Dall Glic:  Is it the falling of hailstones I hear or the rumbling of thunder, or is it the trots of horses upon the road?

Queen:  (Looking out.) It is the big man that is coming—­Prince or Lord or whoever he may be. (To Dall Glic.) Go now to the door to welcome him.  This is some man worth while. (To Manus.) Let you get out of this.

Manus:  No, whoever he is I’ll stop and face him.  Let him know we are players in the one game!

King:  And what sort of a fool will you make of me, to have given in to take the like of you for a son-in-law?  They will be putting ridicule on me in the songs.

Queen:  If he must stop here we might put some face on him....  If I had but a decent suit....  Give me your cloak, Dall Glic. (He gives it.) Here now ... (To Manus.) Put this around you.... (Manus takes it awkwardly.) It will cover up your kitchen suit.

Manus:  Is it this way?

Queen:  You have no right handling of it—­stupid clown!  This way!

Manus:  (Flinging it off.) No, I’ll change no more suits!  It is time for me to stop fooling and give you what you did not ask yet, my name.  I will tell out all the truth.

Gatekeeper:  (At door.) The King of Sorcha! (Taig comes in.)

King and Queen:  The King of Sorcha! (They rush forward to greet him.)

Nurse:  (To Manus.) Did ever anyone hear the like!

Manus:  It seems as if there will be a judgment between the man and the clothes!

Queen:  (To Taig.) There is someone here that you know, King.  This young man is giving out that he was your cook.

Taig:  He was not.  I never laid an eye on him till this minute.

Queen:  I was sure he was nothing but a liar when he said he would tell the truth!  Now, King, will you turn him out the door?

King:  And what about the great dinner he has me promised?

Manus:  Be easy King.  Whether or no you keep your word to me I’ll hold to mine! (Blows whistle.) In with the dishes!  Take your places!  Let the music play out!

(Music plays, the strange men wheel in tables and dishes.)

CURTAIN

ACT III

ACT III

Scene:  Same.  Table cleared of all but vessels of fruit, cocoa-nuts, etc.  Queen and Taig sitting in front, Nurse and Dall Glic standing in background.

Queen:  Now, King, the dinner being at an end, and the music, we have time and quiet to be talking.

Taig:  It is with the King’s daughter I am come to talk.

Queen:  Go, Dall Glic, call the Princess.  She will be here on the minute, but it is best for you to tell me out if it is to ask her in marriage you are come.