(_He steps back near the door, centre right_)
Suppose you'd made an Adam out of clay, Worked years to get it to your satisfaction, And now you're looking at it, hands all washed And mind confronting, weighing what's been done. Suddenly you're aware of something standing by you That whispers in your left ear: 'Make a wish Within the power of God.' What would it be?
To see it walk about the garden, brother.
Suppose your Adam was a pine-wood, Bishop, That couldn't walk.
(_Suddenly the hall is beautifully illuminated_)
(_The silence is broken by the ringing of a telephone bell in the room forward left_)
(_The Butler goes out to answer the telephone_)
(_Comes forward and takes his stand near the door forward left_)
They don't concern me. We are far away With quiet all about us and the woods.
... And it gives me pleasure to announce to you Upon the occasion of the opening Of your new mansion, Colonel Egerton, This bit of news, sir, from the military; And I offer it with our congratulations: The strike is over; The men have yielded and have gone to work. And all's been done without one----
(_Egerton comes forward, making his way through the crowd_)
(_Calls after Egerton as he goes out left_)
What's your opinion of these mysteries, Bishop?
I'm one of those that simply stand and wait.
There are miracles and miracles, Governor Braddock. I try to keep elastic in these things, Steering a middle course with open mind.
Needed just this to crown the time we're having.
We are living in an age in many ways Without a parallel. I sometimes think-- If I may say it not too seriously-- Of those last days we read of when the world Goes on its way unconscious of the end. We give and take in marriage, eat and drink, And meet our friends in social intercourse, And all the while a Spirit walks beside us, Enters our homes and writes upon our walls. There are whispers everywhere if we could hear them; And some of them grow louder with the days; And pools of quiet ruffle and show storms. You, Governor, feel the popular unrest As it manifests itself in politics, The shift of parties and of principles, Rocks that we used to think would never change. And brother Egerton in industry; He feels it.
(_Appearing at the door, excited, and keeping back so as not to be seen by the people_)