O" ♦"'. "l ^-;.-i? R^-J Class r Oi56'0 5 Book 'O ^i SL^ GOF»lIGHT DEPOSm PLJYS BY GEORGE MIDDLETON UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME NOWADAYS. A Three- Act Contemporaneous Comedy. $1.20 THE ROAD TOGETHER. A Four-Act Contemporaneous Drama. $1.20 EMBERS and Other One-Act Plays. Including The Failures, The Gargoyle. In His House, Madonna, The Man Masterful. $1.35 TRADITION and Other One-Act Plays. Including On Bail, Their Wife, Waiting, The Cheat of Pity, Mothers. $1.35 POSSESSION and Other One-Act Plays. Including The Groove, A Good Woman, The Black Tie, Circles, The Unborn. $1.35 MASKS and Other One-Act Plays. Including Jim's Beast, Tides, Among the Lions, The Reason, The House. $1.60. CRIMINALS. A One-Act Play. (Published by B. W. Huebsch, N. Y. $.50) HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY Publishers New York Anton: * 'Forgive them for they know not what they do." Act 2. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD A MODERN DRAMA By GUY BOLTON AND GEORGE MIDDLETON NEW YORK HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY 1920 Copyright i9I9» 1920 BY GUY BOLTON AND GEORGE MIDDLETON Copyright in Great Britain and Ireland and in all countries sub- scribing to the Bern Convention. All translation rights reserved. Published October, 1920 SPECIAL NOTICE This play in its printed form is designed for the reading public only. All dramatic and production rights are strictly reserved in all countries as stated above and no public or private performance — professional or amateur — may he given without arrangements with the authors. As the courts have also ruled that the public reading of a play, for pay or where tickets are sold, constitutes a " performance ** no such reading may be given except by arrangements with the authors and upon the payment of royalties. Anyone disregarding the authors* rights renders himself liable to prosecution. All communications should be sent to the authors, care of Henry Holt and Company 19 West 44th St., New York City, U.S.A. 1/ NOV -11920 §)OI.A601336 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD ^ As Produced at Lyric and Manhattan Theatres, New York City. PROGRAM F. RAY COMSTOCK and MORRIS GEST Present THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD A Modern Drama in Three Acts By GUY BOLTON and GEORGE MIDDLETON CHARACTERS (Named in the order of their appearance) Mary Rendel^ mother of Anton, Miss Percy Haswell Nathan^ a Jew, Mr. Fuller Mellish Ruth LeDoux^ Miss Jane Cooper " The Three Wise Men '': Bert Adams^ an American newspaper man, Mr. Wright Kramer Jan Van Veen, of the Dutch Academy, Mr. Fred Vogeding Arthur Brooke^ an English Poet, Mr. Leslie Palmer Anton Rendel^ a carpenter and wood-carver, Mr. Pedro de Cordoba Simon Brock^ his friend, engaged to Ruth, Mr. Ralph Kellard Jonas Kurz, Mr. B. Wallis Clark Agnes, Miss Helen Chandler Timothy^ Master Charles Crumpton Pastor Saunders, Mr. Arnold Lucy Martin Gast, James Mayre, Mr. Ernest A. Elton Mr. Burke Clarke Paul Mayre, y Villagers Mr. Gerald Rogers Raymond Hott | Mr. Arthur Fitzgerald Margot Haser, J Miss Phillis Povah Marna Lynd, Miss Clara Joel Other villagers, various characters in the Passion Play, Children, Elders, Choir, etc. [Production staged by Robert Milton.] SCENES ACT I. The Home of Anton Rendel. ACT IL Open Air Stage of the Passion Play Theatre. Four Weeks Later. ACT III. Same as Act One. A few days later. TIME. The Present. THE FIRST ACT AT THE HOME OF ANTON RENDEL I THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD THE FIRST ACT riryHE Living Room of Anton Rendel's cot- m fage is a quaint, sunny, cheerful place; quaint -^ by dint of the low-arched doorways, the huge porcelain stove and the tiny staircase that twists itself into one corner as if determined to take up as little room as possible; sunny because of a wide casemented window at the side and a doorway at the bach, the glazed upper half of which is left open to admit the soft spring air; and cheerful because it is obviously the scene of much pleasant activity : here is Anton's carv- ing-bench, his mother's ironing-stand, a dining table and a built-in dresser containing crockery. Near the dining table is a door that opens into the kitchen and back and forth through this round arched opening bobs Anton's mother as quickly as a shuttle and like a shuttle fashioning in her movements a homely, simple fabric of every day life. She is in the living room now standing at her ironing board press- ing (with an old-fashioned charcoal iron) a wedding veil of which more anon. She is all alone except for a great company of saints and angels that bear testimony to her sons talent and industry as a 3 4 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD wood-carver. The little clock on the mantel strikes four. She pauses a moment in her work and looks off through the window and gazes across an intervening valley to the tree sloped mountains piled up against the blue. She smiles as if glad to be alive — and indeed why shouldnt she? She has a pleasant home, a son who warmly appreciates and returns her devotion, and plenty of kindly neighbors. Besides, it is the year of the Passion Play and that certainly puts a thrill of excitement into life and causes every heart on the mountainside to swell with pride at the realization that the eyes of the whole world are turned toward their sacred village. We can let those who are watching her into the secret of what she is thinking. She is hoping (yes and praying, too) that her Anton may be chosen to enact the role of the Beloved Disciple — a rare honor indeed and one that is to be bestowed to-day by the committee of elders who are met in the village hall to make their choice of this years Passion Players. Mary Rendel sighs and returns to her work and at the same time old Nathan^ the Jew, enters, bear- ing a bundle of pear-wood sticks all ready for carv- ing. Nathan is the only Jew in the village and perhaps because of this he bears the burden of Judaism the more consciously and proudly. His race is well repre- sented in this old man: loyal, just, a shrewd bargainer and a keen observer of men. His wit is at times play- ful, at times sardonic as the occasion prompts. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 5 Mother Is that Nathan? Nathan Yes. I had trouble to get good pear-wood. It seems to me every home in the village contains a wood- carver this year. Mother Is there any news? Nathan What news do you want? Mother Anton said that the Elders of the village were voting to-day for those who are to have places in the Passion Play. Nathan Yes, so they are. There are four newcomers to be honored. All the others are the same as they were ten years ago. Mother Old Rickert's daughter told me just now that her father was getting better, so perhaps they won't have to choose a new Judas Iscariot. Nathan Good. He is the best actor of them all. 6 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother Indeed he is. That American who boarded with us during the last Passion Play, said it was a pity that the sacred story called for the hanging of Judas. There were several of the other players deserved it so much more. (Nathan laughs.) But, tell me, Nathan, is there no rumor in the village as to who will be chosen for St. John — or the Christ? Nathan None that has come to my ears. But then these good Christians are not likely to discuss such matters with a Jew. Mother Don't judge their bigotry too harshly, Nathan ; those old prejudices die slowly. And it speaks well for both you and your race that you have been able at least to win the respect of the whole village. {Blows in iron trying to start it burning.) Nathan Here, here, here, let me give it a blow. {Takes the iron, gives it a couple of hearty blows till the sparks fly out.) There. Mother {Resuming her ironing) Thank you, Nathan. Nathan Time was when you and your son were the only THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 7 ones in this village who would speak with me. I came here a refugee seeking shelter and these folk all tried to drive me out with their silence and their scornful looks. Mother Anton has always been like that. Even as a boy, he would cry out against all that was mean or narrow- minded. Nathan (Simply) He is a good man even before he is a good Christian. Mother I thank the Lord every day for having given me such a son, {Sighing) only I wish he might have made him a little better business man. Nathan He did the next best thing: {Reaches over and pats her arm.) He sent him a Jew for a helper. Mother {As they both laugh) Fm glad of that. (Ruth comes in carrying an armful of wild flowers, which she has picked, and her bridal wreath, which she has just made. Ruth Le Doux is a sweet-faced girl radi- antly happy, speaking now and then with a little catch in her throat that hints of tears — 8 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD for to-day is her wedding day; yet there is strength beneath her gentle charm — strength little expected till it is to be tested,) Ruth Hello, Nathan! Nathan Ruth! Mother And where is your handsome, young bridegroom? Ruth Oh, Simon is off mustering up his courage for the wedding, I expect. Mother It's a funny thing, that no matter how keen for it he may be, a man always seems to get nervous when he hears the church bells. Nathan {Playfully) Tolling the hour of his doom. Ruth What's that? Nathan And why not ? It's proper enough to laugh when a man is looking over the flock, but when he puts down THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 9 his money and says " this is the sheep Til take " — that's a serious thing, isn't it ? Ruth And what do you mean by " looking over the flock '' ? Has Simon made love to all the girls here? Nathan Oh, no, not all. FU swear he never bothered with the cross-eyed ones. Mother Stop teasing her, Nathan. {Goes into kitchen with ironing board.) Ruth {Putting flower in his button hole) That's all right, Aunt Mary, I shan't pay any atten- tion to him. Nathan Look at the way the sun is shining on your marriage- day! Ruth Yes. When I was out gathering flowers for my bridal wreath everywhere there was sunshine and birds singing and the little water-fall below the Kofel made a sound like wedding-bells. {A knock is heard. Two Men appear at the doorway; they are Adams and Van Veen.) lo THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth Come in. (Bert Adams is a cheerful, happy go lucky fellow; a great hustler after news which is perhaps the reason he has the commission to cover this years Passion Play for the New York papers. His companion, Jan Van Veen is, by way of contrast, a savant interested in the play from an historical standpoint — not as a believer. But being good humored and tolerant he is quite contented to keep his atheism in the back- ground,) Adams Excuse us. But is this the home of Anton Rendel, the wood-carver? Ruth Yes, it is. Won't you come in ? Adams Thank you. Come in, Professor. Van Veen (Entering) How do you do? Ruth and Nathan How do you do? Adams My friend, Professor Van Veen here, bought a carving of RendeFs last summer. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD ii Nathan Of course, I remember. Down at the Kroonwald Inn. It was / that sold it to him. Van Veen And I found after I examined it that there was a price scratched on the bottom. Nathan Yes. Van Veen And that price was just one-half what you charged me for it. Nathan Oh ! Perhaps I am mistaken. I don't think I could have been the one that sold it to you, after all. Van Veen Hmm! Brooke {Appearing in the doorway carrying rain coat on his arm) How do you do? Ruth Won't you come in? Brooke Thanks. 12 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (Arthur Brooke is a poet and the charm of an elfin fancy runs through his soft-voiced re- marks. To him the Passion Play is very quaint and beautiful^ but of course, not so beautiful as the legends of Greek mythology with which his poet's nature is more akin.) Nathan Rather early for visitors to be coming to the village. Adams Yes; we're three wise guys. (Brooke and Van Veen exchange disapproving looks.) We came up to choose our quarters for the Passion Play season before the mob get here. Nathan Looking for rooms? Adams Yes. Nathan Well, perhaps we can accommodate you. Brooke (Who has been looking about) What a charming interior. It is like one of those paintings of Teniers. Van Veen Charming — charming. Will someone tell Rendel that we'd be glad to look over his carvings? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 13 Ruth rU go and get him. Nathan Wait, wait. Don't bother Anton. He's a very busy man. Fll show them to you. {He selects several small statues from the top shelf as the visitors continue looking about the room,) Adams But I'd like to interview Rendel if you don't mind. As long as you all say he's the best wood-carver in Switzerland, he ought to be worth a column in my weekly letter to the Herald. Ruth {Seeing Nathan start for the kitchen) Nathan, where are you going with those carvings? Nathan I'm going to mark the prices distinctly. They are not very plain and there must be no mistake this time. {He goes into the kitchen,) Ruth Won't you sit down? Van Veen Thank you. 14 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother {Entering from kitchen) Greetings, gentlemen. Brcmdke Greetings to you. Adams Good afternoon. Ruth They've come to see Anton. Mother I am always proud to have strangers admire my son's work. Van Veen You are Anton RendeFs mother? Mother Yes, sir. Brooke {To his friends) Isn't she a Rembrandt? Mother No, sir: I am a Swiss. {The men smile: Ruth whispers something in her ear, correcting her mistake and she also laughs,) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 13 Adams (To Van Veen^ indicating Ruth) While you're collecting paintings, don't overlook this one. Mother Would the gentlemen like a little May wine? Brooke Thank you. Indeed we would. Adams I supposed a burg that was so darned strong for all this religious dope would be dry. Mother Excuse us, gentlemen. Come, Ruth dear. {She goes into the kitchen and after a moments hesitation Ruth runs out after her,) Brooke Now youVe shocked that sweet little mountain flower. Adams You mean what I said about their religion? Van Veen It's hard to remember there are people who still believe in God. i6 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Brooke God IS as beautiful to these folk as Jupiter and Venus and all the Greek mythology is to me. Adams We're a fine trio to come to the Passion Play. A poet-pagan, an atheist Brooke And you an American newspaper man: a creature with neither a soul nor a conscience. Van Veen The Three Wise Men journeying from afar. Brooke Yes; three Twentieth Century Wise Men come to see this Twentieth Century Christ. Adams By the way, who plays Christ this year? Brooke The Christus is as yet unchosen. I believe they are voting to-day. Adams I must get an interview with him as soon as it's settled. Brooke Don't be so flippant, Adams. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 17 Adams What's the matter with you? Brooke I don't know. There's something about all this that impresses me. Christianity is a beautiful thing, even though it be a beautiful dead thing. And after all, beauty is the most sacred thing in the world and the faith of these people is beautiful. I feel somehow as if I were standing on sacred ground. (Anton is heard at the top of thef little flight of stairs. As the steps attract the attention of the three men they look inquiringly in their direction and follow the sound with their looks, as he comes down the stairs. He pauses on the landing and greets them before descending. He carries in his hand a small block of wood, roughed out for carving. If Nathan may stand for the best in Judaism, Anton may stand for the best in Christianity. His identification with the Christ spirit is not based on mere physical resemblance to the picture of the Saviour, striking though this likeness is; it finds its origin in his strong simple personality and above all in his mag- nanimity and kindness.) Anton Welcome, friends. {There is a momentary pause. The three men i8 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD are facing him visibly impressed by his pres- ence.) Brooke Who arc you? Anton I am Anton, the carpenter. Brooke Carpenter? Anton And wood-carver; though the first is the trade I was brought up to. {Coming down the stairs.) Adams Tell me. What part do you play in the Passion Play? Anton The last time it was given I was one of the disciples of John the Baptist. Adams Why, that's no more than a super! They ought to give you something better this time. Anton It is honor enough to be thought worthy to play in the Passion Play at all; just as it is pleasant to be THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 19 alive on a fine day — even if you are only a poor carpenter. {Motions to Brooke to be seated.) Brooke Thank you. Van Veen You people take this play of yours very seriously. Anton And why not? Van Veen Well, after all, what purpose does it serve? Brooke Purpose ? It's beautiful. Isn't that purpose enough, you miserable materialist? Anton Yes, It IS beautiful. {To Van Veen) But more than that it holds up for our example, the best-lived life that any man has ever spent on this old earth of ours. Van Veen For our example? Christ lived nearly two thousand years ago. Adams The world has progressed in two thousand years. 20 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton It will be many generations before the world will see eye to eye with Christ. Only step by step and slowly can we reach the heights. Van Veen But the conditions under which we live are so different. VvTiat good is it for me to look at the life of Christ? Anton Isn't it possible to live like Christ even in the Twentieth Century? Adams You just come over to New York and try it. Brooke Yes, the spirit that crucified Christ still lives, Anton Rendel. Anton All the more reason that the spirit of Christ should live, too. Do you think, my friends, the sacred drama which we give in this village is an idle tale of far- away times and strange conditions? Do you not feel that we may, each of us, at any moment, face the same problems as that strong, noble, kindly Man? Have you never felt the ache of His loneliness? The cruel injustice of misunderstanding? Has Judas never be- trayed you? Has your trusted friend Simon never deserted you, in your hour of need? Have you never THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 21 had to wound your mother's heart by sacrificing her hopes for your future, to your sense of what is right? Brooke Have you met all these things? Anton Yes, in my small way I have met them — ^just as you have. And who shall say what hour we may meet them in a larger way? Brooke (Musingly) The little heartaches and disappointments give place to the greater test of tragedy. Anton When that time comes for any one of us, the picture of the Man of Nazareth moving amidst clamoring mobs with His head erect and a light on His face will cheer our darkest hour and give us courage. {Going up to shelves) But you came to see my carvings, not to listen to me talk. Brooke No, no; we like to hear you talk, don't we, Pro- fessor ? Van Veen I hope youVe going to get through your life with- out this severer test of v/hich you speak. 22 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Adams But you live among friends; you're not likely to taste any persecution here. Anton This place has quite a high altitude but it is not Heaven. My old friend, Nathan the Jew, who lives here with us would tell you that. {He gives a colored carving to Brooke.) Brooke How exquisite! Van Veen It is a masterpiece! — How beautifully colored! Adams Well, I don't know much about this sort of thing myself; but I don't believe the New York Academy of Design would sniff at that. Van Veen And what is the subject? Anton The Magdalen at the foot of the Cross. Brooke It is wonderful ! See how this little group of women drawn to one side seem to proclaim their aloofness, even in that black hour, to the woman of sin. And THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 23 what eloquence of grief there is in that crumpled heap at the foot of the Cross! That Cross on which hangs the Man who was not afraid to sully His goodness by raising up a harlot! Van Veen Look out, Brooke. If you stay here, you're going to end up a Christian. Brooke If it could inspire me to create such beauty as this, I wish I might. (Ruth enters from kitchen, carrying a small tray upon which is a jug of wine, four glasses and napkins.) Adams {Trying to help Ruth) Let me. Ruth Thank you. Brooke Your little sister here should make a good model for some of those lovely Madonnas of yours. Anton Ruth is not my sister. I wish she were. She is be- trothed to my dearest friend, Simon Brock, 24 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Congratulations. Adams {To Ruth) Thank you. Ruth {Blushing) Brooke Your dearest friend's name is Simon, too? Van Veen What do you mean? Brooke I was thinking of Simon Peter. {To Ruth) And your name should be Martha. Ruth Why? Brooke {Taking the glass from tray as RuTH offers it to him) Thank you. I'm afraid you wouldn't understand. {To others as Ruth passes the wine.) But some- how I feel as though I had been taken back nearly two thousand years and that I am standing in a little house in Bethany. That's what your words and your art have done for a poor crazy poet, Anton Rendel. Why, I can almost fancy that in the distance I hear a crowd, chanting their Hosannas while they hear that the Messiah has come as a man to their humble village ! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 25 (As Brooke is speaking, there comes from the distance a sound of singing. They all pause, listening. Something like surprise and awe on the faces of the three men.) Anton {Simply) It IS the choir. The Elders have just announced that their choice is made for those who are to play the sacrtd roles. (Mother comes to the door of the kitchen.) Mother Anton! Anton! Do you hear? The choosing time is over. We shall know to-night who are the happy ones! Anton Yes. That is the only sad thing about our play, gentlemen. There will be many heartaches and dis- appointments to-night among those who have hoped and prayed these ten years past for some great honor to fall on them, or on their dear ones. (Mother presses her clasped hands against her bosom and her lips move as if in prayer.) Ruth If Simon should be chosen, we would not be able to go away to-night, Anton Oh, yes, you will. The work on the play will not begin for more than a week. 26 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Adams Will you excuse me, please, Antok Certainly. Adams Thanks. I say, fellows, Tm here on a commission to do the Passion Play for the Herald, so I've got to get up to the town hall to see what's happening. Van Veen All right, suppose we come back to-morrow and talk prices with you, Anton Rendel ? Mother Not with Anton — with his assistant. Adams Good-bye, all. See you to-morrow! {He goes out quickly.) Van Veen (Raises the remainder of his glass of wine) Here's to the little bride. Mother Wait a minute; here's the little bride. (Mother goes to Ruth and brings her forward.) Van Vebn A long and happy married life. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 27^ Ruth Thank you, Brooke {Raising his glass) God's blessing on this house. Anton^ Ruth^ Mother Amen — Amen. Van Veen {As they drink) Amen. That's pretty good for a pagan and an atheist. Brooke (To Anton) Thank you, for a very wonderful experience. {Takes hat and coat from sofa. Van Veen takes his hat from chair, goes to door. Nathan comes back from kitchen carrying carvings.) Nathan Here are some of your best things, Anton, that I found outside. Anton Thank you, Nathan, these gentlemen may come back to-morrow. Good-bye ! Brooke {Turning to door) 28 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton One moment, sir. {He takes up the carving of the Magdalen at the foot of the Cross*) You have seen some beauty in this. I should be very happy if you would take it as a gift. Nathan What! Brooke Oh no; I couldnti Mother Oh! Anton I heard you say that you are a poet. I know you have eyes that see what is hidden from many. Won't you do a brother artist this favor? Brooke If you put it like that Anton I loved that piece of work when I was doing It. I would like to think of it belonging to one who saw its message. (Brooke hesitates but the look on Anton's • face makes him slowly take it,) Brooke Thank you. It will be my dearest possession. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 29 Nathan Oh! Brooke {To Mother) You are quite right. When we come to talking business to-morrow, it must be with Nathan. Nathan Yes, I think it must! Van Veen Good-bye ! {He goes out.) Anton Will you wrap it up, Nathan? Brooke No, don't trouble. {He throws the light coat around the carving, turns to door, then comes back again to Anton.) When I first saw you I was sure Anton Sure? Brooke Oh, nothing. {Hesitating) Tell me, how does one know when the spirit of Christ speaks within one. 30 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton (Gently) It comes like flowers in the night. (Brooke looks at him a moment and under- stands,) Brooke Thank you. Good-bye. {He goes out slowly.) Mother, Ruth, Anton Good-bye ! Mother (Reproachfully) And you gave it away! Nathan Never mind, never mind. They're coming back to-morrow. {He goes into kitchen.) Mother If it wasn't for Nathan, I don't know what would become of us. Anton Don't scold me. Mother. Mother Six weeks' work and a gift to a stranger. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 31 Anton But he wasn't a stranger when he left. A love of beauty is the greatest bond in the world, little Mother. Mother Fine words. Ruth Don't be cross with Anton on my wedding day, Aunt Mary. Mother But Anton Thank you, Ruth. Ruth Besides, she is just as bad as you are, Anton. Look what she gave me. {Holds up the veil.) Anton What is It? Ruth A wedding veil — stupid! Anton {Sitting by table) Oh, of course. 32 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother Anton IS like his father. He never notices women's clothes; no, nor the girls that wear them. Anton That is mother's other grievance, Ruth. She wants a daughter-in-law. Mother Yes. Tm going to miss Ruth after she leaves to- day. Women like women's talk as much as men like men's talk. It would be such a wonderful comfort to have a girl about the place, not to speak of the little children that I'm longing to hold on my knees. Ruth Haven't you ever found a girl that you could love, Anton? Mother I had great hopes once, but they came to nothing. Ruth Was she a girl of this village? Mother Yes; but you wouldn't know hen Anton" {Half whimsically, but with a suggestion that the memory hurts him) Please, mother THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 33 Mother She went away before you came here — just vanished in the night, like a swallow at the first touch of frost. Ruth I wonder if that could be the girl that Simon told me of? Anton Simon told you? {Leans forward) What did he tell you? Ruth We were out walking together on the upper moun- tain road and as we passed a funny tumbled-down cottage an old woman came running out and caught hold of Simon's arm and said : *' Where is she ? Tell me where she has gone? '' Mother That's Marna Lynd's aunt, poor crazy old Anna. Ruth {To Anton) Yes, Simon said she was crazy and that her niece ran away because she used to beat her. Mother That's all true enough. Anton {Thoughtfully) And so she thought Simon knew something of her going away? 34 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth Yes; but, of course, he didn't, Anton* No-o, of course not. Ruth You don't mean you think he really did know? Mother Not if he told you he knew nothing about it. (Simon Brock^ who now enters^ is a well-huilt, handsome young mountaineer. There is nothing evil about him. He has the common human in- stincts hut he has not yet learned the bitter lesson of how far astray one wrong action may lead. His eyes go immediately to Ruth and in that glance is an intense adoration rare in- deed in the wooing of these simple villagers. He is dressed for the wedding.) Well, Fm here! Simon! Simon Ruth Mother Go on, kiss him ! Are you bashful ? {She watches Ruth run happily to Simon, and as they embrace, she smiles.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 35 Ruth Don't tell me it's time for us to be starting? Simon Yes, It IS. You know there's a lot of writing to be put in that parish register. Ruth Well, it won't take me but a minute or two to slip on my communion dress. And, look, Simon, I've got a veil. Real lace, it is. Simon {Slipping his arm around her) It's beautiful. Mother 'Twas mine at my own wedding. I kept it all these years {Looking at Anton) in the hopes that my daughter-to-be might wear it. Simon Well surely it's not too late? Anton Yes, it is Simon; it is too late. {He turns abruptly and goes out of the door that leads to the kitchen.) Mother I will help you with your dressing, dearie. {She goes upstairs and then off.) 36 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth Thank you, Aunt Mary. Where is my wreath ? Simon Don't spend too much time on your prinking, Ruth {Taking wreath) And you didn't spend an hour, I suppose, soaping down your hair till it looks as shiny as a pair of Sun- day boots? Simon Yes ; but my hair is wild and stubborn. Ruth And the hair is like the nature, they say. If so, I'm going to have a hard time training you. Simon Not you. I'm just like clay in your pretty little hands. {Goes to her) I love you so, one whole life- time will never be long enough to tell you how much. {Holds her close and kisses her.) Ruth {Pressing away from him) My, but you mountain men are strong lovers. Simon And who wouldn't love you? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 37 Ruth All the same, I wish you were a little clumsier about it. Simon Clumsier? Why? Ruth Then I wouldn't be always fearing that you must have had practice. (She runs up the stairs , throws him a kiss from the landing. Then she goes off. Simon's mood abruptly changes as though something were troubling him. He slowly goes to the door and looks off over the valley, as Anton enters from kitchen, carrying a heavy piece of wood; it is the arm of the cross, dowelled and re patted,) Anton So the happiest day of your life is come at last, Simon ? Simon {Without turning) Yes, yes. Anton Old Nathan, who sets great store by omens, tells me there isn't a cloud in the sky. Simon Yes, there is — there is one cloud. I can see it from here. 38 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton But not a large one ? Simon {Impressively) No larger than a man's hand. {Seeing Anton //// the upright of cross, he goes to him.) Let me help you with that. Anton Thank you, Simon. {They place the piece on the work bench.) Simon A cloud like that may grow, Anton. Anton What IS it? What do you fear? Simon I don't know. It's just a feeling of unrest, like the unrest in the air that warns cattle of a coming storm. Anton But no storm is coming to you and Ruth. Simon I wonder. Anton {Puts his arm about his shoulder) What's troubling you, Simon? Surely you can trust me? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 39 Simon {Smiles, puts his hand on Anton's) Of course, I trust you, Anton. Td trust you with my life. Anton Then speak out. Truth is the sun that will drive away all these clouds of yours. Simon That's It. If I only dared to tell Ruth the truth— but I don't. And that thing which I don't dare to tell will He down with us at night and rise up with us in the morning. It will be a shadow always at my shoulder, waiting for the hour when a chance word shall betray me. {His head drops a moment. Then he looks up at Anton.) You may thank God, Anton, you have nothing hidden in your heart that you daren't let out into the light. Anton But surely little Ruth loves you so Simon She would never understand how I could have lied to her — lied with my lips against hers. Anton, I am not worthy of her! Anton Is any man worthy of a girl who comes as Ruth does — out of the dawn? 40 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon Yes; you would be. Anton I? Oh, no! Simon But you have never sinned as I have sinned. Anton Perhaps I have never been tempted as you may have been. Simon Yes, I was tempted. {Turns away) And so I tempted her. I betrayed her. Anton You loved this girl? Simon Was it love if I could forget so easily? Anton Was it Marna Lynd? Tell me. Simon {Turns to him) Why, no. Marna? Why should you think of her? Anton She went away soon after 3^ou had gone down to the valley to build that new church. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 41 Simon She went away because that crazy woman was cruel to her. Anton Yes. {Suspecting) Yes, of course. {After a second's pause, moves toward htm,) Simon, you shouldn't let this thing, whatever it is, stand between you and Ruth. Simon You mean that I should tell her? Anton If you don't it will grow unseen by you both. Simon I daren't tell her! Anton And yet when you climbed the new church steeple to set a cross on the top, they said you were the bravest man in this village. Simon Yes. But I'm not brave enough to risk losing her love and respect; and that love and respect mean more to me than life itself. Anton You will win her respect all the more because you dared to make this confession to her. 42 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon You wouldri^t have me tell her now? Anton In all honor you should tell her before your marriage. Simon ( Apprehensively ) Then you do think she may refuse to go on with the wedding? Anton No, I don't. I don't think so. Simon But you're not sure? And I'm not sure. Ruth might tell me to go back to the girl I wronged. She may feel that that is right. Anton You should give her the chance to decide that. Simon But that isn't possible. The other girl is not here. Anton Is not here? You told me the truth just now when I spoke of Marna? Simon Why, certainly. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 43 Anton And there is no way for you to make amends to the other woman? Simon No. I don't know where she is. I doubt if she is even living. (Nathan comes in from the kitchen, carrying Ruth's chest.) Nathan Here's the little bride's treasure chest. Anton Let me give you a hand with that, Nathan ? Nathan No, no. I can manage it. I'll lash it in the back of your cart, Simon. {As Nathan goes to the door Anton places the arm of cross in position on upright piece so that the cross is made, SiMON stands silently leaning against post.) Ah! Here comes Jonas Kurz. Be careful that you say nothing that he can distort with that evil tongue of his. Anton {Placing the wooden pins in cross) His hatred of your race makes you bitter, Nathan. Nathan The hatred of such people is only an honor. But I 44 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD can't stand having to listen to his unending boastings of what a great actor he is. Jonas {Outside) Anton ! Anton ! (Jonas enters excitedly*) (Nathan will presently liken Jonas Kurz to Judas Iscariot, and there is indeed a strong resemblance, for envy of the beloved disciple John moved Judas to his Master s betrayal far more than the thirty pieces of silver; and Jonas is envy personified. For the rest, he is a fine looking man with hair and beard trimmed to make him eligible for the role of the Christus. He struts a trifle and obviously has a good opinion of himself,) Anton Come in, come in, Jonas. Nathan Ah! Jonas Ah! {Passing Nathan contemptuously) I stopped a moment on my way back to my house to tell you the news. The committee have finished their choosing and have come out of the Town Hall. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 45 Anton Yes ; I heard the choir. Jonas They're in the church receiving the blessing on their work before starting round to make announcement to the lucky ones, Anton Let us hope they have chosen those most worthy. Jonas From what folk are saying, I think the committee is waking up, and caring a bit less about getting good men and more about getting good actors. Nathan Meaning Jonas? Jonas That's what the strangers coming here from all over the world want to see — good actors. Anton That should be thought of, too. Yet we don't give the play to catch the money of curious travellers, but for the Glory of God. Jonas I was speaking just now with an American who has come here to write about the play, and he tells me 46 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD that Americans didn't choose their actors just be- cause they've lived good, pure lives; they think about art. Nathan (Sarcastically) All of which is to say that Jonas expects one of the best parts to come to him. Jonas And why not? And why not? Wasn't my Barabbas the talk of the last Passion Play? Nathan Yes, you played a thief quite well. Perhaps this time they'll try you with Judas. Jonas Judas! Me! No, friends. {As the church chimes strike in the distance,) Rumor says they've chosen me for the highest honor of all. Nathan {Laughing derisively) . What! You to play the Christus? Why, they might almost as well choose me. Jonas Don't forget I was asked to come and play in a real theatre in Berne after they saw my Barabbas. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 47 Anton Yes, you play well, very well, Jonas. And your fine work will be an honor to the village, whether you play a great role or a small one. Jonas Acting isn't work to me. I have the gift for it. (Nathan laughs as Jonas glares at him,) I think I hear the church bells. If I don't hurry theyll be getting to my house before I do, {He goes out.) Nathan {Laughing as he picks up Ruth's chest and starts out) He has the gift! Jonas playing the Christus! Well, as a good Jew, I'm glad they're not getting him to play Moses. {He goes out laughing.)] Ruth {From upstairs) Come on, Aunt Mary! (Anton detains Simon, who has started after Nathan^ on hearing Ruth's voice.) Anton No, I'll help Nathan lash the chest in your cart, Simon. You stay here and tell Ruth. Simon {Meeting his gaze) Tell her ? 48 Yes. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton (Firmly) Simon Very well, I will. Anton God be with you. (Anton ^oes out after Nathan as Ruth enters wearing a simple white dress with her bridal wreath and veil,) Ruth Well, how do I look? Simon {Gazing at her, fascinated) Like the Snow-Princess we used to read about in the fairy books when we were children. Ruth {Smiling) A snow princess? Oh, TU try not to be quite as cold as that to my Fairy Prince. Simon {Taking hold of her arms and drawing her to him) Oh, but you're the sweetest thing God's sun ever shone on! Ruth Oh! Be careful or you'll be spoiling all the work we've done ironing this dress. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 49 Simon ( Catches her hand) Oh, never mind that ! Ruth But I do mind. And all the girls that would like to have married you, standing in their doorways to see us go by. I'm thinking you'll have time enough for hugging me later on, Simon {More soberly) Will I ? I wonder? — Ruth, I want to tell you some- thing. Ruth What IS it, dear? Simon Ruth, Vm not worthy of you. Ruth Of course, you're not. I'm such a wonderful girl. I deserve a real prince not a fairy one; and a golden palace to live in and two little black pages to carry my train. {She playfully curtseys,) Oh, how do you do? I'm so glad youVe had the pleasure of meeting me. Simon {Embracing her, impulsively) Oh, you're adorable! And you're mine! Mine! 50 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD I love you and you love me and mistakes and sins can't alter that! Ruth {Startled by his vehemence) Why, Simon, what are you talking about? Simon You are more to me than air or food or sunshine. I don't care to wake to a new day unless I wake to find you in my arms. Ruth Simon, you're so strange; you're frightening me. Simon {Still holding her in his arms) Listen, dear; long ago I did something wrong; something IVe repented bitterly; that Td give all I have to undo. I want to tell you now and ask your forgiveness. {She presses away from him.) But I want you — I want you to say you forgive me without my telling you. Ruth You mean you did a wrong to me? Simon Oh, no, dear, no. Ruth Then why should I forgive you? Unless ? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 51 (Steps away as he holds her hand in both of his.) Simon, you don't mean that it's something that might stand in the way of our marrying? Simon No, no, dear. Ruth No other woman has any greater claim on you than / have? Simon No, dear! Ruth Because if she has, Simon, I want you to tell me now, before it's too late. Simon {Fearfully) Too late! {Trying to read her mind.) You mean that if it were something like that you wouldn't marry me? Ruth Not if I thought you belonged to someone else, no. Simon {Embracing her, with an effort, turning his head away) Well, it isn't, it isn't anything of that sort, Ruth. Ruth {Smiling) Then I'm quite willing to take this dreadful thing 52 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD on trust, and forgive you without asking any ques- tions. Simon (Kissing her hand) Thank you, dear. Ruth {Impressively) Simon, you know all Tm giving you? Yes. It's for always. For always. Simon Ruth Simon Ruth Keep me happy, dear one. {They kiss reverently.) Now, come. We're late, you know. {Calling) Good- bye, Aunt Mary! Mother ( Upstairs) Wait a minute, dear. (Anton enters. He looks at Simon to see if he has told Ruth and from Simon's assumed manner, is sure that Ruth has forgi wn him.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 53 Anton {Happily) There : the chest is made fast ready for the journey. Ruth But you and Aunt Mary are coming to the church? Anton Oh, yes. We'll start as soon as we hear the first bell peal. May I kiss her, Simon? Ruth Of course, you may. Anton {Puts his hands on Ruth's shoulders and kisses her on the brow) God keep you both! You will never regret, dear, what you did just now. Ruth {Puzzled) What I did just now? Simon {Quickly) I told Anton I was going to ask your forgiveness. Anton Fm glad. 54 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth {Just a bit puzzled) Oh, yes. (Mother has entered, coming to Ruth^ and embracirg her.) Mother Ruth, dear! Excuse a silly old woman's tears, darling. It seems people must be sad a little when they are happy. Women will cry at weddings, I don't know why. Ruth Yes, I feel liice crying, too. {Her head drops on Mother's shoulder — both crying.) Anton Oh, but you mustn't; that would never do. A weeping bride going up the street, eh, Simon ? Simon No, that's true. Mother You must stop here on your way down for some cakes I baked. Ruth Of course, we will. Mother May God send you every blessing. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 55 Simon Thank you. {Amid general good-byes Ruth and Simon go out as Anton and his mother stand look- ing after them. People outside are heard shout- ing after the couple — and a number of children are laughing happily.) Anton The cloud has. grown bigger. Mother Yes, Fm afraid there's a storm coming. Anton Look. The children are pelting them with flowers. Mother It's a pretty sight: a wedding. Anton One boy is running behind trying to tie an old boot to the chest. Mother I must be getting on my bonnet, I suppose. Anton (Calling off) Tim! Timmy! Agnes! {The children cry back ^' yes, yesf*) Come here, IVe got something for you. S6 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD {There is the sound of an answering childish shout. Mother goes slowly up the stair; she pauses again on the landing just long enough to see him stoop and gather two running young- sters into his arms. Then she goes up sadly into her room. Agnes and Timothy are just a little girl and boy of eight and ten respectively. They are much like any little girl and boy that one may happen to know and be very fond of. Agnes carries an old boot, tied to a piece of red ribbon and swings it about,) Timothy What IS it? A whale? Agnes With Jonah inside him? Anton {Taking the boot from her) It's a dragon this time. You go over there and sit down, children. (Agnes runs for the armchair but Timothy heats her to it.) I found him out in the woods. I only had to carve him a little and put on two buttons for eyes. {Taking the dragon from the seat at fireplace.) Agnes Two buttons for eyes! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 57 Timothy Is it mine? Anton Yes. Timothy It's mine. Anton Oh! Fm making a wooden doll for Agnes, but it isn't quite finished yet. Agnes How big is it? Anton (Measuring the doll by extending his hands wide apart) Oh! It's about Agnes {Her eyes popping out) Oh! Anton {Bringing his hands close together) So big. (Agnes laughs) There's your dragon, Timmy. Timothy Oh, it's got teeth ! 58 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Agnes Say thank you, Timmy. Timothy Thank you, Anton. Agnes {Sitting on the arm of Anton's chair) Has Ruth gone away to get married, Anton? Anton Yes. Agnes And now shell have little girls and boys like us. Anton We hope so. Agnes Has she decided which shell have first? Timothy I'm going to have mine all at once so they can play together better. Anton A very good idea. Timothy I thought so. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 59 Agnes Why don't you have little boys and girls, Anton? Don't you like them ? Anton {Drawing her to him) You know I like them! Timothy I s'pose they make too much noise while he's work- ing. Anton Oh, no, I shouldn't mind that. Agnes Can't you find a woman that'll marry you? Anton {Laughing) You've guessed it at last. Agnes {Putting her arm around his neck) Never mind. I'll marry you when I'm grown up. And then you can order just as many children as you like. Timothy That's silly. You know all the women in the village would like to marry Anton. Why, there isn't any 6o THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD other man can carve animals out of sticks! {Going over to him) Tell us a story, Anton. Agnes Yes! Anton What kind of a story? Timothy {Sitting beside him) About the dragon. Agnes No; about the lost sheep. Timothy I like dragons better than lost sheep. Anton And I gave you a dragon, so now I'll give Agnes her story, eh, Timmy? Timothy Oh, all right. Anton (In the distance the chanting of the choir is heard coming nearer) Once upon a time there was a shepherd who had a flock of good sheep Timothy One of 'em wasn't good. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 6i Anton Yes, that's true. There were ninety and nine good ones that did just what the shepherd said, and there was one little sheep that thought he knew better than the shepherd and ran away by himself. Timothy I wish I was a sheep sometimes. Agnes What is that singing? Anton It's the people who are going to announce to the man they have chosen to play the Christus. Agnes Why don't they choose you? Anton I'm not good enough. Agnes Your mother says there's no one as good as you are in all of the village. Anton Oh, that's what mothers always say of their sons. Timothy My mother doesn't say that about me. 62 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Agnes Keep quiet, Timmy; Anton is telling us a story. Anton Well, this one little sheep ran away and was lost and the shepherd felt very sad for he kept wondering what had happened to the poor lost sheep and he knew she was very unhappy and lonely and tired Timothy She? It wasn't a she; it was a he. Anton Of course, excuse me. Agnes {In an excited whisper) Anton ! Anton ! Timothy What is it? (Agnes runs to the door, opens the top half and looks out. Timothy runs to sofa, jumps on it, kneeling. Anton rises. Agnes runs back to Anton.) Agnes The Pastor! The Pastor! Timothy {Runs to Anton) The Pastor! The Pastor! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 63 (Anton stands with his arms around the shoul- ders of the children. Mother on hearing the singing has come to the landing on the stairs and looks out through window. After a pause Pastor Saunders^ a good, simple shepherd of this mountain flock, appears at the doorway, wearing his black cassock with the divided tie of white lawn. The singing stops.) Anton Rendel! Ah, Pastor Pastor Anton Pastor {Coming in) We find you pleasantly occupied, Friend Anton. (Martin, James and Raymond, Margot and Victoria together with the villagers crowd around the doorway and into the room. The choir and others are outside under the trees.) Anton Go, greet the Pastor, dears. Timothy Good evening, sir. Agnes Good evening, sir. 64 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Pastor How are you, my dears? Agnes Very well, thank you, Pastor. Anton was just tell- ing us the story of the lost sheep. Wouldn't you like to hear it, too? Pastor I? When I know it? Agnes But he tells it so well. Pastor. Pastor Hush, my dears {Places one hand under Agnes' chin, the other on Timothy's head,) In years to come you children will be able to tell that you witnessed one of the greatest events in the life of our village. {Impressively to Anton amid the silence,) Anton Rendel, after due deliberation, and a prayerful seeking of the blessing of our Heavenly Father, you have been chosen for the highest honor it lies within our power to bestow. Anton Why— Pastor— I Pastor You are to play the sacred role of the Saviour of THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 65 Mankind, now and for so long as your life is such that you are adjudged worthy of this great trust. Anton I — I have been chosen? Pastor (Goes to him J hand on his shoulder) Yes, my son. Your astonishment does credit to your modesty and humbleness of spirit. {He makes a signal and Paul comes through the crowd and lays on the Pastor's arm a folded robe — '' the vestments of Christ '* — and hands him the shepherd staff. Agnes runs to the mother; Anton turns to her holding out his hand.) Anton Mother! Mother My son! {She comes to him. He takes her in his arms. Then the Pastor goes to Anton and lays the robe on his arm and hands him the staff.) Pastor {With solemnity) In conferring this great responsibility upon you, we pray that your thoughts may be kept holy and your life pure. We charge you to see that this house shall be 66 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD as consecrated ground, where no one who is given over to carnal or worldly living shall enter to defile you with their association. Anton (As he offers the prayer all bow their heads) Oh, God, give me Thy help to follow as far as mortal man is able in the steps of Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen! Omnes (Murmurs) Agnes Pastor Come now, we will leave him. He should be alone. (The Villagers go out, except James^ Margot, Victoria, Paul, Raymond and Martin, who wait at the door for the Pastor.) Pastor I shall be at home to-night, my son, if you wish to visit me. Anton Thank you. Pastor You must be a happy mother, Mrs. Rendel, to have borne a son to this great service. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 67 Mother Every mother in the village dreams of this moment from the first hour that her son sleeps on the breast. Pastor {Shakes hands) And It has come to you. I am glad, (He motions to the others to leave and then he goes out after making the sign of the Cross. The choir is heard singing as all go away. Timothy and Agnes who have been kneel- ing on the sofa, watching them go, now jump down.) Timothy It's all right, now they've gone. One, two, three, {Both children together.) Hurray! Mother Children! Children! Timothy That's all right. Come on, Agnes, the Pastor said he was to be alone. Agnes {Runs to door but there is something she has forgotten to say and she turns back to Anton) Good-bye, Anton. I know now why you haven't got married. God wanted you for this. (Anton^ his hand resting on her head, kisses her on the brow.) 68 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Wait for me, Timmy. {Runs out after him.) Mother My boj'^ — my little boy! Anton Not a very little boy now, mother dear. Mother Yes, you are my bahy. And since it seems you're all the baby Fm to have in my old arms, you mustn't mind it. Anton Why, youVe got your bonnet on, already. Mother My bonnet on? Have I? So I have. I wonder how I came to do that? Anton {Laughing gently) Don't you remember? The wedding. Ruth and Simon. Mother Goodness. And Fd forgotten all about it. Anton It must be time to go. I wonder, dear, would you THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 69 go on ahead ? They'll be so disappointed if you aren't there, mother. Mother You want to be alone. I understand. Anton Just for a few moments. It was so unexpected. Mother Not to me it wasn't. Anton Pray for me, mother. Pray that I may be helped to do as well as I can, what Christ would have done. Mother Very well, my dean (She kisses his forehead, looks at him fondly and then goes out. Anton smiles after her. Goes to the door; stands a moment looking out; closes the bot- tom half of door, looks at robe, then at the staff, offers prayer, and slowly walks to the chair below the fireplace. He rests the staff in the corner below the mantel and reverently drapes the robe on the chair. Then he stands with clasped hands gazing at it, again offering a silent prayer. He goes over to the cross and looks at it for a moment, kneels slowly beside it in prayer, as it grows dark outside. 70 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD After a moment's pause Marna comes to the door, opens the top half and hesitates^ looking in. Not long ago one would have called Marna Lynd a pretty girl. Now suffering, anxiety and the exaltation and anguish of woman's supreme experience has brushed away the bloom and left instead the stamp of individuality and character — which is beauty. She is very poorly dressed and in her bearing there is the suggestion of hopeless fatigue. She comes in, sees Anton and hesitates.) Anton. Anton. Marna ! Marna (In a low voice) Anton {Raises his head) Marna You haven't forgotten me? Forgotten you? Anton (Rises) Of course not. Marna (Dully) No, of course not. It seems such a long, long time ago that I left, but it isn't so long really. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 71 Anton Why did you leave? Why did you run away from all your friends? We've been very anxious about you, Marna. Marna {Scornftilly) Who has? That crazy woman or all the good people who told me it was mv duty to obey her even though she be a bit mad? Anton {Going to her) You look tired, Marna. Marna Yes, IVe been walking two days and a half. I slept in the open last night — out under the pine trees. Anton Poor child! {Helping her to stool where she sits.) Marna Tell me, Anton, has Simon Brock come back to the village? Anton Yes; five weeks ago. He brought back with him the girl to whom he was betrothed. 72 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna (Brokenly) Betrothed? Anton Yes; they are up in the church now. I was just going there. Marna You mean this day I have come back is their wed- ding day? (As Anton nods, she laughs bitterly.) No wonder it says in the Bible that God laughs. He is able to play good jokes on us, isn't He? Anton I thought it kindest to tell you straight out. Marna Yes. But how did you know? Does everyone know? Anton No one knows. Marna (Scornfully) Simon told you? Anton No. Simon didn't tell me. I guessed. I guessed it, long ago; but to-day when Simon denied it, I was sure. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 73 Marna It doesn't matter. And all the time I was gone, all these long miles coming back, I knew in my heart that he didn't love me. {Her head sinks into her hands* Anton goes to her, places his hands compassionately on her shoulders. She rises.) I must go on. Anton You are too tired. Marna I can't stay in the village. I wouldn't have come back-— only for the boy. Anton The boy? Marna Yes, I thought your mother would be here and I didn't want to shock her, so I left him on the bench outside. {She goes out as Anton stands surprised and irresolute.) Anton Marna! — Marna! — ^This alters everything. (Marna appears at doorway, with the baby in her arms.) 74 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna I could not stay here while his child was beating at my heart. Anton Simon's child? Marna Yes, Anton He didn't tell me of this. Marna He didn't know. He doesn't love me and it's too late, Anton What can I do? Marna There's nothing to do. I'll go back where I came from. I can get work at one of the hotels. Anton You can't go, Marna. You're worn out. Marna But who in this village, of purity and righteousness, will shelter us? Anton {He goes to her tenderly) You shall stay here with my mother and me. Yes. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 75 Come, Marna. Come, my dear, and rest yourself here. You're cold! Til get you some warm broth. {As he goes out to the kitchen she sinks slowly into the chair and rests there. Then her eyes fall on the white robe and the shepherd's staff. She realizes what they mean.) Anton! Anton! Anton Yes ? (He comes out bearing a cup of broth.) Marna (Pointing) What do these mean? Anton They mean that from to-day on I am going to strive to do as Christ would do. Marna You have been chosen to play the Christus? Anton Yes. Marna Then I cannot stay here. Anton You can stay here. 76 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna But this house is consecrated, as you are. Anton Yes, consecrated, as was Jesus, to the service of all those who are weary and heavy laden, {Goes to her) Come, my dear, come and sit down. {Takes her toward the armchair.) Drink this. {He holds the cup of broth while she drinks.) Marna But think, Anton, there will be many who are only too anxious to find a reason to condemn you ; men who are envious; men who coveted for themselves the honor that has come to you. Anton Not many surely. Marna Yes, yes, Anton. You are so kind and generous yourself, you don't realize how small and intolerant people can be. They will say you have no right to keep here in this house a woman who has sinned. Anton And they condemned Him because they said: " He consorts with publicans and sinners!*' But those words didn't frighten the Man in whose way I wish to tread, Marna. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 77 Marna {With a certain awe) Anton, you make me believe again in the goodness Td grown to hate. (Rises) But no; I must go. Anton, I must! (Outside the merry wedding song is heard,) Anton Where will you go? Marna I don't know. But what does that matter? What does anything matter now? Anton Marna. Marna What is that? Those voices? It's a bridal song. Anton It's the wedding party. Marna Simon and his bride? They are going to pass by here ? Anton They are coming here. Marna Coming? (Draws herself up.) Then let them 78 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD come. Well — {Indicating the baby) be the first to welcome them. Well wish them God's speed on their bridal journey! Anton {Goes to her) If you do wish them well, you will say nothing. Marna Why should I ? No, I have suffered and must go on suffering. But Simon shall suffer, too. Anton What he may suffer and when Is in the hands of God. Marna It is in my hands. My happiness meant nothing to him. Their happiness means nothing to me. Simon {Outside) Anton ! Anton ! (Anton beseeches her to he quiet and sit down. She goes slowly to armchair and sinks into it, her back toward the door. Her head drops over her baby so she is hardly seen. Simon and Ruth enter, followed by three or four small children, who are laughing and shouting and throwing rice at them. The children run off — their laughing is heard during the scene.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 79 Simon Anton, your mother told us the news, Ruth It's wonderful, Anton, I'm so glad. I can't even tell you. (Marna rises irresolute.) Anton Thank you, my dear. Ruth {Seeing Marna in the shadow) But you are not alone? Anton {Waiting tensely to see whether Marna will speak or disclose her identity. But Marna sinks into the chair without speaking) I am with a friend. Simon (Not recognizing her) Anton, you said to me " this is the happiest day in your life " and now it has turned out to be the happiest day in both our lives. Ruth I hope you will always feel that the happiest day in your life, Simon, was the day / came to you. 8o THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon Of course, I shall. Don't you mean everything to me? Ruth And I am so happy I want everyone else to be happy, too. Don't you, Anton? Anton If that only could be so, Ruth; but it can't. The hour that means joy to some must mean sorrow to others. Ruth That's so like you, Anton. Anton {Hurrying them off) But I must not delay you longer on your journey. Simon No. It will be dark before we reach the valley road. We shall be back in our new home a week before the Passion Play begins. Anton Good-bye. Simon and Ruth Good-bye. ( They go off as the laughter of children follows them.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 8i Marna {Passionately) No, no. I won't! I can't bear it! I meant to cry out but something stopped me. But now he shan't go away with her like that. Simon! Simon! Anton {Stopping her) Do you want Simon ? Marna Do I want him? No! I only want to let her know the sort of man she is taking to be her husband. Anton He loves her and she loves him. Marna Yes, and I hate him. Hate him, do you understand ? Anton {Placing his hands on her shoulders) What can hate do, Marna? It can only drag down and destroy. But love can make him into something fine and noble. Think before you try to drag him down, Marna. {She feels the force of his words,) It is in your power to keep her happy — always. Marna You mean she must never be told? 82 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton Not by us* Let us make a compact, you and I, Marna. This secret shall be between us. We will never tell it, either of us. Promise me? Marna {Turns and goes slowly to armchair) I promise. (Looks at baby, then at Anton.) Anton, whatever you think of me, you don't feel that he is corrupted. Tell me you don't! Anton (Goes to her J with gentle reproach, his hand under the baby*s head) This little child?— Why, Marna, dear, didn*t He say : " Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven ! " Curtain. THE SECOND ACT THE OPEN AIR STAGE OF THE PASSION PLAY THEATRE Four Weeks Later. THE SECOND ACT "W TTT^HEN the curtain rises we see The Passion M/M/^ Pl^y Theatre — or rather the portal that ^ ^ stands before the proscenium-arch, for the curtain of the theatre itself is down. Upon this cur- tain are painted in chiaroscuro a replica of Michael AngeWs Moses flanked in the side panels by Isaiah and Jeremiah, Against this background Pastor Saunders is con- ducting a rehearsal of one of the scenes of the play: to wit, the coming of the Three Wise Men. The performers all wear their costumes, but grouped on the side where The Pastor stands with his prompt book, are a number of understudies and helpers who watch the playing of the scene. The entire assemblage is singing a chant. At its con- clusion shouts of " Make way. We bear great tidings '* are heard off. Omnes {Looking off) What IS it? What has happened? {Raising their arms.) Welcome, stranger. First Shepherd {Entering) The Messiah! The Messiah has come to Judah! 85 86 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Omnes The Messiah! The Messiah! To Judah! First Shepherd God has honored his chosen people. It is to our great race that the eyes of all men shall turn, to our Messiah, who shall be the Saviour of mankind. {The Second Shepherd enters.) Dathan Wait! Wait! What authority have you for these tidings? Where is this man who claims he is the Messiah ? Second Shepherd There is no man. The Messiah has come as a child born of woman. This is the night of His nativity, Omnes (Look at each other in awe) His Nativity! Dathan What nonsense is this? The Messiah a new born child? Second Shepherd It is true. Close to midnight we were tending our flocks, good master, on the hill beyond the olive groves. Suddenly the clouds above us seemed to part and a radiance shone down upon the mountainside as though the gates of Heaven had opened. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 87 Omnes {Awed) Through the gates of Heaven ! Second Shepherd And then we heard the voices {The chorus of angel voices sings.) First Shepherd {Catching his arms and interrupting him) Hark! Hark! You can hear them now. Omnes Yes! Yes! {All turn and look off to Heaven. The women raise their arms in supplication. The Shep- herds and some of the women and children kneel in prayer.) Second Shepherd {As singing finishes) Can you doubt now ? Omnes No! No! Dathan We must summon the Priests; they should hear of this. Selpha {Pointing off) Look! Look! A Caravan! 88 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD A Villager Aye indeed, a mighty caravan, and three men dressed in strange garments walking beside their camels. Dathan Who are they? Selpha Strangers from afar. First Magi {Calling off) Peace be with you. Omnes Peace be with you. First Magi {Entering with his arms raised in " token of friend^ ship/' He is followed by the other two Wise Men) Peace be with you! Omnes Peace be with you! First Magi Peace and good will. Omnes Welcome. First Magi Is this the village of Bethlehem? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 89 Omnes Yes, yes. This is Bethlehem. First Magi {Turning to the other Wise Men) Our long journey has ended, my friends. We have but to find the child. Dathan The child? First Magi We are three Wise Men come from distant lands to see the Messiah of the Jews. Second Magi We bring him gifts to lay at his feet. Dathan What do men of distant lands know of our Messiah ! Omnes Yes, yes. What? First Magi The Angels of God have told us. To-night a child is born, who shall be as the brazen Serpent in the hands of your great Moses. {All moved with awe.) He shall be raised up for all men to see the goodness and beauty that would dwell upon the earth, if we could all live our lives in the pattern of His. Raise your go THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD voices. Cry Hosanna! For this is the great day! In a humble stable stall in Bethlehem, there lies the Man of Men! The Messiah. The Saviour! {As he lifts his hands to heaven the entire crowd sings the Hosanna, At the end of this, the rehearsal comes to an end and they all break from their positions amid general conversation.) Pastor Very good, my children. A Villager Listen to the Pastor. Sh! {They all are attentive. During this Adams^ the newspaper man, enters and mingles with the villagers, ) Pastor To-morrow we will rehearse again both the scene of The Three Wise Men and of the Garden of Geth- semane. And you will please all wear your costumes. Roman Stadler, our art director, must see the colors of the robes for his groupings. Will two of the little girls, Agnes Hettler Agnes {Running to Pastor) Yes, Pastor. (Timothy follows her. She shoves him away.) Pastor And little Ottilie THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 91 {A little girl who has been standing with Selpha comes through the players to the Pastor.) Ottilie Yes, Pastor. Pastor Please collect the palms and give them in charge of my sister? {Girls collect the palms from the choir and carry them off.) Timothy Can't I help? Pastor No; only the little girls. Timothy You always give the easy things to them. Pastor Sit down, Timmy. V\\ find plenty for you to do. (Paul goes to Timmy^ takes him by the scuff of the neck, and turns him at the same time seat- ing him. His mother shakes him and cuffs his ears. All commence to chatter and laugh.) Pastor One minute, my dears. I have just a few more 92 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD words to say and these concern you all. ( To Timo- thy.) Even the children. (Timothy and a little girl come forward and sit down facing the Pastor. Agnes, Ottilie and her little brother also run forward and sit down at the Pastor's feet. All turn and listen attentively.) In one week from to-day you will hear the cannon boom that announces the commencement of the twenty- fourth Passion Play. For two hundred and eighty years, we have kept a vow made at the time of the great plague and presented this divine tragedy in commemo- ration of God^s mercy and to His honor and glory. I want the play of this decade to fall behind neither in beauty, in conscientious effort, nor in the reverence with which it is given. Omnes Yes, certainly, Pastor. Yes, we will. Pastor Pray for help in these matters and work hard on every task, however humble, that has been assigned to you. Omnes Yes, yes, Pastor. We will. Certainly. {All how their heads and reverently clasp their hands as he offers prayer,) Pastor May the blessing of our all-merciful Father rest up- on your efforts. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 93 {The choir chants the Amen, After the sing- ing stops there is a hushed silent prayer. The Pastor turns away smiling and a buzz of con- versation immediately rises, Agnes^ Timmy and other children join hands and jump about shouting and laughing. The First Magi grabs one of the little ones and lifts him above his head. Everything in confusion,) Susanna ( To Pastor) May I speak to you a moment, Pastor. It's about my dress. It's impossible. Paul {Taking her arm) Come, Susanna, the Pastor has other things to think of besides the fit of your robe. Susanna It isn't the fit; it's the color. It makes me look yellow. (Victoria laughs, Susanna glares at her,) Paul You come on with two hundred others and stand in the back at that. Who'll see you? Susanna Heaven sees us. The Pastor said so. And I'm not anxious to look yellow even for the saints and angels. 94 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Paul Come home. {Takes her arm, tries to lead her away,) It's dinner time and Fm as empty as a broken kettle. Susanna {Slaps his hand and goes to Pastor) But why can't Victoria wear my costume? Paul Why, she'd look yellower than you would. Susanna Yes. But she's so yellow it wouldn't matter. (Victoria starts towards Susanna. Pastor stops her.) Paul {Taking her arm) Oh, come on, I'm hungry. {They go off, passing Adams who looks after them and smiles. The villagers and players in Passion Play go off talking and laughing in two and threes.) Raymond Please, Pastor, couldn't you put me in a dressing- booth with someone else than Peter Gast? Pastor Don't tell me you and Peter are unfriendly. That is no spirit for this place. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 95 Raymond (Peevishly) Oh, we're friendly enough, but he will keep pray- ing out loud while Fm studying my lines. Pastor That's dreadful. FU see what can be done. (More of the Villagers go off.) Raymond I should think since Fm to play the Apostle Paul, I might have a dressing-booth to myself. (Victoria grabs him by the arm and leads him away. Agnes and Timothy and the remainder of the Villagers have also gone off, in twos and threes, talking together as they go. Selpha and two little children are standing by watching.) Adams (To Pastor) Excuse me. Human nature is just about the same here as on Broadway. Pastor (Courteously) I beg your pardon? Adams I say, human nature is much the same the world over, isn't it? 96 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Pastor Yes ; the world over and from age to age, it changes very little. Adams {Indicating) So this IS your stage? Pastor Part of It, {Indicating) The tableaux are shown back of the proscenium. Adams Tell me, Pastor, who makes your production? Pastor Production ? Adams Yes. Do you use painted scenery? Pastor As little as possible. Behind this arch is a small rocky amphitheatre. We use that just as it is for the outdoor scenes. {Places his hands to his mouth and calling,) Martin! Martin {Back of the Passion Play Curtain) Yes, Pastor. Pastor Will you please raise the curtain? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 97 Martin Certainly, I will, Pastor. Pastor The men are at work setting the stage for the scene of the crucifixion. ( The curtain slowly rises disclosing two crosses on the hill of Golgotha: a memorable picture even though lacking the central figure — the Cross of the Saviour. A large tree with over- hanging branches is also visible at the side and in back and at the sides are paths through the shrubbery which lead off. The place is bathed in warm sunlight. Three men are at work on the scene. Jonas KuRZ is spading the earth out of a hole in which the central cross is to be set. James Mayre^ with a pick in his hand, stands facing him. Martin Gast^ a pleasant faced elderly man, is pruning one of the bushes. They are all three in their work-a-day clothes.) Adams Great work! Pastor The only thing we do is to stretch a canopy on rainy days. (Smiles) It wouldn't do to have Peter and John going about with umbrellas. Adams Say, I think it's great the nice, cozy way you 98 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD people have of speaking of all these sacred person- ages. Pastor Ah, they're real to us. That is why. Fm afraid our familiarity sounds like sacrilege sometimes to those for whom the story of Jesus is more a pious legend than an actuality. But I must ask you to excuse me, sir. I have a private rehearsal at my home and they are waiting for me. If I can be of any further service to you, pray command me. Adams I beg your pardon. There's one thing I'm not quite clear on. How long is the run? Pastor {Puzzled) The run? Adams Yes, how long do you play? Pastor Every Sunday from the first of June to the end of September. Adams And then you lay off for ten years! Pastor {Nonplussed^ Lay off? f THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 99 Adams Yes. You know. Quit. Lay off. (Catalina whispers to the Pastor.) Pastor {Laughing) Lay off! I never heard the expression before: Lay off! Adams What you need here is a manager. Pastor Yes; but weVe been running, as you call it, since 1633. Adams Since 1633! Some run! Pastor Yes. Yes — I understand. {Turns to Catalina and Victoria who join him.) Some run. What a quaint expression. Some run. I must remember that. {They go off laughing.) Adams {To Selpha) This story of yours has certainly got the popular appeal. Selpha Naturally. Yes. Excuse me! {She and the children go off. Adams goes up and speaks to Jonas.) 100 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Adams I beg your pardon, where is the other cross? Jonas {Looking up) I don't know. You'd better ask Anton Rendel. He made it. {Turns back to his work.) Agnes {Who has been playing on the roots of the tree with Timmy) Anton made the cross before he knew that it was to be his cross. Adams Is that so? rU use that. Tell me, little girl, did he make the crosses for the two apostles? Agnes {Laughing) Apostles? Those crbsses aren't for apostles. They're for the two thieves. Adams Is that so ? I'll riemember that. Say, I never thought I'd live to regret that I played hooky from Sunday School. Agnes Why even little Timmy knows that. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD loi Adams {Humbly) I don't doubt it. I bet everybody in this town could put it all over me when it comes to the religious dope. Agnes Why did they send you here? To try and make you good? Adams No. Fm afraid the managing editor isn't much interested in the state of my soul. The paper had arranged with a prominent minister to come over and write about the Passion Play. But he was taken sick. Agnes And are you a minister, too? Adams No. I'm a baseball reporter. Timothy What is baseball? Adams {Horrified) What is baseball? Say, don't you ever pick on me again for not knowing about your religion. Timothy Oh, it's a reU_gionf 102 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Adams You bet it I's. Qjme here. (Timothy jumps down from free. Adams takes his hand*) You come with me. Well go and get some other little heathen and I'll try and teach it to you. Timothy (Draws away) But Vm not a heathen. Adams Of course you're not. (Taking his hand again.) But you come with me. In my bag at the hotel IVe got a glove and a mask and a ball. Gee, I know how it feels now to be a missionary. {They go off together.) Timothy {Outside) Come on, Agnes, he's going to teach us that new game. Agnes Wait for me, Timothy. {Jumps down from tree, and runs out after them.) Timothy {Off) I can't wait, you're too slow for me. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 103 Agnes {Off) Oh, am I? I can beat you running. (Martin and James now re-enter up the hill. Martin is carrying several wedges to drive into the ground to stiffen the cross and James is carrying a wooden socket which is to be put in the hole and into which the cross is to be placed.) James {Going to hole) Here's the socket for the cross. Jonas {Indicating) All right. WeVe dug the hole for it. Martin Anton is bringing the cross down himself. I passed him on the hill. Alone? Jonas {Suspiciously) Martin No ; old Nathan is with him. i I! Jonas {Sits on rock below tree) Better wait till they get here and be sure the socket fits. 104 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD James It*s all right. I measured the base of the cross in Anton's shop. {Puts the socket in the hole for the cross. Then he and Martin stamp the earth around it to hold it in position.) Jonas Tell me: did you see her there? James Who? Jonas The strange woman who sta5^s within doors, and only walks out at night. Martin Some relative from Kroonwald or Berne, most like. Jonas Then why don't they ask the neighbors to come in and drink a cup of coffee with her? Martin You know they have no time for such things at this season. Jonas I know that there is some mystery about her, and that their door is kept closed and the latch set. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 105 James Jonas is right. Else why would this woman never go with them to the church? Jonas Yes, tell me that, Martin? Martin Why don't you question Anton, if this woman so concerns you? * Jonas I did question Nathan, Martin (Chuckling) ril wager you got little out of him. Jonas He answered that Anton had a great deal of business just now and how would I like to hire myself to help him mind it? Martin {Laughs) That's just what he would say. Jonas Oh, so you think it funny that a Jew should be allowed to speak that way to a Christian ? Martin To such a Christian as you are — surely. Besides, io6 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD he's right. This woman you talk of is no business of yours. Jonas It's the business of every man to guard the honor of the village. Didn't the Pastor charge us each to see that at this time especially the village should be kept pure and holy ? James Do you think the Pastor knows about this woman? Jonas No; for I sounded him. Martin That's strange enough surely, with all the gossips there be in this town. Jonas (Raising his voice) Gossip or not, I want to know who this woman is, and what she is doing in the house of the man who plays the Christus! (Anton and Nathan come in, bearing the cross between them. They hear the last speech.) Anton Very well, Nathan. We will put it down here. Jonas {Turning, confused, when Anton looks at him) Ah, Anton. So you've brought the cross? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 107 Anton Yes. Jonas {After a paused Well, weVe made ready for its setting. Anton {Going to Jonas) What IS it that you wish to know about my house, Jonas ? Jonas {Repeats as though not understanding) About your house ? Oh, you mean what James and I were saying when you came in? Anton What you were saying. Martin Jonas wants to know about a woman that he says is living at your house. Nathan The hound that is always sniffing for refuse has had his nose well trained in his own kennel. Jonas That will do. I want none of your Hebrew proverbs. io8 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton Listen to me : all of you here are my friends. Jonas All I wish IS that you would speak out and stop the cackle of these slanderers. I have defended your name whenever I have heard them gossiping, Anton. In fact I have always tried to behave like a true friend. Nathan Oh, what a mistake that council made when they failed to give you the part of Judas. Anton Please, Nathan. (To Jonas) I had no idea there had been talk in the village about the girl that my mother and I have been sheltering. Jonas I have told all who spoke to me that I was su.e she was some relative. Anton No. She is no kin of ours except as all, who are needy and suffering, are our kin. Jonas Well, no one can gainsay your right to have a visitor come and stay with you. Anton She is not a visitor either. She is only one who has THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 109 had her share of life's buffetings and who asks nothing but to go her way unnoticed for a while. James She wants to be alone? Anton For a little time, yes. But I have been planning, as soon as we are freed from our preparations for the play, to ask my friends to come and help make life easier for her. Jonas You wish me to tell this to the gossipers? Anton Will you? Tell all my friends that I cannot speak more freely yet. I have given my word. James But if she does not wish you to say her name, it must be someone who is known to us? Why, I- Anton (Hesitating) Nathan {Breaking in) Do you want to see to the setting of the cross now? no THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton Yes. {He goes up and raises it; Nathan starts to help him.) No, thank you, Nathan. I have to carry It alone in the play. It's as well that I should know its weight. (Jonas draws James aside. Martin hurries on to rock to guide the end of cross into the socket in the hole if necessary. Then he drives a wedge into the socket to stiffen the cross. The others are silent till the cross is up.) Jonas {In a low voice, to James) There: what did I tell you! This woman is a bad lot. James Living in the house of the Christus ! (Timothy runs in carrying a toy wooden gun.) Timothy Anton ! Anton ! Anton Ah, Timmy! Timothy Look what Ruth brought me back from the place where she's been. Anton What! Have Ruth and Simon come back? {He and Nathan exchange looks of pleasure.) o Ji4 1 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD in Timothy Yes; they came an hour ago. They are up at their new house. Anton I must go up and greet them. (He goes out.) Timothy (To Nathan) Isn't it a splendid gun, Nathan? Oh, I wish I could find a bear to shoot! Nathan There are a couple of jackals over there. (Pointing to Jonas and James who are talk- ing together. Timothy shortly after pretends to stalk an animal and goes out of sight in the bushes.) Timothy Where? Where are the jackals, Nathan? Jonas Well, I hope it is all right, but I don't fancy all these mysteries and concealments. James No, the life of one who bears such responsibility as Anton should be open and fearless. 112 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Jonas {Shaking his head sorrowfully) Vvti afraid these words of his are not going to stop the tongues from wagging. Nathan As to that none should know better than you, Jonas. Jonas What do you mean? Nathan What ails your wits, James Mayre? And you, Martin, that you listen to the words of this fellow? Don't you know he is eaten up with envy ? Can't you see how he hates the man who was given the honor he hoped to win? He wanted the role of the Christus himself. He felt he had the gift for it. Jonas It's a lie. Nathan A lie, is it? Then if it isn't for malice, why did I find you skulking about Anton's house in the dark and trying to peer through the crack of the shutter? Jonas {Goes toward hirrij raising his arm) By Heaven, if you weren't an old man ! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 113 Nathan ( Contemptuously ) Strike me. Don't let that stay you. I'm a Jew, remember ! Jonas Yes, you're a Jew and we've borne with you here be- cause your friend, Anton, took you under his wing. But wait; Anton's power here may fail and when it does, I warn you, you'd better start quickly back down the road that brought you here. James That is right. Nathan Yes; " drive the Jew from your gates! " " Cleanse your Temples! " No matter that those temples were given you by a Jew. Have you, who hate the Jew so bitterly, ever stopped to think that if it were not for our race you would have no Holy Book, no Apostles, no Saviour? Very well, my friends, if Anton's is the only Christian voice that will speak for me : when that voice is unheeded I will be glad to take up my staff and go back to my own people! {Draws himself up proudly and goes out,) Martin Is it true, Jonas, that you tried to peep through Anton's shutter? 114 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Jonas (Defiantly) And what if I did? James It is right to do anything to keep a scandal from touching the village. Timothy {Coming in) Where has Nathan gone? Jonas Timothy! Oh, Timmy! Come here. Timothy Yes? Jonas Tell us, Timmy, you live next door to Anton? Timothy Yes. Jonas And you go often to his house? Timothy Anton IS my friend. Jonas We want to ask you, Timmy, about the woman who is staying at Anton's. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 115 Timothy I like her. Jonas Do you know her name? Timothy Anton calls her Marna. Jonas Marna! Martin {Steps toward Timmy) Not Marna Lynd? Timothy I don't know. Jonas Of course, it's Marna Lynd! James Didn't I say his words showed it must be someone known to us? Jonas That wild creature! James {To Timothy) What is she doing there? ii6 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Timothy I wish she wasn't there. Martin Why? Timothy Anton's mother is always saying we mustn't play see- saw with the long-boards any more like we used to, nor laugh, nor talk out loud. James And why not? Martin Anton said she was sick. Timothy No. It isn't for her we must keep quiet, but the baby. James {Looks at Martin dumbfounded) The baby/ Jonas So that's it! Martin My wife said at the time when Marna left that that must be the reason. James And she's so bold and shameless she brings her child back to the village. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 117 Jonas And into the sacred home of the Christus ! Martin Anton surely should know better than to give lodg- ing to a wanton at this season. Jonas If this gets about a fine mock they'll make of our vows of holy living. Martin It mustnt get about. James {Starting) We must tell the Pastor at once. Martin (Stops him) No, no, wait. Anton has always been a good friend and neighbor to us. And it is not for us to turn tale- bearer against him. Jonas Are you going to let this woman stay in his house till the strangers begin to gather in the village ? Martin But can't we be rid of her without running to the Pastor like a pack of children? No, no. We will see the girl ourselves and tell her she must go. ii8 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD James What do you think, Jonas? Jonas *Tis just the same as telling: to go to the house and turn her and her child down the road. Martin No ; we won't do that either. Well send for her to come here and talk with us. {Turning to Timothy who is stalking in back.) Timmy! Timothy Yes. Martin Look : we want you to run fast to Anton's house and ask for Marna Lynd. Timothy What? Martin Marna Lynd. Say the name clear. {To others) She must know that it's no more a secret. {To Timothy) Say that she is to come here. Timothy But she never goes out anywhere. Martin Say that if she doesn't come and quickly, it will mean harm to Anton. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 119 Timothy {Impressed) Harm to Anton ? Martin Yes, run. Run quick! Timothy If It's for Anton, she'll come. (Timothy runs off.) Simon {Outside) Hello, Timmy! Timothy {Off) Hello! James Here's Simon. Jonas Be careful what you say to him of this. He is Anton's best friend. (Simon enters up hill in back,) Simon Well, your work doesn't seem to be very hard this year. James Why, here's the young bridegroom. I20 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Martin Welcome home! Simon We just got back an hour ago. Tell me, how is the play? What is the news in the village? Martin News we've just heard on which you can give counsel, Simon. Jonas (Aside to Martin) Fool! Simon (To Jonas) What is it? Have those players in Berne tried to get our great actor to join them again? Martin Simon, a little while ago we learned that there is a wanton in the village. Simon (Startled) A wanton? Martin Yes. Lodging here in the Passion Season with a child born out of wedlock! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 121 James And the visitors already beginning to come. Martin For that reason I say we should be rid of her as quietly as possible. Simon Surely. Martin But Jonas is not agreed. He is for telling the Pastor and having her questioned. Jonas No, no. But I say, we should question her. We should know who is the father of the child. Simon You mean she is one of our own village girls? Jonas We must be sure that he who sinned with her is not playing in the sacred drama. Ruth {Calling off) Simon! James 'Tis your wife, Simon. 122 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon {Speaks in lower voice to Jonas) Learn what you can surely; but Martin is right: it's best to keep it quiet. The eyes of the world are on our village now. Martin We have sent for her to speak with her. Simon Then tell her to take her child and leave the village at once. (Ruth enters over hill.) Martin {Detaining him) There is reason why 'tis better for her to wait till night-fall. Ruth Simon, I just met old Nathan and he tells me that Anton has gone up to our house to greet us. Simon How is it we didn't pass him on the road? James He was here when he heard that you had returned. Simon Oh, then he went up through the wood path. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 123 (Simon* and Ruth sit on rock whispering happily together.) Jonas {Aside to Martin) But what of Marna? Martin We will talk with her out at the gate. And we can be mending that broken turnstile while we wait. Jonas I must go back to the village. I shall not be long. Martin {Suspiciously) What business have you got there? Jonas My own business, Martin. Shall I give you the old Jew's saying? The one that made you laugh? {Goes out,) Martin {Looking after him.) I wonder what mischief that fox is planning. James {Smiling at SiMON^ who has just put his arm about Ruth's shoulder) What! Haven't you two had enough of loving and fondling on your bridal journey? 124 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon No ; and we're never going to have enough either. James My wife tells me I used to talk like that but I don't believe it. {The men laugh and go out together,) Ruth Simon, what were they asking you when I came in ? Simon Nothing, dear one, that you need be troubled with. Ruth But I don't want you to have any secrets from me. Simon Secrets? Ruth I want to be a real mate. I want to feel that you trust me and would share everything with me, big and little. Simon Yes, I know, dear; but if there are things that are ugly or would make you feel sorry and sad? Ruth Even those things, dear. For if sharing a joy makes m. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 125 it twice as much, sharing a load makes it half as heavy. So tell me, why did you hush your voices just now, when I came near you? Simon They say there's a woman living in the village who has borne a child out of wedlock since weVe been away. Ruth Oh, Simon! Simon And thinking of the vow to keep the place clean and holy, they want to send her away before the strangers begin to come. Ruth What have the strangers coming got to do with its being clean and holy ? Simon Why, they'll talk and make it seem to the world that our village is no better than any other village, Ruth Oh! I see. So, they make it clean by sending away a sweet, little, innocent baby instead of driving out the man who wronged this poor girl! Simon Why, Ruth! 126 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth {With irony) Some stranger might ask questions about the child and its mother. That is why she must go. While the father may stay. And when she is gone the village will be clean. Yes, just as clean as any other whitened sepulchre ! Simon {Goes to her) Ruth, what are you saying? Ruth Surely, you can make them see? They don't realize it. That is all. But they will listen to you, Simon, Simon What do you want me to do ? Ruth Tell them if they must have shame and punishment, to place it where it belongs: upon the man. Simon But they say the girl is a wanton. Ruth Even then the man should be made to share. She has given a child life at the risk of her own. She has suffered. He has only enjoyed. Tell them that, Simon ! (Timothy runs on followed by Marna.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 127 Timothy {Looking around) They^re not here ! (Simon turns at the sound of the child's voice and sees Marna. There is a moment's silence.) Marna {Almost inaudible) Excuse me. I was looking for some friends. {Sihe turns away) Simon Marna! Marna Come, Timmy, we'll be going. (Timothy runs to her. She catches him by the shoulders to steady herself .) Simon {With an effort) Marna, I — I didn't know you'd come back to the village. Marna IVe been back the month past. Ruth (Sweetly) Are you the Marna Fve heard Anton's mother speaking of? 128 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna Yes, rm the Mama who ran away from the village. Ruth I know: because someone was cruel to you. I used to feel so sorry for you when they talked of it. Marna {Rather coldly, keeping her eyes on Simon) Thank you, but I didn't deserve your sympathy. Ruth {Placing her hand on SiMON^s arm) Well, Simon. Have you lost your tongue? You know you haven't introduced me to Marna. Marna I know you are Simon's wife. I have seen you before. Ruth You have? {She goes to her.) When? Marna In Anton Rendel's shop. Simon You were the woman that day — ? Marna Yes: the hour you were married. {There is again a moment's pause. RuTH feels some strain in the situation.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 129 Ruth Timmy, did you see Anton when you passed our house ? Timothy No. Ruth I think, Simon, I won't wait longer. I will go on to Anton's house and greet Aunt Mary. Simon 111 go with you. Ruth Aren't you going to do what I asked? (He doesnt understand,) Speak to those men, dear. Make them see. Simon I'll do what I can. Ruth I'm so glad. Are you going home, Timmy? Marna {Gazing at Simon) Yes, Timmy, go. Timothy (Starts up after Ruth) All right. You needn't be afraid of anything, Ruth. I've got my gun. 130 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth ril wait there till you come for me, Simon. Simon All right. Timothy {As they go off together, over the hill) Nathan says there are jackals in this place; but there aren't any jackals, are there? Ruth {Outside) Perhaps he means wolves. Marna Well, Simon, I have often pictured what way we should meet; but I didn't think it would be here. Simon I thought that you had left the village for good. Marna You hoped that I had. Simon I hoped that you had found a happiness you never found here. Marna I found happiness here once, for a few days In the Springtime. Do you remember? {Bitterly) Or have these last Spring days made you forget that other time ? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 131 Simon You have a right to lash me. Marna No, I haven't. You're not to blame. The blame lies on the world which tells a man he must deck out his passion with a pretence of love if he would raise himself above the brutes. Simon It isn't true. I did love you — only — — ? Marna Only not enough. And so you took the cruel soft- hearted way and left me without a word, instead of telling me the truth. Simon I thought that you would forget me. Marna And, anyway, you could forget me and not have to face tears, reproaches or pleading. Simon If you knew how bitterly I've repented. Marna {With scorn) Repentence? What good is that? Does your re- pentence give me back my good name? 132 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon Your good name? What do people know? Marna Not about you. Have no fear. Simon But how did they find out? Marna They haven't all found out — yet. But they will. There's no helping that. Our child tells my story. Simon {Dumbfounded, he turns slowly to her) Our child! Marna Yes: Oh! don't pretend surprise. You must have guessed why I went away. Simon {Hoarsely) Before God, I didn't. Oh, Mama: this is terrible. Marna That you destroyed my innocence is nothing? But that we created innocence is terrible? Simon {With sudden apprehension) Marna, why did you come here now? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 133 Marna Why? Simon Yes, tell me: were you sent for? Marna Yes, little Timmy brought me a message. He said if I didn't come, it might mean harm to Anton RendeL Simon Anton ? Marna I am living in his home. Simon Then it's you. It's you they meant! Oh! my God, and I said — ^what did I say? Marna What is It? What do you mean? Simon They said : " There is a woman with a love-child, living in this village " and / said: **They cannot stay here, they must be driven away." Marna You said that? 134 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon My own child ! I was asking them to drive out my own child! (Anton enters and stands on mound looking down on them in surprise*) Anton Marna! And Simon! Simon {Choking down his emotion) ^ Anton, Marna tells me — Did you say that it is at Anton's home that you are staying? Marna {Still gazing at him incredulously) Yes. Simon {Turning to Anton) Then you know ? Anton Yes. I know. Simon (To Marna) And who else? Tell me who else knows? Marna That you are the father of my boy? No one in all the world knows that but we three here. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 135 Simon Thank Heaven! Marna Yes, and you may thank Anton, too. It was he who stopped me from crying out the truth that evening in his shop. Simon You would have told my wife? Marna (Bitterly) Your wife in name she was then, while I was your wife in truth. Simon But you won't tell her? Youll never let her know? Anton {Coming to them) Why are you afraid, Simon ? Ruth knows that you wronged someone and it didn't make her love you the less. Marna {Halted) You told her that? Simon {As though it were wrung from him) No. 136 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton {Hardly believing) But that afternoon in the shop you said you told her. Simon I lied to you, just as I lied to her. I hadn t the courage to tell her. You understand so much, Anton, but you don't understand love. Anton No? Simon You don't know what it means to love a woman the way I love Ruth. Marna {With a sudden idea as she thinks she can separate them) So, you thought you would lose her? Simon Yes ; and I should have. I know it now. And if I should have lost her then, I should lose her now a thousand times more; for I've lied to her and every lie has bred and multiplied till she'd never trust me or respect me again. Anton And you think that on those lies you can build a home of happiness and love? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 137 Simon You don't understand, Anton. Anton {Gently) Yes, I think I do. Marna (Triumphantly) This much your lies have done; they have placed your happiness in my hands. Simon (Afraid) Mama! Anton (With forceful dignity) And his happiness is safe in your hands, Mama! Marna (She looks at him) He cared a lot for my happiness didn't he? Anton Revenge is a poor thing; one plans for it, and when it comes does it seem worth the taking, Marna? Marna (Lowers her head) You are right. (Turns to Anton with her face in her hands,) 138 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon (Goes to her) God bless you, Marna. And I will make amends — as far as I can. (Marna turns from him.) Anton, some of these men have heard that Marna is staying in your house. They are waiting out at the gate to meet her and send her away. Anton Who are they? Simon Martin and James Mayre. (Starts up on to rock.) I will go to them now and try to persuade them. Anton They want to send her away? Marna And they are right. It is better that I should go. Anton With that little child in your arms? No, no; they couldn't be so cruel, so senseless. Let me speak to them. {Joining Simon) They have children, too, and I will make them see. Simon Yes, they will listen to you. Marna Perhaps they will let me stay somewhere else — ^not in your home. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 139 Anton Why ? Has that little one made you a leper ? No, Marna, for all life is from God. Don't be afraid and wait for me here. Come, Simon, {He goes down the rock. A low murmur of the crowd is heard in the distance. SiMON pauses for a moment) Simon {Looking after AnTOn) If I could only be like him. Marna {Nervously) What's that? Those voices? Simon It is the log-cutters going by on the road above. {He goes off after Anton. Marna is alone. She looks about in despair. The murmur of the crowd comes nearer and nearer. She is puz- zled, then more and more frightened. She starts up after Simon.) Marna Simon, I am afraid. Simon! {She is now trembling with fear. As the noise increases she gives a terrified shriek.) Simon ! {The crowd now rush on led by JoNAS, who has incited them against Marna. Margot^ 140 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD James, Paul, Raymond and The Elders are among them. They are all saying " Where is she? '' There she is/* " Wanton/* etc. They surge about her. Marna has run up on the rock and stands cowering in terror, with her hands behind her, clutching the cross for sup- port.) Jonas (Raises his arms) Wait! Wait! (The crowd pauses.) So, it is not enough that she defiles the home of the Christus! She must needs stand by the sacred cross itself! Omnes Shame! Shame! Take her away from there. Margot She has brought shame on our village. Jonas (To the three Elders) What does she know of respect for holy things? Omnes Yes; yes. Marna (Terror stricken) What do you want with me? James We want to be rid of you. That is all. < o THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 141 Omnes Yes! Yes! Drive her out! Jonas Listen, It is no use for you to make denials. We know the truth. Omnes Yes, yes. We know the truth. Marna I have made no denials. Jonas Ah, you admit that you cared nothing for your good name, nor for the good name of this village? Omnes She admits it. James {To Jonas) Don't waste time on words. Someone fetch her brat, and I'll see them past the first milestone. Omnes Yes. Yes! Marna {Runs down to M argot, passionately) Don't you dare to touch my child! I will kill any- one who lays hands on him. 142 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Margot Oh, so he is too fine for us to touch! Marna Yes, he is! (All laugh and sneer at her.) You come to revile me and spit at me. Why — because I have sinned? No, because I have been found out! {All turn to each other, muttering,) Are you any better than me, Margot Haser? You sold yourself to an old man not for love, but for money! Margot I married him! Marna Oh, yes, you have a gold ring to show. And you stood by him in church. But does that make you any cleaner than me? {Several men start to grab her. She turns on them fiercely.) And you men ! You have never lusted after a woman, have you? Jonas Now, look here — Marna {Turns on him) And you, Jonas Kurz. Do you forget the day you tried to seize me in your arms and press hateful kisses on my lips. {The murmur grows to a babble of cries, over- whelming her speech,) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 143 Omnes Drive her out! Prostitute! Wanton! ( They rush at her. She turns and runs up onto the rock, Anton comes on above. Marna runs to him and falls on her knees, at his feet, clutching his smock.) Anton {Towering above them all) Stop ! Stop I James She IS defiling this place! Margot {Crying out above rising murmurs) She must go! Drive her out. Omnes Yes; drive her out. {There is another surge forward.) Anton Stop, I say! {The crowd halts.) Must there be twenty of you to handle a defenseless girl? {Silence.) Come, let one man step out. Omnes One man! James Whom do you vv^ant? 144 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Omnes Yes, yes. Whom do you want? Anton A man who is without sin, Omnes Without sin! Anton I say: have your way, drive her out, stone her! Jonas Stone her? Anton Yes; but let him who is without sin cast the first stone ! {There is a sudden awed silence.) James We have no quarrel with you, Anton Rendel. Omnes No. No. Anton No? And why not? If you think your village has been defiled, it is / who have defiled it. When Marna wanted to go away, I stopped her. I took her into my house. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 145 Jonas Yes, and for good reason ! First Elder Good reason? Omnes What's that? What did he say? Jonas {To crowd) Why should he take her into his home unless she had good claim to be there? Omnes Yes, that's so. Why? Jonas Why has he hidden her there unless he was afraid of the questions we might ask? Omnes Yes, that's it. Jonas {To Marna) To whose house did you go when you first came back? To your old home on the hill? No! James {Realizing what JoNAS means) Are you mad, Jonas? 146 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Jonas No, but if we care to preserve the sacredness of our great Passion Play; unless we would see the village laughed at and our holy living a byword, ask her who is the father of her child! {There is another murmur that grows to con- fused noise; the Pastor enters through the crowd.) James The Pastor! Omnes It's the Pastor! Who told him? {They make way for him,) Pastor What is this? What is going on here? Anton {Coming down to him and leading Marna with him) You remember Marna Lynd, Pastor? Pastor Yes, and Stephen here has been telling me a strange tale about her. Is it true, that you have been here in the village a month past? Marna Yes. Jonas In the house of the Christus — ^with her child. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 147 Pastor So I hear. But I can scarcely believe it. Anton It is true. Pastor Had you forgotten that you were charged to keep your house free from all carnal and worldly associa- tions? Anton No, and I have tried to keep it so ! Pastor But surely you knew what others would say when they heard that this poor, erring girl was lodging with you? Anton {Without bitterness) Perhaps I trusted too much to the charity and kindness of my neighbors. Pastor It is not only your neighbors that must be thought of. We in the village have to be far more jealous of our good name than other villages and you, on whom the greatest trust of all rests, should be careful that nothing you do could give the world cause to speak lightly of him who plays the Christus. 148 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton If He who was the Christus had done that, there would have been small chance for sinners and out- casts to be healed and comforted. Omnes (Turn to each other) What does he mean ? Pastor Anton Rendel, you are presumptuous. Anton I am sorry. Marna Anton took me in because there was nowhere else for me to go. I was weak and ill and footsore. I had walked with my child in my arms all the way from the hospital of the nuns at Kroonwald. Pastor Doesn't your mother's sister still live on the hill above? Marna Yes; a mad woman. I would sooner have begged bread along the streets than have trusted my little one to the mercy of her crazy moods. (Simon enters,) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 149 Simon Anton! {He stops short, seeing the crowd and trying to understand what is happening. Martin is with him,) Marna Isn't It enough that I am ready to go now? Why must you stand here and condemn the man who was kind to me? Pastor You are ready to go away? Marna Yes! Anton No, no. You can't drive her out with a little child at her breast. Pastor No; you are right. {Turns to the villagers.) But some other lodging must be found for her. Jonas Excuse me, Pastor, but this is not the first thing. (Pastor turns to him,) Ask her — ask her, while we are all here, in front of us, who is the father of her child. (Simon is startled.) I50 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Omnes Yes, yes. Who is the father? Anton No, Pastor. Don't ask for that. It can do no good — only harm. Pastor What is this? Why are you trying to shield the guilty ? Jonas He has good reason ! Pastor It is a grave thing, Anton, that we should have one in our midst, one on whom we may place a trust only less sacred than your own, who is so grossly unworthy. Omnes Yes, yes. Who is he? Tell us his name? Anton Stop, please. Her word is pledged. Jonas (Sneering) Who to— to you? Anton Yes, to me. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 151 Marna {To Anton^ through the chatter of the crowd) I must tell, Anton. I must! Don't you see what Jonas Kurz is trying to make them think ? Pastor Anton. {All are silent, eager to catch every word.) You know who this man is ? Anton Yes. Pastor Then I command you to tell us. Anton I am sorry, Pastor, but I must refuse. Pastor What! {The crowd are dumbfounded by his re- fusal.) Do you want me to believe that you are the man? Marna (To Pastor) Wait! Wait! There is someone else who knows; someone who is not pledged to silence. Ask him! Pastor Who? Marna Simon Brock. 152 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon I? Omnes {There is a babble of voices as they all look at him) Simon? Simon Brock? Pastor Anton, your disobedience displeases me, but if Simon will speak for you — Simon {Comes down quickly between Marna and Pastor) There — there is some mistake. I cannot tell you. Pastor You mean you cannot, or you will not? Simon {Looks first at Anton) I mean Ruth {Calling ojf) Simon ! Simon {Quickly resolving Ruth must not learn the truth, as she comes on and stands in back) I mean she is mistaken, I don't know. Marna Simon! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 153 Jonas He, too, IS trying to shield his friend. Simon {Rushes at Jonas) No. I don't know. I tell you. I don't know. Anton Three times! And the poet said ^'yo^r friend's name is Simon, too." Ruth Simon, IS she the woman, they are trying to Simon (Rushes up to her) Come, dear, this is not for you. Pastor No, Simon; take your wife away! Ruth (Not understanding) Why? Simon The Pastor asks it, Ruth. Ruth But what is the matter? (He takes her in his arms, draws his coat about her as though to protect her and leads her off.) 154 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Pastor Anton Rendel, it is not for me to say whether or not you have sheltered in your house your own sin. But since you seem willing to let that terrible suspicion rest upon you, I tell you that it cannot rest on the man who above all others in the village, must be untainted and of good reputation. Anton You mean ? Pastor {Controlling his emotion) I mean that you cannot carry that cross when the people gather here next Sunday! You have violated your pledge and you have stubbornly refused to bow to my authority. Therefore I am left no choice, but to take from you the role of the Christus. (Marna gives a cry.) Anton You take it from me? Pastor Yes. Omnes That is right. The Pastor is right! (etc.) Marna {To Pastor, through the chatter of the crowd) No, no ! I will tell you. You mustn't do this unjust thing! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 155 Anton (To her) No, Marna. This is to be. Marna (To Anton) Just to save another — and such another. Pastor I am very sorry. This is a terrible thing, but I could do nothing else. (Pastor ^oes out; the others start to follow him. Marna breaks from Anton and rushes after them.) Marna (To M argot) Fetch the Pastor back! Omnes (As they crowd through the arch going off) No! No! Marna (Turns to The Elders, who are crossing below her) Fetch the Pastor back! (The Elders shake their head and motion with their hand — '' no, no." Marna turns and con- fronts Jonas.) Fetch the Pastor back ! I will tell him who it is. 156 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Jonas Yes, you'd He some other's good name away to save your lover! Margot {Through the talk of crowd) You defiled his home so that his home defiles our village! Jonas Yes; it will be pointed out as the place where the Christus lived with a wanton. (Anton goes up on the rock, and leans his head against the cross.) James You can stay there now, woman, as a good lesson to others — like you! Raymond But honest people will spit on the ground as they goby! Marna {Runs to Margot^ drops on her knees clutching Mar- got around the limbs) Call the Pastor. I will tell him! I will tell him everything ! (James grabs her arm and loosens her hold on Margot, while Raymond helps him. James throws Marna to the ground. The crowd ap- proves.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 157 Margot Who will take the word of a harlot? (James^ Raymond^ Paul go off.) Jonas Now get your child and leave us! Margot {Going out) And see that you lose no time in clearing the village of this shame. Jonas Yes, and take your seducer with you. {He goes off with the others.) Marna {On her knees calling after them) Listen! Listen! Well, go then. If you won't listen. Go! Poor simple sheep that you are! {The noise from the crowd continues in the distance.) Anton {Raises his clasped hands to the cross) Was that man right who said : Christianity died upon the Cross? {He leans his head against the cross — his arms about it. Marna rises slowly and staggers over to the tree, sobbing hysterically. She drops onto rock at foot of tree.) 158 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna {Her head bowed between her clinched hands) Curse your self-righteousness! Your intolerance! Your cruel goodness! (Anton raises his head and turns to her,) Pharisees! {She throws up her head.) Talk of sacred ground. {Shaking her clinched hand after them.) Curse your holy village! Anton {Crying out) No, no; Marna! Marna They say they are the keepers of the spirit of Christ. But they are the ones that crucified Him! If Christ should walk among them to-day, they would revile Him, spit at Him and bar Him from their homes ! Anton {Standing at the foot of the cross with his arms out- stretched) Don't curse them, Marna! Forgive them! For they know not what they do! Curtain. THE THIRD ACX THE HOME OF ANTON RENDEL A few days later. THE THIRD ACT Tr\ACK in Anton Rendel's house. But the g^ joy seems somehow to have left it. And this is •^^"^ hard to account for as it is a fine sunshiny morning in June. Most of the carvings have disap- peared — perhaps that is the reason. The room is empty. Nathan enters from kitchen carrying a hand carved wooden cradle, which he places near the fireplace. He then takes a bellows from fireplace, where they are hanging, and stoops over the fire logs, gives them a few puffs — //// the fire blazes up. Anton's mother comes down the stairs carrying the pillow and comforter for the cradle. She pauses for a moment to look through the window — for she is ex- pecting Anton, Nathan Fm thinking that there's small reason to be lighting the fire to-day. There's a warmth in the air that I haven't felt this Spring. Mother {Looking out window) It seems so often the day the Sacred Play is to start. Nathan Do you see any sign of Anton down the valley road ? i6z i62 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother No, there's not a soul to be seen; but maybe he might come back over the log road from Kroonwald. Nathan And why should he choose a hard way like that with the pack of carvings to carry? Mother There'd be less chance of meeting village folk. Nathan Anton wouldn't take a step out of the way for that. His gaze is straight and fearless as though they had never tried to shame him with their black looks and their heads turned away to his " good morning." Mother Yes, he doesn't let any see it. But think how he must feel never to get any answer to his greeting — him that everybody used to love. ^ Nathan Why should he care for folk that aren't worthy to tie his boot-string? Mother They're trying to drive us out ^^ ^^^^ village. Nathan Yes. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 163 Mother {Making bed in the cradle) And Anton would have gone only he knows this place has been my home so long. It's forty years ago, Nathan, since I came up that path a young bride, and all the folk gathered in the road crying out a welcome, and the little children throwing flowers for us to tread on. Nathan And now it's those that were little children then that threaten to burn the house if they aren't rid of us. Mother {Alarmed) They said that? Nathan Yes ; but don't fear. They won't go so far. I hear the Pastor was very angry when 'twas told to him. Mother I don't know. There's no saying what men may do in the name of religion. Nathan Don't I know? Don't I know? I that have seen my father hauled into the street by his beard and frightened women fleeing before men with blood on their hands and a white cross pinned on their sleeves! i64 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother {After a pause) I wonder if I could learn to live in some new place ? Nathan The trouble all came with Mama's coming. If she should go I believe they would soon forget their anger against Anton. (Marna enters coming down the stairs carry- ing her child.) Mother Hush! Marna Have you news of Anton? Nathan {A little forced) Where should we have news except by his coming? None will bear a message to us nor tell us if they saw him in the road. Mother Perhaps the strangers at the Kroonwald have bought only a few carvings and he pushed on through the night to Mendorf. (Goes to Marna^ as she comes down the stairs, to help her with the baby.) Nathan I wish he had let me go instead. Anton as The Christus. Act 3. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 165 Marna I think he wanted to be alone for a while. Mother Yes. It will ease him to go walking through the clean-smelling meadowland and hearing the birds call- ing in the willow groves along the river. Marna And no doubt he'd wish to be away to-day. Nathan Why? Marna Why? 'Tis the start of the Passion Play, isn't it? And there'll be folk going by in their robes and singing and the procession of the children. Mother Yes. When he would hear the bell ringing to call them to the rehearsing his hand would tremble so that he could scarce hold the knife. (She goes out into the kitchen, Marna starts to put the baby in the carved wooden cradle which stands in front of fireplace.) Nathan How is master baby to-day? Marna As happy as if his coming into the world had brought nothing but joy. {Kisses it, then puts it in the cradle,) i66 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Nathan And so it should I say. {Peers into cradle.) Heyho, baby. Oh, don't pucker up your forehead at old Nathan. Surely he couldn't scowl any worse if he were looking at Jonas Kurz. Marna Sh-hush, baby. {She rocks cradle back and forth.) Nathan {Bending over the cradle) Are you sure there isn't a pin sticking into its shoulder ? Marna Am I sure? What sort of a mother do you think I am? Sh-sh — That's right. Mother won't let any big man with a funny beard frighten her lamb- kin. Nathan Funny beard i Marna {To baby) Sh-sh. That's right. Go to sleep. {Glancing at the kitchen door.) Nathan? Nathan Yes? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 167 Marna As I came down the stairs just now I could not help hearing what you said. Nathan Eh? Marna That if I should go away they would soon forget. Nathan I said that? Marna Yes, don't try to deny it. Nathan Neither Anton nor his mother would let you go away. You know that. Marna No, perhaps not. But if I were to go without their knowing. Nathan And how would you be going with that baby to carry in your arms and you only just getting back your strength ? Marna Perhaps I could get someone to give me a lift as far as Mendorf. i68 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Nathan I know one who has a good tart who might lend it to me. Marna What? Someone in this village? Nathan Yes. Marna If there's any would be willing themselves, they'd be afraid of their neighbors. Nathan The man Fm thinking of could scarce refuse that much, poor friend though he's been this week past. Marna You don't mean Simon Brock? Nathan I do indeed. Simon Brock was always Anton's greatest friend. Didn't they take in his wife and keep her here like one of their own all the time they were waiting for the wedding? Marna You mustn't go to him, Nathan. Nathan Why not? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 169 Marna Go away in that cart — the one he drove his wife in on their wedding journey? Nathan That's made it no worse, has it? Marna Oh, I couldn't. I couldn't! Nathan What's the matter with you, Marna? Marna {Turns to him) Think — think! There must be someone else. Nathan No one that I know. Well, perhaps when Anton gets here we'll all be leaving, Marna -, No, no. That mustn't be. || Nathan It may have to be. Marna But Anton's mother! Think how she would feel having to leave her home, to go out among strangers and suffer hardships. I70 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Nathan Listen, Marna. I didn't tell her just now and I didn't mean to tell you. When I went to the village this morning to buy food, they told me at the shop there wasn't any. Marna Not any food? Nathan Not, they said, for — for you. Marna You mean they said — " not for a harlot/* Nathan That is why I said if you were to go they would let Anton and his mother stay in peace. Marna Go, Nathan, go to Simon Brock. And ask him for his cart. And if he doesn't want to give it to you, tell him why you want it. Say it is to take the harlot and her child out of the village! He will give it to you then fast enough. I promise you. Nathan Marna! Marna {Bitterly) Only tell him to throw new straw on it! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 171 Nathan I don't understand. Marna He will understand. He will not want me to lie in the sweet grass where she rested in his arms. Nathan {Looks at Marna^ then at the cradle as though sud- denly guessing the secret) Marna — tell me ? (Mother comes to the kitchen doorway.) Marna I will tell you nothing. Go — go! Mother What is it, Marna? Is anything the matter? Marna No. It is nothing. I want some fresh bedding for my baby, that is all. Mother But Nathan put some balsam in the cradle only yesterday. Nathan {As though bewildered by his discovery) Yes, — yes. I know where there is some better, with a still sweeter smell. {He goes out.) 172 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother Were you and Nathan quarreling? Marna {Bends over the baby) No, of course not. Mother I thought I heard your voices raised. But my ears are not what they were. I'm getting to be an old woman, Marna. Marna {Turns to her, mastering herself with an effort and smiling) Oh, you're not really old. You'll hear many pleasant sounds yet, Aunt Mary. The birds nesting under the eaves and the bees in your garden and children laughing outside and Anton singing as he bends over his work. Mother {Shaking her head) He doesn't sing any more, Marna. Marna But he will: never doubt it. Mother {Taking her hand) Will those good times ever come back to us again ? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 173 Marna {Comforting her) Of course; of course, they will. {She goes to the cradle.) When the curse that has lain on you is lifted. Mother We were so happy. I didn't know how happy Marna Look at him, Aunt Mary. You wouldn't think that anything so beautiful could bring so much wrong and hatred and bitterness into the world, would you? Mother The ways of the Lord are hard to understand. Marna No, Aunt Mary, I don't believe that. It's the ways of man that are dark and cruel. The ways of God are simple and straight and kind. (Anton enters, carrying a hag slung over his shoulder. His boots are muddy from the roads,) Anton {Cheerfully) Well, little mother, here is the wanderer at last. Mother Anton! My boy! {She runs to him and puts her arms about him.) 174 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton I hope you have plenty of food in the house. All the long way back from Kroonwald IVe been kept up by a beautiful vision. My mother standing over a pan of her famous apple-cakes, all warm and brown, smelling of cinnamon. Mother Oh, what a shame ! I sent Nathan to get some fresh meal but he said it hadn't come from the mill yet. Anton {Knowing she is fibbing) Well, it won't hurt me to wait a bit. Mother No, no. IVe got some cakes left from yesterday, if you don't mind that. Anton Mind it? They'll taste better to me than the first fall of Manna did to the Children of Israel. {Takes the bag off.) And how is the other little mother? Marna I just said to Nathan that at last I am feeling as strong as I ever was. Anton {Looking at her) Not quite that yet. You see I've got a rosy cheek in that cradle to match yours by. i THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 175 Mother (Anxiously) The carvings, Anton ? Did you sell them ? Anton Did I? Never say again that I am not a business man. (Draws out a little chamois hag from his pocket, jingles it and gives it to her.) Mother Oh, splendid! Anton Nathan will be coming to me now for lessons in bargaining. Mother Gold pieces, Marna! Marna Fm so glad! Anton Yes. I even sold the King Solomon. I was almost ashamed to show them that. Mother Why the Solomon was wonderful, wasn't it, Marna? Anton Oh, there's a mother speaking. Even Nathan ad- 176 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD mitted I hadn't done Solomon justice. But Solomon has gone and I really believe I might have sold a carv- ing of each of his wives — if I could have found wood enough to do for the whole family. Marna {Hopefully, that she will be able to get work there) There are a lot of visitors at Kroonwald then ? Anton Yes. But I sold nearly all to one man. Mother One man ? Anton Yes. Do you remember that poet who came here with his two friends the day that I — {Correcting him- self) the day that you came to us, Marna? Mother The one to whom you gave the Magdalen ? Anton Yes. I will not shame you by reminding you how you scolded me. Cast your bread upon the waters, mother dear, and it will return to you after many days. Mother I'll get you those cakes and some coffee. {Goes to kitchen door,) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 177 Anton Can't I help you? Mother What do I want with a man messing in my kitchen ? Sit down there and rest yourself. {She goes out into kitchen.) Marna Anton, you have been very good to me. If there was only some way that I could repay you. Anton Happiness is the coin in which we want all our deeds repaid. Only before we learn life's lesson we think that the happiness must be our own. You can make up to me for everything by trying to be happy. Marna And good. Anton Happiness brings goodness, Marna, just as much as goodness brings happiness. Marna I shall try and remember that. You have given me many thoughts to carry away with me, thoughts that will help me even in the darkest hours. But I must go upstairs now. I want to put something in order. {She starts up the stairs. Anton wearily sinks 178 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD into chair. The boom of a distant cannon is heard. Far in the distance the choir is heard for a little while.) Anton That's the first gun calling the players to prayer. The performance will begin in one hour. Marna Yes, I know. . . . {She looks at him with compassionate under- standing, then she goes quietly up the stairs. Anton^ when he realizes he is alone relaxes; his head slowly drops into his hands with his elbows resting on his knees. There is a brief pause. Then Agnes comes in the door. She is wearing the dress for the scene of Christ's entrance into Jerusalem.) Agnes {Looking in over bottom half of the door) Anton. {Rattles the hasp.) Anton. Anton Agnes! Agnes {Enters and runs to him) They told me I mustn^t go to see you any more, Anton, but I just had to come and show you my dress. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 179 Anton Oh, but It's lovely, Agnes. Agnes (Lifting up the dress so as to show it) The petticoat is almost the nicest part. I wish it showed more. Anton Couldn't you wear the petticoat outside the dress? Agnes Of course not. (Laughs,) Aren't men funny? But, oh, I'm so proud to think I'm going to be in the Passion Play, Anton. Anton (Goes to her) Of course, you should be, dear. Agnes Did you want to play in it, Anton? Anton I wanted to play in it very very much, Agnes. Agnes Wouldn't they let you? Anton No. i8o THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Agnes I hate them for not letting you. Anton You mustn't say that. Agnes Yes, I do. I prayed to God last night to send an awful punishment to all people that were unkind to you, Anton. Anton Oh, you shouldn't have done that. Agnes Well, IVe done it now, so it'll have to stand. I'm not going to tell God I've changed my mind. TiMMY {Comes inside and looks hack to see that no one is looking) Agnes — Agnes. Agnes Yes, Timmy. TiMMY Agnes, you know you were told not to come here. Anton Yes, dear, you'd better go. Your mother will be cross. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD i8i TlMMY Anton. Yes, Timmy? Anton Timmy Have you got any more dragons? Anton {He gets two small wooden elephants from the shelf) No. But there are a pair of elephants I was making for your Noah's ark. (Timmy looks about again afraid of being seen in Antonys home but finally comes in, and takes his toy. Agnes takes hers and tries to make it walk.) Timmy Oh, thank you, Anton. I can't see why everybody is so angry at you, Anton. I guess they don't know what lovely animals you can make. {Runs to door, looks out carefully to see if anyone is looking. Then he runs off.) Agnes Good-bye, Anton. Won't you see me in my scene this afternoon? Anton I am afraid not, dear. i82 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth {Standing in the doorway) Anton. Anton {Surprised and glad to see her) Why, Ruth! Agnes {As Ruth comes in) Oh, Fm so glad youVe come to see Anton, I can't stay any longer and I just hated to think of him sitting here all alone. Anton You were very sweet to come, both of you. Agnes Tm going to pray to God to arrange it so you can be in the Passion Play after all, Anton. And I think maybe He'll do it, because I haven't asked Him any- thing for a long time. {She runs out.) Ruth Oh, Anton, but I wish it could be so. Anton That doesn't matter now. Ruth What have you thought of me, Anton, not having come near you all this time. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 183 Anton I am sure you had some good reason. Ruth Yes, I had. Simon has been ill. Anton I am sorry. Ruth He took it very deeply to heart that you, his best friend, should have been accused and humiliated. He was to be in the chorus of the play, as you know ; but he has given it up. He sent back his robe. Anton ( Turns to her) His robe? I had forgotten my robe. It is still lying in there. {Glances toward kitchen,) The gar- ment woven without a seam. Oh, well! it doesn't matter. No doubt whoever plays the role now would refuse to wear my robe ; it has been soiled by my touch. Ruth Anton, please Mother {Enters from kitchen) Your breakfast is ready, Anton! Ruth {Going to her) { Aunt Maiy! i84 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother Ruth! Ruth Fm so glad to see you ! Mother My little girl ! Oh, you don't know how it warms my heart to hold you here. Nothing hurt me so much as to think that you would join with the others in shunning us. Ruth I didn't know how they had all been treating you till I went to the village to-day to do some marketing. Then I came straight on here. Anton Then Simon does not know that you have come? Ruth No. Mother Come in, Anton; — the coffee is all made. Anton And how does our little valley flower like being a house-wife? Ruth It would be splendid if — if only Simon and I could know that you are happy. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 185 Anton But we are happy. Can't you see we are? Why look at the mother IVe got: the best mother and the best cook in the whole country. To be sure she's a wee bit daft (As they go off into kitchen Marna appears on the landing carrying a small bundle tied in an old shawl. She shrinks back as she sees them and waits till they have gone off* Then she comes quickly down as Nathan enters from outside.) Marna I saw you from the window. I have been watching. Nathan Well, I got It. Marna Be careful. Anton has returned. Nathan He has? Marna I will close the door so that they shan't hear me. (Shuts door of passage leading to kitchen,) Simon Brock's wife is in there, too. Nathan And Simon himself is here with the cart. i86 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna ' Simon himself! Nathan Yes. He is waiting down below the road-bend be- hind the trees. Marna (To Nathan) But he will not go with us? Nathan No, no ; of course not. Are you ready ? Marna Yes. Nathan {Takes the bundle) Give me that and you carry the little fellow. If I took him he'd cry and you'd say it was the way I held him. Marna I am not going to take the baby, Nathan. Nathan Not going to take him? Marna No. I have thought it all out. For his sake, it is better so. You see, I may have trouble getting work, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 187 and if I should have to see him suffer, I couldn't bear It, Nathan. Nathan But Mama, to leave your child Marna I know. It is hard, very hard, but you'll be kind to him, won't you ? He's so good, hardly any trouble at all. He only has to be fed once in the night now; only be careful the milk is warmed. But there; what am I saying? Anton's mother knows well enough. I didn't think to wean him for many months; but he's strong, thank God, and soon enough he'll forget me. Nathan And when you have work and are settled you'll send for me to bring him to you? Marna (Kneeling by cradle) No, I shan't, Nathan. I'm saying good-bye to him forever. It's better so, for he'll grow up with good people. And he won't have to see folk turn their heads away as his mother passes, and if they're kind per- haps he'll never know that I was a-^-a Nathan Marna! Don't say it! You know you're not that, whatever they say! i88 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna {Unheeding) Good-bye, my baby. This way you won't have to be ashamed. And your mother is going to try to live, if she can live, so that you wouldn't be ashamed even if you knew who she was and where — {She bends forward and kisses the baby) God bless you. The sight of you will be in my eyes forever. {She again drops forward over the cradle. As Nathan touches her on the arm " to hurry '* he looks up and sees SiMON who has entered, Nathan gazes at Simon and then at Marna. Simon sees her by the cradle. He goes to her slowly.) Mama! Simon {Softly) Marna {She rises slowly, thinking it is Nathan) I am ready Simon Marna. Let me see him — the boy. Marna Why? He is nothing to you. Simon Yes, he IS. He must be. I must help you. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 189 Marna I don't need your help nor does he, (Nathan starts quietly towards the door.) Simon But ft IS right and it's the only way for me to find peace, Marna You will never find peace while others suffer in your stead. (Nathan shakes his head sadly and goes out,) Simon, I am going to go away and leave my boy forever. Simon To leave him? Marna Yes. Do you know why? Because I don't want him to have to be ashamed of his mother! Simon Mama! Marna {Eyeing him steadfastly) But in all humbleness I pray God he may b« spared the even greater shame of knowing who is his father. Simon Have you no pity? Can't you see that I am in the dust at your feet? I90 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Marna And where should you be? No. I will tell you. Not at my feet, but at his! At the feet of Anton Rendel! Simon Marna. All you can say is nothing, compared to what I have already said to myself. But even now I daren't speak. (Ruth enters from kitchen unobserved.) Wait. I am going to make amends. I am leaving, too. I have planned to take my wife far away, and then I will write. I will tell them all the truth — every- thing; but not her. I can't tell her, {He looks up and seeing Marna's fixed gaze on Ruth; he turns and sees her standing there dumbfounded.) Marna ( Comprehending) I will leave you. Ruth No. Why should you, Marna? It is I who am the real intruder. Simon Ruth! Ruth I see that at last. I must have been a fool not to see it before; a fool blinded by love. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 191 Marna {Gently) Then perhaps you can understand how his love could blind him, too. Ruth {To Marna) If it's love for me that made him forget decency, loyalty and truth I wish that I might never have had the power of waking such a love as his, Simon {Moves toward her) Ruth! My wife! (Anton enters grasping the situation,) Ruth Your wife! That is your wife standing there by the cradle of your child. Anton Ruth, listen to me a moment. Ruth {Piteously) Oh, Anton, I am so ashamed ! So ashamed ! It was for the sake of me, for the sake of my little fool's paradise, that you have suffered! That you stood silent while they stripped from you the trust and the honor and called you unworthy! 192 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Simon {Going toward her) Ruth! Ruth Don't speak to me. Don't touch me. {She rushes out. There is a distant murmur of the procession of villagers going to the Play,) Simon Ruth! Ruth! Don't leave me! Don't leave me! I love you, Ruth ! I love you ! Anton {His hand on Simon's shoulder) Don't, Simon, old friend, don't. I understand and so will she some day. Simon Never — never — I've lost her — I've lost her. Nathan Anton ! Anton ! {Enters hurriedly in great excitement. Closes the door, and holds it shut.) Anton Yes, Nathan? Nathan You know that some people made threat to burn the house. They are coming, Anton. A great crowd of THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 193 them have turned up the road and — and one carries a great bundle of sticks under his arm. (Marna quickly takes the baby from the cradle.) Anton Yes, for the scene of Isaac's sacrifice. They are on their way to the play. Nathan No, no. You are wrong ! Do you want to stay here till the rabble are upon us. {To Marna) Quick, I have Simon's cart waiting! Marna He's right, Anton. Where is your mother? Aunt Mary! Aunt Mary! Anton Don't be frightened. {The sound of many voices rises from outside.) James {Off) The Pastor has gone to the Play — Come on ! {The crowd, including Martin^ James^ Paul and Raymond enter hurriedly filling the door- way and one side of the room. They are all excited. The Mother enters in terror. Nathan picks up a piece of wood to protect Marna who stands holding her baby.) 194 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton Put that down, Nathan! ( There is a confusion of shouts and calls from outside, Ruth forces herself through the crowd.) Ruth {As she silences them.) Simon! I have brought these people here for you to tell them the truth! Omnes What is it? What does she say? Ruth Listen. Simon has something to say to you. Listen! Anton Ruth! Simon {To Anton) No no ; it is right. I stood by and let you be shamed publicly, and now — {He faces the crowd.) My wife has asked you to come here so that I should right a terrible wrong that you have done through me to a good and noble man. {The crowd are bewildered.) And there is a girl and a little child. She, too, does not deserve your blame, not one tenth as much as the man who seduced her. Martin That is true enough! THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 195 Simon I am the man. {There is a moment's stunned silence, then a sudden babble of voices. RuTH turns to Nathan who takes her in his arms. Marna goes to the cradle; puts baby in it.) Martin And you stood by while we tried to drive Anton from the village? Omnes {Starting toward Simon) Shame, shame! Anton Wait, my friends! Justice is with God and since He gives mercy, we poor offenders may well be merciful. Omnes The Pastor! The Pastor is coming. (Pastor Saunders enters through the crowd.) Martin Fm glad you're here, Pastor. Simon Brock has just make a confession to us all. Pastor A confession? Martin He IS the father of the little one in that cradle. 196 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Pastor (Slowly) This is true, Simon? Simon Yes. Pastor Anton, what can I say to you ? Anton {Puts his hand on Simon's shoulder) Say that you are glad to learn that a man has found himself a man. Pastor I wish that there was some way for us to make amends to you. Omnes Yes, yes. Anton There is one gift I should like to ask. Omnes Yes; yes. Anything. Anton Then won't you ask them, Pastor, to let Marna stay on here in the village. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 197 Pastor {Turns to the villagers) You hear what Anton says? Marna No; thank you, Anton, it is better that I go away. You see, some day my little boy will grow up to under- stand these things. Martin Marna, your child shall grow up with our children, and never by word or look will he come to know from us of anything of all this but what you tell him. {Murmurs of assent from the crowd.) Marna {Half audibly, with bowed head) Thank you ... {The chant begins outside.) James {Looking off) It's the procession! Omnes The procession! Pastor Yes, my children. Go and join them, you must not be late. Omnes {As they start off) Good-bye, Anton. God bless you. 198 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Anton God bless you. Pastor Anton Rendel. I think you arc a better Christian than any of us here. James {At door) Pastor, may we speak to you a moment? Pastor {Going to them) Surely ray son. Anton ( Turns to her) Ruth Ruth Yes, Anton. Pastor Anton, young Mayrc is outside; he wants you to take back the role of the Christus. Anton No, no. (Mother goes to him with an appealing hand on his shoulder.) Pastor Everyone wishes it so, and for the sake of the village and our play, I ask it. THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 199 Anton Very well then. I will. Pastor Thank you, Anton. Omnes {Going off happily) • He agrees. He takes it back. Martin {As they are going) We will wait outside while he robes himself. Mother Yes, yes. FU get the robe for you, Anton. {She goes into kitchen.) Pastor {In doorway turns to them) God bless this house, and all who dwell therein. Martin, James, Paul Amen — amen I Nathan {Cynically) Amen! {The Pastor and the others all go off as the Mother enters, reverently carrying the robe which she lays on Anton's arm.) 200 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Mother Every day I have taken it out and cried over it, and now after all I am to see you wear it. God is good! (Anton kisses her. She lifts the robe off Anton's arms and goes up the stairs j carrying the robe folded over her arms,) Nathan {Shaking Anton's hand) Men that love truth and kindness and mercy may call their faith by different names, Anton; but the things that separate them must look very small, to the God that puts goodness into the hearts of both Jew and Gentile. {He goes out.) Anton Ruth, can't you forgive him? Ruth I can't forgive him for having stood back and let an innocent man suffer in his stead. Anton This day we are going to commemorate the suffer- ings of one who was wholly innocent and who suffered for a world of us guilty ones. Ruth Anton; please leave us alone. (Simon rises from chair below mantel where he has been sitting.) THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 201 Anton As you wish, dear. {He goes up the stairs and off, Marna takes up her baby and goes toward the kitchen door- way.) Ruth Marna. (Marna turns.) Wait, I am going down to my home in the valley. (Simon raises his head.) But I want you to know if you should ever need a woman friend, I will be always ready. And sometimes you must let your little boy come and see me. Marna {Dreamily) You feel it, too. Ruth What do you mean? Marna There is a spirit in this house, something that broods upon the souls of each who enters it, and raises them up to the heights. Ruth Why, yes, I wonder. Marna Do you believe that the spirit of Christ left the earth when He left it? Or may it perhaps come back to show us the way again? 202 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Ruth To show us again the gospel of kindness and for- giveness? Marna And understanding . . . that was His greatest secret, Ruth; understanding. {She goes out, after a second^ s pause, to the kitchen. Ruth turns to Simon.) Ruth Simon, I want that understanding to come to me; perhaps it will some day. Simon Some day? You are going back to your home? Ruth Yes. It will be easier that way for a little while. Simon {Dully) Will It? Ruth And there's work for you to do there, down in the valley. And later, we will come back to the heights. Simon {Wonderingly) You want me to go with you ? THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 203 Ruth You are my husband, Simon. And down there we will try to find that understanding together. Simon {Seizin$f her hand and kissing it humbly) Ruth! (Brooke^ the poet appears in the doorway.) Brooke May I come in ? I was on my way down to the play and I thought Fd stop for a moment to see what Anton has been making. Ruth Oh, the carvings. Brooke Yes. Aren't you the little bride who was here that day I came with my two friends? Ruth Yes. Brooke I wished you happiness then. {Shaking hands.) May I wish it again? Ruth Thank you. 204 THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD Brooke {Turns to the carving on the table) A mother and child. ( To Ruth) Is it a Madonna? Ruth Does Madonna mean mother? Brooke {Examining it) Mother-love, that's what it should be called. The only absolutely unselfish love in the world. (Anton slowly comes down the steps, clothed in the white vestments of Christ. They stand watching him, awed and silent. He comes to Ruth and puts his hand on her arm, looking at her in question,) Anton Well, Ruth? Ruth It is just as you would wish with us, I think. {Then Anton slowly goes to Simon placing his hand on his shoulders.) Anton I am glad. {He turns and seeing Brooke smiles in recogni- tion. Outside there is a distant boom of the cannons. He slowly crosses to the door as they gaze at him. The trumpets are heard. Anton I o H z < THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 205 opens the door as the choir sings. The warm sunlight floods over his head. He walks slowly out. The others continue to gaze after him,) Brooke There is something that grips you even against your will; something that lives, that goes on living, {The choir is heard as Anton joins them.) Curtain. ^ ^^^^^jW^^^ r iPfivR^T^Iw?'*''^ ' '■ • ^' •>) - ♦ ' or ^