. all rights belong to Tanis Harms –
. refer to www.church-skits.com
THE FINAL HUMILITY – written by Tanis Harms
PREMISE: The late 1700s. Marcus Stealthbury,
. a rich young man, squanders away
. his father’s entire fortune and finds
. himself destitute. The only one who will
. take in him and his sister – is their cook –
. whom he had mistreated under his employ.
. Having to actually work to live,
. Marcus now finds satisfaction in life.
. But more than that is the strength and joy
. he finds through his spiritual journey
. from “poverty” to “riches”.
STYLE: drama/musical (SCRIPT FOR NONMUSICAL)
NOTE: can be prequel to "The Ultimate Gift"
TOPIC: finding God, and choosing a wise lifestyle
SCRIPTURE: Ps.37, Prov.24:1-6, 27:23–24, 28:19–20,
. 2Cor.6:14, Col.3:23
NOTES: for CAST, COSTUMES, SET, PROPS and MUSIC
SCRIPT: ACT 1
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
SONG 1: “Come What May”
Sung to [1] “May the Grace of Christ, Our Savior”
. and [2] “Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise”
(POOR PEOPLE enter timidly and wearily from stage right,
and creep out to cover the stage as they sing.
Include lots children [mostly BEGGAR KIDS].)
POOR (singing to [1] which has same key)
. Slaving, toiling through [early] morning,
. This work lasts [the en]-ti-re day,
. Just to buy the bread to feed us,
. and a bit more for our pay.
(Have intro, or just jump into melody. ARISTOCRATS strut
out arrogantly from stage left and form a line from front
to back and slightly angled. Include a few children.
ARISTOCRATS put a hand out as if to push the POOR aside
as they sing, then go back to their self-absorbed posing.
Meanwhile, POOR form an angled front-to-back line on
the opposite side and stand with down-trodden postures.)
. 2
ARIST. (singing to [2])
. Those are peasants we ignore
. we - are high class...
(ARISTOCRATS venture to middle of the stage as they sing,
and primly dance around as if at a ball.)
ARIST. (continue singing to [2])
. lie-sure life styles we a-dore
. we - the [up-per] crust
. they exist to [serve us] [when we] fuss
. we - do [want it] all
. none for them and all for us
. we - de-[serve it] all
(ARISTOCRATS stop to motion to themselves on last line.
GENTRY enter down the center, trying to mingle with
ARISTOCRATS, who quickly go back to form their angled,
front-to-back line, and look down their noses at GENTRY.
GENTRY look hopefully at ARISTOCRATS. Rejected by them,
GENTRY quickly turn to look down their noses at POOR.)
GENTRY (singing to [1])
. Climbing up the social ladder
. (put a hand to block POOR from their sight)
. We the gentry shun the poor
. but our labor’s still a must do
. (look wishfully at RICH)
. all in hopes should THEY in-clude
(ARISTOCRATS turn their noses up at the GENTRY as they
promenade to form a front row and put on airs.)
ARIST. (singing to [2])
. Those are gen-try we ignore
. we - are high class
. lie-sure life styles we a-dore
. we - the [up-per] crust
. they exist to [serve us] [when we] fuss
. we - do [want it] all
. some for them but most for us
. we - de-[serve it] all
(As ARISTOCRATS sing their last lines, they walk out
fanning themselves, etc. to stage left. GENTRY quickly
go to stand in line where ARISTOCRATS had been standing.)
. 3
POOR (singing to [1])
. Slaving, toiling all [wa-king] mo-ments,
. for our bread [and a] bit of pay.
GENTRY (singing 2nd half of [1])
. We the gentry al-so labor,
. but for status, come what may.
(POOR PEOPLE exit to right stage. GENTRY exit left.
Continue playing music until everyone has exited.)
. CENTER STAGE - RESIDENTIAL STREET
(CAROL giggles as she tiptoes in from back stage left,
then exits front stage left. Also in a playful mood,
MARCUS STEALTHBURY enters from back stage left with his
shirt flapping open. Obviously he is playing a game of
hide-and-seek with CAROL. As he looks around for her –
ELIZABETH, and MR. & MRS. WALTERS stroll from back stage
right to center stage. They each carry a little Bible.)
MARCUS Carol? Caaarol? Where did you go,
. you little minx?
(Seeing MARCUS’S opened shirt, ELIZABETH and MRS. WALTERS
shield their eyes with their fans. MR. WALTERS tries
his best to help, then scolds MARCUS.)
MR. W Young man, do you mind!
(MARCUS looks down at his shirt and stifles a giggle.
As MARCUS tries to button his shirt, ELIZABETH steals
a glance, but with more of a disdainful scowl.)
MARCUS I beg your pardon, ladies and gentleman -
. GOOD neighbors, all.
MR. W And when will you become a BETTER neighbor,
. sir?
MARCUS (with snide innocence) Excuse me?
MR. W Ever since your father passed away – God rest
. his soul – you have held a party in his stead.
MARCUS Yes! A party of mourning.
. 4
MRS. W With such gaiety and goings-on?
MARCUS To celebrate his life and success. The length
. of his illustrious career shall indicate
. the length of this - “memoriam”.
(MARCUS stifles his giggle when met with stern
expressions, then bows to ELIZABETH’S incensed glares.)
MARCUS Perhaps one day this party - shall become
. a wedding celebration.
(ELIZABETH gasps slightly at his insane boldness.)
MR. W Not with MY daughter, it will not.
MARCUS (playfully) Oh come, why not?
MR. W Only a Christian gentleman of upright integrity
. will befit our Elizabeth.
MARCUS Mistress Elizabeth, can you not speak for
. yourself?
ELIZ (firmly) Only a Christian gentleman of upright
. integrity will befit me.
MARCUS (musing) Funny, those sound strangely similar
. to your father’s pious words.
ELIZ My father is a wise man. (poses a challenge)
. And from what we know, YOUR father
. was also a wise man - who worked earnestly.
MARCUS Perhaps, but alas, he had no knowledge of how
. to enjoy life. A TRUE gentleman does not work.
. ALL work – or ANY work at all - in my books -
. spells out a dreary socially unacceptable
. existence. And I have a LOT of books!
ELIZ (sincerely) Though there is but ONE book
. that counts, and it spells out the true life
. of abundant joy. (motions to her little Bible)
MARCUS (gags) You have but one book? And do you
. carry that with you always?
. 5
ELIZ (holds the Bible close to her indignantly)
. We are just returning from church, sir.
. It is not only the Sabbath, it is
. Easter Sunday, after all.
MARCUS (to MR.W) Congratulations, Mr. Walters, you
. have indoctrinated your daughter rather well.
MR. W And you will NOT be the undoing of her.
. Good day to you.
MARCUS You are so sure of that.
(As MR. WALTERS ushers MRS. WALTERS and ELIZABETH away,
toward front right stage, MARCUS muses.
From offstage, CAROL calls him out of his revere.)
CAROL (off stage) Yoo-hoo, what kind of foxhunt
. is this if you get distracted by rabbits?
(Smiling, MARCUS dashes offstage to look for CAROL.
The WALTERS speak as they continue their walk.)
MR. W Uncouth fool.
MRS. W Unsavory, to say the least.
ELIZ Yet still deserving - of our prayers.
(MR. and MRS. WALTERS look at ELIZABETH questioningly.)
ELIZ (intensely) To save his soul, of course!
MR. W Indeed.
(They nod in somber agreement as they exit.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 1: Mozart’s Minuet in C Major
. with pick up, either the first 8 bars or
. last 8 bars, trill second last note
. CENTER STAGE - STEALTHBURY’S OPULENT HOUSE
(ARISTOCRATS can be heard laughing and partying from
offstage at stage left. They have all been drinking,
but do not overdo this [make it family/church friendly].)
. 6
CHARLES (off stage) Marcus! Now where is he?
(CHARLES steps out in search, BECKY close behind.)
BECKY Marcus, darling!
(MARCUS appears from another entrance point, walking in
backwards as he addresses those in that “other room.”
RICH MAN 1’S VOICE calls out gaily.)
MAN 1 (off stage) Your quip of the moment, good sir!
MARCUS (pauses to think, like it’s a sort of game)
. Oh, uh, ah! Seize the day, and whatever else
. is within your grasp.
MAN 1 (off stage) Here-here!
BECKY (coyly) Oh, Marcus, darling.
MARCUS (spins around to find CHARLES and BECKY)
. You beckon, Becky dearest?
BECKY I beckon for Charles.
MARCUS Ah, but you call out MY name.
BECKY (laughing) I beckon you to aid Charles
. in his beckoning for you. (turning to CHARLES)
. Why do you beckoneth, deareth Charles?
MARCUS (laughing, then mockingly) Yeth, why
. dotht thou beckoneth, deareth Charles?
(BECKY twacks MARCUS playfully on the shoulder with
her fan.)
CHARLES We are in dire need of more refreshments,
. my good, DEARETHT - hoth-t. (lisps on “host”)
MARCUS Sounds like you both have had your
. fill already.
CHARLES And this is exactly why – it needs replem-in-
. replem-in-ish-ing, it needs replenith-ish-ing –
. this is why - we need some more.
. 7
BECKY Indeed. We need some more. We are right out –
. of everything.
(STEWARD angrily walks by with a tray of dirty things.)
MARCUS Steward! Refreshments are required in the main
. ballroom. Immediately! Anything of value
. on that tray?
STEWARD (halts, eyes the tray, then answers dryly)
. The - silverware – sir?
(MARCUS glowers at the STEWARD to hold his tongue,
then turns and playfully shoos CHARLES and REBECCA out.)
MARCUS Run along and have some fun, dear sweet
. friends. A reprimand is in order, and
. you needn’t endure the fiasco.
BECKY Then do not tarry, Marcus. It is not quite
. the party without you.
MARCUS (quipping) Is not the idea “to party” –
. all based on the art of HOW “to tarry?”
CHARLES Well said.
BECKY (laughing) Well then, hurry henceforth
. to carry on the tarrying.
CHARLES Tarry-ho!
MARCUS Brilliant! Now off you go then. And let me
. go about my business of leisure.
(MARCUS shoos CHARLES and BECKY offstage left, then turns
to STEWARD who still stands at rigid attention.)
MARCUS This is the second complaint thus far today.
. Is anyone addressing this matter? Is someone
. fetching the administrator as I requested?
STEWARD Yes sir, but-
MARCUS -But? No buts! I expect a spread delivered-
STEWARD (imploring) But - sir – 8
MARCUS You challenge me? I have a good mind to
. send you to the streets at this very moment.
STEWARD I – I implore you, sir, I have done my best to
. keep up with all demands. Your party, has been
. enjoyable for all, and the feasts–without end –
. have been splendid -
MARCUS Get on with it!
STEWARD As I have said - we are – right out of food –
MARCUS Yes, as noted by my guests. Now, please-
. put out more food.
STEWARD I mean – there is no more to put out -
. as explained by the cook.
MARCUS Send the cook out at once.
(STEWARD jumps to and rushes out. As MARCUS waits,
a SERVANT enters from stage left and announces...)
SERVANT May I announce your sister, Adriana,
. who has returned from Paris, sir.
(ADRIANA, dressed in black, enters, her MAID following
close behind. The MAID carries a box of chocolates,
which she tries to keep hidden behind her back.)
ADRIANA (to SERVANT) Servant! Have my things delivered
. through the back and up to my room at once.
. (to MAID) Go prepare my clothes. I am simply
. DYING to get out of this dress of mourning.
(ADRIANA hands MAID her muff and/or clutch bag, and MAID
quickly slips her the box of chocolates before she and
SERVANT dash offstage. ADRIANA now holds the chocolate
box behind her back, as MARCUS pecks her on both cheeks,
trying to express concern through his playfulness.
ADRIANNA is familiar with this game and plays along.)
MARCUS Sister, dear. I am elated to see you.
. Did you mourn long and hard for the both of us?
ADRIANA I did. And I see that you have partied 9
. long and hard – for the both of us.
MARCUS Aw, sweet Adriana, I’m sure Paris was not
. the most uncomfortable of places to be sad.
ADRIANA It was tolerable. Now, I shall not spend
. a moment longer in these clothes of death.
. It is time to live again,. It is time to
. seek out laughter and gaiety. Do you not
. have a quip for the moment, dearest brother?
MARCUS (thinks) Parting may bring sweet sorrow,
. but reuniting and partying can bring sweeeet –
. (ADRIANA quickly holds out the chocolate box)
. Chocolates! Sweet succulent chocolates
. from Paris!
ADRIANA Nothing but the best. A mere gift for you.
MARCUS (taking the box and peaking inside)
. I am shocked that you refrained from eating
. them all. Thank you for the thought.
ADRIANA Now I shall put on my most splendid dress that
. I bought whilst in Paris. A gift from YOU
. to me, by the way.
MARCUS I cannot wait to see what I bought you.
. I sincerely hope that I have exquisite taste.
ADRIANA Only the finest.
(STEWARD timidly follows LILY in from back stage left
and waits for ADRIANA to exit stage left. MARCUS swings
his attention over to LILY’S confident countenance.)
MARCUS Lily, you have served our family for many
. years. And because this is the first time
. anything like this has ever occurred, I will
. give you a chance to explain - before I send
. you to the streets. We live in a city rich
. with trades and markets – why did you not
. have someone go out and buy more supplies?
LILY Sir, it is impossible to do so without money.
MARCUS So is the administrator on his way, then? 10
STEWARD Ah, still doing our best to locate him –
LILY (addressing MARCUS’ confused expression)
. ‘Tis the Sabbath, as well as Easter Sunday.
. Most people use this day to rest and reflect –
MARCUS Am I receiving a sermon from you?
LILY AS WELL, your administrator quit last week.
. And whilst we are on the subject, I will be
. handing in my resignation-
MARCUS What?! WHY?! WHAT is happening?!
. And certainly not today of all days.
. Where would I find another cook at this time?
. AND, why would you ever quit my employ?
. Certainly I pay you more than fair wages!
LILY Sir, I will stay on until the month’s end.
. Now! You have a situation on your hands.
. I MIGHT be able to scrounge up enough for
. three square meals TODAY, leaving just a bit
. for tomorrow. THEN - there will be nothing.
MARCUS No, no scrounging. My guests are hungry.
. They really are in the habit of taking in
. several meals a day. I expect all tables
. to remain laden with splendor! – Nothing but
. the best! GO! – kill the fatted calf!
LILY The only livestock left are your - horses –
. sir.
MARCUS Oh, well, we can’t have that...
(SERVANT ushers in the ADMINISTRATOR.)
STEWARD (relieved) The administrator has arrived, sir.
MARCUS (hands chocolates to LILY)
. Add this to the mix - and do the best you can.
(LILY bows and motions for SERVANT and STEWARD to follow
her out. Fists on hips, MARCUS stares at ADMINISTRATOR.)
ADMIN Could this not have waited until tomorrow? 11
. It is Easter Sunday!
MARCUS What is this shortage all about? Petty cash
. amounts should always be maintained at-
ADMIN. Sir, I no longer work for you.
. I was relieved from my duties last week
. by your company’s board of directors –
MARCUS They can’t do that without my say so –
ADMIN. Oh but they can. You gave signing rights over
. to your – friend-of-sorts... Henry Madison.
MARCUS Yes, I can trust Henry Madison.
ADMIN. Hm, well, not every detail has been disclosed
. to me, but - there was something to do with
. a risky foreign business venture.
MARCUS I was not aware. I should speak to Henry –
ADMIN. You should have thought about that much sooner.
. What is done is done.
MARCUS WHAT is done? What is the final outcome,
. please?
(ADRIANA enters, now wearing a stunning gown -
followed by MAID, and CAROL - just in time to hear.)
ADMIN. Oh, NOW you wish to know the truth...
. You have nothing left... sir.
MARCUS I still have all my land and assets –
ADMIN. All used to finance that venture. It pains me,
. somewhat – to say this. Understand,
. at some point soon, there will be men who
. will come - to carry you out – if need be.
MARCUS They will not give me time to pack
. my valuables?
ADMIN. All included with your assets, sir.
MARCUS Not my CLOTHES! 12
ADMIN. To be sure - they will let you to keep
. the clothes on your back.
ADRIANA And MY clothes? All of my things? MY clothes!
ADMIN. I am sorry, ma’am.
(ADRIANA glares at CAROL, who quickly exits with the
fresh gossip. ADRIANA turns her wrath on MARCUS.)
ADRIANA What have you done? What – have you done?
MARCUS It could turn around.
ADMIN. If you wish NOT to be humiliated, you will
. make arrangements and leave immediately.
. Now that word is out, I’m sure they’ll
. do business on a Sabbath.
MARCUS Wait, what do you mean? Make arrangements
. for WHAT - and WITH what?
(MARCUS is confused and frantic as ADMINSTRATOR shrugs
and moves to exit. MAID steps in front of him boldly.
STEWARD enters with a tray of food and stops to listen.)
MAID They will pay all the help first, will they
. not? We have a month’s wages left owing.
(ADMINISTRATOR shakes his head and leaves. MAID glares
at ADRIANA. As SERVANT enters, MAID addresses him.)
MAID Have you taken my luggage to my room yet?
SERVANT No ma’am.
MAID You needn’t bother. Since we’ll not be paid
. a penny more, I’ll not stay a second longer.
ADRIANA No–don’t leave me.
. (to MARCUS) What have you done?!
(MAID stomps out. ADRIANA flails weak punches at MARCUS.
STEWARD pulls ADRIANA off of MARCUS, nods, turns to exit.
ALL rich party guests sneak out past MARCUS.)
. 13
MARCUS Wait, no, where are you all going? Can anybody
. house my sister and me? Temporarily, of course.
. Charles, I have been a host to you for several
. months, could you perhaps now return the favor?
CHARLES (escorting both CAROL and BECKY)
. Sorry, ol’ chap, we are off to another party.
. But, all the best. Really. Cheers.
MARCUS Are we not also invited?
CHARLES (cautiously) You know how it is, Marcus.
ADRIANA (grabs MARCUS’ arm) We can stay at an inn.
MARCUS (still stunned) With what? How shall we pay?
ADRIANA Can we quickly take a few things and run?
MARCUS I will start with the study, you begin in -
ADRIANA -my bedroom. All my jewelry!
(MARCUS and ADRIANA rush to exit stage left. Anxious
pounding at the door brings STEWARD to let in 2 big MEN.)
STEWARD We know. Servants are quickly collecting
. their personal belongings.
BIG M 1 Take nothing else, and we’ll have no issue
. with the help. Now, where are they?
STEWARD Mr. Stealthbury is in the study. I believe
. the lady went upstairs –
(As the 2 BIG MEN exit stage left, STEWARD rushes out.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 2: Mozart’s Sonata No.4 Minuet 1
. pick up, first 10 bars,
. end on first note of 10th bar
. CENTER STAGE - RESIDENTIAL STREET
(The BIG MEN push MARCUS and ADRIANA out from stage left.
If they had wigs before, they have been removed.)
ADRIANA Unhand me and return my wig and tiara 14
. at once!
MARCUS At least let me find an appropriate jacket.
BIG M 1 (grabs candlesticks from inside MARCUS’ vest)
. Too late.
(BIG MAN 2 holds out his open hand to ADRIANA and waits.)
ADRIANA What? – Oh, please. Please, no! Have mercy!
. (gaining no sympathy, she becomes angry)
. Well fine, then! (takes off jewels) Make sure
. you don’t keep these for yourself. These are
. very famous jewels. Very recognizable.
MARCUS Could we at LEAST have our wigs back?
. It is a sign of our status.
BIG M 1 Which you no longer have.
(ADRIANA whimpers as she tries to touch up her messy
hair. BIG MAN 1 sticks his fingers into MARCUS’S vest
pocket to pull out the a pocket watch chain.)
MARCUS. That was my father’s pocket watch.
ADRIANA Like you cared that much about Father!
. Only his money, and now THAT is gone.
. What have you done?-What have you done?
(ADRIANA attacks MARCUS with weakly thrown punches.
BIG MAN 2 pulls ADRIANA off MARCUS. Getting the last of
the valuables from them, BIG MEN 1 & 2 enter the house.)
ADRIANA (crying out) Now what?! What ever will we do?
MARCUS (pondering, he sees something at stage right)
. Elizabeth! And someone is with her. Please...
. try to look – demure.
ADRIANA Demure?
MARCUS Yes, you know the word.
(ADRIANA puts on a pathetic expression as ELIZABETH and
BERNARD approach. BERNARD glances at ELIZABETH.)
. 15
BERNARD Is this the cad -?
ELIZ Now really Bernard, we don’t use such language.
MARCUS Elizabeth, how lovely to meet you AGAIN
. on such a - (searching) -a lovely day –
. (awkwardly eyes BERNARD)
ELIZ It is a lovely day. We were just taking in an
. afternoon walk. Marcus, please meet my cousin,
. Bernard Walters. (BERNARD gives a curt bow)
. Bernard, this is Marcus Stealthbury, and his
. sister, Adriana – our neighbors.
MARCUS Funny thing, we shall no longer be neighbors.
ELIZ Oh, ah, how – sad. You will be missed.
. (smiles at ADRIANA and notices the dress)
. I see you are no longer mourning your
. father’s passing. Still, I extend my
. sympathies and prayers to you.
MARCUS Could you maybe extend a tiny bit more
. than that?
(Gasping, ADRIANA covers her face in shame.)
ELIZ What do you mean? What has happened?
MARCUS Just a tiny bit of confusion. Probably just
. a misunderstanding in regards to our finances.
BERNARD Did you lose the family fortune?
(ADRIANA purses her lips and does her best to hold back
her anger and urge to flail weak fists at BERNARD.
MARCUS holds her back while ignoring her antics.)
MARCUS It would seem there’s been some sort
. of oversight.
BERNARD Or perhaps some sort of over-extension!
MARCUS Elizabeth, I humbly appeal to your benevolent
. nature and Christian kindheartedness.
BERNARD Oh, so you will not mock Christianity – 16
. now that a generous handout would benefit you.
MARCUS No-No! I would pay that back. And as I already
. have designs to MARRY Elizabeth-one day -soon -
. well, of course, then you would know that I –
. would be good for it - to pay back the loan.
ELIZ (almost amused, puts hand out to stop BERNARD)
. And since when have you had ANY such designs
. to marry? Let alone – ME?
MARCUS Since I met you on the lawns – this morning –
. it was all that I could think on. I realized –
. at that very moment – what I really wanted,
. and needed - was a woman of good character.
ELIZ But sir, do you not remember? I require
. for MYSELF a Christian gentleman of good
. character. Clearly, you are NOT such a man.
(ADRIANA bursts out a guffaw. MARCUS tries to remain
dignified and throws a glare back at ADRIANA.)
BERNARD I am afraid we will not be able to assist you.
ELIZ Now, Bernard, how uncharitable. One issue
. has very little to do with the other.
BERNARD Of course. (to MARCUS) Since it is the
. Sabbath, we are unable to handle any sort
. of business transaction today, you understand.
. (ELIZABETH casts another look of scorn at him)
. Ah, but a charitable loan might be arranged.
. Please make an appointment with Mr. Walters
. during the week.
ELIZ Will that be sufficient, Mr. Stealthbury?
. Or is there anything else?
(MARCUS thinks while ADRIANA determines the outcome.)
ADRIANA Oh, you do not think we require charity?!
. My brother tends to – overreact to news.
. Please do not fret about us. We are just fine.
. And we were just getting ready to take in
. an afternoon walk ourselves.
. 17
(ADRIANA puts hand to head and remembers she is without
her wig, then adds nervously...)
ADRIANA Without sporting my wig or ANY of my splendid
. jewelry - because - they weigh me down so.
. Well, good day to you then!
ELIZ Good day - then. And best wishes.
(BERNARD nods, then pushes ELIZABETH away.)
ADRIANA (once alone, swings to MARCUS) I’d despise
. owing anything to that pious family! Psh!
. We don’t need their pathetic charity anyway.
MARCUS Except – that we DO.
ADRIANA (turns on MARCUS with flailing fists)
. What have you done?-What have you done?
(As arms tire, ADRIANA begins to sob. MARCUS grabs her
and they fall into a hug. Behind them, LILY enters at
back stage left with a small trunk, then a basket filled
with kitchen utensils and a lantern hanging from it, then
belongings wrapped in a bundled blanket, and a carpetbag.
With everything outside, LILY looks over at MARCUS and
ADRIANA. STEWARD now appears with his bit of luggage.)
STEWARD (to LILY) All the best to you, ma’am.
. I enjoyed working with you.
LILY Where will you go?
STEWARD I have some kinfolk in the next town over.
. (glances at MARCUS and ADRIANA) I have half
. a mind to go over there and let them know
. just how terrible they both were, and how
. they are VERY deserving of this calamity–
LILY That would demonstrate half a mind, all right.
STEWARD Bad idea?
LILY You know it would be so?
(STEWARD smiles meekly.)
. 18
STEWARD I shall miss your wise counsel, ma’am.
. All the best to you, Lily, dearest. Cheers!
(STEWARD gives a final little bow and leaves with a wave.
LILY glances over at MARCUS and LILY then approaches them
and clears her throat to get their attention.)
LILY Excuse me, sir, m’lady, I will be departing.
MARCUS (looks up, blinking) Of course. Ah, thank you,
. Lily. I suppose, that is all. I regret not
. being able to pay you for this last month.
LILY (about to leave but stops) Where will you go?
ADRIANA (falls to the ground, sobbing)
. We are destitute! My brother squandered
. everything and I have been left in the lurch!
MARCUS (to LILY) I thought of seeking out friends-
ADRIANA What friends?! They were all here at our party.
. All fled from our sight. Even Charles!
. There is no one - we have nothing!
LILY You... You may - come with me then.
MARCUS (hopefully) You will take care of us?
LILY (laughs) Oh no! You would learn to take care
. of yourselves. After all, as you stated,
. you owe me for a month’s rent at least.
ADRIANA You will hold us hostage for outstanding
. payment?
LILY You would simply work it off.
ADRIANA Are you mad?! We are not that desperate.
LILY (walking away) Suit yourself. (stopping)
MARCUS No – wait. (to ADRIANA) Are YOU mad? We ARE
. that desperate! Unless you feel confident that
. the alleyways or the sewer tunnels should be
. comfortable enough and MORE to your liking?
. 19
(MARCUS calls back to LILY.)
MARCUS We do accept your generous offer.
LILY Good! I wasn’t sure how to carry all my
. belongings but God is so good and provides
. all our needs.
(LILY speaks as she places the basket into ADRIANA’S
unsure hands, and hands the bundle to MARCUS.)
LILY I am sure you are able to handle this one here.
. We shall stay this night at an inn.
(LILY picks up carpetbag and one handle of the trunk, and
motions with her head for MARCUS to take the other end.
MARCUS picks up the trunk by the handle tentatively.)
MARCUS We are walking?
LILY Carriage rides are beyond the means for the
. likes of us. Brace yourselves for a nice
. long walk.
ADRIANA (hisses quietly) What have you done?!
(LILY, MARCUS and ADRIANA exit stage right.)
. ACT 2
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
SONG 2: “It’s a New Day”
. sung to “A Charge to Keep I Have”
(POOR enter with their wares, their steps are slow,
some are yawning, as they get ready for the workday.)
POOR (sing vs.1) Each morning brings to me
. a fresh new start to live,
. but as I set out to prepare
. how much more can I give?
POOR (sing vs.2) A charge to keep I have,
. Eight kids to clothe and feed.
. A never-ending sche-dule brings
. no energy for greed.
. 20
POOR (sing vs.3) One day is like the next
. yet on-ward we all trudge
. Their expectations are so high
. it’s hard not to be-grudge
POOR (sing vs.4) To serve a-ris-to-crats,
. their orders to fulfill.
. O may I find a renewed strength
. to do my master’s will.
(POOR go about their business as ARISTOCRATS and GENTRY
step out to buy things. LILY comes out back stage right
with MARCUS and ADRIANA weakly lugging the belongings.)
MARCUS I cannot take one more step. My every limb
. is about to fall right off. Not to mention
. my aching head. This sobering experience –
. has some rather - sobering effects.
ADRIANA I will soon faint from hunger and exhaustion.
. How much sooner until death overtakes us?
LILY You both will live.
(LILY looks excited and strong as she grips some papers
and holds them to her chest. REALTOR steps out and
leads the way to front stage right while speaking.)
REALTOR Ah, there you are. Everything looks to be
. in order now. Here is the key. And it is
. all yours. A pleasure doing business with you,
. ma’am. It is not often someone is able
. to purchase realty with cash.
(REALTOR holds out a key, which LILY takes with
a big smile, and a handshake. While REALTOR exits
back stage right, LILY hugs the key to her chest and
bows in a short prayer. Looking up again, she sees
WOMAN with a basket of bread and waves her over.)
LILY I will take 3 loaves of bread, please.
(LILY places a coin in WOMAN’S hand, then takes 3 loaves.
As WOMAN walks away, LILY braces herself before entering.
She can pull back optional curtains to reveal the
interior.)
. 21
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(LILY enters like it is a palace. MARCUS and ADRIANA
show their disdain, afraid to touch anything.)
LILY Is this not wonderful?! Such an answer to
. prayer.
MARCUS For the price of these shambles, we – ah, YOU -
. could have stayed at the inn for several months
. with full service.
LILY Marcus!
MARCUS You are bold to use my Christian name.
(LILY sets down belongings and bread onto the side table.
MARCUS and ADRIANA clumsily drop everything with scowls.)
LILY Your position is gone and in case you have
. not yet realized, you are now under MY employ.
. You may use my Christian name. But now,
. Marcus, here is a lesson. Listen well –
. if you are wise. AFTER a few months of luxury,
. all money would be gone. Then where would
. I be? On the streets – with you. I toiled and
. carefully saved up my income over MANY years,
. I will NOT squander that away. I have chosen
. to invest it wisely - in this property.
. It may not look like much, but it is mine.
. And its value will continue to increase.
. Meanwhile, aside from taxes and maintenance,
. I have a place to live - for free –
. for the rest of my days.
ADRIANA (eyeing bread) Will you share the bread?
LILY First, let us put this room into order.
. Adriana, collect the chairs. Marcus,
. help lift this table.
(MARCUS lunges to lift the tipped over table.)
LILY Stop! Make sure to lift with your legs.
(MARCUS stretches out a foot to put underneath table.)
. 22
LILY Not what I meant. Grab it with your hands,
. but instead of bending at the back, use the
. strength of your legs. I need you free
. of injury.
(MARCUS carefully follows instruction, and he and LILY
set the table up properly. ADRIANA drags a chair over.)
ADRIANA There is but one chair.
LILY (points) Here is a stool and there is a crate.
(MARCUS collapses into the chair. Seeing LILY’S inquiring
eyes, he slinks off to collect the stool to sit on that.
At ADRIANA’S pout, he gets up and offers her the stool.
She plops down with a sulk. MARCUS collects the crate
to sit on. LILY pulls 3 items from the basket to serve
as plates, then brings the bread to the table. Breaking
it into 3 portions, she hands it out with the “plates”.
ADRIANA and MARCUS both go to bite, but LILY stops them.)
LILY Wait. In MY house we will first thank the Lord.
MARCUS For WHAT?
ADRIANA Oh, get on with it then. (sweetly) Pleeease.
(LILY bows her head. MARCUS and ADRIANA roll their eyes
at each other. ADRIANA then fixes her eyes on the bread.)
LILY Oh Lord, we thank You so much for how You
. have blessed us and have provided for us so
. generously. We thank You for our daily bread.
. And we thank You for how You will continue
. to bless our ways. In this we pray, amen.
(ADRIANA dives into the bread without any manners
as LILY nibbles. MARCUS studies the bread, then LILY.)
MARCUS Is there no clotted cream? Butter, or honey?
LILY Perhaps, if you would like to go in search and
. collect the honey from some bee hive. Or, you
. could wait until our cow is delivered, milk it,
. wait until the cream rises, and then churn THAT
. for several hours until it becomes butter.
. 23
MARCUS This should be just fine. (begins to eat)
(MARCUS struggles to chew the dry bread. As ADRIANA
shovels the bread into her mouth, she looks back at
the side table and eyes the other two loaves longingly.)
LILY One loaf for supper tonight, and the other
. for tomorrow’s breakfast.
MARCUS Just - bread?
LILY I noticed someone selling potatoes up the road.
. But you will have to chop some firewood.
. (noticing their confused expressions)
. Fire is required to cook. As an experienced
. cook, I cannot recommend eating raw potatoes.
. I will buy some while purchasing seed.
MARCUS Seed?! What have we gotten ourselves into?
LILY (ignoring the terror in their eyes)
. Oh, well, so glad you asked. Adriana, you will
. always be in charge of keeping this abode
. as clean as possible - after every meal.
ADRIANA Why so often?
LILY Unless you want to leave out little invitations
. for all the bugs to move in.
ADRIANA Bugs? (looks around warily, afraid to move)
MARCUS Ha! That fear alone should keep her going.
LILY Marcus, today you will plow the field.
. I will get you started, then go to market.
. I will also milk the cow for today, but
. tomorrow, I will give both of you lessons.
(MARCUS suddenly struggles to swallow his bread.)
ADRIANA Unfortunately I’m also very fearful of animals,
. and – I know NOTHING of how to clean, or -
LILY Do not fear anything. Especially cows.
. They are big, but harmless.
. 24
(LILY gets up and works while she continues speaking.
She first pulls a pot from the basket.)
LILY The cooking pot‘ll also serve as a wash basin.
. will have to serve as a wash basin as well.
. The water pump is outside, aaaand... oh, THIS –
. (takes out pitcher & cup, places on side table)
. -we will keep filled with drinking water. And
. share this cup. (searching trunk) There’s a
. shift that has seen its last days. Here it is!
. (finds and rips threadbare slip into rags)
. We can use this material for rags and towels.
. (pulls out old dress and lays it over chair)
. Fortunately, I have three dresses. Adriana,
. you may use this one to work in – if you wish.
. Therefore preserving the one you are wearing,
. for – going out into public.
ADRIANA I no longer wish to be seen in public.
LILY (handing the pot and pitcher to ADRIANA)
. There now, go fetch some water.
. (addressing ADRIANA’S helpless stare)
. Just place these items, one at a time,
. underneath the spout, and pump the little stick
. up and down. There’s a good girl.
. (ADRIANA slowly exits, LILY ties on an apron)
. Let’s start getting that field ready, shall we?
. God won’t help those who won’t help themselves.
MARCUS Interesting quip, I suppose. But if we help
. ourselves, what help do we need from God?
LILY Who do you think causes the sun to shine and
. the rain to fall in order for plants to grow?
MARCUS (changes subject) And what do you plan to grow?
LILY Vegetables and grain, some to eat, and the rest
. to sell or use in trade.
MARCUS And Adriana and I will get some of that money?
LILY As soon as you pay off your debt. And just
. as you paid me, most of that goes toward room
. and board.
. 25
(LILY notices MARCUS balk at this.)
LILY You will find me to be a reasonable employer.
. Now we must get on with it before the sun sets.
MARCUS (mumbling) What is the rush?
(ADRIANA enters, struggling to carry both pot and
pitcher. LILY pulls out one rag and gives a quick demo.)
LILY Ah, good, come here. This one will be the rag.
. Get it damp, wring it out, wipe everything
. down. Top to bottom, cleanest to dirtiest.
. When the water gets murky, get some more. Mind
. you don’t get the bread wet, or it will mold.
(LILY and MARCUS exit, and ADRIANA begins her chore
tentatively. She dips the rag into the water,
pulls it toward herself and drips onto her dress.
Quickly putting the rag over the pot again, she finally
thinks to wring it out. Holding the rag out, she
looks around as if this is the end of the world and
finally decides to start with the table. LIGHTS FADE.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 3: Mozart’s Minuet in F Major
. first 8 bars, repeat and play 4 more bars,
. trill second last note
(LIGHTS COME UP. ADRIANA sits on the floor, trying to
scrub while reaching around her dress. MARCUS enters with
wood, exits, then returns with straw to place on cot.)
ADRIANA What is THAT?
MARCUS THIS, dear sister, is our bedding. I shall
. sleep here, whilst you and Lily take the
. inner room.
ADRIANA Is there not any feather down?
MARCUS I think I’m so tired I could sleep - well –
. even on a bed of rocks.
ADRIANA Well, I do not want ANY - of – THAT –
. (pointing)
MARCUS Straw? This was left in the hayloft. 26
. Lily says it is FRESH straw – whatever
. that means. Are you sure - even for a pillow?
ADRIANA We have no pillows?!
(MARCUS puffs up the straw at the head of the cot.
Finding an extra rag, he lays it on top of the pile.)
MARCUS ‘Tis what Lily explained to do for a pillow.
. I will bring in more straw, and then you may
. at least have the luxury to change your mind.
. I will not do this for you after it is dark.
(MARCUS goes out and brings back more straw. He walks
past ADRIANA and exits into inner room. Returning, MARCUS
then collapses in the chair. ADRIANA crawls onto stool.)
ADRIANA Are we done for the day?
MARCUS Apparently, to begin, Lily is going EASY on us.
ADRIANA Whatever will “DIFFICULT” look like?
MARCUS I know not, but I fear that by tomorrow,
. my hands will be incapacitated. Look –
. look at this. What are these?
. There’s excruciating pain involved.
. (showing ADRIANA his hands, who shudders)
ADRIANA Marcus, have you for once in your life thought
. this through? MUST we be doing THIS?
MARCUS I can think of nothing else, Adriana.
ADRIANA But we have been reduced to the status of –
. servants! Slaves!
MARCUS Better than beggars on the street.
ADRIANA At least there, we’d have no one to answer to.
MARCUS Except the law and criminals. Adriana, I know
. nothing of how to survive in this harsh world.
. Neither of us have any skills to speak of.
. (musing) And I highly doubt - I’d even make
. a talented criminal.
. 27
ADRIANA (breaks down sobbing) But surely someone
. would take us in and care for us.
MARCUS As penniless paupers? Would WE have cared
. for such? No, we would have denied their
. very existence. And THUS, we have been
. shut out from all society. You know how crying
. puffs your eyes. So you see, there’s no point
. in crying-for this is what it is, or spend
. your life crying, for this is what it is.
ADRIANA (drying her tears) Is this your quip for
. the moment, dear brother?
MARCUS I am unequipped and uninspired to have
. any quips. At the moment, I have no emotions,
. and I can barely think. And when I do –
. it is consumed with madness over what
. I would say – and do - to Henry Madison.
ADRIANA I HATE Henry Madison. You should never have
. given him signing rights. I practically hate
. YOU for giving Henry the signing rights.
MARCUS I hate myself too.
LILY (enters with basket of carrots & bucket)
. I purchased seed at a wonderful price, as well
. as a wheelbarrow to haul the seeds to our barn.
. Meanwhile, I milked the cow! So drink right up.
. (sets basket down & takes sip from the bucket)
. Come on. Not only will it go bad overnight, but
. there will always be fresh milk twice a day.
(Wincing, ADRIANA tries taking a careful sip of milk.)
MARCUS (hopefully) I chopped wood for potatoes.
LILY They were sold out. I did find some carrots
. though. These we can eat uncooked.
MARCUS I chopped wood all for nothing?
LILY (cheerfully) ‘Tis never for nothing. Fear not,
. we will need that soon enough, AND much more.
(LILY studies the lantern’s oil.) 28
LILY There’s not much oil, so let us try not
. to use the lamp. We will eat and retire.
. Tomorrow begins bright and early.
. (busies now herself at the side table)
ADRIANA Just look, we are in hell and she is in heaven.
MARCUS (under his breath) Henry Madison must pay!
(LIGHTS DIM. ADRIANA & LILY exit. MARCUS lays down.)
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
SONG: 3 “Another Day”
. sung to “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”
(POOR wander stage in crisscross patterns while singing.
Stage can be dimly lit as they are holding lanterns.)
POOR (sing verse 1)
. Day has [ended], [now comes] the night
. We plod home to rest our bodies
. hoping sleep will sooth our plight
. nothing e-ver- comes with great ease
. but at home it’s our domain
. what we [do there] is to our gain.
. (sing verse 2, with descant, which
. use the same words, even last phrase)
. Day be-gins, a-gain we go
. empty heart and empty stomach
. working hard with [not much] to show
. [ev’ry bit] needed, we dare not get sick
. Anything that we can earn
. is a blessing, this we learn.
(POOR shuffle off the stage.)
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(LIGHTS GO UP SLIGHTLY – it’s daybreak. LILY enters
from inner room and kicks the cot where MARCUS sleeps.)
LILY Rise and shine.
MARCUS Noooo! Sleep. 29
LILY Our schedule is at the mercy of the cow.
MARCUS Why, pray tell?
LILY Milk builds up, bringing discomfort to the cow.
MARCUS What of my comfort?
LILY Milk in your stomach! For which you need to
. work. “A slacker is a brother to destruction.”
MARCUS This is your quip for the moment?
LILY That comes straight from the Bible-
MARCUS -In that case, I care not to hear it.
(Being very stiff, MARCUS tries to sit, but winces with
every tiny movement. Waiting, LILY purses her lips.)
LILY I’m thinking, we could strike up a deal with
. our neighbors. Some milk in exchange for eggs.
MARCUS Eggs?
LILY We have a cow, they have chickens. Come-come.
MARCUS I am making every effort, woman.
. (hobbling along, LILY motions for him to get
. the bucket, even this gives excruciating pain)
. What is wrong with my body? I hurt. So much.
. I cannot move. I – I am completely - broken.
LILY Keep moving and you shall loosen up.
MARCUS Have you no compassion?
LILY Make note, I have plenty of compassion –
. as well as patience.
(LILY’S stare gets MARCUS moving. LILY leads MARCUS out.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 4: Mozart’s Minuet in F Major
. the 8 bars after the first repeat (bars 9-16),
. retard the ending
. 30
(ADRIANA hobbles in, stiff and shivering. Curious, she
uses a plate to see her reflection, without success. She
sits down wearily, and tries to “feel” how her hair must
look. LILY and MARCUS return with the bucket of milk.)
ADRIANA (hugging herself) I was so cold last night.
LILY I wish you had told me. I have one blanket,
. but my winter cape could also be used. And as
. the Lord provides, we can buy another.
. (pours a glass of milk and sets the table)
. After Adriana cleans up the breakfast things,
. she will come help us. We need to sow and weed.
ADRIANA I thought I only was required for indoor work.
LILY When there is indoor work. When there isn’t,
. you will help outside. That will warm you up.
ADRIANA This requires mucking about in the dirt?!
MARCUS Can you not wait until our bodies heal?
. Look at the state of my hands. (showing hands)
LILY Ah, blisters. Fear not, see? (showing hers)
. Very soon they become callused, like mine. Then
. you will finally have the hands of a real man.
(ADRIANA cringes at the thought. While the others talk,
ADRIANA drinks the milk then returns cup to side table.)
MARCUS Not in my book. A gentleman never lifts
. a finger, because he has means.
LILY And what means have you now?
MARCUS I still have my pride!
LILY “And pride - goeth before the fall.” And,
. “Oh how the mighty have fallen!”
MARCUS Let me guess, quips from the Bible? Spare me.
(Wincing, MARCUS takes bucket and follows LILY out.
LIGHTS DIM. ADRIANA exits to inner room.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 5: Mozart’s Contradance 31
. in G Major with pick up, and first 8 bars
(LIGHTS GO UP. MARCUS enters carrying bucket. LILY and
ADRIANA come from the inner room. Today ADRIANA wears
the old dress. LILY carries her Bible and sets it on the
table. LILY notices ADRIANA patting her hair in place.)
LILY Does my hair look all right?
ADRIANA (obligingly pats LILY’S hair in place)
. Why do you now care?
LILY I would like to look presentable.
MARCUS For weeding the fields?
ADRIANA Are you going to market?
LILY It is the Sabbath, darlings. Except for milking
. the cow, fixing meals and cleaning up after,
. there is no work. For once in my adult life,
. I am able to attend church service.
MARCUS Why only now?
LILY My LAST employer - had us work nonstop.
(MARCUS looks sheepish then irritated. LILY unlocks
her trunk to take out her bonnet. ADRIANA catches sight
of something in the trunk, then becomes nonchalant when
LILY stands up, forgetting to lock it again.)
LILY You are welcome to accompany me.
MARCUS No! I would like to ENJOY my time off.
. (seeing the Bible then looking around)
. Have you anything to read?
LILY I... could leave you my Bible.
MARCUS Have you nothing else?
LILY I am most fortunate to have this. My father
. was a minister and was honored to receive this
. as a gift from a wealthy parishioner...
. Would you like me to leave it behind?
. 32
MARCUS (thinks, rolls his eyes, then sighs)
. I would not object. It is at least –
. something to peruse.
LILY As you love your quips so much, I’d recommend
. the book of Proverbs. I will see you later.
. (places bonnet on her head and leaves)
ADRIANA (laughing) You miss reading that much?
MARCUS (shrugs then leans back in the chair) Oh,
. what to do with this glorious, precious time?
ADRIANA How little there is!
MARCUS (sits up, perplexed) You are so right. Thus,
. one would want to make the best use of it.
. Yet, without money, what does one do?
ADRIANA I would love to attend a party.
MARCUS Eat and drink at the finest of restaurants.
ADRIANA Ohhh, or take in a play, or the orchestra.
MARCUS (scheming) We could go on a scavenger hunt -
. in search of Henry Madison.
ADRIANA Please take your mind off that monster.
. As you dwell on him, YOU become a monster.
MARCUS I will not have peace of mind until I see him
. face to face, and -
ADRIANA And do what? Anyway, you ask every soul
. you meet. When they do answer, they have
. no idea where he is. He has moved, so –
. onward YOU must move.
MARCUS For now... We could stroll through the lawns –
ADRIANA We cannot! I’m a mess! What would people say?
MARCUS Why not put on your nice dress?
ADRIANA I do not have a wig, nor the energy to change.
. 33
MARCUS I am surprised that I DO have some energy.
. Lily was right though, my body has healed.
ADRIANA Do you realize it has been one entire week?
. And tis only the beginning of a horrible
. ending. I should have married Theodore.
MARCUS Yes! And why did you not marry Theodore?
. We would be fine right now if you had.
ADRIANA He is such a bore. That is why. And why
. did you squander our fortune away?
MARCUS I did not WANT to be a bore. And now, I have
. become one anyway. Is this poetic justice?
ADRIANA Have you any quip to lighten the mood?
MARCUS (mocking) Oh! Let us read from the good book,
. shall we? There must be something in here to
. “enlighten” the mood. (Bible opens at Matt.5:3)
. (reads loudly) “Blessed are the poor!”
. (snidely) Perhaps I did us a favor.
ADRIANA Superior nonsense.
MARCUS (reads more seriously) “Blessed are the poor
. for they shall inherit the earth.”
ADRIANA Really? And when will that be? I cannot wait!
MARCUS (looks for Proverbs 1 and reads with flippancy)
. The recommended reading – from – Proverbs.
. (clears throat) “To know wisdom and
. instruction” Ahhhh... “A wise man will hear
. and increase in learning. And a man of
. understanding will acquire WISE counsel” –
. (looks up) This would exclude such men as –
. Henry Madison.
ADRIANA (dryly) That’s just common sense.
(ADRIANA shrugs, then picks at her nails. She uses the
tabletop to file at them, while MARCUS scans the Bible.
Bored, ADRIANA glances at the trunk. Finally, she goes
to open it and rummage through the items.)
. 34
MARCUS What are you doing?
ADRIANA I’m just looking. She forgot to lock the trunk.
(Finding a purse, ADRIANA shakes it to hear jingling.
MARCUS glances curiously. Suddenly ADRIANA rushes for
the door. MARCUS jumps up, and blocks her path.)
MARCUS And where do you think you’re going?
(MARCUS fights the purse from ADRIANA’S hands, then
sits down to look inside. While ADRIANA paces, MARCUS
suddenly bolts for the door. ADRIANA blocks his path.)
ADRIANA You would leave me in the lurch? Again?
MARCUS There isn’t enough money here for the both
. of us. (sighing, he sits to count the money)
ADRIANA We could maybe get as far as Paris.
MARCUS (thinks) Perhaps if you also sold your dress.
ADRIANA (gasps) That dress is my only hope. Besides,
. once we got to Paris – what would I wear? This?
. They would not accept me through the servant’s
. door - let alone the front doors.
MARCUS Very true. Even if we could get there,
. what then? We would be in a worse situation.
. Humiliation AND ridicule! And maybe even
. the gallows. You know how the French love
. to behold a good beheading.
ADRIANA (clutches her neck, then gets idea)
. At least we could take some money and see
. a show.
MARCUS I am quite sure Lily has counted every penny.
. And I do not want our next shelter to be
. prison. (hands ADRIANA the purse)
. Put it back.
ADRIANA (returns purse to trunk, her eyes widen)
. Our chocolates! She STOLE our chocolates.
. Some fine Christian she is!
. 35
(Hearing LILY at the door, MARCUS quickly takes the box
and tosses them back into the trunk and slams it shut.
ADRIANA plunks into a chair with her arms crossed.)
MARCUS (hisses) I will use this against her somehow.
. (searches the Bible with a scheming attitude)
ADIANNA (hissing back) Even I know there is something
. in there that says, “Thou shalt not steal.”
(LILY enters and removes her bonnet tentatively.)
MARCUS (reads) “How blessed is the man who finds
. wisdom and gains understanding. For its profit
. is better than... silver, or fine gold –
. more precious than fine jewels!”
. (looks up with scorned surprise)
ADRIANA As if! As if there is anything finer!
LILY (tentatively) You are enjoying the book?
(As MARCUS talks and reads, LILY puts her bonnet back
into the trunk and realizes she had not locked it.)
MARCUS If nothing else, it brings me some amusement.
ADRIANA (watching LILY pick up purse and look inside)
. Fear not, we took nothing from YOU.
(Putting the purse down, LILY sees the box of chocolates.
She closes the lid and stands there fidgeting with her
hands. MARCUS feigns continued interest in the Bible.)
MARCUS Oh listen, (reads) “Long life is in her right
. hand; in her left hand are riches and honor–“
. Wait! So wisdom is better than riches,
. “but with wisdom comes riches and honor?”...
. Am I not wise?
ADRIANA (thinking) You are not wise, but you ARE
. very clever. Clever with your wit and words.
. But not as clever as Henry Madison at
. manipulating people and finances though.
. Hm, cleverly taking something that isn’t
. theirs. What does it say about that?
. 36
(ADRIANA aims this toward LILY who quickly and silently
gets lunch ready, while MARCUS reads silently.
ADRIANA smirks and addresses LILY directly.)
ADRIANA Was it a lovely service, Lily? What was the
. sermon on? Stealing, or anything such as that?”
LILY (turning abruptly) I must confess something.
. I am very sorry, I took your chocolates...
. (goes to the trunk to get the chocolates)
. At the moment we were to leave your house,
. I tried to justify myself, that you owed me
. a month’s wages. I thought I might enjoy
. eating them at some point, but instead,
. the guilt has been eating away at me.
. (hands the chocolates to Marcus) I – stole
. these from you. Could you please, forgive me?
(MARCUS places the chocolates on the table and stares at
them. LILY goes back to fixing lunch but begins to cry.)
MARCUS (finally) You really feel bad about this.
ADRIANA And so she SHOULD!
MARCUS Adriana! They are only chocolates!
ADRIANA They are all that we have left!
LILY She’s right, you are completely destitute
. and I took the last of what you had.
. And it matters NOT how much or how little,
. stealing is stealing.
ADRIANA Ach, we forgive you-we forgive you!
. Just let me have some. I am famished.
(ADRIANA reaches for the chocolates, but MARCUS holds
them out of her reach. ADRIANA whacks his shoulder.)
MARCUS We will all share.
LILY No-no-please, I feel bad enough.
MARCUS (muses over this then a bit compassion sets in)
. Still, you have been very generous with us.
. 37
(ADRIANA gasps as MARCUS peeks inside the box to count.)
LILY This is not necessary -
MARCUS (ignoring LILY) There arrrreee-
ADRIANA (boldly confessing) There are fourteen missing
. because I had some whilst on the ship, and
. thirteen whilst on the carriage ride home
. from the docks-
MARCUS Thus - 21 chocolates. Seven for each.
LILY You do not have to do this –
MARCUS I want to do this. Seven are yours.
LILY Then, I will just have one for now.
MARCUS Are you sure you do not want more?
LILY I will have one every Sunday until gone.
ADRIANA (takes a chocolate and speaks with mouthful)
. You are NEVER one to overindulge?
LILY (humbly) I know not to worry about tomorrow
. because the Lord will provide. But the Lord
. expects us to be wise, work for our own keep,
. helping and sharing with others, yes! But we
. are also told to be good stewards of what
. we have been given. Selfishly hoarding
. is wrong, but wisely planning and preparing
. for the future is good.
MARCUS So where is the balance then?
LILY THAT – is the question. “For the love of money
. is the root of all sorts of evil.”
ADRIANA The Bible says that money is evil?
LILY No dear, the LOVE of money. See the difference?
ADRIANA Then why NOT buy some luxuries with what you
. have? Like silver which never loses its value.
. 38
LILY Right now, I need other things more. And we
. do not know how the crops will do. We may need
. that money for food just to survive until next
. year’s crop, or the next. Things happen.
ADRIANA (practically) Then you sell the silver.
LILY Only if there are buyers. But why are you so
. set on silver? Silver tarnishes, so you must
. spend a lot of time polishing it.
ADRIANA Carpet on the floors then – for warmth.
LILY You think cleaning THESE floors are difficult.
ADRIANA At least a chamber pot! I dread the outhouse.
LILY Be thankful this property came with one, and
. that we do not have to share a community
. outhouse.
ADRIANA But a chamber pot in the comfort of your
. own home!!
LILY And who will empty and clean it?
ADRIANA (balks at thought) The outhouse is just fine.
LILY Everything in life needs cleaning,
. even our souls.
MARCUS (changes subject) So why are you not married
. and have children?
LILY What sort of wife and mother would I have
. made while having to work constantly?
ADRIANA You mean, like we are?
LILY I worked harder, longer hours under your
. employ.
MARCUS You drive us very hard.
LILY I have treated you like children.
ADRIANA You would make your own children work 39
. like this?
LILY I would be a terrible parent if I did not
. train up a child to know how to survive.
MARCUS And you would have been a terrible Christian
. had you not taken us in?
LILY The Bible DOES tell us to help the poor,
. and to give as we are able.
MARCUS Then we’re off the hook. We are poor
. AND unable.
ADRIANA (changes subject) Lily, you did not tell us
. about the church service.
LILY Oh, it was lovely. The minister gave a timely
. message. And the choir was magnificent.
ADRIANA (perks up a little) There is music?
LILY Wonderful music. Oddly enough, this is the
. church that Mistress Elizabeth Walters attends.
MARCUS (perks up) Elizabeth Walters?
. (becoming wary) Tho’ you must’ve been
. segregated from the wealthy.
LILY Surprisingly not. This church refuses
. to conform to society’s interpretations,
. but boldly teaches God’s truth.
ADRIANA Is that not what churches do?
LILY Well, there is a dangerous trend - since common
. folk cannot read or afford to own a Bible -
. governments will use the church, and twist the
. scriptures, in efforts to control the people.
ADRIANA Such a strange power that small book has.
MARCUS Indeed.
(LIGHTS DIM.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 6: 40
. Mozart’s Aria from “The Marriage of Figaro”
. pick up at bar 13, to bar 20, end before repeat
(LIGHTS COME UP. MARCUS, LILY and ADRIANA enter from
outside. LILY motions ADRIANA to the pot of water.)
LILY Here, wash up.
ADRIANA The day is not done yet.
LILY I will finish the weeding. I need you both
. to go to the market for a few things.
. (goes into trunk to get her purse,
. then drops some coins into MARCUS’ hand)
. This is to buy more flour.
ADRIANA For me to make more bread?
LILY And this - is your week’s payment.
. As of last week, your debt was paid off.
(LILY gives MARCUS and ADRIANA each a coin. ADRIANA
clutches her coin while MARCUS looks at his with awe.)
MARCUS How will we spend this?
LILY It is your money. But, if you do not mind
. some advice, you do not HAVE to spend it – yet.
. (exits into inner room)
MARCUS (thinking) True. Or – at least not all of it.
ADRIANA I will don my dress. (rushes to inner room)
MARCUS (studies coin) The beginning of my empire!
. I will find the means to seek retribution from
. Henry Madison and reclaim my family’s fortune.
(LIGHTS DIM.)
. ACT 3
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
SONG 4: “We Struggle On” sung to “Thine is the Glory”
(POOR come out to sing.)
. 41
POOR (singing verse)
. Struggles, oppression try- to- keep us down
. But-times-of resilience can some-times be found
. here and there are bits of joy and happiness
. some events do happen which will bring us bliss
. (singing chorus)
. These are the moments, why we struggle on,
. Little things bring pleasure,
. when they’re humbly won.
. (singing verse)
. Testing and trials at-tempt- to consume
. keep-ing close together scatters fear and gloom
. giv-ing- in to sorrow, we will feel its sting
. let us search with gladness,
. songs of triumph sing
. (singing chorus)
. These are the moments, why we struggle on,
. Little things bring pleasure,
. when they’re humbly won.
(POOR go about their work, while some exit. MARCUS
escorts ADRIANA who is now wearing her nice dress.)
MARCUS Glorious, precious money! Money which
. I will use to bring about the downfall
. of Henry Madison.
ADRIANA You will require a strong arm and excellent aim
. in order to hit him between the eyes with it.
MARCUS I will think of something better than that.
. (admires coin again) Who would have thought
. I would be so grateful over one small coin?
ADRIANA ‘Tis ridiculous. Now, do not walk so close.
. I do not want people to assume that I am
. taken.
MARCUS (steps away wondering) What are you thinking?
ADRIANA I could still find a gentleman. Perhaps not
. with GREAT means, but someone who could provide
. at least a proper house.
(ADRIANA nods at passing GENTLEMAN, who nods back.)
GENTLEMAN (stops) Have we ever met before? 42
(GENTLEMAN’S breath is bad, and ADRIANA pulls away with
with a frown and wave of her hand, using it like a fan.)
ADRIANA No - sir. I thought I recognized you, but I
. was quite mistaken. Good day. (turns, wincing)
MARCUS (to GENTLEMAN) But would you happen to know
. where Henry Madison is residing these days?
(GENTLEMAN balks and quickly walks away.)
ADRIANA (still gags and waves hand in front of face)
. He had the most atrocious breath!
. What I wouldn’t give for a fan!
MARCUS Fan or not, is this the way a lady behaves?!
ADRIANA I AM a lady, and this IS the way I am behaving.
(ADRIANA swings away from MARCUS and nods her head at
another passing HUSBAND 1, who looks at her with a nod.
WIFE 1 catches up to him and whacks him on the head
with her fan. WIFE 1 then glares back at ADRIANA.)
WIFE 1 Tart! Stay away from my husband,
. you vulgar - tart!
(ADRIANA stops, wide-eyed and hurt. MARCUS looks around
the square eagerly and sees HELEN with basket of tarts.)
MARCUS Hm, I am hungry for a tart.
(WIFE 2 pulls HUSBAND 2 to the other side of the street
while giving ADRIANA a scowl. Beggar-boy BRICE lurks.)
ADRIANA I beg your pardon. I am a LADY!
BRICE (steps up boldly and puts out his hand)
. So lady, do you have some spare coins?
ADRIANA Get away from me.
BRICE But lady –
ADRIANA Look, I really do not have anything –
(ARISTOCRAT LADIES 1 & 2 walk by and giggle.) 43
LADY 1 HER - a lady?
LADY 2 Delusions of grandeur at its finest.
. Do you think she stole that dress from
. someone’s wash line?
ADRIANA (fighting her tears and scowling at BRICE)
. Get away from me. You are making me look bad!
(BRICE walks away, hurt, making ADRIANA feel even worse.
HELEN walks by carrying a tray of tarts.)
HELEN Did you want to buy a tart? Best tarts in town.
MARCUS I assume you’re referring to these pastries?
HELEN Oh, aren’t we smarmy.
ADRIANA (dryly dabbing tears away) Smarmy would be he.
HELEN So you ARE referring to my pastries?
MARCUS Yes. And I’m not sure I can even afford THAT.
TINA (steps out, followed by more beggar kids)
. Buy me one, mister? Lady?
MARCUS Your parents should be the ones feeding you.
BRICE We ain’t got parents.
(ADRIANA saddens and MARCUS begins a grammar lesson.)
MARCUS You do not HAVE any parents. Now, repeat.
BRICE I...?
MARCUS I do not - have - any parents.
BRICE I – do not - have any parents.
ADRIANA Well, shouldn’t you be at the orphanage then?
BRICE They ain’t got - They do-not-ain’t-have room.
MARCUS They do not - have - any room? 44
TINA (the smallest beggar) And they’re very mean.
HELEN (impatiently) So did you want any?
MARCUS Sorry, they cost too much.
(ELIZABETH enters with SERVANT 1 trailing behind her.)
ELIZ (just overhearing) Marcus? Adriana?
MARCUS (turning) Oh, ah... good afternoon, Elizabeth.
ELIZ It has been a while. You never did come by
. to speak with my father.
MARCUS I am certain that would have been pointless.
. (quickly) What brings you to these parts?
ELIZ This lady’s tarts. They ARE the best in town.
. Our own cook cannot make tarts nearly as good.
. (to HELEN) I’d like all that you have, please
. (to ADRIANA) I’m holding a tea this afternoon.
(ADRIANA feigns interest then rolls her eyes as ELIZABETH
turns to pay and direct SERVANT 1 as to how to put the
tarts into their basket. ELIZABETH holds a tart aside
and feigns a dilemma, then shoos SERVANT 1 to the side.)
ELIZ Oh dear, we cannot fit them all into our
. basket. (holds tart out to MARCUS) Would you
. be a dear and relieve me of this? I would eat
. it myself, but I had a rather large breakfast.
. There, I pray that you are doing fine.
MARCUS (accepting it with a bow) Splendid, thank you.
ELIZ I am glad. After the humiliation you both
. suffered, I was quite worried.
ADRIANA Were you now? Well, as Marcus said,
. we are splendid. There is no humiliation here.
ELIZ There is no shame in humiliation.
. In fact, in reaching the final humiliation,
. there is great victory.
. 45
ADRIANA Did you hear that, Marcus? We are nearly there.
MARCUS We have been humbled indeed.
ELIZ Being humbled before men is one thing,
. but have you humbled yourself before God?
MARCUS Why would I bother with that?
ELIZ Victory. Becoming a child of God and receiving
. eternal life. Treasures in heaven – and love.
MARCUS (shows boredom until the last word) Your love?
ELIZ I try to love ALL people. But I will never love
. to the extent that God loves all people.
MARCUS Then, I thank thee, for thy humble pie.
(MARCUS toasts the air with the tart. ELIZABETH
winces a smile and nods politely as she and the servant
walk away. As soon as she is fully out of sight,
ADRIANA gags her disgust at ELIZABETH’S airs.
MARCUS eyes the tart eagerly.)
MARCUS (whispering) Thank you, Lord!
ADRIANA You pray?
MARCUS Habit now, I suppose.
ADRIANA Well, give me a piece.
(MARCUS and ADRIANA taste a piece and look at each other,
wincing. ADRIANA now gags in disgust.)
MARCUS Not nearly as good as Lily’s.
ADRIANA (swooning) Oh, yes, remember the magic
. she could create in our kitchen?
(ADRIANA sees BEGGAR KIDS and reaches for the tart.
MARCUS grabs a piece to wrap up in a handkerchief.)
MARCUS I would like to bring a piece back to Lily.
ADRIANA (eyes MARCUS, then turns to BEGGAR KIDS) 46
. A tart for you all to share.
(The BEGGAR KIDS pounce on the remainder anxiously with
squeals and whines. ADRIANA jumps out of the way.)
ADRIANA (to MARCUS, deeply effected) Goodness!
(MARCUS stands there looking up at the sky, like he
is calculating something. He finally looks at ADRIANA.)
MARCUS I have an idea.
(MARCUS sees TINSMITH with a leather apron walk past and calls to him.)
MARCUS Excuse me, sir, you are a tinsmith? I’d like
. to speak to you about a possible transaction.
. (as TINSMITH nods, MARCUS turns to ADRIANA)
. Go to the market, and ask what goes into
. making tarts. Then see how much the basic
. ingredients cost. You can do it. Go on.
(As MARCUS exits with TINSMITH to back of stage right
ADRIANA walks up to HELEN, the tart lady.)
ADRIANA Excuse me. What all goes into making those?
HELEN Now why in the world do you wanna know?
ADRIANA I have no idea. I’m just supposed to find out.
(LIGHTS DIM.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 7:
. Mozart’s Aria from “The Marriage of Figaro”
. last 7 bars
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(As LILY enters with milk, MARCUS and ADRIANA burst in.)
LILY I was wondering where you –
MARCUS (setting down sack of flour) I have an idea!
LILY Have you now? Should I be worried? 47
(ADRIANA shrugs. MARCUS snaps his fingers, and ADRIANA
quickly hands him a quill, paper, and an ink well.
He holds it up for LILY to see. Then he pulls out
his handkerchief and unwraps the tiny piece of tart.)
LILY Interesting purchases with your first payment.
. I expected you might purchase wine or –
MARCUS -Tempting as that was – here – I saved this
. for you. Try it.
LILY (nibbling the piece) Thank you - very much?
MARCUS Forget the niceties. It’s dreadful. Well,
. not dreadful, but - nothing like YOUR pastries.
LILY Oh, why... thank you indeed.
MARCUS Lily, you could make some – to sell.
LILY (laughing) Marcus, we are ill equipped.
. I do not have enough bowls, and baking pans,
. not to mention the proper ingredients.
MARCUS I have calculated the costs. And this is
. what a competitor is charging – per tart.
LILY And you still need people who will buy –
MARCUS Mistress Elizabeth walked the entire way to the
. market – just to buy those tarts for a tea
. party – lauding them the best tarts in town.
LILY It is a LOT of work. Without much guarantee
. of sales – and there is overhead -
MARCUS I suspect it would be a safer gamble than the
. sale of our produce. In fact, we could grow
. most of the ingredients required. The cow
. could be moved to the shed, freeing up the barn
. where we would build a large brick oven and
. work space. Lily – it is a unique gift
. which you have... from God!
LILY Again, it is a lot of work.
. 48
ADRIANA (meekly, dryly) You taught me to make
. bread. This is a task to which
. (rolling her eyes) –I am not so opposed.
MARUS This in fact means – she rather enjoys it.
ADRIANA (briefly glares at MARCUS before continuing)
. And - (swallowing hard) I am willing
. to sell my dress - to help finance.
(MARCUS throws a startled expression ADRIANA’S way.)
LILY I will want to think on this some. And pray -
. I will want to pray a lot on this.
MARCUS And I am going to show that Henry Madison –
LILY (worried) I hope this is not your motivation.
MARCUS (trying to correct his response) Of course -
. I do want to make something of myself!
. As – an honorable servant – of God.
(ADRIANA guffaws at this. LILY remains dubious.)
LILY I will pray about this matter.
MARCUS (flippantly) YES! Let us PRAY on this!
(LIGHTS DIM.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 8:
. Mozart’s Minuet and Trio in G Major (C major)
. pick up at bar 16, to 24, end before repeat
. CENTER STAGE - RESIDENTIAL STREET
(MARCUS enters from back stage right, carrying a basket
of tarts to ELIZABETH’S house. SERVANT 2 notices him.)
SERV.2 May I ask your business?
MARCUS I am here to visit Mistress Elizabeth - Walters.
. I just pray that she is at home.
SERV.2 All deliveries to the back, please.
. 49
MARCUS Oh, of course. Pardon me.
. (humbly bows and exits to back stage left)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 9:
. Mozart’s Minuet and Trio in G Major
. pick up, bars 1-8, trill second last note
. CENTER STAGE - WALTERS’ EXTRAVAGANT HOUSE
(SERVANTS 1, 3 bring on tiny table and two chairs.
SERVANT 2 walks from stage right over to stage left,
calling into the wings.)
SERV.2 Mistress Walters, there is a delivery man,
. by the name of Marcus Stealthbury here to
. see you. Should I send him away?
ELIZ (entering) He is delivering something?
SERV.2 Tarts, ma’am. He refuses to deal with the cook.
ELIZ Tarts? Oh, well, ah, yes, by all means,
. please send him in.
(MARCUS enters with his basket and bows humbly.
MRS. WALTERS enters and recognizes MARCUS.)
MRS. W What is HE doing here?
ELIZ He delivers tarts. (still confused)
. To spare me - a trip?
MRS. W Deliveries to the back. The cook will
. see to it.
MARCUS (bowing again) I humbly ask that you please,
. try these. The WORLD’S best tarts.
ELIZ The WORLD’S best tarts?
MARCUS As you know, my past lifestyle afforded me
. the very best that money could possibly buy.
MRS. W You mean, you THOUGHT you could afford –
ELIZ Mother, please.
. 50
MARCUS She is correct. I have learned a valuable
. lesson through extreme measures. I am now
. building up a small business – and I would
. be most honored if you would sample these
. pastries, the product of our very own hands,
. and tell me if they would be of any interest
. to you in the future.
(ELIZABETH motions to the table. MARCUS sets the basket
down then steps away to wait with nervous anticipation.
Each taking a bite, MRS. WALTERS balks and quickly takes
another bite. ELIZABETH looks up at MARCUS and smiles.)
ELIZ Why! These are marvelous. I must say, as far
. as I know, these ARE the best in the world.
MRS. W How much are you asking?
MARCUS I will match the price you pay at the market.
ELIZ I would pay much more –
MRS. W Elizabeth!
MARCUS I appreciate that. But for you, I will
. match the price, especially if you tell
. all of your friends-
ELIZ -Oh, that I will.
MARCUS For an extra fee, I could have these delivered.
MRS. W (grunts) Well, we will see how dependable you
. are now, Mr. Stealthbury. Perhaps you’ll live
. up to your father’s name yet.
(MARCUS takes the shaky compliment graciously
as MRS. WALTERS continues to eat at the tart.)
ELIZ What shall we say then, a dozen tarts –
. every Wednesday?
MRS. W Hm, well, I would not be opposed to Saturdays
. as well.
MARCUS By all means, give the cook some leisure time.
. 51
MRS. W I beg your pardon?
MARCUS Ah, we could make some stuffed with meats.
. Those would be double the price, of course.
. But certainly hearty enough to be a meal.
MR. W (enters, stops short at the sight of MARCUS)
. What is this?
ELIZ (quick to defend) Father, Mr. Stealthbury has
. begun his own enterprise. They are making
. these tarts and selling them in bulk to
. homesteads. You must try one.
MR. W (tries a tart, his skepticism turns to delight)
. And you have placed an order?
(MRS. WALTERS nods, and MR. WALTERS takes another tart.
ELIZABETH notices MARCUS’S concern.)
ELIZ Not to worry, we shall pay for these.
MARCUS I was wanting to peddle my wares to
. the neighbors. Is there anyone living
. at my old house yet?
(ELIZABETH and MRS. WALTERS become very sullen.)
MARCUS What? What is the matter?
ELIZ You do not know?
MRS. W Henry Madison.
MARCUS Excuse me?!
MR. W Henry Madison has moved into your house.
(MARCUS stands there quietly stewing.)
ELIZ You will not go there? Do not go there.
MARCUS The man destroyed my life.
MR. W Young man, you have moved on wisely.
. To go there would not be wise.
. 52
MARCUS I need to say my peace to the man.
MR. W I sense that whatever came from your mouth
. would be anything BUT peace. Would you
. destroy your life further?
MARCUS The man betrayed me –
MR. W -I have no doubt. I held little respect
. for you in the past, but I respect this man –
. even less.
ELIZ Father hears all the scuttlebutt.
MR. W He is careful to do things by the book.
. So I am afraid that for you, there is no legal
. discourse. And I am fairly certain, that if
. you tried to pay him a visit now, he would
. have you arrested.
(MARCUS finally moves, and nervously fidgets and runs his
fingers through his hair as he fumes and thinks.)
MR. W Mr. Stealthbury, unbeknownst to you,
. you have managed to build up your reputation
. in this town.
ELIZ As I said, Father hears all the scuttlebutt.
MR. W I pray you continue on this path.
ELIZ Please be content, Mr. Stealthbury. I know my
. friends up the street will be more than eager
. to place orders with you.
(MARCUS remains standing rigid as he thinks.
LIGHTS go off and set is cleared as the song is sung.)
. ACT 4
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
SONG 5: “You Have Choices”
. Sung to “Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
(POOR step out from stage right, GENTRY from stage right
moving to center stage, ARISTOCRATS from stage right.)
. 53
ALL (sing vs.1) You have choices that you make
. which ef-fect your heart and soul
. seek out wisdom for your sake
. evil actions take their toll
. There’s tempt-a-tion all a-round
. no matter your lot in life
. when you succumb, it is found
. that it always brings you strife
. (sing vs.2) There’s not a place you can hide
. it will not leave you a-lone.
. If al-lowed, with you a-bide,
. for-e-ver till you a-tone.
. Plenteous grace with God is found
. Grace to cover all your sin
. Let the healing streams abound
. Make and keep you pure within
. (vs.3) Reputation can we trust?
. while your flound’ring soul is blind
. sins forgiveness is a must
. or your way you cannot find
. Raise the fallen, cheer the faint
. we are all unrighteousness
. as we go, our sins will taint
. un-til we find forgiveness
(LIGHTS DIM.)
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(LIGHTS GO UP. LILY reads the Bible, ADRIANA paces.)
ADRIANA Where is he? What could be taking him so long?
. It is morning light already.
LILY Pray instead of fret.
ADRIANA My prayers would be frets.
LILY At least your frets would be directed to
. the One who could calm your fretting.
ADRIANA Hogwash. Besides, I ENJOY my fretting-
(There is pounding at the door. LILY jumps to answer,
and 2 OFFICERS drag MARCUS in and set him down at
the table. MARCUS reels slightly from intoxication.)
. 54
LILY What has happened?
OFFICER1 Ma’am, we found your son causing a disturbance.
OFFICER1 Ma’am, we found your son causing a disturbance.
. Normally we’d have thrown him into a holding
. cell, but we know of your reputation round
. here. Just see to it that this does not happen
. again, or it will be prison next time.
LILY Thank you, very much, officers.
. (LILY sees OFFICERS out)
ADRIANA (pounds table, MARCUS shrinks from the sound)
. Where have you been?!
MARCUS Out – walking - thinking.
LILY Drinking, more like it.
ADRIANA Did it not go well? I see that the tarts,
. as well as the tray itself, are gone.
MARCUS It went... sh-plendidly.
ADRIANA Then where is the money?
MARCUS Gone. All gone. Every tart - every cent.
ADRIANA You spent all the money from the sample tarts?
MARCUS I’m - such a dishappointment. But you cannot
. begin to understand - what I must endure.
. I wash betrayed... it was rubbed in my fash,
. as sh’alt into a wound.
LILY Do not think you are the only one to be
. betrayed? Consider what King David went
. through.
MARCUS (holding his head) No, at this very moment,
. my head cannot withstand any sermon -
LILY King David - was betrayed by friends also.
. Yet he did NOT seek revenge.
MARCUS I seek revenge! 55
LILY David asked God to uphold his integrity.
. You have slowly been building UP yours.
. Will you let Henry destroy you a second time?
MARCUS (stands to pace angrily) I will make my fortune
. and seek out a way to destroy Henry Madison.
LILY (quickly opens Bible to read Psalm 52:7)
. “Behold, the man who would not make God
. his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of
. his riches, and was strong in his evil desire-”
MARCUS (growling and pointing at the Bible)
. Ah! You think that has all the answers?!
LILY Aye! I know it. These are the words of truth.
MARCUS I will make my own truths! (stomps out)
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 10:
. Mozart’s Minuet and Trio in G Major
. pick up at bar 8, bars 9-16
(A group of gentry walk by. GENTRY 1 pushes
MARCUS aside.)
MARCUS I beg your pardon! No need to be rude.
(MARCUS faces GENTRY, who look down their noses rudely.
GUS, a poor townsman, sees and quickly nudges MARCUS.)
GUS (aside) Quickly, bow to the aristocrats.
MARCUS (facing GENTRY so they can hear him)
. These men are only gentry.
(GENTRY 1 steps forward trying to intimidate MARCUS.
GUS tugs on MARCUS’ arm to step back and bow.)
GENTRY 1 Just how rude will your offence become?
GUS (to MARCUS) Still, man, d’you want your life
. to become difficult?
. 56
MARCUS How much more difficult can it get?
GUS You have no idea?
GENTRY 1 Well, is there an apology to be made, or not?
MARCUS Why do you desire to be as rude as
. an aristocrat?
GENTRY 1 What do you know of anything?
MARCUS Once an aristocrat, and NOW I must kowtow
. to YOU?
GENTRY 1 (laughs and mocks) He was once an aristocrat?
GENTRY 2 Pray tell, which name did you go by?
MARCUS Lord Marcus Stealthbury.
(GUS watches nervously. GENTRY feel a twinge
of pity but still fight their smirks.)
GENTRY 2 I see. You are famous.
GENTRY 1 Infamous - actually.
MARCUS Yes-yes - I was a fool. Might I advise you
. to walk in wisdom and treat everyone as
. more important than yourself.
GENTRY 1 (bursts out laughing again)
. Of course, as it suits you, your – majesty?
MARCUS It suits us all, if all were to do that.
GENTRY 2 What a wonderful world that would be.
MARCUS (bitterly) A man can dream.
GUS Aye.
GENTRY 1 And you will extend this exact sentiment
. to - (to GENTRY 2) What was his name?
GENTRY 2 (knowingly) Henry Madison?
. 57
(MARCUS clenches his fists in anger.)
GENTRY 1 Oh! We’ve touched a sore spot, have we?
LADY 1 (catches up to GENTRY 1 with her tiny basket)
. Look dear, such a deal I got for this trinket –
. (seeing MARCUS) Why speak you to a low life?
GENTRY 1 This man was once an aristocrat, darling.
LADY 1 Oh really. (giggling) Do tell.
GENTRY 1 Might I emphasize, this is one reason
. not to buy too many trinkets, as you do,
. deal or not.
(GENTRY 1 motions to basket as they walk away.
MARCUS turns to GUS when he realizes that
GUS has just been staring at him.)
MARCUS (glibly) I apologize on behalf of all the rude
. aristocrats and gentry. There is a sort of –
. ignorance there. I have learned a lot,
. since my lot in life has been altered.
GUS Aye. Alllll right then, mate. Thanks.
MARCUS Mark my words, though, I shall RE-alter
. my life. I WILL rise above, once again!
GUS Sure-sure, to be true, mate. These things
. could happen. Cheers, then.
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 11:
. Mozart’s Minuet and Trio in G Major
. pick up at bar 24, bars 25-32
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(LILY and ADRIANA enter and collapse.)
ADRIANA My brother has become such a slave-driver!
LILY Who would have thought?
MARCUS (bounding in) The orders keep pouring in.
. 58
LILY We need to figure a way to be more
. efficient.
ADRIANA That, or live without sleep.
MARCUS Oh no, please, you know how cranky you become
. without enough sleep.
(ADRIANA sticks out tongue.)
LILY (reprimanding) Kids!
ADRIANA (laughing) Kids? She called us kids.
MARCUS (laughing, then serious) ARE we your kids?
ADRIANA (clings to LILY in a playful hug)
. Mom! Save me from my evil brother.
LILY Ah, there-there.
(As LILY laughs, she sees that MARCUS touched.)
LILY Now, still, what is this obsession with making
. MORE money? We are doing well enough.
MARCUS Compared to what?
LILY There is more to life than money.
. “Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it –
. than a house full of feasting - with strife.”
ADRIANA Why would it be better to be poor and hungry?
LILY It is better to be at peace and be poor,
. than to have all the money in the world
. and be without peace.
MARCUS Well, I am poor, and I STILL have no peace.
LILY Peace does not come from poverty. No matter
. the circumstance, peace is found in the soul
. and comes from choosing to do God’s will.
MARCUS I certainly do not experience this peace.
(MARCUS begins to pace and think.) 59
LILY So you wage war within yourself to do your
. OWN will and bidding.
MARCUS Yes. But I see how God has taken care of you,
. and how – peaceful and hopeful you are
. despite everything.
LILY What can you not give up? What have you left?
MARCUS My pride!
LILY Pride can give a very strong argument.
MARCUS So I am correct to hang on to the very last
. that I have?
LILY I did not say that... And... anything else?
MARCUS You would shudder to hear such words.
LILY Perhaps you would shudder to know that
. I do not shudder so easily.
MARCUS (studies LILY, then lays it out)
. I would love nothing better than to seek
. the FULLEST of vengeance on Henry Madison.
. (nodding his determination)
. Hating him is not enough.
LILY By playing the victim, you become weak...
. YOU have been reading the Bible.
. What do you think God would have you do?
MARCUS Be kind to your enemy so it is like pouring
. hot coals on his head. Love your enemy.
. Pray for your enemy. But I am with King David –
. I pray for my enemy’s death. And as I am NOT a
. Christian believer, I am not required to adhere
. to any of the laws.
LILY Oh, at some point you will have to face the
. Lord, your Judge, and be held accountable
. for all your actions. Far better He be your
. Lord and Savior.
MARCUS He is only one or the other? 60
LILY Indeed. When you believe in Him, and repent,
. God will forgive all your sins. Then, He is
. no longer your Judge.
MARCUS That sounds too easy.
LILY Oh really? Your pride would disagree. This
. action requires complete humility... It means
. admitting your need for Jesus. Tomorrow is
. the Sabbath. Why not come to church with me?
(As MARCUS remains quiet, LILY goes to inner room.)
LILY It is late, I shall retire.
ADRIANA (waits for LILY to be gone) You will not go,
. will you? You have found strength in yourself,
. why would you NEED God?
MARCUS Listen to this. (opens Bible to Psalm 62:9-12)
. “Men of low degree are only vanity – and men
. of RANK are a lie; in the balances they go up,
. they are TOGETHER lighter than breath.”
. See that? BOTH rich and poor are worthless.
. But – “I have heard this: that POWER belongs
. to God; and lovingkindness is Thine, O Lord,
. for Thou dost RECOMPENSE a man according
. to his work.”
ADRIANA And we have worked – very hard.
MARCUS I believe it refers to something else.
. And I long for access to this - Godly power.
ADRIANA To manipulate to your advantage?
MARCUS (shrugging) If - that is possible.
(LIGHTS DIM.)
. ACT 5
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE OR CHURCH
(People sing as if part of a powerful church choir.
MARCUS and LILY stand to the side, listening intently.)
. 61
SONG 6: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
. (1st phrase is altered)
PEOPLE (sing vs.1) “O hear how He was wounded,
. with grief and shame weighed down,
. now scornfully surrounded
. with thorns, Thine only crown
. How pale Thou art with anguish,
. With sore abuse and scorn,
. How does that visage languish,
. Which once was bright as morn.
. (sing vs.2) What Thou my Lord has suffered
. Was all for sinners’ gain
. Mine, mine was the transgression
. But Thine the deadly pain
. Lo, here I fall, my Savior
. ‘tis I deserve Thy place
. look on me with Thy favor
. assist me with Thy grace
. (sing vs.3) What language shall I borrow
. To thank Thee, dearest Friend,
. For this, Thy dying sorrow
. Thy pity without end?
. O make me Thine forever
. And should I fainting be, Lord
. Let me never, never
. Outlive my love to Thee
(PASTOR carries a Bible to the front as the LIGHTS DIM.)
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(ADRIANA enters from the inner room and sits at the table
with a cup of tea. Seeing the Bible, she shoves it away.
MARCUS and LILY enter from outside.)
ADRIANA You actually went to church, brother dear?
LILY (seriously) It was a marvelous service.
ADRIANA Marcus, do you think the same?
LILY He has been silent the entire walk home.
ADRIANA Was your dear Elizabeth in attendance?
(There is no answer from MARCUS. LILY answers.) 62
LILY Yes, she was.
ADRIANA (to MARCUS) Is something perplexing you
. which outweighs the topic of a woman?
. You realize, you do have the choice
. to ignore their attempts to convert you.
MARCUS But how can I ignore what God says,
. and what God has done – for everyone – for me?
ADRIANA Do you not have a quip for the moment?
MARCUS I will give you a quip! I thought I was
. greatly humiliated when we lost everything
. and had to leave our opulent house and status.
. But God - CHOSE – the ultimate humility.
. God chose to leave heaven and His heavenly
. throne of grandest proportions. God humbled
. Himself by coming to this earth, to be further
. humbled by MEN – to hang on a cross as a common
. thief - to pay for all our crimes!
ADRIANA I have committed no crimes.
MARCUS We all have. Have you never had any evil
. thoughts? Have you ever been selfish?
. Have you ever been jealous?
. (at ADRIANA’S silence, MARCUS turns to LILY)
. I need to take a walk. (exits, LIGHTS DIM)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 12:
. Mozart’s Contradance in G Major, pick up at
. bar 24, fourth set of 8 bars, bars 25-32
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
(As MARCUS walks jauntily along, he sees HELEN selling
her tarts and approaches her.)
MARCUS (smiling) It is the Sabbath, dear woman.
. You should not be working –
HELEN You have taken most of my business away.
. This is the only day I can make any money.
. I fear I cannot survive because of you!
. 63
MARCUS (smile drops and becomes humble)
. Of course, I never thought of that –
HELEN Why would you?
MARCUS (starts to walk away sadly, then steps back)
. We need your help! Would you come work for us?
HELEN What?
MARCUS I offer you a job, with a generous income.
. If you wish to work, come to our barn at
. the edge of town, bright and early.
. Will you be there? What is your name?
HELEN Helen. Aye. Ah, yes – yes, I will be there.
MARCUS Excellent. Well then, Helen, as your employer,
. please take the rest of the day off.
(With a nod, MARCUS walks back toward the house.
HELEN is stunned, then smiles and almost skips away.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 13:
. Mozart’s Contradance in G Major, pick up at
. bar 16, third set of 8 bars (bars 17-24)
. STAGE RIGHT - LILY’S HOUSE
(MARCUS enters to find LILY reading her Bible. ADRIANA
does some stitch work. MARCUS waits for LILY to look up.)
MARCUS You know, I don’t think I have really thanked
. you, Lily. You’ve really shared a lot with us.
. More than you could ever realize. It outweighs
. the amount of times we can say thank you.
LILY Well, you can thank God for all of that.
. He is the One who prompts my heart.
. And He is the provider of everything.
. I’d help more people if I could.
MARCUS Yes, interesting you see it that way.
. I have just hired some help. Helen.
. She will start tomorrow.
ADRIANA Just one person? 64
LILY It is one more than now.
MARCUS As you say, God will provide.
ADRIANA What is with you? It is as if a load has been
. lifted from your shoulders.
MARCUS Indeed. That was my next bit of news. I am now
. a believer. My sins have been lifted from my
. heart and soul and shoulders. I am a new man.
LILY Oh, such marvelous news. You have become
. like a son to me, and now - you have become
. a brother in Christ. (rushes to hug MARCUS)
ADRIANA (rolling her eyes) Were we not going to market
. to make some trades? Time is wasting.
MARCUS On the Sabbath, Adriana? Tomorrow, we
. will work. Work as unto the Lord.
ADRIANA (feels betrayed and continues with resolve)
. I am merely working for myself, thank you.
MARCUS I pray you find a higher purpose than that.
ADRIANA Am I to now hear sermons from you too?
MARCUS I am done. Lily, is there a sermon from you?
ADRIANA Do not encourage her!
LILY (chuckling) Peace to you, child.
ADRIANA Good, now leave me alone to my stitch work.
(LIGHTS DIM.)
SCENE CHANGE EXCERPT 14:
. Mozart’s Andante in C Major, pick up, bars 1-8
. CENTER STAGE - CITY SQUARE
(MARCUS and ADRIANA carry baskets of produce. ADRIANA
follows MARCUS as he holds up a tomato to examine.)
. 65
MARCUS Look at this, Adriana, it is such a miracle.
ADRIANA (dryly) Have you never seen a tomato?
MARCUS This is produce that we have grown. This came
. from the seeds which we placed in the soil
. ourselves. It rather fills the heart with awe,
. doesn’t it?
ADRIANA Hm, so much awe.
MARCUS What is your problem?
ADRIANA Marcus, less chit-chat and more hustle.
. We have mountains of tarts to make.
. What happened to the money-hungry slave-driver?
MARCUS I keep telling you, I am no longer that Marcus.
. All right, let’s exchange our produce for the
. pastry ingredients first – and then -
(A gentry couple, AUDREY and JOHN, overhear this.)
AUDREY Oh, are you the ones who make the world’s
. best pastries? (MARCUS nods with a smile)
. We are having a huge gala next weekend.
. Would it be possible to order 200 tarts?
JOHN 200? Audrey, that sounds like a mountain.
AUDREY Yes dear, but remember, there are 200 guests.
. We need at least one tart per person.
JOHN Oh, then should not each man get two?
AUDREY (to MARCUS) That would bring it to 300.
(Without letting the couple see her, ADRIANA stares
at MARCUS and shakes her head frantically.)
JOHN Do what you think best, sweetheart.
AUDREY 300 it is then - for next weekend.
(ADRIANA gives MARCUS “what are you doing?” looks,
her expressions becoming more and more frantic.)
. 66
MARCUS Of course - we would need at least half of
. the payment up front. All the ingredients
. need to be purchased. As well as a few
. more pans.
JOHN That should not a problem. I will come by
. tomorrow to make the final arrangements.
(As AUDREY and JOHN walk away, ADRIANA flies at MARCUS.)
ADRIANA What did you do?-What did you do?
(BEGGAR KIDS see this and laugh. ADRIANA stops and
tries to calm herself. MARCUS rubs his shoulder.)
MARCUS I can honestly say - you have become much
. stronger.
ADRIANA But I have not the strength to keep on
. like this. We cannot keep up with the orders
. we already have. Even with the extra help.
MARCUS Wait, I thought you wanted to work more?
ADRIANA NOOOO! I just wanted you to stop talking about
. God and such. So, now what? What will we do?
MARCUS God will provide a way. (ADRIANA gags)
BRICE Hey, so will this God provide us some tarts?
(ELIZABETH and BERNARD enter in time to see BEGGAR KIDS
distract MARCUS and ADRIANA. Clenching her fists,
ADRIANA lunges at the KIDS, who scatter a bit.
They laugh again, and get ready to run. MARCUS holds
ADRIANA back and calls.)
MARCUS Children! Wait! How would you like
. to have a place to sleep and food to eat?
ADRIANA (swinging around to face MARCUS) What?!
BEGGAR 2 Tarts?
MARCUS Maybe on special occasions, but there would be
. other food. And a tiny bit of pay.
. 67
ADRIANA (aside to MARCUS) Now what are you doing?
BRICE What’s the rub, mister?
MARCUS (pushing past ADRIANA to speak to BEGGAR KIDS)
. Yes, wise boy, there IS a rub. You will work –
. making tarts, and doing a few other chores.
BRICE (waves them off, walking away)
. Who wants to work?
MARCUS That is what I once said. I had a fortune,
. and refused to work. I lost it all.
(This gets the attention from a few of the BEGGAR KIDS.)
BRICE (yells from distance) So you understand then –
. I’m my own boss, and I say, I don’t wanna work.
TINA But I want to eat.
KID 1 And sleep in a warm place.
MARCUS All right then, those who do not want to work
. are excused. Anyone wanting to work, come here.
(MARCUS waits while more BEGGAR KIDS come forward.)
MARCUS I expect there to be quality work.
. You will listen and obey, or you will be out.
(TINA hugs ADRIANA’S legs. ADRIANA cannot help but
melt slightly, but looks at MARCUS.)
ADRIANA And where exactly will they sleep?
MARCUS The hayloft. We will fix it up nicely.
. The oven below will keep them warm.
(ADRIANA nods with a realization that this would work.
MARCUS does not notice ELIZABETH and BERNARD at the side,
as he keeps glancing the other way to look for BRICE.)
MARCUS Why don’t you take the children home,
. and explain the matter to Lily. I will
. be along shortly.
. 68
(ADRIANA exits stage right with the BEGGAR KIDS,
except for BRICE who lingers in the background.
MARCUS turns to pursue BRICE, but ELIZABETH
steps forward, followed by BERNARD.)
MARCUS Oh, good day, to you, Mistress Walters.
ELIZ Good day, Mr. Stealthbury.
BERNARD Quite the labor force, you have there.
MARCUS At least it will get them off the street.
ELIZ And much better than working in the factories.
MARCUS (speaks while keeping BRICE in his sights)
. And if they are willing, I can hold a few
. classes to teach them to read and such.
BERNARD Are you trying to impress Mistress Walters?
MARCUS Huh? Ah, just thinking aloud.
ELIZ I think it’s a marvelous idea... I have also
. noticed your attendance in church lately.
. (BERNARD rolls his eyes.)
MARCUS I – have become a believer.
ELIZ That is the best news!
BERNARD And this said with hopes to win the
. lady’s heart?
MARCUS I understand and appreciate your skepticism,
. sir. If I were not “me”, I would be wary too.
ELIZ But with your newfound business sense,
. you could find yourself obtaining the
. position of a gentry.
MARCUS The quality of a man is not summed up by
. his earthly possessions, or his position.
BERNARD A comforting thought dreamed up by
. the peasants?
. 69
ELIZ Bernard!
MARCUS “Man in his pomp, yet without understanding,
. is like the beast that perishes.”
ELIZ That is from the Psalms?
MARCUS Indeed.
ELIZ You have changed.
(HENRY MADISON enters at the other side to wander about.
BERNARD sees him, and slowly smiles.)
BERNARD Well, time will tell...
(MARCUS wonders what BERNARD has seen. Turning around,
MARCUS sees HENRY and quickly turns forward again.)
MARCUS (angry) Henry Madison!...
. (struggling for composure) A test!
ELIZ Are you all right?
MARCUS I am surprised there is still anger.
. One can forgive, and forgive again.
BERNARD Put it to rest, Marcus, you aren’t
. fooling anyone.
ELIZ What are you encouraging, Bernard?
(MARCUS turns and braces himself before approaching.
OFFICERS 1 and 2 enter in the background.)
BERNARD (commenting aside to ELIZ) As the man said,
. it is a test. How he handles this encounter
. will be telltale.
(Seeing the OFFICERS, BERNARD walks over to them.)
ELIZ (unable to stop BERNARD) Bernard! Really!
BERNARD Officers, I must alert you at once.
. There could be trouble brewing.
(BERNARD points a finger in MARCUS’S direction. 70
OFFICERS brush past BERNARD, hands ready on their
night sticks. They watch as MARCUS steps up to HENRY,
who stops short in his tracks. Eyeing each other,
HENRY fidgets nervously.)
HENRY Marcus. This is most awkward. H- ah – um.
MARCUS How am I? You mean, since you stole my entire
. estate from underneath me?
HENRY I – ah – it was n-
MARCUS You can call it what you want – or have to –
. in order to sleep at night. Ultimately –
. you will have to answer to higher powers.
. But, to go back to your original question,
. (lighter) I have been doing surprisingly well.
. (somber again) I – have forgiven you,
. Henry Madison. ONLY with God’s help, mind you.
HENRY This does not sound like the Marcus Stealthbury
. I knew. No more quips for the moment?
MARCUS Indeed, I have a quip. It took losing
. everything, in order to gain what was
. most important.
(MARCUS nods, then steps away to go back to ELIZABETH and
BERNARD. HENRY collects himself, then exits hurriedly.
The OFFICERS give BERNARD a questioningly look.
BERNARD shrugs, and the OFFICERS exit. ELIZABETH glares
at BERNARD, then smiles at MARCUS as he returns.)
BERNARD (back to MARCUS) That was most impressive.
MARCUS (sighing) I am glad that is done.
. I have been dreading that encounter for months.
. (smiling) Now, I really should return home.
ELIZ Will you perhaps call on me?
MARCUS Perhaps, but certainly I will see you
. in church.
ELIZ What about our pastry deliveries?
MARCUS (eyes BRICE who lingers in background) 71
. Hopefully, I will be hiring someone to handle
. that job. (looks to ELIZABETH, smiling)
. Give my regards to your parents.
(MARCUS nods and walks toward BRICE. ELIZABETH and
BERNARD nod slightly. ELIZABETH steals a peek back
as they exit. MARCUS stops BRICE from running away.)
MARCUS I realize you said you did not want to work,
. but what if - it was work you enjoyed?
BRICE What are you talking about?
MARCUS Driving a horse and wagon.
BRICE That – might be okay.
MARCUS You can help me purchase the horse and wagon,
. which will provide you lessons in negotiating.
. And I trust you will learn to care for the
. horse, as well as maintain the wagon.
BRICE Why are you doing this?
MARCUS Well, for one, we can help each other. And
. for another, someone once did the same for me.
. And - oddly enough – I care – about you.
. (BRICE looks skeptically at MARCUS.)
. I really do. And I see we are a lot alike.
. (escorts BRICE off stage right as they talk)
BRICE So I can live with you?
MARCUS Yes, and you will attend church services
. with us as well.
(BRICE balks at this statement with hands on hips.
MARCUS stops walking briefly to comment.)
MARCUS You will see, it is possible to find joy
. in life – in ALL circumstances.
(Smiling, MARCUS guides BRICE off with a hand on his
shoulder as ALL PEOPLE come out to sing.)
SONG 7: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
. 72
(POOR enter from stage right. RICH enter from
stage left. GENTRY enter from center back [or right].
ALL stand in their status groups.)
ALL (sing vs.4) Mortals, join the happy chorus
. Which the morning stars began
. Father love is reigning o’er us
. Brother love binds man to man
(ALL look at different groups and start to acknowledge
one another with polite, sincere nods and bows.)
ALL (sing vs.4) Ever singing, march we onward,
. Victors in the midst of strife,
. Joyful music leads us sunward
. In the triumph song of life!
(ALL start walking towards people in the different groups
to face each other, making up couples of mixed statuses.)
ALL (sing vs.3) Thou art giving and forgiving,
. ever blessing, ever blest
. well-spring of the joy of living
. ocean depth of happy rest.
(ALL look the person opposite them and nod again,
Look forward, and motion with joy to the “sky”.)
ALL (sing vs.3) Thou our Father Christ, our Brother
. all who live in love are Thine,
. Teach us how to love each other,
. life us to the joy divine.
(RICH men dance a very proper dance with the POOR women.
POOR men dance more of a reel with the RICH women.)
ALL (sing vs.1) Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
. God of glory, Lord of love;
. Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
. Opening to the sun above.
. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
. Drive the dark of doubt away
. Giver of immortal gladness,
. Fill us with the light of day.
(ALL exit.)