What can have made the grey hen flutter so ? There is something that the hen hears . What can have kept your father all this while ? Look out , and tell me if your father 's coming . What is it ? Mother of God , defend us ! You 'll bring misfortune with your blasphemies Upon your father , or yourself , or me . I would to God he were home — ah , there he is . What was it kept you in the wood ? You know I cannot get all sorts of accidents Out of my mind till you are home again . What , did you beg ? There 's flour enough to make another loaf . There is the hen in the coop . God , that to this hour 's found bit and sup , Will cater for us still . Maybe He 'd have us die because He knows , When the ear is stopped and when the eye is stopped , That every wicked sight is hid from the eye , And all fool talk from the ear . God 's pity on the rich , Had we been through as many doors , and seen The dishes standing on the polished wood In the wax candle light , we 'd be as hard , And there 's the needle 's eye at the end of all . Had I but time to put the place to rights . We know it , lady . A place that 's set among impassable walls As though world 's trouble could not find it out . Then you are Countess Cathleen ? You have still some way , But I can put you on the trodden path Your servants take when they are marketing . But first sit down and rest yourself awhile , For my old fathers served your fathers , lady , Longer than books can tell — and it were strange If you and yours should not be welcome here . You never thanked her ladyship . We have all she had ; She emptied out the purse before our eyes . SHEMUS Leave that door open . When those that have read books , And seen the seven wonders of the world , Fear what 's above or what 's below the ground , It 's time that poverty should bolt the door . Is it call devils ? Call devils from the wood , call them in here ? God help us all ! I will not cook for you . I will not cook for you , because I know In what unlucky shape you sat but now Outside this door . If you are not demons , And seeing what great wealth is spread out there , Give food or money to the starving poor . But seek them patiently . Those scruples may befit a common time . I had thought there was a pushing to and fro , At times like this , that overset the scale And trampled measure down . Where shall the starving come at merchandise ? Their swine and cattle , fields and implements Are sold and gone . Teig and Shemus — Oh , God , why are you still ? Destroyers of souls , God will destroy you quickly . You shall at last dry like dry leaves and hang Nailed like dead vermin to the doors of God . SECOND MERCHANT . Curse to your fill , for saints will have their dreams . FIRST MERCHANTm Though we 're but vermin that our Master sent To overrun the world , he at the end Shall pull apart the pale ribs of the moon And quench the stars in the ancestral night . God is all powerful .