Part 6 (2/2)

_The Very Old Blind Woman._ Here; we are sitting on stones.

_First Blind Man._ (_Advances and stumbles against the fallen tree and the rocks._) There is something between us.

_Second Blind Man._ We had better keep our places.

_Third Blind Man._ Where are you sitting?--Will you come over by us?

_The Very Old Blind Woman._ We dare not rise!

_Third Blind Man._ Why did he separate us?

_First Blind Man._ I hear praying on the women's side.

_Second Blind Man._ Yes; the three old women are praying.

_First Blind Man._ This is no time for prayer!

_Second Blind Man._ You will pray soon enough, in the dormitory!

(_The three old women continue their prayers._)

_Third Blind Man._ I should like to know who it is I am sitting by.

_Second Blind Man._ I think I am next to you.

(_They feel about them._)

_Third Blind Man._ We can't reach each other.

_First Blind Man._ Nevertheless, we are not far apart. (_He feels about him and strikes with his staff the fifth blind man, who utters a m.u.f.fled groan._) The one who cannot hear is beside us.

_Second Blind Man._ I don't hear anybody; we were six just now.

_First Blind Man._ I am going to count. Let us question the women, too; we must know what to depend upon. I hear the three old women praying all the time; are they together?

_The Very Old Blind Woman._ They are sitting beside me, on a rock.

_First Blind Man._ I am sitting on dead leaves.

_Third Blind Man._ And the beautiful blind girl, where is she?

_The Very Old Blind Woman._ She is near them that pray.

_Second Blind Man._ Where is the mad woman, and her child?

_The Young Blind Girl._ He sleeps; do not awaken him!

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