_Old Matthias’s room. It is very dark. The old man lying on his bed.
Some one knocks outside the door. Matthias speaks in a weak voice._
MATTHIAS. Come in. (_The Priest enters. He sits down beside the bed and
hears the old man’s confession. When they have finished, Matthias
speaks._) Who told you I was wanting you, Father? I was praying God that
you’d come, but I hadn’t a messenger to send for you.
PRIEST. But, sure, you did send a messenger for me?
MATTHIAS. No.
PRIEST. You didn’t? But a little boy came and knocked at my door, and he
said you were wanting my help.
_The old man straightens himself back in the bed, and his eyes flash._
MATTHIAS. What sort of a little boy was he, Father?
PRIEST. A mannerly little boy, with a white coat on him.
MATTHIAS. Did you take notice if there was a shadow of light about his
head?
PRIEST. I did, and it put great wonder on me.
_The door opens. Iosagan stands on the threshold, and He with His two
arms stretched out towards Matthias; a miraculous light about His face
and head._
MATTHIAS. Iosagan! You’re good, Iosagan. You didn’t fail me, love. I was
too proud to go into Your house, but at the last it was granted me to
see You. “I was here always,” says He. “I do be travelling the roads and
walking the hills and ploughing the waves. I do be among the people when
they gather into My house. I do be among the children they do leave
behind playing on the street.” Among the children, it was, I found You,
Iosagan. “Shall I see You again?” “You will,” says He. “You’ll see Me
to-night.” _Sé do bheatha, a Iosagáin!_
_He falls back on the bed, and he dead. The Priest goes softly to him
and closes his eves._