|
Players
and narrators walk in to lyre music, like the Oberrufer
plays. But they have texts and read in the form of Reader’s
Theatre, with lyre music interspersed, then walk out as they came
in.
Faithful
John
Written by H
Grimm
Made into Hexameter
by Katherine Rudolph
Once in a
Kingdom of yore – lay an aged King near to his death
hour
Only one
son did he have – a young lad who was lacking in
forethought
Thus sent
the King for his servant – and feebly addressed him as
follows:
“Faithful
John, soon shall my death be – indeed I have no fear of
dying,
But I am
sorely concerned – for my son who will need yet some
guidance.
You who
have always been true – will you help me in this
situation?
Promise
to guide him and teach him – as father, from out of the
wisdom.”
Answered
him John who was faithful, “No matter what this vow may cost
me
Even if
death be my fate – will I honour your please and fulfil
it.”
Spoke the
wise King to his servant, - “My death now shall be deeply
peaceful.
Listen to
one last request: - will you open the doors of my
castle?
For my
own son, so that after – my passing the treasures shall be
his.
But you
must not let him see – in the last room beyond the long
hallway,
For he
would have to behold – there the portrait of that radiant
Princess
Who in
the Dwelling of Golden – resides all known beauty
surpassing.
If he
should catch but a glimpse – he would fall ill and danger would
threaten,
You must
protect him from that.” – “So I shall on my oath I do
promise,”
Pledged
Faithful John to his master – who lay back and died with a calm
face.
After the
time of the mourning – his new treasures did John show the
King
There was
one room he avoided – the one with the dangerous
picture.
Then the
King asked, “Faithful John, - will you please tell me why we can’t
enter.
Surely my
father would want me – to see all the treasures he
offered.”
Then
Faithful John gave his answer – “I promised your father I
wouldn’t.
This very
chamber holds something – that’s certain to cause you
misfortune.
Trying to
break the door open – will not be a likely solution.”
“I shall
not rest” said the King – “until I’ve beheld this new
treasure.
It will
indeed bring destruction – if I do not see what is in
there.”
Then will
a sigh Faithful John – unlocked the great portal and
entered.
Standing
in front of the painting – he tried to protect his new
master.
Headstrong, the King
stood on tiptoe – and looked over Faithful John’s
shoulder.
When the
young monarch beheld – the magnificent beauty before
him,
Shining
with jewels resplendent – he fell over fainting in
wonder.
Carrying
him to his bed – said John, “Now misfortune has fallen,
What will
the end be of this? – May God help me heal this
affliction.”
After the
King had awakened – he asked John, “That portrait, whose is
it?”
“That is
the Princess”, said John – of the Dwelling of Gold o’er the
waters.”
Then the
young King bowed his head – in earnest he spoke with his pulse
beat,
“If all
the leaves on the trees – were tongues e’er they could not
utter
How I
adore that fair maiden – my life and my being I’ll
offer.
Please,
Faithful John, take me to her – Oh, how can I visit the
Princess?”
MUSIC
After a
long pause, discerning – said Faithful John “There is a way
now
All that
the princess has round her – is fashioned of gold, naught of
silver
Give away
all your five tons – to be made into dishes and goblets
Sculptures of creatures
and love birds, - to her we shall bring them without
fail.”
Decked in
the clothing of merchants – and laden with gifts from the
goldsmiths,
John and
his King went a sailing – Long crossed they the sea to the
city.
That of
the Princess whose castle – shone burnished with Gold from the
shore line.
Spoke
Faithful John to the King – “Make your vessel adorned for the
Princess.
Forth to
the castle I’ll go – and return with the love whom you long
for.”
Gathering
some of the treasures – the gold they had hammered and
fashioned,
He soon
arrived at the courtyard – so wondrous and golden to look
at.
Spying a
maid at the well – who was filling two buckets of golden
Claiming
to be just a merchant – he showed the few treasures he
carried
Then saw
the girl all the skill – the refinement that shone in their
shaping.
Quickly
she said, “Now the Princess – will sure be delighted to see
you.
All your
fine objects of gold – she will praise for their beauty and
purchase.
Therewith
she led him inside – and the Princess indeed was
enchanted
“Bring me
the objects of Gold – for such splendour might be in my
palace.”
“I, John,
am only the servant,” – said he “of the merchant who owns
them.
Even your
castle resplendent – would hold not a tenth of his
treasures.
Come with
me now to the ship – and you’ll see for yourself what I’m
meaning.”
When they
arrived at the vessel – the King stood transfixed at her
fairness.
Love for
the Princess possessed him – He led her below to the
goldwork.
Soon as
the two disappeared – Faithful John told the crew to set
sail.
“Sail
that the ship might near fly – as a bird that will traverse the
ocean.”
Meanwhile
the King and the Princess – were raptly absorbed in the art
work.
Finally
climbed they on deck – and they found that the ship was in
mid-sea.
“Treachery,” cried out
the Princess, - “how cruelly you have betrayed me.
Death I
would truly prefer – than to be thus entrapped by a
merchant.”
“I am no
merchant,” said he – “but a King who by love for you
perish!
Yea when
I first saw your portrait – was I utterly taken and
fainted.
Pardon me
for this deceit – for your radiance has overcome me.”
Comfort
and warmth at last won her – to marry she finally
promised.
MUSIC
While
they were courting aboard ship – played John melodies on his
panpipes.
There
near the prow of the ship – flew three ravens at leisure around
him,
These
were the words that they spoke – said the first “there he goes with
the Princess.”
“Yes,”
said his mate, “but she’s not yet – all his as he yearned and
desired her.”
“Why be
she not,” said the first one – “such sweethearts are seldom to be
seen.”
“Nevertheless,” said the
second, - “Right after they land at the seashore,
Doom will
befall their engagement – a horse of the finest a
chestnut,
Leaping
ahead of our young King – will tempt him to mount and if he
does,
Far from
his love will the King be, - away in the air will that horse
fly.
Never
again will he see her.” – “Oh my,” said the first “then there’s no
hope?”
“Well now
if somebody else were – to mount the wild chestnut right
quickly,
Draw from
its holster a pistol, - and shoot the horse dead would the King
stay?”
“Who
would be likely to do that? – If he did it however and told
it.
Crippled
would that dainty chap be – from foot to the knee he’d to stone
turn!
Greater’s
the problem that that – if the wedding despite that should
happen,
For our
young groom unawares – a fine robe would be laid in his
chamber,
Woven of
gold and of silver – but if he should put on the
garment,
Burned
would he be to the bare bone – for inside it’s sulphur and
pitch-tar.”
“What?”
said his mate, “can be done?” – “Well if someone with gloved hands
should toss it,
Into the
fire such a robe, - would burn up, the King would be safe
then,
Whoever
did this and told – from the knee to the heart he’d to stone
turn.”
“Ah,”
said the third to them then – “There is more to the problem than
that.
After the
wedding the dance – will be held and the Queen will be
waltzing.
Suddenly
she will turn pale – and will faint and die there in the
ballroom.
However,
should someone lift her – and draw from her right breast three
blood drops
She would
be saved from her death – but whoever would do this and tell
it
Death
would be his last reward – from the head to the toes he’d to stone
turn.”
DOOM
Then flew
the ravens away – how distressed was he then, John the
servant.
For if he
failed would his King – be without his new bride his life
too.
Yet if
the deeds were fulfilled – he himself would meet death and to stone
turn.
“Save him
I must at all cost, - though myself and my person may
perish.”
MUSIC
So when
the land came in sight, - all things happened the ravens had
foretold,
Came the
fine horse for the King – but his servant leapt on it and shot
it.
Angry
then were the attendants – the King replied “This is my
servant.
Faithful
John knows now the right deed.” – They went to prepare for the
wedding:
Taking
the gown gold and silver, - he eagerly started to don
it,
Then to
the King’s consternation – his John tossed it into the
fireplace.
“What”
said the courtiers, “Look, - he has even destroyed the King’s
raiment!”.
“Leave
him alone,” said the King – “for my own Faithful John stands before
you.”
After the
wedding, the dance – and the bride who had seemed so
resplendent,
Suddenly
pales and fell down – in a faint at the feet of her
husband.
Quickly
appeared Faithful John – and he hastened to lift her and hold
her.
Then from
her right breast he drew – the three drops of red blood which he
spat out.
Healed
was the bride at that instant – the King who had seen what had
happened,
Sent him
then straight to the dungeon – condemned him to death the next
morning.
As he was
led to the gallows – said John, “I’m allowed one last word
here.”
“Yes,
that is just,” spoke the King – “It is the law and I cannot deny
it.”
Whereupon
Faithful John stated, - “To you I have always been
truthful.
Serving
you just as a father.” – He told of the raven’s
prediction.
And of
the deeds he fulfilled – as he told all his body to stone
turned
‘Til with
his last word he perished – The King and the Queen were
remorseful.
“See how
my servant so faithful – was punished and died for my
misdeed.”
Taking
the statue he went – to his bedroom and weeping spoke to
it.
“How can
I bring your life back? – Faithful John for I miss you quite
sorely?”
MUSIC
Twins
bore the Queen as time passed – sons who grew strong, well-mannered
and thoughtful,
They were
a joy to their parents – but once while the Queen was at
Chapel,
They were
at home with their father – He, gazing forlorn at the
statue.
Spoke
once again of his heartache – “Oh, how can I bring you your life
back?”
Faithful
John answered him this time – “By using what to you is
dearest.”
“All
would I give what I’m rich in.” – Then John gave reply to his
master:
“Cut off
the heads of your children, - the twins who are playing beside
you.
Sprinkle
me then with their blood – And I’ll come back to serve you as
ever.”
Shocked
was the King but he thought then – considered then all that had
happened.
John
saved his life and his wife’s too – So swiftly he drew forth the
sword blade.
Cut off
the heads of his two sons – and sprinkled their blood on the white
stone.
Standing
again live and healthy – John came back to life as he
promised.
Said
Faithful John, “Do not fear – for your faith shall not go
unrewarded.”
Taking
the heads of the children – he placed them back on to their
bodies
Rubbing
the wounds with their blood – he called them to life whole and
happy.
Laughing
and playing and jumping – as if they had not ever
perished.
Then the
great King full of joy – saw his Queen coming back from her
prayers.
“Quick,
Faithful John, take the children - into the closet and hide
there!”
When his
wife entered he asked her – “Have you been praying at
chapel?”
“Yes, but
I constantly think – of our own Faithful John and his
passing.”
“Dear, we
can give him his life back – but we’ll need to give up our two
children.”
Pale was
the queen, full of terror, - then trembling, she answered, "All,
John has given!
We will
do likewise. We owe it to him – for he’s always been
faithful.”
Then her
own husband rejoiced – that she’d made the same sacrifice he
had.
When he
had opened the closet – out came Faithful John and his
children.
“Let us
thank God he’s delivered – and we have our own sons now beside
us.”
When the
good King told his Queen – the whole story, their joy was
unbounded.
Long was
their reign and the Kingdom – flourished in peace ever
after. |
