Shemus Monologue from The Countess Cathleen

From The Countess Cathleen by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats

male · defiant · 48 sec

I thought you were.... but that's no matter now-- There had been words between my wife and me Because I said I would be master here, And ask in what I pleased or who I pleased And so.... but that is nothing to the point, Because it's certain that you are but merchants. (FIRST MERCHANT: We travel for the Master of all merchants.) Yet if you were that I had thought but now I'd welcome you no less. Be what you please And you'll have supper at the market rate, That means that what was sold for but a penny Is now worth fifty. (MERCHANTS begin putting money on carpet.)

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