of the girl that got a husband with
the praises he gave her. If he gives you the same, maybe you'll get
husbands with it.

FIRST GIRL. I often heard talk of Raftery.

THE OTHER GIRL. There was always a great name on Raftery.
(_They put some money in the plate shyly._)

BLIND MAN.

Before you go, give what you can
To this young girl and this young man.

FIRST GIRL (_to_ MARY). Here's a couple of dozen of
eggs, and welcome.

THE OTHER GIRL. O woman of the house! I have nothing with me
here; but I have a good clucking hen at home, and I'll bring her to you
to-morrow; our house is close by.

MARY. Indeed, that's good news to me; such nice neighbours to
be at hand. (_Several men and women come into the house together, every
one of them carrying something._)

SEVERAL (_together_). Welcome, Raftery!

BLIND MAN.

If ye have hearts are worth a mouse,
Welcome the bride into her house.

(_They laugh and greet_ MARY, _and put down gifts--a roll of
butter, rolls of woollen thread, and many other things._)

OLD FARMER. Ha, ha! That's right. They are coming in now. Now,
Raftery; isn't it generous and open-handed and liberal this country is?
Isn't it better than the County Mayo?

BLIND MAN.

I'd say all Galway was rich land,
If I'd your shillings in my hand.

(_Holds out his plate to them._)

OLD FARMER (_laughing_). Now, neighbours, down with it! My
conscience! Raftery knows how to get hold of the money.

A MAN OF THEM. _Maisead_, he doesn't own much riches; and there
is pride on us all to see him in this country. (_Puts money in the
plate, and all the others do the same. A lean old man comes in._)

MARTIN (_to_ MARY). That is John the Miser, or Seagan
na Stucaire, as they call him. That is the man that is hardest in this
country. He never gave a penny to any person since he was born.

MISER. God save all here! Oh, is that Raftery? Ho, ho! God save
you, Raftery, and a hundred thousand welcomes before you to this
country. There is pride on us all to see you. There is gladness on the
whole country, you to be here in our midst. If you will believe me,
neighbours, I saw with my own eyes the bush Raftery put his curse on;
and as sure as I'm living, it was withered away. There is nothing of it
but a couple of old twigs now.

BLIND MAN.

I've heard a voice like his before,
And liked some little voice the more;
I'd sooner have, if I'd my choice,
A big heart and a small v