Your way to Abyssinia

A play in two parts

By
Part 1
Nasseer Al-Nasser

2007

Judah

An Interpretative Translation Three Actions

By

Sameer Al-Nasser

1
2
 The place of events is Jerusalem
Time of events is thirty three years after Jesus the Nazarene's birth Action 1

:Characters of the play The curtains are drawn to show a background of a rocky small hill with a curve in, a
road comes from the front right side of the stage to continue in front of the slide rocky hill
Jesus the Nazarene (Son of Mary) Isso .1 then turns around to the left to end at the other side of the stage from behind, there is a
.(Judah (Yaho / a clerk and an accountant in the Temple) (a disciple / apostle .2 small spring pool at a lower level of the stage front on the right side of the road, the light
.(Brro (a baker .3 is strong showing the approaching of noon time, stage entrances are from front right side
.(Jabro (a goat hair spinner .4 and left back side.In the rocky curve sits a shepherd in a goat leather clothes with a stick
.(Petro (stonemason .5 laid on his shoulder, having shade in the curve and there is a clay pot full of water beside
.(Yasso (a weaver .6 him, the bleat of sheep is heard.
.(Matto (a shepherd .7
.(Marco (a young stonemason .8 Scene 1
.(Masho (a carpenter .9
.(Georgeo (an ironsmith .10 Three men are interring from the front right side in a uniform of stonemason. They are)
.(Dano (an architect .11 Jesus, (Jabro) and (Brro) the last one is holding up a bundle behind his shoulder. Matto
.(Lazarus (Lazzo / a stonemason .12 .(the shepherd looking at them heedlessly
.(Martha (Lazarus' sister .13 Jesus: Thanks God, that is a water spring, we've had a long walk in the sun, let's have a
= Miriam .14 .short break
.(Magdalene (a hairdresser .15 Jabro and Brrro: Thank God(Going down to the spring, start drinking, Jesus raising his
.(Shawl (a Roman Guard Chef / Paul .16 .(hand greeting the shepherd (Matto), the last raising his hand lazily and indifferently
.(Abo (The head of barterers in the Temple .17 .Jesus: (addressing Jabro) Go and call that shepherd to have food with us
.(Bilatus Pintos (Roman Ruler of Jerusalem .18 Jabro: At your service, Sir (going up while Jesus taking his place and starts washing his
.Four Guards .19 .(hands, addressing Brro
.Group of women .20 ?Jesus: I think; we still have six loaves, isn't it
.Group of men .21 .Brro: That's right, Sir
.(Nicolas: (Bilatus' gate attendant .22 Jabro: (shouting) come on shepherd, you are invited to share lunch with us (the shepherd
.A clerk .23 .(coming down while Jesus and Brro coming up
.A servant .24 .The shepherd: (greeting) be saved men, my name's Matto
.Four Bodyguards .25 Jesus: you are saved too, Matto (pointing to Jabro then to Brro) this is Jabro, this is Brro
.(Tuma (body guard .26 and my name is Jesus. (Brro is taking off his head scarf, stretching it on the ground,
.(taking a loaf out of the bundle, putting it on the scarf
?!Brro: (questioning) is the one of these sufficient
Jesus: (smiling because the implied meaning of the question has been appealed to him)
.always sufficient
Jesus and Matto are sitting facing attendants while Jabro and Brro sitting opposing.)
.(Jesus is taking a loaf and dividing it into four quarters
Jesus: by Your Name, You the Sufficient (giving Matto at first, then his two companions.
Matto is looking at the piece of the bread astonished while Jabro and Brro start eating
.(calmly. Jesus is looking at Matto and knows what the man is thinking of
?Jesus: wouldn't you eat, aren’t you hungry
Matto: (impatiently after he has clammed his anger) do you think that your mouthful this;
?might satisfy the hunger of a long day

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?Jesus: (smiling) how often do your ewes eat daily Matto: (surprised) Law of God! ...what is that? Could you tell me about God's Law,
.Matto: (surprised by the question) they eat all along the day ?Prophet
?Jesus: do they stuff Jesus: ( keeping silent for a while, rising up his head, looking at Matto ) listen to me, you
!Matto: I don't think so good man, those sheep were yours never, you were just a shepherd looking after them;
?Jesus: do you want to do like them and when you tried to keep them for yourself, believing that you own them, they became
!Matto: for sure not for somebody else; to own is God only! We are just custodians for what God's own; this
.(Jesus: take this too (giving him his piece .is the law of God; (bitterly) the sheep are controlled by the law of Israel's sons now
…Matto: (reluctantly) but ?Matto: (thinking and then asking) how can I turn them back to God's law
Jesus: take it, I think what you have in your hand is not sufficient for you (turning to ?Jesus: do you really want that
.Brro) give this man what you have Matto: (eagerly) indeed! I'll give from them to any needed person, and I do swear to
Without the slightest hesitation Brro gives Matto the bundle of the loaves and the rest of) .follow God's Law as long as I live
.(his bread piece !Jesus: (banteringly) even the wolf
.Brro: here you are .Matto: (seriously) even the wolf, Sir
Matto is shocked by the fast developing of the situation, taking the bundle, as if he were) ?Jesus: (addresses Jabro) how many silver coins do you have
.(in a dream, untying it, putting the bread pieces in, and then retying it again .Jabro: (smiling) what is always enough, Sir
.Matto: thank you Sir, you are really generous, thanks a lot voices and noise are heard, Matto standing, taking the parcel, going to his first place)
.Jesus: sufficed by God you are; who thanks is not ungrateful looking at the leading road to Jerusalem, putting the bundle in the rocky curve and then
!Matto: how sweet your words are .(coming back, the voices becoming louder, crying a wailing are heard, too
?Jesus: have you forgotten your hunger
,Matto: (astonished because the question reminded him of the fact) oh! Actually
I feel hungry not! You really have the actual nobility which raises you up to the prophets'
!rank
.Brro: he is a real prophet
?Jabro: that's right, this is Mary's Son, haven't you heard of him
Matto: Son of Mary! No, I haven't heard of him, I'm abandoned here on this wilderness
.and see no one
Jesus: (changing the talk) these sheep were yours once, but you are shepherding them
.now for six silver coins per a year
?Matto: (astound) yes, they were mine but how did you know that
.Jesus: you have pawned them in that rainless year in order to by provender for them
.Matto: (more surprised) yes, that's what I have done exactly
Jesus: you were not able to payback the pawn value on its due date; so the sheep were
.owned by somebody else
Matto: truth is what you have just said, as if you were an eye-witness who had watched
.what happened
?Jesus: how much was the pawn value
.Matto: it was twenty four silver coins
.Jesus: that was two years ago, and the number of sheep was forty
Matto: that's really true, prophet. (Remembering the paw regrettingly and then saying) tell
?me please was that my fault
Jesus: no fault except what Man thinks of as a law, you have followed the sons of Israel's
.law. If you had followed the law of God you wouldn't have fallen in this

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2nd Scene Martha and Marco hurry to help him, the three walking to the road side, their backs
towards the attendance, Lazarus vomiting the milk he has just drunk, Jesus picking up the
(Same place) head cover; laid on the ground, hurrying to the water, wetting it, coming back quickly
A group of people is appearing, four persons in front of the group carrying a bier) while Lazarus coming back, too, helped by his sister and Marco, their faces towards the
followed by two lamenting and wailing young women. Jesus standing up with his attendance, Jesus wiping Lazarus face, covering his head with the wetted cloth, ordering
companions, stopping on the mid of the way, the approaching procession stopping, one of .(his sister to help him, asking her about her name
.(the bier carriers is Marco; wearing a stonemason uniform .Martha: Martha, Sir
?Marco: keep away men…who are you Jesus: well, Martha. Take him home slowly, and give him some sweets; he is in need of
Jesus: I am the son of Mary and these are my companions (turning to his companions) .what helps him to get stronger
come on my brothers to ask God retribution. (The two women are running to Jesus as .The two sisters: be blessed, Son of Mary, thank God
they hear his name, clinging to his clothes, while he is taking one of the carriers place, The group returning, singing happily while Jesus staying with his companion and)
.(detaining him when they both genuflecting and supplicating .(Matto
Martha: Son of Mary, You , the Blessed…where have you been…please look at us to see Jesus: (addressing Matto) tomorrow we'll go to Jerusalem early, to settle the
what did happen …what we suffer of this is our only brother… our only bread runner… .hypothecation problem, Matto
we have no supplier except him, your blessings are well known every where, if you have Matto: you, the blessed, would you accept my invitation to spend this night in a calm
.been with us we wouldn't be bereft of him .place I know
Miriam: You the Blessed, the Pious of his mother, this is our brother lonely and the only Jesus: With pleasure but it's still too early, it's just the noon, I'm expecting more in the
custodian, Lazarus, was taken from us today, you are asked to help us for God's sake, we .rest of the day
.have none but God .Brro: I think the people will come back again and we'll have no rest today
Jesus unable to move because of the two women, looking to horizon hopefully and) ?Jesus: how is it going, Jabro
(patiently .Jabro: I think it is a blessed day, and the people return is a proof
Jesus: put down the bier, men (putting the bier down, Martha standing up, pointing at her .(Voices, noise, shouts, swear and filthy words are heard)
(brother's corps
Martha: (bitterly) he returned from the stone mine exhausted, helped by Marco all the
.(way (pointing at Marco) when they entered, he fell down dead (crying
Jesus: (looking at the faces of the surrounding people; who are prevailed by silence,
looking at the face of the dead, kneeling then putting his hand on the dead chest, coming
nearer to the deed's ear, whispering, then coming up standing suddenly depending on his
hand laid on the dead, keeping looking at the face of the dead, confidently and calmly
with a commanding voice) get up Lazarus …get up (Lazarus getting up, noise is heard
.(from the group then silence prevails, Jesus turning to Matto
?Jesus: may I have some milk
.(Matto: at your service, Sir (going up to the curve
.Jesus: be saved, Lazarus
?Lazarus: (laboriously) you too, Sir. Who are you
.Jesus: Son of Mary
Lazarus: I have heard a lot about you, the blessed, do I see you indeed or it's a mere
?dream
.Jesus: (smiling) no difference…life is a dream and death is waking
Matto coming back with a clay ewer, giving it to Jesus who knelling, bringing the ewer)
to Lazarus' mouth saying: drink, in the name of the God, drink Lazarus, the last drinking,
Jesus giving the ewer back to Matto and standing up but his eyes are still looking fixedly
at Lazarus, Jesus saying: get up Lazarus, get up, Lazarus standing difficultly, staggering,

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 3RD Scene
(Same place)
A bunch of people come from the same side of the funeral, pulling, pushing and cursing)
a tied woman, drawn by one of them, behind him are his companions, Jesus blocking the
.(bunch's way and stopping them
?Jesus: who are you and where are you going
.(The man who is pulling the tied woman answers)
.The man: we are going to stone this adulteress hairdresser
?Jesus: but where is her partner man
.The man: he is a roman soldier … Romans have their own law and we have ours
?Jesus: (addressing the bunch) do you want to stone her actually
.The bunch: certainly! She is guilty, she deserves stoning
Jesus: (talking to the man who is pulling the woman) come here nearer (the man coming
?nearer pulling the woman behind him; Jesus asking him) is she guilty
.The man: yes, she is, I swear
?Jesus: (speaking with a low voice) and you; have you committed a sin not
?The man: what are you talking about
Jesus: in fact, you are without a sin today because your neighbour is sick in bed, he didn't
?leave home…isn't that true
?The man: (perplexedly) what does that matter
Jesus: you weren't able to enjoy with his wife today, so you decided to enjoy by stoning
?this woman, forgetting your deed, do you like that to be heard by all
?The man: (fully frightened) tell me who are you, for God's sake
Jesus: haven't you ever heard of the Son of Mary? That is he, the one who is standing in
.front of you and you see him
The man: (knelling) forgive me, Sir…uncover my sins never…your mercy is begged, Son
.of the Virgin
.Jesus: release her and turn back on the same way you have come from
The man: I'll do that at once, Sir (leaving the robe and then setting back, the girl running
.(and knelling behind Jesus' companions, a woman from the bunch shouting
.The woman: what a chameleon is she! Don't let it run away
.Jesus: (turning to the place which the voice coming from) come here you, too
The woman: (advancing and speaking with a coward voice which has a moment of
?courage) what do you want, stranger
?Jesus: (confidently) how are the hens of your neighbour
The woman: (looking worried because of that sudden question) what is the relation
?between this and that
?Jesus: what is the penalty of the thief according to your law
.The woman: (anxiously) the punishment is according to the crime
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Jesus: today, you haven't a sin; your hand didn't touch any of your neighbour's eggs
.because no hen of her laid one
.The woman: (perplexedly) who are you, tell me please
.Jesus: (calmly) Son of Mary
.The woman: (knelling) Son of the Maiden, I ask for mercy, please reveal secrets not
?Jesus: do you have an intention for stoning her now
.The woman: keep secrets please
.Jesus: (pointing to the road) that is the way go back, poor cow
(The woman getting up and running back shouting)
.(The woman: That's Son of Mary, that's the prophet (quitting away
A young guy is coming out of the bunch, advancing towards Jesus, shouting rudely and)
.(arrogantly
.The guy: if you were a real prophet apply the law to this whore
Jesus: well…that's what I'll do (bowing, picking up a stone continuing looking at the guy,
addressing the bunch) are you ready men? (The guy and the other men of the bunch are
bowing and picking up as many stones as they can, the woman running and throwing by
.(herself at Jesus' feet supplicating
.The woman: please Sir, have pity on me
.(Jesus is paying no attention to her and addressing the bunch)
?Jesus: are you ready men
.The girl: (persisting) for Heaven's sake have compassion for me, Sir
Jesus: (addressing the bunch) you should know well that this stone which is in my fist
now was held once by David so it never misses the sinner of you when it is thrown,
remember well, it never runs wrong, let that one who is with no sin throws a stone at her
.now
!The guy: (angrily) as if you were preventing them of stoning her
?Jesus: tell these people who has torn your shirt back
…The guy: (stuttering) I…I…it…it's
Jesus strongly catching the collar of the guy's shirt by his left hand pulling him nearer)
.(threatening by his right hand with the stone
?Jesus: tell them who has torn your shirt
(The guy is frightened of Jesus' action, letting the stones falling down)
.The guy: I…it's a dog in that orchard
?Jesus: tell them what were you doing there
.(The guy is giving no answer. Jesus' hand is still raised with the stone)
Jesus: today, you are without sin, come and stone her (pointing at the woman) but
.remember what I have within my fist
The guy is regressing brokenly, turning back, going silently while Jesus is springing up)
.(and down the stone on his palm, and then addressing the bunch
Jesus: come on pure gentlemen; let the sinless man of you starts stoning her (each man of
the bunch is letting the stones falling down on the ground and retreating silently, Jesus
.(addressing Jabro
.Jesus: untie the robe and set her free, Jabro
.(Jabro: at your service, Sir. (Jabro is untying the robe, the woman standing up brokenly Matto: (interrupting) that place is too small to hold us, let's go to a cave in the other side
?Jesus: (consolingly) what's your name of this hill, it's a shelter for me and for the herd when it's hot or cold, no one knows it but
.The woman: my name is Magdalene. I'm Magdalena the hairdresser .I, it may the best place to avoid those travelers on this road
?Jesus: how have you done that .Jesus: (pitifully) I think we need a siesta
Magda: really, I don’t know why or how it happened. It was something like the air we Matto: come on Sir, let's go, I'll escort you to that cave then I'll back here again to watch
breathe; similar to the water we drink, does any one think of the air when he breathes; or .(both road and herd (going up the rocky hill then going down to disappear behind it
with the water when he drinks! I don't know what to say...perhaps that man was very kind
or very generous, he gave me a very expensive oily perfume as a present though he wasn't
.rich, no one has treated me as a human being like him…yes, that's
?Jesus: you work for many women and men, why did you choose that poor
Majda: believe me, I do swear it wasn't a choice, it was a fate, a dream…he gave me the
most precious thing that he had, it was a perfume which each princess dreams of and
wishes to have, while the rich; I worked for, used to give me the remains of their
banquets and rudely ask me to make love with them, I did refuse doing that and the result
was always kicking, cursing and dropping me out but he was utterly different, he was
.very friendly and more than generous
?Jesus: where is he now
.Magda: (sadly) he was exiled to Alexandria
?Jesus: do you want to be with him
Majda: (completely astound) oh, no! This is not the way for showing my gratitude, I have
been ordained to be at the service of these two feet (she is throwing by herself on Jesus'
feet trying to kiss while, Jesus moving back ward, Magda raising her face which shows
?misgivings) will my sin be forgiven? Tell me, prophet, is my sin forgivable
Jesus: stand up Magda, God forgives more than that especially when one repents and
.(never repeats such it, stand up Magda (Magda standing up, her face now shows serenity
.Magda: I'll be at your service, Sir, and at your companions' service, too
Jesus: go back home, good girl, your home needs your service, take this stone and remind
every one who tries to abuse you that this stone was in my hand as it was in David's hand
.before
Magda: (taking the stone) thank you Sir, I'll keep it as long as I live, see you, Sir (going
.(out
!Jesus: farewell, may God save you
Matto: (showing astonishment) you have frightened them indeed, they have thoroughly
.trembled
.Jabro: that isn't very odd, guilty is always miscreant coward and ill-mannered
.Jesus: that's all right
?Brro: how can I remove fright out of my heart, Sir
Jesus: you can't do that; instead; fill your heart with God-fearfulness and piety then you
will never be afraid of people, and your heart will have no room except for God, have
.ever seen a sheath; keeping two swords in simultaneously? So the heart is
Jabro: could you have a rest in the shade of that curve please, Sir? (Pointing at the
.place where Matto was sitting) we are still in the sun since the early morning

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 4th Scene
(Same place)
The same day afternoon, Matto is in a squatting posture, his stick is laid on his shoulder,)
(an increasing noise is heard so Mattois standing up to have a look, but he is surprised
Matto: oh my God! What do I see! (Running up the hill and returning back quickly with
.(Jabro and Brro they stand on the hill top and watch the road
Matto: Good Heaven! Look, I have never seen such these crowds at all, as if all people of
!Jerusalem have come out…what happens
Brro: oh Goodness! What do I see! They are crowds followed by crowds! (The crowds'
vanguard appears on the stage, they are guided by the woman who wanted to stone the
.(hairdresser
?The woman: Where is the Prophet? Where is Son of Mary
Jabro: (waving his hand asking people to keep quiet) he is alone contemplating or asleep,
wait for him here and never leave your places please (the crowded floating people block
the road they try to busy themselves by sitting, washing…etc… while Jabro runs to call
.(for Jesus
!!Matto: who can sustain all these crowds
.Brro: He is the One who sustained you and me
Matto: God, You are the Most Holly and the most Sainted (Jabro coming back shouting at
.(the crowds
Jabro: Son of Mary is coming soon, stay where you are (the eager people looking to the
way where Jabro came from, Jesus appearing the crowds becoming calm and keeping
.(silent
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5th Scene
(Same place)
Light is lowing down on the stage to show sunset, Jesus and his companions standing in)
.(front of the stage, the busy crowds are on the road behind them
Jesus: I think we have passed by each one of these crowds and we didn't forget any one of
.them
.Jabro: and we didn't forget the One, too
.Jesus: (glimpsing and smiling) thanks God
.Brro: I think these crowds won't go back to Jerusalem today
.Jabro: they won't go back without you Sir
?Jesus: (thinking for a while) we should invite them to have food, how many are they
!Brro: they are around five thousand, I think
?Jesus: do we have enough food
Matto: (abruptly) it is always enough Sir. I'll bring it at once (running up and bringing
back the bundle which he has taken before) here you are Sir; we have a lot still could I
.have Jabro and Brro with me please? I need them to help me just for a while Sir
.Jesus: Yes, you can Matto
Matto: Thank you Sir. (The three men set off while Jesus starts walking through the
.(crowds distributing bread loaves, Brro coming back astonished and dead-beat
!!Brro: he has slain the pack wholly, Sir
Jesus: (not stopping bread distribution) he has done it (turning to Brro) truly he was as he
.was faithful; too, he has violated their sacred cow
(Curtain)
 2nd Action
The curtains are drawn to show ruins of an inside part of an old Greek temple in a bad
.state of destruction, dirtiness and negligence
A number of brokers in their traditional uniform; a sleeveless black shirt and a small
black hat; their head master has a twirled black dome like hat and a big white scarf on one
of his shoulders. One of the brokers; his hair is braided; is similar to Jesus to such an
extent that one can't tell the difference, he is Judah. There are merchants and clients as
there are big stones and parts of columns, showing that the temple had an earthquake and
.it had not been renewed
1st Scene
It's forenoon, everybody is indulged in his job, a rattle of brass tool is heard, making)
people pay attention, Shawl a roman guard leader dressed in official uniform coming in
followed by the tool knocker and two soldiers dressed in less cost uniform, Shawl
stepping up on a big stone but he is not facing the attendants, unrolling a papyrus scroll
.(and starts reading loudly
Shawl: in the name of the Great Caesar; Emperor of Roman countries
His Vice Billatus has issued the following command that sentenced crucifying both
Azzaro the carouser; killing robber of the old curator Sala; and Manno the thief of
Caesar's effects. That is to apply Rome's justice and to be a lesson for every one thinks of
violating Caesar's authority. Long live Caesar, long live Rome, (turning to the principal of
brokers) and this is a notification for you, sent from the ruler and issued by Caesar,
(Judah taking the notification and giving it to his uncle Abo, Shawl getting down and
(walking slowly, the two soldiers and the knocker walking before him
Abo: (giving the notification back to Judah) read it to tell me about its content (Judah
.(starts reading while Shawl is looking at Abo obsequiously
.Judah: (reading loudly) it became ten silver coins per year
?Abo: (smiling affectedly) well, Shawl, when does it be deserved
.Shawl: that's up to you, you know well how to behave, and you are the head of brokers
.Abo: (nodding and getting what Shawl's referring to) Judah
.Judah: at your service uncle
.Abo: escort the chief of guards to the gate, he is worthy of respect
Judah: that will be uncle (Shawl and Judah walking to the entrance, Judah putting his
hand in his pocket hastily and taking off a coin and speaking to Shawl's hand with quickly
.(before the last leaving, as he turning to come back a voice is heard shouting at him
The voice: Judah…. Judah (Judah is turning back, Matto interring hurriedly, looking tired
.(and worried
.Motto: (trying to regain breath) Judah
?Judah: oh! This is you Matto, what did bring you here? What's the matter
.Matto: a wolf killed the sheep herd utterly
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?Judah: what are you saying
?Matto: tell your uncle about that
Judah: you should tell him by yourself, that's he over there (pointing at the place where
.(his uncle is sitting down, Matto rushing forward followed by Judah
.Matto: may God save you Mr. Abo
Abo: (looking at Matto's face, recognizing that Matto has bad news won't please him)
?may God never save you, why are you here, what happened
.Matto: (trying to calm down) wolves killed the whole herd
Abo: (angrily) be damned scoundrel, would your mother were bereft of you early, what
?were you doing stupid
Matto: what a blessing it was that I wasn't hurt, the dog wasn't able to repel them; they
.were a pack of hungry wolves
Abo: it were better for the wolves to tear your body, devour your flesh and lick your
blood, bastard, you will pay for that double and double, if you don't pay I'll make
Billatus; the ruler, send you after the other two thieves to die of thirst and hunger on a
.(cross and blue-bottles snap your eye balls, (the brokers surrounding Matto and Abo
Judah: uncle…uncle, look over there, (pointing, while Matto turning to see Jesus coming
(in
Matto: (shouting) Son of Mary, Prophet. May you help me please, you see, they have
gathered to be against me, (the brokers turning to see Jesus looking at them, Judah
.(advancing and going round Jesus surprised
Judah: as if I were looking at my self in a mirror, it's an incredible thing! (All looking
astound, forgetting the real matter) look, as if I were he and he were I! There is no
difference but the clothes (smiling in a way showing that an idea is occurring to his
.(mind
.Jesus: that's true; there is no difference but the clothes and that small scar on your cheek
Abo: (calm after that rage) are you really a prophet! I have heard a lot about your wise
.(acts…if you were so judge this shark then (pointing at Matto
.Jesus: it's really odd! You are living in the shade of Rome and Rome has its law
Abo: who knows! How often they have changed it! It's a law; formed of their wishes,
.they do whatever they want with, but our law; we the sons of Israel, is heavenly
.Jesus: this means you want to apply God's law
.Abo: certainly
?Jesus: are you going to abide the verdict even if it were against your wish
.Abo: yes, I'll, I do swear to comply with your verdict in this case of this shepherd
?Jesus: tell me what have you agreed upon with him
Abo: it was a pawn of forty pregnant ewes against twenty four silver coins; the money
should be paid back and doubled after a year, if not, the ewes with their born lambs
.(would be mine, my nephew Judah bears witness to that (pointing at Judah
?Jesus: (turning to Judah) do you bear witness to that
.Judah: yes, I do
?Jesus: (addressing Abo) were the coins a right price of the ewes
.Abo: no, they were not; actually they were less than the real price
?Jesus: what happens to the ewes in each season
.Abo: (astonished) they bear lambs
?Jesus: and what happens to the coins each season
Abo: (amazed) ah…! (Judah's laughing as he getting what Jesus referring to, his uncle
?turning to him) why are you laughing
.Judah: I'm sorry, uncle
?Jesus: do coins give birth to coins in each season
!Abo: what a question is this! How do coins bear
?Jesus: how do you ask him to pay back doubled coins after a year
.Abo: the ewes will bear and this is what I just know well
Jesus: you should know too, that money never bears at all and what you have lent him
.was money only and not ewes
?Abo: what do you want to say
Jesus: you have asked me to give a verdict not a saying, so what do you want exactly a
?verdict or a saying
.Abo: (completely shocked) a verdict
.Jesus: well, the verdict is to be paying back just twenty four coins only
Abo's unable to speak, starts coughing, Judah coming nearer to him and trying to choke)
.(back Abo's anger
Judah: it needn't to be angry, uncle (whispering) it would be better to have your capital
.(because there is no a survived sheep of the herd (Abo coughing again
?Abo: (in a choked voice) I accept your verdict, where is the money
Jesus: (addressing Matto) bring him the money Matto (Matto going out to bring the
.(money
Abo: (addressing Judah in a low voice) they have deceived us but I'll mislead this guy, I
mean Son of Mary (Judah looking once at his uncle and another at Jesus, Abo raising his
voice addressing Jesus). Could you adjudicate on the tax that Caesar has compelled us to
?pay
.The brokers: (getting what Abbot wants) yes, yes…adjudicate on that
Jesus: (patiently) not before finishing the first matter (Matto coming back, giving Judah a
.(small bag, and Judah counting the money, giving them to his uncle
Judah: they are twenty four silver coins (Abbot taking the money, putting them in his
.(pocket heedlessly
.Jesus: well, now you can talk about the Caesar's tax
Judah: you know that Caesar has compelled every citizen to pay one silver coin a year but
.every one of the brokers should pay nine extra ones
Jesus: what's the matter! All talks are going about money here, as if every thing were
money! Don't you know Judah that I've never looked at any of these coins which you all
!are talking about
Judah: it's really strange! You have quickly kept my name by heart; and you say that you
.have never looked at money
.Jesus: I really say what I do really mean
10
Judah: what a strange! (Judah taking a coin out of his pocket, speaking to Jesus): take this
piece of coin and then have a look at! (Jesus is taking the coin and looking at it, turning it
.(to look at its other side
?Jesus: whose picture is this on the coin
.Abo: (interfering) that's Caesar's
?Jesus: why did he engrave his picture here
.Abo: because he is the lord of Rome and for him the coins are beaten
?Jesus: does it mean the coins are his
.Abo: of course! And no one can deny that
Jesus: is he the one who divides and distributes the money among his soldiers, subjects,
?followers and citizens
.Abo: this is what he often does
Jesus: and if he ordered them to pay it back would they disobey his order? (Abo feeling
.(embarrassed while Judah going crazy with the idea, adopting it
!Judah: (addressing his uncle) as if he were revealing my own thoughts
!Abo: (restraining him) Judah, have you forgotten yourself
.Judah: I'm very sorry, uncle
?Jesus: do you still want my verdict on your matter
.The brokers: yes…yes
.Jesus: (backing the coin to Judah) give Caesar what Caesar has
Brokers showing disapproval and Abo turning his face aside) do you want me to judge in)
?a different way
Judah: (showing his admiration of the judgment and the results) yes…yes (to the brokers)
?don't you agree
.Abo: (impatiently) didn't you hear him? He gave his verdict in favour of Caesar
?Jesus: do you want me to give my verdict in favour of God
.Abo: this is what I wanted exactly
Jesus: well, I'll give my verdict in God's favour; do you see this temple which we are
?standing among its ruins now, does it belong to Caesar
Abo: Caesar has nothing to do with it at all! It's a temple for worshiping God, for prayers
.to be performed in, and sacrifices to be offered to God
.Jesus: do you really mean it is utterly for God
.Abo: It's entirely for God only
Jesus: but you have exploited it to serve Caesar in! You are selling, buying and approving
,usury with Caesar's money in the God's temple
I don't see any prayers or sacrifices to God!(Abo looking at the brokers, as if he were
looking for some one who might have an answer, and then looking again at Jesus, in
.(order to get rid of that critical situation, he nervously addressing Jesus
.Abo: let's have your verdict then
.Jesus: give God what God has and give Caesar what Caesar has
?Abo: what does such verdict mean? What do you definitely want
Jesus: I want this place to be entirely for God as you have just said. Get out of it right
.now. It is a sacred temple for worshiping God; not a bazaar for cereals trade
!Abo: (angrily) do you drive us out of our fathers' and grandfathers' temple
.Jesus: if you don't go out of it, I'll inflict it on your heads
Abo winking at the brokers, who move to surround Jesus, Jesus turning back shouting))
who are my adherents to God? (Jesus companions (the apostles) coming in holding their
long thick heavy sticks, Judah joining them and they all standing in one line behind
.(Jesus
The apostles: (in one strong voice) we are God's adherents (the brokers drawing back
.(with fear while Abo looking at them trying to be calm
Abo: (addressing the brokers and then his nephew) never mind men, let's go out, but I
have another talk with you later on Judah. (Abo making his way out; followed by the
brokers, disapproval shouting is heard from the crowded people who came with Jesus
.(before, making a mockery of Abo and the brokers
Jesus: (addressing his companions) let people come in; the temple has become clean,
.we all thank God
11
2nd Scene
(Same place)
The temple is void except of Jesus and his intimate companions: Jabro, Brro, Matto,)
Petro, Lazarus, Marco, Macho, Dano, Georgeo, Yasso and Judah. Jesus is sitting on a big
stone surrounded by his companions, they are all dressed in stonemason uniform except
.(Matto, who is dressed in shepherd gown and Judah is dressed in barterer fashion
Matto: what a great day it is! They got out of the temple like rats, frightened by a sudden
.flood
Jesus: (smiling and then going in deep cogitation, then rising up his head addressing
?Jabro) how is it with you, Jabro
Jabro: hostility isn't hidden any more, they will plan to harm us and this is an expected
.behavior of discourage miscreants
.Jesus: truth is what you tell
.Judah: you mustn't stay in the temple, this is what I suggest, Sir
?Jesus: are you worried about me
.Judah: I'm ready to sacrifice my life for you, Sir
.Jesus: (staring at Judah's face as if he knows his destiny) you're right
Judah feels very happy, rushing to hug Jesus and kiss him))
Jabro: it would be better for us to disappear for a while; waiting for the expected results
.and reactions which we must take care of
Jesus: (walking and looking at walls and pillars of the temple) I wish I wouldn't go out of
.this temple before I rebuild it; three days are enough to do that
.The apostles: we are ready to do what ever you wish, Sir
Jesus: I'll decide tomorrow, God willing (cogitating for a while then continuing) listen to
me, my brothers, I'm going to meet you tonight so come to my date separately, Matto will
be waiting for you at that spring; one of you should stay to look after the temple, this is to
delude them and never give them a chance to know our place; let's go then, Jabro (Jesus
.(going out accompanied by Jbro, Brro and Matto
.Judah: I'll stay here, brothers; you will come to take my place tomorrow, Petro
!Petro: that's a good idea
.The apostles: see you tomorrow, Judah, bye
.Judah: Good-bye
(The apostles going out leaving Judah alone)
 3rd Scene Socrates and his misleading way to understand existence, or about Plato who went
Same place building his utopia in his daydreams after he had gone broke of power, or about his
lecherous student Alexander! They had built illusion and destroyed cities that was in
Judah: (walking and thinking loudly) this is the first step for rebuilding this temple…I order to build a new orient, but what they built indeed was just a mirage, and these ruins
have thought of that a lot! My wish will come true…it will be a great building…it will be which we are standing among are the best witnesses, the world is too wide to be circled
a sacred place for all people…is that credible (Abo coming in, but Judah not noticing .by the ideas of narrow minded people
!him) to rebuild it within three days !Judah: (smiling surprisingly) oh! What an eloquent philosopher you are, uncle
Any how the work has started…it will be an emblem of glory and power as Solomon had Abo: (looking at him reproachfully then hugging him passionately) you are my hope
…thought of it before…yes a great glory and immortal power (putting his hand on Judah's shoulder, walking with him to the entrance) listen to me, I
?Abo: what is that power you are thinking of want you to go and meet the head of guards, Shawl (Judah jumping away as hearing
!Judah: (surprised) my uncle, Abo .(Shawl's name and feeling unhappy
Abo: (giving an admonitory look at his nephew) what does that Syrian prophet promise .Judah: I really hate that person; I wish I saw him not, neither here or in the other world
?you? Does he promise to appoint you a minister ?Abo: does that mean; you don't want to go
?Judah: what are you talking about, uncle …Judah: not at all, but
Abo: I have just heard you mentioning glory and power (mockingly) did he announce that Abo: (interrupting) force yourself to do that, you know where to find him, he is always
he is the sons of Israel's king? Did he appoint you the finance minister? If he had done there; at the prison, with the security brigade, go and tell him that I'm waiting for him
.that you would have gained the core of power here for an urgent and very important matter, and come back with him in order to go to
Judah: a king, a minister! What do you say? .(the baths altogether (Judah feeling sadder
Abo: (seriously) listen well to me, you know that I postponed my marriage in order to .Judah: well, uncle, but I'll never go with you to the baths, I can't bear to be with him
look after you and now you are going to be responsible for my little sons and my heritage .(Abo: well, you can do whatever you want, set out now (going out
until my sons get older, so you are warned not to follow that real fox, didn't you see him
fluctuating and giving verdicts at random, once for Caesar the other for God, and you
have just said, he will rebuild this temple in three days! (Laughing) he is a mere maniac,
let him not deceive you with vain hopes or conjurers' and magicians' tricks, look at those
people who were gathered with him, beggars, paupers, idiots and powerless distorted
persons such as Matto, Lazarus, and that rotten Georgeo who smells like a wounded pig,
it's a wonder to be one of them, I think your friend, Petro, is responsible for your
?delusion, any how, what is your ambition? Do you want to possess power
?Judah: it may be so, who doesn't like to have power over
Abo: (interrupting him) the real power is what we, the sons of Israel, have; it's money,
silver, gold, diamond and jewels, look, what do you actually see?? It's just a king goes
and another comes, a leader's star falls down another's shines bright, a prince inherits a
crown and a Caesar goes broke, but they all need money, need gold, power sometimes
looks better than money, but can you show me a ruler who doesn't need money? Caesar
himself is a living example for such need; you know well the last tax which he ordered us
to pay; it proves that money is the master of the world (laughing) does Caesar think that
he is the one who gives or deprives, permits or prevents?? Who is he to think of himself
that?? In fact we; I mean the ones who have money, are the people who give orders and
.place laws, but that is via Caesar himself
Judah: I meant something else, something nobler, an ideal thing such as generosity and
.magnanimity
Abo: (wisely) what is that ideal thing you are talking about? Do you mean those idealists
and their deeds?? I can tell you a lot about many of them, would you like me to talk about

12
 3rd Scene
Same place
Abo is going to and backing in the temple, thinking and waiting for Judah to come back.)
.(Judah comes in followed by Shawl, but he stops at the entrance while Shawal goes in
.Abo: hello Shawl
?Shawl: hello, Abo, what's the matter
Abo: yes, it's about the new tax, I'll pay it right now because all brokers paid it as soon as
.I told them about
Shawl: What did actually happen? You have changed your mind very quickly, you asked
me to postpone the tax just today morning, and you want to pay it now! I don't see the
?other brokers! Where are they
.Abo: (smiling affectedly) I've ordered them to go in order to talk calmly
.Sawl: and here I'm listening to you
Abo: I want you to arrange a very early meeting with Billatus; it would be better
.tomorrow morning
Shawl: what is the matter exactly? You know well that he doesn't meet any body before
.noon
Abo: I depend on your aptitude for persuading him; especially when you tell him that I'm
?going to pay two year taxes in advance, isn't that a good reason
?Shawl: aren't you going to clarify the whole matter for me once for all
.Abo: you will know about each thing at its time, don't be in a hurry
.Shawl: well, I'll try to do my best
Abo: let's go now to the baths in order to have a rest of a long work day; I'm sure that you
are tired after walking the whole day in Jerusalem lanes announcing the punishment of
.the two criminals
.Abo: thank you, Abo, you know well my tiresome job
Abo: though your father is a roman but you are one of us and the blood that is running in
.your arteries and veins is ours
Shawl: I wish he were not my father because he inherited me this military job, the job of
.misery, else I were a broker
Abo: take it easy (speaking to Judah when they are going out) would you like to be with
?us
Judah: I'm afraid I can't; enjoy your time (Abo and Shawl are going out, but Judah
(staying
13
4th Scene
Same place
Next day, late in the morning, there are few worshipers in the temple; Judah is standing)
(at the gate listening to voices out of the temple, Abo coming in
?Judah: hello uncle, have you come in order to pray or to do something else
Abo: (trying to be calm) no one of those, I've come to tell you that we have our bazaar at
.the outer wall of the temple so your prophet; I mean Jesus, has nothing against us now
.Judah: It's good to do that performing one of God's deserved duties
Abo: you are talking like him; there are no oddities of that since you both are alike, are
you going to stay here for a long time?? Listen to me, well; to seclude yourself within
.these walls is not a way for living, I need your help in my job
Judah: never mind, uncle. I never forget that I work with you for twenty four silver
ounces per a year; your money is always stinging me! I'm waiting for Petro, he is late, I
can't leave this place until he comes, and there must be someone here to look after the
.temple
?Abo: When that …oh! What's his name
.Judah: Petro
Abo: Yes, Petro, when Petro comes, follow me to that place, bazaar never forgives the
absent (going out, sound of a brass tool rising up, Shawl coming in and Judah stopping
(him
.Judah: where are you going? This is not a bazaar yet; to tell your Master's orders in
Shawl: what happens! What is the matter with you? (Looking round) What an odd!
Where are the brokers, the sellers, the vendors, the slavers and the costumers? What a
!prevailing quietness is this
.Judah: If you mean the bazaar, it is out; it's over there in front of the wall
?Shawl: what's new? Do you prevent me of coming in
Judah: unless you want to offer a sacrifice or to pray and ask for God's forgiveness you
.are not welcomed here
Shawl: (gets the implied meaning) do you remind me of the secret you keep? (Judah
looking at him angrily) don't be angry, there will be a day when we settle down this
.matter, that is exactly as your uncle does with his clients
Judah: If you really want to settle down that matter go before me to the plaza and let that
.be in front of all
Shawl: This is not the way (trying to change the talk) don't you want to listen to this
?announcement
.Judah: utterly not! Go and recite it (pointing) over there where you can find listeners
Shawl: you have become a fierce leopard, you pet bunny! (Smiling affectedly) see you
.(later! (Shawl is going out followed by the vanishing sound of the brass tool
.Judah: (aside) see you never! I swear that a pigsty is cleaner than you
14
 5th Scene
(Same place) 3rd Action

(Petro's coming in hurriedly, looking worried)
Judah: welcome Petro, what's the matter? Why are you late? You know well that I should
.look after my uncle's job
?Petro: didn't you hear the ruler's announcement
Judah: though I didn't hear it, but I know there is a new one, what has that roman
?announced
.Petro: he pronounced a sentence of crusification till death on Son of Mary
Judah: (astounded to hear the news, putting his hands on his forehead, and murmuring) I
?sacrifice my life for you Master (asking Petro). Did he know or hear of that
Petro: we can't tell him before night fall, spies are spread everywhere, the prize is thirty
three silver ounces for the person who leads them to his place, imagine thirty three silver
!ounces
!Judah: (astonished) thirty three silver ounces
.Petro: yes, that is it
!Judah: Good Heaven! It's a well studied prize
Petro: what do you mean? What is well studied in that? It is an
.appetizing sum
Judah: (murmuring) I'm not mistaken in what I'm thinking of, it is his way of making
.accounts
?Petro: who is he that you mean
Judah: (taking notice of himself) Oh! Nothing…nothing at all, my mind has gone far
!astray…When will this day finish? I can't control myself
?Petro: (trying to remind him) aren’t you going to your work
Judah: that piece of news is making me forgetting even myself; anyhow, I'm leaving, see
.you very soon, Petro
.(Petro: see you ( rising his hands to supplicate for God
Curtains
Curtain is drawn to show a very natural cave; lightened with small clay lamps
distributed here and there on the cave walls at the back of the stage. There is a large
pottery vessel full of water at the right side of the cave entrance. In front of the cave; in
.the middle of the stage, there is a twined ditch reed mat
1st Scene
(The light in the cave is weak. Jesus is sitting on the mat with Jabro and Brro)
Brro: an hour or more than that has passed since the sunset, and none of our friends
!comes yet
Jesus: don't be in a hurry; they have their reasons, that may be a way of precaution…they
.will come one by one as I told them; anyhow Matto is waiting for them near the spring
?Gabro: you were silent all the day, Sir, how can I dispel some of your worries
Jesus: this is what you do, but I'm always thinking of my mother, and this is the reason of
.my silence if you want to know
!Gabro: God bless you, I haven't seen one venerates his mother more than you
Jesus: how could I be not so! Isn't she the prime and main cause of my existence?? Isn't
she my leading way to have God's mercy and forgiveness?? I say: venerate your parents;
.your children venerate you
?Brro: that is good advice, could I ask for more
Jesus smiling and going in deep cogitation then picking up a twig and doodling on the)
(earth and then asking Brro without looking at him
Jesus: If some one slapped you on one of your cheek what would you do? (Rising his
(head and looking at Brro's face
?Brro: (asking politely) what should I do, Sir
.Jesus: (thinking for a while, smiling) show him the other one
Brro: (controlling himself, as if he were really slapped by some one) but...how that could
!be
Jesus: (looking at Burro's face) if your house were on fire how would you extinguish it;
?by water or by fire
!Brro: (finding the question strange) by water, Sir
.Jesus: (throwing the twig) evil is exactly the same; it can't be defied by evil
(Brro: upon my soul you have made me feel happy (Voices are heard outside
.Gabro: our companions are coming
.Jesus: Thank God

15
 2nd Scene .Judah: (pointing to his head) to be sure that you are really truthful with us
(Same place) Gabro: (pointing to his eyes) and to be witnesses for. (Jesus is thinking for a while,
(All disciples are attending except Lazarus ) .(silence is prevailing, Jesus turning to them
Jesus: take it easy; nothing might come to be unless it was predestined by God Jesus: my God says that He is bringing it down to you but any of you who disbelieves
(addressing Matto)you were right, Matto; they have plotted cowardly and meanly (talking after that will have a torment that none of people inflicted such as. (Disciples feel glad
.to the disciples) anyhow don't despair but have full trust in God's mercy .and thank God loudly) thank God, thank God
.Judah: we won't get ruffled as long as you are among us Jesus: (pointing to his mouth) know well men that the feast of the mouth is God
Jesus: Be glorified God; who removed both agony and agitation out of our hearts, thankfulness (pointing to his chest) as the heart feast is God rememberance (pointing to
?(addressing Marco) did you see Lazarus today, Marco his head) so the feast of the mind is the knowledge of God's law (pointing to his eyes) and
?Marco: no, Sir. May you excuse him for being absent, Sir the feast of entity is the man witnessing of God righteousness (looking at the disciples
.Jesus: never mind, Marco, you are a good man who look astonished then he smiles) but the feast of stomach; let every one of you wish a
Judah: (addressing Jesus) Sir, I think who plotted against you is … Jesus: .food or a drink
(interrupting him) I wish you'd keep silent Judah; I know well who plotted for Billatus' ?!Georgeo: Could I wish wine
verdict, but I'm ordered to reveal secrets not, I do swear that I know what every one has Jesus: your wish comes true, but beware of wine because a little amount of cause joy, but
.kept at his home a great deal might destroy (disciples laughing, Jesus turning to Matto) you can go to the
Matto: (teasingly) you know as they know too (pointing at the disciples) what I have at water spring, Matto, the foods and the drinks you wished were brought there (the
.(my home. (Jesus is smiling at the teasing as the disciples laughing disciples are astonished while Matto stands fixed like a statue; Jesus shakes him)
.Jesus: but you have kept one thing .Matto...Matto
!Matto: (perplexed) what is that thing which I have kept .Matto: a…ah
.Jesus: you have kept the news of the herd slaughter to yourself Jesus: (smiling) go there to the water spring the banquet was brought. (Matto goes
(Matto nodding and laughing, the disciple laughing too and humor prevailing) .(.astonished
.Gabro: you didn't tell us about what you have intended to do
Jesus: (teasingly) do you want them to leave quickly! (Gabro smiling) I do appreciate
.your real feelings of their suffering today
.Gabro: they have got tired of waiting for along time before meeting you, Sir
Judah: I think none of us had a drink or food all the day; we all were very eager to meet
.you, Sir
.Petro: you are right, Judah. I don't remember that I had food or drink all the day
!Georjo: so did I really
.Jesus: and you too, Masho
.Masho: you are right, Sir
.Jesus: (addressing Dano and Yasso) I'm sure that you both have done the same
.Dano and Yasso: that is right, Sir
.Jesus: God be glorified! Your friends here didn't eat or drink any thing too
!Judah: it is a blessed day
Masho: I ask you Sir to consider it a ceremony date for us and we are the first who fasted
.and celebrated of it and it will be a festival day for our coming generations
Jesus: (teasingly) how it would be fasting without a breakfast or a celebration without a
?!banquet
?!Matto: no problem of that; couldn't your God bring down a banquet for us
.Jesus: (embarrassed shyly) be cautious of God if you are good real believers
.Matto: (pointing to his mouth) we want to eat thereof
.Marco: (pointing to his chest) our hearts feel safe

16
3rd Scene
Same place 4th Scene
The disciples surrounding Jesus, Matto coming in carrying a basket followed by Martha,) Same place
Magda and Mary am carrying on their heads platters of food, Lazarus following them Disciples finished eating; sitting comfortably, the women finished taking the empty)
(carrying drink vessels platters and pots away; putting them in the corner of the entrance, Magda coming nearer
.Lazarus: be saved, men (to Jesus
.Disciples: be saved you, too .Magda: am I permitted to comb your hair, Sir
Lazarus: I'm sorry; my sisters with Magda insisted to bring you food and this is the cause .Jesus: (smiling) yes, you are permitted
.for being late ?Magda: (starting her work) what is the style that you want it to be, Sir
Jesus: never mind, I knew that well. (The women put down the platters on the mat as .Jesus: you are the one who sees it so you can choose what ever you like to see
Lazarus put downs the vessels, too. The disciple circling the feast, Jesus raising his hands .Magda: (looking at Judah) I'll make it like Judah's
and the disciples doing the same) we are asking You God to bestow us as You are the Jesus: (teasingly) it's enough for me that he look likes me to such extent of similarity!
most prodigious giver; to have mercy upon us as you are the most gracious merciful; to (Disciples laugh as Jesus smiles while Magda takes a pot of an oily essence out of her
.bless your people for ever; You God of all (pocket and pour it on Jesus' head rubbing his hair with it without noticing her
.Disciples: Amen !Judah: (noticing her) what are you doing
Jesus: rejoice and enjoy God's blessings and praise Him. (Judah stands, approaches and .Jesus: (raising his hand) let her does what ever she wants
(kisses Jesus forehead Magda: thus the matter won't confuse one; he will have a nice scent that none of you has.
(Judah: I witness that you are rightfully God's messenger. (Taking his place again ((Disciples laugh while Judah shakes his head surrendered to her will
.Jesus: say thank God again and again
.Disciples: thank God

17
 5th Scene me; at last now, witness that I have apprised you of God's message. (Disciple get that it is
Same place (the valediction time so they come one by one to shake hand and say farewell
It's dawn; Jesus has the same appearance of Judah with the new hair style that Magda) ?Georgeo: Could you advise me on life ways, Sir
(made .Jesus: do your job well
?Lazarus: I'm really embarrassed but could I ask you about something, Sir (Georgeo: farewell. (Exit
Jesus: (gets what Lazarus refers to) with pleasure; I want you to know that the whole .Dano: I need your advice too, God's prophet
matter is as it has been and as you have seen, that is all, anyhow it's late now and you .Jesus: don't tell lie
?have to pass the way to Jerusalem; I think you have spent a hard day, isn't that (Dano: Farewell. (Exit
.Lazarus: You are right, Sir .Masho: and me too, Son of the Virgin
Jesus: well, you can leave now. (Lazarus carries the vessels and the women carry the .Jesus: don't steal
(platters) farewell, brothers (Judah turns to Jesus astonished by the last clause (Masho: farewell. (Exit
.Lazarus: farewell, Sir ?Judah: please advise me, you who came of God's soul
.Martha: farewell, Son of Mary .Jesus: don't betray
.Magda: farewell, Prophet of God (Judah: farewell. (Exit
.Miriam: farewell, Sir ?Yasso: yes, Sir. Advise me please
Marco: farewell, Sir. (The group moves toward the cave entrance and they go out one by .Jesus: obey your parents
(one Lazarus and Marco at first (Yasso: farewell. (Exit
?Jesus: (addressing Gabro) don't you know that I have decided what to do ?Petro: advise me, Sir
(Gabro: I've known as well Judah. (Judah turns to Gabro astonished .Jesus: don't kill
?Judah: How can you know, what is your proof ?Petro: could I ask you to stay until departure time
.Gabro: your sudden quick turning has revealed your secret .Jesus: you have that
.Judah: (smiling) you are right, Gabro (Petro: thanks. (Jesus sits and Matto comes nearer
.Jesus: listen to me, my brothers; the worst one of the countries is that has no safety in ?Matto: you have honored each with good advice so could I have a piece
?Judah: could you find a remedy solution for this problem ?Jesus: (teasingly) are you in hurry to leave
Jesus: to know the reasons is the first step towards correct treatment of any disease and .Matto: I' haven't meant that, Sir
this treatment is a base with four rules the first is the effective drug, the second is the .Jesus: don't fornicate or commit adultery
supplication to God, the third is the fair charity and the fourth is the real confidence in (Matto: bless be your words, God's prophet. (Jesus turns to Brro, teasingly
God's capability of removing any hardship…the cause of the horrible terrible evil that ?Jesus: do you shy away from asking me, Brro
.people endure is the bribe .Brro: you're asked, Sir
?Judah: and what is its remedy .Jesus: be generous and hospitable to your neighbor then
.Jesus: self-restraint and patience .Brro: be honored by God and supported by His Holy Spirit
?Georgeo: how can we bring these two virtues into the mind of such people .Gabro: you have said right, Brro
Jesus: when you have a difficult matter; make it easy by leaving it, but let it remains ?Jesus: (teasingly) are you aiming to have advice too
under your sight and think of it by your clairvoyance until you discover a solution for it, .Gabro: (smiling) you are the best to receive advice from
because every thing has its own time to come on. Eschew usury because it does demolish .Jesus: be sincere to God
.blesses and inherits minds and hearts both malice and venom (Gabro: I'm as sincere to God as you are. (They have a reciprocal smile
Judah: we are hard put to it to leave us as well we can't ask where your destination will be .Jesus: let's have a short nap before the dawn because I see to set out next night
.to; but let us have good tidings that make us feel glad (Gabro: that's right, Sir. (Every one has his own place to lie
Jesus: distance has no existence since you are always remembered by me as long as I live
and the news that will make you feel happy is that I want you to know about the
approaching of the prophet Ahmmad who will call for the welfare of all people; so tell
well about him and never estrange but support him when he comes as you have supported

18
6th Scene
Same place
It's to hours after the sun rise; Jesus is sitting thoughtfully while other men still lying,)
Matto is not among them, Petro is moving and rising his head to see Jesus, he gets up
(quickly
.Petro: Good morrow, Sir
?Jesus: good morrow how was your sleep
Petro: thank God, it was deep sleep it was slumber. (The other men get up and greet
(Jesus
?Gabro: are we permitted to go to the water spring, Sir
Jesus: yes, you are permitted. (The men go out while Jesus remains alone) My God there
is no aiding might or helping power except yours…my God let it be your right will word
the uppermost and the disbelievers' false wickedness plot the most inferior, God You are
the All-Hearing and Respondent, Amen? (He goes in deep thinking while Gabro comes
back smiling) Gabro: Petro was about to fall into the water. Thank God that Brro was
.near him and held him before falling
.Jesus Thank God
.Gabro: I think Matto is watching the road before the first twinkle of the dawn
.Jesus: Yes, that's
!Gabro: It is really a wonder that Matto is always alert
.Jesus: it's the pure innateness that the false civic society didn't corrupt
?Gabro: Should one abandon his urban life
Jesus: these cities all are just frames, but the well civilized person is the one, who
deserted corrupting effects and inequity, but who adopts these effects is more aberrant
(than a swine in a swamp; even if he were in a palace of gold (Petro and Brro come back
!Petro: Blessed Heaven, cold water is very refreshing
Jesus: Thank God. (He thinks for a while; the others keep silent, then he rises up his
.head) it seems there is something very new
?Gabro: what is the matter, Sir
(Jesus: Matto is coming on the road bringing news. (Matto comes in frightened
Matto: I've just seen a group of roman soldiers led by their chief and guided by a man in
.barterer clothes
?Jesus: did any of them notice you
Matto: not at all, Sir
.Jesus: you should go and hide and let no one notice you
.…Matto: (amazed) Sir
Jesus: hurry up, go, disappear and don't come back here at all. (Matto goes while Petro
(takes a knife out of his pocket and stand hidden at the entrance
?Jesus: Petro. What are you doing
.Petro: they will never be able to take you unless they kill me at first
?Jesus: who told you that they will be able to take me
Petro: what are you saying, Mary's Son? They are about to reach here. Let me tear them
.all
19
Jesus: (catching Petro, shaking him violently, and blaming him) haven't I advised you to
kill not, put your knife in your pocket, come with me, sit down here beside me and don’t
move or talk at all. (To Gabro and Brro) and you both can sit too, they don't want any one
of you, I'm the only targeted one so any one of you is not requested to do anything unless
.I order him
!Petro: (bitterly) Judah has betrayed us! What have I done
Jesus: it's the second time you obey me not, take care Petro, who told you that Judah has
betrayed us? Don't say that again and keep silent. (Betro hides his face with his hands
shyly) haven't you heard my sdvice to him, or you have forgot it too, as you have forgot
yours, every thing will be clear very soon, so don’t be in hurry, asking for an early
occurrence of God's predestined fates, and remember well that Judah is not the one who
might betray. (Judah's voice is heard at the entrance: let the soldiers stay out as we have
agreed, Shawal. Shawal's voice is heard ordering his soldiers to stay out. Judah comes in
(followed by Shawal
.Judah: Be saved men
(Jesus, Gabro and Brro: be saved you too. (Shawal looks at them astonished
?Shawal: Which one of you is Mary's Son
.Jesus: (stands and comes forward) I'm Mary's Son
Shawal is amazed and not able to speak, looking at Jesus then looking at Judah then)
(looking at Jesus again
?!Shawal: Which one of you is Mary's Son and which one of you is Judah
.Judah: that is very good shawl! You have started to get so we can negotiate
.Shawal: (still astonished) yes…yes
(Judah: we can settle down an old matter then (the last words make Shawal wake up
!Shawal: it's not the time and we didn't come for that
Judah: (taking Shawals hand firmly and leading him aside) this is the best and most
.suitable time (whispering) it's your lucky break, Shawal
?Shawal: what are you saying
?Judah: do you remember what happened that night
…Shawal: please
.Judah: (interrupting) do you know that my uncle knows all about that
!Shawal: damn! What are you saying
Judah: yes, that's, he knows that in very meticulous details, how you muzzled that girl…
how you took off her clothes…how you raped her…how you choked her and then you
.throw her into the well …how you stole her pail and hid it
Shawal: be silent, they may hear you, but your uncle didn't drop a hint or show anything
.related to that
Judah: and he will never show it if you don't mention what is going to be here, but if you
.tell him he will be very angry and reveal your secret
… Shawal: I did get what do you mean, I didn't get
?Judah: you will understand now, tell me didn't you think of getting rid of me
?Shawal: (embarrassed) what are you saying Judah
.Judah: A waited golden chance has just come, so don't let it run away from you now
!Shawal: I don't get what you say! I don't understand you
Judah: it's very easy matter, you will understand now, come with me
Taking Shawal with the hand, they come to Jesus and stop in front of him, Judah leaves) Second Part
(Shawal's hand
?Could I ask for something, Sir
.Jesus: ask for what ever you want
?Judah: could I have your shirt, Sir
(Jesus: it's yours. (Taking off his shirt and giving it to Judah
Judah: thanks a lot, Sir. (Taking the shirt and giving it to Shawal) hold this for a while (Shawal )
(taking off his sleeveless small shirt then his shirt too and gives them to Jesus) please
(accept my present, Sir (giving the shirts to Jesus
Jesus: I've accepted it. (Judah helping Jesus to wear the shirts then he takes off his own
hat and put it on Jesus head kissing Jesus' forehead and returning to Shawal taking Jesus'
shirt from him and wear it then he unties his braids, spitting on his fingers dipping them Three Actions
(in the ground and staining his cheek on the scar then turns to Shawal
?Judah: have you got, Shawal
Shawal: (astonished but getting the aim) Judah you the freak genius…you are the devil
and the devil himself has to learn from you! (Laughing and looking once at Judah and
…once at Jesus) but
Judah; (interrupting) but these (pointing to Gabro and Brro) no one has seen them, and
they will travel and you will never see their faces at all, for Petro; he is a truthful friend
and he never betrays, and don't forget what's in my pocket too; thirty three sterling silver
.ounces
?Shawal: (happily) will they be completely mine
.Judah: certainly and be sure that you will have them as soon as you imprison me
Shawal: (looking happily once at Jesus and once at Judah then laughing loudly) that make
no odds… it makes no difference since all roads lead to Rome (point at his own chest
putting his hand on Judah's shoulder) your way is to prison now, Mary's Son (turning to
Jesus) and you, Judah; let your way be to Abyssinia! (Taking with Judah's shirt collar
(from behind pushing him for ward to go out
.Judah: (turning before going out) they won't have what they want, Sir
(They go out while Jesus thinks deeply then rising up his head and looking at Petro)
.Petro: forgive me Sir
.Jesus: never mind but beware of Shawal
?Gabro: isn't the time to leave, Sir
.Jesus: yes, the way is open now
?Petro: (sadly) where to, Sir, and all roads lead to Rome
.Jesus: (smiling) except one
?Petro: which one, Sir
.Jesus: (smiling again) that one Shawal mentioned
(Curtain)

20
 1st action ?Abo: tell me who is that person who guided you to his place
!Shawal: you will never believe that
the curtain is drawn to show an out wall of Jerusalem, it's actually an outer part of the) ?Abo: tell me for the sake of Isaac and Jacob please
temple, in the middle of the stage to the back appears the gate of the city, the wall goes .Shawal: that's Judah; your nephew
along the back of the stage until it ends at the right side, in front of the wall salesmen, Abo: what are you saying? (Laughing loudly) Judah; a real genius! (Going on laughing)
merchants with their goods, customers and barterers, near the gate there is a vanishing he guided you then he traveled to Bethlehem to console Jesus' mother; I can't believe that!
way leading to Bethlehem, in the front of the stage there is a canvas fixed on two !Oh my nephew how clever you are
wooden columns at the front and it is fixed on the wall at the back, under it the head of .Shawal: and he had the prize too; that was thirty three sterling silver ounces
(barterers Abo is standing Abo: Oh my god! How much I love you my nephew! This universe is too small to have
my happiness…go Shawal and let me tell these glad tidings to the sons of my nation
"1st scene" ((laughing
(Place: Jerusalem wall) .Shawal: enjoy your happiness. Bye Abo
.Abo: good-bye Shawaaaaal
Shawal is coming out of the gate to the front of the stage to tell Abo the good news,)
followed by Petro while Jesus disguised in Judah's shirt and hat goes out of the gate to the
(way leading to Bethlehem followed by Gabro and Brro, the three disappear away
.Shawal: The good tidings that will please you, Abo, are the arresting of your new king
Shawal: you have done well, Shawal (noticing Petro) who has brought this looming devil
(here now. (Petro coming nearer
.Petro: Be saved, head of barterers
!Shawal: (mockingly) look. How sad is he for his companion
?Abo: what do you want Petro
Petro: I've just come to tell you that Judah saw you standing with Shawal and asked me to
.tell you that he was going to Bethlehem to tell Jesus' mother about her son
.Shawal: yes, that's right I saw them before I came out of the gate
Shawa: well, well, you can go (Petro running quickly to follow his friend and he
(disappear too
Shawal: you can make all the barterers glad now by telling them the happy news, and
.don't forget please that I was the first one who told you that
Abo: (laughing) how greedy you are! (Taking a coin out of his pocket and putting it in
(Shawals' hand
?Shawal: don't I deserve your kind favor
Abo: you deserve more than that especially if I hear that you have raised him to the
.crown
(Shawal: (laughing) early in tomorrow morning we are going to… (Abo laughing
Abo: I'll see him tomorrow when he passes the gate; then I'll be sure that you have taken
vengeance on him for Israel sons' dignity; Shawal… this is our blood that runs in your
.veins
.Shawal: don't forget, Abo that Rome eyes are every where
.Abo: (laughing) we are the eyes of Rome and its blood too
?Shawal: that's right. Do you know who did guide us to him
.Abo: definitely, one of us
.Shawal; yes, but you won't believe if I mention his name for you

21
2nd Scene
(Same place)
Next day afternoon; Abo and a group of barterers are standing beside the wall. Shawal is)
(coming in from the side of the way which leads to Bethlehem, addressing Abo
.Shawal: Good afternoon, Israel's sons
.Abo: good afternoon, Shawal. I'm sure; you have good news
.Shawal: your chirping sparrow has ceased to be on his bough
Abo: (laughing) I haven't recognized that you are a poet, Shawal, tell me how everything
?was
.Shawal: he was firmly consistent at the beginning (laughing) a real king
Whenever I asked him: are you the king of Israel's sons? He smiled and answered: you
!say that
Abo: (amazed) it's a strange matter! Do you know; while you were drawing him through
this gate in the morning my eyes met his; I was actually frightened because I thought that
?I had seen my nephew
.Abo: your imagination has gone astray; let me tell you about what happened too
.Abo: well…well, go on
Shawal: at the beginning he was firmly consistent, but after a while; he started to collapse
very quickly; and he started to shout too: I'm not he… I'm not he, whenever I asked him:
?are you the king of Israel's sons
?Abo: then what
Shawal: he went on shouting and repeating: I'm not he…I'm not he until I got bored of
his shouts; then I took one soldier's spear and pierced it there between the ribs and the
.hips through the waist directly into the heart to be silent for ever
Shawal: you have done well since you made him silent for ever! This is yours (taking a
(coin, putting it in Shawal's hand
.Shawal: thanks a lot; you know how to appreciate my effort
!Abo: I think; I saw Petro among the crowds today
.Shawal: really! I didn't notice him
.Abo: he said he would follow Judah to Bethlehem! Remember
Shawal: (mockingly) perhaps he preferred to stay and watch what would have been
.happened to his companion
Abo: that's a convincing reason (mockingly) he was beloved by them; as long as he was
.able to charm them by his deeds and speeches
!Shawal: are you sad for him
(Abo: (Laughing) yes, I'm as sad as you, Shawal. (The last laughing too
!Shawal: you will laugh too much if you know who brought the ropes and chains for him
?Abo: who did
Shawal: that was his companion, Georgeo, the smith! And do you know who brought the
?wood too
!Abo: don't say that was his companion, Masho, the carpenter
(Shawal: yes, that was he (laughing loudly
22
Abo; I think, his stone men companions chiseling a sarcophagus now (going on laughter)
.(you deserve an invitation to the public bath, let's go, Shawal (they go
3rd Scene
Same place but after two days, its noon. The market is very crowded and all people there)
,are very busy
(Abo is standing under the canvas, Shawal entering through the gate coming to Abo
?Shawal: Hello, Abo. How is it with you
.Abo: welcome, Shawal
?Shawal: oh! You are alone! Didn't Judah come yet
!Abo: (worried) not yet
.Shawal: at last, they took him in the morning to Bethlehem
!Abo: (thinking) Bethlehem
Shawal: (trying to amuse him) believe or not, that no one of his companions was daring
.to ask the ruler to bring down his body in order to bury
?Abo: they are coward like mice, but who asked for the body
Shawal: that was old Joseph the Archer; he'd gone to Bilatus and asked him that, the ruler
!allowed him to do
(Abo: it might that Billatus had pity on the old man (drowning in thoughts
?Shawal: what's the matter Abo, what are you thinking of
Abo: they are thirty three sterling silver ounces, carried by Judah, they are what I'm
thinking of, I'm actually afraid of a robber that may attack him or a thief that may steal
.them while he is asleep, and it's really an enticing sum
Shawal: don't worry, I think Judah is going to come tomorrow; because they will burry
.him today, and your nephew won't stay beside his sepulcher
.Abo: I'm not worried about Judah, he can manage every thing
?Shawal: (trying to avoid him thinking) didn't Judah tell you something about me one day
Abo: I have all the news about you, there is no need to hear anything about you from
anybody since I know you as I know myself, but your question is strange! Don't you think
?that
.Shawal: Sorry, I mean your nephew is not on friendly terms with me
Abo: and he is not on unfriendly term with you simultaneously as you know well, or do
you want me to oblige him to be your intimate friend? Is not enough for you to have my
!friendliness and companionship
.Shawal: (laughing flatteringly) I give up, and confess that you have defeated me utterly
Abo: as you know tomorrow is a holiday so let me see you after tomorrow to tell about all
.recent news
.Shawal: well, see you later
(Abo: good bye. (Shawal goes
 4th Scene
After two days, same place, it is an afternoon, the people in the market started to leave,)
(Abo is sitting under the canvas. Shawal entering through the gate, coming to Abo
.Shawal: Good afternoon, Abo
?Abo: good afternoon, what's going on
Shawal: ridiculous news carried by Petro from Bethlehem reporting that Mary's son has
.risen from his sarcophagus and left the sepulcher to unknown place
?Abo: who might believe such nonsense! But didn't Judah come back with Petro
!!Shawal: didn't Judah come yet
!Abo: not yet! (Thinking) I'm actually worried about his absence
Abo: listen well and get what I say; Petro came here to say that Judah was traveling to
Bethlehem with Jesus' friends, whom we know nothing about them, then Petro returned
and never traveled with them, and after that he escorted the corpus to burry Jesus' body in
Bethlehem, now he is here with all others who went there, except Judah! Where did
Judah go with those strangers? There is no doubt that they knew who told on Jesus' place
.and had revenge on him, certainly they had killed him and took his money
Shawal: (Thinking) is that reasonable! What can we do? I don't find a piece of
.evidence in your suspesions; they are just recurring illusive ideas, Abo
Abo: my ideas are more realistic than the news about the resurrection of a dead after three
.days of his death
.Shawal: I didn't say anything except what that fool had mentioned
Abo: and that fool, Petro is the main clue, because he knows all persons who were with
.Judah on the way to Bethlehem
Shawal: you are right, Abo. I don't know how such an idea didn't occur in my mind! It's
.certain, he knows more than that
Abo: but how can we know that from him? What's the way that helps us to know from
?him whatever we want of the hidden secrets he keeps
Shawal: listen to me Abo. Petro is broadcasting incredible news and such thing causes
.trouble among people and makes Billatus get angry
?Abo: what do you mean
Shawal: tomorrow won't come without the order of arresting Petro, and then you can
.know every thing from him
.Abo: you are smart, Shawal
.Shawal: (laughing triumphantly and pointing to himself) all ways lead to Rome
Abo; (taking a coin and putting it in Shawal's hand) best wishes of success (Shawal
(laughing loudly as he quits
(Curtain)
23
2nd Action
The curtains are drawn to show a roman style hall with roman style furniture where the
governor meets people. At the middle back of the hall there is a chair where Billatus sits
on, the desk and the chair of the clerk are on the right, the hall has two entrances from
both sides, there are some chairs on the left and the right, there is a table with glasses and
.jars next to the left entrance, all things there show power and authority
1st Scene
It's a noon, the clerk sitting at his desk. At the right door sanding a man who leads the)
(visitors to there chairs, a servant comes in announcing
The servant: his Excellency the governor Billatus. (The clerk stands while
(Billatus comes in stepping towards his chair. The servant shuts the door and stands at it
.Billatus: good day, Nicolas. What's up? Tell me
Nicolas: good day, Sir. Shawal and the head of barterers, Abo, are waiting for you, Sir.
((Billatus shows a boring gesture by his hand
Billatus: as if we have no other problem all over the roman countries but those two
?wicked. Have the guards imprisoned that idiot, Petro
.Nicolas: Yes, they have, Sir
?Billatus: and what's the matter with these two
Nicolas: Abo proclaims that Petro and his friends have some relation with Judah's
.disappearance with the money which the last was carrying with him
?Billatus: how was that while we have Petro here in the prison
Nicolas: Judah with the money had disappeared before that. Actually he disappeared on
.the day he had the prize, and Jesus was arrested
?Billatus: how that happened
Nicolas: he traveled with Jesus' companions to Bethlehem on that day and he didn't return
.since
?Billatus: no news…no clues
.Nicolas: at all, Sir
Billatus: (thinking) don't you think that Abo had tried to be late until Petro was arrested
!?before he started this legal proceeding
.Nicolas: perhaps there is something prepared
Billatus: Well, let them come in (Nicolas goes out from the right door and comes back
(with Shawal and Abo; he shuts the door after they come
(Shawal: good afternoon, Sir (bowing
(Abo: good afternoon, Sir (bowing
Billatus: have your seats (pointing to the seats, they sit while Nicolas keeps standing) I'm
going to set that idiot free, Petro. (Abo and Shawal looking at each other astonishingly)
.he is an idiot, and the prison is not an asylum
Shawal: Your wish is an order, Sir, but he won't stop broadcasting rumors about Mary's
.Son
Billatus: every nation has its own legends, and it needs them, so when we don't know the
reasons of any matter, we hurry to create justifications for it, in fact it's difficult for us to
.confess of our ignorance
Shawal: yes, Sir, you are right, but Abo has a legal proceeding against Petro, and he
.accuses him and two other persons of killing and stealth
?Billatus: is that right, Abo
Abo: yes, Sir, my nephew with his money had disappeared and didn't return back from
Bethlehem, no body knows about him except Petro who sat out with him on the road but
.retuned here alone, Shawal had seen them all when they went out of the gate
?Billatus: did you witness that, Shawal
.Shawal: yes, Sir and I'm sure, they were four persons, Judah, Petro and two strangers
.Billatus: (addressing Nicolas) bring that prisoner here
(Nicolas: yes, Sir. (He goes out
Billatus: listen well Abo, yesterday, the accused was Jesus and Petro is the accused today,
and I don't know who will be tomorrow, don't you see that you have gone too far! Billatus
.is not a means to you ends
.Abo: sorry, Sir
Billatus: (interrupting him by a gesture) I had sentenced Jesus upon your wish ignoring
Rome justice, though his affair wasn't that serious one, the whole matter was his request
to you to go out of the temple which you have no right indeed to be in, but you have
made of that a very serious universal matter effecting Rome security and its existence as
if all that was depending on this ruined temple, though I can not forget the frightened
looks of Jesus when I shouted asking him: what is the truth? I was not lenient at all and I
ordered to crucify him, and now you bring me an idiot and you ask me to sentence him
(too! (Nicolas comes in looking at Billatus who stop talking
?Nicolas: excuse me, Sir; shall I bring the prisoner in
Billatus: yes, it is the right time. (Petro coming with shackles and scuffs in a miserable
state. Billatus looking at him then at Shawal) he won't sustain for a long time with you,
.Shawal, (to the servant) drink him some water
The servant: Yes, Sir. (Taking a glass pouring some water in, making Petro drinks, then
(turning back to his place
.Billatus: (calmly and gently) tell me, Petro, about what happened there in Bethlehem
Petro: yes, Sir, I'll do. We, his companions, brought the corpus down to the burial cave,
laid that body in the sarcophagus and put the heavy stone lid on; we all put that lid
.because it was very heavy
?Billatus: you have done well! And what was after
Petro: we decided to watch over the sarcophagus, one of us every night, and I asked my
friends to be the first, they agreed, and I stayed there alone, but when the oil lamp light
died it became too dark, I fell asleep because I was very tired the day before, I don’t
know how I awoke up suddenly to see the cave enlightened as if the full moon were in, I
looked at the cave entrance to see a shadow of a man that reminded me of Mary's Son, I
24
got up and looked at the sarcophagus to see a drawn away lid, and to find nothing in the
stone coffin box, I ran to the entrance, where the shadow was, thinking that some one has
stolen the body, I ran here and there looking everywhere but to see no one, no trace, and
when I turned back I saw the light coming out of the cave going up in the sky while the
cave was darkening again. I was astound utterly and remained there at my place out of the
.cave until dawn, and that is exactly what happened, Sir
!?Billatus: where had the corpus gone
.Petro: that got up and went; I saw his shadow at the entrance of the cave
!Billatus: but you have said you didn't see any trace of him when you looked for him out
.Petro: yes, Sir, no trace of him at all
Billatus: what does that mean? Did he fly up! Or did he become a part of that going up to
!sky light
.Petro: perhaps that's what you say, Sir
Billatus: and that's what really happened (looking at Abo and Shawal) what may you say,
?Petro? Is'nt this the twin of what you say
.Petro: yes, Sir, it's that certainly
.Billatus: (to Nicolas) take him back to his place in the prison
(Nicolas: at your service, Sir (leading Petro through the right door and coming back
Billatus: ha! What did you think of him, Shawal and you, Abo? I guess you think me an
idiot, too; anyhow you can take revenge of him but not by me, I'm not that one who will
fulfill your wish, (talking to Abo) but if you want to make a serious affair of your
nephew's disappearance you should remember that many of men are kidnapped and sold
at slavery markets everyday, and nobody knows anything about them, and in order to put
an end to this comedy I will submit this affair to the Supreme Council of Justice in Rome,
(to Shawal) so Shawal go from here to prepare a wagon to take this prisoner to Rome and
you will escort that wagon, too, (to Abo) and you, Abo, I advise you to look for your
nephew at the slavery markets in every city, it's not a difficult matter for you since you,
the barterers, are the owners of such markets(looking at Nicolas who runs quickly and
(opens the door
(Nicolas: could you come out please, Sirs? (The two men stand up
(Abbot: see you later, Sir (bowing
(Shawl: see you later, Sir (bowing
Billatus: good bye (looking at the ready clerk) write down: To Caesar the Great of
..…Rome
2nd Scene .Nicolas: yes, Sir, and I share you the feelings
(Same place after few minutes) .Billatus: (with a gesture of anger) may his way be to Abyssinia, the damned one
?Billatus: (to the clerk) have you finished
(The clerk: I'm about to finish that, Sir. (Nicolas comes in Curtains
?Billatus: is there anybody waiting out
.Nicolas: nobody, Sir
Billatus: well. I want you to find a way to behave with Abbot if he comes back; he is as
.persistent as beetle! I don't want to see him
.Nicolas: I'll do, Sir
Billatus: and I want you to be on following Shawl in addition to selecting five stout built
.soldiers of my bodyguards and bringing them here ahead
(Nicolas: at your service, Sir (quit
.The clerk: I have finished, Sir
.Billatus: well, thus we put an end to this comedy
The clerk: Would you like to add any other statement or note before sealing the letter,
?Sir
Billatus: (thinking) yes, write down on the margin the proposed punishment for Petro if
.he were guilty, (thinking again) I suggest he would be crucified up down
!The clerk: (amazed) up down
?Billatus: yes, up down, do you know why
!The clerk: no, Sir
Billatus: because the talent of thinking of that idiot prisoner is in his feet; as he makes
facts up down, and the same should be his punishment, (Nicolas comes in quickly) you
!have come very early
.Nicolas: they are at the door, Sir
.Billatus; you are very fast
.Nicolas: I'm as fast as you wish, Sir
Billatus: (smiling) Well, let them in. (going to the door, Nicolas opening it and letting the
soldiers in, who stand ready in a row in front of Billatus who looks at them and addresses
(them seriously
I have chosen you for a heavy duty because I have full confidence in you, that's escorting
and guarding the prison wagon from here until arriving in Rome I headed Shawl a leader;
whom I wish to be beaten by a snake and die on the way, so take care and be warned of
him and try your best to keep the prisoner alive, this is actually you main mission, and
here I repeat do your best to keep the prisoner alive, you should know you will be exiled
to Libya if the prisoner die before you arrive in Rome, and you know what that mean, you
will set out early in the morning tomorrow, again and again be ware of Shawl, you can
.go now and prepare yourselves for traveling
(The guards: long live Rome (going out one by one
(Billatus: (to Nicolas) when shawl comes back give him this letter (to the clerk
?Is the letter ready
.The clerk: yes, it is, Sir
?Billatus: I don’t want to see Shawl's face at all, Nicolas, did you get that

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 3RD Action
The curtains are drawn to show a panoramic scene in the depth of the stage for Damascus
behind its walls the prospective scene extend towards the front of the stage where the way
to Damascus appears among shady trees, in front of the stage the prison wagon is
stopping in the sun while the guards with their head are having shade at the side of the
.way
1st Scene
Its noon, the wagon is stopping in the consummating sun, Petro is thrown in without)
motion, Shawl is sitting bellow bough thinking, and one of the guards is standing near
(him while the other four are sitting in the shade of another tree
!Tuma the guard: (to Shawl) Sir, sir, Petro is dying, he sending out his last breaths
.Shawl: (without turning to the guard) I know
?Tuma: he will die! Why don't we hurry to Damascus before the disaster takes place
Shawl: (rising up his head looking at Tuma) his death is not a disaster, that means our
.turning back to Jerusalem and thus we finish our mission
Tuma: listen to me please, Sir. We were living on the blessings of this man all the way;
the gifts of food were given to us by the good, simple and poor peasants when he was
taking to them about Mary's Son and his miracles, we have been here for three days while
the man is thrown in the wagon; a moribund fluctuating between life and death; with no
food or drink all that time; in the heat of days and cold of nights, and we are here with
food not enough for one day of traveling, do you know what is waiting for us when we
?come back to Jerusalem
?Do you know what would Billatus do if he knew that Peter were died because of torture
?Shawl: what can Billatus do
Tuma: he growled menacingly of sending us to exile in Libya if Petro died before we
.arrive with him in Rome
?Shawl: (tremulously standing) damn you, what are you saying
Tuma: (pointing to his friends) you can ask them if you don't believe me (Shawl directly
(going to the other guards who stand ready
?Shawl: did Billatus threaten to send you to exile in Libya if Petro died
The guards: yes, Sir. (Putting his hands on his forehead, shocked by the news, Shawl
(going aside
Shawl: Billatus has done it! If he had threatened you with exile to Libya, definitely this
.means; he will make my way to Abyssinia (shouting) Tuma…Tuma
.Tuma: (hurrying) at your service, Sir
Shawl: go and take care of that rotten (pointing to the wagon) drink him water do
.whatever you can to keep him alive
(Tuma: at your service, Sir (running to the wagon
Shawl: (ordering the guards angrily) go and prepare the wagon and be ready to move, we
.should be in Damascus before the gates are closed in the evening
The guards: at your service, Sir. (Movement running around the wagon, Shawl standing
(and thinking loudly
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Shawl: oh Billatus! I had a sense of foreboding that you would plot bad things against
me, a presentiment of an expected evil was running in my mind that you wanted to get rid
of me (Tuma returning and standing in front of Shawl) don't say that Petro has ceased to
!!be
Tuma: I'm very sorry to confirm that, Sir. (Putting his hands on his face turning around
himself in a half circle walking dispersedly left and right then putting down his hands;
(Shawl addressing Tuma sorrowfully
.Shawl: tell them to stop preparation we are not going to leave our place
Tuma: (shouting) hey men you are ordered by Shawl to stop all activities and to come
(here right now. (The men running quickly and standing read in a row in front of Shawl
Shawl: (looking at the first guard) do you think of a way to escape from the exile to
?Libya? Do you have any idea to save yourself
.The first guard: I don't know, Sir
?Shawl: (to the second guard) and you
.The second guard: I don't know, Sir
?Shawl: (to the third one) and you
.The third guard: I have no idea in my mind, Sir
.Shawl: (to the fourth guard) and you are like them, too
.The fourth guard: exactly, Sir
?Shawl: and you Tuma
.Tuma: Sir, you decide and we are at your service; ready to do what ever you want
Shawl: (thinking) well (smiling bitterly) our destiny became one; Billatus, you have done
.well, but you won't fulfill your aim
?Tuma: what should we do, Sir
Shawl: (smiling bitterly) now and now starts Shawl's good thought! Do we have any of
(?the charities that were given to that carrion (pointing to the wagon
Tuma: a very small amphora of fig wine which you can't stand and loaves of hard dried
.bread that you always refused to look at
.Shawl: (mockingly) that's wonderful, bring them
.Tuma: (running) I'll do, Sir
Shawl: (to the guards) Shawl will find an escape for you and for himself, too; Billatus
won't have his aim, from now on you will know that shawl is your real master (Tuma
(coming back with the loaves and the amphora
(Tuma: here are the bread and the wine, Sir (giving them to Shwal
Shawl: (holding one of the loaves and looking at it mockingly) I need to have hyena's
jaws to be able to chew it, anyhow, it's a good test, (taking the wine amphora, bringing it
up to his nose and sells it disgustedly) have the squeezed in it the rotten slaves' shoes?
(Walking two steps forward, looking mockingly at the amphora in his hands) This is me
now; following the steps of Mary's Son's companions (laughing then turning to the
guards) go far behind those rocks and dig a grave it's the time to be generous with Petro
and when you finish come and tell me, but if I were a sleep don't wake me up just wait
(until I wake up by myself (laughing
(The guards: at your service, Sir (they go
Shawl: (looking at his hands and laughing) I'm following the steps of your companions,
(Jesus (laughing

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2nd Scene
Same place, and it's the afternoon of the same day, Shawl is asleep in a shade of a tree,)
(the guards are sitting in a shade of another tree
(The guards: go Tuma, go, the night will fall soon (pushing him
Tuma: well, well (walking forward, reaching near Shawl, artificially sneezing twice
.strongly, Shawl opening his eyes, rising up his head) sorry, Sir, I didn't wish to wake you
Shawl: never mind (smiling) this is a good omen, it seems that every thing will run on as
I wish, it was a rosy beautiful dream, I feel happy, Tuma, that dream removed away all
!worries of life, I feel new as if I were newly reborn
Tuma; I'm glad to hear that from you, Sir. (As Shawl getting up the other four guards
(getting up too, standing in there place
Shawl: could you imagine, Tuma, I dreamed that I was standing under this tree (looking
at his uniform) but in different clothes! Oh, yes, Petro's clothes, yes, they were Petro's,
and I was standing as I'm standing now, you were standing next to me too, and you
.whispered: it's time to go to Rome peacefully, Paul
!Tuma: (wondering amazingly) Paul
Shawl: yes, as quite as I say, don’t be astonished, I was wearing Petro's clothes and there
should be other things from him too, I don't mean that he had given me every thing of
him, but some of only, he had given me the first letter of his name, and you called me
.Paul
.Tuma: I'm not astonished now because you know well how to convince, Sir
?Shawl: now we are stepping on the road of getting rid of Billatus' plotting; have got
Tuma: (trying to hide his misunderstanding) you order and instruct and we obey and do,
.Sir
?Shawl: Billatus was mistaken when he made our destiny one (laughing) have you got
Tuma: (trying to hide his misunderstanding again) yes, Sir, we have become one hand,
.you are the arm and we are the fingers
Shawl: (smiling) an excellent description! Tuma, and now you should make your
.behaviors excellent too, call your friends
(Tuma: (shouting) come on men (coming and standing in one row behind Tuma
Shawl: it's time now to confer honor and distinction to this dead, I should offer him what
might make him for give me and over look my bad handling (turning to Tuma) doesn't
?my speech like Son of Mary's companions one
.Tuma: exactly, Sir
Shawl: (smiling) well, I'll honor that Petro (pointing to the wagon) I'll burry him, wearing
my military uniform so help me to take it off (the guard standing astound with no motion,
.Shawl looking at them) is what I see on your faces now a refusal
Tuma: (trying to set the situation right) at your service, Sir, come on men (starting taking
his uniform off, Shawl taking a metallic sheath, hanged on his belt, giving it to Tuma)
keep it with you, Tuma, it's a letter from Billatus to Caesar (the guards finishing taking
(Shawl's uniform off
.Shawl: now you can bring me his clothes to wear and wear him my uniform
28
The guards: (astonished) AA… (Tuma looking at them blaming) at your service, Sir
((running fast to the wagon
Shawl: stay with me Tuma (coming back) I order you to sharpen a small twig and make
.an ink of the char and ash of yesterday fire and the remains of the wine in that amphora
.Tuma: ahead I'll do, Sir
Shawl: (smiling) don't be in a hurry, we should do our work diligently, time is in our
.favor
.Tuma: at your service, Sir
Shawl: after that; unseal the letter, look for Petro's name on each line then erase all the
?letters of each name except the first capital P, do you get what I say
.Tuma: sure, Sir, I erase all the letters of Petro's name except the first capital P
Shawl: well, instead of the erased letters you write the rest of my name's letters after the
.capital P in this way the name becomes Paul then you reseal the letter as it was before
!Tuma: it's dangerous, Sir
?Shawl: isn't it less dangerous than exile to Libya
Tuma: what you say is utterly right, you are genius, Sir! (The guards coming back
(bringing Petro's clothes
.The guards: these are the clothes, Sir
Shawl: help me to wear these clothes (the guards helping Shawl, finishing and standing in
a row behind Tuma) well, well, bellow the branches of this tree, in these clothes too, I
(stood and you Tuma whispered that sentence in my ears (winking at Tuma
.Tuma: it's time to go peacefully to Rome, Paul
?Shawl: (to the guards) what did he call me
.The guards: (hesitatingly) Paul
.Shawl: well, men, from now on call me as Tuma did
.The guards: at your service, Sir
.Shawl: it's time now to ennoble Petro's corpus, come on men

3rd Scene
Same place, the morning of the third day after the burial of Petro's body, Shawl is)
(standing in front of the wagon surrounded by the guards
?Tuma: why don't we move to Damascus now, Sir Paul
Shawl: don't be in hurry, I've told you, passing of time is in our favor, being late for
another day makes the people of the city (pointing to Damascus) more eager to meet us
.since our news touch their ears with the arrival of each caravan which comes by us
Tuma: you are right, Sir Paul, another day is better for us because the welfare started
coming as soon as you wore these clothes and every one passes here offers charities at
!your hands
Shawl: do you know, Tuma, that politeness is a great bless, I was ignorant of it! Mary's
Son had taught his companions politeness, so they became in a great bless, he was a wise
!man
!Tuma: you have changed a lot, Sir
Shawl: the man is bounded by his circumstances like the candle, if the air is still its flame
goes up clearly and straight, if there are some breezes it fluctuates, and if there is a
.blowing wind it puts off
.Tuma: that's right, Sir, even I; I feel that I've changed as well as my friends
.Shawl: (looking to horizon) I guess that is a coming caravan over there
.Tuma: (looking) that's right, Sir. (To his friends) get ready men, there's a coming caravan
.Shawl: try your best to tell something that conform with my words when I talk to people
.The guards: at your service, Sir Paul
Shawl: by the way your performance was good on the last two days, and I expect it is
.going to be better today
Tuma: we are all at your service, Sir Paul. I'll go to tell the caravan people about you in
.order stir up their interest and curiosity more
Shawl: that's excellent, Tuma! Go along (Tuma going towards the caravan). (Shawl
?talking to the guards) are you satisfied by the progress of things
The guards: sure, Sir Paul, and we are at your service. (Tuma coming in followed by the
(people of the caravan, travelers and peasants with their products
Tuma: this is the last one of Mary's Son companions, the famous man who you heard of,
this last companion will tell you about the miracles of Mary's Son, ask him and he will
.answer you, consult him he will provide you with consultation
.The people: be safe Saint Paul
.Shawl: be safe you all, welcome to the God's realm and His eternal peace
?A man: is it true that Mary's Son had come back alive from his grave
Shaw: who believes in his resurrection is a believer in him and comes into the God's
kingdom. I was a witness of his resurrection; the cave was dark that night after the candle
went out; I woke up suddenly to see the cave enlightened as if the moon were inside it
and I saw the sarcophagus lid drawn away, I looked into the box but I didn't find the body
of Mary's Son! When I looked to the entrance of the cave I saw his shadow standing at
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the entrance, he was gazing at the sky, and when I asked him: where are you going, Sir?
.He answered me: to God of heaven to the compassionate father who has pit on his sons
?The man: does Mary's Son have a father
Shawl: answering such question puzzles even the genius! But for example; when your
son gets sick and finds no assistance or help from no one; doesn't he return to you as a
?last resort
.The man: that's right; he will come to me
Shawl: thus were the Son of Mary and you all the sons of God whenever you believe in
.him and be sincere to him too
?Another man: was it true that he was smiling on his cross
.Shawl: his smile didn't leave his lips even after his death
?A woman: is it true that he resurrected a dead
Shawl: if you don't believe that, go to Jerusalem and ask about a man, called Lazarus,
Jerusalem people called a dead who became alive, all these miracles: by his hands, were
to be your way for entering God's kingdom ; shall I talk about his feeding for thousands
of the hungry from very few loaves and very little fish? Shall I tell you about his miracle
of curing the blind born one or that dismembered man? Shall I talk about his wonder of
?walking on Tipper Lake water or his resurrection and coming up to heaven
?Third man; I have heard that one of his companions had betrayed him
Shawl: (sorrowfully) that' true; the betrayal was from the most intimate companion; that
was the scorpion Judah, that Hebrew slave trader had sold his master for thirty three
pieces of silver coin, but God was a against him and he was metamorphosed into a dragon
with a tongue of fire that started to attack the pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, so God
soldiered the apostle Georgeo on duty to kill it. Georgeo was under arms and on a strong
horse started to chase it from valley to another, it spitted fire at him and consummated his
skin until he was able to pierce his spear into its throat and killed it sat the end to save
people from it, but alas! That intrepid, dauntless Georgeo died in few days after that event
.because of the wounds and burns caused by the dragon
?Another man; tell us about Mary's Son commandments
Shawl: that's good, they were many, and I'll tell you one: "Be obedient and dutiful to your
.parents, parents obedience is a way to God's Kingdom
?Another man: tell me another one, Sir
.Shawl: "Don't commit adultery or fornicate" that causes God's anger
?Third man: and one for me, Saint
"Shawl: "Don't steal
.The crowd: be blessed, Saint Paul
Shawl: give charities; this is my commandment, charity removes God's anger and erases
.the sins, offer charities to enter the Supreme Kingdom of God
The crowd: we'll do that, Saint Paul (offering their alms, following their way to
(Damascus
Tuma: I predict that all people of Damascus will come out in order to welcome Saint
!Paul
Shawl: don't you think the good word makes wonders! From now on fear nothing; the
control isn't in Billatus' hand any more any more, our news will precede us to Rome, now
(again all roads lead to Rome (pointing to his chest and laughing triumphantly
Tuma: Saint Paul, you are very skillful in creating justifications! To such extent I think
!they were true
Shawl: (laughing) remember well, Tuma, you should answer any question with a
response which correctness couldn't be recognized or could be corrected, you should
create successive illusions, and this wasn't Mary's Son able to comprehend, he went there
and here, talking about the truth…what is the truth? He wasn't able to build it in the other
minds, he was little speaking, and this is not a good merit for one who wants to gather a
lot of people around him. Learn well, how to be like air that goes into the lungs no one
can prevent it and no one can keep it in his lungs and no one can live without it, this is a
godly gift which Jesus didn't have, if I were he I would have convinced people to bring
.me down from my cross
Tuma: your speech has just reminded me of the letter which you ordered me to keep;
…there is a suggested punishment from Billatus
Shawl: (interrupting) fuck off that idiot and his rotten opinions, he was a mere quill in my
hand, when we arrive in Rome every thing will be changed, and every stand has its own
.speech
?Tuma: is there a hope of another caravan which may pass, Saint Paul
Shawl: I don't think so (to the men) be ready to move after a couple of hours and you,
.Tuma, go before us and tell the tidings of our coming; my way to room has become clear
Tuma: at your service, Sir (walking towards the front of the stage and when he becomes
out of the curtain's line he raises up his hands and points with his two f first fingers, and
when the curtains behind him are completely drawn, he finishes) your way to Abyssinia,
(Shawl (lights out

The end

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