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The Book of Bob by Seven Pillars of Wisdom [1937]

The Book of Bob or a Simple Soul. — Prologue

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The Book of Bob or a Simple Soul.

Prologue.

(Black drapings and a bare stage. At back stage are high steps leading to an elevated place. The curtain rises on Abe and Bob resting in front. Abe, an old man with a flowing beard and crooked staff, Bob in a simple loin cloth. Abe speaks ponderouslu in the tones of an aged and venerable patriarch. Bob has a young and expectant voice).

Abe.

Bob, my son, we have come unto the place of the holy sacrifice. Let us meditate awhile ere we prepare our offerings to the gods of our fathers.

Bob.

(respectfully) But Father - we have carried with us the wood of the fire and thou hast thy knife - but where, my father, is the fatted calf or the milk-white lamb for the offering?

Abe.

Ah, my son, the gods themselves will provide the lamb for the offering..... For our gods are great gods powerful and omnipotent, dreadful in their wrath, but gracious in their favours. For have they now given unto me all the things that I have - did they not lead ma into this smiling land?

Bob.

But Father!......

Abe.

Did they not aid me in wars when I drove out those who unjustly prevented my comings, have they not smiled upon me, fattened my sheep and cattle, ripened my crops.....?

Bob.

But Father!......

Abe.

Have they not given me comforts in my age? Have they not vouchsafed to me many wives? Have they not multiplied a thousandfold the benefits given unto me so that now I need not work, so that now I may rest in ease and deserved repose, while my young men work for me to keep me comforted in the enjoyment of my gods???? Ah, yes, my son the gods are good and discriminating in their favours. It is very meet and right that we should journey to this place to offer sacrifices to our gods.

Bob.

Ah yes, my Father, and so you have oftentimes told me. But what of the gods of the people? Do the gods that feed and clothe thee, my father, also feed thy people. Or have they different gods?

Abe.

(firmly) My gods are the only gods!! They are orthodox gods and will pour down their wrath on the heads of the that follow false prophets and idols. They will vouchsafe to me my lands and cattle and keep me safe from the hands of them that hate me, and covet my goods. And only those that serve them shall receive the [unclear: welbn] and riches that is their blessing. And so I have come to this high [unclear: been to cul] sacrifice. Come, let us ascend unto the [unclear: four.]

Bob.

But Father where is the fatted calf or the milk-white lamb?

Abe.

Have I not sain the Gods will provide?

Bob.

But father?....

page break Abe.

(gathering himself up) Come my son, too long have we tarried. (They are about half way up the steps)

(The Voice from behind the scenes breaks forth, slow and measured, but generous and kindly........not too awe-inspiring).

Voice.

Bob, Bob take thought, Bob--he leads thee to the altar of [unclear: sacrfice] and yet where is the fatted calf, where the milk-white lamb?

Bob.

(Quickly, desperately) Yes!!! Where is the burnt offering, my father?

Abe.

(Sternly) Enough, Bob, the sacrifice is ready.

(The two move forward, Bob, hesititingly)

Voice.

And thou, Bob thou art the sacrifice: Thou art the sacrifice to the fat gods of plenty, the gods of reaction. Is this to be your fate. Consider, Bob!!

Bob.

(Standing Still) No, No, Too long have I accepted blindly the teachings of my father's gods. The time has come when I must find the truth--when I must fight for freedom, justice and equality for all men. I will find the truth, The Truth!!

Abe.

(reprovingly) But surely, son, there is no nobler fate...

Bob.

(crying loudly) Enough.

(He strikes the old man down and strides eagerly to front stage where the voice follows him). He halts and 1 listens, head inclined.)

Voice.

Beware, Bob, thy path shall be difficult; the pitfalls of reaction await thee; but I- I shall be with thee Bob'. I shall be with thee

(Bob takes heart and marches forward.)

Blackout.

"Time Marches On"