night, I'm saying, when it's new thoughts
you'll be thinking at the dawn of day?
SARAH -- teasingly. -- It's at the dawn of
day I do be thinking I'd have a right to be
going off to the rich tinker's do be travelling
from Tibradden to the Tara Hill; for it'd be
a fine life to be driving with young Jaunting


15

Jim, where there wouldn't be any big hills
to break the back of you, with walking up and
walking down.
MICHAEL -- with dismay. -- It's the like
of that you do be thinking!
SARAH. The like of that, Michael Byrne,
when there is a bit of sun in it, and a kind
air, and a great smell coming from the thorn
trees is above your head.
MICHAEL -- looks at her for a moment
with horror, and then hands her the ring. --
Will that fit you now?
SARAH -- trying it on. -- It's making it
tight you are, and the edges sharp on the tin.
MICHAEL -- looking at it carefully. --
It's the fat of your own finger, Sarah Casey;
and isn't it a mad thing I'm saying again
that you'd be asking marriage of me, or mak-
ing a talk of going away from me, and you