Now, Sheela, don't you see that he who had no religion at all was better off than the people who had a religion! Every one of them was bound to the corner of his own creed, but Paudyeen was able to go in his choice place, and I'll be so too.
God help you Maurya; I'm afraid there's a long time before your poor soul in Purgatory.
Have sense Sheela; I'll go through Purgatory as quickly as lightning through a gooseberry bush.
There's no use talking to you or giving you advice. I'll leave you.
When Sheela was going out, Maurya let a screech out of her which was heard for a mile on every side of her. Sheela turned round and she saw Maurya in the midst of a flame of fire. Sheela ran as fast as was in her to Father Brian's house, and returned with him running to Maurya's house. But, my grief! the house was burned to the ground, and Maurya was burnt with it; and I am afraid that the [her] poor soul was lost.
This curious little piece is another dialogue in the same form as the last. These are the only two stories, if one may call them stories, which I have found couched in this form, so partly for that reason I give it here.
One day there was a poor little gossoon on the side of the road, and he taking care of an old sow of a pig, and a litter of bonhams along with her. A minister came the way, and he riding upon a fine horse, and he said to the gossoon, "Where does this road bring you?"
I'm here for a fortnight, and it never brought me anywhere yet.
Now, isn't it the wise little boy you are! Whose are the little pigs?
I know that, but I'm asking you who is the master of the bonhams.
That little black-and-white devil that you see rooting, he's able to beat the whole of them.
That's not what I'm asking you at all, but who is your own master?
My mistress's husband, a man as good as you'd get from here to himself.
You don't understand me yet. Who is your mistress--perhaps you understand that?
I understand you well. She is my master's wife. Everyone knows that.
You're a wise little boy; and it's as good for me to let you be, but tell me do you know where Patrick O'Donnell is living?
Yes, indeed. Follow this road until you come to a boreen on the side of your thumb-hand. Then follow your nose, and if you go astray break the guide.