Act I]
51
Richard
[Takes his hand.] Who knows? Do you understand what it is to give a thing?
Archie
To give? Yes.
Richard
While you have a thing it can be taken from you.
Archie
By robbers? No?
Richard
But when you give it, you have given it. No robber can take it from you. [He bends his head and presses his son's hand against his cheek.] It is yours then for ever when you have given it. It will be yours always. That is to give.
Archie
But, pappie?
Richard
Yes?
Archie
How could a robber rob a cow? Everyone would see him. In the night, perhaps.
Richard
In the night, yes.
Archie
Are there robbers here like in Rome?
Richard
There are poor people everywhere.
Archie
Have they revolvers?
