The Countess Cathleen

(TEIG goes to door.) TEIG. Mother MARY. What is it? TEIG. In the bush beyond, There are two birds-if you can call them birds- I could not see them rightly for the leaves. But they've the shape and colour of horned owls And I'm half certain they've a human face. MARY. Mother of God, defend us TEIG. They're looking at me. What is the good of praying? father says. God and the Mother of God have dropped asleep.