anathema A Tragedy in Seven Scenes 25

anathema A Tragedy in Seven Scenes 25

DAVID.

 

_In despair._

 

What is it, Nullius? What else can there be, there yonder?...

 

ANATHEMA.

 

I do not know, David. But from the upper window, which was wide open,

I heard something like the roaring of the ocean when the rocks tremble

with pain from the beating of the breakers; it was as though the

roaring of brass trumpets that I heard, David,--they are shouting to

the sky and to you, and they are calling you.... Do you hear?

 

_In the muffled noise and chaos of sounds, ring out

the sounds: Da-vid! Da-vid! Da-vid!_

 

DAVID.

 

I hear my name. Who is calling? What do they want?

 

ANATHEMA.

 

I don't know. Perhaps they want to crown you as their king.

 

DAVID.

 

Me?

 

ANATHEMA.

 

You, David Leizer. Perhaps they are bringing you might and power--and

the power of performing miracles--do you not want perhaps to become a

God, David? Look and listen.

 

_He throws the windows wide open. The sounds of

the voices calling "Da-vid, Da-vid, Da-vid!"

grow louder and are mingled with the blowing of

trumpets._

 

_David at first moves to the wall, then he slowly

advances to the window. He straightens himself,

looks out of the window, and pushing Anathema

aside, outstretches his arms to the poor of the

earth._

 

DAVID.

 

_Calling._

 

Come this way! Come here! To me! I am here! I am with you!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Astonished._

 

What? You are calling them? You--are--calling--them? Bethink yourself,

Leizer!

 

DAVID.

 

_Angrily._

 

Be silent! you do not understand me! We are all human beings and we

shall go together.

 

_Enthusiastically._

 

And we shall go together! Come here, brethren, come! Look,

Nullius,--they have lifted their heads, they are looking, they hear me.

This way! this way!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Will you perform miracles?

 

DAVID.

 

_Angrily._

 

Be silent--you are a stranger. You speak as an enemy of God and

mankind. You know neither pity nor compassion. We are tired, we are

exhausted,--even the dead have grown tired of waiting. Come here--and

we shall go together. This way!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Looking at David._

 

Are not the blind showing the way to them?

 

DAVID.

 

Who needs eyesight if not the blind? This way, blind!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Are not the lame making the road and swallowing the dust there?

 

DAVID.

 

Who needs the road if not the lame? This way, maimed!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Are they not carrying the dead on the stretchers, swaying with measured

steps? Look, David, and dare to say: "Come this way, to me. I am he who

resurrects the dead!"

 

DAVID.

 

_Tormented._

 

You know no love, Nullius.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

"I am he who restores sight to the blind"--

 

_Loudly, through the window._

 

This way! Nations of the earth, seeking God,--come together, at the

feet of David--he is here!

 

DAVID.

 

Not so loud.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Eh, this way! Suffering mothers,--fathers who have lost their reason in

grief,--brothers and sisters who devour one another in the convulsions

of hunger--come this way, to David, who has brought joy to mankind!

 

DAVID.

 

_Seizing him by the shoulder._

 

You have lost your mind, Nullius. They may hear you and may break into

the house.... What are you doing, Nullius? Be more cautious.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Shouting._

 

David is calling you!

 

DAVID.

 

_Dragging him away from the window forcibly._

 

Be silent! I'll choke you if you utter another word. You dog!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Releasing himself._

 

You are as foolish as a human being. When I call you to flee from here,

you curse me. When I call you to love--you want to choke me.

 

_With contempt._

 

Man!

 

DAVID.

 

_Enfeebled._

 

Oh, do not ruin me, Nullius. Oh, forgive me if I have angered you,

foolish old man that I am, with a memory that fails me. But I cannot--I

cannot perform any miracles!

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Let us flee from here.

 

DAVID.

 

Yes, yes, let us flee.

 

_Irresolutely._

 

But where? Where do you want to lead me, Nullius? Is there a place on

earth where God is not present?

 

ANATHEMA.

 

I shall lead you to God.

 

DAVID.

 

No, I don't want to go to Him. What will God tell me? And what shall I

answer Him? Be considerate, Nullius. Can I say anything in answer to

God now?

 

ANATHEMA.

 

I shall lead you to the desert. We shall leave here these wicked and

vicious people, who are seized with the itch of suffering and who break

down posts and fences like hogs that scratch themselves.

 

DAVID.

 

_Irresolutely._

 

But they are human beings, Nullius.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Renounce them, and, pure, stand up in the desert before the face

of God. Let the rock be your bed, let the howling jackal become

your friend, let only the sky and the sand hear the penitent moans

of David--not a single stain of another's sin shall come upon the

pure snow of his soul. He who remains with lepers becomes a leper

himself--only in solitude will you see God. To the desert, David, to the desert!