Leave me alone now; I have to make the bread for you and the children.
Out of this, woman, out of this, I say! [_BRIDGET goes through the kitchen door._] Will nobody find a way to help me! But she spoke of my children. I had forgotten them. They will believe. It is only those who have reason that doubt; the young are full of faith. Bridget, Bridget, send my children to me.
[_The two CHILDREN come in. They stand together a little way from the threshold of the kitchen door, looking timidly at their father._
Children, what do you believe? Is there a Heaven? Is there a Hell? Is there a Purgatory?
O no, father. [_They both speak together as if in school._] There is nothing we cannot see; there is nothing we cannot touch.
Foolish people used to think that there was, but you are very learned and you have taught us better.
You are just as bad as the others, just as bad as the others! Do not run away, come back to me! [_The CHILDREN begin to cry and run away._] Why are you afraid? I will teach you better—no, I will never teach you again. Go to your mother! no, she will not be able to teach them.... Help them, O God!... The grains are going very quickly. There is very little sand in the uppermost glass. Somebody will come for me in a moment; perhaps he is at the door now! All creatures that have reason doubt. O that the grass and the plants could speak! Somebody has said that they would wither if they doubted. O speak to me, O grass blades! O fingers of God’s certainty, speak to me! You are millions and you will not speak. I dare not know the moment the messenger will come for me. I will cover the glass. [_He covers it and brings it to the desk. Sees the FOOL, who is sitting by the door playing with some flowers which he has stuck in his hat. He has begun to blow a dandelion-head._] What are you doing?
Wait a moment. [_He blows._] Four, five, six.
I am blowing at the dandelion to find out what time it is.
You have heard everything! That is why you want to find out what hour it is! You are waiting to see them coming through the door to carry me away. [_FOOL goes on blowing._] Out through the door with you! I will have no one here when they come. [_He seizes the FOOL by the shoulders, and begins to force him out through the door, then suddenly changes his mind._] No, I have something to ask you. [_He drags him back into the room._] Is there a Heaven? Is there a Hell? Is there a Purgatory?