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.