Anathema A Tragedy in Seven Scenes 6

Anathema A Tragedy in Seven Scenes 6

ANATHEMA.

 

_With self-satisfaction._

 

Yes. I have a large practice--I am a lawyer.

 

SARAH.

 

_Quickly._

 

David has no debts.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Oh, I haven't come for that at all, madam Leizer. When you know me

better, you will see that I bring, but do not take, that I make gifts,

but do not take them back.

 

SARAH.

 

_With fear._

 

Do you come from God?

 

ANATHEMA.

 

It would be too much honor for me and for you, madam Leizer, if I came

from God. No, I have come of my own accord.

 

_Naum comes over, looks at the customer with

amazement, and sits down, exhausted, upon a rock.

Naum is a tall, thin young man, with a narrow chest

and a large, pale nose. He looks around on all

sides._

 

NAUM.

 

Where is Rosa?

 

SARAH.

 

_In a whisper._

 

Not so loud,--she is there. (_Aloud._) Well, hew was it, Naum? Did you

get any credit?

 

NAUM.

 

_Slowly._

 

No, mother, I did not get any credit. I am beginning to die,

mother,--everybody feels hot, while I am very cold; and I am

perspiring, but my perspiration is cold. I met Sonka--Ruzya died

already.

 

SARAH.

 

You will live yet, Naum, you will live yet.

 

NAUM.

 

_Slowly._

 

Yes, I will live yet. Why isn't father coming? It is time for him to be

here.

 

SARAH.

 

Clean a herring, Rosa. This gentleman is waiting for David a long time

already, and David isn't here.

 

NAUM.

 

What does he want?

 

SARAH.

 

I don't know, Naum. Since he came, I suppose it was necessary.

 

_Silence._

 

NAUM.

 

Mother, I am not going for credit any more. I will go with father to

the sea. The time has come when I must go and ask God about my fate.

 

SARAH.

 

Do not ask Him, Naum, do not ask.

 

NAUM.

 

I will ask Him.

 

SARAH.

 

_Entreatingly._

 

Don't do it, Naum, don't ask.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

Why not, madam Leizer? Do you fear that God will give him a bad answer?

You should have more faith, madam Leizer. If David heard you, he would

not approve your words.

 

ORGAN-GRINDER.

 

_Raising his head._

 

Is it you, young man, who wants to speak to God?

 

NAUM.

 

Yes, it is I. Every man can speak with God.

 

ORGAN-GRINDER.

 

Do you think so? Then ask for a new organ. Tell Him that this one is

screeching.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Compassionately._

 

He might add that the monkey was eaten up by the fleas--that he needs a

new monkey.

 

_He laughs. All look at him in perplexity; the

organ-grinder rises and takes up his organ

silently._

 

SARAH.

 

What do you want to do, musician?

 

ORGAN-GRINDER.

 

I want to play.

 

SARAH.

 

What for? We don't need any music.

 

ORGAN-GRINDER.

 

I must thank you for your kindness.

 

_He plays something weird: the organ screeches,

breaks off, wheezes. Anathema, with eyes lifted

dreamily to the sky, keeps time with his hand, and

whistles._

 

SARAH.

 

My God, how badly it sounds.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

This, madam Leizer (_whistles_),--this is called the world harmony.

 

_The conversation dies away for some time: only

the screeching of the organ and the whistling

of Anathema are heard. The sun is still shining

mercilessly._

 

ANATHEMA.

 

I have nothing to do, so I wander over the world.

 

_He is carried away by the playing of the organ. Suddenly the organ

breaks off with a screech, which rings in the ears for a long time, and

Anathema remains as petrified with uplifted hand._

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Perplexedly._

 

Does it always end like this?

 

ORGAN-GRINDER.

 

Sometimes even worse. Good-by.

 

ANATHEMA.

 

_Feeling his vest pocket._

 

No, no, you mustn't go away like that.... You have afforded us genuine

pleasure, and I do not want you to hang yourself. Here is some change for you, and live on.