Part 50 (1/2)

_2nd Dowager Messenger_: It is no wonder they took to one another. It was easy to know by the way they behaved they had in them royal blood.

_(The Boys turn to each other, the Ogre is slipping out.)_

_Jester: (Throwing off his cloak and showing his green ragged clothes.)_ Stop where you are!

_Ogre_: Do your best! You cannot hinder me!

I have spells could change the whole of ye to a cairn of grey stones! _(Makes signs with his hands.)_

_Jester: (In a terrible voice.)_ Are you thinking to try your spells against _mine_?

_Ogre: (Trembling and falling on his knees.)_ Oh, spare me! Hold your hand! Do not use against me your spells of life and death! I know you now! I know you well through your ragged dress!

What are my spells beside yours? You the great Master of all magic and all enchantments, Manannan, Son of the Sea!

_Jester_: Yes, I am Manannan, that men are apt to call a Jester and a Fool, and a Disturber, and a Mischief-maker, upsetting the order of the world and making confusion in its order and its ways.

_(Recites or sings.)_

For when I see a master Hold back his hireling's fee I shake my pepper castor Into his sweetened tea!

And when I see a plan make The Birds that watch us frown, I come and toss the pancake And turn it upside down!

In this I follow after Lycurgus who was wise; To the little G.o.d of laughter I make my sacrifice!

And now here is my word of command! Everyone into his right place!

_Ogre_: Spare me! Let me go this time!

_Jester_: Go out now! I will not bring a blemish on this sword by striking off your ugly head. But as you have been through seven years an enemy to these young boys, keeping them in ignorance and dirt, they that are sons of a king, I cross and command you to go groping through holes and dirt and darkness through three times seven years in the shape of a rat, with every boy, high or low, gentle or simple, your pursuer and your enemy.

And along with that I would recommend you to keep out of the way of your own enchanted cats!

_(Ogre gives a squeal and creeps away on all fours.)_

_Guardian_: I think I will give up business and go back to my old trade of Chamberlain and of shutting out draughts from the Court. The weight of years is coming on me, and it is time for me to set my mind to some quiet path.

_1st Dowager Messenger_: Come home with us so, and help us to attend to our cats, that they will be able to destroy the rats of the world.

_2nd Dowager Messenger: (To Princes.)_ It is best for you come to your G.o.dmother's Court, as your Guardian is showing the way.

_1st Prince_: We may come and give news of our doings at the end of a year and a day.

But now we will go with our comrades to learn their work and their play.

_2nd Prince_: For lying on silken cus.h.i.+ons, or stretched on a feathery bed.

We would long again for the path by the lake, and the wild swans overhead.

_3d Prince_: Till we'll harden our bodies with wrestling and get courage to stand in a fight.

_4th Prince_: And not to be blind in the woods or in dread of the darkness of night.