — Ha-ha! Yes, did you know him? Ha"ha! 
 That's the kind of monkey he was. Ha-ha ! WTien the monkey 
 saw the pig he grabbed hould of a rwo pronged fork and 
 jabbed it into the pigs ear, the pig commenced to squeal, me 
 father run to separate them. I stood off laughing. I never 
 saw^ so much fun in a pigs ear in my 'Ife before, just at that 
 time in came the man that owned the monkey. Howly 
 weaver, says he, they're trying to destroy me pet. He grabbed 
 hould of the poker ; it was red hot about that much on the 
 end. He made a welt at him and singed all the whiskers off 
 
 —24— 
 
his cholers all around there, if ve plaze. (Motions to chin.) 
 
 McM.— Who, your father? 
 
 SHAMUS— No, your father, the monkey. (McM threat- 
 ens him. Shamus runs up stage.) 
 
 OOL. — Don't get annoyed, Cap. It's only a joke. Ha" 
 ha-ha, the vagabond is full of fun. 
 
 SHAMUS— (At sideboard.) I wish I was full of whis- 
 eky. (Examines bottles at sideboard.) 
 
 OOL. — Look at him now. What are you after, Owney? 
 
 SHAMUS — Like yourself, I'm after what's before me. 
 
 COL. — I see you are casting sheep's eyes on that bottle. 
 
 SHAMUS —Yes, sir. I feel like a calf looking into a pan 
 of buttermilk. 
 
 COL. — Well, take a drink. Help yourself. (Talks aside 
 to Dare and Cap.) That bottle contains the vinegar. Help 
 yourself, Owney. 
 
 SHAMUS— How much of this do you take at a done? 
 
 COL. — As much as you like. 
 
 SHAMUS^ — As much as I like. (Bus. of pouring out 
 small glass then takes flowers out of large glass, pours small 
 glass into it and fills it from bottle.) As much as I like. 
 Have you got any more of it? That's what I call a white 
 horse of a different color. (About to drink.) Ah, there's a 
 fly in it. (Takes fly out with finger.) Well, here's good 
 health. (To Col.) x\nd you, sor. (Drinks.) (Spurts it out 
 C. door, takes table cloth from table and wipes his mouth.) 
 Next time you ax me to drink give it to me in the Russian 
 style, if ye plaze. 
 
 COL. — Russian style; how is that? 
 
 SHAMUS — With the flies in one glass and the liquor 
 in the other . 
 
 COL. — Ha-ha"ha! Well, I'll give you a drink in the 
 Russian style if you give us a song. 
 
 OMNES — Yes, a song, a song. 
 
 SHA^MUS — vSure, I can hardly drink, let alone sing. I 
 caught a could last night drinking whiskey out of a damp 
 glass, but if you want it I'll give you a few bars. ( Song.) 
 
 COL. — (After song.) Come, gentlemen, join me in a 
 
 —25— 
 
ii,lass of wiue. MtOIiirrongh. you do the honors. Come, Sir 
 IJcgiuald. (Calls Shamus.) 
 
 McM. — Ownev, bring me a clean glass. (Gives wine to 
 Dare and Col.) 
 
 SIIA^IITS — This is where I gel a drink. There's no clane 
 glasses here, harriu' the one that's fnll and that's dirty. 
 Never mind, I'll wash it out meself. (Takes large glass with 
 vinegar, llirows it out the door in ])ail outside, comes down 
 wiping glass with coat, to McM.) Here's your clane glass, 
 your honor. 
 
 McM — Xoi that glass, one like this. (Holds up small 
 one.) 
 
 SHAAirS — T) you call tlial soap l)ul)ble a glass, your 
 honor? 
 
 Mc.\l. — Ceilainiy, what do you call th;>t? 
 
 SllAMl'S — If tiiat's a ghiss this must be a bath tub in 
 high society. ((Jets wine glass and down to McM.) A glass 
 like that wouldn't wet one side of my tliroat. I've got coni- 
 ]»artments for forty glasses like that, (to McM.) Here's your 
 glass, your honor. 
 
 McM. — (Takes glass.) Ah, that's better. 
 
 SHAM US — Well, I'll make it sick again. It's not every 
 day we kill a pig. (Holds glass, while McM. pours wine. 
 When filled, Shamus goes +o drink it. ^dc^M. siezes it from 
 him.) 
 
 .McM. — Tut-tut-tut. ( Takes glass.) (lentlemen, here's joy. 
 
 SHAMUS— (Goes (\) Tut-tut. I should say it was 
 tut-tut, axes me to drink and gives me the tuftut for it. 
 
 DARE — I'll try some more. 
 
 SHAMUS — (Aside.) I haven't got mine yet. 
 
 DARE — Deliglitful, never had anything better than this 
 in England. 
 
 SHAMUS — There'll be nothing like it in Ireland after 
 yini drink it all up. 
 
 COL. — Try some more. (Pours it out.) Come, Cap. 
 
 SHA:MUS — More for that gazabee and ^ got none. 
 There's four of us, but only three of us drinkin\ (Turns to 
 sideboard.) This is what's called a Russian drink. Sing me 
 
 —26— 
 
a song, says he, and Til give you a drink, says he. ( Sings 
 ad lib, sees bottle, imitation champagne on sideboard, takes 
 it down stage, grasping table cloth as he goes down.) I'll 
 drink this if it pizens me. (Looks at bottle.) Here goes. 
 (Bus, ad lib, drawing cork, it pops; tries to stop it. Sits on 
 it on sofa. Rises, takes it up, unwraps it. I'L drink it 
 before it has another spasm. (Drinks gimaces.) It puts me 
 in mind of something I never tasted before. (Reads label.) 
 Hello, heres a sign board on it. (Reads.) Instructions for 
 outward application only. Peter M'Guffin's efferecent hair 
 wasli for horses. Howly Moses. Hair wasli. I'll either be 
 dead in two weeks or I'll liave whiskers growing all over the 
 inside of my stomacli. Here comes the fellow with the 
 whiskers. (Enters ^Yilkins quickly. Comes down C, with 
 tray on which is letter, purse and ring. He goes to Col.) 
 
 WILKINS — The horderly brought this, yer 'onor, ha 
 package for Col. Claverly and a letter for Cap. McMurrough. 
 (Turns military style, goes up C, when he is about half way 
 up Shamus throws hassock at him and knocks hi'u out C.) 
 
 COL. — (Opens parcel as he gets it. Servant returns 
 with hassock on tray, places it near sofa and exits.) 
 
 SHA^MUS — If it had been a hard boiled one it would 
 have killed him, and he brought it back on a plate. Well, 
 for pure politeness that bangs banniger. 
 
 3Ic^I. — (Reading.) Shadrick O'Finn communicatv's in- 
 formation of importance. The outlaw Shamus O'Brien is in 
 Dublin. 
 
 DARE — Then he'll be captured, I'll bet a poney. 
 
 SHAMUS — I'll bet you a liorse that he w^n't and if you 
 win that will be a horse on me. ( X.) 
 
 COL. — (With letter, purse, etc.) Well, indeed, this is a 
 surprise. (Jentlemen, look here. 
 
 SHAMUS — (Aside.) What's coming now, 1 wonder. 
 
 COL.— (X to C.) Owney— 
 
 SHAMUS^SIR. 
 COL. — Your fortune is made. 
 SHAMUS — That will save me a lot of hard work. 
 COL. — Did you stop some run-away horses yesterday? 
 
 —27— 
 
SHAMUS— I did, sor. 
 
 COL. — Do you know wlios^e carriage they belonged to? 
 
 SHAM US — I never axed the liorses, sor, but you see I 
 was coming round from Abbey street to Sackville street, the 
 horses ran away. I jumped and stopped them before they 
 dashed against Nelson's pillar and smashed into smithereens. 
 There was a man inside the carriage. He axed me me name. 
 I touhl hiiu Owney Dugan, that I was your servant, and 
 that's all I know about it. 
 
 COL. — It was the Viceioy of Ireland. 
 
 DAKE.— And my uncle. 
 
 SiLVMrS — Your uncle the A'iceroy? There was no vice 
 about the dacent man wlien I saw him. 
 
 COL. — And he sends you tliese. 
 
 kSHA^MCS— Those— 
 
 COL. — Yes, these. A purse and a ring, and a letter which 
 reads thus: ( Ilcads. ) To Owney Dugan, servant of Col. 
 Chiverly, King's Own Kegiiiient. Sir. I consider that to 3'ou 
 I owe my gratitiuh^ for saving me from a serious accident. 
 Please accept tliis ring as a souvenir of your bravery, a 
 sight of this ring will always command my most immediate 
 attention. Signed, Coriiwallis, Viceroy. (Goes back to seat 
 iiftcr giving k^ter. ring and purse to Shamus.) 
 
 SUA MLS — Thank you, sor. A ring, a letter and a purse 
 full of money. I'll tak(> that home to me mother and when 
 she gets tliat tliere'll be great goiu's on in Cimamara, I'm 
 thinking. 
 
 DAKE — (K. C. Aside to Shamus.) You're a develish 
 brave fellow. 
 
 SHAMCS — Brave? 1 should say so. Y'ou should see 
 tlic goslins fly out of the gutter when I waddle into it. 
 
 DARE — (To Shamus.) I know you, I think — 
 
 SHA^irS — (Bus. with purse.) And I know you and 
 1 think I'll put my money in the other pocket. (Does so.) 
 
 DAIiE— (Whispers.) You're Shamus O'Brien. 
 SllAMUS^ — (Startled) ilusli, not a word for your life. 
 DAKE — I'll not betray you. I remember when you 
 
 —28— 
 
protected me once when I visited Glengall on a mail car. 
 I owe you a debt. 
 
 SHAMUS — Now is voiir time to pay it. I have a re- 
 ceipe on the end of my tongue. 
 
 DARE— Can you take a hint? 
 
 SHAMUS— Is it in a bottle? 
 
 DARE— No. 
 
 SHAMUS — Give it to me dry then. 
 
 DARE — Talve my advice and get out, there's danger 
 about. (Retires to table R. Enter Wilkins.) 
 
 SHAMES— (Looks at servant.) Is that wliat he calls 
 danger. Well, FU fix danger in a minute. 
 
 AYILKINS — (With dispatch on tray, comes down C, 
 to Shamus. S(iuare turn, goes to Col., as Shamus picks up 
 hassock.) Ilanotliei- liorderly hon 'orseback l)rought this 
 dispatch, sir, from 'ead quarters. 'E says has 'ow hit wants 
 your signature Col. 
 
 COL.— (Reads.) Tell the orderly to wait till I sign it. 
 Bring me pen and ink at once. (Shamus throws hassock 
 at servant as he exits C.) This dispatch will be handed to 
 you tomorrow, ]McMurrough. It contains our complete plans 
 for the capture of a body of rebels in Galway under the 
 leadership of Shamus O'Brien. I must sign it at once and 
 send it back to be countersigned by the Viceroy. 
 
 McM. — Let me read it. Does so.) 
 
 DARE^ — (To Shamus.) Take my advice and get out. 
 
 SHAMUS— Thanks for the loan of your tea pot. I'll 
 get out but not till I get that dispatch. (At sideboard, gets 
 paper.) Here's onather paper. I'll write on it, '"For Head- 
 quarters immediate," I'll give it to the fellow below and 
 send him ofT, and when the Col. wants to send the real one 
 and finds the orderly gone maybe he'll send me or the 
 servant, and if he sends him it will be all day with him. 
 Where the divil's the pen and ink. (Enter servant with 
 pen and ink on tray.) Come here. (He does so.) (Shamus 
 writes.) Is there a man and horse down stairs? 
 
 WILKINS— Yes, there his. 
 
 SHAMUS — Is he any relation to you? 
 
 —29— 
 
WILKINS— Who? 
 
 SHAMUS— Tlie horse. 
 
 WILKINS— Do I look like a horse? 
 
 v^FTA^IUS — No, your ears are too I'ong for a horse. 
 Vou lodk more like a horse's first eoiisiii. ( Gives pen and 
 Mik back to servant wlio takes them to Col.) Evervthing 
 is fair in love and war they sa> . I'll liive this to the orderly 
 and off lie'll ixo. (Exit C.) 
 
 WILKIX8— The hink, sir. 
 
 COL'.— What Ue])t yon so lonj;? 
 
 AVILKINS— Yonr 'onor mnst 'ave s(>eu that 'orrid fel- 
 low, the Hirishman, writing- sometliinc:. 'E 'ad the handacity 
 to wipe the pen on my whisk(M*s, your 'onor. 
 
 COL. — Ciet out and don't be so stupid. 
 
 ^VILKINS — Yes, sir. No, sir. (Exit C, indi<inant.) 
 
 COL.— Now I'll affix my signature to this dispatch and 
 s(Mid it to its destination- (Kings bell. Wilkins enters.) 
 Summon the orderly here. 
 
 ^V1LKINS — The horderly's 'orse is thrown 'im lioff, 
 your "onor. His senses are knocked out of 'im, but they've 
 got the orse all right below, your 'onor. 
 
 COL.— Tlie devil. 
 
 SlIAMUS— (Enters C.) (lone to the devil. Yes. He'll 
 soon get there by the rate he's traveling. 
 
 COL. — This dispatcli must I'cacli the Viceroy at once. 
 ^^■ho will take it? Wilkins can you ride? 
 
 WILKINS — No, sir. Never rode a 'orse in my life, 
 your 'onor. 
 
 OOL, — O'wney, can you ride. 
 
 SLIA^n^S — I can ride anything that ever wore hair. 
 Ride I I should say so. I was six months a chambermaid 
 in a livery stable. I can walk, trot, creep or gallop. Which 
 motion would you like? 
 
 COL. — Then mount the orderly's horse and take this 
 to the Viceroy at once- ((Jives dispatch.) 
 
 SHACM US— (Reads.) To Comwallis, Viceroy, Dublin 
 Castle. The man that gets this from me now will have to 
 commit murder or suicide. Suicide preferred. 
 
 —30— 
 
O'Fiirn — (Noise outside. iSi)('aks outside.) Let ine pass. 
 Let me pass — 
 
 COL.— \Miat noise is that? 
 
 O'FINN — (Enters L. C.) Cap. McMurougli, I've brouglit 
 you the information you're wanting. 
 
 McM. — What information ? 
 
 O'FINN — Information of that outlaw, Shamus O'Brien. 
 He is in tliis house, disguised as one of the servants. 
 
 DAKE^ — Yes, and I thiulv I recognize him now. 
 
 COL. — Who do you mean? 
 
 DARE — That man with the whiskers. (Points to Wil- 
 kins, who astonished drops tray) 
 
 SHxVMUvS— Ye thafe of the world; we've caught you at 
 last. Hould him while I get the solders. 
 
 ]\rcM. — (8iezes Wilkius, who struggles.) Ila-ha-ha 1 
 We've got you at last. 
 
 O'FINN — No, no, no! Not that one. This man here. 
 (IV)ints to Shamus.) 
 
 SIIA.MU^ — (In C door, with two pistols wliieh he points. 
 Move one step and you're a dead man. 
 
 Picture and curtain. 
 
 SHAMUS O'BRIEN. ACT THIRD. 
 
 (Exterior, country scene. Full extent- Set tree L. 
 C. with hole in it to put papers in. Tree for Shamus to 
 climb. Rustic bench at foot of tree L. C. Set cottage R. 3. 
 Fallen tree or log at back for seat. Rocks at back, R, and 
 L. Run U. E. off L. to center of stage. Irish landscape 
 backing full, stage. Lights up. Birds heard singing.) 
 
 MRS. O'BRilEN — (Enters at rise from over near from 
 L'. with needle work) Well, I've done all the work in- 
 side the house and everything is bright and clean for my 
 son Shamus when he returns. I'll just sit outside here 
 awhile and get a mouthful of fresh air. 'Tis a lovely 
 afternoon. (Sits.) The birds are singing in the sunshine 
 and the flowers are like a beautiful Coleen in her best 
 clothes. (Birds sing.) Sing away, ye darlin's, and I'll 
 join ye. (Sings the following, or it can be cut:) 
 
 — 3i~ 
 
Oh Sliamus ()"l>rieij, why (k)u't you come liome, 
 Sure, you dou't knoAV liow liappy I'd be, 
 
 I've but oue darling wish and it is that you'll come, 
 Aud forever live happy with uie. 
 
 (Kate O'Kielly has entered during song L. slips down 
 softly behind Mrs. O'Brien, puts her hands from behind over 
 ^Irs. O'B's eyes. Birds stop) Oh powers of war, I'm 
 blinded. Whoever you are, plaze let me off this time and 
 I'll promise never to sing again. 
 
 KATK— (Comes down.; ^Irs. O'Brien, pardon; it's 
 only my fun. I iioix' I didn't startle you. How are you 
 today? 
 
 MBS. O'B.— Sure and it's yourself, Miss O'Rielly, and 
 glad I am to se you looking so well. Sit down, Mis.s. (She 
 sKs.) Can I get you something to eat or a drink of sweet 
 jnilk iiuiybe? — you want something, I can see by the hungry 
 twiukh' of your eye. 
 
 KATE — My dear, ]\rrs. O'Brien, how kind you are, but 
 you're mistaken. I want nothing to eat and nothing to 
 drink, and nothing to smoke and nothing to wear. Well, 
 well, nothing but what I've got on, and I'm as happy as a 
 prize poodle at a dog sliow. ( Hums song.) 
 
 MBS. ()"B. — Youth aud beauty should be happy, and 
 lialf tlu' country are dying about you, and the other half 
 ai'e moon struck over Mary Donoughmore. 
 
 KATE — ]Mary's in love with Shamus, and I'm in love 
 with Mr. — I don't know who. 
 
 }dBS. O'B. — Troth, you'v(> got the symptoms, and may 
 1 ask will! is Mr. 1 Don't Know Who? Eh, sure buig ago 
 I was that way meself once. 
 
 KATE— Were you? Oh, of course, .Mrs. O'Brien, before 
 you were married. Did you ever feel as if there was a little 
 angel in your heart trying to dance a hornpipe? 
 
 ^FKS. O'B. — Troth, I did a hornpipe, and a jig, and a 
 whole set of quadrilles, me darlin'. 
 
 KATE — (Dances about. I Well, I'm that way now. I 
 feel as if I could fly, and walking was too common al- 
 together . 
 
 —32— 
 
^[IvS. O'B. — You're on the wing-g of love, me dear. 
 You're in love and tou don't know it. 
 
 KATE — Am I? I suppose I am. Well, I never felt 
 it so strong before- Jolly, isn't it? I feel as if I wanted 
 to be kissed. 
 
 MRS. O'B.— Well, if I was the man I'd oblige you 
 quick. ^Alio came over here with you, anyone? (Kate nods.) 
 A gentlenum maybe. (Kate nods.) 
 
 KATE — Yes. You don't know him. He's behind in 
 the woods gatliering me some flowers. I told Mm to wait 
 behind until I spoke to you. I didn't think you'd like to 
 meet him. He's an Englishuuiu and quite tame. His name 
 is Sir Reginald Dare, and he is the loveliest man. I mean — 
 that is — oh, what am I saying. (Turns L. embarrassed.) 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Look at her blushing because her tongue 
 slipped, and he's been telling her the sweet ould fairy tale 
 that every Collen loves to hear. 
 
 KATE— (Aside.) Oh. why did I tell her so much- I 
 sp<^ke too quick. That ciriucs through being a woman, I 
 suppose. I was born. I think, with my foot in my mouth. 
 (To Mrs. O'B.) Oh, Mrs. O'Brien, I must tell you the news. 
 Cap. Mc^Murrougli and a lot of soldiers have returned from 
 Dublin and they've brought all the papers with the news. 
 Tlie papers are full of the latest true and particular ac- 
 count of your son's history and adventures as a disguised 
 coachman to Col. CTaverly in Dublin. 
 
 MRS. O'B. — The saints preserve us! He is not caught 
 is he. Miss? 
 
 KATE — Caught? No ! He escaped and made a fool of 
 the authorities. Now do you wonder that I feel as if there 
 were angels dancing- gigs all around me. Hurro- hurro! 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Troth, I don't, the good news makes me 
 feel as if there was a little divil dancin' a jig in my heart 
 too. Hurro, Miss O'Rielly, hurro I If ye have any dancing 
 blood in your body, face me. (Music, jig. Both dance and 
 cross R. and L- until Dare appears. Mrs. O'Brien sees 
 Dare. Rushes to chair R. of table R. Screams and throws 
 apron over her head. Kate dances on. Mrs. O'B. points 
 
 --33-- 
 
to Dare. Kate screams. Falls iu chair L. of table. Pulls 
 hat over her eves and laughs.) 
 
 DAIIE— (Coming- down L. (\ with flowers.) Well, 
 upon my word, this is (juite refreshing. Pardon my in- 
 trusion. Fm sorry I stopped your terpsichorean efforts. 
 Yon Irish ladies lu'ijt t\\v \\'orM for go. Yon do, npou my 
 sacred honor. 
 
 KATE — (Pushes lici- hat Itack.) Sir Reginald Dare, 
 how dare yon follow me here. I thought you were gather- 
 ing flowers. 
 
 DAIJE — I w ;; > and 1 have fdund siune rare wild ones. 
 (Presents them to Kate.) Excuse me for coming here, but 
 1 really did not know where T was going; merely rambling 
 on by fate or instinct. It's awfully jolly, tliis Irish air. I'm 
 <iuite intoxicated \\ith — ah — the climate, of course. It's 
 made another man of me. so blame the other man if I have 
 aired. Speaking of air. wliat air was that yon were danc- 
 ing to? 
 
 KATE — Air? Irish air, and it is so pure to you foreign- 
 ers thtiit it makes them light footed and light headed at 
 tiuK^s,, and if you ever get a taste of the real Irish dew — in 
 a bottle — it will di'ive you crazy, they say, so beware of the 
 night when the dew is about. 
 
 DARE — Shall I return liome before the dew falls alone? 
 
 KATI] — No. ^Yait for me. Since you are here I sup- 
 pose we will have to put n\) with you. I beg your pardon, 
 Mrs. O'Brien, I forgot. Allow me to introduce you. Sir 
 Reginald Dare, this is Mrs .O'Brien, Shamus O'Brien's 
 mother, i 
 
 DARE — Delighted to become acquainted with the 
 nuither of a hero. (Mr;^. O'Brien bobs three times. He bows, 
 then bobs (Uice. To audience) This is an Irish bow I sup- 
 pose . 
 
 MRS. O'B.— Any friend of Miss O'Rielly's is always 
 welcome here, sir. So you've heard of my son, sir? 
 
 DARiE — Heard of him? Fm proud to say I know him. 
 That is to say, we met. He did me a service once when 
 some gentlemen of the highway had me in a tight fix, and 
 I shall never forget it, and as I studied law and am a bar- 
 
 —34— 
 
rister by profession, as well as a Baronet, should he ever 
 be where my legal services are required, be sure that they 
 will be placed at his disposal, or the disposal of his friends. 
 
 MIv>?. O'B. — Thank your honor. Sure, nuiy your eyes 
 never have cause for a tear or 3^our face want for a smile, 
 and the oil of joy be always wid your honor. (Bobs again.) 
 
 DARE — Thank you, mam, for your very good wishes. I 
 meiin it, upon my honor's honor, Mrs. O'Brien. (He bobs 
 and tries to imitate Mrs. O'B., who bobs. To audience.) 
 Dueced funny this bobbery business. (Mrs. O'B. takes sew- 
 ing in cottage.) 
 
 KATE — What a pity it is you're not an Irishman. 
 
 DARE — If ever I'm lucky enough to marry the girl I 
 love ril be half Irish, I sincerely trust. 
 
 KATE — (Looks him all over.) Which half do you sin- 
 cerely trust? 
 
 DARE— My better half I'll sincerely trust. 
 
 KATE — Another trust. That's good. Have you e^^er 
 been to Blarney Castle? 
 
 DARE — Yes, indeed, and kissed the Blarney stone. 
 
 KATE — Kissed the Blarney stone? I knew it, and the 
 flavor has never left your mouth. 
 
 DARE^ — I'm honored to think 3'ou know that flavor, 
 through me, of the Blarney stone, not my mouth, dear Kate. 
 (Puts arm around her.) 
 
 KATE — (Pushes him away.) Behave yourself, you 
 Sassenach, before folks. (He tries to kiss her. She pushes 
 him away.) Don't you dare! 
 
 DARE — There's nobody looking, and for j^ou I'd dare 
 anything, even to make you a Lady Dare, if you dare. Dare 
 you? (Takes her hand.) 
 
 KATE — (Laughing) I dare say, someday I'll dare. (He 
 kisses her hand. 
 
 MRS. O'B. — (Enters from house.) Well, since you 
 young people have done me the honor of a visit, would you 
 mind coming inside my humble house and refresh your- 
 selves? 
 
 KATE — ^Certainly, we'll go inside the O'Brien castle. 
 
 -35— 
 
(Points to cottaiiv.i And why not? Tome, Sir Blarney 
 Stone, g-o over there and (>scort Mrs. O'Brien in doors. 
 
 DAKE— Witii pleasnve. ( X. to K. of Mrs. O'B.) :N[rs. 
 O'Brien, allow me to offer yon my arm — 
 
 MRS. O'B. I Mrs. O'B. bobs np and down, he does so 
 
 too.) Thank yon kindly, yonr lionor, bnt if I take your arm 
 can I do as 1 want witli it? 
 
 DABE — It is entirely at yonr disposal. 
 
 .MKS. O'B. — (^'ak( s bis arm L. and beckinis Kate to her, 
 puts Kate's arm tlironiili liis.) Well, there's somebody that 
 will clino tdoser jind lonjicr to it than 1 ever could or would. 
 There now, .May ,\m\ June should never be separated in 
 fair or foul weatlier. be always toiiether. 
 
 Xs;ATE — (To Dare.) You're in oreat luck today. 
 
 DARE — Yes, indeed. I'm just drawing a prize. (Draws 
 her arm closer and starts U.) (Cheers heard off R. U. 
 Ilurro, et cetra.) What's this? Another surprise. This 
 is a country of surprises. i.M(U'e cheers heard.) 
 
 .MRS. O'l?.— (Goes up (\ Looks off R.) Kerens my 
 son; come back and looking like the King of Galway. Ilurro! 
 ( Shamus and crowd enters from R. T) 
 
 SHAMrS — Mother, me (hirlin'. I'm back to you safe 
 and sound, wid money in every pocket. (Emhrace.) 
 
 KATE — (End)races and kisses Dare and throws him 
 in chair.) Ilurro! My Irish blood is up and T can't help it. 
 
 MRS. (VB. — My blessin's on you, me darlin' son. W(^ 
 were just talking of you. Is it well ye are. but I needn't ask 
 that. Oome inside. Y'ou must be tirel and hungry and nmy- 
 be thirsty. 
 
 SHAMUS — :Mother. I was born thirsty and never got 
 over it. It's grand company you keep while I'm away. I 
 see Sir Reginald Rare and lovely :\Iiss O'Rielly. It's proud 
 to see you, I am, near me moth(U''s house. I'm obliged to 
 you, sir, for helping me in my scrape in Dublin. Come in- 
 side even- one of y(Ui and I'll tell ye of my adventure on my 
 trip. Mother, take good care of that gentleman there. He's 
 all right. Mother put him in the big chair- Put ^Miss 
 O'Rielly side of him. Put his feet in hot water and his 
 head in whiskey, and may ye all eat and drink wid the 
 
 -36- 
 
cawl-iit'lle-failtlia. (All <>() in rottaiie, laiigh aud cbeer as 
 they iio in, and shut the door. OFiun enters U, and looks 
 around stealthily; sneaks to door of c'ottai»e aud listens.) 
 
 O'FINX — He's haek again, back ai^aiu is he. Aha I 
 Little does he know that 1 am so elose upon his track. 
 ( Lau<ih inside cottage.) He'll laugh a different. tune soon, 
 ril go to Leslie Me^^Iurrough and tell him all, and then 
 I'll get the two hundred pounds reward that's offered for 
 him. Think of it, two hundred pounds, all in bright golden 
 guineas, and all that for that elegant carcass. (Laugh in- 
 side.) (Hubs his hands chuckling, goes up C, looks off L, U.) 
 There comes Mary Donoughmore, now if she only stops here 
 for a while, I'll go to L^onoughmore Hall and get the papers 
 she robbed me of. The papers that will hang Shamus 
 O'lh'ien. I know where she keeps them. I know every 
 nook and corner of the ould place. ( ( 'raAvls off L. 2.) (Mut- 
 tering and shakiug fist at cottage. ()nartette inside cottage 
 sings Come Back to Erin.) 
 
 ]MAKY — ( ^hiry enters from L .U. Over run comes 
 down (\ and listens to song. After song is over.) Can 
 Sliamus have returned? (Coes to door and knocks.) Some- 
 one comes. (To S.) (Dare enters, stands at door and bows.) 
 8ir Ileginald Dari', I'm surpris(ul to see you here. I thought 
 you were in Dublin. How are you? 
 
 DAIvE — Extremely well, I thank you. I returned from 
 Dublin with the troops. I am staying at the Inn. I was 
 going to call on you to pay my respects but I met Miss 
 O'Rielly and— 
 
 MAIvY — (Laughs.) 1 know the rest. You needn't say 
 another word. Has Shamus returned? I heard so, and I 
 came — that is — 
 
 DAKE— And I know the rest. You needn't say another 
 word. Allow me. I shall call Shamus out here. (Opens 
 door.) Shannis, my friend, come out here. There's a lady 
 here waiting. The (2ueen of Calway wants to see you. 
 
 SHAMUS — (Inside.) Arrah, it's jokin' ye are. The 
 Queen of Galway! Mother, give me my hat so that I can 
 raise it to the lady. There's only one (lueeu in the world. 
 (Enters, sees Mary.) And there she is. Arrah, Mary, me 
 darlin', asthore machree, how are you. (Embraces her. She 
 
 —37— 
 
draws away and points to Dare..) Oh, I forgot. Wlien I 
 saw her I forgot voii and the whole world. Miss O'Rielly, I 
 think niavbe is missing jon inside, and two is company, and — 
 
 DARE — Three's a multitude. (Goes in but returns at 
 once.) I understand you. (Goes in.) 
 
 SHA.MrS— My angel. (Embrace.) 
 
 DAKE — (Returns.) I beg your pardon, I forgot some- 
 thing. 
 
 SHAMUS — Well, it's not here. (Dare goes but returns 
 as Shamus embraces Mary) Well, what is it you forgot this 
 time? 
 
 DARE — Onl}' to excuse myself when I went away. 
 
 SHAMUS — Go or I'll excuse you four places at once 
 (Takes up chair.) with the feet of this seat. (Dare laughs 
 and exits.) 
 
 MARY — Returned after your wild adventures, once 
 more and safe, Shamus. 
 
 SHAMUS— Safe, and with a heart as full of love for 
 you as ever. 
 
 MARY — How I wisli you were always here. What a 
 life of dread I lead when you are away. Do you know that 
 there is a reward of two hundred pounds offered for your 
 capture? It is posted on the chapel door today. 
 
 SHAMUS — Two hundred pounds? My price is going 
 up. 'Twas only one hundred when I was here before. Maybe 
 It's the fine clothes tliat did it, or they must want me a 
 little more than they did. Two hundred pounds! It's a 
 wonder you don't give me up. Money is quite an inducement 
 to most girls now-a-days. 
 
 MARY — (Embracing him.) Not for two hundred mil- 
 lion pounds, but do you think, Shamus, you are safe from 
 betrayal by anyone around here. 
 
 SHAMUS — I have a friend on every hill top, and a 
 dozen in every valley round about, and when the soldiers 
 put in an appearance too close, me friends send me word, 
 and that's the reason they can never lay a hand on Shamus 
 OrB'i^ien. But is it not strange to think of it. Here you 
 are. You who have half the men in the country at your 
 feet, besides me, and your cousin, McMurrough, over at 
 
 —38— 
 
the l)arrarks trying to catch me with his soldiers, and yet 
 I kuow that still yoii love me, darliu"? 
 
 MARY — Love yon? In sorrow or sunshine, in peril or 
 joy, I shall always be the woman who wonld die for your 
 sake. 
 
 SHAMUS— Arrali, don't die Allaua, but live, live in 
 me heart and pay no rent. 
 
 (Song here. If song is cut others come on at end of 
 scene. Dare coines on first, sees Shamus and beckons on 
 Kate. She comes on and beckons on Mrs. O'Brien, who in 
 turn beckons on crowd, if there is one. All tip toe dow^n 
 and surround Shanius and ^lary who are C. Kate L. Dare 
 L. C. Mrs. ()']?. II. (\, and crowd at back.) 
 
 OMNES — Ha-ha-ha : We caught you I We caught you ! 
 
 SHAMUS — Caught me in the act. Be the judge, the 
 jury and the executioners. 
 
 KATE — (Mary goes up and sits on seat L.) Yes, sir, 
 you're caught at last, and the judge before whom you are 
 being tiled finds you guilty without any recommendation of 
 mercy. 
 
 Sil A.Mrs — And the sentence of the court is — 
 
 DAiiE— (Jive him life, :Miss O'Kielly. I know the law 
 in this case- 
 
 KATE — I will, and ten years more in chains with Mary 
 Donoughmoic, and may the law have mercy for your soul. 
 
 MARY— (Down to Sliamus.) Shamus, you are trans- 
 ported. 
 
 SHAMUS — I am, with joy, and glad of it. Sit dow^n, 
 dear, and take the sentence aisy. (Mary sits L. with Kate. 
 Shamus turns to Mrs. O'Brien, who is at table R.) And you, 
 nu)ther, come out to catch me too. I do believe if I was a 
 h^prahaun you'd try and catch me. Arrah, why did ye all 
 want to come out at all. I hadn't seen her for months. (To 
 mother.) And didn't you see me hard at work. 
 
 MKS. O'B. — I did see you, love making, that's not hard 
 \\'t)rk for you. 
 
 SHAMUS — Troth, that comes aisy to an Irishman, be- 
 ing natural, or mostly any other nuin when there's a pretty 
 
 —39— 
 
girl about, but you slionUl have kept them all iuside. I'm 
 astouished at a woman of your experleuee. 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Experience! Sure, I've forgotten all about 
 it. 
 
 SHAMUS — Forgotten I The man or woman doesn't live 
 that will forget the hapjiy days when he first went love-mak- 
 ing- We never forget the ones we really loved or the man 
 who owes us money. Do you renu^iuber what the poet says 
 about love? There's nothing half so sweet in life as love's 
 young drame. Oh, mama, (His arms around his mother.) 
 do you remember wlien I was an innocent early dream about 
 six months ould and used to k(H^p you awake all night when 
 I was cutting my little guiidets? 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Troth I do, and me meandering the floor 
 up and down for hours. 
 
 SlIAMUS — I was tliere. There was two of us, meander- 
 ing, and then when 1 grew to Ite a hounelieleen about that 
 size, hadui, that's the time you were fond of me and used 
 to run after me. 
 
 MRS. ()']>. — Yis, indeed. I'll never forget it. You were 
 as liv(dy as ;; young jacksni'j)(% and up to all kinds of uiis- 
 chief. 
 
 SHAM US— Talk about a man chasing after a girl he 
 loves, 'twas you that used to chase me when I did anything 
 wrong, and sometinu^s I'd fall and you'd catch me, and you'd 
 take mv n\) gently where I f(dl and would souie pretty story 
 tell, and putting me across your knee — 
 
 :MRS. O'B.— Face down. 
 
 SHAMUS— You'd flirt wid me— 
 
 MRS. O'B.— Y\\s, with me slipper. 
 
 SHAMUS^ — I can feel it now. It did me good, and I 
 wouldn't swap ye off, me poor cmld mother, for a regiment 
 or rich relations. 
 
 ]MRS. O'B. — (AAdu) has had arms around him, squeezes 
 him.) My own darliu' son. (Squeezes him hard.) 
 
 SHAMUS^ — Mother, do ycm take me for the bagpipes? 
 Squeeze a little lower up ; no I mean higher down, ha-ha. 
 
 MRS. O'B.— Arrah, listen to his talk. (Goes up to table.) 
 
 —40— 
 
SHAMUS — (Jood people, that's a great oiild woman. 
 (Tlie.y all laugh.) What are ye laughing at? She is my 
 mother and I'll kiss her whenever I like. 
 
 ]MA1{Y. — I leave it to yon, 8ir Reginald, are not the 
 Irish a wonderful race? 
 
 DARE — Wonderful indeed, Miss Donoughmore, a mix- 
 ture of fun and fight, of love and law breaking, but a good 
 mixture indeed. Isn't that so, Miss O'Rielly? 
 
 KATE — I'm not a judge any more. I've left the bench, 
 except the one I'm sitting on. 
 
 DARE — No offense, I hope, to think you are a strange 
 people? 
 
 KATE — \Veri, we wouldn't b(^ so strange if you foreign- 
 ers would come oftener to see us. 
 
 SriAMUS— Ha-ha-ha, that's an Irish hint for you. 
 
 DARE — And one I intend to take, believe me. Shamus, 
 my friend, don't you think as we are all here this is a good 
 time for a jollification? 
 
 SIIAMUS^Certainly. .Mother, is there any jollification 
 in the house left in the bottle? 
 
 ^IRS- O'B. — To be sure, in the cupboard inside, there's 
 a black bottle. I'll get it, if that's what you want. (Rises." 
 
 DARE — No, no, no! That's not what I mean, thank 
 you. 
 
 SHA^MI^S — Sure, you're welcome. We've got some that 
 never saw a guager. One draught of it would make a cripple 
 walk without crutches. (Birds sing.) 
 
 DARE— Listen, what's that whistling? 
 
 :MARY— Listen 1 "Tis the birds, that's whistling. 
 
 KATE — Yes, the Irish canaries. (To Dare.) Do you 
 know what an Irish canary is? 
 
 DARE— No. 
 
 KATE — Tell him. QIary laughs, and shakes her head.) 
 You tell him, Shamus. 
 
 SHAMUS — Oh, don't mind her jokes, sir. 'Tis a pig 
 she manes. That's her nickname for the poor crather, dye 
 mind. But if you wants a rale jollification among the boys 
 and girls around here you can have that, for it's more 
 
 —41 — 
 
•laAaii li^Aail^^ aoB[d u ni epui o; .onioS uij 'jo^^ok Co "'I 
 s^x^ Lwj^ \im{ Sc^ssT^I) -pA am jo piuoq ;o.o .laAOU £di{} 
 }nq ajojaq am Ja;ji3 naaq na;jo aA^A'aq; 'pana;qSu^ aq ;,noQ 
 •aXq pool) -nnq qoauas o; ajup 4^nop A'aq:j ;nq a^uiio,) aq; 
 ni 9snoq ^CjaAa qjjuas i^uiii A'aqj^ •ano|Uj\;^ .iai[jivi o; maif; 
 aAiS puE sjadud aq; ;at) 'sjaq^o pa.ipniu{ u piiB j[as.iiioA' 
 o; niiu Snuq p{no.\i ;i a.iaq; s.iadiul aq; pnnoj pnu a«noq 
 jnoA' paqa.iuas Aaq; jj -uoa q;iAV ;ja| j sjadiul aq; aau.)a^^ pni; 
 ;aS pui; 'ajuj^ 'araoq .iuoa o; o\) -luaq; jo ;,iu;s aq; ;().o j 
 'antquj^^ jaq;uj o; s^inuq; puu api«[{iq aq; no saaj; aq; Suouii? 
 Snpniq.o s;uoa paj A*;;ajd Jiaq; aas nua i •;aA auavi? ajiui 
 u a.iu sjaTppy aq,L CJ "1 J^^ o; santoo)— SilItYHS 
 
 •ROA ;iioqi; pauuuju a;iiil) luj ;.(),o uoa [iiav 
 ajeq^V 6^^P ^^oa {{iav ;uqAV 'oo ;i<mn y 'snuiiui^ — "AMVK 
 
 q;iAV ;ixa) -acavu ajj hj a'i; u a^in [)au w'^.i -.in'ttii.nq' 
 iCra 'dB\i% q;iAV a'u nj (soniy -^ 1 ^^^ ll« o; savoh )— a,n!(I 
 •nai.ij^j^O *SJI\;^ 'aA'q poof) •A.iiqv'^ 'a.\"(j pooj;) — ^a;u\i 
 
 •naa.if) un;a,Ti) o; uoa q;iA\ .\\^ o; ;aa[(io ;j[op j 
 •AjLuiua qsi.ii au ;oii ur] -ai; ;,uua i ;aij— [iMyd 
 
 •A [J ;sinu d\\ 
 •Aa:j[siqAV qa;()ag puu pua.iq a[i?;s uo sjitaA A;naAv; ;a,o [i^iioA 
 ;q§nuo aj^noX jj -anop aq ;siiui s,iaip|0s ^\{j^ — ^aiVX 
 ^anop aq o; s^;i;qAV 'P.iuav:jia\i; si sjq; 'aAof a'J — ^[fJlYCI 
 
 r;ixa i^;nusuaj) 'A'audiuoa 
 A'ui ui pnnoj aajioA ji pa[iiq' a(i ii,nox "f^aAii ,iuoa joj a'u 
 •noA! JO auo IxaAa 'a]j 'saojj (•s;ni?suaj ojj — ^SilKYHh' 
 
 ;s,iaipios aqx— saKKO 
 •papmani jp^anoA' 'wA'oq aq; ;aiAnoo o; aauap 
 -lAa JO s;uainu.)()[' ayquiiosuaj; .10; |aij;>^ip aq; ni asiioq A'.iaAa 
 gniqojuas aju A'aqx 'n.iu;aj juoa jo p,iuaq aAuq ;snui A'aqx 
 •A'uA^ siq; qojuur aq; 110 aju s.iaipjos aq; 'Aoq am 'siuuiny^ 
 •noA i[a; am %3[ pau 'aydoad poo.o 'qsin — ^MSPIXWl 
 
 (•>[Ouq ;b 'o spnu;s puL* niu UAvop samoo ';sai,id 
 aq; 'anoyBjv: jaq;ua qsinij aq; ;u yaaj qHijj nu Jo ^ajaq paoup 
 -o.i;ni QAM sapiuioadg) au-vs.!!?!) jo iiaaii^) aq; no iioisinvs 
 -.lad Am A.r; nj pnu 'jyasjaq pjiq « aqii s,t5uis aqs 'A{|aiHX) 
 ssTjt no noisBusjad JuoA a.ijl aAiS ni?a saijunua qsui 
 aq; ncq; a.iaq pnno.iu sp^iTq aq; mo.ij ;a,o nca no.C .onLonis 
 
 —42— 
 
suspect- Near here, by the ould chapel, there's a dry well, 
 it's got a stoue over the top of it. I'll lift up the stone, I'll 
 get into the well, aud the next time you see me I'll be out 
 of sight. (Exit U. I. E.) Liglits one third down.) 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Oh, Father Malone, hoAv sudden comes 
 the change. Clouds fast follow the sunshine. Think of me 
 poor boy. May Heaven protect him. 
 
 FATHER— Amen I say to that. ( Down L. C.) 
 
 MRS. (VB. — Your i-ivereuce, Oli, if nie poor boy should 
 be caught, what a terrible fate awaits him— the gallows. He'd 
 surely have to suffer that horrible death . 
 
 FATHER — We are all born condemned to death, Mrs- 
 O'Brien, and in this sometimes cruel world of sorrow who 
 would wish to live forever? 
 
 MRS. O'B.— Oh, leather, do try and persuade him to 
 give up this wild liile and maybe the law would let him alone 
 and hunt him no more . 
 
 FATHER — The law is eternally vigilant and sometimes 
 necessarily cruel. All men are not criminals who are con- 
 victed, some who are criminals never suffer. Your son has 
 committed no crime but the outspoken love of the land he 
 was born in, but is proclaimed an outlaw. I will try and 
 persuade him as you wish, but the facts stare us in the face 
 as they are. He may be caught simietime and iiave to suffer, 
 but let's hope for the best and prepare for the worst ; but 
 remember, he is free yet, so cheer up, ]Mrs. O . Brien. 
 
 MRS. O'B. — May Heaven help us all and him to change 
 his ways. (Looks off L. 2.) But see, here is Miss Mary 
 coming back and looks in distress. What can have hap- 
 pened? 
 
 MARY^— (Enters L. 3. weeping.) Oh, Father Malone, 
 the papers, the papers ! 
 
 FATHER^ — Be calm, my child, and tell us what's wrong. 
 What papers, do you mean? 
 
 MARY — The papers Shanius entrusted to my keeping. 
 The papers his life and the lives of the othei's depended 
 on- The}" have been stolen. 
 
 FATHER— Stolen, say you child. 
 
 MARY' — Oh, Father, I have ruined them all and per- 
 
 —43- 
 
haps killed him, by my carelessness. Mrs. O'Brien, mother, 
 what shall 1 do. (Falls on knees to Father.) 
 
 FATELEK — (IJaises her.) .^ly child, don't give way to 
 tears. Let nie hear ahout yonr loss, and if some one stole 
 them maybe I can find (he thief. Come now, tell me all 
 abont those papers. 
 
 AlAKY — They were in a casket. I saw them but yes- 
 terday l(;cked away. 1 went jnst now to get them to bring 
 them to you, leather, as Hbamus told me, when I found the 
 lock tiestroyed and tiu' papers gone. 
 
 MlvS. O'B. — (Sobs.) ^le i)ooi* Ixiy, me poor boy.) 
 
 FATIlEli — (lently now, good jieople. Tell me who do 
 you susix'ct. ^^'il() knew you had them? 
 
 MivS. <)'!>. — Your cousin ma,\b(', Ca}). .McMuvough, may 
 have stolen them. 
 
 MAKY — (O'iMnn enters L. V. E. Listens unseen.) My 
 cousin I No. no! Whatever his faults, I feel sure he would 
 not do anyiiiing so dishonorable. Hemember he is an army 
 otJIieer and a gcntlemjin, but 1 do suspect that scoundrel 
 who retuined here witli the troops lately, Shadrick O'Finn. 
 That miserable wi'etcli who when lie was in sore need 1 gave 
 shelter to. lie knew 1 had those imjx'rs. (O'Finn comes 
 down listening.) If you meet him. Father, search his 
 pockets, for lie. Fm sure, has stolen tliem. (O'Finn gets up 
 on seat, reaches u]) with stolen papers in his hand and hides 
 them in hollow of tree, then hides behind tree.) 
 
 I'WTilEK — Oil, I'll search him if I iind liini, never fear, 
 31iss I)onoughnu)r(\ lie can't be so far away. It cannot be that 
 such a wretch can go unpunished long. I will go at once, 
 and remember all is not lost that's in danger. (Exits R. B. 
 E. O'Finn comes down i\ slowly) 
 
 ^lABY — (Looking after l^^ither.) A blessing seems to 
 go with him, Mrs. O'Brien. 
 
 MKS. O'B. — And a consolation always, while that 
 O'l-'inn seems to bring a calamity wherever he is. 
 
 O'FIXN — (Coming down C.) Is it talking about me ye 
 are. Poor me, poor Shad O'Finn, is blamed for everything. 
 
 .MRS. O'B.— (They both start.) You here. Ye lump of 
 bad luck. Bad scan to ye. 
 
 —44— 
 
O'FINN — Yis, mam, it's me poor little innocent self, 
 ilrs. O'Brien, Escj-, for 1 suppose we must give you a title 
 now since your sou's looking so high for a wife. Excuse me 
 Miss Donoughmore, but I want to spake to you alone. Dye 
 mind, alone. (Aside to her.) I want to make a bargain with 
 you, private if ye plaze. 
 
 MARY — I can have nothing to do with you privately, 
 but publicly I tell you that you have stolen into my house 
 like a villian and you have purloined tliose papers you tried 
 to force from me once before. 
 
 O'PINN — Is it me? Oh, Miss Mary, to accuse me of 
 Stalin' anything, poor me, poor Shad O'Finn. ^le to stale 
 the papers. Ye can search me if ye like. Who says I stole 
 your papers, your ladyship? 
 
 MARY — Your looks are your accusers. Do you deny 
 Avhat I've said. You know I had them. They were safe yes- 
 terday. You returned In^re today and now they are gone. 
 You are a thief and you know it. This is gratitude for my 
 kindness to you that night the mob hunted for your life. Do 
 you forget that? 
 
 O'FINN— Troth I dou't. I'll never forget it, but the 
 mob won't hunt me now, I'm tliinkin', wid the soldiers at me 
 back. Ha-ha, I'll be even wid them. Forget it? What did 
 ye do- Shoved me in a could closet wid me clothes dripping 
 wet from a short cut I took through the horse pond to get 
 rid of me admirers. Y^is, ye shoved me in there without 
 crature comfort of any kind; not even a noggin of spirits 
 to keep me spirits up. 
 
 MARY — I gave you protection, the protection of your 
 miserable life at the risk of my own good name, and, the 
 friendship of decent people, and how do you repay it — by 
 theft, ungrateful theft. You are a disgrace to your race, a 
 blot upon your country's history, and a living libel on one of 
 the bravest races the world has ever known. (Mrs. O'B to R.) 
 
 O'FINN — Arrah, listen to her, :Mrs. O'Brien. Sure, it's 
 enough to bring tears to the eyes of a potato, the tongue lash- 
 ing she's given me, poor, innocent me, that's a friend to man 
 and baste. ( Father Malone enters R. U.) 
 
 MRS. O'B. — You're a friend to neither man, woman 
 
 —45— 
 
nor child, iiDd von haven't a friend in the whole county, you 
 hyjocritical double-dyed leiDrecaun. 
 
 (yPINN— (Father listens at back.) (To audience.) Do 
 1 hear nie ears or am I dhraniing, and I loved that woman all 
 me life, (To her.) haven't I, nmm, dear- (Tries to take her 
 hand.) 
 
 MRS. O'B. — How dare you make so l)ould as to talk to 
 me like that, you onld blackjinard? (Slaps his face, then 
 sees Father.) 
 
 O'FINN — (To audience.) Begorra, that's no love tap, 
 be me conscience, slie's got a fist on her like McFadden, the 
 blacksmith. Wuiro, wurro, me jaw is half broke. Mrs. 
 O'I'rien — mam — sure I don't know what ye mane by your 
 words to me. Yer all wrong and some day ye'll find it all 
 ont. Sure, Father Malone could tell ye if he was here that 
 I'm as innocent as Jenny Thresles' pet pig. 
 
 3IKS. O'B. — (To Mary.) Come away from this bundle 
 of villiany, dear. Come with me into the house and don't 
 fret. The good Father will recover the papers, if this fellow 
 has them. Trust to Father ^lalone, dear. Come with me. 
 Come- (Mrs. O'Brien and Mary exit into cottage.) 
 
 O'FINN— (Down C, Father at back R. U.) What does 
 slie mane by sayin' that Father Malone would get the papers 
 from me. Begorra, fithere's one man more than another 
 I'm afear(Ml of its himself. The papers are there in a hole 
 in tlie tree. I must get them away to a safe place until the 
 reward is big enough to deliver them to the authorities. I'll 
 get them now and nuike sure of them. (Gets on bench and 
 takes them from tree.) Here goes for the magpies nest. 
 (Comes down.) I've had a good look at them already. This 
 one with the seal is the oath. I'll put that in my inside 
 pocket, (Puts it in L. pocket.) and this one is a list of the 
 gang that's wid O'Brien. Now I'll go and hide them away 
 safe until they're wanted, but where in the world will I 
 hide tluMH before I start for Dublin? 
 
 rWTHEK — (Who has come down during speech.) Give 
 them to me. (Picture.) 
 
 O'FINN— (Frightened.) Father Malone— 
 
 FATHER — (Pointing to papers) What are those pa- 
 pers you have there? 
 
 —46— 
 
O'FINN — Sure, ,ver rivereiice, 1 found them. I don't 
 ksKsw whnt tliey are. Ye see, sor, it was tliis way, I — I — 
 found them awhile ago and ye see — 
 
 FATHER^ — Yon are lying. I see it in your face. (O'Finn 
 covers his face with his hat over liis eyes.) Give them to me, 
 I command yon. (live me those papers. 
 
 O'FINN— (Defiant with hat in left hand.» Father 
 Malone, I'll not give yon the papers. 
 
 FATHER. — Give them to me or beware the anger of the 
 church. 
 
 O'FINN — (Drops, hat on ground, slowly gives papers, 
 retaining the one in pocket.) There father, there. 
 
 FATHER^ (Takes papers and X. to R. 1.) Repent, 
 my son, ere it is too late. ( Points up.) Remember, He will 
 one day be your judge. 
 
 O'FINN — Father, what are you going to do wid the 
 papers? 
 
 FATHER — Give them to their rightful owner May 
 Heaven pardon yon your sins and change your heart. Now, 
 boys, your lives are safe in my keeping. (Exit R. 1.) 
 
 O'FINN — He's robbed me, stolen me papers, am I going 
 to be soothered out of me revenge be a Father nealy mouth? 
 Oh, I'd like to tear his heart out. (Strikes breast, feels paper 
 in pocket.) No, aha-ha-ha. It's safe here. The oath, the 
 paper that will get tlie reward and hang O'Brien. (Bugle 
 call off L. U. Goes up and looks off.) Hello, 'tis the sol- 
 diers. The army's out, and at tlie head of it my friend, Cap. 
 McMurrough. (Men heard marching.) 
 
 McM.— Halt! Front! Stand at ease! (Enter L. U. 
 down C.) Ah, you liere, O'Finn. 
 
 O'FINN! — Yh, Cap., and oho, yer honor, I've got some- 
 thing in my breast here that you want badly, agin O'Brien 
 if you could only catch him. 
 
 McM. — (Points R.) Where is he? In the cottage there? 
 
 O'FINN — No, but your lovely cousin. Miss Mary Don- 
 oughmore, is in there, and take my word for it, he's not far 
 off when she's about. 
 
 —47— 
 
^[c^I. — Yon know evory road and lane about here, don't 
 you? 
 
 O'FIXN — p]YPi'y fox's track and rat hole in the county 
 side, sir. 
 
 MvM. — Well, take these soldiers I have with me and 
 show tlieni where to hide themselves all about this house. 
 ^Ve'll trap this fellow yet. (At soldiers.) ^len follow the 
 instructions of this fellow O'Finn, and hide yourselves. Scat- 
 ter yourselves all around the place. (To O'Finn.) (Jo and 
 show them. 
 
 O'FINN — Fm off like a gun shot, sir. Fll scatter me- 
 self all over the place, never fear. ((Joing- off, to soldiers.) 
 Rigiit about there, then left about there, and follow yer 
 superior officer, dye mind, .Mr. Shadrick OT^inn, if ye plaze, 
 ( Exit L. U.) 
 
 Mc3I. — (Goes to door, knocks. Pause. ^lary enters from 
 cottage.) Islixry Donoughmore, you are here as I was in- 
 formed. I did not believe you could so far forget yourself 
 as to come publicly to the house of this num O'Brien. x\l- 
 low me to escort you home at once. 
 
 MARY — ^Leslie Mc^Murrough, I came here alone. It is 
 not far to my house. 1 do not require a military proces- 
 sion to escort me home again. 
 
 LESLIE — Pardon me,b ut consider the lateness of the 
 hours, the disturbed state of the country, the risk a lady 
 runs from the lawless men you may meet on the way. 
 
 MARY — I am not afraid, the lawless men I may meet 
 are lawless only through lov(^ of their country. I slumld 
 be more afraid to meet your lawless soldiers on my way. 
 You must remember that Ireland's sons, whatever other 
 faults they may possess, have never yet been accused of 
 molesting a lonely woman. And why, may I ask, consider- 
 ing tlie lateness of the hour, are you at this lonely woman's 
 house? 
 
 LESLIE — I heard you were here and came to save you 
 from the rash step you are about to take through your mad 
 infatuation or so-called gratitude for this man O'Brien. 
 
 MARY — O'Brien is a hero, fighting for his country. 
 
 -48- 
 
Better be that than as you, an Irishman in name, with the 
 red coat of your country's enemy upon your back. 
 LEiSLIE — I am a soldier, fighting for my King. 
 
 MARY — There is no battle ground here. This is a poor 
 woman's house. A soldier's duty is to fight the battles of 
 his country, but not to persecute the poor widow, the or- 
 phan or the friendless. 
 
 LESLIE^ — I know it, and when I received my commis- 
 sion I never anticipated this unsoldier like business, but 
 as I am here and sent to do this tiling under imperial orders 
 as a soldier I must and will do my duty. 
 
 MARY — Leslie, you are the man who told me once you 
 loved me. You are the man who once swore to me that 
 my slightest wish was sacred law to you. 
 
 LESLIE — I did, Mary, and swear so again. What would 
 you have me do? 
 
 MARY — Know that you are hunting to death the man 
 I love. 
 
 LESLIE— You love that vagabond O'Brien? 
 
 MARY — Yes, Shamus O'Brien, the man who is risking 
 iris safety, liis liluTty, his life, for love of his native land. 
 This gentleman, for I think him one, saved my life once and 
 I am trying to save his now. Oh, Leslie, cousin, friend, 
 here is the opportunity to pay my debt, and here on my knees 
 I ask you to redeem your sacred word. (Kneels.) 
 
 LESLIE — (Raises her up and turns R. Speaks aside.) 
 Her lover. Curse him. And I've given my promise to her, 
 what shall I do — 
 
 MARY — Withdraw your men from about here where 
 he is sure to come. Give him a chance for his life, and my 
 l)rayers shall be offered for your safety forever- 
 
 LESLIE — 'Tis impossible for the troops to be with- 
 drawn now, but I promise you they shall not be ordered 
 to shoot at him, and if they catch him I'll try my best to pay 
 the debt you owe him . 
 
 MARY — (Takes his hand and kisses it, and turns doAvn to 
 1, after she speaks.) Bless you, Leslie, for those words; I 
 bless you, my more than cousin, my friend. 
 
 —49— 
 
LESLIE— ((loos lip coiiter at back.) Shamiis O'Brien, 
 outlaw tbongli \(yn are, I cnvv yon the love of that woman. 
 (Shot heard off U. V.) 
 
 O'FINN — (ICnters linrriediv.) We've ^ot liim like a 
 badger in a hole. We've got Shaniiis O'Brien. He ran, they 
 fired at him ; he can't escape. 
 
 LESLIE — (To O'Einn.) Return at once. Tell my men 
 1 am coming. o'Hrien must be taken alive. You under- 
 stand — alive. 
 
 O'FINN — Alive, are ye out of yer senses, he'll escape, 
 yer losing the chance of your life. Oh wurrastrue, the two 
 hundred pounds, my reward. 
 
 LESLIE — I command here. Do as 1 bid you. Go — 
 
 O'l'lNN — ((ioing li, l)ut returns.) An hoAv about my 
 reward? ^ly two hundred ])ounds, do I get it? 
 
 LESLIE — Y(^s, y(>s, but go with my orders at once- 
 
 O'FINX — ri! go but you'll lose him if you don't kill 
 him. I know him, oii wurrastrue uu^ two hundred pounds. 
 ( Exit R. E. B.) 
 
 LESLIE — Miss Dououghmore, you heard my orders to 
 spare his life. You see I am trying to jiay your debt to him, 
 but when he's caught I have an account to settle with him 
 also. (Another shot. Ix^slie exits B. U.) 
 
 MAKY — (Up O, looks off B.) Merciful heavens, they 
 are firing at him still. (Knocks on door.) Mrs. O'Brien come 
 out, he is taken at last. Oome out quick — 
 
 MBS. O'BRIEN— (Enters.) What is it, Mary, darlin'? 
 What are those shots I heard? ^^^lat can have happened? 
 
 3IABY — Oh, Mrs. O'Brien, mother, I am almost mad. 
 What shall we do? The soldiers have surrounded Shamus. 
 They are taking him at last- 
 
 MBS. O'B. — Taking my boy. My God, my son, my son! 
 Oh where are all his friends to help him now. Oh Shamus, 
 my son, where are you? — 
 
 SHAMUS— (Runs on R. 3. E. coat off. Mother I am 
 here, (Both rush to him and screams.) Hush, Mary; 
 mother hush. They shot at me but I escaped their bullets. 
 O'Finn discovered my hiding place. I fled. I ran through 
 
 —50— 
 
the chapel over tliere aud I'm here unhaniied, saved so far 
 by a miracle and the help of a frieud. 
 
 MARY — AVho helped you to escape? 
 
 FATHER^ (Enter R. 1.) I did with Heaven's help. 
 
 ]MARY — Sliamns your ])apers are lost, the oath and the 
 list of the names. They've been stolen from me- I'll swear 
 by O'Finn. 
 
 FATHER— And I fonnd some of them (m O'Finn, but 
 not the oath, that is missing. 
 
 SHAMUS^ — ^That oath means my condemnation, but 
 the boys are safe. ^ly name alone is to the oath. Father, 
 darlin', if they get hould of that i)ai)er and ever get me 
 inside the walls of Maryborough jail it will be good bye to 
 Shamus O'Brien. There is only one slender chance left, 
 this ring. I got it from Lord (}ornwallis in Dublin for stop- 
 ping his runaway carriage. He's head of the army. He 
 swore he would do me a good turn if I ever wanted it. Take 
 this ring sir, and send it to him. Remind him of his prom- 
 ise aud lie may do souiething to help me in my trouble. 
 
 FATHER — ]\]y son, if you are caught and no one else 
 will take it, I shall go myself, and an my knees I'll beg of 
 him not to let you suffer death. 
 
 MRS. O'BRIEN and :\IARY— God bless you. Father, 
 for that. 
 
 O^Finn — (Outside R. U.) He went this way. I saw him. 
 
 SHAMUS — In with you, (|uick. Into the house (piick. 
 (They all go in.) I'll go here- (Shamus climbs tree, if there 
 is no tree he goes in with the others.) 
 
 O'FINN — (Enters Iv. U. Goes to door and listens, looks 
 through keyhole.) (Goes up and beckons on McMurrough.) 
 He's inside. I'll swear it on a cross nine feet high. (Points 
 to cottage.) 
 
 Mc^I. — Get my men to surround the house. Tell them 
 to keep out of sight till I call. 
 
 O'FINN — Yis, yer honor, yis, and I'll get the two hun- 
 dred pounds, don't I, sir? 
 
 McM. — Yes, yes, but damn you, you vagabond, go. (Exit 
 O'Finn R. U. Leslie takes sword and examines it and 
 
 -51 — 
 
knocks on door.) Open this door. (Pause) I^thelvings 
 name 1 command you to open this door. (Knocks ^ith 
 hilt of sword. Father Malone enters.) Father Malone, 1 
 little expected to find you here in company with breakers 
 
 of the law. 
 
 FATHER— l>utv calls me to all who wish for my con- 
 solation or advic. That is a truth which even you must ad- 
 
 mit. 
 
 3Xe:yi — ^yell as vou i)ose for a deciple of the truth, 
 answer me truthfully now, is Shamus O'Brien in that house? 
 (Pause. ) You sec I am here alone. 1 wish to speak to him 
 quietly, nothing more. 
 
 FATHER--1 decline to answer a man with a lie upon 
 his lips. You are not alone and I know it. 
 
 ^,l^.^,[ —(Threatens with sword.) Answer me without in- 
 sult or your own liberty shall pay for it. Is Shamus O'Brien 
 in there? 
 
 FATHER — He is not in this house. 
 M(.]yi —O'Fiuii told me he saw him enter there, so you 
 lie and 1 know it Fve a good mind to run my sword 
 through you. 
 
 SHAMUS— (^Yith pistols at back.) Put up that sword, 
 he does not lie, and if you harm him FU stretch you a corpse 
 •It his feet Put that sword in its scabbard. (He does so 
 ivhu-tautly.i Now 1 ovcrlu-avd you say ycm wished to spake 
 to me (luietly ; well, spake away. NVhat is it? 
 
 ^^^.M._Let the priest go in doors. 1 would speak to you 
 privately. 
 
 SHA.MF8— I'^ather, dear, go in doors to oblige this gen- 
 tleman. 
 
 FATHER— (At door.j Beware, my son, of treachery. 
 It is close at hand, beware, (xod save you. (Exit in cot- 
 
 atge. 
 
 SHAM US— Now. McMurrough, what is it? 
 
 McAI —I am here to arrest you. I offer you one chance, 
 one hope for mercv. Place yourself in my custody quietly, 
 inform the authorities all you know about this rebellion, 
 cease all communications with Mary Donoughmore forever, 
 
 — 52 — 
 
and on my honor as a soldier and a man 1 shall use such 
 influence with th^ government as may obtain your pardon 
 and liberty on condition you leave Ireland forever. 
 
 SHAMUS — (Thinks.) You say you're here alone? 
 
 McM — Can't you see that I am — 
 
 SI I AM I 8 — 1 see more than 1 always believe, or you 
 think 1 do, but listen to me now, and don't forget what I'm 
 going to say. I shall never without a struggle place myself 
 in anybody's custody. I shall never turn informer against 
 my own countrymen under any circumstance. I shall never 
 leave Ireland till it best suits nu\ and I shall never cease 
 communicate with Mary Donoughmore till my heart ceases 
 to beat. 
 
 McM. — Then 1 command you to surrender. 
 
 SHAMUS — I'll surrender to no living man. 
 
 McM. — Then 1 will cut you down. (Attempts to draw 
 sword. Shamus struggles with him and takes sword from 
 him.) (Picture, McM. down 0. Shamus L. C.) 
 
 SHAM I'S— You'll cut me down, will you? You drew 
 your sword on me but you forget I've been hunted by all 
 kinds of men for the last three years for nothing. You're 
 not tile first wasp 1 took the sting out of. You were going 
 to cut me down, be the Heavens I've a good mind to cut you 
 u}). (Threatens him with sword.) 
 
 McM. — Would you murder an unarmed man? 
 
 SHAMl'S— 1 ought to but I won't. Murder, that's the 
 word, what you call it and that's what you were going to 
 do witli me. No, I never committed murder in me life, or 
 any other crijue, and I'm not going to begin with you and 
 you know the reason why- (Points to cottage.) (Puts sword 
 and gun inside cottage door.) Now, .McMurorugh, we're both 
 unarmed. Let's meet as man to man. (They s(iuare up to 
 figlit.) 
 
 O'FINN — (Comes on at back li.) Ah, there he is, hould 
 him. Cap. till I get the soldiers. (Off K.) 
 
 SHAMUS — You see you lied, to both Father Malone 
 and me. You're not alone. I can't face a crowd of ye, but 
 look out if I get away this time and ever meet you really 
 
 —53— 
 
alone, McMurough. May the Lord take care of you. (Exit 
 L. 1.) 
 
 McM.— He must not escape. Where the devil are all 
 my men. (Rushes off L. 3. E) 
 
 (VFINN— (Kushes on with gun from R. V. Speaks off 
 to soldiers R.) He's gone. There he runs. Soldiers, lie close 
 a minute. He can't run far that way, there's a posse of my 
 men down there. O'Brien, you're running into a trap. (Shot 
 heard off L. U.) Aha, they've seen him. He stops; that turns 
 him back. He's coming this way. Lie close, men. He's 
 coming this way; now's my chance to make double sure 
 of the reward. 0'15rien vou're a dead man. (Leyels gun, 
 at L- r. on knee, takes aim. Mary enters from cottage with 
 sword. Rushes up to O'Finn with sword pointed at him.) 
 
 MARY— Fire that gun and you're a dead man. (Pic- 
 ture. (Drop that gun, .Ir..]) it 1 say. (O'Finn drops gun 
 and rises. Shamus rushes on L. U. Orabs O'Finn, punches 
 him and throws him down I{. L Soldiers rush on at al 
 entrances and cover Shan.us with guns. Mary screams and 
 rushes to Shamus C. Mrs. O'Brien and Father enter from 
 cottage. -McMurrough enters L. I.) 
 
 ]^je'M.— Don't fire upon hiui lie must be taken alive. 
 SHAMUS— Fire if you want to. I defy you all. 
 
 (yurtain. 
 
 SHAMUS O'BRIEN. ACT FOURTH. 
 SCENE 1. 
 
 (This scene can be played as a court martial trial with 
 Col Claverv as judge or the regular court scene. Court room 
 scene has judge's bench on raised platform about three feet 
 hioh R -^ Desk and high backed chair on platform. Table 
 wi'th two chairs in front of desk. Bench for council. Wit- 
 ness box R. of platform. Chair L. C. Rail L. for spectators- 
 Discovered, prisoner stands C. Judge with wig and gown on 
 platform. Larry as a corporal. Soldier L. Sir Reginald 
 Dare with wig and gown, also Leslie :\IcMurrough at table. 
 Kate O'Rielly on chair L. C. Mob behind rails. Guard on 
 
 —54— 
 
each side of Sliamiis C. Dare is talking to Kate as curtain 
 rises. O'Finn in witness box.) 
 
 LESLIE—Tlie case for the crown is plain. This man 
 O^JJrien was suspected of being- the leader of a treasonable 
 society. A reward was offered for him. I as commander of 
 a detachment of troops captured him- Shadrick O'Finn, the 
 principal witness against the accused, is present. The oath 
 of this treasonable society is in O'Finn's possession. That 
 document was found — 
 
 DARE— (At table, rising.) That paper was not found 
 but stolen. Htolen by that thief there. (Points to O'Finn.) 
 Stolen is the correct term. 
 
 LESLIE— (With paper in hand.) We will not discuss 
 how it was procured. O'Finn has it, that is sufficient. I 
 have also here O'Fiun's written statement of what he knows 
 (•<mcerning O'Brien and his followers, and attested before 
 a magistrate. 
 
 O'FINN- Yis, sir, I can swear to everything. 
 
 BHAMUS^Yes, to anything. He will swear to any- 
 thing that pays him best. 
 
 O'FINN — I know emmgh to hang yon. 
 SIIA.MrS — If I knew as much roguery as yon do, Fd 
 go out and hang myself. 
 
 COL. OR JUDGE— Silence! Silence! 
 
 LESLIE— Here is O'Finn'.s written statement. (With 
 paper.) 
 
 DARE— Let me see that please- (Takes paper.) 
 LESLIE — That dcjcument was duly sworn to before a 
 magistrate. O'Finn therein declares that he knows O'Brien's 
 writing and that O'lirien's name is at the bottom of the 
 oath that mend)ers of the secret order swear by. I would 
 Jilso submit, my lord, that the prisoner has already been 
 outlawed, having been declared guilty of high treason, which 
 crime is punishable with death. (Sits.) 
 
 DARE — (Goes to O'Finn with jjaper.) Is this vour 
 writing, on your oath? 
 
 O'FINN — (Looks at it upside down.) Yis, yer honor. 
 DARE— Can you read? 
 
 —55— 
 
O'FINN— No, sor. 
 
 DARE^ — Can jou write? 
 
 O'FINN— Sor— 
 
 DARE— Do you write? 
 
 SHAMUS— He never did right. 
 
 DARE— ( Smiles at Sliamus. To O'Finn.) Are you able 
 to write? 
 
 O'FINN- Able enough if I— but— I— 
 
 DARE — ^And you wrote this? 
 
 O'FINN— No, sor. 
 
 DARE — You swore just now this was your writing. 
 
 O'FINN— Yis, sor— did I— 
 
 DARE — And you now swear you did not write this? 
 
 O'FINN-Yis, sor — no, sor — that is — I'm not sure. Sure 
 I can't write. I never learned how. 
 
 DARE — (Returns to table and turns to judge.) This 
 veracious witness swears this is his writing, also that he 
 cannot write. This man evidently does not know how to 
 speak the truth. 
 
 LESLIE — Nonsense, the witness means that that is his 
 statement, no matter who wrote it. 
 
 DARE — We do not go by what men mean. We go by 
 what they do or swear to, and if you please Cap- I'll find 
 out what this fellow means without interference. (To 
 O'Finn.) What is your business? 
 
 Kx\TE^ — (Starts up.) A rogue, a vagabond, a thief and 
 an informer. 
 
 JUDGE — Silence. You must not interrupt. 
 
 KATE — Well, I know him for years and I'm not afraid 
 to speak the truth. 
 
 JUDGE — But I insist on silence. 
 
 SHAMUS — Remember where you are. Miss O'Rielly. 
 You're at a trial. You mustn't spake the truth here. They 
 never do. 
 
 DARE — If you please, my lord, the lady evidently 
 knows the witness for the crown by reputation. 
 
 KATE — Reputation! He never had any. He stole a 
 
 -56— 
 
horse from my father six years ago and got twelve months 
 in jail for doing it, 
 
 O'FINN— I didn't. 
 
 KATE— You did. 
 
 O'FINN— I didn't. 
 
 JUDGE — Silence. Really this trial cannot go on like 
 this . 
 
 LAIIRY— Bileuce— 
 
 DAKE^ — Silence, if you please, Miss O'Rielly. (To 
 O'Finu.) Have you ever been convicted of the crime of 
 theft? 
 
 SHAMUS — ^Dou't you hear, tiie lady says he was con- 
 victed of the crime of stealing a horse six mouths ago and 
 got tAvelve years for doiug it- 
 
 O'FINN— I didn't stale a horse. 
 
 SHAMUS— What was it then? A mare? 
 
 O'FINN — Sure a horse is not a uiare. 
 
 SHAMUS^ — No but a mare's a horse. Was it a mare? 
 
 O'FINN — Yis, it was a mare, and she followed me home. 
 I didn't stale her. 
 
 SHAMUS — Well, the mare must have lost her head and 
 was hard up for company when she follow^ed you. 
 
 O'FINN— I must have looked like the fellow that owned 
 her. Do I look as if I'd stale the poor crather of a mare? 
 
 SHAMUS — Yer honor, he'd stale the letters off his 
 mother's tombstone. 
 
 LESILE — I protest against this. O'Fiun is a crown 
 Avitness and ought to have some protection. 
 
 SHAMUS— Sure, you could buy bett(r v>itue,sses than 
 that for a crown a dozen. 
 
 O'FINN— Yis, poor me. Sure, I'm din the best I can 
 for the government what pays me. (Crying.) Me lord, I'm 
 a loyal subject, I am. 
 
 JUDGE— The council for the defense will please keep 
 to the examinatiou of the witness on the subject before the 
 court. Show me all the papers. 
 
 SHAMUS— (Gets papers from O'Fiun.) (Dare hands 
 
 —57— 
 
up papers to judge.) I wish 1 was as wise as that ould fellow 
 Lries to look. 
 
 LESLIE — 1 have Jierc the oath that members of this 
 order swear l)y. O'Brien's uame as leader is at the bottom 
 of the document. (Gives paper to judge) Do you want the 
 witness further? 
 
 DARE — No, sir. I need not waste time on such a vaga- 
 bond. 
 
 LESLIE — O'Finn, you niav go, but reniain within call. 
 
 O'FIXN — Yis, sor. I'll go. (Sneaks C. Shanuis starts 
 f(,'r him but is checked by soldiers. O'Fiun goes off cautious- 
 ly, signing to Shamus signifying hanging.) 
 
 SHAM US — Ould nick, the divil is outside waiting to 
 shake hands with that spalpeen. 
 
 LKSLli] — },iy lord, the veracity of my last witness was 
 doubted. 1 will now call upon another to prove that the 
 prisoner is at the head of tliis society. Bring Mrs. O'Brien 
 iu'i'p. ( Larry exits L. 3. E.) 
 
 DARE^ — My lord. I protest. I appeal to your human- 
 ity. Shall gt^ntlcmen be barborous enough to jdace a mother 
 as witness against her own son? 
 
 LESLIE— But I insist 
 
 DARE — Why, all laws of man, of nature and of Heaven 
 cry out shame against such evidence. 
 
 KATE — ^Shame, shame. In the name of every woman 
 in the world I say it's a big, black shame. (Enter Larry 
 with Mrs- O'Brien crnng.) 
 
 JUDGE — Silence! Soldiers enforce silence at once. 
 
 LARRY— Silence, please. Miss O'Rielly. 
 
 JUDGE — I do not approve of this woman being forced 
 to give evidence against her own son. so the witness is ob- 
 jected to. 
 
 SHAMUS — Dry your eyes, mother, the judge says you 
 needn't say a word against me. 
 
 JUDGE — (Examining papers through spectacles.) 
 Shamus O'Brien, is this your name attached to this highly 
 treasonable oath? 
 
 SHAMUS — Do you think me eyes are telescopes to be 
 
 -58- 
 
looking around corners, yer honor. Show me the paper and 
 if I put my name to it I'll tell you the truth. (Judge hands 
 paper to Dare who reads it to Shamus.) 
 
 LESLIE— Well, tell the truth now. Is that a plot 
 against the laws that govern your country? 
 
 SHAMUS — This is a protest against depriving men of 
 the rights of their liberty and I'm proud to say I put my 
 name to it. 
 
 JUDGE — Having admitted you are guilty of high trea- 
 son against the realm, Shamus O'Brien, have you anything 
 to say why the sentence of death should not be passed on 
 you? 
 
 SHAMUS— 
 
 My lord, you ask me if in me lifetime 
 
 1 thought any treason or did any crime, 
 
 That should bring to me cheek as I stand alone here. 
 
 The hot blush of shame, or the coldness of fear. 
 
 Though I stood by me grave to receive me death blow 
 
 Before God and the world I could answer you, no. 
 
 But if you should ask me as I think it like, 
 
 If in the rebellion I carried a pike 
 
 And fought for ould Ireland from the first to the close. 
 
 And shed the best blood of her bitterest foes, 
 
 I answer you YES, and I tell you again. 
 
 Though I stand here to perish, 'tis me glory that then 
 
 In her cause I was willing these veins should run dry, 
 
 And now for her sake, I am ready to die. 
 
 JUDGE — (Rist^. All rise. He puts on b\jck cap.) ^Ey 
 duty compels me to pass sentence on you. 
 
 MRS. O'BRIEN— (Comes C.) 
 
 Oh judge, darlin', don't, don't say the word^ 
 
 The creature is young, have mercy, me lord. 
 
 He was foolish, he didn't know what he was doing. 
 
 You don't know him, me lord, don't give him to ruin, 
 
 He's the kindliest creature, the tenderest hearted; 
 
 Don't part us forever; we that's so long parted. 
 
 Judge mavourneen, forgive him, forgive him, me lord. 
 
 And God will forgive you. Oh, don't say the word- 
 
 (She falls on Shamus' neck sobbing.) 
 
 —59— 
 
JUDCiE — llemove that woman from the prisoner. 
 ,( Larry does so.) Shamus O'Brien, you shall be taken hence 
 to the prison whence yon came, and from there to the usual 
 place of execution, and this night at the hour of eight o'clock 
 you shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead, and 
 may the Lord have mercy on your soul, (Mrs, ()'1>. screams 
 and faints 0. Close in.) (Or this can be made a funny fin- 
 ish if so desired by playing in the following manner: After 
 the judge pronounces sentence exits l\. Shamus is led oft" 
 by guard, followed by Mrs. O'Brien weeping. O'Finn sneaks 
 on during st^ntence. The crowd get hold of him and kick 
 and pull him about. Kate stands up on ciiair shouting. 
 Give it to him!) 
 
 8CENE 2, 
 (Front scene, prison in 1.) 
 
 LESLIE— (Enters li. 1, to begin,) Shamus O'Brien 
 dies at eight o'cktck. lie has little more than one hour to 
 live. Everything is fair in love and war and I did only my 
 duty. As for my fair cousin Mary, she is saved from a 
 degrading love affair, and she will one day thank me for it 
 and when time has liealed the wound that the death of 
 O'Brien will cause, perhaps she will listen to me and accept 
 the hand and fortune of my humble self, (O'Finn enters 
 K. 1. in rage, dirty, etc.) Is that you, O'Finn? 
 
 O'FINN — It's what's left of me, sor. Oh, wurrostrue 
 aclioiiic! Oh, soi'. Fill luulvathcicsl ! Fiii kilt entirely! The 
 mob took me life. I'll lave the country when I get the re- 
 ward and never trouble yez agin, ye pack of blackguards. 
 (Shakes fist off K.) Oho, me poor insides is all fiddle- 
 strings. 
 
 LESiLIE — ^^Ilere's the money I promised you. That's 
 salve for your aches. 
 
 O'FINN— Oh, 'tis beautiful job entirely. (Takes 
 money.) Ob, me poor back. 
 
 LESLIE^ — Listen! I understand that Mary Donough- 
 niore t as gone to head(juarters in Dublin to Lord Corn- 
 wallis to try and secure a pardon for O'Brien. I have re- 
 ceived information she is coming back. 
 
 — 6o— 
 
O'FINN — May tlie divil fly away wid the \yliole fra- 
 ternity. Oh, rae back I She hasn't returned yet but she 
 may at any time . Women and law are mif^hty uncertain. 
 Arrah, if she was to come back wid a pardon, murther alive, 
 they'd kill me sure. WTiat time is it? I'm getting onaisy. 
 I may lose the reward. Can't you put the jail clock ahead 
 half an hour? Oh. me poor back bone is coming through 
 me stomach. 
 
 LESLIE^ — Lesten '. I haye had O'Brien ordered here. 
 I shall place a guard oyer him fully armed. You can 
 come here and taunt him. Should he offer you any yiolence 
 or strike you, I ^\ill instruct the guard to shoot him on the 
 spot. 
 
 O'FINN — That's the way to make sure of him. Be- 
 gorra, I'll make him strike me, that will be aisy. Lave 
 it to me sor, lave it to me, I'll do it. Oh, me neck ! But, 
 sor, he may murther altogether what's left of me, sor, 
 
 LESLIE- -Go tell the sergeant to send me a soldier 
 fully armed to protect you, you understand. 
 
 O'FINN— Yes, sor, I does. (Going R. 1.) If there's 
 protection for roguery that fellow will be a gineral yet. 
 (Exit R. 1.) 
 
 LESLIE — This is not the honorable conduct of a gen- 
 tleman, I know, but I love her better than life or honor, and 
 — ah, here he comes, the soldier. (Enter Larry as soldier.) 
 Ah. listen to mc my man. Sliamus O'Brien has been or- 
 dered here. I fear an attempt at his rescue. You shall 
 keep strick watch over him here. If he attempts violence 
 shoot him down at once. (Larry salutes.) Is your gun 
 loaded with powder ball. Let me see. (Examines gun.) 
 That is all right, remain here 'til he comes. (Exit R. 1.) 
 
 LARRY — Leslie McMurrough, you're no good, and the 
 devil a shoot I'll shoot him if I know meself. Ah, here 
 comes someone. (Straightens up like soldier.) (Enter Les- 
 lie R. 1. and X. to L, followed by Shamus.) 
 
 LESLIE — This is your man. Remember your orders 
 and do your duty. (Exit L. 1.) (Larry salutes and walks 
 from L. to R. as if on guard. Shamus shifts from C. Larry 
 keeps walking 'til cue.) 
 
 —6 1— 
 
SUAMrS — T wonder why thoy broiiolit me here. 'Twas 
 bad eiioniJ^h where 1 was but this is worse. This is the 
 worst jail I was ever in. Oh, these jails, these jails, they 
 were never built for comfort. If ye want to sit down you 
 have to stand up, but there's every kind of accommodation 
 in the way of soldiers and jailers about, seeing that you 
 bm't eat the stones out of the wall and hurt your teeth 
 like. T.ook at him witli the full chest. (Larry stands.) 
 He'll be havinir another spasm in a minute and be taking 
 a walk for a rest, like a tailor. (Larry walks as before.) 
 I'm sorry I'm on yer bate. (Shamus moves again. Larry 
 •itope where lie is again.) I'll go back agin to where I was, 
 and if he comes near me agin I'll mulvather him. Halt! 
 ProutI (rround arms I. (Larry takes no notice.) Do as 
 ve like. Sure, he's a recruit. Sure, the palms of your 
 feet must be tired walking on the could flags all day. You 
 must be tired. If I had a stool handy I'd offer you a sate. 
 
 LAKKV — Sham us O'liricn, you don't know me, I'm sorry 
 to say. 
 
 SHAM US— Troth. I don't, I'm glad to say. Who might 
 you be? 
 
 LAIvKV — I used to be footman lo Miss Dououghmore. 
 
 SHAM US — And now you're footman to the King. 
 Arrah, now I think I remember your beautiful features, and 
 how did you come to turn soldier man? 
 
 LAKKV — Six mouths ago I "listed. I was tould to do 
 so be the mistr(\ss. McMurrough wanted servants and she 
 said that some day I might be a))le to do you a good turn 
 if I was a sojer, so here I am, and if I lose me head for it 
 It I'll do all I can to set you free, as sure as my name is 
 Lai'ry Mahoney. 
 
 SHAM US — Sure, you're a green hero in a red jacket. 
 Shaks hands and tell me what's the news outside. 
 
 LARRY — Miss Donoughmore has gone away. No one 
 knows where. She disappeared after you wor tuk. She sent 
 me a message and tould me to get near you and cheer you 
 up witli the good word. Now listen hither a minute. They 
 have a plot agin you here to murther you before your time, 
 so no matter who comes here nor what is said to you, don't 
 raise yer hand to auvone. It manes murther. 
 
 —62— 
 
SHAMUS — Trotii, I won't; nor mv foot aither. But 
 why do jou spake like that? 
 
 LARRY — Because McMurrough has given orders to 
 meself and a guard outside to shoot you if you strike any- 
 one here; of course they'll swear you were trying to break 
 jail after they murther ye. 
 
 SHAMFS — To shoot iiu'I He's going to hang me after 
 a while. Does he want to shoot me first. That's what I 
 :all double barreled assa.ssination. And so you'd shoot me, 
 eh? 
 
 LARRY — ((Grasps his hand.) The divil a shoot. 
 
 SHAMUS — I knew you were a man. WTiat's that? 
 (Moan and rattle of chains heard R. 1.) 
 
 LARRY — Someone is coming. Aisy now, don't know 
 me at all. Begorra if they found me schamin they'd hang 
 me higher than Gilderoy's kite. (Moan and chains heard 
 again.) 'Tis a woman's voice. 
 
 SHAMUS — Maybe 'tis me poor ould motlier. Perhaps 
 she has news of Mary, my promised wife. Can you let her 
 in to see me. Sure, he didn't tell you not to let her in did 
 he? Will you bring her here, for my sake, Mahoney? 
 
 LARRY — I will if thev shoot me where 1 stand. (Exit 
 R. L) 
 
 SHAMUS — If this is me poor ould mother come to see 
 me I'll try and cheer he up a bit. WTiat's the use in fretting. 
 We all have to die once, and if one dies for his country or 
 a nob-le cause "tis better than wearing out a miserable life 
 and never being anybody at all. Ah, me mother — 
 
 MRS. O'B. — (Enters weeping.) My son, my son. (Em- 
 brace.) 
 
 SHAMUS — There, mother, don't fret. Sure, the best 
 in the world have to part sometime and it's mostly those 
 who love the foiicU^^t that have to part the soonest after all. 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Shamus dear, why did you make that con- 
 fession in the court? 
 
 , SHAMUS — I would not go back on me name mother. 
 You know I oould not do that. Mother, don't blame me, 
 I've been brought here by thfit schemer, that scoundrel, 
 Leslie McMurrough and his jackall O'Finn, but when I'm 
 
 -63- 
 
done away with be sure the curse of a murdered man will 
 light on them, tlie white livered dogs I 
 
 MKS. O'B. — Don't curse tlieni, dear. Leave them to 
 Heaven. Hush me boy, remember you will soon be before 
 the great Judge of all, and we're taught that we must for- 
 give our enemies if we hope for salvation, my son. 
 
 SHAMUS— Well, you're right mother, I'll forgive them. 
 If 'twill take a sigh from out your heart or a tear from out 
 yonr eye FIl forgive them all, even as I hope to be for- 
 given. 1 swear to you I'll never raise my hand to mortal 
 juan again. 
 
 There, there, mother darliu', don't break your lieart. 
 
 For sooner or later the dearest must part, 
 
 And God knows 'tis better than wandering in fear 
 
 On the bleak, trackless mountain, among the wild deer; 
 
 To lie in the grave where the head, heart and breast 
 
 From thouglit. labor and sorrow forever shall r(^st. 
 
 (Enter McM. F. 1. and Larry enters \l. 1.) 
 
 LESLIE — What is this woman doing here? 
 
 MlvS. O'B. — (L. to Leslie.) Oh, sir, let me speak to my 
 
 boy. Let me comfort him. We are going to part forever. I 
 
 am his mother, sir. 
 
 LESLIE— ( I'ushes her away.) Take your hands off me 
 woman, bid your vagabond son good bye and be quick about 
 it , then leave this way. Follow me at once. (Exit L. 1. 
 Larry warns Shamus as he is about to strike I^slie. He 
 holds his arm.) 
 
 MRS. O'B.— Oh my son, my son! 
 
 SHAMFS — Oh (xod. because that scousilrel has me in 
 liis grasp he insults me jioor ould mother. Leslie McMur- 
 rough, you never were a man at all. If ye were alone and 
 saw me on the hillside you wouldn't come within a mile of 
 nu\ Leave me, darlin'. I wouldn't let them see a tear in 
 nu= ( ye f(U' all tlie wealtli of tiie world. Leave me, and 
 when I'm gone may Ood look down and bless and guard you 
 forever and forever. 
 
 MRS. O'B. — Oh my son, my son ! My heart is broken 
 at last. 
 
 -64- 
 
S:HAMUS—( Leads her to L. 1.) Good bye, mother, for- 
 ever. (She exit.s. Sliainiis sinks on knee weeping. O'Finn 
 enters R. 1.) 
 
 LAKRY— (To O'Finn.) What brought voii here? 
 
 O'FINN — An order from your superior, your betters, 
 you funny faced lobster. (ShoAvs paper.) 
 
 T.AKKY — Funny faced is it? If I had a face like you 
 I'd walk backwards. I've often seen better features than 
 yours in a cage of ring tailed monkeys. Show me that paper. 
 
 O'FINN — Sure, it's not the paper but the writin' what's 
 on it. If yez are a fine scholard like meself, rade that. (Gives 
 paper.) 
 
 LAKRY — Sure, you got it upside down. (Reads.) 
 That's all right. (Thro^A•s it on ground.) 
 
 O'F'INN — Pick up that paper agin. 
 
 LARRY— I won't do it. 
 
 O'FINN— (Mad.) Pick up that paper. 
 
 LARRY— I won't <lo it. 
 
 O'FINN — Pick it u}) I say to ye, ye red coated bog 
 trotter. 
 
 LARRY — I won't I say to ye, ye wisp of bad luck. 
 
 O'FINN— Pick it or I'll— (Threatens him.) 
 
 LARRY— (Points bayonet at him.) Ye will what? 
 
 O'FINN— Well— I'll pick it up meself. (Does so.) Now 
 to make him strike me. (Goes to Shamus who pays no 
 attention to him.) At last we have ye, sure me fine marauder. 
 The wooden suit is waitiu' to carry out your carcass, and 
 wlien you are gone your ould mother will be all alone in 
 the world. Y^our mother who years ago scorned me and 
 married your father, Jim O'Brien, who wrecked my life and 
 made me what I am, but I'm having me revenge now for it all. 
 
 SHAMUS — (Not heeding him.) When a man says good 
 bye to his mother he seen the last of his best friend on earth. 
 Farewell, true heart, I'll never see you more. (Turns and 
 sees O'Finn. What, you here! Oh, villian that you are. 
 
 O'FINN— Outlaw, convicted felon, I've come to say 
 good bye. You'll meet the divil shortly and you'll find your 
 dead father down there. Give him the compliments of his 
 
 -65- 
 
ould rival, Hluuirirk o'l'iiin, who loved yonr mother once, 
 but now hates both her and you. 
 
 SHA.MUS — (Starts for him. Larry holds up warning 
 iiand.1 Not five minutes ago I promised nie poor ould 
 mother IM never raise me hand to mortal man again, and 
 forgivi^ even you. Don't make me break me promise to her, 
 for if you do I'll crush yon. (Larry motions again.) 
 
 O'FINN — Why the devil don't you strike me. (Aloud.) 
 I'll try again. That's I'iglit, always keep your word man. 
 I do. 1 promised your mother twenty years ago she'd live 
 to regret the day sh<^ ever heard of tlie O'Briens, and I'd 
 live to see il. and touu>rrow when you're under the green 
 sod I'll remind hvv of me warning in a way that will bring 
 tears of blood from Iht heart. 
 
 SHAMI'S — Tomorrow me poor mother may be at this 
 man's nierey. There must be a Providence that looks down 
 and guards the widow and the orphan, and has His eye 
 constantly fixed upon the guilty. My time has almost come 
 but yours may not be far away, for the wicked do not last 
 forever after all, and when you're lying on your death bed 
 and the hereafter staring in the face, 'tis then T know you'll 
 wish you had died in your cradle, you vagabond. (To Larry.) 
 Can't you kick out this thing*.' 
 
 O'FINN— He can't, I have a pass. IJe daren't uo it. 
 
 LARRY — ^(Slaps hm ou back.) (let out of here or I'll 
 murdher you meself. (Wlu^els him around R.) 
 
 O'FINN — Who are you layin' a hand on, }h? Who are 
 you talkin' to, you red coated pauper. Do you know^ I'm a 
 witness for the crown. I'll have you court martialed, hung 
 up like O'Brien there. I'll go and report you to the com- 
 mandijig otticer. Cap. Leslie McMurrough. I'll let you know 
 who I am, you big headed omadaun. 
 
 LARRY — (Roints bayonet at him.i (Jet out of here 
 Judas, get out. (Shoves him off at point of bayonet.) 
 
 SHAMFS — 'Tis such men as he that have placed poor 
 ould Ireland where she is today. (Bell tolls.) 
 
 LESLIE — (Enters L.) O'Brien, your time has come. 
 (To Larry.) Follow me with your prisoner. (Exit L.) 
 
 LARRY — He lies, 'tis a half hour of eight o'clock yet. 
 
 —66— 
 
SHAM us — Maybe he tliinks I'm in a liurry. I've got 
 a little time on hand. Never ^lind, I'll be the sooner out of 
 his company. Tell your mistress T died like a man. (Exit 
 L. 1. followed by Larry.) 
 
 Cliange of Scene. 
 
 SOE,NE 2. 
 
 (Prison L. 3. door in prison. Scaffold O. at back on 
 platform 3 ft high, (xallows, beam across with rope hang- 
 ing. Kope lo pull from L. side. Loop in rope. Landscape 
 backing witli wall across stage. )*ell tolling, lights down. 
 Music.) 
 
 O'FINN — (Discovered standing at foot of Scaffold.) 
 Aha, they're coming. Me revenge is about to be conssumated. 
 The death knell of the O'Rriens is ringing in me ears. I'll 
 just stand aside and see them choke the life out of him. 
 .My corses are falling on him now. Ha-ha-ha! They'll stran- 
 gle the life out of him forever. Dead! Dead! Dead! Ha-ha- 
 lia. (Exit K. 3.) (Enter Leslie from prison with soldierSj 
 wlio iiiarcli down to L. L, facing I\.) 
 
 l.i.SLlE— Left turn! Halt! Front! Drtss back. I have 
 a cordon of soldiers all around this place so all is safe. 
 Here they come. (Enter Father Malone, slowly, with book 
 in liauds, followed by Shamus with hands tied behind him 
 and guarded by two soldiers, one of whom is Larry.) 
 
 SHAM rS— (To Leslie.) Before I lave the world for- 
 ever won't you let me spake to my priest, good Father Ma- 
 lone, something only that concerns me soul and nothing 
 more. 
 
 LESLIE— Well, be (juick about it. Men fall back. (The 
 two soldiers fall back. Larry down L. 1.) 
 
 SHAMUS— (Shamus X. to Father.) \Vhen a man is 
 standing on the verge of the grave the world looks ten times 
 more beautiful than it ever did before. 'Tis not the death 
 I fear, 'tis the way I have to die. 
 
 FATHEK — 'Tis hard my son, very hard. 
 
 SHAMUS— (Whispers.) What did you do with the 
 ring I gave you to send to the man in Dublin? 
 
 ~67- 
 
FATHER — 1 gave it to Mary Dououghmure. She took 
 it to Dtiblin to try and get your pardon. 
 
 SHAMUS — When she comes back all will be over and 
 me poor mother left unprotected in the world. 
 
 FATHER — Unprotected, my son! She will never want 
 a friend as long as I live and as for Mary Donoughmore, I 
 will place her in tiie care of the good sisters who will guard 
 her against all evil. 
 
 SHAMl^S — .Imen I say to that. Death, let it come. It 
 may not be so hard after all. See father there are no 
 soldiers around me here. I'm outside the jail and if me 
 hands were only free I'd make a run for it. 
 
 FATHER — There's soldiers all aroun^l here on guard, 
 you can't escape. 
 
 SHAMUS — They'd slioot me down, ami tliat's better 
 than being strung like a ilog. Oh, if me liands were free. 
 Father, could you take l-.e string from off me hands? 
 
 FATHER — Oh my sou, my son, don't ask me. 
 
 SHAMFS — To be hanged will bring disgrace upon me 
 name, a blot upon tlie life of Mary Donoughmore, perhaps 
 death to me poor ould mother. Think of it, sor. for her sake, 
 for God's sake take these cruel strings from off me hands. 
 (Shamus is kneeling right of Father during this scene.) 
 
 FATHER — I'll do it if they kill me. (Unties his hands. 
 Shamus runs up to R. U. and is intercepted by O'Finn. They 
 struggle. Shamus tlirows him around so O'Finn is between 
 him and the soldiers. All very quick.) 
 
 LESLIE — Fire on the prisoner, he is escaping. They 
 fire and shoot O'Finn who staggers and falls near scaffold 
 R. Shamus escapes R. V.^ Fools, you have killed the wrong 
 man. 
 
 LARRY — iDown L. 1. lo audience.! Fm damned gla-.l 
 of it. (Dances.) 
 
 LESLIE — Fire on the priest, he helptnl the prisoner to 
 escape. (Soldiers raise guns. Priest stands about R. 2, fac- 
 ing soldiers, holds out arms.) 
 
 SHAMUS — (Outside.) Hould on. Stop, I'm coming 
 back. (Comes on C.) I turned and saw me enemy had 
 fallen. I've come baek to give meself up. I was mad to 
 
 — 6S— 
 
run away. 1 surreuder. Fire on me, but uot on me priest, 
 good Father Malone. 
 
 LESLIE— (Going to him L. R. C.) Now, Shamus O'Brien 
 your doom is sealed. 
 
 SHAMl^S — I know it, McMiirroiigh, and I am here to 
 meet it like a man. 
 
 By the hopes of the good, and the cause of the brave, 
 
 When Fm lying moldering in the cold grave, 
 
 My enemies never shall have it boast 
 
 My scorn for their vengence one minute was lost. 
 
 My bosom may bleed, but my cheek shall be dry, 
 
 For undaunted I've lived and undaunted I'll die. 
 
 LEi^lLIE— To the gallows with him Jailors. (Larry and 
 soldier take Shamus to platform and adjust rope around 
 his neck.) 
 
 DARE— (Enters hurriedly R. U.) Stop, Leslie McMur- 
 rough, that man \\ as not to be hanged 'til eight o'clock. I 
 forbid the execution *til then. It wants ten minutes of that 
 time now. 
 
 LESLIE — What right have you to interfere? 
 
 DARE — The right of law demands. (Cheers outside 
 and sounds of horse galloping in the distance growing louder 
 and louder.) Hello," what's that? (Looks off R. U.) A 
 woman on horse back waving a white flag. Yes, 'tis Mary 
 Donoughmore. Sound of horse stops.) (Mary rides on if 
 possible, carrying white flag and papers with large red seal. 
 Kate and Mrs. O'Brien enter from R. when Mary enters.) 
 
 LESLIE— Men do your duty. 
 
 MARY— (Outside.) Hold! Hold! (Enters R. U.) 
 Stop, don't hang that man. Here is his pardon. (Gives par- 
 don to Dare. Lights full up.) 
 
 DARE — (Looks at pardon and gives it to McMurrough.) 
 A pardon and signed by Cornwallis, my cousin, Viceroy of 
 Ireland. O'Brien you are free. 
 
 SHAMUS— Free ! The bright sky, the beautiful earth 
 are mine once more. Oclio McMurough, to the divil with 
 your necktie. (Throws rope from neck and comes dowTi 
 
 —69— 
 
^ 
 
 \ 
 
 from scaffold and embraces Mary. Bell strikes eight 
 o'clock.) McMurroiigh, your watch was fast. 
 
 LESLIE — It may be faster another time. (Exit L. 1. He 
 tlirows pardon on stage.) 
 
 SHAMUSi— ril look after that. Mother, darlin', I'm 
 free. (Picks up pardon.) 
 
 LAKIJY — ^(On scaffold, gives gun to soldier and takes 
 off whiskers.) Hurro! Shamus is free! I'll hang up the 
 ould whiskers. (Does so. Jumps down, comes R, and 
 shakes hands with Shamus.) k 
 
 SIIA^IUS — And am I entire-y free, your honor? 
 
 DAKE — Free but recjuested to leave Ireland, so rea 
 your pardon. 
 
 SHAMUS — >yot a hard punishment. Mary will you 
 go with me across the sea? 
 
 MARY— I will. 
 
 HHAMUtS — M<*ther, will you come with me across the 
 oceau? 
 
 MKS. O'H.— Yes, my son. 
 
 DAKE — "Will you be my better half and come with me, 
 Miss O'lvielly, for better or for worse? 
 
 KATE — I will, ril bet ten thousand monkeys, for much 
 better and no worse. 
 
 FATHER— And I'll marry you all for nothing. 
 
 SHAMUS — We'll turn the funeral into a wedding. My 
 fate is here, jNIary; and here (Rrings Mary and Mrs. O'Brien 
 down C.) be me ould mother's side and you couldn't find 
 a happier man this night than Shamus O'Brien — 
 
 OMNES— The bould boy of Glengall. 
 
 ( Curtain) 
 
 (Shamus in C, Mary L., Mrs. O'Brien R., Larry and 
 priest K., Dare and Kate L., soldiers L.) 
 
 -70-