Part 7 (1/2)

What is your message?

YOUNG MAN.

I am of Aoife's army.

FIRST KING.

Queen Aoife and her army have fallen upon us.

SECOND KING.

Out swords! Out swords!

THIRD KING.

They are about the house.

FOURTH KING.

Rush out! Rush out! Before they have fired the thatch.

YOUNG MAN.

Aoife is far away. I am alone.

I have come alone in the midst of you To weigh this sword against Cuchullain's sword.

(There is a murmur amongst the Kings.)

CONCOBAR.

And are you n.o.ble? for if of common seed You cannot weigh your sword against his sword But in mixed battle.

YOUNG MAN.

I am under bonds To tell my name to no man, but it's n.o.ble.

CONCOBAR.

But I would know your name and not your bonds.

You cannot speak in the a.s.sembly House If you are not n.o.ble.

A KING.

Answer the High King.

YOUNG MAN.

(Drawing his sword.)

I will give no other proof than the hawk gives That it's no sparrow.

(He is silent a moment then speaks to all.)

Yet look upon me, Kings; I too am of that ancient seed and carry The signs about this body and in these bones.