The deck of a galley in the heroic age. The tiller, which comes through the bulwark, is to the left hand. One looks along the deck toward the high forecastle, which is partly hidden by a great square sail. The sail is drawn in toward the stern at the left side; and is high enough above the deck at the right side to show a little of the deck beyond and of the forecastle. Three rows of hounds, the first dark, the second red and then white with red ears make a conventional pattern upon the sail. The sea is hidden in mist, and there is no light except where the moon makes a vague brightness in the mist. Forgael is sleeping upon skins a few yards forward of the tiller. He has a silver lily worked upon the breast of his garment. A small harp lies beside him. Aibric and two sailors stand about the tiller. One of the sailors is steering. THE HELMSMAN. His face has never gladdened since he came THE OTHER SAILOR. And I would be as sad But that the wind changed; for I followed him And heard the music in the wind, and saw A red hound running from a silver arrow. I drew my sword to fling it in a pool; I have forgotten wherefore. THE HELMSMAN. The red hound Was Forgael's courage that the music killed. THE OTHER SAILOR. How many moons have died from the full moon His heart's desire where the world dwindles out? Nine moons. THE HELMSMAN. THE OTHER SAILOR. And from the harping of the fool? THE HELMSMAN. Three moons. THE OTHER SAILOR. It were best to kill him, and choose out THE HELMSMAN. I had killed him long ago, but that the fool THE OTHER SAILOR. Now that he is asleep, He cannot wake the god that hides in it. (The two sailors go nearer to Forgael and half draw their swords.) AIBRIC. And whom will you make leader? Who will make A path among these waves and weigh the wind? Not I, nor Maine there, nor Duach's son. Be patient yet awhile; for this ninth moon, Being the moon of birth, may end our doubt. (Forgael rises. The two sailors hurry past him, and disappear beyond the sail. Forgael takes the tiller.) FORGAEL. So these would have killed Forgael while asleep AIBRIC. Although I doubt your wisdom, do not doubt FORGAEL. But would turn home again. AIBRIC. No man had doubts When we rowed north, singing above the oars, FORGAEL. Do you remember, Aibric, how you bore A captive woman from the narrow bridge, AIBRIC. I thought she loved you, and I thought her love Would overcome your sorrow and your dreams. But you grew weary of her. FORGAEL. When I hold A woman in my arms, she sinks away AIBRIC. No man or woman has loved otherwise FORGAEL. The fool that came out of the wintry wood AIBRIC. It was a fool that gave it, and may be FORGAEL. I have good pilots, Aibric; when men die They are changed and as gray birds fly out to sea, How all that die are borne about the world In the cold streams, and wake to their desire, A SAILOR. (Running from the forecastle.) Thrust down the helm, For I have seen a ship hid in the fog. FORGAEL. (To Aibric.) Give me the helm: call hither those who lie (Aibric goes toward the forecastle.) It may be now that I can go my way (Two sailors come creeping along the right bulwark.) THE FOREMOST OF THE TWO SAILORS. It were better to pass by, because the gods THE HINDERMOST OF THE TWO SAILORS. No, for I have hope Forgael may find his heart's desire on board |