raphael and tobias
DESCRIPTION
rAPHAEL AND TOBIAS is based upon the Biblical tale about a boy and a dog, a magic fish, a girl who's got a demon in love with her, and the Angel who comes to their rescue. Told in richly poetic language,highly dramatic, funny and profound,it's suitable for audiences of all ages.TRANSCRIPT
RAPHAEL AND TOBIAS
GRACE ANDREACCHI
The right of Grace Andreacchi to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
This is a work of fiction. Any similarity of persons, places or events depicted herein to actual persons, places or events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2010 by Grace Andreacchi .
All rights reserved
ISBN 978-1-4461-3340-8
Published by Andromache Books, London
Cover image: Fra Angelico, Angel of the Annunciation, detail from a fresco in the Cloister of San Marco, Firenze
by the same author
For the theatre
TWO BROTHERS
TWO MARTYR PLAYS: AGNES, LAWRENCE
Fiction
SCARABOCCHIO
POETRY AND FEAR
GIVE MY HEART EASE
MUSIC FOR GLASS ORCHESTRA
Poetry
ELYSIAN SONNETS AND OTHER POEMS
RAPHAEL AND TOBIAS
GRACE ANDREACCHI
Andromache Books
RAPHAEL AND TOBIAS
'L'ombre était nuptiale, auguste et solennelle;
Les anges y volaient sans doute obscurément,
Car on voyait passer dans la nuit, par moment,
Quelque chose de bleu qui paraissait une aile.'
- Victor Hugo
2
CAST OF CHARACTERS
RAPHAEL, An Angel
TOBIT, a pious man living in exile at Nineveh, father to Tobias
ANNA, wife to Tobit, mother to Tobias
TOBIAS, their son
ASMOSDEUS, a demon
SARAH, a young girl living at Ecbatana
RAGUEL, Sarah's father
EDNA, Sarah's mother
CHORUS OF HANDMAIDENS
CHORUS OF BIRD-PUPPETS, large, evil-looking, and black
ARI, A DOG, belonging to Tobias
A MAID
TWO MAN SERVANTS
REMARKS:
RAPHAEL at times appears wearing an angel mask, at other times unmasked, when he is passing as the man, 'Azarias'.
ASMODEUS wears a demon mask, at once comical and frightening.
ARI ('LION') is a smallish white dog, hopefully well-behaved. Can also be played by an actor of suitably convincing demeanour.
3
PROLOGUE
[Raphael appears alone, standing centre stage, his arms outstretched. He wears the
Angel mask. Behind him, the starry heavens.]
RAPHAEL: Always alone with Him!
Day and night, throughout all Eternity
We are always alone with Him
We cannot escape His Voice
His hand upon the shoulder
His loving look
No matter where I wander
Across starry skies
Or down into the burning vaults of hell
Or over the dark face of suffering earth
Where those fallen creatures - men
Cry out for mercy and curse his very Name
Still that Voice like water runs on
Whispering forever in my ears.
If I fly on the white wings of morning
Or descend to the depths of the sea
Even there He is still with me.
Always alone with Him!
Though I dream of other voices, other names
Something small and fine to call my own
Someone littler than I to call my name
I wake from my dreams and find myself still
In the palm of his great, starry hand.
That hand that turns the heavens holds me fast.
I cannot escape that Voice
It is everywhere
In water, in wind, in song
In springing grass, in fire
The Voice that whispers forever in my ears...
Always alone with Him.
4
1.
[Tobit's house at Nineveh. Tobit, Anna, and Tobias stand around a table that is
set with the evening meal. It is the hour of sundown, and the feast of Shevuot, the
Pentecost, in late spring.]
TOBIT: A feast in honour of the Lord our God
Who gives us light.
A table laden, heavy with good things to eat.
[prays]
Blessed are you, Lord our God
Ruler of the Universe
Who brings forth bread from the earth
And wine to make glad the hearts of men.
[Anna lights the candles.]
ANNA: Blessed are you, Lord our God
Who shows us the light of his commandments
And bids us light the festival lights.
TOBIT: He gives us light
And eyes to see the wonders of his work
And you, Tobias, light of my eyes.
[Embraces his son.]
An only child, but it is enough.
The man without a child is like a blind man
He has no light for his eyes
Wherever he looks he sees only night
Another man's son, another's child.
5
The man without a child is a tree without branches
A tree that gives no shelter to any bird
A tree that bears no fruit.
Blessed be the Lord who has blessed me with a son.
[Again he embraces Tobias.]
Now let us eat!
[They sit down at table.]
ANNA: Others have not so much!
Think of the poor man
Beside the city wall
Or in some dark, lowly place concealed.
How will he keep the feast?
How will he worship?
What will he eat?
Think of the poor boy
Lost to his father's sight
Alone in the world
Adrift on the town
Hungry, ragged, and cold.
How will he keep the feast?
What will he worship?
What will he love?
TOBIT: The Lord has been good to us.
Let a poor man come in
to share this feast of ours
and make our happiness complete.
Go, Tobias, search the streets
Find out a man who is poor and alone on this day
And bring him here to eat with us.
6
TOBIAS: As you wish, Father.
It shouldn't be hard
to find someone like that!
[Exit Tobias.]
ANNA: Think of the poor man
Who goes to sleep without bread.
Think of the child whose mother cries for bread.
TOBIT: Harder than a stone is the man who will not share.
Some day he may go hungry
Some day he may stand outside the door begging for
bread.
The birds will mock him
The crows will tear his eyes
While he waits in tears outside the door.
ANNA: Think of the poor man
Who has not asked to suffer so.
Think of the woman
Helpless, alone with her child.
TOBIT: Harder than stones are hearts that will not share
They lie down in darkness and think that no one sees
Like a child that hides his face behind his hands.
But some day they will lie under the stars
Some day they will lie under the open sky
The birds will mock them
The crows will tear their eyes
Under the open sky.
[Tobias rushes in.]
7
TOBIAS: Father! Father!
There! Outside! Beside the city wall!
A man! Oh, Father! His face!
I'm sure he's dead!
[He rushes into his father's arms. Tobit comforts him.]
TOBIT: Softly, Tobias -
Tell us what you saw.
TOBIAS: There, beside the wall
A man, his face was purple
His tongue black, way out of his mouth
and a cord tight around his neck!
He's one of our people
I don't know his name
But I've seen him before I'm sure.
TOBIT: One of our people...
Murdered and left by the wall
Food for flies and carrion crows.
No! He must receive a decent burial
According to the laws of God.
[Anna covers the dishes, brings Tobit his cloak and wraps him in it lovingly.]
ANNA: And what of our feast?
TOBIT: Our feast shall be turned into mourning
And all our songs into lamentations.
[Exit Tobit. Anna puts her arms around Tobias, and he hides his head on her
breast.]
8
2.
[By the walls of Nineveh. Twilight. A dead man lies beside the wall, stage left,
upon which several birds are perching. They rustle their large, black wings
ominously. Enter Tobit. He kneels and observes the dead man.]
TOBIT: Poor fellow!
You won't sleep tonight under the open sky.
I shall take your place here
Defiled by the touch of that harmless thing -
A dead man's hand!
Come along, then...
[Tobit hoists the dead man onto his back and carries him offstage to bury him.
Darkness falls, but a bright moon now lights the scene. Interlude during which the
birds' chatter rises to a threatening crescendo. They subside when Tobit re-enters.
He lies down beside the wall, wrapped in his cloak, and goes to sleep. Gradual
dawning of the day with noisy chorus of birds. The birds descend on Tobit and
attack his face.]
TOBIT: Ah! Ah! Help! Help!
The birds! The birds! Someone help me!
[Enter Anna with a basket containing his breakfast. She hears his cries and
comes rushing to his aid. She beats off the birds.]
TOBIT: Anna, is that you?
ANNA: Yes. Are you hurt?
TOBIT: Anna... Is there no moon tonight?
ANNA: There was a moon
But already the day is dawning.
9
TOBIT: Anna, do you see me?
ANNA: Yes, I see you very well, my dear
Are you badly hurt?
Why do you cover your face?
TOBIT: Anna... Oh God!
It is better for me to die than to live
Let now my spirit be taken up
Let me be like the dust of the streets
Let me be like the bending grass
Like the stones under men's feet
Let the sorrow within me die
For I no longer wish to live
A man without light for his eyes
Oh Anna, I am blind!
[Anna kneels upon the ground and takes him in her arms. As the full light of
dawn gradually comes up, we see that Tobit is now blind. Now blackout this part
of the stage. Light comes up stage right, on Raguel's house in Ecbatana.]
3.
[Ecbatana. Raguel's house is on two levels, with a well downstage in the courtyard.
The time is very early that same morning. Sarah lies asleep in her upstairs
chamber, beside the corpse of her new husband. Asmodeus comes stealing
downstairs and out of the house.]
ASMODEUS: [Rubbing his hands with satisfaction]
So! That takes care of another one!
Seven bridegrooms, count them!
10
Line them up in a row if you please -
Seven lusty bridegrooms
For only a single little bride
A pretty little lily-white bride.
Every night I'm there at her side
Her sheets smell of paradise
Her cheeks are ripe as roses
And oh, the curve of her little round white... chin!
I've knocked off seven bridegrooms
And I'd happily take on seventy more!
Her innocence protects her
I know I can't possess her
But if I can't have her then nobody shall!
If I can't have her nobody shall!
Yes, I've killed off seven already -
Would anybody care to make it eight?
[He hears the handmaidens approaching and runs off. They have come to awaken
the bridal couple. Sarah wakes to find them pulling hopelessly at the corpse.]
CHORUS OF HANDMAIDENS:
Murder! Murder!
She's done it again
Murder! Murder!
The bloody-handed witch!
[Sarah tries to embrace the corpse but they push her away.]
Get back! Away!
Murder! Murder!
She's done it again!
SARAH: No! It wasn't me!
11
I never harmed a hair of his head.
1st MAID: Liar! You've killed seven men!
2nd MAID: Liar! You've killed seven men!
3rd MAID: She strangles them in their sleep
The poor young men.
CHORUS: Witch! Witch!
She ought to be burned!
SARAH: No! I never harmed anyone in all my life...
CHORUS: Witch! Witch! She ought to be burned!
[They lay hands on her and she struggles with them.]
SARAH: No! Let me go! Let me go!
1st MAID: Why do you beat us so?
We didn't kill them!
Now they're dead
Why don't you run after them
straight to hell?
May we never see a child of yours!
CHORUS: May we never see a child
Not a son, not a daughter
No! Never a child of yours.
[Exit handmaidens.]
12
4.
[Sarah sits down at the window, looks out meditatively.]
SARAH: My God, have you forgotten me completely?
Will you not now take me utterly out of the earth?
I am the only child of my father
The only light of his eyes
If I die, how shall he live?
His old age in sorrow shall be brought to the grave.
Oh, it is better for me to die than to live!
Let now my spirit be taken up
I turn my eyes to heaven
I turn my face, I turn my eyes...
I am innocent of any sin with man.
Seven husbands of mine are already dead
No kinsman remains to take me for his wife
Why then should I live?
To listen every day to a false reproach.
Let me be like the dust of the earth
Let me be like the waves of grass
Like stones under the sea
Let the sorrow within me die
Let me die! Or help me...
Let me die! Or save me
That I may hear reproach no more.
[Light comes up on Tobit, still in Anna's arms, stage left.]
TOBIT: Let now my spirit be taken up
Let the sorrow within me die
Let me die! Or help me
Let me die! Or save me
13
TOBIT & SARAH:
[Speaking together but unaware of one another]
O Lord, make haste to help me!
That I may hear reproach no more.
[Raphael appears in a softly shimmering azure blue light, standing centre stage
between the two praying figures of Tobit and Sarah. He is invisible to both of
them.]
RAPHAEL: In the beginning was blue
the colour of heaven
of water and wood smoke
of spring mist and the eyes of certain children.
Hovering there I saw below me
the whole of the blue-green planet in its glory.
Blue shadows of leaf and mountain
The wriggling tails of fish under the sea
Blades of grass bent by the wind
And among her millions of men
Two faces, tear-stained
Looking up to heaven
A pious old man, and a gentle girl -
I folded my wings and fell to earth.
Someone littler than I has called my name
Something small and fine has need of me
Your sorrow is the music of my dreams
It plays so sweet and low
It drowns my ears in honey and my heart in woe.
Now I cannot hear His Voice
Calling me among the stars.
I wake from my dreams
14
I spring from my sleep
Someone littler than I has called my name.
Sarah, I promise
Your prayer shall not be in vain
I promise, old man
You will see your son again.
[Tobit and Sarah both look towards Raphael; they seem almost to have heard
him, for they are now comforted. Then Tobit goes out, leaning on Anna; at the
same time Sarah comes down from her room. She opens the door of the house and
gazes down the road, as if expecting someone.]
5.
[Nineveh. Tobit and Tobias outside the house, also Ari, the dog. During Tobit's
speech Tobias' attention appears to wander. He seems more interested in Ari's
antics than in his father's speech.]
TOBIT: My son, there is a man called Gabael
He lives at Rages in Media, a long way off
And he has ten talents of silver belonging to me.
I want you to go there and ask him for the money.
I am blind, I can no longer work
Perhaps soon I shall die
I don't want you and your mother to go hungry.
Therefore go and see whether he be an honest man
Ask him straight out for the money
I think he will keep his word.
Now, before you go, listen carefully to what I say:
When I die, don't forget your mother
But love and honour her.
For your sake she faced many dangers
Before you ever were born.
15
Share what you have with the poor
For charity delivers us from death
It keeps us from the darkness...
Tobias, are you listening?
TOBIAS: Yes, Father.
TOBIT: Keep away from sin, from drunkenness
Bad company, harlots, and fancy clothes.
But most of all - take a wife from among your own
people
No foreign woman, but a daughter of the Prophets.
Then the Lord will bless you with children
And your sons too will inherit his blessing.
My son, remember my words
Don't let them be blotted out right away -
Tobias, are you listening?
TOBIAS: Yes, Father, I'm listening.
TOBIT: Very good
Then you must go to Rages in Media
Find this man Gabael
And ask him for the silver.
TOBIAS: Father, I will gladly do all that you say
But how can I ask for the money
When I don't even know the man?
How can I go to Media
When I don't know the way?
TOBIT: Here's the receipt for the money.
Find a man to go with you
Someone who knows the way.
16
Find a man and I will pay him well
But go and get the money.
[Exit Tobit.]
6.
[Nineveh, as above. Tobias sits down by the wayside, plays with his dog.]
TOBIAS: Find a man?
But where am I to find a man?
A man isn't found by the wayside
Like a beetle or a bird
Nor bought in the market
Like a dish of figs
Nor caught like a fish in the river.
To find a man what should I do?
Just ask the first fellow who comes along?
Hey , Ari, what shall I do?
How on earth am I to find a man?
[Raphael now appears disguised as a man, without his Angel mask, walking
briskly towards the house. Ari rushes up to him and greets him with friendly
enthusiasm. Tobias rises, approaches him shyly.]
TOBIAS: Good morning, Brother
I don't suppose...
You wouldn't happen to know the way
to Rages in Media, by any chance?
RAPHAEL: I know it very well, little Brother.
Do you seek someone there?
TOBIAS: I seek the man Gabael
17
For he owes my father ten talents of silver.
But I need someone to go with me
and point out the way.
RAPHAEL:
[Puts his hand on Tobias' shoulder]
I'm ready to go with you
I know the way, and I know our brother, Gabael
I have even stayed at his house.
TOBIAS: Wait right here while I tell my father!
Father! Father!
[He rushes into the house. Re-emerges with Tobit.]
TOBIT: Peace to you, my Brother.
I'm sure you won't mind telling me -
To what tribe and family do you belong?
RAPHAEL: Is it a tribe you seek?
Is it a family you are looking for?
Or for a man to go with your son?
TOBIT : I should like to know, my Brother,
Your people and your name?
RAPHAEL: Very well - I am Azarias
Son to that Ananias who was your cousin -
Does that satisfy you?
TOBIT: Don't be angry, Brother!
I had to ask, after all
For this boy is the light of my life.
18
And now what wages shall I pay you?
Shall we say a drachma a day
Plus expenses for the journey?
And I'll even add to it
If you both return in safety.
RAPHAEL: Agreed. Let it be so.
[They clasp hands on the bargain.]
TOBIT: And now you must prepare for your journey!
[Enter Anna with two serving maids. They prepare bundles for the journey and
give them to Raphael and Tobias. Ari runs back and forth, getting in everyone's
way.]
TOBIT: Tobias, go with this good man.
God in heaven grant you
a safe and prosperous journey.
May one of his angels go with you
And keep you company along the way.
[He embraces Tobias. Then Anna takes her son in her arms.]
ANNA: A safe journey, my son!
God keep you, and return you to your mother.
Perhaps one of his angels
His pure and holy angels
Perhaps one of his angels
Will keep you company along the way.
[Now they are ready to go. Tobias calls to his dog, who runs up to join them.]
TOBIAS: Here, Ari! Here, boy!
19
Good-bye, Father! Good-bye, Mother!
Farewell! Good-bye!
[All wave good-bye. Anna is weeping and cannot speak, she hides her face on
Tobit's breast. Exit Tobias, Raphael, and the dog.]
7.
[As above.]
ANNA:
[Angry, turning on Tobit.]
Why have you sent away our son?
Is he not the light of our eyes
As he goes in and out of the house?
Is it not greedy to seek to add
money to money?
Is it not worthless dung compared to my child!
Why not be satisfied with what the Lord has given
us?
Is it not sufficient to live?
TOBIT: Don't be afraid, my Sister!
Your eyes will see him again.
I know the boy will return to us
For surely a good angel goes with him.
[Anna has ceased her weeping. Slowly she leads Tobit back into the house.]
20
8.
[By the banks of the Tigris River. Raphael and Tobias have made a camp.]
RAPHAEL:
[Putting the last touches to their arrangements]
That should do for the night.
Go down to the river and wash, Tobias
While I make us something to eat
[He lights a fire and sets a cauldron to boil. Tobias leans over to wash himself in
the river and a huge fish leaps out of the water and attempts to drag him in. Ari
barks ferociously at the fish, then takes fright, runs away and hides.]
TOBIAS: Help! Help! Let me go!
Oh, let me go!
RAPHAEL: [runs to his side]
Catch him, Tobias!
Hold him! Hold him fast!
TOBIAS: Help me, Azarias! Help me!
He's much too strong for me!
RAPHAEL: Catch him! Hold him!
You mustn't let him go!
TOBIAS: But he's much too big!
He'll eat me in a minute!
RAPHAEL: Harder! Pull harder!
Don't be afraid, Tobias!
21
You mustn't let him go.
[Tobias struggles with the fish, showing renewed courage. At the last Raphael leans
over his shoulder and places his hand on the fish. At this the fish glides easily onto
the bank where it thrashes a moment and then is still.]
TOBIAS: Just look at him!
What a monster!
He might have eaten me alive.
What on earth were you waiting for?
RAPHAEL: Cut him open now
Take out the heart, the liver and the gall
Put them away in a safe place
The rest we shall eat.
TOBIAS:
[Cutting open the fish and removing the parts as told.]
What nonsense!
What use can there be for the heart of a fish?
What use for his liver and gall?
Still, I'll do as you say, Brother Azarias,
But my goodness, what nonsense!
[Raphael takes the rest of the fish and puts it into the pot to cook. Tobias packs
away the innards in a sack. They sit down together by the campfire.]
RAPHAEL: What use, you ask me
for the parts of a fish?
Much use, little brother!
Think of a smoke against spirits
of a healing ointment for the eyes.
22
If anyone be troubled by a demon
Be it a man or a woman
Only burn this liver and this heart
And the demon won't trouble him again.
If anyone lose the sight of his eyes
Be it a woman or a man
Only anoint his eyes with this gall
And he will see again.
[They eat the fish. Ari now comes out of hiding and receives his share of the meal.
Raphael only pretends to eat because, being an angel, he cannot. Night is falling
fast.]
TOBIAS: Did you say - a demon?
I'm afraid of demons!
I think my father was blinded by one.
And what about that fish!
Perhaps he was a demon too...
Weren't you afraid of him, Azarias?
RAPHAEL: Afraid? No...
How does it feel, to be afraid?
TOBIAS: Then you really don't know?
You must be the bravest man alive!
RAPHAEL: [laughs]
No, hardly that. But tell me, how does it feel?
TOBIAS: I don't know...
Like water in your belly
Like ice under your tongue
It feels... something like this!
23
[He gets up and walks unsteadily around the campfire, as if on a tightrope, then
drops his arms suddenly, looks at Raphael and smiles.]
It's hard to explain.
RAPHAEL: [Gets ups and imitates Tobias' walk.]
Like this?
TOBIAS: No, more wobbly, and faster.
[Raphael runs swiftly about the fire, inadvertently begins to rise into the air. Ari
barks hysterically and tries to catch him.]
RAPHAEL: Like this?
TOBIAS: [laughing]
Hey, where are going?
Azarias, come back!
[He catches Raphael by the foot as he goes by and brings him back to earth with a
bump. The two of them sit on the ground, laughing as they regard one another.]
No, that wasn't it at all!
Way off.
RAPHAEL: Way off...?
TOBIAS: Now, if I were to strike you...
[Raises his fist.]
RAPHAEL: Such a blow couldn't hurt me, little Brother.
What is it like - to hurt?
24
TOBIAS: Only put your hand in the fire
If you want to find out!
RAPHAEL: Such a little fire...
Would it hurt me very much?
TOBIAS: Don't they teach you anything
Where you come from?
RAPHAEL: And love? How does that feel?
Does it hurt, like that fire?
Does it make you afraid?
TOBIAS: They say it does
I'd like to find out
I'm waiting for the right girl to come along.
If I had someone
A girl of my own
Someone who needed me
Someone to love
I could move mountains
Pull down the moon
Slay a demon and bring her the head!
RAPHAEL: I thought you were afraid of demons?
TOBIAS: I am!
But oh, Azarias!
If I had someone....
A girl of my own
Why - don't you see?
I'd be a man.
25
RAPHAEL: Is that what it takes to make a man?
I've often wondered.
You had better sleep now, Brother Tobias
Tomorrow we've a long journey ahead.
TOBIAS: All right, Brother
I'll do as you say and try to sleep.
[He curls up in his cloak by the fire and looks up at the sky. Ari curls up beside
him. Raphael stows away the pot etc., then stands erect a little to one side, looking
down on the peaceful scene.]
TOBIAS: My, but the stars are bright!
Why are they so bright, Azarias?
RAPHAEL: The stars are the eyes of heaven
They are full of tears
And so they shine just as do yours
When you wish to weep.
TOBIAS: And why are they full of tears, Azarias?
RAPHAEL: Night after night
They look down on the earth
They see the sufferings of men here below
What should they do but weep?
Now go to sleep, little Brother
I tell you, we've a long journey ahead.
TOBIAS: Good night, Brother Azarias!
RAPHAEL: Good night.
26
9.
[Raphael crosses downstage. He stands on a low outcropping of rock, looking down
on the moonlit river and Tobias asleep.]
RAPHAEL: Sweet youth!
Holy innocence of love
How very like he is to her!
Sarah, the daughter of Raguel.
Like flowers that bloom and quickly die
Like ripples in a running stream
Before I can even blink my eyes
They are gone.
Before I can even draw a breath
They are gone.
Children of time, born but to die!
Before she first opened her eyes
I saw the birth of mountains.
Before he spoke his first word
I knew the names of animals and stars.
Before she took her first steps
I'd crossed the heavens
And watched the world grow old before its time
Sickening on lust and sin.
What would it be?
To enter that stream
To be caught in the current
Turning to the music of time.
To taste but once that earthly food
Hunger, pain, desire...
To see my children quicken and grow and die away
Like flowers crushed beneath the wheel of time
Like sweet flowers...
Oh, you men! You fickle creatures!
27
You best-beloved children of the Lord
Your earthly sorrows taste so wondrous sweet
That all the splendours of Jerusalem
Her ivory towers, her streets of gold
Her sea of glass, her crystal walls
Seem to me small beside this human love.
[He stands in silence, silhouetted against the starry sky. Slowly the dawn light
comes up.]
10.
[Morning, by the river. Raphael and Tobias are breaking camp.]
RAPHAEL: Brother, today we shall be at the house of Raguel
Your father's cousin.
He has a daughter named Sarah
She is beautiful and good
And she has a fine inheritance
But she also has a big problem -
She needs a husband.
How would you like to marry her yourself?
TOBIAS: Brother Azarias, what are you saying?
I am the only son of my father
Shall his old age be brought in sorrow to the grave?
I have heard that the girl has had seven husbands
And that each one died in the bridal bed!
A demon is in love with her
He's already killed seven men
He's sure to get me too!
RAPHAEL: Don't be afraid, little Brother!
Remember the words of your father,
28
'Take a wife from among your own people'.
A demon isn't as bad as you think.
But it takes a steadfast heart
As well as a mighty arm
To overcome the power of evil.
We ought to help the girl
And together we can do it.
TOBIAS: Then would she be mine?
RAPHAEL: That's up to her
But I think your chances would be good.
TOBIAS: What about the seven other fellows?
RAPHAEL: They had to fight alone
You'll have me on your side.
Only touch my arm -
[Tobias touches him - there is a flash of bluish light.]
TOBIAS: [Starting back]
How strong you are!
RAPHAEL: Yes, I'm strong
And you, my Brother, have a steadfast heart.
Therefore, don't be afraid
to take her for your wife this very night.
And when you enter the bridal chamber
Lay upon the ashes the heart and liver of the fish
It will make a great smoke
But don't be afraid!
If you once give way to fear
The demon will destroy you.
29
Kneel down with your bride
And call on the merciful God.
The demon will smell the smoke
And rush out of the house -
I'll be waiting there to catch him.
TOBIAS: It's a good plan...
RAPHAEL: Then I can count on you?
TOBIAS: You'll be there to catch him?
RAPHAEL: Right there!
TOBIAS: Let's do it.
[They shake hands solemnly.]
11.
[Ecbatana, the house of Raguel. The time is early evening. Sarah is sitting alone at
her window and is the first to see Raphael and Tobias approaching.]
SARAH: Who can that be on the road?
They seem to be coming this way.
Who is that man?
He seems to shine as brightly as the sun
A boy goes with him, and a little dog.
[She comes downstairs and goes out of the house to welcome them. Arrival of
Raphael and Tobias. Ari rushes up to Sarah, barking joyfully.]
SARAH: Good-day, my Brothers
30
Won't you come into the house and rest?
It's a warm day
Perhaps you'd like a drink of water?
RAPHAEL: Thank you. We will come in.
SARAH: [leads them inside]:
Father! Mother! We have visitors!
[Enter Raguel and Edna. Sarah fetches water from the well and proceeds to serve
the guests.]
RAGUEL: Welcome to my house.
I am Raguel
This is my wife, Edna
And that is my daughter, Sarah.
Where are you from, my Brothers?
[Aside, to Edna]
How much that boy resembles my cousin Tobit!
He's the very image of my cousin Tobit
Isn't he, Edna?
EDNA: I don't remember Tobit all that well.
RAGUEL: But I tell you he is.
RAPHAEL: We come from Nineveh.
RAGUEL: From Nineveh!
And do you know our cousin Tobit?
RAPHAEL: Yes, we do.
31
RAGUEL: And is he well?
RAPHAEL: He is alive and well.
[He gently nudges Tobias.]
TOBIAS: He is my father!
RAGUEL: My eyes have not deceived me -
You must be Tobias!
Son of that good and noble man!
[He embraces Tobias.]
Edna, prepare a feast for the son of my cousin Tobit.
[Exit Edna, Sarah.]
12.
[As above]
TOBIAS: Yes, he is my father
And he has lost the sight of his eyes.
He sent me here to Media to ask for some money
That is owed him by the merchant Gabael.
But first, Azarias,
Speak of that matter
That little thing we talked about on the way...
You know what I mean
[Aside to Raphael]
32
Let's get it over with!
RAPHAEL: Tobias asks for your daughter to be his wife.
RAGUEL: [startled]
What's that you said? My daughter!
RAPHAEL: It is his right as your kinsman.
RAGUEL: [to Tobias]
Yes, it is your right to take my child
But first let me tell you how things stand with us.
I have given my daughter to seven husbands
And when each one came in to her
He died in the night.
So, let us forget what you have said!
Please sit down and have something to eat.
TOBIAS: I will eat nothing here
Until you have promised me your daughter for my
wife.
RAGUEL: Did you not understand my words?
Will you eat, drink and make merry at the wedding
feast
Only to awake in the next world?
TOBIAS: Promise me your daughter.
RAPHAEL: Don't be afraid, old man!
I do not think it will be with him
As with the others.
33
TOBIAS:
[kneels before Raguel]
Please, Brother Raguel,
Promise me your daughter.
RAGUEL: Can I not persuade you to forget my daughter?
[Looks from Tobias to Raphael, and back again. Shakes his head.]
Very well! I see I have no choice.
[Stoops down and raises Tobias to his feet, embraces and kisses him.]
May the merciful God protect you!
[He goes to the door behind that leads to the kitchen and calls.]
Sarah, come here my child!
[Sarah has been listening at the door. She enters shyly, and stands before her
father. Raguel takes her hand and Tobias' hand and joins them.]
RAGUEL: Here she is! Take her then!
She is yours
And may the merciful God
Protect you both in the night.
[Tobias and Sarah stand quietly, hands joined. Raphael comes behind them and
places his hands on them, one hand on each one's shoulder. They look towards
him, smiling.]
RAGUEL: Edna, come here!
34
[Enter Edna from the kitchen.]
Directly we have eaten
Make up the bridal chamber
For Tobias is to marry our daughter.
EDNA: What did I hear you say?
[She looks from one face to another, in astonished silence.]
And your cousin Tobit?
What will you say to him
When the boy lies dead under our roof?
Have you not heard of his sorrow?
He has already lost the sight of his eyes -
Will you rob him of his son as well?
What will you say to him?
What to the boy's mother?
Is he not their only child?
RAGUEL: Don't be afraid, sister!
The merciful God will protect them.
EDNA: The merciful God, the merciful God!
Seven young men have died
Here, in this house -
Where was God's mercy then?
RAPHAEL: Sister, have faith.
[Holds out his hand to Edna. She regards him for a long moment, then places her
hand in his.]
EDNA: That voice -
Have I heard it somewhere before?
35
Were you ever before a visitor here in our house?
Or was it, perhaps, only in a dream?
RAPHAEL: There is wisdom, too, in dreams, my Sister.
RAGUEL: And now, to the table -
Let us be quick, for the night is coming.
[Sarah falls weeping into her mother's arms. Tobias looks around nervously for a
way out, but Raphael takes his arm and steadies him.]
13.
[That same evening. It is now growing dark, and the moon and the stars appear in
the sky. Sarah comes out of the house. She sits down by the well, dips a drink for
herself.]
SARAH: [sighs]
My cousin Tobias...
I suppose he will die
Just like the others.
But who is that man that goes with him?
It's very strange
But I'd swear I'd seen him somewhere before.
I wonder...
Who can he be?
He has a kind face
And a gentle voice
I'd swear I'd heard it somewhere before...
Perhaps it was only in a dream.
[Enter Raphael. He looks at her for a moment, then sits down beside her at the
well.]
36
SARAH: Would you like a drink of water, Brother Azarias?
RAPHAEL: No... Yes.
[She gives it to him and he pretends to drink.]
SARAH: I suppose you've come a long way?
You're not from Nineveh, are you?
RAPHAEL: No.
SARAH: From where then?
RAPHAEL: [He looks up at the night sky.]
Do you see there, where the moon
is just now showing her face?
Do you see how the light of the moon
shines softly on the dying day?
How the sun's last rays
soften the black mantle of the night?
The sun and the moon
The day and the night
They meet only to part
They can never embrace
There, where they meet
I come from that place.
SARAH: Why have you come so far?
Are you looking for something?
Or someone?
RAPHAEL: [looking at her]
I heard a voice in my dreams
Someone littler than I was calling my name
Someone in trouble
37
Perhaps I can help...
SARAH: Only to help?
You left your home for that?
RAPHAEL: Yes... No!
My home...
My home is built of sapphires
of emeralds and precious stones.
The towers are all of ivory
And the walls and the battlements of pure gold
Even the streets are paved with gold.
SARAH: It must be a beautiful place!
RAPHAEL: It is.
SARAH: I'd like to see it.
RAPHAEL: Some day you shall.
SARAH: Why did you ever leave such a place?
Why come here? It's nothing special
No emeralds here
Just bricks and dust -
You say you heard a voice?
RAPHAEL: Yes! Such a little voice, and so sad!
No one heard it but me -
It was lost among all those glittering stars.
[Takes hold of her hand.]
My, but your hand is cold.
38
[He carries her hand to his lips, blows on it; as he does so a soft azure light shines
upon her.]
SARAH: How good that feels! So warm...
[The light fades as he lets go of her hand.]
You say you come from the sun and the moon -
What sort of work do you do?
RAPHAEL: What sort of work?
You might say... I'm a sort of ambassador.
SARAH: Do you work for the government?
RAPHAEL: [laughs]
You might say...
I work for a King
A mighty King, a King of Kings.
SARAH: Who is this King?
Have I heard of him?
RAPHAEL: Are all women so curious?
SARAH: I believe so.
RAPHAEL: He is King over the city that I told you about
But his kingdom is immense...
I travel a lot in my line of work!
SARAH: Then you must have seen
a great many people
a great many things
39
You must have seen the wide world.
RAPHAEL: Yes, I've seen the world.
SARAH: And what is it like?
Is it full of brave men and beautiful ladies?
Of ships and castles, a thousand lovely things?
RAPHAEL: It is full of suffering
It is beautiful as well.
SARAH: More beautiful than the city you told me about?
RAPHAEL: It is... different!
[A pause.]
SARAH: I don't want to marry Tobias.
RAPHAEL: Oh, but you must!
Don't be afraid
I do not think he will die like the others.
SARAH: I'm certain that he will...
RAPHAEL: What's more, it is the will of the great King.
SARAH: I can't believe your King
Concerns himself with my affairs.
RAPHAEL: Oh, but he does!
His eye is also on the sparrow
On everything that moves under the sun
His breath moves the deep waters
40
His word is enough to raise up mountains
And his eye is on the tiny sparrow in the grass.
SARAH: He is a great King!
Still, I don't want to marry Tobias.
[She puts her arms around his neck.]
Please tell me, Brother Azarias
Why have you come?
What is it you are looking for?
RAPHAEL: [Embraces her lightly.]
Someone littler than I to call my name
Someone small and fine who has need of me
Think of me, there!
[He rises and gestures towards the sky. She falls back, looking up at him, half
fearful, half entranced.]
Alone among the stars
Alone with the sun and the moon
No wind ever blows there
No soft breath ever warms my face
No little hand ever touches mine
No heart beats
No tear drops
No heart ever breaks there.
The sun and the moon
They gaze at each other
Across the dark sea of heaven
Never to meet, never to touch...
41
EDNA: [From inside the house.]
Sarah! Come inside, child -
It's time for bed!
SARAH: I still don't want to marry Tobias.
RAPHAEL: He will be a good husband...
SARAH: He'll be a dead husband by morning.
Oh Azarias - help me!
I'm so frightened!
RAPHAEL: Don't be afraid
I'll be watching over you.
SARAH: But why not take me away from here?
Clean away from that demon -
[She begins to weep.]
Oh, Brother Azarias!
I can't bear it any longer -
Not another one!
Please, take me away
to that beautiful city of yours!
RAPHAEL: I can't!
SARAH: Please, oh please -
Take me away from here!
I'm frightened!
EDNA : Sarah! Come inside now!
42
SARAH: [She pulls at his hand.]
Please, Azarias!
RAPHAEL: You don't know what you're asking...
SARAH: I don't care! I want to get away!
RAPHAEL: I want...
EDNA: Sarah!
[Edna appears in the doorway, beckons to Sarah, who runs, sobbing, into the
house.]
RAPHAEL:
[Reaching out towards her.]
Sarah!
14.
[Sarah's upstairs chamber. The room has been specially decorated for the occasion.
Edna has been helping Sarah to undress for bed. Edna sits on the bed, a few items
of the toilette beside her. Sarah is standing, weeping, half undressed.]
SARAH: No, Mother, no!
I don't want to marry!
Another young man lying dead at my side
Another young man stiff and stark in my bed.
Mother, I'm frightened
I don't want to marry
I know he will die
Just like the others -
43
I don't want to marry again!
Stiff and stark
There! Right there, where you're sitting!
His face purple, his tongue all black
and hanging out of his mouth!
Oh! oh! Poor Cousin Tobias!
No, Mother, no!
I don't want to marry again!
EDNA: [Goes to her, takes her in her arms.]
Hush, my child!
Be brave, my gentle daughter.
The Lord of heaven and earth
May grant you joy in place of sorrow
The Lord of heaven and earth
May wish him to live.
Hush, my sweet child!
Be comforted, my little dove!
Surely the Lord has sent
Tobias to be your husband.
Perhaps one of his angels
His pure and mighty angels
Perhaps one of his angels
Will see you safely through the night.
SARAH: One of his angels?
EDNA: His pure and mighty angels.
SARAH: Perhaps one of his angels
Will see us through this awful night.
[Edna prepares Sarah for bed, helps her to lie down.]
44
SARAH: Mother, who is that man?
The one that came here with my Cousin Tobias?
I don't know why
But it seems to me I've seen him
somewhere before.
It seems to me I've heard his voice
somewhere before.
It sounds so familiar...
Who can he be really?
He's very tall, isn't he?
He's beautiful too...
But who is he?
EDNA: Never mind him now.
It's time to lie down quietly.
Close your pretty eyes
[She tucks Sarah up in the bed, then dims the light.]
Good night, my child!
Be brave, my only daughter!
May one of his angels
see you safely through the night.
15.
[As above. Sarah lies alone in the darkened room. Beside the bed a small brazier
burns dimly. Moonlight only illuminates the scene. Raphael, now wearing his
Angel mask, takes up a position beneath Sarah's window. Unnoticed by Raphael,
Asmodeus flies across the stage, coming silently to rest on the window ledge. He
easily forces open the shutters and enters the room by way of the window. Stealthily
he approaches the bed, bends over the sleeping girl, and inhales deeply. Now he
raises his head and shakes it with an excess of delight.]
45
ASMODEUS: Aaaaah! Sarah, my sweet flower!
How I long to pluck you
from your little white bed!
If you could but feel the touch
of these hungry hands
If you could once taste
these burning lips -
What delight, what delight!
But there you lie safe in innocent slumber
The fires that consume me
That roast my heart
And fry my brain
They have no power to hurt you.
Not so much as a hair
Not even a single silky golden hair!
Grrr!
Well, well! - you know how it is by now!
If I can't have you, nobody shall!
Let another boy come creeping
Softly to your bed tonight
Hoping to make you his bride.
I'll be waiting - Yes! I'll be waiting
Right here at your side!
He will never kiss you
Never embrace you
He will embrace the Angel of Death
His kisses will stick forever in his throat
He will choke on black bitter Death!
[He hides himself behind the bed and lies in wait for Tobias. Tobias enters,
observes Sarah at rest. He stirs up the fire in the brazier and places the fish's
46
entrails upon it. There is much smoke. Then he goes to Sarah and takes her
hand.]
TOBIAS: Sister, get up, and let us pray
That the Lord may take pity on us
And bring us safely through the night.
[They kneel down side by side.]
TOBIAS: Lord, you made Adam
And gave him Eve for a wife
You saw that he was alone
And you gave him a helper and a friend.
TOBIAS & SARAH:
Blessed are you, Lord our God
Who made the heavens and the earth
Who made all creatures to his glory.
TOBIAS: And now, Lord
I do not take this sister of mine for lust
But for a helper and a friend.
Show us now your mercy
That we may grow old together in peace.
TOBIAS & SARAH:
Amen.
[Tobias takes Sarah by the hand and leads her to the bed. They lie down in one
another's arms. Now the smoke from the brazier billows and thickens until the
room is filled with it. The demon chokes on it and jumps out the window, straight
into the arms of Raphael.]
47
16.
[Raphael transports Asmodeus to a desert waste; there they must do battle.]
ASMODEUS: Raphael! What do want with me?
Why do you meddle in my affairs?
You had better get out of my way!
RAPHAEL: Asmodeus! You will never set eyes
on that innocent girl again.
ASMODEUS: What business is it of yours?
Get out of my way!
[He grapples with Raphael.]
Out of my way, I say!
RAPHAEL: Never!
ASMODEUS: [letting go, thoughtfully]
Oh, I see how it is -
You're in love with the girl yourself!
[laughs]
Yes, that's how it is
You're certainly in love with her yourself.
Is it not a delicious feeling
This thing called love?
They're on to something, these children of Eve
Is it not a delightful feeling?
RAPHAEL: Silence, you devil!
48
ASMODEUS: Oh dear, how utterly terrifying...
But one little thing still troubles me -
How will you ever possess her?
Will you disobey the orders
of that great King of yours?
He's terribly touchy about things like that!
I suppose you could always come over to our side...
Listen, Raphael - I've lain beside her
Every night for a year.
Her sheets smell of paradise
Or really - to tell the truth - much better!
RAPHAEL: I forbid you to speak of her!
ASMODEUS: Oh dear, oh dear -
Just one word more!
Something very much to your advantage!
I could help you, Raphael
I could make you one of us
I would even get out of your way
Let you have Sarah
All to yourself for a night.
RAPHAEL: Silence!
ASMODEUS: These hands have touched her...
RAPHAEL: Silence, you liar!
You were always a liar
from the very beginning.
ASMODEUS: I've lain beside her...
RAPHAEL: Silence! No more!
49
ASMODEUS: All to yourself for a night!
RAPHAEL: All to myself for a night?
One night...
Dear Sarah! What would it be?
Would you lay your little head
here upon my breast?
Would you lay your little hand
here upon my cheek?
Would you sigh like the wind upon my face?
Would you whisper my name to the stars?
Poor little flower!
Born but to die...
May you bloom without fear of the darkness
and bring forth sweet blossoms like yourself
To live in peace under a cloudless heaven -
This is the Lord God's reward to Raphael.
And now, stand up, devil!
Are you ready to fight?
ASMODEUS: It would give me the greatest pleasure
But I'm afraid I've a previous engagement.
[He tries to run away, Raphael blocks his path.]
RAPHAEL: Stand and fight, I say!
ASMODEUS: Now Raphael, be reasonable...
RAPHAEL: Stand!
50
[They are locked in elaborate and highly stylised combat, more of a dance than an
ordinary struggle. During the fight the Chorus of Bird-Puppets emerges from the
Underworld and surrounds them, looking on at the fight.]
CHORUS OF BIRDS:
Fire freeze and water burn
Every dog shall have his turn
Give way, Raphael, give way!
Earth tremble, heavens sway
Every dog shall have his day
Give way! Give way! Give way!
[At last Raphael overcomes Asmodeus and binds him fast. The Bird-Puppets
sink back into the Underworld.]
17.
[Early morning, outside Raguel's house. Raguel is digging a grave for Tobias.
Gentle birdsong, gradually rising light. Raguel turns aside, sadly.]
RAGUEL: Who knows? Who can tell?
Perhaps he too is dead
And the wedding feast, so hastily prepared
Will serve once more for a young man's funeral.
[Enter Edna]
EDNA: What are you doing up so early?
RAGUEL: A place to lay Tobias if he be dead.
So may we bury him before our daughter wakes
And spare her poor broken spirit.
51
[Edna looks into the grave and shudders.]
RAGUEL: [Touches her to comfort her.]:
Never mind -
Don't look at me like that!
But send one of the maids
to see whether he be still alive.
[Edna returns to the house. Now a maid in seen, carrying a lantern; she enters the
bridal chamber, opens the shutters, the light comes up strongly in the chamber and
we see Sarah and Tobias alive in one another's arms, and Raphael (still in angel
mask) standing guard at the head of the bed with his arms outstretched in a cross.
Together the young couple rise and emerge into the courtyard, holding hands,
walking as if in a dream. Only gradually do they come fully to their senses.
Raphael advances only as far as the doorway, where he remains throughout the
following scene, looking on. Now Edna too comes slowly out of the house, also in a
daze. She exchanges looks with Raguel, who stands transfixed, gazing at the two
young people.]
EDNA: The children...
RAGUEL: The children have been spared.
[Raguel and Edna rush to embrace the young pair, who are at first bewildered,
then glad. Now Raguel stands apart to pray, and the other three bow their heads
as he speaks. Edna stands between Sarah and Tobias, with an arm round each of
them.]
RAGUEL: Blessed be God
With every pure and holy blessing
Let all creatures praise him
Let men and angels praise him.
It has not happened to me as I expected
52
But according to his great mercy.
He has given us joy in place of sadness
And turned all our mourning into dancing.
The Lord had pity on two only children!
I shall not go down in sorrow to the grave
But I shall live to see my children's children
Living in peace in their father's house.
[Looking up]
Men, come quickly -
Fill up the grave!
Now let the wedding feast begin!
[Enter two man servants and begin to fill in the grave. The parents embrace the
two young people, weeping tears of joy.]
18.
[Nineveh, outside Tobit's house. Tobit is sitting patiently in the sun on the
doorstep, while Anna is sweeping the courtyard.]
TOBIT: Seventeen days...
Seventeen days they've been gone.
What could have happened?
Perhaps some small affair...
Perhaps Gabael is dead
And there is no one to give him the money...
ANNA: [Leaves off sweeping and looks mournfully down the road.]
My son is dead.
This long delay is proof.
My son is no more!
Oh, why did I ever let you go?
53
You, who were the light of my eyes.
When you went in and out of the house
The sun went with you.
When you lay down to sleep
The moon came out to watch over you.
When you were small
You lay at my breast and slept
Nothing could harm you
Nothing could touch you
Your legs too little then to wander
far from your mother's side.
Now you are gone
I care for nothing.
I live for nothing.
Oh, Tobias, light of my eyes!
I will never see you again.
TOBIT: Hold your peace, Sister!
And stop your worrying -
I am sure the boy is safe.
ANNA: Hold your peace, old man!
And deceive me not -
for my son is dead.
[Tobit sinks his head into his hands. Anna again gazes down the road, looking
for a sign of Tobias.]
ANNA: My son, my son!
Now I care for nothing.
54
19.
[Two weeks have passed since the marriage. In the courtyard outside Raguel's
house, it is early morning. Raphael, Tobias, and Sarah are preparing to return to
Nineveh. Raguel and Edna have come out to bid them good-bye. Ari, the dog, is
running from one person to another, getting in everyone's way.]
TOBIAS: Now the wedding feast is over
I must return home to my father and mother.
I know they have given up hope
Of ever seeing me again.
RAGUEL: Why not stay a little longer?
I can send word to your father...
TOBIAS: No, I mustn't delay any longer
I know my father is counting the days
And my mother will be thinking
I'm already dead!
I must return home.
Brother Azarias, do you have the money?
RAPHAEL: Right here.
I've been to the house of Gabael
As you told me.
He brought out the money without any trouble
And has even added a wedding gift.
TOBIAS: Then this is farewell -
Father, Mother!
[Embraces Edna and Raguel.]
SARAH: Farewell, my Father and my Mother!
55
[Embraces her parents.]
RAGUEL: [to Tobias]
My son, I have given you
Half of all my possessions
Half of my goods and my servants
Half of the cattle and the money.
I have given you this child of mine
For a wife - Look after her well!
[to Sarah]
My daughter, take care
Do nothing to shame us
Do nothing to grieve us
My daughter, honour your husband
Honour his father and his mother
They will be your parents now.
Let me hear a good report of you!
[He kisses her. Now Edna takes Sarah in her arms and speaks to Tobias.]
EDNA: Brother Tobias
May the Lord of heaven bless you!
Here is my daughter, Sarah
Bring her back to me one day
And let me see your children before I die
That I may rejoice before the Lord.
Look, Brother Tobias!
Here is my daughter, Sarah
I give her into your hands
I give her into your trust
Do nothing to grieve her!
56
[Now Sarah removes herself from her mother's embrace and goes to Tobias. Exit
Raphael, Tobias, and Sarah. As they leave the stage, Tobias turns and calls to
Ari, who runs up to Tobias and goes off with them.]
RAGUEL: [Looking after them as they go.]
Farewell, my children!
The Lord of heaven and earth
Grant you a safe journey.
20.
[On the road to Nineveh. Enter Ari, the dog, followed by Raphael, Tobias, and
Sarah.]
RAPHAEL: We're nearly there now -
Remember, Brother Tobias
How you left your father?
You must run ahead to him
Bring the gall of the fish
Surely your have it still?
TOBIAS: Yes, it's right here in my bag.
RAPHAEL: The moment he hears your voice
Your father will open his eyes.
Anoint his eyes with the gall
Pricking them, so he shall rub.
The blindness shall fall away
And he shall see you.
57
[The light comes up on the house at Nineveh to reveal Anna and Tobit outside, as
before. Anna is still sweeping, looking sometimes disconsolately down the road. The
dog runs up to her and greets her, she recognises him and starts for joy.]
ANNA: Ari! Is that you, Ari!
Wake up, old man -
Behold, your son is coming!
And so is the man who went with him!
[Anna runs to Tobias and falls upon his neck.]
ANNA: Tobias!
TOBIAS: Mother!
ANNA: My child!
I have seen my child again
Now I am content to die!
[Tobit tries to approach them but stumbles. Tobias runs to him, takes him by the
arm to steady him.]
TOBIAS: Here I am, Father
Be of good hope, my dear Father!
[Tobias now anoints his father's eyes with the gall. Tobit rubs his eyes hard, blinks
- then looks clearly at Tobias.]
TOBIT: [Weeping, embraces his son.]
Blessed are you, O God
Blessed is your name forever
And blessed are all your holy angels.
You have scourged me
58
And you have taken pity upon me
For behold, I see my son, Tobias!
TOBIAS: And here is Sarah, my wife.
[Tobit embraces her also.]
TOBIT: Welcome, daughter!
Blessed be God who has brought you to us
And blessed be your father and mother.
And now Tobias -
What of our friend, Brother Azarias?
We mustn't forget that good man
Who has done us so much service.
TOBIAS: Here he is, Father!
He has led me back to you in safety.
It was he who caught the great fish
When it would have swallowed me whole.
It was he who saved Sarah from the demon.
He brought back the money from Gabael
And he even gave you back your sight.
All this he has done for me
Let us give him half of the money.
TOBIT: He deserves it.
Brother Azarias, come here
Please, take half of the silver
You have earned it, and much more.
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[Raphael now appears in his angel mask. The whole scene is bathed in a
shimmering azure blue light They all fall down in fear and amazement.]
RAPHAEL: Bless God and praise his holy name forever
For his wonderful works to the children of men.
It is right to reveal the goodness of God
To speak of his wonderful mercy.
Now will I speak and keep no secrets from you.
I was with you, Tobit, when you rose from your table
to bury the faceless dead.
I was with you, Sarah
When you cried out to God in your distress.
I was sent to heal you both.
I am Raphael
One of the Seven Holy Angels
Who carry the prayers of men to heaven
And go in and out before the Holy One.
Now I must return to Him that sent me
[He turns to Tobias.]
Farewell, little Brother!
I was with you when you caught the terrible fish.
I was with you on that fearful wedding night.
I did not eat, I did not sleep -
You saw but a vision.
Farewell, Tobias!
Watch over our sister Sarah
Keep her always close to your heart
For a loving wife is a gift of the Lord.
[He turns to Sarah. She rises to her feet and faces him.]
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Sarah, farewell!
Your sorrow was the music of my dreams
Sweet and low as the wind in the grass
Sarah, farewell!
When your first child
lies sleeping at your breast
Think of me - Raphael!
Alone among the glittering stars of heaven.
[Raphael disappears in a great aureole of blue light. Slowly all rise, and stand
gazing up into heaven.]
THE END
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Grace Andreacchi was born and raised in New York City but has lived on the far side of the great ocean for many years - sometimes in Paris, sometimes Berlin, and nowadays in London. Works include the novels Scarabocchio and Poetry and Fear (Andromache Books), Give my Heart Ease, which received the New American Writing Award, and Music for Glass Orchestra. Stories and poetry appear in both on-line and print journals. Her work can be viewed at graceandreacchi.com.
MORE FROM ANDROMACHE BOOKS Two Martyr Plays by Grace Andreacchi Agnes and Lawrence The exquisite workmanship and extraordinary imagination of author Grace Andreacchi are resoundingly showcased in these plays. Andreacchi unites the traditions of the Medieval mystery play, the beautiful form and style of classical drama (particularly in her use of the chorus), and the stories of these beloved saints. These two plays can be performed separately as one-act dramas, or together for a longer programme. Both are suitable for all audiences. Agnes A twelve-year-old girl is ordered to marry a young man of her family's choosing. But Agnes has other ideas - she is already secretly betrothed to the lover she prefers, and she's willing to die for him. Lawrence Christians are being hunted down and killed by the Roman authorities. The Bishop of Rome is arrested, but not before he has time to entrust the entire church treasury to a young, untried deacon. When the Emperor orders him to hand it over on pain of death, what will he do?
Available from andromachebooks.co.uk
FROM ANDROOMACHE MUSIC
Shivereens
piano pieces by Julian Grant
A collection of piano miniatures, ranging from 30 seconds to not quite three minutes, written over the past fifteen years or so, comprising musical diary entries, a blog maybe, random impressions, memories and moods.
Julian Grant – Collected Songs 1979 - 2009
A rich and varied collection of songs in the contemporary classical idiom from distinguished opera composer Julian Grant.
Available from andromachebooks.co.uk
