CONN And what do they know about music in Flynn’s?  Young Corney Myles was up there a while ago, and you’d think, from what the men said, that there was never the like of Corney for playing, and the boy isn’t three years at the fiddle,

MAIRE
Father, stay here where the shelter is.

CONN Sure, I’d be getting ould, and staying in the chimney-corner, with no one to talk to me, for you’d be going to a place of your own, and Anne? after a while, would have too much to mind.

MAIRE
The people here are kinder than you think.

CONN
But what has Conn Hourican to do with them anyhow?  The very
greatest were glad of my playing, and were proud to know me.

MAIRE
I know that, father.

CONN
Well, one is always meeting new life upon the roads, and I want
to spend the years I have before me going from place to place.

MAIRE (going to him) If you took to the roads, I’d think I ought to go with you, for we were always together.

CONN
Ah, Maire, there are some that would keep you here.

MAIRE
Do you know who would keep me here?

CONN
Brian MacConnell is very fond of you.

MAIRE
Do you know that, father?

CONN
And I know that you are fond of Brian. (There is no answer)
That my jewel may have luck and prosperity. (Goes towards room door,
leaving Maire standing there) I’ll be taking this fiddle, Maire.

MAIRE
Oh, are we going on the roads?

CONN
To Ardagh, Maire.

MAIRE
To Ardagh.

CONN
I’ll go up now, and make ready.

  He takes candle off table, and goes back towards room door.

MAIRE
Oh, what do I know about Brian MacConnell, after all?

CONN
Brian is wild, but he is free-handed.

MAIRE
Wild and free-handed!  Are all men like that?  Wild and
free-handed!  But that’s not the sort of man I want to look to now.

CONN That’s nothing to Brian’s discredit.  MAIRE Ah, what do I know about Brian MacConnell, except that he’s a man of quarrels and broken words?

  Conn holds up his hand warningly.  Brian MacConnell comes to door.

CONN
(opening half-door) You’re welcome, Brian.

BRIAN
Thank you for the good word, Conn.

  He comes in.

MAIRE
You’re welcome, Brian MacConnell.

CONN (taking candle off dresser) I was going up to the room to make ready, but Maire will be glad to speak to you.  I knew you wouldn’t let us go without wishing us the luck of the road.

  Goes up to room.  Maire goes and sits on settle.

MAIRE
Brian MacConnell has come to us again.

BRIAN
I’m before you again.  Let me tell you what I was doing since I
was here last.

MAIRE
What were you doing, Brian?  Making quarrels, may be?