Part 3 (1/2)

(_Breaks off abruptly, and stands, gazing before her, clasping the baby to her bosom._)

JUDITH: Why don't you finish?

”Ay, even though its mother ...” you were saying.

ELIZA: It's ill work, calling names.

JUDITH: You needn't fear To make me blush by calling me any name That hasn't stung me to the quick already.

My pious father had a holy tongue; And he had searched the Scriptures to some purpose.

ELIZA (_gazing before her in an abstracted manner_): Ay: likely enough.... Poor bairn, poor little bairn-- It's strange, but, as you snuggled to my breast, I could have fancied, a moment, 'twas Jim I held In my arms again. I'm growing old and foolish, To have such fancies.

JUDITH: Fancied 'twas Jim, your son-- My b.a.s.t.a.r.d brat?

ELIZA: Shame on you, woman, to call Your own bairn such, poor innocent. It's not To blame for being a chance-bairn. Yet ... O Jim!

JUDITH: Why do you call on Jim? He's not come home yet?

But I must go, before your son brings back ...

Give me the bairn ...

ELIZA (_withholding the baby_): Nay, daughter, not till I learn The father's name.

JUDITH: What right have you ...

ELIZA: G.o.d kens ...

And yet ...

JUDITH: Give me the bairn. You'll never learn The father's name from me.

ELIZA: Go, daughter, go.

What ill-chance made you come to-day, of all days?

JUDITH: Why not to-day? Come, woman, I'd ken that, Before I go. I've half a mind to stay.

ELIZA: Nay, la.s.s, you said ...

JUDITH: I've said a lot, in my time.

I've changed my mind. 'Twas Jim I came to see-- Though why, G.o.d kens! I liked the singing-hinny: Happen, there'll be some more for me, if I stay.

I find I cannot thrive on nettle-broth: And it's not every day ...

ELIZA: Judith, you ken.

JUDITH: Ken? I ken nothing, but what you tell me.

ELIZA: Daughter, I'll tell you all. You'll never have the heart ...

JUDITH: The heart!

ELIZA: To stay and shame us, when you ken all.

JUDITH: All?