OF COSTELLO THE PROUD, OF OONA THE DAUGHTER OF DER
<strong>OFCOSTELLOTHEPROUD,OFOONATHEDAUGHTEROFDERMOTT,ANDOFTHEBITTERTOrong>
Costellohadeupfromthefieldsandlayuponthegroundbeforethedoorofhissquaretower,restinghisheaduponhishandsandlookingatthesu,andsideringthecesoftheweather.ThoughthesofElizabethandJames,nowgoingoutoffashioninEngland,hadbeguntoprevailamory,hestillworethegreatcloakofthenativeIrish;andthesensitiveoutlinesofhisfadthegreatnessofhisibodyhadainglingofprideandstrengthwhichbelooasimplerage.Hiseyeswanderedfromthesuowherethelongwhiteroadlostitselfoverthesouth?westernhorizonandtoahorsemanwhotoiledslowlyupthehill.Afewmoreminutesandthehorsemanwasnearenoughforhislittleandshapelessbody,hislongIrishcloak,andthedilapidatedbagpipeshangingfromhisshoulders,andtherough?hairedgarronunderhim,tobeseendistinctlyinthegreydusk.Sosoonashehadewithinearshot,hebegang:Isitsleepingyouare,TumausCostello,wheermeheirheartsonthegreatwhiteroads?
Getupoutofthat,proudTumaus,forIhavenews!Getupoutofthat,yougreatomadhaun!Shakeyourselfoutoftheearth,yougreatweedofaman!
Costellohadrisentohisfeet,andasthepipercameuptohimseizedhimbytheneckofhisjacket,andliftinghimoutofhissaddlethrewhimontotheground.
Letmealomealone,saidtheother,butCostellostillshookhim.
IhavenewsfromDermottsdaughter,Winny,Thegreatfingerswereloosened,andthepiperrosegasping.
Whydidyounottellme,saidCostello,thatyoucamefromher?Youmighthaverailedyourfill.
Ihaveefromher,butIwillnotspeakunlessIampaidformyshaking.
Costellofumbledatthebaginwhichhecarriedhismoney,anditwassometimebeforeitwouldopen,forthehandthathadoveranymenshookwithfearandhope.Hereisallthemoneyinmybag,hesaid,droppingastreamofFrendSpanishmoothehandofthepiper,whobitthesbeforehewouldanswer.
Thatisright,thatisafairprice,butIwillnotspeaktillIhavegoodprote,foriftheDermottslaytheirhandsuponmeinanyboreenaftersundown,orinCool?a?vinbyday,Iwillbelefttorotamolesofaditch,onthegreatsycamore,wheretheyhungthehorse?thieveslastBeltainefouryears.Andwhilehespokehetiedthereinsofhisgarrontoabarofrustyironthatwasmortaredintothewall.
Iwillmakeyoumypiperandmybodyservant,saidCostello,andnomandarelayhandsupontheman,oat,orthehorse,orthedogthatisTumausCostellos.
AndIwillonlytellmymessage,saidtheother,flingingthesaddleontheground,intheeroftheeywithanoggininmyhand,andajugoftheBrewoftheLittlePotbesideme,forthoughIamraggeday,myforbearswerewellclothedandfulluntiltheirhousewasburntandtheircattleharriedseveuriesagobytheDillons,whomIshallyetseeonthehobofhell,andtheyscreeg;andwhilehespokethelittleeyesgleamedahinhandsched.
Costelloledhimintothegreatrush?strewnhall,wherewerehefortswhichhadbeguntogrowory,butafeudalgauntnessandbareness,andpoihebenthegreatey;andwhenhehadsatdown,filledupahginaonthebenchbesidehim,aagreatblackjackofleatherbesidethenoggin,andlitatorchthatslafrinthewall,hishandstremblingthewhile;aurowardshimandsaid:WillDermottsdaughteretome,Duallach,sonofDaly?
Dermottsdaughterwillnotetoyou,forherfatherhassetwomentowatchher,butshebidmetellyouthatthisdaysennightwillbetheeveofSt.JohnandthenightofherbetrothaltoNamaraoftheLake,andshewouldhaveyoutherethat,whentheybidherdrinktohimshelovesbest,asthewayis,shemaydrinktoyou,TumausCostello,aallknowwhereherheartis,andhowlittleofgladnessisinhermarriage;andImyselfbidyougowithgoodmenaboutyou,forIsawthehorse?thieveswithmyowneyes,andtheydangthe"BluePigeon"intheair.AndtheheynoggintowardsCostello,hishandclosingrounditliketheclawofabird,andcried:Fillmynogginagain,forIwouldthedayhadewhenallthewaterintheworldistoshrinkintoaperiwinkle?shell,thatImightdrinknothingbutPoteen.
FindingthatCostellomadenoreply,butsatinadream,heburstout:Fillmynoggin,Itellyou,fornoCostelloissogreatintheworldthatheshouldnotonaDaly,eventhoughtheDalytraveltheroadwithhispipesaellohaveabarehill,ayhouse,ahorse,aherdofgoats,andahandfulofcows.PraisetheDalysifyouwill,saidCostelloashefilledthenoggin,foryouhavebroughtmeakindwordfrommylove.
ForthefewdaysDuallathitherandthithertryingtoraiseabodyguard,andeverymahadsomestoryofCostello,howhekilledthewrestlerwhenbutaboybysostrainingatthebeltthatwentaboutthemboththathebrokethebigwrestlersback;howwheolderhedraggedfiercehorsesthroughafordintheUnfer;howwhenhecametomanhoodhebrokethesteelhorseshoeinMayo;howhedrovemanymenbeforehimthroughRushyMeadowatDrum?an?airbecauseofamalevolentsongtheyhadabouthispoverty;andofmanyanotherdeedofhisstrengthandpride;buthecouldfindnonewhowouldtrustthemselveswithanysopassionateandpoorinaquarrelwithcarefulahypersonslikeDermottoftheSheepandNamaraoftheLake.
ThenCostellowentouthimself,andafterlisteningtomanyexcusesandinmanyplaces,broughtinabighalf?wittedfellow,whofollowedhimlikeadog,afarm?labourerwhoworshippedhimforhisstrength,afatfarmerwhoseforefathershadservedhisfamily,andacoupleofladswholookedafterhisgoatsandcows;andmarshalledthembeforethefireiyhall.Theyhadbroughtwiththemtheirstoutcudgels,andCostellogavethemanoldpistolapiedkeptthemallnightdrinkingSpanishaleandshootingatawhiteturnipwhichhepinnedagainstthewallwithaskewer.DuallachofthepipessatonthebentheeyplayingTheGreenBunchofRushes,TheUnStream,andThePrincesofBreffenyonhisoldpipes,andrailingnowattheappearaheshooters,nowattheirclumsyshooting,andnowatCostellobecausehehaderservants.Thelabourer,thehalf?wittedfellow,thefarmerandtheladswereallwellacedtoDuallachsrailing,foritwasasinseparablefromwakeorweddingasthesquealingofhispipes,buttheywoheforbearanceofCostello,whoseldomcameeithertowakeorwedding,andifhehadwouldscarcehavebeenpatientwithascoldingpiper.
OevenioutforCool?a?vin,Costelloridingatolerablehorseandcarryingasword,theothersuph?hairedgarrons,andwiththeirstoutcudgelsuheirarms.Astheyrodeoverthebogsandintheboreensamongthehillstheycouldseefireansweringfirefromhilltohill,fromhorizontohorizon,andeverywheregroupswhodaheredlightourf,celebratingthebridaloflifeandfire.WhentheycametoDermottshousetheysawbeforethedooranunusuallylargegroupoftheverypoor,dangaboutafire,inthemidstofwhichwasablazingcartwheel,thatcirculardancewhichissoahatthegods,longdwiobebutfairies,daherintheirsecretplaces.Fromthedoorandthroughthelongloop?holesohersidecamethepalelightofdlesandthesoundofmadangadanceofElizabethandJames.
Theytiedtheirhorsestobushes,fortheiedalreadyshowedthatthestableswerefull,andshovedtheirwaythroughacrowdofpeasantswhostoodaboutthedoor,aintothegreathallwherethedancewas.Thelabourer,thehalf?wittedfellow,thefarmerawoladsmixedwithagroupofservantswhowerelookingonfromanalcove,andDuallachsatwiththepipersontheirbench,butCostellomadehiswaythroughthedaowhereDermottoftheSheepstoodwithNamaraoftheLakepPoteenoutofaporcelainjugintginswithsilverrims.
TumausCostello,saidtheoldman,youhavedoneagooddeedtetwhathasbeen,andtoflingawayenmityandetothebetrothalofmydaughtertoNamaraoftheLake.
Ie,answeredCostello,becausewheniimeofCostelloDeAngalomyforbearsovercameyourforbearsandafterwardsmadepeace,apactwasmadethataCostellomightgowithhisbody?servantsandhispipertoeveryfeastgivenbyaDermottforever,atwithhisbody?servantsandhispipertoeveryfeastgivenbyaCostelloforever.
Ifyouewithevilthoughtsandarmedmen,saidthesotflushing,nomatterhyourhandstowrestleandtoswingthesword,itshallgobadlywithyou,forsomeofmywifeshaveeoutofMayo,andmythreebrothersandtheirservantshaveedownfromtheOxMountains;andwhilehespokehekepthishandinsidehiscoatasthoughuponthehandleofaon.
No,answeredCostello,Ibutetodanceafarewelldahyhter.
Dermottdrewhishandoutofhiscoataovertoatallpalegirlwhowasnowstandingbutalittlewayoffwithhermildeyesfixedupontheground.
Costellohasetodanceafarewelldance,forheknowsthatyouwillneverseeoheragain.
ThegirlliftedhereyesandgazedatCostello,andinhergazewasthattrustofthehumbleintheproud,thegeheviolent,whichhasbeeragedyofwomanfromthebeginning.Costelloledheramongthedancers,andtheyweresoondrawnintotherhythmofthePavahatstatelydancewhich,withtheSaraband,theGallead,andtheMorrices,haddrivenout,amongallbutthemostIrishofthegentry,thequickerrhythmsoftheverse?interwoven,pantomimicesofearlierdays;andwhiletheydaherecameoverthemtheunutterablemelancholy,thewearinesswiththeworld,thepoignantandbitterpityforoher,thevagueangeragainstonhopesandfears,whichistheexultationoflove.Andwhenadandedandthepiperslaiddowntheirpipesandliftedtheirhgins,theystoodalittlefromtheotherswaitingpensivelyandsilentlyforthedaobeginagainandthefireintheirheartstoleapupandtothemanew;andsotheydanddancedPavaneandSarabandandGalleadandMorricethroughthenightlong,andmanystoodstilltowatchthem,andthepeasantscameaboutthedoorandpeeredin,asthoughtheyuoodthattheywouldgathertheirchildrenschildrenaboutthemlonghendtellhowtheyhadseenCostellodahDermottsdaughterOona,andbeebythetellingthemselvesaportionofaromathroughallthedangandpipingNamaraoftheLakewenthitherandthithertalkingloudlyandmakingfoolishjokesthatallmightseemwellwithhim,andoldDermottoftheSheepgrewredderandredder,andlookedoftenerandoftehedoorwaytoseeifthedlestheregrewyellowinthedawn.
Atlasthesawthatthemomenttoendhade,and,inapauseafteradance,criedoutfromwherethehginsstoodthathisdaughterwouldnowdrinkthecupofbetrothal;thenOonacameovertowherehewas,andtheguestsstoodroundinahalf?circle,Costelloclosetothewalltht,andthepiper,thelabourer,thefarmer,thehalf?wittedmanawofarmladsclosebehindhim.Theoldmantookoutofahewallthesilvercupfromwhichhermotherahersmotherhaddruoastsoftheirbetrothals,andpouredPoteenoutofaporcelainjugandhahecuptohisdaughterwiththearywords,Drinktohimwhomyoulovethebest.
Sheheldthecuptoherlipsforamoment,andthensaidinaclearsoftvoice:Idrinktomytruelove,TumausCostello.
Ahecuprolledoveraheground,ringinglikeabell,fortheoldmanhadstruckherinthefadthecuphadfallen,andtheresilence.
ThereweremanyofNamaraspeopleamongtheservantsnoweoutofthealcove,ahem,astory?tellera,alastremnantofthebardicorder,whohadachairandaplatterinNamaraskit,drewaFrenifeoutofhisgirdleandmadeasthoughhewouldstrikeatCostello,butinamomentablowhadhurledhimtotheground,hisshouldersendingthecuprollingandringingagain.Theclickofsteelhadfollowedquickly,hadnotthereutteringandshoutingfromthepeasantsaboutthedoorandfromthosecrowdingupbehindthem;andallkhatthesewerenochildrenofQueensIrishorfriendlyNamarasats,butofthewildIrishaboutLoughGaraandLoughCara,whorowedtheirskincoracles,andhadmassesofhairovertheireyes,aherightarmsoftheirchildrenunchristehattheymightgivethestouterblows,andsworeonlybySt.Attyandsunandmoon,andworshippedbeautyandstrengthmorethanSt.Attyorsunandmoon.
Costelloshandhadresteduponthehandleofhisswordandhisknuckleshadgrownwhite,butnowhedrewitaway,and,followedbythoseithhim,strodetowardsthedoor,thedancersgivingwaybeforehim,themostangrilyandslowly,andwithglahemutteringandshoutingpeasants,butsomegladlyandquickly,becausethegloryofhisfamewasoverhim.Hepassedthroughthefierdfriendlypeasantfaces,andcamewherehisgoodhorseandtherough?hairedgarroiedtobushes;andmountedandbadehisungainlybodyguardmountalsoandrideintothenarrowboreeheyhadgotleway,Duallach,whorodelast,turowardsthehousewherealittlegroupofDermottsandNamarasstoodoamorenumerousgroupoftrymen,andcried:Dermott,youdeservetobeasyouarethishour,alanternwithoutadle,apursewithoutapenny,asheepwithoutwool,foryourhandwaseverniggardlytopiperandfiddlerandstory?tellerandtopoortravellingpeople.HehadnotdonebeforethethreeoldDermottsfromtheOxMountainshadruntowardstheirhorses,andoldDermotthimselfhadcaughtthebridleofagarronoftheNamarasandwascallingtotheotherstofollowhim;andmanyblowsandmahshadbeenhadnotthetrymencaughtupstillglowingsticksfromtheashesofthefiresandhurledthemamongthehorseswithloudcries,makingallplungeandrear,andsomebreakfromthosewhoheldthem,thewhitesoftheireyesgleaminginthedawn.
ForthefewweeksCostellohadnolaewsofOona,fornowawomansellingeggsorfowls,andnowamanorailgrimagetotheWelloftheRocks,wouldtellhimhowhislovehadfallenillthedayafterSt.JohnsEve,andhowshewasalittlebetteroralittleworse,asitmightbe;andthoughhelookedtohishorsesandhiscowsandgoatsasusual,theonanduhedustupontheroads,thesongsofmeurningfromfairsandwakes,menplayingcardsintheersoffieldsonSundaysandSaints
Days,therumoursofbattlesandgesinthegreatworld,thedeliberatepurposesofthoseabouthim,troubledhimwithaninexplicabletrouble;andthetrypeoplestillrememberhowwhennighthadfallenhewouldbidDuallachofthePipestell,tothechirpingofthecrickets,TheSonofApple,TheBeautyoftheWorld,TheKingofIrelandsSon,orsomeotherofthosetraditionaltaleswhichwereasmuchapipersbusinessasTheGreenBunchofRushes,TheUnStream,orTheChiefsofBreffeny;andwhiletheboundlessandphantasmalworldofthelegendswasa?building,wouldabandonhimselftothedreamsofhissorrow.
DuallachwouldoftenpausetotellhowsomeofthewildIrishhaddesdedfromaninparableKingoftheBlueBelt,orWarrioroftheOzierWattle,ortotellwithmanycurseshowallthestrangersandmostoftheQueensIrishweretheseedofthemisshapenandhornedPeoplefromUheSeaoroftheservileandcreepingFerbolg;butCostellocaredonlyforthelovesorrows,andnomatterwhitherthestorieswandered,whethertotheIsleoftheRedLough,wheretheblessedare,ortothemaligntryoftheHagoftheEast,Oonaaloneeheirshadowyhardships;foritwassheandnokingsdaughterofoldwhowashiddenieeltoweruhewaterwiththefoldsoftheWormofNineEyesroundandaboutherprison;anditwasshewhowonbysevenyearsofservicetherighttodeliverfromhellallshecouldcarry,andcarriedawaymultitudesgingwithwornfiothehemofherdress;anditwasshewhoendureddumbnessforayearbecauseofthelittlethornofentmentthefairieshadthrustiongue;anditwasalockofherhair,coiledinalittlecarvedbox,whichgavesogreatalightthatmenthreshedbyitfromsundowntosunrise,andawokesogreatawohatkingsspentyearsinwanderingorfellbeforeunknownarmiesinseekingtodiscoverherhiding?place;fortherewasyintheworldbuthers,nedyintheworldbuthers:alastthevoiceofthepiper,growlewiththewisdomofoldromance,wassilent,andhisrheumaticstepshadtoiledupstairsandtobed,andCostellohaddippedhisfingersintothelittledelffontofholywateraopraytoMaryoftheSevenSorrows,theblueeyesandstar?covereddressofthepaintinginthechapelfadedfromhisimagination,andthebrowneyesandhomespundressofDermottsdaughterWinnycameiead;fortherewasnotendernessinthepassionwhokeeptheirheartspureforloveorforhatredasothermenfod,forMaryandfortheSaints,andwho,whenthehouroftheirvisitationarrives,etotheDivineEssehebittertumult,theGardehsemane,andthedesolateRoodordainedforimmortalpassionsinmortalhearts.
Onedayaserving?maoCostello,whowashelpinghistwoladstoreapameadow,andgavehimaletter,androdeawaywithoutaword;aertaihesewordsinEnglish:TumausCostello,mydaughterisveryill.ThewisewomanfromKnoa?Sidhehasseenher,andsaysshewilldieunlessyouetoher.Ithereforebidyouetoherwhosepeaceyoustolebytreachery.?DERMOTT,THESOT.
Costellothrewdownhisscythe,aoheladsforDuallach,whohadbeewovenintohismindwithOona,andhimselfsaddledhisgreathorseandDuallachsgarron.
WhentheycametoDermottshouseitwaslateafternoon,andLoughGaralaydowhem,blue,mirror?like,aed;andthoughtheyhadseeadistance,darkfiguresmovingaboutthedoor,thehouseappearednotlessdesertedthantheLough.Thedoorstoodhalfopen,andCostelloknockeduponitagainandagain,sothatanumberoflakegullsflewupoutofthegrassandcircledscreamingoverhishead,buttherewasnoanswer.
Thereisnoonehere,saidDuallach,forDermottoftheSheepistooproudtoweleCostellotheProud,
ahrewthedooropen,andtheysawaragged,dirty,veryoldwoman,onthefloorleaningagainstthewall.CostellokhatitwasBridgetDelaney,adeafanddumbbeggar;andshe,whenshesawhim,stoodupandmadeasigntohimtofollow,andledhimandhispanionupastairanddownalongcorridortoacloseddoor.Shepushedthedooropenaalittlewayoffandsatdownasbefore;Duallachsatuponthegroundalso,butclosetothedoor,andCostellowentandgazeduponWinnysleepinguponabed.
Hesatuponachairbesideherandwaited,andalongtimepassedandstillsheslepton,andthenDuallachmotioohimthroughthedoortowakeher,buthehushedhisverybreath,thatshemightsleepon,forhisheartwasfullofthatungoverywhichmakesthefadioftheloverashadowofthedivi.PresentlyheturoDualladsaid:ItisnhtthatIstayherewheretherearenoneofherkindred,fortheonpeoplearealwaysreadytoblamethebeautiful.Aheywentdownandstoodatthedoorofthehouseandwaited,buttheeveningworeonandnoonecame.
ItwasafoolishmanthatcalledyouProudCostello,Duallachcriedatlast;hadheseenyouwaitingandwaitiheyleftabeggartoweleyou,itisHumbleCostellohewouldhavecalledyou.
ThenCostellomountedandDuallachmounted,butwhentheyhadriddenalittlewayCostellotightehereinsandmadehishorsestandstill.Manyminutespassed,andthenDuallachcried:ItisnowohatyoufeartooffetoftheSheep,forhehasmanybrothersandfriends,andthoughheisold,heisastrongmanandreadywithhishands,andheisoftheQueensIrish,andtheeheGaelareuponhisside.
AndCostelloansweredflushingandlookingtowardsthehouse:IswearbytheModthatIwillurnthereagainiftheydonotsendaftermebeforeIpassthefordintheBrownRiver,andherodeon,butsoveryslowlythatthesudownasbegantoflyoverthebogs.Whenhecametotheriverhelingeredawhileuponthebankamongtheflowersoftheflag,butpresentlyrodeoutintothemiddleandstoppedhishorseinafoamingshallow.Duallach,however,crossedoverandwaitedonafurtherbankaboveadeeperplace.AfteragoodwhileDuallachcriedoutagain,andthistimeverybitterly:Itwasafoolwhobegotyouandafoolwhoboreyou,andtheyarefoolsofallfoolswhosayyoueofanoldandock,foryoueofwhey?facedbeggarswhotravelledfromdoortodoor,bowingtogentlesandt?men.
Withbenthead,Costellorodethroughtheriverandstoodbesidehim,andwouldhavespokenhadnothoofsclatteredoherbankandahorsemansplashedtowardsthem.Itwasaserving?mats,andhesaid,speakihlesslylikeonewhohadriddenhard:TumausCostello,Ietobidyouagaitshouse.Whenyouhadgone,hisdaughterWinnyawokeandcalledyourname,foryouhadbeeninherdreams.BridgetDelaheDummysawherlipsmovearoubleuponher,andcamewherewewerehidinginthewoodabovethehouseandtookDermottoftheSheepbythecoatandbroughthimtohisdaughter.Hesawthetroubleuponher,andbidmeridehisownhorsetyouthequicker.
ThenCostelloturowardsthepiperDuallachDaly,andtakinghimaboutthewaistliftedhimoutofthesaddleandhurledhimagainstagreyrockthatroseupoutoftheriver,sothathefelllifelessintothedeeppladthewaterssweptoverthetonguewhichGodhadmadebitter,thattheremightbeastoryinmensearsiime.Thenplunginghisspursintothehorse,herodeawayfuriouslytowardthenorth?west,alongtheedgeoftheriver,anddidnotpauseuntilhecametoanotherandsmootherford,andsawtherisingmoonmirroredier.Hepausedforamomentirresolute,andtheothefordandoheOxMountains,anddowntowardsthesea;hiseyesalmosttinuallyrestinguponthemoonwhichglimmeredinthedimnesslikeagreatwhiterosehungoieboundlessandphantasmalworld.Butnowhishorse,longdarkwithsweatahinghard,forhekeptspurringittoaremespeed,fellheavily,hurlinghimintothegrassattheroadside.Hetriedtomakeitstandup,andfailinginthis,wentonaloowardsthemoonlight;andcametotheseaandsawaserlyianchor.Nowthathecouldgonofurtherbecauseofthesea,hefoundthathewasverytiredandthenightverycold,aintoashebeenclosetotheshoreandthrewhimselfdownuponabench.TheroomwasfullofSpanishandIrishsailorswhohadjustsmuggledacargoofwineandale,andwerewaitingafavourablewindtosetoutagain.ASpaniardofferedhimadrinkinbadGaelic.Hedrankitgreedilyaalkingwildlyandrapidly.
Forsomethreeweeksthewindblewinshoreorwithtoogreatviolendthesailorsstayeddrinkingandtalkingandplayingcards,andCostellostayedwiththem,sleepinguponabentheshebeen,anddrinkingandtalkingandplayingmorethanany.Hesoonlostwhatlittlemoneyhehad,andthenhishorse,whieonehadbroughtfromthemountaioaSpaniard,whosoldittoafarmerfromthemountains,andthenhislongcloakandhisspursandhisbootsofsoftleather.AtlastagentlewiowardsSpain,andthecrewrowedouttotheirser,singingGaelidSpanishsongs,andliftedtheanchor,andinalittlewhilethewhitesailshaddroppeduhehorizon.ThenCostelloturnedhomeward,hislifegapingbeforehim,andwalkedallday,ingintheearlyeveningtotheroadthatwentfromnearLoughGaratothesouthernedgeofLoughCay.Hereheovertookagreatcrowdofpeasantsandfarmers,alkingveryslowlyaftertwopriestsandagroupofwell?dressedpersoainofwhomwerecarryingacoffioppedanoldmanandaskedwhoseburyingitwasandwhosepeopletheywere,andtheoldmananswered:ItistheburyingofOotsdaughter,aheNamarasandtheDermottsandtheirfollowing,andyouareTumausCostellowhomurderedher.
Costellowentontowardstheheadoftheprocession,passingmenwholookedathimwithfierceeyesandonlyvaguelyuandingwhathehadheard,fornowthathehadlosttheuandingthatbelongstogoodhealth,itseemedimpossiblethatagentlenessaywhichhadbeensolongtheworldsheartcouldpassaresentlyhestoppedandaskedagainwhoseburyingitwas,andamananswered:WearecarryitsdaughterWinnywhomyoumurdered,tobeburiedintheislandoftheHolyTrinity,andthemanstoopedandpickedupastoneandcastitatCostello,strikinghimonthecheekandmakingthebloodflowoutoverhisface.Costellowentonscarcelyfeelingtheblow,andingtothoseaboutthecoffin,shoulderedhiswayintothemidstofthem,andlayinghishanduponthecoffin,askedinaloudvoice:Whoisinthiscoffin?
ThethreeOldDermottsfromtheOxMountainscaughtupstonesandbidthoseaboutthemdothesame;andhewasdrivenfromtheroad,coveredwithwounds,andbutforthepriestswouldsurelyhavebeenkilled.
Whentheprocessionhadpassedon,Costellobegantofollowagain,andsawfromadistahecoffinlaiduponalargeboat,andthoseaboutitgetintootherboats,asmoveslowlyoverthewatertoInsulaTrinitatis;andafteratimehesawtheboatsreturnandtheirpassengersmihthecrowduponthebank,andalldispersebymanyroadsandboreens.ItseemedtohimthatWinnywassomewhereontheislandsmililyasofold,andwhenallhadgoneheswamiheboatshadbeenrowedandfoundthenew?madegravebesidetheruinedAbbeyoftheHolyTrinity,andthrewhimselfuponit,callingtoOonatoetohim.Abovehimthesquareivyleavestrembled,andallabouthimwhitemothsmovedoverwhiteflowers,aodoursdriftedthroughthedimair.
Helaythereallthatnightandthroughthedayafter,fromtimetotimecallioetohim,butwhehirdnightcamehehadfotten,wornoutwithhungerandsorrow,thatherbodylayihbeh;butonlyknewshewassomewherenearandwouldnotetohim.
Justbeforedawn,thehourwhenthepeasantshearhisghostlyvoicegout,hisprideawokeandhecalledloudly:Winny,daughterofDermottoftheSheep,ifyoudonotetomeIwillgoandurntotheislandoftheHolyTrinity,andbeforehisvoicehaddiedawayacoldandwhirlingwindhadsweptovertheislandandhesawmanyfiguresrushingpast,womenoftheSidhewithsofsilveranddimfloatingdrapery;andthenOona,butnolongersmilily,forshepassedhimswiftlyandangrily,andasshepassedstruckhimuponthefaceg:Thengoandurn.
Hewouldhavefollowed,andwascallingouthername,whenthewholeglimmeringpanyroseupintotheair,and,rushingtogetherintheshapeofagreatsilveryrose,fadedintotheashendawn.
Costellogotupfromthegrave,uandingnothingbutthathehadmadehisbelovedangryandthat松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
Costellohadeupfromthefieldsandlayuponthegroundbeforethedoorofhissquaretower,restinghisheaduponhishandsandlookingatthesu,andsideringthecesoftheweather.ThoughthesofElizabethandJames,nowgoingoutoffashioninEngland,hadbeguntoprevailamory,hestillworethegreatcloakofthenativeIrish;andthesensitiveoutlinesofhisfadthegreatnessofhisibodyhadainglingofprideandstrengthwhichbelooasimplerage.Hiseyeswanderedfromthesuowherethelongwhiteroadlostitselfoverthesouth?westernhorizonandtoahorsemanwhotoiledslowlyupthehill.Afewmoreminutesandthehorsemanwasnearenoughforhislittleandshapelessbody,hislongIrishcloak,andthedilapidatedbagpipeshangingfromhisshoulders,andtherough?hairedgarronunderhim,tobeseendistinctlyinthegreydusk.Sosoonashehadewithinearshot,hebegang:Isitsleepingyouare,TumausCostello,wheermeheirheartsonthegreatwhiteroads?
Getupoutofthat,proudTumaus,forIhavenews!Getupoutofthat,yougreatomadhaun!Shakeyourselfoutoftheearth,yougreatweedofaman!
Costellohadrisentohisfeet,andasthepipercameuptohimseizedhimbytheneckofhisjacket,andliftinghimoutofhissaddlethrewhimontotheground.
Letmealomealone,saidtheother,butCostellostillshookhim.
IhavenewsfromDermottsdaughter,Winny,Thegreatfingerswereloosened,andthepiperrosegasping.
Whydidyounottellme,saidCostello,thatyoucamefromher?Youmighthaverailedyourfill.
Ihaveefromher,butIwillnotspeakunlessIampaidformyshaking.
Costellofumbledatthebaginwhichhecarriedhismoney,anditwassometimebeforeitwouldopen,forthehandthathadoveranymenshookwithfearandhope.Hereisallthemoneyinmybag,hesaid,droppingastreamofFrendSpanishmoothehandofthepiper,whobitthesbeforehewouldanswer.
Thatisright,thatisafairprice,butIwillnotspeaktillIhavegoodprote,foriftheDermottslaytheirhandsuponmeinanyboreenaftersundown,orinCool?a?vinbyday,Iwillbelefttorotamolesofaditch,onthegreatsycamore,wheretheyhungthehorse?thieveslastBeltainefouryears.Andwhilehespokehetiedthereinsofhisgarrontoabarofrustyironthatwasmortaredintothewall.
Iwillmakeyoumypiperandmybodyservant,saidCostello,andnomandarelayhandsupontheman,oat,orthehorse,orthedogthatisTumausCostellos.
AndIwillonlytellmymessage,saidtheother,flingingthesaddleontheground,intheeroftheeywithanoggininmyhand,andajugoftheBrewoftheLittlePotbesideme,forthoughIamraggeday,myforbearswerewellclothedandfulluntiltheirhousewasburntandtheircattleharriedseveuriesagobytheDillons,whomIshallyetseeonthehobofhell,andtheyscreeg;andwhilehespokethelittleeyesgleamedahinhandsched.
Costelloledhimintothegreatrush?strewnhall,wherewerehefortswhichhadbeguntogrowory,butafeudalgauntnessandbareness,andpoihebenthegreatey;andwhenhehadsatdown,filledupahginaonthebenchbesidehim,aagreatblackjackofleatherbesidethenoggin,andlitatorchthatslafrinthewall,hishandstremblingthewhile;aurowardshimandsaid:WillDermottsdaughteretome,Duallach,sonofDaly?
Dermottsdaughterwillnotetoyou,forherfatherhassetwomentowatchher,butshebidmetellyouthatthisdaysennightwillbetheeveofSt.JohnandthenightofherbetrothaltoNamaraoftheLake,andshewouldhaveyoutherethat,whentheybidherdrinktohimshelovesbest,asthewayis,shemaydrinktoyou,TumausCostello,aallknowwhereherheartis,andhowlittleofgladnessisinhermarriage;andImyselfbidyougowithgoodmenaboutyou,forIsawthehorse?thieveswithmyowneyes,andtheydangthe"BluePigeon"intheair.AndtheheynoggintowardsCostello,hishandclosingrounditliketheclawofabird,andcried:Fillmynogginagain,forIwouldthedayhadewhenallthewaterintheworldistoshrinkintoaperiwinkle?shell,thatImightdrinknothingbutPoteen.
FindingthatCostellomadenoreply,butsatinadream,heburstout:Fillmynoggin,Itellyou,fornoCostelloissogreatintheworldthatheshouldnotonaDaly,eventhoughtheDalytraveltheroadwithhispipesaellohaveabarehill,ayhouse,ahorse,aherdofgoats,andahandfulofcows.PraisetheDalysifyouwill,saidCostelloashefilledthenoggin,foryouhavebroughtmeakindwordfrommylove.
ForthefewdaysDuallathitherandthithertryingtoraiseabodyguard,andeverymahadsomestoryofCostello,howhekilledthewrestlerwhenbutaboybysostrainingatthebeltthatwentaboutthemboththathebrokethebigwrestlersback;howwheolderhedraggedfiercehorsesthroughafordintheUnfer;howwhenhecametomanhoodhebrokethesteelhorseshoeinMayo;howhedrovemanymenbeforehimthroughRushyMeadowatDrum?an?airbecauseofamalevolentsongtheyhadabouthispoverty;andofmanyanotherdeedofhisstrengthandpride;buthecouldfindnonewhowouldtrustthemselveswithanysopassionateandpoorinaquarrelwithcarefulahypersonslikeDermottoftheSheepandNamaraoftheLake.
ThenCostellowentouthimself,andafterlisteningtomanyexcusesandinmanyplaces,broughtinabighalf?wittedfellow,whofollowedhimlikeadog,afarm?labourerwhoworshippedhimforhisstrength,afatfarmerwhoseforefathershadservedhisfamily,andacoupleofladswholookedafterhisgoatsandcows;andmarshalledthembeforethefireiyhall.Theyhadbroughtwiththemtheirstoutcudgels,andCostellogavethemanoldpistolapiedkeptthemallnightdrinkingSpanishaleandshootingatawhiteturnipwhichhepinnedagainstthewallwithaskewer.DuallachofthepipessatonthebentheeyplayingTheGreenBunchofRushes,TheUnStream,andThePrincesofBreffenyonhisoldpipes,andrailingnowattheappearaheshooters,nowattheirclumsyshooting,andnowatCostellobecausehehaderservants.Thelabourer,thehalf?wittedfellow,thefarmerandtheladswereallwellacedtoDuallachsrailing,foritwasasinseparablefromwakeorweddingasthesquealingofhispipes,buttheywoheforbearanceofCostello,whoseldomcameeithertowakeorwedding,andifhehadwouldscarcehavebeenpatientwithascoldingpiper.
OevenioutforCool?a?vin,Costelloridingatolerablehorseandcarryingasword,theothersuph?hairedgarrons,andwiththeirstoutcudgelsuheirarms.Astheyrodeoverthebogsandintheboreensamongthehillstheycouldseefireansweringfirefromhilltohill,fromhorizontohorizon,andeverywheregroupswhodaheredlightourf,celebratingthebridaloflifeandfire.WhentheycametoDermottshousetheysawbeforethedooranunusuallylargegroupoftheverypoor,dangaboutafire,inthemidstofwhichwasablazingcartwheel,thatcirculardancewhichissoahatthegods,longdwiobebutfairies,daherintheirsecretplaces.Fromthedoorandthroughthelongloop?holesohersidecamethepalelightofdlesandthesoundofmadangadanceofElizabethandJames.
Theytiedtheirhorsestobushes,fortheiedalreadyshowedthatthestableswerefull,andshovedtheirwaythroughacrowdofpeasantswhostoodaboutthedoor,aintothegreathallwherethedancewas.Thelabourer,thehalf?wittedfellow,thefarmerawoladsmixedwithagroupofservantswhowerelookingonfromanalcove,andDuallachsatwiththepipersontheirbench,butCostellomadehiswaythroughthedaowhereDermottoftheSheepstoodwithNamaraoftheLakepPoteenoutofaporcelainjugintginswithsilverrims.
TumausCostello,saidtheoldman,youhavedoneagooddeedtetwhathasbeen,andtoflingawayenmityandetothebetrothalofmydaughtertoNamaraoftheLake.
Ie,answeredCostello,becausewheniimeofCostelloDeAngalomyforbearsovercameyourforbearsandafterwardsmadepeace,apactwasmadethataCostellomightgowithhisbody?servantsandhispipertoeveryfeastgivenbyaDermottforever,atwithhisbody?servantsandhispipertoeveryfeastgivenbyaCostelloforever.
Ifyouewithevilthoughtsandarmedmen,saidthesotflushing,nomatterhyourhandstowrestleandtoswingthesword,itshallgobadlywithyou,forsomeofmywifeshaveeoutofMayo,andmythreebrothersandtheirservantshaveedownfromtheOxMountains;andwhilehespokehekepthishandinsidehiscoatasthoughuponthehandleofaon.
No,answeredCostello,Ibutetodanceafarewelldahyhter.
Dermottdrewhishandoutofhiscoataovertoatallpalegirlwhowasnowstandingbutalittlewayoffwithhermildeyesfixedupontheground.
Costellohasetodanceafarewelldance,forheknowsthatyouwillneverseeoheragain.
ThegirlliftedhereyesandgazedatCostello,andinhergazewasthattrustofthehumbleintheproud,thegeheviolent,whichhasbeeragedyofwomanfromthebeginning.Costelloledheramongthedancers,andtheyweresoondrawnintotherhythmofthePavahatstatelydancewhich,withtheSaraband,theGallead,andtheMorrices,haddrivenout,amongallbutthemostIrishofthegentry,thequickerrhythmsoftheverse?interwoven,pantomimicesofearlierdays;andwhiletheydaherecameoverthemtheunutterablemelancholy,thewearinesswiththeworld,thepoignantandbitterpityforoher,thevagueangeragainstonhopesandfears,whichistheexultationoflove.Andwhenadandedandthepiperslaiddowntheirpipesandliftedtheirhgins,theystoodalittlefromtheotherswaitingpensivelyandsilentlyforthedaobeginagainandthefireintheirheartstoleapupandtothemanew;andsotheydanddancedPavaneandSarabandandGalleadandMorricethroughthenightlong,andmanystoodstilltowatchthem,andthepeasantscameaboutthedoorandpeeredin,asthoughtheyuoodthattheywouldgathertheirchildrenschildrenaboutthemlonghendtellhowtheyhadseenCostellodahDermottsdaughterOona,andbeebythetellingthemselvesaportionofaromathroughallthedangandpipingNamaraoftheLakewenthitherandthithertalkingloudlyandmakingfoolishjokesthatallmightseemwellwithhim,andoldDermottoftheSheepgrewredderandredder,andlookedoftenerandoftehedoorwaytoseeifthedlestheregrewyellowinthedawn.
Atlasthesawthatthemomenttoendhade,and,inapauseafteradance,criedoutfromwherethehginsstoodthathisdaughterwouldnowdrinkthecupofbetrothal;thenOonacameovertowherehewas,andtheguestsstoodroundinahalf?circle,Costelloclosetothewalltht,andthepiper,thelabourer,thefarmer,thehalf?wittedmanawofarmladsclosebehindhim.Theoldmantookoutofahewallthesilvercupfromwhichhermotherahersmotherhaddruoastsoftheirbetrothals,andpouredPoteenoutofaporcelainjugandhahecuptohisdaughterwiththearywords,Drinktohimwhomyoulovethebest.
Sheheldthecuptoherlipsforamoment,andthensaidinaclearsoftvoice:Idrinktomytruelove,TumausCostello.
Ahecuprolledoveraheground,ringinglikeabell,fortheoldmanhadstruckherinthefadthecuphadfallen,andtheresilence.
ThereweremanyofNamaraspeopleamongtheservantsnoweoutofthealcove,ahem,astory?tellera,alastremnantofthebardicorder,whohadachairandaplatterinNamaraskit,drewaFrenifeoutofhisgirdleandmadeasthoughhewouldstrikeatCostello,butinamomentablowhadhurledhimtotheground,hisshouldersendingthecuprollingandringingagain.Theclickofsteelhadfollowedquickly,hadnotthereutteringandshoutingfromthepeasantsaboutthedoorandfromthosecrowdingupbehindthem;andallkhatthesewerenochildrenofQueensIrishorfriendlyNamarasats,butofthewildIrishaboutLoughGaraandLoughCara,whorowedtheirskincoracles,andhadmassesofhairovertheireyes,aherightarmsoftheirchildrenunchristehattheymightgivethestouterblows,andsworeonlybySt.Attyandsunandmoon,andworshippedbeautyandstrengthmorethanSt.Attyorsunandmoon.
Costelloshandhadresteduponthehandleofhisswordandhisknuckleshadgrownwhite,butnowhedrewitaway,and,followedbythoseithhim,strodetowardsthedoor,thedancersgivingwaybeforehim,themostangrilyandslowly,andwithglahemutteringandshoutingpeasants,butsomegladlyandquickly,becausethegloryofhisfamewasoverhim.Hepassedthroughthefierdfriendlypeasantfaces,andcamewherehisgoodhorseandtherough?hairedgarroiedtobushes;andmountedandbadehisungainlybodyguardmountalsoandrideintothenarrowboreeheyhadgotleway,Duallach,whorodelast,turowardsthehousewherealittlegroupofDermottsandNamarasstoodoamorenumerousgroupoftrymen,andcried:Dermott,youdeservetobeasyouarethishour,alanternwithoutadle,apursewithoutapenny,asheepwithoutwool,foryourhandwaseverniggardlytopiperandfiddlerandstory?tellerandtopoortravellingpeople.HehadnotdonebeforethethreeoldDermottsfromtheOxMountainshadruntowardstheirhorses,andoldDermotthimselfhadcaughtthebridleofagarronoftheNamarasandwascallingtotheotherstofollowhim;andmanyblowsandmahshadbeenhadnotthetrymencaughtupstillglowingsticksfromtheashesofthefiresandhurledthemamongthehorseswithloudcries,makingallplungeandrear,andsomebreakfromthosewhoheldthem,thewhitesoftheireyesgleaminginthedawn.
ForthefewweeksCostellohadnolaewsofOona,fornowawomansellingeggsorfowls,andnowamanorailgrimagetotheWelloftheRocks,wouldtellhimhowhislovehadfallenillthedayafterSt.JohnsEve,andhowshewasalittlebetteroralittleworse,asitmightbe;andthoughhelookedtohishorsesandhiscowsandgoatsasusual,theonanduhedustupontheroads,thesongsofmeurningfromfairsandwakes,menplayingcardsintheersoffieldsonSundaysandSaints
Days,therumoursofbattlesandgesinthegreatworld,thedeliberatepurposesofthoseabouthim,troubledhimwithaninexplicabletrouble;andthetrypeoplestillrememberhowwhennighthadfallenhewouldbidDuallachofthePipestell,tothechirpingofthecrickets,TheSonofApple,TheBeautyoftheWorld,TheKingofIrelandsSon,orsomeotherofthosetraditionaltaleswhichwereasmuchapipersbusinessasTheGreenBunchofRushes,TheUnStream,orTheChiefsofBreffeny;andwhiletheboundlessandphantasmalworldofthelegendswasa?building,wouldabandonhimselftothedreamsofhissorrow.
DuallachwouldoftenpausetotellhowsomeofthewildIrishhaddesdedfromaninparableKingoftheBlueBelt,orWarrioroftheOzierWattle,ortotellwithmanycurseshowallthestrangersandmostoftheQueensIrishweretheseedofthemisshapenandhornedPeoplefromUheSeaoroftheservileandcreepingFerbolg;butCostellocaredonlyforthelovesorrows,andnomatterwhitherthestorieswandered,whethertotheIsleoftheRedLough,wheretheblessedare,ortothemaligntryoftheHagoftheEast,Oonaaloneeheirshadowyhardships;foritwassheandnokingsdaughterofoldwhowashiddenieeltoweruhewaterwiththefoldsoftheWormofNineEyesroundandaboutherprison;anditwasshewhowonbysevenyearsofservicetherighttodeliverfromhellallshecouldcarry,andcarriedawaymultitudesgingwithwornfiothehemofherdress;anditwasshewhoendureddumbnessforayearbecauseofthelittlethornofentmentthefairieshadthrustiongue;anditwasalockofherhair,coiledinalittlecarvedbox,whichgavesogreatalightthatmenthreshedbyitfromsundowntosunrise,andawokesogreatawohatkingsspentyearsinwanderingorfellbeforeunknownarmiesinseekingtodiscoverherhiding?place;fortherewasyintheworldbuthers,nedyintheworldbuthers:alastthevoiceofthepiper,growlewiththewisdomofoldromance,wassilent,andhisrheumaticstepshadtoiledupstairsandtobed,andCostellohaddippedhisfingersintothelittledelffontofholywateraopraytoMaryoftheSevenSorrows,theblueeyesandstar?covereddressofthepaintinginthechapelfadedfromhisimagination,andthebrowneyesandhomespundressofDermottsdaughterWinnycameiead;fortherewasnotendernessinthepassionwhokeeptheirheartspureforloveorforhatredasothermenfod,forMaryandfortheSaints,andwho,whenthehouroftheirvisitationarrives,etotheDivineEssehebittertumult,theGardehsemane,andthedesolateRoodordainedforimmortalpassionsinmortalhearts.
Onedayaserving?maoCostello,whowashelpinghistwoladstoreapameadow,andgavehimaletter,androdeawaywithoutaword;aertaihesewordsinEnglish:TumausCostello,mydaughterisveryill.ThewisewomanfromKnoa?Sidhehasseenher,andsaysshewilldieunlessyouetoher.Ithereforebidyouetoherwhosepeaceyoustolebytreachery.?DERMOTT,THESOT.
Costellothrewdownhisscythe,aoheladsforDuallach,whohadbeewovenintohismindwithOona,andhimselfsaddledhisgreathorseandDuallachsgarron.
WhentheycametoDermottshouseitwaslateafternoon,andLoughGaralaydowhem,blue,mirror?like,aed;andthoughtheyhadseeadistance,darkfiguresmovingaboutthedoor,thehouseappearednotlessdesertedthantheLough.Thedoorstoodhalfopen,andCostelloknockeduponitagainandagain,sothatanumberoflakegullsflewupoutofthegrassandcircledscreamingoverhishead,buttherewasnoanswer.
Thereisnoonehere,saidDuallach,forDermottoftheSheepistooproudtoweleCostellotheProud,
ahrewthedooropen,andtheysawaragged,dirty,veryoldwoman,onthefloorleaningagainstthewall.CostellokhatitwasBridgetDelaney,adeafanddumbbeggar;andshe,whenshesawhim,stoodupandmadeasigntohimtofollow,andledhimandhispanionupastairanddownalongcorridortoacloseddoor.Shepushedthedooropenaalittlewayoffandsatdownasbefore;Duallachsatuponthegroundalso,butclosetothedoor,andCostellowentandgazeduponWinnysleepinguponabed.
Hesatuponachairbesideherandwaited,andalongtimepassedandstillsheslepton,andthenDuallachmotioohimthroughthedoortowakeher,buthehushedhisverybreath,thatshemightsleepon,forhisheartwasfullofthatungoverywhichmakesthefadioftheloverashadowofthedivi.PresentlyheturoDualladsaid:ItisnhtthatIstayherewheretherearenoneofherkindred,fortheonpeoplearealwaysreadytoblamethebeautiful.Aheywentdownandstoodatthedoorofthehouseandwaited,buttheeveningworeonandnoonecame.
ItwasafoolishmanthatcalledyouProudCostello,Duallachcriedatlast;hadheseenyouwaitingandwaitiheyleftabeggartoweleyou,itisHumbleCostellohewouldhavecalledyou.
ThenCostellomountedandDuallachmounted,butwhentheyhadriddenalittlewayCostellotightehereinsandmadehishorsestandstill.Manyminutespassed,andthenDuallachcried:ItisnowohatyoufeartooffetoftheSheep,forhehasmanybrothersandfriends,andthoughheisold,heisastrongmanandreadywithhishands,andheisoftheQueensIrish,andtheeheGaelareuponhisside.
AndCostelloansweredflushingandlookingtowardsthehouse:IswearbytheModthatIwillurnthereagainiftheydonotsendaftermebeforeIpassthefordintheBrownRiver,andherodeon,butsoveryslowlythatthesudownasbegantoflyoverthebogs.Whenhecametotheriverhelingeredawhileuponthebankamongtheflowersoftheflag,butpresentlyrodeoutintothemiddleandstoppedhishorseinafoamingshallow.Duallach,however,crossedoverandwaitedonafurtherbankaboveadeeperplace.AfteragoodwhileDuallachcriedoutagain,andthistimeverybitterly:Itwasafoolwhobegotyouandafoolwhoboreyou,andtheyarefoolsofallfoolswhosayyoueofanoldandock,foryoueofwhey?facedbeggarswhotravelledfromdoortodoor,bowingtogentlesandt?men.
Withbenthead,Costellorodethroughtheriverandstoodbesidehim,andwouldhavespokenhadnothoofsclatteredoherbankandahorsemansplashedtowardsthem.Itwasaserving?mats,andhesaid,speakihlesslylikeonewhohadriddenhard:TumausCostello,Ietobidyouagaitshouse.Whenyouhadgone,hisdaughterWinnyawokeandcalledyourname,foryouhadbeeninherdreams.BridgetDelaheDummysawherlipsmovearoubleuponher,andcamewherewewerehidinginthewoodabovethehouseandtookDermottoftheSheepbythecoatandbroughthimtohisdaughter.Hesawthetroubleuponher,andbidmeridehisownhorsetyouthequicker.
ThenCostelloturowardsthepiperDuallachDaly,andtakinghimaboutthewaistliftedhimoutofthesaddleandhurledhimagainstagreyrockthatroseupoutoftheriver,sothathefelllifelessintothedeeppladthewaterssweptoverthetonguewhichGodhadmadebitter,thattheremightbeastoryinmensearsiime.Thenplunginghisspursintothehorse,herodeawayfuriouslytowardthenorth?west,alongtheedgeoftheriver,anddidnotpauseuntilhecametoanotherandsmootherford,andsawtherisingmoonmirroredier.Hepausedforamomentirresolute,andtheothefordandoheOxMountains,anddowntowardsthesea;hiseyesalmosttinuallyrestinguponthemoonwhichglimmeredinthedimnesslikeagreatwhiterosehungoieboundlessandphantasmalworld.Butnowhishorse,longdarkwithsweatahinghard,forhekeptspurringittoaremespeed,fellheavily,hurlinghimintothegrassattheroadside.Hetriedtomakeitstandup,andfailinginthis,wentonaloowardsthemoonlight;andcametotheseaandsawaserlyianchor.Nowthathecouldgonofurtherbecauseofthesea,hefoundthathewasverytiredandthenightverycold,aintoashebeenclosetotheshoreandthrewhimselfdownuponabench.TheroomwasfullofSpanishandIrishsailorswhohadjustsmuggledacargoofwineandale,andwerewaitingafavourablewindtosetoutagain.ASpaniardofferedhimadrinkinbadGaelic.Hedrankitgreedilyaalkingwildlyandrapidly.
Forsomethreeweeksthewindblewinshoreorwithtoogreatviolendthesailorsstayeddrinkingandtalkingandplayingcards,andCostellostayedwiththem,sleepinguponabentheshebeen,anddrinkingandtalkingandplayingmorethanany.Hesoonlostwhatlittlemoneyhehad,andthenhishorse,whieonehadbroughtfromthemountaioaSpaniard,whosoldittoafarmerfromthemountains,andthenhislongcloakandhisspursandhisbootsofsoftleather.AtlastagentlewiowardsSpain,andthecrewrowedouttotheirser,singingGaelidSpanishsongs,andliftedtheanchor,andinalittlewhilethewhitesailshaddroppeduhehorizon.ThenCostelloturnedhomeward,hislifegapingbeforehim,andwalkedallday,ingintheearlyeveningtotheroadthatwentfromnearLoughGaratothesouthernedgeofLoughCay.Hereheovertookagreatcrowdofpeasantsandfarmers,alkingveryslowlyaftertwopriestsandagroupofwell?dressedpersoainofwhomwerecarryingacoffioppedanoldmanandaskedwhoseburyingitwasandwhosepeopletheywere,andtheoldmananswered:ItistheburyingofOotsdaughter,aheNamarasandtheDermottsandtheirfollowing,andyouareTumausCostellowhomurderedher.
Costellowentontowardstheheadoftheprocession,passingmenwholookedathimwithfierceeyesandonlyvaguelyuandingwhathehadheard,fornowthathehadlosttheuandingthatbelongstogoodhealth,itseemedimpossiblethatagentlenessaywhichhadbeensolongtheworldsheartcouldpassaresentlyhestoppedandaskedagainwhoseburyingitwas,andamananswered:WearecarryitsdaughterWinnywhomyoumurdered,tobeburiedintheislandoftheHolyTrinity,andthemanstoopedandpickedupastoneandcastitatCostello,strikinghimonthecheekandmakingthebloodflowoutoverhisface.Costellowentonscarcelyfeelingtheblow,andingtothoseaboutthecoffin,shoulderedhiswayintothemidstofthem,andlayinghishanduponthecoffin,askedinaloudvoice:Whoisinthiscoffin?
ThethreeOldDermottsfromtheOxMountainscaughtupstonesandbidthoseaboutthemdothesame;andhewasdrivenfromtheroad,coveredwithwounds,andbutforthepriestswouldsurelyhavebeenkilled.
Whentheprocessionhadpassedon,Costellobegantofollowagain,andsawfromadistahecoffinlaiduponalargeboat,andthoseaboutitgetintootherboats,asmoveslowlyoverthewatertoInsulaTrinitatis;andafteratimehesawtheboatsreturnandtheirpassengersmihthecrowduponthebank,andalldispersebymanyroadsandboreens.ItseemedtohimthatWinnywassomewhereontheislandsmililyasofold,andwhenallhadgoneheswamiheboatshadbeenrowedandfoundthenew?madegravebesidetheruinedAbbeyoftheHolyTrinity,andthrewhimselfuponit,callingtoOonatoetohim.Abovehimthesquareivyleavestrembled,andallabouthimwhitemothsmovedoverwhiteflowers,aodoursdriftedthroughthedimair.
Helaythereallthatnightandthroughthedayafter,fromtimetotimecallioetohim,butwhehirdnightcamehehadfotten,wornoutwithhungerandsorrow,thatherbodylayihbeh;butonlyknewshewassomewherenearandwouldnotetohim.
Justbeforedawn,thehourwhenthepeasantshearhisghostlyvoicegout,hisprideawokeandhecalledloudly:Winny,daughterofDermottoftheSheep,ifyoudonotetomeIwillgoandurntotheislandoftheHolyTrinity,andbeforehisvoicehaddiedawayacoldandwhirlingwindhadsweptovertheislandandhesawmanyfiguresrushingpast,womenoftheSidhewithsofsilveranddimfloatingdrapery;andthenOona,butnolongersmilily,forshepassedhimswiftlyandangrily,andasshepassedstruckhimuponthefaceg:Thengoandurn.
Hewouldhavefollowed,andwascallingouthername,whenthewholeglimmeringpanyroseupintotheair,and,rushingtogetherintheshapeofagreatsilveryrose,fadedintotheashendawn.
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并不代表本站立场!本站亦无法严格审:The Secret Rose最新章节其版权归属。如您对The Secret RoseTXT下载持有版权方面的异议，请联系本站客服。我们将于72小时内处理。
Copyright (C) 2019 All Rights Reserved 版权所有：松语文学