the deflowering of maggie may_version_g_june l13th

The Deflowering of Maggie May

by

Gerry Mulhern

GlenhestCo.MayoIreland

Restored by Alan and Melanie Mulhern, 2008Latest version June 09

Version E for Noel after talk with AM on 29th March 2009

Contact details:[email protected]@gmail.com

I


Foreword

‘There’ll be atellin…..’

The Deflowering of Maggie May has strange origins: it resulted from intense national

feelings on the one hand and boredom on the other. It was written by Gerry Mulhern

around 1968 whilst working nights in a car factory in England. These shifts were very

light and he had hours with nothing to do. He decided to use his time productively and

so he wrote a play.

Gerry had read little drama for he was neither literary man nor scholar. The only

inspiration for this play, as far as I am aware, was his minor participation in Synge’s

The Playboy of the Western World. However, what he did have, and what many Irish

people of his generation shared, was a love of poetry and song, mostly Irish, but

occasionally broadening out to the verse of Longfellow and the like. Poems, such as

the Schooner Hesperus, were given extempore in the long car trips to Holyhead to

cross the Irish sea. The font of humour that runs through the Irish, and which he had

in abundance, surfaces in the play. He could tell a great joke and plenty of them. The

other main ingredient in the backdrop to the play was his mixture of strong

nationalism and political sensibility.

Gerry was born in 1926 in Glenhest, county Mayo, one of eight children, in a small

holding at the foot of a mountain. He grew up shortly after Irish independence. A

story he told me of his youth concerned his educational frustration. At the age of 13

he got a scholarship to a Christian Brother school – an avenue of educational

advancement. However his family could not afford the uniform so he was prevented

from going. Despite his intelligence his education simply stopped. So, far from being

an educated man he left his schooling by the age of fourteen and like so many Irish

young men of his age left for England in search of work in the 1950s. For much of his

adult life then he was an emigrant.

II

This play demonstrates an awareness of the injustice done to a people by a foreign

conqueror, a bitter feeling for the role of Catholicism and its superstitious influence

on the people. Yet there is also an awareness of how much this religion held the

country together. The play understands the potent combination of innocence and

hypocrisy that can pervade an oppressed nation and has feeling for the family

structure that had been violated by a cruel oppressor. Gerry knew the importance of

the land in the consciousness of the Irish – imbued as it is with material significance

and poetic feeling.

Maggie May can be thought of as the innocence of Ireland herself; it is she who is

violated and forced into duplicity. Her father, Dan, outwardly a Fenian, is turned

traitor and dies in deceit and agony. Under pressure hypocrisy emerges in many

characters, for example the priest or Joe who cunningly wins Maggie and takes the

land of her parents, and of course Dan himself. Yet the rebel spirit is maintained,

interestingly in this play, by many of the women, for example Agnes who warns the

Fenians and Mary herself who remains true to the cause. Indeed, the Old Woman of

Ireland is represented as an ancient spirit of truth to which Maggie has access and

works in stark contrast to the machinations of the church.

The setting of the play is the west of Ireland in the 1860s, a time of the Fenian

movement and the height of English power in the country. The remoteness of the west

did not save it one iota from the standards of British occupation. There were garrisons

in all strategic towns; rebels were dealt with by summary treatment; torture and

execution were common and terror of the population was periodic and vicious. All the

land was thoroughly accounted for and neither person nor institution were exempt.

The shadow of England ruled Ireland. There is no historical understanding of Irish

psychology without reference to its experience of the British. This the play grasps

completely.

The action is set in a small household, the Macnallys, where Dan and Mary have one

daughter, Maggie May. They are surrounded by a small community all of whom are

intensely Catholic and superstitious. Beyond their narrow daily concerns there are

larger political issues, represented by the Fenians and those who opposed British rule.

The semi-feudal structure of the land, essentially belonging to the British crown and

III

its representative, the local landlord, pervades all economic and political life. The play

concerns the meeting of the personal with the political. In an effort to deal with local

‘troublemakers’ the landlord sets loose an English Major and his men on the local

population. One of the repercussions of this is the central event of the play – the rape

of Maggie May, which exposes fault lines in the Irish character.

This play has many shortcomings. How could it be otherwise? Yet it has character

development, special phraseology, abundant colloquialism and vernacular

peculiarities; it has a clear sense of structure and pace, a sense of humour grasping

unique features of the Irish character; it has simple but effective symbols1, a powerful

sense of the dramatic and an unusual ending. It combines the political dimension with

an appreciation of family structure and individual psychology. It is clearly rooted in

the history of Ireland and is a tribute to the talent of a people who, despite oppression

and deprived of economic well being, managed to have great humour and elevated

poetic feeling - a combination of romanticism and cynical despair. For this reason it

should not be confined to the back of the dusty desk in which I found it, thirty years

after it was written and ten years after he died.

Alan Mulhern (son of the author)

Special thanks are due to Melanie Mulhern (granddaughter of author) who typed the

text and provided enormous help in order for this play to be resurrected.

1 The hare, of course, at one level represents trapped human characters. Yet, a prophesy refers to it returning to life, maimed and incomplete – a more complex symbol of the divided Ireland to come.

IV


Casti

Maggie MayDan MacNallyMary MacNallyJoe RyanAgnes GradyKitty GradyRileySir James RockMajor CrawfordFather Malone

Colours indicate possibility of doubling up or tripling up acting roles –see endnote 1

i Various characters can double –up or even triple up to play other characters. For example:Joe Ryan can play Father Malone and also a soldier.Agnes Grady could play her mother Kitty Grady.Riley could be played by Sir James or even Major Crawford – providing someone was comfortable with both an English and an Irish accent. Thus it could be done with 7- 8 actors.

A

Synopsis

Act 1 scene 1 SaturdayDan and Mary MacNally are concerned that their daughter, Maggie, should marry. Maggie shows the hare she has freed from a trap. Mary introduces the idea of marriage to Maggie. Joe Ryan arrives and talks of the party to be held that night in MacMahons to which Maggie is allowed to go.

Act 1 scene 2 Sunday morningDan and Mary next morning receive Maggie’s news of the party. Mary and Maggie go to the Sunday mass leaving Dan at home, who is feeling unwell. Riley appears and makes a proposed match between Maggie and Tom Murphy who had danced with her at the party. Dan agrees. Maggie and Mary return and Dan tells the news. Kitty arrives and brings news of soldiers in the area.

Act 2 scene 1 Sunday afternoonThe local landlord, Sir James Rock, is visited by Dan who is asking permission to continue the lease. The Sir James puts pressure on Dan to extract information about rebel activities. The Major arrives and drinks with the landlord. They agree on a plan to deal with the troublemakers, which includes putting more pressure on Dan. Agnes, the house maid, overhears much of this. The priest comes and makes clear his acquiescence with the landlord’s position.

Act 3 scene 1 Sunday late eveningMary and Maggie meet Dan on his return from the Sir James and he appears very ill. That night the Major and his men arrive searching for rebels. They enter the Macnally’s house and the Major rapes Maggie. After they leave the family contemplate their trauma. The mother tries to comfort Maggie realising the danger if the news were leaked and advises to act as if nothing has happened. Dan realises that he will break under the pressure.

Act 3 scene 2 Monday morningNext morning Mary questions Maggie more closely and ascertains that she had been raped. She recommends that she should be married as soon as possible, probably to Joe Ryan who is now suddenly in favour despite his lowly position. Father Malone is called to hear Maggie’s confession after which he counsels the same as the mother. They are now adamant that the news must not get out. Maggie finds the hare dead and then breaks down. She has a vision of the old woman of Ireland which she tells her to her mother.

Small Interval

B

Act 4 scene 1 Some weeks laterJoe arrives at MacNally’s and Maggie flirts with him. Kitty arrives and tells of how the soldiers broke into their home looking for Agnes, who has disappeared. She tells of how they took her husband. There is rumour of a spy in their midst. There is news of others who have been taken by the soldiers. Tom Murphy has fled to America. Mary accompanies Kitty home and Dan is left alone. Joe Ryan enters and threatens Dan with exposure of a letter proving that he is the spy. He extracts concessions from Dan in return for not showing the letter: these are the hand of Maggie in marriage and the handing over of the land. Joe leaves; Maggie and Mary return, Dan lets them know of Joe’s wish for Maggie’s hand. Mary and Maggie are pleased

Act 4 scene 2 Next dayMaggie and Mary are discussing marriage details when Kitty arrives with a letter from Agnes. This reveals that she is in America and that there is a spy in their midst, No name is mentioned. News comes that Joe Ryan almost drowned coming back from town whist crossing the river. Foul play is mentioned.

Act 4 scene 3 Friday morningDan and Mary return from the wedding reception to the house. The mother finds out from Maggie that she is not pregnant and therefore their dissemblance has been without purpose. Some songs are sung and there is some drinking. There is an announcement that two men, Fenians, have come to the door. Reports of men dying in the hands of the soldiers are given and also of the Major being shot. A spy’s name is about to be mentioned. Dan falls to the ground and dies.

C

Act 1 scene 1

A small holding in the west of Ireland. The 1860s. The main room of the MacNally's cottage. DAN and MARY MACNALLY are sitting in their kitchen/main room. The furniture consists of rocking chair, stool and long fourm. DAN is sitting in his rocking chair smoking his pipe which he finds great difficulty keeping light. MARY sitting on a stool knitting while MAGGIE MAY scurries in and out of the house with buckets to an outside, unseen cow barn attached to the house. Saturday.

MARY: We’re so lucky to have Maggie May helping around the farm so much. What would we do without her?

DAN: (feeling his painful back) Umm.

MARY: Mind you, we shall have to part from her some time, after all it can’t go on forever, now can it, Dan?

DAN: Perhaps it’s time we were thinkin of gettin a man for Maggie May, she's not getting any younger and neither are we. She'll be 21 shortly - are ya lishenin to what I'm sayin woman?

(MARY straightens herself on the stool, puts her knitting down on her lap and slowly gazes around the room to see if MAGGIE MAY has entered.)

MARY: (with a sigh) I am but t’is not easy with your only child. I shall miss her so much, she’s such a lovely girl, and a real companion to me – who listens to what I’m sayin. As ya say, Dan, she's not gettin any younger and she must be married. But she's such an innocent lass she wouldn’t know what to - never mind, did ya have anyone in mind?

DAN: Yes Mary, I have indeed. I was thinkin of Murphys below the town. Now ya take Tom, he's the oldest lad, a fine upstandin young man. Shure, he couldn’t be otherwise. Like father, like son, and what's more the're the most devout Catholics in the parish. And good breedin counts every time and I shouldn't have to tell ya that. Ya know what I mane, don’t ya?

MARY: (with a wave of her hand) The Murphys is it? Shure I know Eileen well, it's only the other day I was talkin to her at the market. Oh Dan, ya should have been there. The hat she was wearen, ya should have seen it. It was one of them new fox-dangled ideas perched on the top of her head it was, and a big red band tied with a bow under her chin - and a spotted shawl to match. It was then I took one look at miself, I felt so shabby in mi ould tatters.

The Deflowering of Maggie May 1

DAN: Women, I'll never understand them as long as I live. Here we are discussin a very serious matter and all ya can think of is fashion. (DAN leaves the room beatin his chest.)

(MAGGIE MAY enters with a woven basket of potatoes, puts it on a small table in the corner of the room. She picks up the besom and starts to sweep the floor.)

MAGGIE: Theer y’are father, we have some potatoes for dinner. O mother, did ya see the hare? I found her in a trap in the field, shakin with terror he was. She can hardly move, her leg is so crushed. I brought her home and put her in the cage. (she moves to the cageii) Do ya think she'll live mother?

MARY: Well, I don't know child, those traps can be terrible cruel. Well sit down, child, you’ve been workin since this morning.

MAGGIE: And that ould cow is gettin harder to milk every-day. If it isn't her tail that is swishin across mi face, it's her legs flyin in all directions. It's no use, father will have to do somethin about her, before she knocks mi brains out.

(MARY goes to the window to see if the coast is clear, returns to the fire-side)

MARY: Yes, it's no work for a woman, that's a job for a young man. (MAGGIE MAY looks startled) Maggie darlin, put your besom down and come up to the fire, I want to talk to you.

MAGGIE: Yes Mother, what did ya want to talk to me about?

MARY: Sit down in yar father's chair there. There, that’s better (patting her daughter on the knee). Ya know ya'll be 21 next week. Well, miself and your father were just sayen what a good girl y'are, and how we must prepare for yar future. (MARY reminisces). Ah shure it's only yesterday since I was 21 miself. I mind so well, I had mi first pair of shop shoes. You'll never believe this, the first thing I did, I jumped into the strame to see if they would lake. It's amazin the fun one can have with simple things when y'are young. I can tell ya now without a word of a lie I cut a great shine at the hop in Walsh's that night. But the most important thing of all that happened that week - guess what (slapping MAGGIE MAY in excitement). Ya father asked for mi hand in marriage.

MAGGIE: Oh, Mother, do tell me how ya met father and how he proposed to ya.

MARY: Well, one day a cousin of yar father came to our house. I had a very strange feelen that somethin was goin to happen because mi parents

ii The cage therefore does not contain any real hare since the audience never see inside of it, the cage having “its back to the audience” so to speak. It has a cloth draped over it on the side facing of the audience.


made a great fuss of him. Ya don't know remember yar grandparents do ya?

MAGGIE: No mother, not much, do tell me about them.

MARY: Yar grandfather was a fine well built man, strong as an ass they used to say, but he was also very gentle. Yar grandmother was a rather reserved and refined woman, a bit like ya as a matter of fact (pauses thinking).

MAGGIE: Mother, mother, about father's cousin, what happened?

MARY: Oh yes. Where was I…. mi parents treated him somehow special, hard to explain, just different I suppose. Later when I went to bed, it must have been hours later mi mother came into the bedroom and took the money-stockin from the bed-post. I got out of bed and listened but all I could hear was the jingle of money. Next day I learned yar father had asked for mi hand in marriage. A match of course, we O'Neils were considered well off and what's more we are descendants of the Royal O'Neils of Ulster, mind you, I didn't come in here empty-handed. I had £100, two cows, three blankets and all mi own clothes, enough for 3 years. I was a good catch for any man.

MAGGIE: Sheesh Mother, I hear someone comin. It sounds like Joe Ryan, He’s come down from his house on the hill. It's him all right I can tell by his whistle.

MARY: Quick daughter, start knittin. Make shure he sees ya workin. It's good to make the right impression. And mind, he worked for the MacMahon’s who were bailiffs for the landlord.

JOE: (knocking on door) God save all in.

MARY: God save ya kindly and y'are welcome Joe, come in and rest yourself.

JOE: Tank ya mam. And how are ye all today?

MARY: Well, Joe, well. And how are yar aunt and cousins, all well I trust.

JOE: Yes, all sound.

MARY: Now, tell me Joe, do ya ever think to get a small place of yar own. After all, ya’ll never come in to the farm – that’ll go to John Joe, the eldest of yar cousins.

JOE: Well, I’ve given that a lot of thought, a lot. Ya know that it’s not easy for me to get a place, workin here and there for whatever I can get. But I shall find one. I shall not be without my few acres before long, God willin.


MARY: That’s the fightin stuff!

JOE: And how is Maggie May today? As pretty as always and forever worken…Don't ya ever stop?

MAGGIE: Will ya lishen to himself bladderen, there's a stool for ya. Now sit down and warm yar hands to the fire. Would ya be haven a cup of tay?

JOE: Are ya shure it's not too much trouble? I'll say one thing for the MacNallys, no one can say a bad word about them.

MAGGIE: No, no it's no trouble. There's one in the pot, I was goin to throw it out, so ya might as well have it.

JOE: In that case, tank ya Maggie, it would be a shame to waste it. (MARY leaves the room). Ya know Maggie ya shuld get out a bit more, go to the dances more often, kick your heels a bit.

MAGGIE: And where is it I'd be goin, and who would I be goin with? Perhaps ya have a notion yarself.

JOE: There's a dance in MacMahon's tonight, there'll be a great crowd. Their cousins, the Murphys, from above the town are comin. They say they are great step-dancers. Why don't ya come? I'll give ya the first dance. (JOE puts his arm around MAGGIE MAY and tries to steal a shy kiss.)

MAGGIE: (half pushing him away) Now, tell me why I shuld dance with the likes of ye, dance indeed, with a servant boy, is it?

(MARY enters)

MARY: Did I hear someone talk of a dance in MacMahon's?

MAGGIE: Joe says there's a big do tonight.

JOE: I must be goin. Goodbye Mrs MacNally, so long Maggie May, see ya tonight, maybe.

MARY: Good luck Joe, God speed, if it’s on yar way, will ya tell Agnes to come down across the field, she might go with Maggie to the do this evenin. Come again anytime. (Exit JOE.) This do, I suppose there'll be a big crowd. Them MacMahons are fly ones, always seem to have plenty of everythin. But Maggie darlin, what would yar father say? As ya know he's a strong Fenian. He wouldn't like it.

MAGGIE: Oh, mother. I'd love to go. Will ya speak to father. He's shure to do what ya ask. What in the name of God would I wear? Will ya look at the state of mi clothes.


(DAN enters)

DAN: Am havin a very good mornin. (rubbing his hands) I've just sold 2 barrels of potatoes to Grady’s. Yes, I'm very pleased with miself today.

MARY: Grady was it, ya'll be lucky if ya ever see a brass farthin for your trouble.

DAN: Well, what ever ya say woman, I trust Pat. He said he would pay when he sold the cart.

MARY: Ya can take it from me, oh devil the penny ye'll ever see. I know someone who sold them butter two years ago and not as much as a wink did they get. Shure it was only last Sunday at Mass we saw it all. Oh I have forgotten already ya weren't there, ya stayed at home because the cow was calfin.

DAN: Well Mary, this long-winded story better be good.

MARY: Dan, ya make me mad sometimes, if I was talkin politics I suppose ya would give attention for a week. Now whisht and listen. When the priest called out the names of those who had not paid the priest's collection. Do ya know what happened? Yar brave Pat fainted and had to be carried out of the church. But the best of it all was, when they put him on the wet grass he recovered like a shot.

DAN: Kept very quiet about this, why didn't ya tell me?

(MAGGIE rushes in).

MAGGIE: Would this do? It's the best I've got. (showing dress to mother)

MARY: Shush child, can't ya see your father is talkin.

DAN: What's the girl fussin about clothes for, come on out with it.

MARY: She hasn't got any clothes anyway, so it doesn't matter.

DAN: Ya keep babblin woman, what are ya goin on about?

MARY: Well, there's a dance in MacMahon's tonight and Maggie’s been invited, well not exactly invited, but it's an open invitation.

DAN: It’s an open invitation: everyone hates them. Now Mary ya know who these people are, traitors to the cause, to Ireland, to everythin we stand for and further more they're almost Protestant. I wouldn't let a daughter of mine cross their threshold for all the cotton in Cork.

MARY: Now Dan, will ya hold yar whist a while, until ya hear the whole story. Accordin to Joe Ryan the cousins Murphys from above the town will


be there and as ya know, it would not do for the MacNallys to be the only ones to stay away.

MAGGIE: I've seen them Murphys at the fairs a few times. That Tom is a very handsome fella, much betta lookin then his brother. Oh father can I go? I'll get up twice as early and work a lot harder - ya'll see if I don't. (catching her father by the hand).

DAN: Well Mary, I suppose your right, one has to bend a little in these hard times. But lass, mind ya come straight home, no shinanigin about on the way home. I want no talk from the neighbours next day.

MAGGIE: Oh bless ya father, God bless ya (kissing father on the cheek). Mother who should I go with, will this dress be all right?

MARY: I thought to take ya miself, But ye'll be better off with someone else. Agnes Grady is your best bet. She loves dancin so she'll introduce ya to everyone. I've asked her over and she'll be here shortly.

DAN: (sitting smoking his pipe) We don't want to be beholden to these people. They might get the impression that we needed the money for the potatoes.

MARY: Now Dan, ya leave the arrangin to the women. I will talk to Kitty miself about payment in mi own way. Now Maggie I have sent word to Agnes to call for ya this evenin. (MARY leaves the room)

DAN: Ya've never been to the MacMahon's have ya Maggie?

MAGGIE: No I haven't, as a matter of fact I'm a bit nervous.

DAN: There's nothin to be afeared of. As ya know, I never did like that family very much. Ya nere see herself at all, and that daughter of theirs she's nothin to write home about. Ya'll be all right. The Murphy lads and Joe Ryan will see no harm comes to ya.

(Exit MAGGIE. Small time intervaliii. MARY comes into room)

MARY: Well, Agnes will be here shortly, (catching MAGGIE by the arms) look at you. Not bad at all if I may say so miself. What do ya say Dan?

DAN: Very nice, but won't she get wet in them shoes. Wouldn't she be better to put her clogs on?

MARY: Do ya know anythin Dan MacNally? T'is a ball she's goin to, not to a field spreadin top dress. I sometimes wonder about ya Dan, if you're all right in the head. Now Maggie if ya wear mi spotted shawl and take mi best handkerchief ya'll be the belle of the ball.

AGNES: (knocks on the door) God Bless.


MARY: Welcome Agnes, will ya have a cup of tay while yar waitin.

DAN: How do Agnes, how is all at home? How’s Pat and Kitty?

AGNES: Everyone's fine, dad sends his regards (DAN moves uneasy).

MARY: I'll put the kettle on, you'll have a sup and a bite before ye go.

AGNES: Not for me Mary. I'm full up to here.

MAGGIE: O, Agnes, come and see the hare. I found her in a springe in the field. Terrified she was, shakin all over.

AGNES: Ay, just think how free and happy she must have been, then suddenly caught in awful pain, waitin for somethin terrible to happen.

MAGGIE: Oh I do hope she lives. I'd love to see her go free again.

AGNES: Well, come on girl. And who do ya think you'll be dancin with tonight? (Exit MAGGIE and AGNES laughing. DAN and MARY by fireside)

MARY: Don't worry. Why she's almost 21 and it's time she was gettin out more. Now Dan, have ya heard anthin of those rebel’s meetins. It's said they might target that landlord in Mulranny, ya know, the one that has bin evictin so many tenants. There had better be a good escape route to America for the lad that is chosen to do it.

DAN: Yes, that's all well and good, but Ireland needs more than a local action here and there. It needs a general movement to unite all Irishmen - at least that's what Stephens said at that Fenian meetin last year.

MARY: And what else did he say?

DAN: Well, he said we should organize ourselves in Ireland and America, since, with the civil war and all they have there, there will be plenty of Irish soldiers well trained, as well as the money they might raise for the cause.

MARY. Well. Make sure ya take care of yarself in these troubled times Dan, Maggie May and I need a father of the house.

(Spotlight on hare's cage)


Act 1 scene 2

Sunday morning. MacNally's main room. MARY and DAN seated.

DAN: Where's Maggie May? She's usually up at this time. T'is a strange carry on when people can't get up to do their day's work.

MARY: Shush Dan, let the girl sleep awhile. This sort of thing doesn't happen every day and what's more it may have been well worth while. Anyway I'll call her in time for mass. (Enter Maggie). Oh there y’are Maggie, tell us all about last night.

MAGGIE: I had a wonderful time. I danced nearly every time, and then near the

end a group of tinkers came in and they danced jigs and played the flute and all sort of things. (She moves to the cage and puts food inside it muttering encouraging words to the hare)

MARY: Tinkers in MacMahon's? Ah never mind, Who did ya dance with? Were there any outsiders there?

MAGGIE: Oh, I danced with lots of people, the Murphy brothers and their friends, also Joe Ryan.

DAN: Who took ya home?

MAGGIE: Agnes Grady's father, Pat, happened to be passin, he walked home with us, so I was all right, I was father.

DAN: Happened to be passin indeed, more like lookin for a free drink. That man can smell drink a mile away.

MARY: Dan, will ya hold yar whist awhile till I get all the news. Tell me more, there must be more!

MAGGIE: Well, when Tom Murphy brought me dancin a lot and made a big fuss of me, Joe Ryan didn't like it one bit. He said so at the next dance.

MARY: Ya never mind Joe, he's a good-lookin fella and all that, but, he has nothin, just workin for a bit and a sup. He’s had to live with cousin’s since his parents died when he was young, so he won’t be inheritin anything there. . Oh will ya look at the time. We'll all have to rush or we'll be late for mass and ye know what the priest is like when that happens, we would be the show of the parish. Oh Dan, will ya look at ya, here let me straighten ya tie. Good God man y'are as white as a ghost. Y’ar sick again. Sit down darlin ya don't look well at all. Perhaps ya had better go to second mass. See how ya feel.

MAGGIE: Mother, someone should stay with father. Will ya be all right dad. (hand on father's shoulder)

DAN: Stop fussin woman, ye run along. I'll be fine, just leave me be.

MARY/MAGGIE: Goodbye Dan/ goodbye father.

(DAN gets his rosary beads to pray. There's a shout.)

RILEY: Is there anyone in?

DAN: (goes to door) Oh Mr Riley it's you, come in and sit a minute. The women have just gone to first mass.

RILEY: It seems I've come at the right time. But Dan ya don't look well at all. Perhaps I should leave it to another time?

DAN: No, no I'll be all right, it's nothin. It will pass. Take a chair, would ya like a drop of the crather?

RILEY: That’s kind of ya Dan, just enough to put the taste in mi mouth. That's fine, Dan, good luck to the MacNallys.

DAN: And to all of yours Mr Riley.

RILEY: Ah that.

DAN: Well, I hear it was a great do last night, the parish is talkin of it.

RILEY: Yes, a great do - with some consequences. (He drinks slowly). Ah that’s better. Well Dan, I'm here on very important business. I'll get to the point. Ya know the Murphy's from above the town. Well as ya probably know they are relations of mine.

DAN: Get away, I never knew that, here let me fill your glass.

RILEY: I was at the do lat night and there was a dancing and drinkin – the girls behaved well mind you. Your Maggie May was a fine dancer and she caught the eye of many of the lads. Well to make a long story short, Tom’s the oldest boy of the Murphys wants a match with Maggie May. Ya know the Murphy's don't ya Dan?

DAN: Indeed I do, they are a fine family and Tom’s a strappin young man. One couldn't ask for better …. if the terms are right. As ya know Maggie May is only a slip of a girl, no more then a child, one might say. Of course she'll get the place, that’s if the landlord is satisfied to extend the lease. She's a fine catch for any man, wouldn't ya agree Mr Riley? But as ya know he would have to have quite a bit comin in here.

RILEY: As ya say Dan she's a good catch for any man, and as far as I know he wouldn't be comin in empty-handed. I heard £100 and 2 cows talked of if a match could be arranged.

DAN: Umm, mind you she’s only a young girl and does not anything about the world, maybe she is not quite ready. I’m not sure. (he pours another drink for them both).

RILEY: I think it’s a great opportunity Dan, the Murphys, as ya know, are well set up and have connections all over town.

DAN: I suppose that’s true. (He puffs his pipe in silence for a few moments rocking back and forth on the chair).

RILEY: Well, yes….umm.. I’m sure they would stretch to 3 cows.

DAN: What’s that? Did you say 3 cows and £150 pounds?

RILEY: Well, yes, I suppose so, 3 cows and £150 pounds.

DAN: I'm shure we'll work somethin out, we won't fall out over a few pounds. Of course I'll have to talk to Mary and Maggie May, before I can say one way or another. And I’ll have to see young Tom Murphy personally and confirm things.

RILEY: Well Dan, we'll shake hands on it, all things bein equal we have a gentleman's agreement on the matter. I'll have to go now. Good luck Dan, see ya soon.

DAN: Good luck Mr Riley. My house is your house anytime.

(DAN walks to door with Riley. Returns to chair and the rosary. The light dims indicating passage of a little time. MARY/MAGGIE enter)

DAN: Ye are back already, that didn't take long.

MARY: Not too long, although at one stage I thought he was goin to have a go at the Fenians. Ya know Dan, ya still don't look too good, I think ya better stay at home today. Anyway I have done enough prayin for all of us.

MAGGIE: Mother, I better milk the cows, father must rest today.

MARY: There's no hurry Maggie. Change yar clothes, take your time, the cows can wait. Dan, was that MacMahon I saw leavin as we came up the road? It's not like him to come around here for anythin good. Kitty Grady is comin to tay this evenin. I've got a currant loaf and a pot of marmalade, that should brighten things up a bit. Well, go on Dan, what did MacMahon want? I know y'are dyin to tell us.

DAN: Well while ye woman were prayin believin the whole world revolved around ye, I was very busy also, on the practical side like. Ya no think I'll tell ye. Let ye stew for a bit.

MARY: Dan MacNally, if ya keep this up much longer I'll lose mi mind. Sometimes I wonder why I ever marrod ya, y'are so exasperatin at times.

DAN: I suppose I won't be able to keep it from ye much longer. He was here on behalf of Tom Murphy to ask for Maggie's hand in marriage.

MARY: (jumping for joy) Maggie did ya hear that? I knew it, I knew it. And ye were the one objectin to her goin to the dance. Ye men have no head on yar shoulders at all. Did he say how much he would be bringin in? Come on Dan. How much?

DAN: (puffing pipe although not alight) £150 and three cows. But, if we hold out I'm shure we'll get more.

MARY: Well Maggie, isn't that wonderful news, are ya happy?

MAGGIE: Yes mother, I'm lishenin. It sounds all right. But now that I know he wants me it doesn't seem the same. Oh I don't know!

MARY: Ah hush, Maggie, it will be the makin of the MacNallys. We would then be related to the MacMahons sort of, that would give us more security. Oh I'm glad I asked Kitty to tay. I'm so excited. I'm dyin to tell someone the good news.

DAN: If I were ya Mary I'd say nothin to Kitty. Ya might as well shout it out to the four winds, everyone knows she's the biggest gossip in the parish.

MAGGIE: Father is right, the leashed said the easiest mended. After all, anyone can change their minds.

MARY: Very well then, I'll say no more than just enough to make her curious, just enough to make her itch all over. It will be fine, you'll see. Did MacMahon say when he will be callin again?

DAN: No, but I get the impression that he was anxious to get the matter settled. But it is really up to us to say yes or no, so he may not have to call again. I think it’s a very good match as it stands. What do ya think?

MARY: As ya say, it's a very good offer. It's just that one doesn't want to give it too easy. Shush, what's that? Must be Kitty come over from her house. Ya can’t keep news away from yar neighbours.

KITTY: (shouts) Dan MacNally, will ya call up the dog and me wate as the wather. God save all in. I'm gaspin for breath. I'd thought I'd never get here, them ditches and all. I am like a leebeen.

MARY: Welcome Kitty Grady, shure is out of puff y'are. Sit down and get yar breath back, before ya faint. I'll get ya a drink of new milk, that will straighten ya.

KITTY: God bless ya Mary. Y'are such an understandin woman. Oh Dan, how are ya? I didn't see ya standin there, and Maggie May. Agnes was tellin me all about ya, how ya were the belle of the ball in MacMahon's.

DAN: Would ya prefer a drop of the hard stuff. The milk may do more harm than good.

KITTY: All right then, just a wee dropeen. Oh Dan that's far too much (she continues to hold out her glass for more). Ya know Dan, y'are just as good as any doctor. The men always seem to know best. Don't ya think so Mary?

MARY: I'm shure y'are right Kitty. Dan may be a good doctor, but a very bad patient. Now all of ye over to the table. I'll have the tay ready in a minute. There ye are, I hope ya like yar tay strong. It's the practice in this house.

DAN: How's Pat gettin on with the drainin?

KITTY: As ya know Dan, Pat is a very hard worker but shure there's water everywhere, no end to it.

MARY: Never mind the drainin, yar tay's gettin cold and help yarself to bread.

KITTY: Well Mary, a stoir! A currant loaf and marmalade jam. It's like Christmas, it's very true what my Agnes told me, the MacNally's always kept a good table. Isn't it grand to have money and things so dear at the moment. Oh before I forget, I must tell ya Dan, although I promised not to. Do ya know what my Pat was goin to do, he was goin to come over and pay ya for the potatoes- as-if-ya-were-goin-to take-it. (elbow to DAN's ribs)

MARY: (hand shaking) Anyone for more tay? Oh dear I'm afraid it's gone cold with all the talk and it's goin to take as long to boil the kettle again.

KITTY: Did ye hear all the talk about soldiers in the area?

DAN: Soldiers in the area, they're not wanted here. We have no need for their kind.

KITTY: Well I was told at mass from someone outside the parish. She said they were a very bad lot. They have no respect for man, woman or child. She said the stories of girls bein attacked is on everyone's lips.

MARY: Nobody's as black as they are painted. We'll just have to wait and see.

KITTY: Good God! Is it that time already. If I don't hurry I'll be late for second mass. If y'are there Mary, we'll light a candle together for the poor souls in purgatory.

MARY: Yes Kitty, miself and Maggie May will be there. What about you?

DAN: I've got other things on mi mind at the moment, ye carry on.

ALL: (walk to the door) Goodbye Dan etc…Goodbye Kitty.

MARY: Oh dear me, I've forgotten mi shawl, ye carry on. I will catch up in a minute. (grabbing DAN by the arm) I can smell danger, the boys on the run will have to be warned.

DAN: There's danger all right. Somethin will have to be done. But first I must see the landlord about the lease. We must get the land question right. We have Maggie May to think of now.

MARY: Be careful Dan, don't show yar feelins. If ya do, they will use it against ya. There are traps everywhere, don't fall into them. Good bye Dan (kisses him on cheek).

(Spotlight on hare's cage)

Act 2 scene 1

Sunday afternoon. The Big House. The Landlord, Sir James Rock, is on stage, Agnes Grady, the maid, is tidying books, dusting and glancing at some of the files. Sir James looks up from his desk.

SIR JAMES: I didn't know you could read. Can you?

AGNES: Oh no sir, all them big words puzzle me. I wish I could sir, I would love to be able to talk like you, I could lishen to ya all day, ya say things so nice.

SIR JAMES: Yes, yes I see (knock at door). Will you see who that is?

AGNES: It's Dan MacNally, Sir

SIR JAMES: Show him in, (enter DAN in short sleeves, cap in hand) so you're MacNally, you rent that holding up on the hill knoc-something or other.

DAN: Knocmore Sir.

SIR JAMES: What's that? What's that?

DAN: Knoc-more sir, that’s the name of the place.

SIR JAMES: Now what was it you wanted to see me about? (DAN looks around at AGNES)

SIR JAMES: Girl, get me the MacNally file?

AGNES: (to the bookcase, pauses) Which one is it sir?

SIR JAMES: (SIR JAMES walks over and points). Stupid girl, the one with the red cover. Now, busy yourself in the kitchen.

AGNES: Yes Sir. Major Crawford is expected soon, shall I show him in when he arrives.

SIR JAMES: Very well. (AGNES delays, slowly gathering a cup and saucer from the dresser, looking back). Now then MacNally, I'm a busy man I haven't got all day. Out with it. (SIR JAMES leans back in chair).

DAN: Well sir, it's about the lease on mi holdin.

SIR JAMES: Did I hear you say your holding?

DAN: Oh no sir, what I mane sir, yar land sir.

SIR JAMES: You had better remember that. People that forget usually loose their heads. Carry-on.

DAN: What I'm tryin to say is, mi daughter is gettin marrod shortly and I was wondrin how the position wuld be with ya sir, about the lease, with a new man in the house.

SIR JAMES: Well let me see. I'll have to consider the matter. Did I have any trouble with you before?

DAN: No, no sir, I never give any trouble. I pay mi rent regular, and I do mi share of work on your estate, and mi daughter Maggie May comes to help out at the Big House whenever ya need her.

(SIR JAMES opens file, reads for a few moments; AGNES leaves room slowly, looking backwards).

SIR JAMES: Hmm what’s this? Is it true that you are sympathetic to the Fenians and that at times you have talked of a united Ireland and according to my information you have even talked of a republic? Is it true, is it true? Damn you man answer (SIR JAMES bangs desk) I have a good mind to have my men flog you within an inch of your life.

DAN: God forgive the people who told ya all those lies. It’s all lies. I swear before almighty God and his holy mother, it’s a pack of lies.

SIR JAMES: Now MacNally, I have been very patient with you. You have information of rebel activity in this area. I'm quite sure you have knowledge of the oath taking ceremonies that have taken place. I'm going to have it out of you if it's the last thing I do. Do you hear swine? (Raising cane at DAN. Knock at door)

AGNES: Beggin yar pardon, sir.

SIR JAMES: Damn you girl, what is it now?

AGNES: Her ladyship wants to see ya in the kitchens. (SIR JAMES and AGNES exit)

DAN: This man is goin to have mi hide, that’s for shure. Oh God and his holy mother, make him see that what I'm doin is no sin. It's for Ireland, that can't be wrong. I'm no spy, I will not do it. I will not do it. I’ve always bin a strong believer in the cause and I'll die that way. But what will I do if he brings pressure to bear, the others may not stand by me. I would not be much good on mi own. If he should ever evict us from the land, that would surely kill us. I'm a farmer, I love the land, and God knows I

have worked hard, slaved like a dog tryin to make ends meet. I can't lose it now and what about poor Mary and Maggie May. Mary has been a good wife, she stuck by me side through thick and thin. What am I going to do? T'is a trap I'm caught in.

(SIR JAMES returns)

SIR JAMES: Now MacNally, you go home and think very carefully about what I have said. But remember I want results. I want positive information and I want it quick, do you hear? That is all, you may go.

DAN: Good day sir, God bless ya sir. (DAN leaves room bowing)

(Knock at door, AGNES)

AGNES: Major Crawford, sir.

SIR JAMES: James, old chap, it's good to see you. How are you?

MAJOR: James, it’s like old times, Now! Let me see! Where was the last time I saw you? India, wasn't it?

(AGNES delays cleaning dresser)

SIR JAMES: By God man, you have a good memory. You'll have a whisky if I remember correctly. Please forgive me James, do sit down. One's manners start to slip in this god-forsaken place.

MAJOR: It's a rough country all right. Our troop came here straight away as soon as we got word of the Fenians and their disturbance. The people are very wild. Discipline is what they need. These natives should know their place.

SIR JAMES: You're so right James. You've hit the nail on the head or should I say native…on the head, ha ha.

MAJOR: (laughing) Jolly good.

SIR JAMES: As a matter of fact James, that’s what I want to talk you about.

MAJOR: You seem worried James. Well don't let it bother you too much. My men will soon round up any trouble-makers that are in the area. Now what information have you for me, reliable contacts etc. Oh, by the way, will you give me a list of peasant dwellings where I can quarter some of my men?

SIR JAMES: Yes of course, this is the list of all you want to know. MacMahon's should be the first call. He's a good man, he will help all he can. MacNally's is the best place to quarter you men

for the time being. The rebels hide out somewhere in that area. (Quietly) I am putting pressure on MacNally for information. Now, James, if you reinforce that we should extract the names and whereabouts of the rebels.

AGNES: Will that be all Sir, is there anythin else you'll be needin for the evenin?

SIR JAMES: What's that, what's that, are you still here? Oh yes, make sure my shoes and riding boots are cleaned for tomorrow morning and then check to see if that priest Malone has arrived. Show him after the Major and I have finished.

(Exit AGNES)

MAJOR: A good looking wench, some of these natives are rather attractive, in an animal sort of way.

SIR JAMES: Give me an English girl anytime, they're so gentle, so refined. These natives are no better than animals really. Just look at the filth of their clothes and the pig-sty dwellings they inhabit. Now James, old boy, let me refill your glass and I will tell you about the situation here. Things have heated up in this island since the famine. Rebels like Connolly and Stephens foment unrest throughout the country and people have taken it in to their heads to have some share of the land. Let me tell you, the man who tries to take my land is a dead man – and that’s after I have made him sorry he’s alive. Our job here, is to deal with these natives as harshly as possible. Believe me, it’s the only thing they understand. This is not England. We are the law and we have to implement it as harshly as possible in order that these ignorant savages understand their masters. We are now faced with increased rebel activity in this region as a result of these demagogues who have gone up and down the country speaking at huge meetings.

MAJOR: I see, James.

SIR JAMES: In this present situation our tactics are the following. We isolate key supporters of the rebels and break them by whatever means possible: physical pressure, burn their houses, lashings, imprisonment – whatever it takes. We find the names and whereabouts of the rebels and then flush them out. When we apprehend the rebels we again extract information and either leave the man broken as an example to the rest, or use him as an informer, or have him executed. Sufficient force always produces the right result. That is why we have brought you in James, we know you are the man for the job. These rebels must be dealt with - and quickly.

MAJOR: I agree with you completely. We’ll have this wrapped up in a fortnight. Now James, I have to leave you . I must get on with the job I came here to do.

SIR JAMES: Yes, yes, of course. Dinner's at seven, see you then.

(Exit MAJOR. Knock on door)

AGNES: Father Malone is outside and waiting to see you. Shall I send him in, Sir?

SIR JAMES: Yes, send him in.

(Enter MALONE)

PRIEST: Father Malone, you sent for me Sir James.

SIR JAMES: Yes Malone, sit down.

PRIEST: Very unseasonable weather Sir James, hardly good for anything except praying.

SIR JAMES: It seems that some of your flock are doing a lot more than praying. As far as I am concerned you are not doing a very good job. You had better watch your step, or we may have a flock without a shepherd.

PRIEST: But Sir James, every Sunday I pray and preach respect for the laws of the Crown. I haven't encouraged anything to the contrary. I have always co-operated with the forces of law and order and I pray for you at all times.

SIR JAMES: The Crown has done a lot for the Roman Catholics. We have given you emancipation, Maynooth and many other things. In return we expect better results from the local clergy. It's about time that the people realised that their gracious majesty is Queen of England and Ireland and the sooner these rebels are brought to justice the better. I will not tolerate attacks upon Her Majesty's forces or the burning of property. If these acts continue summary justice will be brought to bear on the whole population. That also includes you. Good day to you Malone.

PRIEST: Good day Sir James and may God bless you.

(AGNES enters room almost fainting)

AGNES: Excuse me, Sir, I was wondering if I could have tonight off. Ya see sir, I have this terrible pain in mi head, and I don't feel well at all.

SIR JAMES: That's rather difficult, you do realise that we are having Major Crawford for dinner at seven. With cook away you and her Ladyship will have to do your best.

AGNES: But sir, mi mother will take mi place. She is a much better cook than me.

SIR JAMES: Well, damn it all. Very well, make your arrangements, but make sure that dinner is at seven sharp. On your way out, go to the stables and tell the groom to saddle my horse, I'm going riding. Don't stand there, run along.

Act 3 scene 1

Sunday, late evening. MacNally's main room. MARY and MAGGIE MAY enter room.

MARY: I thought that sermon would never end. Father Malone is a wild man when he gets goin, breathin brimstone and fire. I've never seen him in such a state.

MAGGIE: Yes he was in a queer old mood tonight, I heard someone say he was up at the Big House before devotions.

MARY: Now come to think of it, a lot of people are talkin about the amount of time he spends at the Big House. One can't help wonderin.

MAGGIE: But mother, he is a man of God, he wouldn't do anythin wrong or against Ireland.

MARY: I suppose y'are right, He is a good man at heart.

MAGGIE: Mother did ya see Agnes? She came into the church gaspin, she was as white as a sheet. She must have ran all the way from the Big House. I wonder what it was she said to her mother.

MARY: Nothin really, she said she wasn't feelin well and wants her mother to take her place at the Big House for the night. Poor child she had to go straight to bed.

MAGGIE: That's a likely story, she didn't go home all. I saw her headin for the hills.

MARY: Well the devil take her and her lies, that girl is not to be trusted. A man I suppose. Well if she gets into trouble on her own head be it.

MAGGIE: (looking at cage) Sure she's limpin awful bad. Do ya think she will be all right mother?

(DAN enters the room)

MARY: Good God agra, ya look as if ya have just seen a ghost. There there, sit down Dan and I'll get ya a cup of hot milk.

MAGGIE: I'll get it mother, he doesn't look well at all, shuld we send for the priest? Here's yar tobacco, father. Do ya want me to fill yar pipe for ya?

DAN: God bless ye both, ye will always be in mi prayers.

MARY: Hurry up with the milk, can't ya see how pale he is.

MAGGIE: There y'are father, drink that down it will do ya good.

Act 3 scene 1

MARY: What happened Dan? Tell me all about it. Ya didn't say anythin out of turn.

DAN: No, no, I didn't say a word out of place, (he shivers) but I can tell ye here and now that landlord is a long man. He may look human on the outside, but in his heart is a ragin devil. As I have said before if we don't watch him he will have us out on the road. I'll tell ya now Mary, he'll be the death of us.

MARY: Come on Dan, I've turned the bed clothes down for ya. Maggie put the chair to the door, and put the candle out as ya go. Don't forget to say ya prayers. We'll have to miss the rosary tonight, yar father is much too tired.

(MAGGIE retires to bed. Short time pause, lamp dims. DAN and MARY sit in chairs. Shouting outside, banging on the door)

MAJOR: Open up MacNally, in the name of the crown. If this door isn't open in two minutes, I'll tell my men to break it down.

DAN: Yes sir, I'm comin, just a minute till I get it all right

MAJOR: All right men, break it down.

MARY: Wait, wait (whispers to DAN) let me go, they won't harm an old woman, them boys must have mothers themselves. Maggie quick to bed and don't say a word. There's nothin to be afeared of, I'll talk to them. (MARY opens door)

MAJOR: It took you long enough (pushing MARY out of the way, enter soldiers). Where's everybody, what are ya hiding?

(DAN rushes to help MARY. MAJOR raises cane to strike DAN.)

DAN: Good, good sir. There's no need for that, there's only three of us here.

MAJOR: No need, how dare you open your mouth, I'll decide what's necessary here. Where is the third person?

MARY: Our daughter Maggie May, she's in bed, sir, she's only a child.

MAJOR: Where? Where? Show me quickly woman.

MARY: There she is sir, just a frightened child.

MAJOR: Just a frightened child eh, well I'm the answer to a maiden's prayer. Right you two outside, out-out.

MARY: In the name of the most sacred heart of Jesus spare her, she's only a young girl and has no knowledge of the world.

Act 3 scene 1

MAJOR: No knowledge, good, I'll soon fix that.

(MAJOR prepares to go to the bed)

DAN: Ya touch mi daughter and I'll kell ya with mi own hands.

MAJOR: An Irish rebel eh, threatening an officer of the crown in the course of his duty. I'm going to blow your head off. (Major draws his gun. MARY step between them)

MARY: No, no Major sir, he didn't mean it, he hasn't been well at all lately. Don't do it Sir, Maggie May is awake now sir!

MAJOR: Out of my sight. (pushes both out of the room) Now my wench I will see what you are made of. (Major enters other room)

MAGGIE: Mother, father, oh holy mother of God (calls aloud) save me help (sobbing) Don't let me go. I'll never be the same again. Sassenagh.

DAN: (shouting outside) Let her alone, may God strike ya down dead this night.

(Shots outside. Men shout to MAJOR)

SOLIDER: Rebels, sir, rebels.

(Enter MAJOR)

MAJOR: Well after them, after them. If you let them away I'll have your guts for garters. As for you my girl, I'll be back for some more later.

(MAJOR rushes out. MAGGIE enters standing with sheet around her crying)

MARY: Oh mi poor darlin child, what in the name of God has he done to you? Mi own innocent girl is ruined for life. If this ever gets out, we'll be finished. Think of the shame. And what will the neighbours say. I'll pray to the Virgin Mary, she'll tell me what to do.

MAGGIE: Mother, do tell me the truth, am I destroyed for life? Will any man have me now?

DAN: I'll swing for that dog if it's the last thing I do. Oh God, if only I was young enough to stop him. (DAN rolling up his sleeves)

MARY: There, there my child leave everythin to me. I will see to it, ya'll be all right. Ya just wait and see. Now dry your eyes, and try not to think too much about it. I know it's hard but ya'll have to live with it.

Act 3 scene 1

DAN: I don't know what we've done to deserve this. It might be better if we got away from this parish altogether. The priest will have to be told. He will know what to do. I'll ask him to pray for us.

MARY: Now Dan, we are stayin put and as for the priest, yes all in good time. First we must make believe that nothin out of the ordinary has happened. Maggie ya must be very brave and say nothin.

DAN: Your mother is right, if we say one word against the troops the landlord will have us out on the road. As it is he is shure to double the rent, any excuse is good enough. I will have to be very nice to him if we are to keep a roof over our heads.

(MAGGIE exits to other room)

MARY: Dan, if Maggie should be with child, we'll have to think very hard about a father.

DAN: With child! And how in God's name are we goin to know that.

MARY: When she gets over the shock, in a little while, I'll have to ask her exactly what happened.

DAN: But Mary, what ya goin to ask her? How will she know if he ….I had better leave it to ya, I suppose women have their ways of knowin these things.

MARY: It's not goin to be easy, we may have to get the priest in for her to go to confession.

DAN: Ah yes, the priest he is shure to be the right man for the job. Good God, will ya look at the time. We have been up all night, and now way past day break. I must be off to the Big House, it's my turn to bring the turf and the chickens.

MARY: Now Dan, ya listen to me. Bring a good heaped load and the fattest birds we have. And remember whatever ya do, don't upset him. He's a very powerful man, don't tangle with him. (Exit MARY to bedroom)

DAN: Jesus help me. I never thought it would come to this. Me, a Fenian all mi life - and to turn traitor in a night. I thought I knew who I was, mi beliefs and all, but now mi mind is a fog and I'm full of fear. Those peelers can take me any moment, sure they are on to me. Did they not flog Seamus O'Farrell out in the town square? Gave him 200 lashins and left him for dead? And did they not turn the O'Briens out of their holdin, to take to the road with hardly a bundle on their backs? And if it's not me to be doin the tellin, it will be someone else whose tongue will wag. They've raped mi daughter and they have me caught and are breakin me. If ever the word gets out we will never be able to live in this parish, that's for sure. (He kneels and prays in front of crucifix) I

Act 3 scene 1

suppose I had better do what Father Malone says we should … but I feel more like Judas than any Christian man. (DAN walks slowly out of the house)

(Spotlight on the cage)

Act 3 scene 2

Act 3 scene 2

Monday morning. MACNALLY'S main room. MARY on stage. MAGGIE enters.

MARY: Oh there y'are Maggie. How do ya feel now? Do ya think you've recovered enough to talk about it?

MAGGIE: Well mother, I think I can talk about it; I'll have to try and put it behind me.

MARY: That's the spirit, the MacNallys don't stay down for long. Now then, tell me child in yar own words, if ya can that is, what happened.

MAGGIE: Well I'm not quite shure what went on. All I know he was fondlin me, kissin like in a funny sort of way. He then took mi drawers down. I don't know much else, after that I must have fainted.

MARY: Maggie think very hard, were your clothes soiled? Oh girl think. Did - did he finagle ya.

MAGGIE: All I know mother, I had very severe pain, and then I must have passed out.

MARY: Ya may be in terrible trouble Maggie. We will have to get ya married as soon as we can. I have called in Father Malone, he's a man of God, he will give us sound advice.

MAGGIE: Who would I marry? There's only Tommy Murphy and I suppose he wouldn't have me now.

MARY: Well, whether he would or not I’m not sure it matters for he’s disappeared to keep out of the way of the soldiers

MAGGIE: O, mother, what shall I do?

MARY: But Maggie ya don't seem to understand. Ya may be expectin a child. Now ya know what a scandal that is for any girl that's not marrod. Just think what the neighbours would say.We would be destroyed, utterly destroyed.

MAGGIE: The only other man that likes me is Joe Ryan, but him bein a servant boy and that, yar father isn't very keen on him.

MARY: Well ya know how parents want the best for their own. Ya can't blame us for that. But secretly yar father is very fond of Joe, and as a matter of fact, I rather like him miself. Next time he comes be nice to him, at least till this thing blows over. Anyway Tom Murphy is on the run. (Knock on the door) I'll see who it is

(Enter FATHER MALONE).

Act 3 scene 2

MAGGIE: It's Father Malone mother, good day to ya Father. (MAGGIE bows)

MARY: Father, do come in (shaking hands) Y'are kindly welcome . It's so good of ya to come all this way to see us. Can I get ya somethin, a dropeen perhaps?

PRIEST: Well, Mary, just a symbolic one (she fills the glass full). But it is Maggie May I've come to see. I met Dan on the way to the Big House and he told me the awful story.

MARY: I was just sayin to Maggie May that if there was anyone on God's earth who would know what to do it was Father Malone.

PRIEST: I'll hear Maggie's confessions now, the other side of the room.

MARY: Certainly, of course Father, go with the priest Maggie. Tell him everythin.

(PRIEST and MAGGIE move to the other side of the room. MARY prays silently while waiting. PRIEST enters room. MARY rises from her knees)

PRIEST: Mary, there's only one thing to do.

MARY: What's that Father?

PRIEST: Ye must get Maggie May married as soon as possible. Otherwise the scandal will rip this parish to pieces.

MAGGIE: That’s exactly what mother was saying Father, can it be true?

PRIEST: Yar mother is absolutely right, take notice of what yar mother says and ya won't go far wrong. Now this is what ye must do. Say the rosary twice a day to the Virgin Mary for guidance. If y'are sincere she will listen and answer yar prayers. Pray that the right man will come along and save Maggie from damnation. Well, bless ye my children (sign of the cross) I must be off. If I stay too long, there may be talk.

MARY: Goodbye Father, God bless. Ya have been a great help.

PRIEST: God bless ye my children

(Exit PRIEST and MARY)

MAGGIE: (goes to cage but finds the hare dead) Ah! Ya poor darlin (she weeps). All that fightin and screamin last night must have killed ya. So it's ruined I am if I cannot find a man. And mi family scorned in the parish for havin a daughter whose with child - by the English Major. Ah! Cruel trap, (she looks at the hare) I think I'll pray.

Act 3 scene 2

(She kneels on the floor, buries her face in her hands and sobs. Slowly a light appears in the air, MAGGIE lifts her face, then both her arms and communicates with it in silent prayer. Then she let's out an anguished sigh and falls to the ground)

(Small time interval)

(Enter MARY)

MARY: Shuld I light a lamp, it's gettin dark already (lights lamp). Dear girl, ya poor thing, don't worry, all will work out.

MAGGIE: Mother I must tell ya. Ya know I sometimes talk with the spirit people.

MARY: Yes, child, I know, but remember never say a word of this to anyone else and especially not the priest. Ya know they wouldn't understand.

MAGGIE: I know. Well, just now, I was prayin and the strangest thing happened.

MARY: Yes, what happened? I'm lishenin.What's that?

MAGGIE. T'was only the wind. Well, as I was sayin, the strangest thing happened. When I knelt a light appeared and I saw the Old Woman of Ireland.

MARY: The Old Woman, who's that child?

MAGGIE: Mother, she is there to help all souls who need her. They say she brings healin and has great wisdom

MARY: And what did she say, this Old Woman of Ireland?

MAGGIE: Ay, well there the trouble of it, I asked her what I should do, me being expectin. She told me things are not what they seem. That if I could follow mi pure heart all would be well.

MARY: Well what could that mane?

MAGGIE: I'm not sure, but the feelin I had was that if I had only the courage to trust, to know and follow, then there would be no need for any deception and all. I wouldn't have to pretend to any man.

MARY: And what else did she say?

MAGGIE: Well I asked her about the soldiers and all this commotion. But I didn't understand her answer at all but I felt a great anguish. She said (MAGGIE pauses struggling to find the words) that the hare would die only to return – like Ireland.

MARY: And what did she mane by that riddle I wonder?

Act 3 scene 2

MAGGIE: Well, I don't know full well, but it felt that the hare would die badly and later come back to life. - ya know a bit like Jesus. Except that she would never be whole.

MARY: (wringing here hands) Well, I don't know, I don't know, We'll go to bed now and I'll go to mass tomorrow and pray. Well Maggie, we'll put that behind us, what happened tonight. Let's remember what Father Malone said, he's sure to be right

MAGGIE: (sadly) Yes, mother.

(Spotlight on cage)

INTERVAL

Act 4 scene 1

Some weeks later. MacNally's main room.

MARY: Yar father should be back soon. He's been workin recently at the Big House. I wonder if he's all right.

MAGGIE: I hear someone comin, that may be him. I'll have a look and see who it is. Mother, t'is Joe Ryan. Come in Joe, ya look famished.

JOE: Well Maggie, how are ya? It shure is a blustery day.

MARY: Ah Joe it's good to see ya. Ya must never pass the door, but call. Ya should know by now that y'are always welcome here. I'll have to go out for a minute (getting her shawl), look after the house will ya Maggie? I'm goin to walk down the road to meet yar father. He shuld be on his way home by now. (MARY leaves room looking at MAGGIE).

JOE: It's nice to see ya Maggie. And in such good form although ya look a little paler then usual.

MAGGIE: Y'ave travelled a lot Joe. I suppose ya have said lots of nice things to girls in yar time. It comes easy to ya.

JOE: There's a big difference sayin it and meanin it. Y'are the only girl I could be serious about.

MAGGIE: Will ya lishen to him. Stop. I'll say one thing for ya Joe, y'are good at it. Truthfully though - do ya like me? (leaning closer to him)

JOE: Maggie darlin, I've liked ya from the very first day I came cuttin turf for yar father. I thought then that ya were the only person in the world. I still do.

MAGGIE: Oh Joe, y’are so good with girls. Ya always say the right things. Have ya kissed many girls in yar time? (JOE leans closer) Ya can do it if ya want to, only once mind. I'm not that sort of girl.

JOE: (holding her in his embrace.)Maggie mi love, I would never do anythin wrong to ya. I have too much respect for ya and yar parents.

MAGGIE: (stroking his hair) Y’are such a good lookin fella. It’s awfully hard to be good all the time. Isn't it strange that we can't have any real fun without committin sin.

JOE: Maggie darlin, I love ya. I would do anything, anythin to get some land and we could be marrod. I heard a rumour that ya were betrothed to Tom Murphy, tell me darlin that isn't true, say it isn't.

MARY: (shouts) Maggie it's us, we're home.

(Enter DAN and MAGGIE)

DAN: Well Joe, how's the form? (JOE rises) No, no don't stir. Stay right where y'are. Tell me Joe, do the MacMahons know everythin that happens at the Big House.

JOE: Well they shure know a lot. I have heard somethins that have been said. Why do ya ask Dan? Is there somethin wrong? Is there anythin I can do, I'll help.

DAN: No Joe, faith no. Just that someone can't help wonderin.

KITTY: (shouting outside) Dan, Mary, help, help. It's Pat. (Enter KITTY looking battered and bruised). Oh, mi poor Pat, it was somethin frightful.

MARY: My God Kitty y'are in an awful state. What in the name of heaven is the matter?

DAN: Maggie quick, get the poor woman a droopeen, can't ya see see she's nearly out of her mind.

MAGGIE: Here, ya drink it slow, 'twill do ya more good that way.

MARY: Now Kitty, try and tell us what the trouble is.

KITTY: Well miself and Pat were sittin by the fire chattin away. Ya know yarself the way people do, talkin about nothin much, when all of a sudden there was shootin outside. Then the door was kicked down, soliders come rushin in, shoutin and wavin guns. ‘Where is that daughter of yars, the one called Agnes?’

MARY: Take yar time Kitty, don't excite yarself. Maggie make the woman a cup of tay.

KITTY: God bless ya, Mary. Y’are a good woman, I don't know what I do without ya help.

DAN: Kitty, do ya think y'are able to tell us all that happened. Maybe it's too much for ya. Mary make her comfortable- she's in no fit state to go home.

KITTY: Bless ya Dan, I'll be all right when I catch mi breath. I have put ye people to far too much trouble already. As I was sayin they grabbed

Pat, and hit him on the head and punched him in the ribs with their guns (she sobs). It was shockin, there was blood all over the place. I tried to save him, but they kicked me and pushed me out the way. Then they dragged Pat off for questionin at the Big House or someplace ya know.

MAGGIE: There's a cup of tay for ya. Drink it up, it may help to steady yar nerves.

KITTY: God look after ya Maggie, y'are a good girl, not like our Agnes (KITTY sobbing). She's now a wanted woman.

DAN: What do ya mane, a wanted woman? Mary I think she's aravin, perhaps she should be lyin down.

MARY: Kitty, mi good friend are ya shure ya know what y'are sayin. Dan is right, ya should lie down and have a little sleep.

KITTY: Shure it’s the truth I'm tellin ya's. There's more bad news. Two of the boys on the run were lifted last night. Oh God help them, the torture they must be goin through. And to cap it all, I hear one of them confessed under the strain.

MARY: If this is true, then we're all in grave danger,

KITTY: Oh Mary, Mary I wish to God it was all lies. The way I feel now I wish I was never born. But that isn't all. Someone said Agnes was the contact between the Big House and the boys on the run. And now mi Agnes is gone - nowhere to be found. She went weeks ago, sayin she was seein her uncle down south, but she was on the run, I suppose. Dan what am I goin to do? He mentioned one name, well, sort of.

DAN: Whose name was it, out with it woman!

KITTY: Tom Murphy that’s what it sounded like. Anyway he's missin also. Some of the men are sayin that there's a spy amongst us.

MARY: Good God, who would sell out their own people? Only a soul fit for hell would do such a thing.

JOE: Now Kitty, don't ya worry. I'll pop over to the Big House and see what I can find out. The peelers may have taken him to the barracks in the town. I will do what I can. I should be over there this mornin. I'll do the cleanin, burnin papers and odd jobs. The MacMahons like it that way.

KITTY: God bless ya Joe, I'll pray for ya.

MARY: Good luck Joe, take care. Good God, will ya look at the time.

MAGGIE: Father, can ya tell me about Agnes? She was such a featherhead. Do ya know she used to spend more time with the lookin glass then anythin else?

DAN: Well Kitty, I just don’t know what to say. It never crossed mi mind that Agnes was interested in politics. It gladdens ones heart to see the young ones takin an interest.

MARY: It’s a sad day when young girls have to go out and do the fighten, while our brave men sit around the fire drawin battle lines in the ashes boastin. I'll tell ya Kitty a foul deed has been done this day and mark mi words someone will have to pay.

MAGGIE: Mother I think we should say a prayer for Agnes and Tom and those that were lifted for God to protect them.

DAN/MARY: Yes of course, let's pray (DAN leads),Our Father.

KITTY: It's good to pray together, I feel very close to God at times like these.

MARY: Y'are so right Kitty. I have said it to Dan and Maggie many times, there's nothin to equal prayer, if people only had faith, God would do the rest.

KITTY: It's terrible isn't it. I just keep thinkin of Pat and the two young boys that were taken. God help their poor mothers. They may not know anythin about it. I will always remember them in mi prayers.

DAN: Mary, why don't ya make a stir-about.

MAGGIE: I'll make it father, that cock should have stopped crowin hours ago. I've never heard him like that before. What does it mean? I feel frightened.

MARY: I don't know child. Here sit down, ya look as pale as death. I'll see to the stir-about. First a hot drink for ya.

MAGGIE: Thanks mother, I just feel a bit faint, I'll be all right in no time at all.

DAN: The way ye women go on, anyone would think it was the end of the world, cock crowin. I suppose it will be the banshee next. That’s all superstition, pishogues, all nonsense. (DAN agitated.)

MARY: Now Dan, ya just stop talkin like that. It's not right to tempt fate. There may be more to these things then ya know.

KITTY: Mary's right, come to think of it. There's been some strange signs lately. It was only the other day that Pat saw a magpie in the church. When he told the priest he said it was probably a sign from God. Good heavens, look at the time. I must go home, my Pat may be released and no-one to greet him.

MARY: Just a minute Kitty, miself and Maggie will go with ya. It's no time for a woman to be alone.

KITTY: God bless ya Mary, it's so good of ya.

MARY: Not at all, that’s what neighbours are for. Look after the house, Dan, we’ll be with Kitty for a while.

(Exit Mary, Kitty and Maggie. DAN alone in the house kneels to pray, then rests in a chair, stage lights dim indicating passage of some hours. JOE RYAN enters the room without knocking)

DAN: Oh it's yarself Joe, I won't be a minute.

JOE: That won't do any good. Ya can get up off yar knees, this hypocrisy don't fool me.

DAN: How dare ya talk to me like that in mi own house. It's easy to see ya have no breedin. Yes, that’s what it is no breedin, y’are just a nobody, now get out.

JOE: I'll go when I'm good and ready, and by the time I finish with ya ya'll wish yar were never born.

DAN: Now look here Ryan, if y'are tryin to insult me yar doin a fine job. I don’t want to loose mi temper, if I do ya had better run.

JOE: Y'ar goin to loose more than yar temper. Do ya see this piece of paper?

DAN: I'm not blind. What of it?

JOE: Well Dan MacNally, this piece of paper is goin to hang ya.

DAN: Yar had better explain yarself, before the women come home and find us fightin.

JOE: Let them come, I hope they do and then they will see ya for what ya are. I never thought I 'd see the day. MacNally, y'are a traitor to Ireland, to the cause, to everythin decent that we stand for. Ya can thank yar God that I have been to confession or I would kill ya miself. (He reads) "Five guineas paid to Dan MacNally for valuable information to the Crown, which led to the arrest of wanted outlaws".

DAN: Let me see that piece of paper. It’s false, all lies, someone tryin to blacken me.

JOE: I will let the people be the judge of that. I intend to pass it round at mass. Then we will see a different man to ‘Dan the friend of the boys

on the run, Dan the preacher of the cause, Dan the pig killer, Dan MacNally the friend of everyone.’ Ya might as well hang ya'self now.

DAN: (falls to his knees pleading) Ah Joe, don't do it. If this ever gets out. They will kill me for shure. I'm an innocent man, ya wouldn't do this to me. I'll give ya anythin that ya ask, just keep it quiet, it would kill Mary and Maggie May. The name MacNally would be dirt forever. Joe, Joe, I beg of ya think of Maggie May.

JOE: I have never seen such grovellin, like a dog y'are. Y'are lower then vermin. When I think of them poor boys out there fightin for Ireland, doin their best and God knows they haven't much to fight with, some times just their bare hands and ya, y’are the viper doin his dirty work in the heart of the people. It makes me ashamed to be a man.

DAN: But Joe, I didn't do it for miself, do ya hear? The landlord has been puttin awful pressure on me, goin to throw me out on the road, he was, Joe. Ah Joe, ya must believe me, I didn't do it for miself. It was for the land, for Mary and for Maggie May. I swear to Almighty God, on mi solemn oath. It’s the truth as I'm kneelin here before God.

JOE: Y’are not worth a flea bite, your just durt, just durt. The only people I'm concerned with are Mary and Maggie May. They're too good to have to suffer for yar sin.

DAN: Yes Joe, poor Maggie May. The shock would kill her.

JOE: We might just be able to work somethin out to save your hide, just might, mind.

DAN: I'll do anythin ya say. Just name it.

JOE: I want to marry Maggie May, and ya must arrange it. I also want the land, lock stock and barrel.

DAN: The land is it, mi land to a pauper. I'll die first (JOE makes a move to go). No, no I didn't mean that. Wait Joe. It was just a slip of the tongue. Leave it to me, I'll arrange everythin.

JOE: Ya had better or ya'll swing from the nearest tree, traitor. (JOE spits and leaves room)

(MAGGIE and MARY enter room)

MARY: Dan, we're home. What's the matter, ya look awful, are ya sick?

DAN: No, Mary, I'm just tired and upset. I'll be all right, don't fuss woman, don’t fuss. Maggie ya’d better do the milkin and all the jobs. Things are goin to the dogs in this house.

MARY: Ya should have seen the damage done at Grady's. it was somethin shockin. Everythin smashed to pieces, not a stick of furniture left or a crock on the dresser.

DAN: Any word from Pat, is he home yet?

MARY: One of the soldiers was tellin Maggie, some of the men would be released today. We also heard the boys captured Major Crawford and are holdin him for the release of the son of Sean Cusack. Ya know the Cusacks don't ya, Dan?

DAN: The Cusacks from above the town is it?

MARY: Yes that’s the ones. I didn't realise they had a son that old.

MARY: Old is it, there's only a boy, just a boy. God help them.

DAN: I hope they fix that Major, good and proper.

MARY: Was that Joe Ryan? I saw him goin down the lane as we came in.

DAN: It must have been. He just left here a few minutes ago, a fine man's Joe, and a great worker to boot.

MARY: He's all that, I said to miself, and what a fine figure of a man. Any woman would be glad to get him.

DAN: And what does Maggie think of him? Ya do like him don't ya?

MAGGIE: He's a fine man surely, and now with Tom Murphy gone and all, well I like him well enough. But I'm not sure if he's the settlin-down type.

DAN: Well daughter. I'm goin to surprise ya. Ye women think ye know everythin. Well today in this very house, not a word of a lie, as sure as God's mi judge. He asked me for yar hand in marriage.

MAGGIE: Oh father, did he? Did he? What did ya say? Tell me, quick tell me what was yar answer.

MARY: Now Dan, I hope this is true, no tomfoolery. It's your daughter y'are `talkin to.

DAN: Ya know ye women puzzle me at times. I don't fool with mi own daughter. I said it's all right with me, but there's Maggie May to be considered, that’s what I said.

MARY: Go on, damn ya, what else?

DAN: There's nothin more to it. It's now up to the girl herself.

MARY: It’s a great chance Maggie, he may be comin in empty handed, but that doesn't matter if ya really want him.

MAGGIE: I like him well enough. If ye two are agreed then I'll marry him.

DAN: That’s settled then, we'll have to make the arrangements and get it done as soon as possible.

MARY: Ya can leave that to me. That’s women's work. I'll see to everythin. The first thing to do is see the priest. Maggie, ya will have to go to confession and Holy Communion. I suppose we all should at this time.

MAGGIE: Mother, I would like to get married on Saturday. They say Friday is unlucky. I can just see Joe and miself walkin up to the altar on Sunday mornin as man and wife. That would turn a few heads, I bet.

MARY: It’s a very solemn occasion, it's the time ye should be thinkin of God and all the sanctity of marriage. Anyway ya will have new clothes, ya must look yar best, we don't want people talkin now do we? Now Dan, ya see to the music and the drinks and all the things we are goin to have done here at the house. Ya will have to borrow some fourns from the neighbours.

DAN: We'll see, I'm goin to the shop. If I see Joe on the way I'll tell him the date is fixed for Saturday.

MARY: Dan, on ya way pop into the church and say a prayer and have a word with Father Malone, and mind ya don't go card playin tonight. Ye know how dangerous it can be crossin that river now that it's in flow.

MAGGIE: Father do keep away from the river. It’s bad enough in the day time. But at night it's treacherous. It's all right for those young lads, they know where the steppin stones are.

DAN: Don’t worry I'll be all right. If I don't see Joe on the way, he's sure to be at the card game, I'll send word to him somehow, leave it to me.

(Exit DAN)

ACT 4 scene 2

Next day. MacNally's main room

MAGGIE: Now mother, what in God's name am I goin to wear? Just look at the state of mi hair. What on earth am I goin to do with it and damn this ould cracked glass. Mi face looks lopsided in it enough to make mi mad.

MARY: Maggie dear, don't fret. I was just the same. Very excited. I fussed about everythin when I got marrod. But a little bit of advice from your mother can't do any harm. Marriage isn't a bed of roses. Men can be very demandin at times and often the wrong time at that. A woman has to be very patient. There are times when ya have to make believe even when y'are about to cry.

MAGGIE: But I'll be here with ya and father. That surely will help me. Mother is it natural for me to be sick in the mornins I never use to be like that before, Still, I suppose it's all the excitement of gettin marrod.

MARY: Sick in the mornin did ya say (MAGGIE nods). Well don’t worry about it, it will pass in time.

MAGGIE: What about mi clothes? I want to look mi best.

MARY: Oh yes, now let me see. Yes, the skirt and blouse, yar spotted shawl, and of course ya have to wear a headscarf or hat. Now we will talk later, I think I hear yar father comin.

DAN: Well, I made all the arrangements last night. The priest will hear confession before the weddin service. I didn't see Joe, I hear he had a card game, I sent word to him.

MAGGIE: Oh, Father, are ya shure, are ya shure? I hope nothin goes wrong at the last minute.

DAN: There's just one thing. The weddin will have to be on Friday.

MAGGIE: I don't want to get married on Friday, I told ya so, its unlucky. I know it is, I know it is (crying).

DAN: There, there (holding MAGGIE) It's all right I mentioned that to the priest. He said it was a lot of nonsense.

MAGGIE: I hope y'are right. If the priest says so, it must be all right.

MARY: Oh good heavens. I nearly forgot about the bridesmaid, skipped mi mind completely. We'll get Agnes' young sister Kitty, she's stayin with friends. I'll see to it.

KITTY: Mary, Dan, are ye in? (KITTY out of breath).

DAN: Is it ya'self, Kitty? Come on in and take yar rest.

MARY: What is it Kitty? Have they released Pat?

KITTY: Yes. Thank God and the Virgin. I knew mi prayers would be answered.

MARY: What's that ya have in yar hand?

KITTY: It’s a letter from out foreign. The post man said he thought it was from America. I thought maybe Dan would read it to me. As ya know I'm not much one for the readin.

DAN: Of course I'll read it to ya, let me see. "Dear Father and Kitty. I have arrived safe in America."

MARY: Dan, will ya tell us who it's from?

Dan: It's from Agnes, she has arrived safe in the USA

KITTY: Thank God and thanks to his holy mother. I have prayed every night for months. Mi prayers have been answered.

MAGGIE: Isn't it wonderful that she's safe. We’ve all prayed so hard.

MARY: I have always believed in the power of prayer. People can say what they like. If ya pray hard enough to the mother of God she will intercede for ya.

KITTY: What else, Dan, what else does she say?

DAN: Arrivin in USA I've been looked after by the brotherhood. I met Tom Murphy, he has been very kind to me. I hope ye are all well at home. I'm sorry if I caused ye a lot of trouble. Now listen carefully. There's a spy among ye, watch what ye say. Tell Dan and Mary, mother, he'll know what to do. God bless, Agnes. PS God save Ireland, (DAN wiping his brow) God save Ireland.

KITTY: Well glory be, mi daughter a fightin woman I somehow knew she had it in her. I must rush home and tell Pat, he will be pleased. Sore head and all. Oh dear, I nearly forgot the other news, I'm such a feather-head at times, God bless us and save us (arms around MAGGIE). Joe Ryan nearly got drowned last night.

MAGGIE: In the name of God woman, do ya know y'are sayin.

KITTY: T'is the truth, I'm tellin you. May I drop dead if it isn't. When he was crossin the river in the dark, someone had taken the steps away and he

walked straight into the ragin water. They say it was deliberate. (MAGGIE crying). Don't worry Maggie, he is all right. Joe is a very good swimmer otherwise he would have been drowned.

MARY: There, there, all right, he is safe and well.

MAGGIE: Only a black Satan could have done such a thing. May he roast in hell.

KITTY: God knows, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it was all right in the end. O dear me, I'm still here. Goodbye everyone.

DAN, MARY and MAGGIE (altogether): Good luck Kitty, see ya tomorrow.

MAGGIE: Wasn't Agnes great to find her way to America. I never thought she was the travelin kind.

MARY: Ah yes America, that great country we hear so much about these days. Now who would have thought that Agnes was a fighten woman. Out there with the men, strikin a blow for Ireland.

DAN: Yes indeed, who would have thought that a slip of a girl, who spent more time at the lookin glass that anythin else, was a rebel at heart.

MARY: It makes me proud to be a woman at a time like this. Women doin the fightin while the men sing songs and blather.

DAN: Maggie, run and do yar preparations. I'll make the fire and see to things. Tomorrow is a big day.

Act 4 scene 3

Friday morning at MacNally's. Spotlight on hare's cage. All return from reception.

DAN: Why did ye rush home so quick?

MARY: Dan MacNally. Don't ya know anythin? We have to be here to welcome everybody, and don't throw yar hat on the table. I'm forever tidyin after ya.

DAN: Custom, custom, it'll be the death of me. (Grabbing hat from table)

MARY: They're here, they're here, welcome home Joe, Maggie, husband and wife. This is yar home now. Well Dan, aren't ya goin to say anythin?

DAN: O, I nearly forgot miself, welcome Joe, Magie, I wish ye every happiness.

MAGGIE: Mother, I'm so happy, so happy. It's happened, it's happened.

MARY: What has happened. Don't shout.

MAGGIE: (aside) I'm not with child. Isn't it wonderful.

MARY: O my God, it's all been for nothin,

MAGGIE: What do ya mane mother?

MARY: Never mind me. I'm so excited I don't know what I'm sayin. That's great, wonderful. Say nothin to yar father for a while.

MAGGIE: Come on father, I know the party’s over but ya will have to sing a song for me today. Ya remember the song ya used to sing to mother and me when I was a little girl. (MAGGIE arms around father)

JOE: Come on Maggie, we'll show them a step or two today.

(JOE and MAGGIE onto the floor)

MARY: Right, good on ya.

(Set danced)

MARY: Dan, (giving DAN elbow) will ya look at them and the fancy steps, (with a sigh) Oh to be young again.

Maggie: Now a song from you father (pleading) Ya promised father, ya promised.

DAN: All right then, seeing it’s yar weddin day. I'll see what I can do. (Song: Let’s Wander today to the Hills, Maggie)

MARY: And now for the new member of our family. Come on Joe, ya can do it. Give him a chance.

JOE: Only one mind. (JOE sings Malaky Wore the Colour of Gold.)

(Half way through the song, there is a loud knock on the door. Mary goes to the door and talks to some men outside)

MARY: Dan, Dan there are two men outside askin to see the master.

DAN: What men, who, where?

MAGGIE: Mother, mother. What's happin?

MARY: Men from the Fenian brotherhood… say Sean Cusack died this mornin under torture, and the Major was shot. But before he died he told them the name of the spy. Dan, what did ya say? what's that ya said?

(DAN collapses and dies, MARY cuddles him in her arms sobbing)

MARY: They can't hurt him now. No one can hurt him now.

MAGGIE: Get the priest someone, get the priest.

(Panic breaks out, MARY and MAGGIE crying, praying - rosary started)

END

Glossary:colloquialisms

terms of social and political significance some pronunciations

ForewordFenian: Irish nationalists of the 19th and early 20th century -, a secret organisation dedicated to armed revolt against the British in Ireland

Act 1 scene 1Fourm: benchBesom: broomStrame and Lake as in “I jumped into the strame to see if they would lake”: strame and lake are spelt phonetically in the text as they would be pronounced in the west of Ireland. The “correct” spellings are stream and leak.The hop: the danceWhish: be silent, be hushed.Shinanigin: tom foolery or trickery.Top dress: manure.Springe: trap.Defenders: small local groups who defended Irish local interests.Stephens: one of the founders of the Fenian Brotherhood.

Act 1 scene 2Crather: Puitcine – home made alcohol.Wate as the wather: wet as the water.Leebeen: Anything soaking wet, e.g. she was like a leebeen.Emancipation: the Catholic Emancipation Act 1829 allowed Catholics to sit as MPs at Westminster and to be eligible for all public offices. However it was a costly emancipation because the Irish electorate was substantially reduced. Maynooth: the seminary where Catholic priests could be trained.

Act 3 scene 1Sassenagh: an English person (perjorative).Finagle: to use indirect, crafty deceitful means.

Act 4 scene 1Peelers: British soldiers.Banshee: in Irish mythology the fairy woman , an omen of death; a survival of pre-Christian nature spirits; a banshee wails around a house if someone is going to die.Pishogues: ghosts.

44

iii Perhaps a time interval might be indicated with a slight dimming of the lights and a turning on of an oil lamp.

45

the deflowering of maggie may_version_g_june l13th

Documents

play grasps

irish people

irish character

irish sea

irish independence

rape of maggie

irish young men

political life