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| Music : Carrolan's Welcome |
| Before Time Page 9 |
| Though he was tired, and he would admit so if asked, there was no place for him to sit. It would hurt them for him to say so |
| "Ahhh ', he said as if it had only come to mind. There's a bit more I must bring in, then the kettle should be warm enough for our meal. |
| He turned and once more went out to the cart. He brought back a bale of hay. He repeated this several times, stacking them together, side by side. |
| 'We'll use it fer patchin the thatch ' Over the top of the bales, he laid out several lengths of wool he had brought. |
| Both women watched him in amazement, for though he was nae of the frail stature, his body seemed so strong. |
| Finally he sat. But only for a moment. |
| He left his seat on the bales and went to the table . His voice, though tired was firm. ' We'll have our repast will we ? ' |
| Both women wanted to protest, but they already knew t'would do no good |
| The mothair spoke softly with little embarassment. 'Bowman, we have few bowls. You and me girleen have yer meal. I'll have mine a maight later ' |
| Bowman, tired or nae, was a swift thinker. |
| He feigned dismay .Aye now ye've ruined me surprize ' I'd a thought ta feed ye the way Bowman eats. |
| He took two large shepherd's loaves from the parcel he had laid on the table. He sliced off the top of each with his knife and near hollowed them out. He took them to the kettle and filled each with stew. |
| He brought each woman a 'bowl' of the stew and remarked ruefully ; 'There me secret is exposed, I'm a lazy man.I eat me bowl this way and donnae need ta tidy up after the meal |
| He lit several of the candle stubs he had brought with him. |
| 'No need ta waste the bits, yes ? ' |
| He sat, but again started up. Walked back to the table and withdrew some smoked ham and some cheese. |
| And one other item, wrapped and hidden from view |
| Maire tried to keep her voice light. whimsical, but couldnae hide her concern |
| ' Have ye some affliction we should know of Bowman ? One that makes ye pop up and down ? ' |
| He laughed that laugh she had come to treasure. " Ahhh nae Maire, unless a faulty memory is an affliction ' |
| He finally sat, but mostly rested, runnin his spoon about his stew. T'was enough to sit as they ate their own portions. Do ye have want of any other, will ye have yer hot drink freshed ? |
| The Mothair, enjoyed the meal as she had done none other for as long as she could recall, nae just the vittles, moreso the company. Still she couldnae resist tweakin her daughter. |
| 'Tis a grand repast Bowman, could only be surpassed with a pear ta go with the cheese ' Maire near choked on her stew. But Bowman, once again jumped and went to the table, picked up the wee parcel, hidden from view. He walked to the two women ... and with as much flourish as his tired body could muster, withdrew two of the beautiful pears Maire had been gatherin when he came upon her. He had stopped in the orchard to retrieve them before going to his cottage. |
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| Both women gasped surprized, amazed |
| Bowman smiled his very tired smile and spoke to the mother. |
| She answered softly, 'Nae Bowman, more she is praised fer a job well done. |
" She'll nae be punished fer a job nae done will she ? ' |