[_He stands at the desk with a fixed look in his eyes. The voices of THE PUPILS are heard singing these words_:
I was going the road one day— O the brown and the yellow beer— And I met with a man that was no right man: O my dear, O my dear!
Leave me alone. Leave me alone. Who is that pulling at my bag? King’s son, do not pull at my bag.
Did your friends the angels give you that bag? Why don’t they fill your bag for you?
What do you want pennies for? that great bag at your waist is heavy.
I want to buy bacon in the shops, and nuts in the market, and strong drink for the time when the sun is weak, and snares to catch rabbits and the squirrels that steal the nuts, and hares, and a great pot to cook them in.
Why don’t your friends tell you where buried treasures are? Why don’t they make you dream about treasures? If one dreams three times there is always treasure.
[_They throw pennies into his hat. He is standing close to the door, that he may hold out his hat to each newcomer._
Master, will you have Teig the Fool for a scholar?
Teig, will you give us your pennies if we teach you lessons? No, he goes to school for nothing on the mountains. Tell us what you learn on the mountains, Teig?
Be silent all! [_He has been standing silent, looking away._] Stand still in your places, for there is something I would have you tell me.
[_A moment’s pause. They all stand round in their places. TEIG still stands at the door._
Is there any one amongst you who believes in God? In Heaven? Or in Purgatory? Or in Hell?
I knew you would all say that; but do not be afraid. I will not be angry. Tell me the truth. Do you not believe?
We once did, but you have taught us to know better.
Oh! teaching, teaching does not go very deep! The heart remains unchanged under it all. You have the faith that you always had, and you are afraid to tell me.
If you tell me that you have not changed I shall be glad and not angry.
That is not the subject for to-day; you were going to talk about the words the beggar wrote upon the walls of Babylon.
If there is one amongst you that believes, he will be my best friend. Surely there is one amongst you. [_They are all silent._] Surely what you learned at your mother’s knees has not been so soon forgotten.