Lady of the Dawn

The Lady Of The Dawn1 WORLD THEATRE FAVORITES Copyright © 2003 by Lia Beeson All rights reserved. Obtain permission in writing from the copyright owner for all professional or amateur performance, public reading, lecturing, recitation, radio broadcasting, television, motion picture, video or sound taping or translation into foreign languages, and to reproduce or transmit any part of this play in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system. Lia Beeson [email protected] More information about Alejandro Casona’s plays in English at www.casonatheatre.com and www.intranslation.org.ar THE LADY OF THE DAWN (LA DAMA DEL ALBA) A Fable Play in Four Acts by Alejandro Casona English version by Lia Beeson 2005 World Premiere Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1944. Translated to French, English, German, Portuguese, Swedish, Greek, Flemish, Czech and Yiddish in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. INTRODUCTION The Lady Of The Dawn 2 Alejandro Casona (1903-1965) belongs as much to the World Theatre as to the Spanish Theatre. He won two top literary prizes. He also won the public around the world. His plays, dealing with perennial human concerns, are timeless and have been translated to eleven main languages. Here, his play was translated not only from language to language but from culture to culture and from century to century as well. Personal experience led Casona to believe that theatre could cause people to think of a better world and improve their lives. “I simply don’t see reality as just anguish, despair, negativity and sex,” he said. In his plays he usually contrasts how one half lives and how the other half lives, so that one may understand the other better. Casona has a series of feminist leads, plus varied strongly assertive female characters. Also, he usually specified some background and onstage music. In most of his works at least one of his characters hums, sings or plays some Spanish folkloric or traditional European tunes. To an interviewer asking what was the secret of his success, Casona once replied, “Perhaps, that I address myself to the heart of the audience.” PLAY OVERVIEW A family lost to sorrow is brought back to life after a young woman wishing to die finds acceptance and love among them. Though Death appears to take from the family a second time, she is waylaid from her mission by three playful children and misses the appointment. Death keeps her promise to the grandfather when she returns once more, but gets creative in who and how she takes what’s hers. Casona dedicated this play to his native land of Asturias, “to its countryside, its people, its spirit. The scene is my native village, the characters are the shepherds and peasants I grew up with, the songs are the first ones I ever sang, and the words, half poetic and half ‘as the saying goes’ are from the old Astur Castilian, good-old grandparent echo.” Featured music: From the old Spanish folklore, the medieval romance “Count Olinos” and the songs “The Clover” and “Master Saint John.” CHARACTERS (Anglicized) The Pilgrim Lady Telva, middle aged The Mother, middle aged Adela, twenty Angelica, the daughter, twenties Doreen, a child Fairgoer girl 1 Fairgoer girl 2 Fairgoer girl 3 Fairgoer girl 4 The Grandfather, seventy Martin Narces, thirties The Lady Of The Dawn 3 Kicko, the mill hand Andrew, a child Falin, a child Boy 1 Boy 2 Boy 3 ACT I A place in Asturias, Northern Spain. No specific period. Main floor of a farmhouse, showing a clean and comfortable living. Solid construction—whitewashed stone and hard woods. At the back, a large main door and a window opening to the fields. To the right, stairs leading to the bedrooms, and in the foreground, exit to the stockyard. To the left, exit to the kitchen and in the foreground a large wood-burning fireplace framed with decorative tile and shelves with country crockery and copper pans reflecting the red shimmer. There’s a scythe against the back wall. Rustic walnut furniture, and an old wall clock. Thick rope floor matting. It’s nighttime. Light from a kerosene lamp. The Mother, Grandfather and grandchildren (Andrew, Doreen and Falin) are finishing their supper. Telva, the old maidservant, waits on them at the table. GRANDFATHER (Breaking the bread.) It’s still warm. And smells of blooming broom. TELVA Broom and dry hickory—there’s no better wood for heating the oven. And what about the golden color? Late harvest wheat from the sunny side. GRANDFATHER Our flour is good, but you help it too. When God gave you those hands He was thinking good bread. TELVA And good biscuits? And good egg toasts? You love those dunked in hot wine in winter. (Looks at the mother, absorbed in thought with her elbows on the table.) Aren’t you having some supper, Ma’am? MOTHER No. (Telva sighs resignedly and pours milk into the children’s bowl.) FALIN Can I break up bread in my milk? ANDREW Can I bring the cat to eat with me? The Lady Of The Dawn 4 DOREEN Her place is the kitchen—her paws are always dirty with ash. ANDREW Who asked you? It’s my cat. DOREEN But I wash the tablecloth. GRANDFATHER Mind your sister. ANDREW Why? I’m older. GRANDFATHER But she’s a woman. ANDREW Always the same. My cat likes eating with me and you won’t let her. I like eating on the floor and you won’t let me either. TELVA When you grow up you’ll run your household, young man. ANDREW Sure. You say that every year. FALIN When are we grown up, Grandpa? GRANDFATHER Soon. When you learn to read and write. ANDREW But if we don’t go to school we’ll never learn. GRANDFATHER (To the mother.) The children are right. They are old enough. They should go to school. MOTHER (Obsessively.) They won’t! They’d have to cross the river to go to school. I don’t want my children anywhere near the river. DOREEN Everyone else goes. Girls too. Why can’t we cross the river? Soon you’ll be a young lady—the only one in the house.The Lady Of The Dawn 5 MOTHER If only no one in the family had gone near it. ready for some action. FALIN Me too! DOREEN Can I drizzle it with honey? TELVA And put a fig leaf on the bottom so it doesn’t get scorched.) We’ll make it red-hot again. I don’t want them to forget her. It stifles them. They breathe-in anguish in the air all the time. We don’t talk about those things.) Don’t you want to make corn bread? The oven will be cooling off. TELVA (To the children. while collecting the bowls.) GRANDFATHER You shouldn’t talk like that in front of the little ones. MOTHER At least. GRANDFATHER What’s the use of looking back? What happened is over. lightning never strikes twice. ANDREW (Stands up. GRANDFATHER Don’t worry. (To Doreen. You have to learn these things. I’ll help you. MOTHER She was their sister. You have a family that should be as happy as before. A stiff child is not a child.) Enough of that. by me they are safe. Stop thinking about it. Life goes on. MOTHER Do you do any different? You don’t mention her but I know what you are thinking when you stay quiet for hours with the cigar cold in your mouth. . (Exits with them to the kitchen. GRANDFATHER But they need to have good laughs and run in the sun. MOTHER Does it have to be precisely tonight? Tonight he should stay home.) Great moonlight for riding. MOTHER And who told you? GRANDFATHER Martin wants to go up to the scrub and pick the bullocks for the fair. GRANDFATHER The fair is tomorrow. fine.) Saddled? Who told you to do that? GRANDFATHER I did. MOTHER (Peevishly. ENTER TELVA KICKO You need anything.) ENTER KICKO KICKO (Comes from the stockyard with a rose. Think of them. MOTHER I can think of nothing but Angelica today. GRANDFATHER Four years already! (Sits down by the fire.The Lady Of The Dawn 6 MOTHER It was easy being happy before—Angelica was here. It was on this day at night. Where she set foot there was joy. grinning. Ma’am? MOTHER . MOTHER (Raising her head.) If that’s what he wants to do. GRANDFATHER You still have the other three. four years ago. pensively rolling a cigarette. Her anniversary. The mare is saddled. Open wide Angelica’s room. What good does it do to draw the drapes and keep yelling it’s dark as night? On the other side of the window every day the sun shines. TELVA (Maliciously. Is this. Are you going to the mill this time of night? KICKO There’s always something to do. And he comes back with a jolly exhaustion rolling round his loins. TELVA Do you think I forgot her? But life goes on. TELVA Mind me. Ma’am.) TELVA Sure.) I don’t mean to gossip. Gossip. sure. they say. Remembrance is better in silence. Mistress. whistling gaily. who will? MOTHER This is not a day for talking. MOTHER Not for me. trained to make no noise as if always barefoot. living? The mistress. Ma’am. Exits.The Lady Of The Dawn 7 Nothing. And if there isn’t. each one naughtier than the last. They also say the road to hell is paved with tongues of women. with her eyes pinned to the wall. God bless. always quiet in a corner. If I don’t talk. woman? TELVA (Clearing the table. GRANDFATHER Won’t you stop talking. Ma’am. Damn ole’ gossip. If I talk a bit too much sometimes it’s to loosen up my nerves—like throwing dishes. I wasn’t born yesterday. His eyes are all sparks when he goes to the mill. Air out all the linen growing cold in that dusty chest. You. (On his way out he puts the rose over his ear. MOTHER . And those dear children. They say the girls poisoned their dog because it barked when a man jumped in over the fence at night. KICKO They say.) Not to mention that the mill is by the Mayor’s barn and the Mayor has three girls. it feels great being lulled by the wheel and the water. One by one I washed the seven bodies. tall and handsome like seven men. I lost all my seven the same day. TELVA Not so. TELVA (Stops her work for a moment. Can you kiss the water? Can you hug or cry over her grave? That’s what’s eating me. But every year he gave out blossoms.) When I sit down to sew in the shade. Not talking about something doesn’t mean we don’t care. So? Was I going to cover my head with a shawl and sit at the door mourning just because? I mourned them on my feet. The best swimmers dived down to the deepest part. MOTHER Blessed thorn. Bluntly swipes a tear with the tip of her apron and goes on clearing the table. Seven men. She has a thorn in her side but won’t let anyone take it out. (Her voice falters. When I married I thought my husband didn’t love me because he didn’t talk sweet to me. That dust is the one thing I have left from her last day with us. And in the seven years we were together he gave me seven sons. I don’t feel so lonely. Yours rest in the ground.) Don’t tire yourself out. GRANDFATHER The whole town looked for her. I planted in my yard seven trees. MOTHER A husband comes and goes. Mine is in the water. I rather have it stinging my flesh than forget about it like you all do. TELVA Like an oak. GRANDFATHER (To Telva. and that’s plenty. And it would’ve been as tough to thrust an ax into him. But he always brought me the first bunch of grapes from the vineyard.) As I couldn’t have others. GRANDFATHER Your husband was a fine man of the land. MOTHER It isn’t the same. Ma’am. He’s not flesh of our flesh like one’s child is.) Are you going to tell me what one’s child is? To me! You lost one. With dirt in their eyes and all black with soot they brought them out of the mine.The Lady Of The Dawn 8 Not even the sun has the right to disturb her room. (Lowers her voice. Each one expresses himself in his own way. Ma’am. working. where grass and crops grow. MOTHER . He was upright. with a church and everything. MOTHER Even if there was a palace.) MOTHER Do you have to go to the scrub tonight? MARTIN I want to separate the cattle myself. I fed them salt from my hand as yearlings.) . Onstage he puts on his fleece-lined coat. ENTER MARTIN MARTIN (Young.) Is the mare ready? GRANDFATHER Kicko saddled her before going to the mill." I won’t rest in peace until she’s found. coming downstairs in shirtsleeves and riding boots.The Lady Of The Dawn 9 They didn’t search enough. They’ll be leaving today. the foreman can do it. (Telva puts the tablecloth away and takes dishes to the kitchen.) Didn’t occur to you that I need you here tonight especially? Have you forgotten what day it is today? ENTER TELVA (With a basket of peas. TELVA Some say there’s a whole town down there. Eight bullocks with tender hooves and saffron heads that will be the pride of the fair. MOTHER (Reproachfully. which he takes down from a nail on the wall. GRANDFATHER It happened other times before. "Man is dust and to dust shall return. I want to brand them myself. or they would have found her body. strong mountaineer. I don’t like her in the river where passersby throw stones. The Scriptures say it. MARTIN He doesn’t know them as I do. Sometimes people hear bells underwater on Saint John’s eve. GRANDFATHER If that’s all. The Deep Hole is bottomless. dropping heavily on the seat. But I’m not asking you to say anything. Martin understands and lowers his too. (Exits determinedly to the stockyard.) I see. Angelica was your sweetheart two years. It’s better to start a new crop than cry over a lost one. Too little time for love. Like an open sore in the raw all the time. MOTHER I understand. Ma’am? It’s like saying a green rosary.) That’s enough. when the whole town was searching for her. No one. did you stay home all tensed up behind close doors? (Moves closer. MOTHER I know you don’t like memories.) You too? No one loves her anymore. In thirty years I couldn’t love her any more than I loved her those days. MOTHER (Sorrowfully resigned. It’s impossible to keep a memory like that. MARTIN She was mine and that was enough. MOTHER (Goes toward him looking him in the eye.) And why don’t you look me in the eye when I talk to you about her? MARTIN (Tensely. but your wife only three days.) The foreman is waiting for me.The Lady Of The Dawn 10 MARTIN Today? (Looks at Grandfather and Telva. Sitting quietly by me is all I ask. Telva sits at her side with the basket of peas between them.) TELVA Would you help me shell the peas. (Pause while both shell. the dog barks. (Sits back down. MARTIN (Evasive.) Then. why don’t you ever mention her? And why. Beads slip through your fingers while your thoughts fly.) GRANDFATHER You are going to make Martin hate this house. Offstage. MOTHER Is that so important? MARTIN Even if it wasn’t. Both lower their heads.) . (The heavy doorknocker sounds. Must be a pilgrim. GRANDFATHER He’s nervous. TELVA Amen. Telva. Mother. Always. She must’ve lost her way. Like pilgrims. Are you looking for lodging? The lodge is on the other side of the river. Ma’am? MOTHER Mine are fastened to the water. And yours. LADY But there’s no barge crossing this late.) TELVA The dog’s barking a lot. He knows the town folk at a distance.) MOTHER Open up. TELVA Is she passing by or coming here? FALIN Coming here.) DOREEN There’s a woman. Telva? TELVA To my seven tall trees. (The dog’s barking is heard again. (Telva opens the upper part of the door and the Pilgrim Lady is seen.) ENTER THE PILGRIM LADY LADY God bless this house and deliver all its dwellers from evil. hesitantly. ANDREW She has a hood on and a walking stick. .The Lady Of The Dawn 11 MOTHER Where do yours fly to. ENTER THE CHILDREN (Rush in excitedly and a bit scared. Telva looks at the Mother. We can’t close the door to a walker in the night. TELVA Not hard to guess. Did you see the smoke out the chimney? LADY No. I don’t need anything. (Pulls back her hood. They aren’t used to seeing strangers—especially in such clothes.The Lady Of The Dawn 12 MOTHER Let her in. showing a pale and beautiful face with a serene smile. Ma’am. many roads. LADY Thank you. DOREEN Like a fairy queen. The fire will do.) I knew I’d find a good fire in here. Pilgrims are entitled to a fire. Ma’am.) She’s pretty. holding on to Telva’s skirt. Long roads make a person hungry and thirsty. Ma’am? LADY Rather the strength to keep on going.) Why are you staring at me? Do I remind you of someone? GRANDFATHER I’m not sure. watching her curiously.) GRANDFATHER Did you lose your way. and they bring blessings to the house that welcomes them. I’ve been through many towns. . (The Pilgrim Lady comes in. (Sits down by the fire. GRANDFATHER Sit down by the fire.) ANDREW (Whispering.) And you? Your eyes are going to grow wide if you keep looking at me like that. Telva closes the door. I saw children at the window. If we can help you with something. (To the children. LADY It’s possible. LADY (To Grandfather. Homes with children are always warm. But I could swear this isn’t the first time we’ve met. I’ve come a long way and a cold wind is blowing hard. Too shy to come closer? TELVA Excuse them. Grandpa says all things beautiful come from far away. LADY Do you think I’m beautiful? ANDREW Very. Like saints. and a fire going—a happy home. You can hear her neighing in the fields. with something around their heads. ENTER MARTIN MARTIN The mare’s not in the stable. LADY (Smiles and fondles his hair.) Thank you. In pictures.) Grandchildren. (Scans the house. right? MOTHER He is my son-in-law. The door was left open.) Saints are old and bearded.The Lady Of The Dawn 13 LADY Do I frighten you? ANDREW (Goes toward her. . gallant at fairs and the best rider in the sierras. resolved. rather shyly.) We never saw a pilgrim before. She’s young. Women will love listening to you when you grow up. LADY This is the house of Martin Narces.) Not me. Her hair’s like wheat and her hands aren’t tanned—like a lady’s. grandfather. FALIN (Goes toward her too. Do you know him? LADY I heard of him as a hot-blooded young man. They are younger. ANDREW (With an air of superiority. GRANDFATHER So it was. little one. DOREEN I did. Humbly.) Where is the spur? (Telva and Grandfather keep quiet.The Lady Of The Dawn 14 GRANDFATHER What? Kicko left her here saddled up.) LADY Is this it? MARTIN (Looks at her. (They gaze at each other quietly for a moment.) Excuse me for raising my voice. MARTIN You and your fears. MARTIN . Where is the spur? MOTHER Do not tempt fate. The roads are slippery with frost and the Rabion Pass is always dangerous. I didn’t see you.) MARTIN Thank you. MOTHER The colt? (Stands up determinedly. you are not riding that wild bundle of nerves that bolts at the slightest flash! MARTIN Why not? Some time has to be the first time.) May I? (Fits the spur on him. son.) LADY The Narces were always good riders. LADY They welcomed me to the fire. she still on her knees. and lowers his voice. surprised. MARTIN Is he horse blind? The one saddled up is Whitefours. (Looks at the others questioningly.) Oh. no. (Kneels down. (Strongly. Do you want to keep me in a corner too.) GRANDFATHER She’s a pilgrim on her way. like your children? I’m fed up with women guarding me with warnings and hiding my shotguns from me. I’d like to reciprocate. The Pilgrim Lady simply takes the spur down from the fireplace. (Stands up. LADY I need only some time to rest. (Telva. starts knitting.) TELVA (To Mother. Only a daughter fills the house.) Are you going to bed.) TELVA Damn dog. ANDREW I’ll hold the stirrup for you. Since no one listens to me. DOREEN I’ll hold the reins. If you want to stay here till morning you are welcome to whatever you need. Safe journey.) Praying is like screaming under your breath. I may not see you again.) LADY How do you call the dangerous pass in the sierra? GRANDFATHER The Rabion Pass. (Going up. Don’t you know men yet? To make them come this way you better tell them go that way.The Lady Of The Dawn 15 So they say. I’ll go to my room and pray. Ma’am. I have to keep going. (Pause while she exits. FALIN Me too! (They exit with Martin. I don’t want anyone waiting for me through the night with a light at the window. Ma’am. What’s the matter with him tonight? GRANDFATHER He isn’t used to strangers either.) It was your fault. mother. The dog barks again. through with shelling peas. LADY . Go to bed and don’t worry.) Excuse me. Ma’am? MOTHER At least to be by myself. Ma’am. MOTHER Why do women always want sons? Men are for the outdoors and horses. TELVA (Walks Mother to the stairs. They poured the barrels of hard cider in jets. right? The one struck by lightning a hundred years ago but still there. fine. tambourines. Picnic tablecloths spread out all over the green. When were you in town before? LADY Last time. GRANDFATHER You know the surroundings quite well for a stranger. LADY I saw it from a distance.The Lady Of The Dawn 16 The Rabion Pass is by the large chestnut tree. GRANDFATHER And before that? Much earlier? . Villagers from all over came to Big Meadow to dance Giraldillas. a gnarled burnt trunk fast rooted into the rock. And before that? LADY I remember another time. TELVA Milady’s wedding. Snow was falling so thick there was no trace of the roads. GRANDFATHER That was two years ago. Just passing by. Where did I see you before? When? Don’t you remember me? TELVA Why would she remember you. This looked like a village of dwarfs: White chimneys as hoods. I’ve never traveled. but old men all look the same. what a bash. sir? If you were young and handsome. it was a day of great celebration. From all roads couples on horseback were coming down with green boughs. LADY I’ve been here several times. Never another like it. GRANDFATHER That’s what I’m trying to remember since you entered. Bagpipes. icicles as beards. I was passing through the woods. A winter day. My God. TELVA The Snow Blitz. GRANDFATHER It had to be here. It’s late. Ma’am. In the houses women were wailing. TELVA The sheets story is the best of them all. You grow up faster in bed. all tense. Doors stayed open in the night. terrified. I said! . TELVA Do you hear him? Very devils. deliver me from that one. TELVA (Blesses herself. Grandpa says so.) Before… It was so long ago I hardly remember. The lady has seen so many things! She’ll have stories to tell us. ANDREW So? Better a small man than a big woman. but for the time being. Acrid.) When you grow up we’ll see. ENTER THE CHILDREN DOREEN (Joyfully. ANDREW It’s too early. Screaming. Give them a hand. to bed. ANDREW Are you traveling more tonight? I’ll walk you to the raft if you’re afraid of the dark. To bed. and see how fast they take hand and foot. TELVA (Puts away her knitting and stands up. ANDREW When I grow up I’ll break colts too. it hurt the throat.) Our Lady of Blessed Memories. A thick smoke hung in the air. Children and I are good friends and I’ll be here just a while longer. Men were running. LADY Let them stay. The mine’s siren howled like a dog. as the others. LADY You! You are still small.The Lady Of The Dawn 17 LADY (Remembering with effort. FALIN He’s the best rider in a hundred miles.) Martin’s shooting full gallop to the sierra. GRANDFATHER I’ll split some logs and bring some heather—it makes the fire smell good. LADY That won’t be necessary. I’ll stay with them. (Exits to the stockyard. Telva.The Lady Of The Dawn 18 GRANDFATHER Let them stay.) The fire is getting low. I can point out the way for you. (Seeing her crossing her hands inside the sleeves. undermine my authority and set them a bad example. The way is mapped in the skies with stardust. TELVA Right. (Exits grumbling. Children ask more than a sage can answer. On top of it all. The children rush to surround the pilgrim lady. "What do you think the monks do. if the abbot plays poker?" GRANDFATHER If you are going to Santiago.) He spoke well who said. Are you still cold? LADY My hands are always cold. ANDREW Why do stars map out the way? LADY So that pilgrims going to Santiago won’t get lost. DOREEN Why do pilgrims go to Santiago? LADY Because the tomb of the Apostle is there.) . FALIN Why is the tomb of the Apostle there? ALL THREE Why? GRANDFATHER Don’t mind them. Ma’am. ANDREW The one about Thumbelina. Angelica knew hundreds of stories." DOREEN It was different before. His cigar goes out in his mouth and he loses track and then it’s. "hickory-dickory-dory. The way she told them was like seeing everything. (They surround her excitedly. But one night she went down the river. She was the whole town’s sister. FALIN Do you know any games? LADY I’m afraid I forgot them all. LADY Who was Angelica? DOREEN Our elder sister.The Lady Of The Dawn 19 DOREEN Now that we are alone. And the one about the girl fighting in the war dressed as a man. all the woodies Saint John’s are" . would you tell us a story? LADY Doesn’t Grandfather tell you stories? ANDREW Grandpa knows how stories begin but he doesn’t know how they end. that’s the end of my story. FALIN And the one about the blind vixen going to Saint Lucy to cure her eyes. The whole town loved her. DOREEN And the one about Xana spinning gold by the fountain.) FALIN Let’s play "sawdust saw far. But I can learn if you teach me. ANDREW Since then we can’t talk loud or play games. Even with music. FALIN (Stands up while Andrew sits down. CHORUS This is the cap capping the cork corking the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home. uh? (The Pilgrim Lady covers her eyes with her hands while they whisper. heads touching.) Right. The leader in turn stands up. all right? ALL All right. (To the lady. wait. sitting in a circle. No cheating.) That’s it! First. it’s my turn. (All do.) Turn your head that way. CHORUS This is the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home. The others respond and mimic in unison. stands up mimicking exaggeratedly a drunkard’s gestures. off the donkey. The one that gets it wrong loses. LADY (Gradually carried away by the innocent fun of the game.The Lady Of The Dawn 20 DOREEN No.) This is the cork corking the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home. cutting . we sit on the floor. give and take. mimicking exaggeratedly what the words describe. CHORUS This is the cutter cutting the cap capping the cork corking the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home. let’s play "give and take. CHORUS This is the cork corking the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home.) ANDREW This is the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home. (They start a nursery game alternating solo and chorus.) This is the cap capping the cork corking the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home.) And this is a drunkard nabbing the cutter. DOREEN (Stands up while Falin sits down." ANDREW No. Now each one says it first and everyone repeats it. ANDREW This is the cutter cutting the cap capping the cork corking the bottle of wine the innkeeper is keeping at home. LADY (Almost afraid.) Come. shattering crystal in my mouth so? DOREEN (Still scared. uncorking the bottle.) Funny. (Takes her to the big chair by the fire. What throbs in my wrists? What beats in here? DOREEN Your heart. eventually she controls herself.) How odd.) What am I doing? What’s this. it warmed up my hands. ANDREW Grown ups get tired of it too soon.) Laughter. fatigued.) What a delicious fatigue. I can’t now. (Tests her hands. DOREEN We’ll wake you up. uncapping the cork.) Drunkard! Drunkard! Drunkard! (The Pilgrim Lady laughs harder and harder till she drops. It crackles round the waist. (The children go closer. It’d be wonderful—and terrible. The children do likewise. It weakens the knees. Do you want to sleep? LADY Later.) ANDREW You never laughed before? LADY Never. Taken aback by her own outburst. LADY Laughter? (Stands up with effort.The Lady Of The Dawn 21 the cap.) CHILDREN (Surround her excitedly pushing her around. swelling my throat so.) LADY (Her laughter goes on a disturbing crescendo to a convulsive guffaw scaring stiff the little ones.) It can’t be. who stare at and move away from her. LADY . Someone’s meeting me at the Rabion Pass. again at ease. When the clock chimes nine I have to be awake. and swigging the bottle of wine the innkeeper was keeping at home. I never imagined laughing was so powerful. (Bursts into laughter. (Staggers. Quakes of joy dart inside me like squirrels in a hollow tree. sit down here. I can’t take it. At nine. How heavy my lids are. (Puts her finger on her lips.The Lady Of The Dawn 22 No. DOREEN Must be your heart again. two of gold . each time weaker. ANDREW Close your eyes and repeat without thinking.) FALIN I hear nothing. exhausted.) ANDREW Angelica knew words to put us to sleep. way up high ANDREW There’s a mountain all in white LADY There’s a mountain all in white DOREEN On the mountain there’s a tree LADY On the mountain there’s a tree FALIN On the tree there is a branch LADY On the tree there is a branch ANDREW And on the branch. But don’t forget.) Quiet. way up high LADY (Repeats. Do you want me to say them to you? LADY Say them.) Way up there. Two of silver. four nests.) Way up there. (Recites slowly. Don’t you hear a horse galloping in the distance? (The children pay attention and look at each other. LADY I wish it was. (Sits down. I can’t waste a minute. We have to wake her up at the stroke of nine. A distant lightning flash dazzles. lowers the wick in the lamp so that the scene is now lighted by the fire. as in automatic response to a call. Why don’t you ask her to stay? ANDREW She must not have a place to live. The clock starts chiming nine. trying to remember. Offstage the dog whines. DOREEN (Bidding her silence. TELVA She better go back same way she came. (Exits with the children.The Lady Of The Dawn 23 LADY (Barely audible by now. Her eyes look so sad. The Pilgrim Lady’s hands go limp again.) And on the… branch… four… nests ANDREW She fell asleep. TELVA The problem will be making them sleep now. after all the excitement. makes a weak effort to straighten up. Take them with you. GRANDFATHER I’ll do it. At the last chime of the clock falls the . I don’t like women doing mystery things walking the roads alone at night.) ENTER TELVA TELVA Game over? To bed now.) Where have I seen her before? And when? (Sits down and rolls a cigarette.) GRANDFATHER (Rekindles the fire. and quick. And so nice. Get going (Goes upstairs with them. He stares at the sleeping lady.) We can’t go now.) DOREEN She’s so pretty. After all her walking she must be exhausted. He is carrying the logs and dry branches. ENTER GRANDFATHER (On time to watch the last part of the scene from the threshold. Telva. She remains asleep. DOREEN Poor lady. The Pilgrim Lady. That she wears a gold dress under her wrap. .) I couldn’t stand her the moment she stepped in. The Pilgrim Lady is still asleep. Telva appears at the top of the stairs. sir. struggling to remember. so the scene is lighted up anew. GRANDFATHER When you opened the door for her.) Damn brats. stares at her again. Never got drunk on tales. I also feel something mysterious entered here with her.The Lady Of The Dawn 24 CURTAIN) ACT II Same place. (Looks at him. (Grandfather bids her to silence. She lowers her voice. How quick their heads get full of fancies. later.) It wasn’t easy. (Turns the wick up in the lamp. GRANDFATHER (Pensively. Pause during which the clock’s tick-tock is heard. That she’s Our Lady Of The Roads. GRANDFATHER But her quiet smile. Grandfather steps away and with his lighting steel lights the cigar that has gone out in his mouth. didn’t you feel something in the air? TELVA The bite of the frost. Grandfather goes closer. but they are sleeping at last. I like people with a plucky stride and straight talk. The lady remains still. TELVA (Coming downstairs.) Who knows. sir? You quivered like a baby. I keep my soul in my soul case and my eyes well planted in my face. What next. Sometimes a child sees further than we grown ups do. GRANDFATHER And nothing else? TELVA Count me out for tales. TELVA At your age? In old heads flights of fancy go ahead.) Something wrong. That she’s a queen in disguise. her colorless eyes—like two glass beads—her strange way of talking — TELVA Tricks to cover up what she wants to. The Lady Of The Dawn 25 GRANDFATHER I don’t know. My thoughts frighten me. TELVA Then, stop thinking. Half our troubles come from our head. (Takes her knitting again and sits down.) When a thought bothers me, I pick up my knitting or start singing— miracle cure. GRANDFATHER (Sits down nervously by her.) Help me remember, Telva. When did the woman say she was here before? TELVA The day of The Snow Blitz, when drifts covered the windows all up and all the roads. GRANDFATHER That day the shepherd got lost crossing the ravine, remember? Next morning they found him dead among the sheep. His shirt was frozen hard as an icicle. TELVA (Without interrupting her knitting.) Poor man. He looked like a big Saint Christopher, with his staff and his oakum beard. But when he played his pipes, birds perched on his shoulders. GRANDFATHER And the other time, wasn’t it at milady’s wedding? TELVA That’s what she said. But she wasn’t at the wedding. She just saw it from a distance. GRANDFATHER From the woods. The blacksmith promised to hunt a deer for the newlyweds. When he bent down to drink from the creek his gun went off and he bled to death in the stream. TELVA So it was. And the boys found out when the fountain water began turning red. (Suddenly uneasy, stops her knitting and stares at him.) What are you getting at with all this? GRANDFATHER (Stands up, his voice stifling.) And when the siren sounded the emergency and women were wailing and screaming in their homes? Remember? The day the gas exploded in the mine. Your seven sons, Telva! TELVA (Stands up also, apprehensive.) What are you thinking, for God’s sake? The Lady Of The Dawn 26 GRANDFATHER The truth. Finally! (Worried.) Where are the children? TELVA Sleeping like three angels. GRANDFATHER Go up with them. (Pushes her toward the stairs.) Lock doors and windows. Keep them warm—with your body if you have to. No matter who knocks, let no one in. TELVA Angels of my heart! Oh, Lord, deliver them from evil. (Exits.) GRANDFATHER (Goes decidedly to the lady.) Now I know where I saw you. (Shakes her by the arms forcefully.) Wake up, bad dream. Wake up! LADY (Opening her eyes slowly.) I’m coming. Who is it? GRANDFATHER Look me in the eye and dare say you never saw me before. Remember when the gas exploded in the mine? I was in it too. With fallen rubble on my chest and choking smoke in my throat. You thought my time had come and got too close. When fresh air rushed in at last, I had seen your pale face and felt your icy touch. LADY (Serenely.) I knew this was coming. Those who see me up close once, never forget me. GRANDFATHER What are you waiting for, then? Do you want me to shout your name all over town and have hounds and rocks thrown at you? LADY You wouldn’t do that. It’d be useless. GRANDFATHER You thought you could fool me, uh? I’m too old for that. And I’ve thought a lot about you. LADY Don’t flatter yourself, Grandfather. Your dog doesn’t think and he recognized me before you did. (A single clock chime is heard. The Pilgrim Lady looks at the clock, startled.) What time is it? GRANDFATHER The Lady Of The Dawn 27 Nine thirty. LADY (Desperately.) Why didn’t they wake me up on time? Who enmeshed me in this alluring net I never felt before? (Defeated.) I was dreading this and couldn’t prevent it. It is too late now. GRANDFATHER Blessed be the sleep that blindfolded and cuffed you so. LADY It’s your grandchildren’s fault. I caught their life for a moment. They even made me dream of having a throbbing heart. Only children could have worked the miracle. GRANDFATHER And how badly were you going to repay their hearty welcome. To think they were playing with you. LADY Bah. Children play with Death so many times, unawares. GRANDFATHER Whom did you come for? (Blocks her access to the stairs.) If it is them, it’ll be over my dead body. LADY Who is thinking of your grandchildren, so frail yet? It was a torrent of life that was due me tonight. I saddled his horse and put the spur on him myself. GRANDFATHER Martin? LADY The smartest horseman in the sierra—by the old chestnut tree. GRANDFATHER (Triumphantly.) The old chestnut tree is a mile and a half from here. He’s passed it by now. LADY No one passes me by. You should know that. My dates just get postponed. GRANDFATHER Go away! What are you still here for? LADY The Lady Of The Dawn 28 Nothing, now. I only wish you to bid me goodbye without resentment, with a good word. GRANDFATHER I have nothing to say to you. As hard as life may get, it is still the best thing I know. LADY So you imagine me separate from life? Does one exist without the other? GRANDFATHER Leave my house. I beg you. LADY I’m leaving. But first, listen to me. I am a good friend of the poor and of those with a clear conscience. Why can’t we talk frankly? GRANDFATHER I don’t trust you. If you were so frank you wouldn’t come in disguise to our homes and trespass into rooms of grief at the break of dawn. LADY Who says I have to come in? I’m always in, watching you grow up day by day from behind your mirrors. GRANDFATHER You can’t deny your nature. You are deceitful and cruel. LADY When you people shove me angrily against each other, I am. But when you allow me my own pace, how tenderly I untie the last knot. And how peaceful their smiles are at the break of dawn. GRANDFATHER Stop it. Your voice is sweet. Listening to you is dangerous. LADY I don’t understand you people. All the time I hear you complaining about life. Why are you so afraid to depart from it then? GRANDFATHER It’s not for what we leave behind. We don’t know what is ahead. LADY Same thing happens when you journey the other way. That’s why babies cry at birth. GRANDFATHER (Worried again.) There you go again. You think too much of children. To have womanly feelings. When children play with me I have to look the other way or they’d go cold if we touch. and unable to rest in peace. No matter how good you wish to appear. Your poets extolled me as a bride. LADY (Emotional. I know you are the bad weed in the crop and the parasite in the tree.) . yet unable to indulge them.) Do you know Ole Man Nalon. live among happy children. If I hurt children at times it isn’t because I mean to. would like to adorn myself with roses like your country girls do." GRANDFATHER I didn’t read books. Leave my house. overwhelmed.) Do you understand how bitter my destiny is? To witness all sorrows. Some day I’ll repay him with two stars for the harm my love caused him.The Lady Of The Dawn 29 LADY I was given this feminine figure for something. too. (Lowers her voice to a confidential tone. have a handsome man to love.) If you don’t know me well. Grandfather? GRANDFATHER The blind man singing old ballads at fairs? LADY That’s the one. I heard him tell his disciples so as he bled to death in his bath: "Do you know where your true freedom is? The veins in your body can lead you to it. GRANDFATHER Enough. But when I pick the roses. LADY You disappoint me. Doomed to kill forever and ever. (Drops on a seat. your mystics as redemption. As a child he had the most beautiful eyes on earth—a blue temptation luring me through the distance. One day I couldn’t resist and kissed his eyes. It’s fine for weaklings to see me as hateful. GRANDFATHER Now he plays guitar for alms on holidays. Don’t try to trap me in your words. why do you condemn me then? Why don’t you try to understand me? (Dreamily. But your people learned to look me in the eye. with a tin plate and a seeing guide. Of you I know just what the dog and the horse know too. the garden freezes on me. LADY I still love him as before. It’s rather a love that never learned to express itself—and maybe it never will. The greatest of your sages called me Freedom.) I. holding her forehead. yet unable to weep. I’ll have no peace until I see you gone. And what use is it for the finest men to flirt with me on their horses if at my kiss their wasted limbs slip lifeless down my waist? (Desperately. I don’t want him to find you here. (Goes to the door.) .) Angelica. (Martin’s voice is heard again. daughter! GRANDFATHER (Stopping her. (Grandfather opens.) Telva.The Lady Of The Dawn 30 GRANDFATHER (Looks at her.) MARTIN’S VOICE (Martin also bangs the door with his foot.) Farewell. Stifles a cry and runs to them. Open. Goes to her and puts his hand on her shoulder sympathetically.) MARTIN’S VOICE Telva! Telva! GRANDFATHER Martin! Go out the other door. Martin’s voice is heard offstage. I asked you for some understanding and you called me woman. MOTHER (Coming downstairs. shouting. moved. the most beautiful word when a man says it.) It’s Martin. I have nothing else to do in your house tonight and I am expected elsewhere. LADY (Puts her staff away again.) What are you saying? Are you mad? (Martin places the girl on the seat by the fire. LADY Thanks.) Who’s yelling at the door? GRANDFATHER (Going to open.) Poor woman.) So soon? He hasn’t had time to go there and back. (Takes the staff she left against the fireplace. hurry! ENTER THE MOTHER MOTHER (At the top of the stairs.) ENTER MARTIN CARRYING ADELA MOTHER (Shudders as if witnessing a miracle. Grandfather. with a large candle.) And why not? His hour has passed. Don’t be afraid. Martin carries in his arms a young woman with wet dress and hair. Lord. Oh. MARTIN (Looks at her. (Kneels by Adela and rubs her forehead and wrists. puzzled. MARTIN We have to revive her.) It isn’t her. I wish I could have done it then. She fainted. LADY (Takes a handkerchief out of her bosom and goes to him.) GRANDFATHER (To Martin.) MOTHER Let me. why did you make me expect a miracle? GRANDFATHER She’s breathing normally. mesmerized.) Allow me.) But then. The heat will help her recover. I’ll do it. (She remains immobile in the back. but nothing happened. (The Pilgrim Lady looks at the girl. I saw her fall in the river.The Lady Of The Dawn 31 MOTHER (Looks at the girl up close with disappointment.) Thank you. (Takes a bottle from the mantle. MARTIN What is it? LADY A red spot on your forehead. who is she? MARTIN I don’t know.) What can we do? LADY (With an impassive smile.) I wouldn’t know.) MOTHER (Puts her candle on the table. sobbing softly. that’s all. by the scythe. I got to her just in time. We rolled down the ravine. (Cleans it caringly.) GRANDFATHER Some vinegar rubs will help her. I am not used to this.) What about you? Did anything happen to you? MARTIN Crossing the Rabion Pass a flash startled my horse. .) There. (To the Pilgrim Lady. ADELA (Looks around. GRANDFATHER At your age? You haven’t had time to experience life yet.) Why am I here? MARTIN I was passing by the river and saw you fall in. (All go around Adela. Breathe deep.) Why did you? I didn’t fall in. Tomorrow it will all be over. MARTIN . ADELA But I’ll be going alone again. LADY (Absently. There. As always. I couldn’t recall a thing. ADELA I gathered all my strength to dare. Feel better now? ADELA The air feels heavy as lead in my chest. They say those who drown recall their whole life in a moment. MARTIN Courage. It’s like blindfolding their soul with water. with her perennial smile. GRANDFATHER Don’t you have a family? A home? ADELA I never had anything of my own.) GRANDFATHER Don’t be afraid. But in the river it was smooth and easy. Nothing to expect.) They all say the same.The Lady Of The Dawn 32 MOTHER She’s coming round. ADELA (With sorrowful reproach. And all in vain! MOTHER Don’t talk. No one to love. except the Pilgrim Lady who watches the scene at some distance. It was on purpose. like a bad dream. Slowly Adela opens her eyes. The danger is over. confused. LADY (Calmly. yielding. Grandfather. We have to take her to bed right away. That Sunday was a very short day. carrying Adela in his arms.) .) Her hands are ice cold. She just slumbers. Sunshine and herds up the mountains. You can’t shut that door on her. (Smiles sorrowfully. But not my daughter’s place! GRANDFATHER Think about it.The Lady Of The Dawn 33 Of all your days. open the chest and warm up the linen. (Closes her eyes again. They talked about beautiful things. I can’t feel her pulse.) Now. anything I have. In the night. And Martin carried her in. MOTHER (Rebelling at the idea. lighting the way.) God’s command. Long ago. GRANDFATHER She lost consciousness again. Relaxing things. (Pilgrim Lady and Grandfather watch them till they disappear. (Slowly goes to the table and picks up the candle. you never had a happy day? ADELA Once. with water from the same river on her hair. It’s like God’s command. (Looks anxiously at the Pilgrim Lady. the sheets smelled of apples. without looking. A vacation day at a friend’s house in the country. The window openings filled up with stars. in his arms. start all over again. Of a whole life all that is remembered is one vacation day—with someone else’s family. Martin follows her.) Not in Angelica’s room! GRANDFATHER We have to.) Telva. At sunset we sat around the table. MOTHER Where? MARTIN There’s only one vacant room in the house. MOTHER No! Ask me to give her my bread and my clothes. (She leads.) Bring her up. MARTIN We can’t leave her like this.) Shame.) Relax. She comes from the same banks. MOTHER (Bows her head. since I don’t understand it either. drowned girl. GRANDFATHER What do you mean “so soon”? LADY (Pensively. for once? LADY I can’t. Someone did rush things way ahead of time. huh? You fell asleep on the job. LADY It’d be difficult. Can’t you let off. GRANDFATHER Forget all about her. A man in the ravine and a woman in the river escaped you. this place. . But not tonight. I’m facing a mystery beyond my grasp. What would have happened if Martin hadn’t got there in time? LADY Someone else would have rescued her. LADY A man did. I follow them. This girl isn’t for me—so soon. GRANDFATHER You had her quite close. (Goes for her staff. Or perhaps she herself. What pushed this girl before her time? GRANDFATHER Wasn’t it written so in your book? LADY All is as written.) I don’t get this. Explain what you just said. But what is in my book is inevitable. I don’t make the rules.) I’ll come back on my next date. LADY More so than you think. Deep river. GRANDFATHER Wait.The Lady Of The Dawn 34 GRANDFATHER You are very pensive. Seven moons are yet to come. I wasn’t expecting her. GRANDFATHER Tough night for you. you’d be calling me yourself. It’s perfectly round. If I wouldn’t come then. We’ve known each other long enough to be good mates. filling the emptiness left by the other. you were. watches her go while warming up against his chest the hand she shook.The Lady Of The Dawn 35 GRANDFATHER She is so beautiful. Why does she have to die in the prime of youth? LADY Do you think I know? This happens many a time to Life and to me: We don’t know what way. A young woman crowned with flowers will be my return companion down the river. GRANDFATHER When are you scheduled back? LADY Look at the moon. Grandfather. When it gets as round seven more times. (Starts to leave. She could do so much good in this house. Grandfather. absorbed in thought. GRANDFATHER For her. But don’t resent me.) Those seventy you say you are. And life gave her so little. LADY Ask. GRANDFATHER Farewell… friend. I am seventy. LADY (With gentle irony. I assure you. Grandfather. She is alone in the world. but we always arrive where we are supposed to. friend. Now that you know me better.) Your hands are trembling again. bid me farewell with no hate or dread. That day you’ll bless my name. Now your life is much shorter than that. Trust me. But I’ll receive you in peace. (The Pilgrim Lady walks away.) Farewell. (Opens the door and looks at him. (Offers him her hand. Let me ask you a last question.) GRANDFATHER Wait. LADY Soon you’ll be convinced. Don’t you believe me? GRANDFATHER I don’t know.) . I’ll come back to this house. Get going. What are you waiting for? (Seeing he doesn’t move. When Telva talks to me. The winter background of the previous acts has changed now to full-summer greenery. is onstage like one waiting for orders. Onstage there is a sewing basket and a large embroidery frame with colorful embroidery.) I don’t know what’s the matter with me. The fodder is rotting damp in the shed. Andrew and Doreen prepare a skein. close your eyes and get going. When the mistress talks to me I hear her fine. Kicko. I like listening to you talk. too. ADELA The usual. what are you thinking? KICKO Me? Thinking? ADELA Why don’t you get going then? KICKO I don’t know. Falin messes around to his heart content. ADELA Then. KICKO . KICKO They told me you want to talk to me.The Lady Of The Dawn 36 CURTAIN ACT III Same place. The sun is setting. Late-afternoon light. months later. unfinished. ADELA Do you need background music to work? KICKO When there’s singing in the cart the oxen get less tired. For heaven’s sake. But you have a way of looking that when you talk I don’t hear what you are saying. The stable needs fluffing. Kicko. Enter Adela from the kitchen.) Suddenly you’re deaf? KICKO (Fingering his cap around. ADELA Better than a song is a goad. the mills’ hand. Kicko takes his cap off and looks at her moonstruck. Mice are getting in the rye stock. ) Early did rise Count Olinos On the day of Saint John’s feast To bring his horse to the freshet By the shore of the sea. Pick them all up. Which one do you like? DOREEN There’s one very pretty about the count taking his horse to drink by the seashore. Their flying stop. Their sailing stop. Why? DOREEN Angelica did too.) DOREEN When you embroider. All the walkers who went walking. Ma’am. Their walking stop. can you talk and think of something else? ADELA Sure. Count them all one by one.The Lady Of The Dawn 37 I’m going. ADELA I see. And while you are at it. ADELA (Stops her work. and listen. All the birds through the sky flying. turning back even at the exit to the stockyard. raises her head up and recites with absent eyes. She told us magic stories that always happen on Saint John’s eve. and listen. (Sits at the frame to embroider. Falin makes a din spilling a tin box full of buttons. ANDREW Do you know any? ADELA Many. and listen. Barabbas? FALIN I’m helping.) ADELA What are you doing. All the sailors who went sailing. Old rhymes one learns in childhood and never forgets. I’m going. While his thirsty horse is drinking He sings a most haunting song. (Exits reluctantly. . practice counting. Through the skies they fly together. a white hawthorn. DOREEN Then the queen cut off the branches.The Lady Of The Dawn 38 ANDREW Why did the walkers and the birds stop? ADELA It was a haunting song. As a couple. She had them killed. not even death can overpower it. and from his. ANDREW To whom was he singing it? ADELA To Princess-White. FALIN Did they get married? ADELA No. Because when love is true. And a falcon rose from his. Like the mermaids’ song. (Sings. DOREEN Angelica knew those. This is the one that keeps repeating. From her bush rose up a heron. ADELA But this one. . But from her grave a white rosebush grew. The queen was very jealous. But neither then she could separate them. And their branches grew till they joined.) Early did rise Count Olinos On the day of Saint John’s feast To bring his horse to the freshet By the shore of the sea. the queen’s daughter. Do you know the music? ADELA I do too. right? ADELA She did. but she sang them. There are no miracles now. flying their bliss. ANDREW Those things happened a long time ago. looking more like Angelica.) Do you want something.) By the shore of the sea. I was looking at you with the children.) ADELA (Noticing Grandfather on the stairs. and it seemed like out of a dream. GRANDFATHER I’d prefer you being yourself always rather than trying to look like someone else. as today. GRANDFATHER . Mother likes it this way. (Looks at her work. She wore it for the first time on Saint John’s eve. ENTER GRANDFATHER (Coming downstairs.The Lady Of The Dawn 39 CHILDREN (Joining at the refrain. Grandfather? GRANDFATHER Nothing. Do you like it? The silk faded a bit after four years. (Looks at him.) What are you doing? ADELA I found it in the bottom of the chest. GRANDFATHER Does Mother know you are doing this? ADELA She asked me to finish it. singing those ancient things.) Why are you looking at me like that? GRANDFATHER Every day you are changing more. ADELA I wish I were like the one who started this embroidery. Don’t you remember it? GRANDFATHER Could I forget it? Angelica wove it herself and embroidered the seed pearls on the velvet. (Goes to her. already started. Looks at her. ADELA Must be the way I combed my hair. stops and watches them.) What dress is this? ADELA Mother wants me to wear it tonight at the fair. GRANDFATHER Don’t mind me. If someone takes your treasure and you find another. we couldn’t go.) You first. it’s still early. . it’s scary. (Smacks him loudly and puts him back on the floor. Grandfather. The fair doesn’t start till dark. you wouldn’t put it in the same place again.) ADELA What’s the matter with Grandfather? DOREEN He’s been checking the road all afternoon. FALIN Me too? ADELA (Picks him up in her arms. giving him a pat. and leap over the flames. It burned me up to hear the music from here behind closed windows.) There. ADELA I don’t follow you. like the little man of the house you are. Tonight we are going all together. Wearing her dress and combing your hair like her you look so much like her. ADELA No more of that. ANDREW Really? Before. ANDREW If he’s waiting for the bagpiper. FALIN Are we going to see the bonfire? ADELA And dance. (Exits by the wide open door at the back and checks the road. What are you doing in here? The outdoors is meant for running. ADELA Scary? Why? GRANDFATHER I don’t know.The Lady Of The Dawn 40 You are who you are and that’s best. Go look for wood for the bonfire. TELVA Anyway. Yesterday Andrew had a fight and came home black and blue all over. which is worse. They get strong that way.) Can I throw rocks at the trees? ADELA Why not? FALIN I threw one at the Pastor’s fig tree yesterday and they bawled me out. Honey with lemon tastes sour but it’s good for you. keeping at it till it’s off. They who don’t fight as children fight later as grown ups. The Pastor was under the tree. (Starts putting things in order on the kitchen shelves. but a smack on time is as healthy. since they began going to school and running to their heart’s content. Do you know what I mean? . Adela laughs too.) They are wonderful children. ADELA Maybe the figs weren’t ripe. kisses and games are fine. TELVA Now yes. (They exit laughing. as long as they do it with others their age. It’s like tadpoles shaking the tail off.The Lady Of The Dawn 41 CHILDREN Let’s run. ADELA The sour they get all by themselves. But going too easy on them isn’t good either.) ENTER TELVA TELVA Thank Heavens we hear laughter in the house again. ADELA (Returning to her needlework. FALIN No. TELVA Let them.) ADELA They don’t give cause for harder ways. They are ruddier by day and sleepier at night. Run! FALIN (Stops short at the door. sits by Adela and helps wind a skein.) Why did you get so sad so sudden? ADELA Not sad.) Sometimes I think it’s too good to be true and I’ll wake up back in the river. TELVA Ah. The whole house was like a stopped clock. it won’t be enough to repay all I owe them. .) Stop that. ADELA Everyone else appreciates me. Why is it precisely he. (With darker voice. I just thought something’s always missing to be completely happy. TELVA I knew it. The mistress fingering rosary beads with absent eyes. Now it’s ticking again. ADELA No matter how much I do. sisters and brothers. And when I wanted to die Heavens gave me all at once mother. TELVA Not so much. And with a bird singing the new hours. stopping her work. Not even hope.The Lady Of The Dawn 42 ADELA I have much to learn yet. grandfather. silly girl. The children quiet in a corner. A whole life begun by someone was given me to continue.) Could you do any more? Since we lost Angelica. The spinning wheel all dusty. Confidential tone.) And that something has dark eyes and wears spurs? ADELA Martin. What you did here in months I couldn’t do it in years. TELVA (Finished with the shelves. (Looks at her. grief went through this house like a knife through a bread loaf. What ideas for a holiday. A household living in the dark and a gust of wind suddenly opens the windows. (Gives her the skein. No small feat. who brought me into the house. You were that. the one to see me as an outsider? He never says a good word to me. again with nothing. TELVA (Blesses herself quickly. I had nothing. ADELA They’ve been to me more yet. startled. the softer inside. or to share his quiet time when he is down. if you want us to connect.) How can you think that? TELVA That’s no nonsense. everything may happen. don’t ever come to me beating round the bush. A man’s man is like well-kneaded bread—the crustier the crust. I’ve been filling in for Angelica all her places one by one without hurting her memory. TELVA That too? That’s bad. that remains her own. What’s hard to say must be tackled without fear— like handling hot coals.) . Or says nothing. the most sacred. ADELA If we are left alone he always finds an excuse and leaves. ADELA What do you mean? TELVA What you are so intent on hushing. But when they don’t dare look. But there’s a last place. Look. No one should take it.The Lady Of The Dawn 43 TELVA That’s the way he is. I’d like him to need me sometime to light his fire when he is cold. Adela. What do you feel for Martin? ADELA I feel eager to repay him somehow what he did for me. When men eye us a lot. Doesn’t even look at me. ADELA It’d be something worse—treachery. (Daylight begins to wane. I’d say. TELVA And nothing else? ADELA What else could I expect? TELVA Hasn’t it occurred to you that he is too young to live single? That at his age a sister isn’t needed and a woman wanted? ADELA Telva! (Stands up. maybe nothing will happen. like brother and sister. (Looks at her while she finishes bandaging. It needs to be held in place. Adela. More. Do I have to remember exactly when? TELVA Up to you. (Exits. ADELA (Tears off a strip of material and goes to him. MARTIN (Harshly. Isn’t this your home? (Begins going upstairs. But if you don’t like it— MARTIN You don’t need to wear anyone else’s dress.) Then.) Why are you wearing this dress? ADELA It wasn’t my idea. TELVA That’s for you. hesitates for a moment. Then. when I pruned the nut tree or put the oxen to yoke. It must have been when unloading the carriage. TELVA Yesterday? Funny. goes to Telva. I don’t remember the carriage going out the whole day.) .) Why didn’t you tell us yesterday? MARTIN I didn’t notice. ADELA (Bandaging with care. Stops a moment and mellows his voice.) Thank you.) Do you have some bandage? TELVA What for? MARTIN I sprained my wrist yesterday.The Lady Of The Dawn 44 ENTER MARTIN MARTIN (Comes from outdoors. It’s your wrist. Get as many as you want. Seeing them together. hardly looking at her.) Does it hurt? MARTIN Tighten up. Where’s Kicko? TELVA (Calling out loud. TELVA Did you go to town? MOTHER I did. Are my eyes failing or is it too dark? .) Kicko! KICKO’S VOICE Coming! MOTHER Let me see you up close. he isn’t like that. ENTER THE MOTHER (From outdoors) ADELA I was getting ready to get you. The boys grew up so fast! Some didn’t even know me. uh? MOTHER Up to the vineyards. Quite a long walk. ADELA (Puts away her needlework. How different it is now! The blacksmith’s grapevine covers the whole porch. It’s such a beautiful day. What next. no hazel rod handy. pensively. bite the hand that heals you? Pity. Did you think the town went to sleep all this time? MOTHER The houses look whiter too. girl. When he fondles his horse. TELVA But of course. I thought it was better cared for. By the way. The whole countryside smells of summer. ADELA Did you go to the mill too? MOTHER I did.) When he looks at the wheat fields he isn’t like that.The Lady Of The Dawn 45 TELVA Better than nothing. There are new trees in the churchyard. On the mill road wild roses grow. Just when it’s me. MOTHER The mill’s dam leaks like a basket. And tomorrow better than the day after. MOTHER . Ma’am. my blood’s getting bubbly too. my silver earring and pendant set. The roof and the wheel are caked with mildew. The velvet wrap.) Are you tired? Take my arm. In the quarry by the orchard you’ll find good tiles. (Kisses Adela’s eyes.) Are you listening? KICKO Uh? Yes. those youngsters are going to see how the Perlindango is danced. moonstruck. squinting. She looked like that.) ENTER KICKO KICKO (Carries a festive wreath he is decorating with ribbons. but same look.) Yes. I’ll do as you said. (Does it herself. (The young man looks at Adela. MOTHER Now I’ll get dressed for the fair too. Ma’am. Don’t you approve? TELVA On the contrary. TELVA Are you going down to the dance? MOTHER I haven’t seen the bonfire in four years. Do you hear me or not? KICKO Uh? Yes. fondling Adela’s hair and dress.) Ma’am.) Let’s see now.The Lady Of The Dawn 46 ADELA It’s getting dark. MOTHER For the wheel blades there’s no wood like ashwood. (Looks at Adela. (Telva lights the kerosene lamp. There. as in the good old times. ADELA (Walks Mother upstairs. If my legs don’t quit on me.) MOTHER Let your hair down a bit more. Her eyes a bit lighter. ) Thank you. But there’s always room for a pint if you have some. And this one has two: The night of Saint Peter I placed your wreath. the other two can wait. For I was sick.The Lady Of The Dawn 47 (On the stairs with her. TELVA You are not thinking of hanging it on Adela’s window! KICKO Many would like to do just that. even the night dance at the bonfire. KICKO What’s wrong with looking? TELVA Besides wasting your time. Placing a wreath doesn’t mean courting. lad—or they’ll pop out and roll upstairs. That’s over. but no one dares. KICKO There you go again. nothing. holly and laurel. Every feast has its octave. the mill. Just one? The Mayor’s daughters are three. . He goes on decorating his wreath. (Telva serves him wine. my child. Who saw her then and sees her now! (Changes her tone looking at Kicko. TELVA You have a new girl? KICKO I don’t have to. TELVA Of course. At Saint John’s I couldn’t. Did you have your afternoon meal? KICKO And a hearty one.) Careful with those eyeballs. TELVA The vineyards. who is still gazing after Adela.) Do you like my wreath? Oak. KICKO It’s not for them. TELVA Not bad. who know them and eat his bread. The tavern. a young man and a young woman. huh? In that weak broth there must be some beef. And it’s you. take it easy. not family. Tell me! KICKO .The Lady Of The Dawn 48 TELVA No one dares? Why? KICKO Because of Martin.) Repeat that—if you are man enough. The inn. TELVA That’s all? Simon said. Fine parish for a Mass. I don’t think anything. TELVA For instance? KICKO For instance. But people don’t understand some things. I’m saying what they are saying around. period. living under the same roof. TELVA Where around? KICKO Around. What’s that holy preacher saying from her pulpit? KICKO Things. (Sits by him and serves him another glass. KICKO Hey. Tell me. And fine roof the tavern’s to be throwing rocks at the neighbor’s. TELVA I thought I’d heard it all. You were dragging things out of me. This and that. TELVA The tavern. Everybody knows a woman’s tongue is her switchblade. TELVA What does Martin have to do with it? Is he her husband or sweetheart? KICKO I know he isn’t.) Go on. who dare think so? (Wielding the jug. Went pale as wax. Last night she was laughing at that one with the head shepherd when Martin came in. Get out of here. TELVA (Grabs jug and glass. That if she took Angelica’s place at the table why wouldn’t she take her place in bed too. (Heading upstairs. Where else would the stone be thrown from? The evil eye sees everything bedeviled. lad. That as far as men go. And good night. Each one left as they could. with all that coming and going checking the road? Are you expecting someone? GRANDFATHER No. (Grandfather returns. blackguard! (Shouting from the back door. with half the men in her past many honest women would have a future. That she’s taking up all that was Angelica’s. No one. my God! Martin heard that? KICKO No one could prevent it. How could she stand a happy home without meddling to damn things up. Then. what? KICKO Then nothing. Knocked the shepherd down on the table and was making him say Adela’s name on his knees.) Do you really want to know? And what’s got into you. A fog is clouding her head lately. Martin stayed drinking alone.The Lady Of The Dawn 49 That Adela didn’t have a place to drop dead when she came and now she’s the acting lady of the house. And tell that barmaid for me to leave in peace the good name of others and watch her own—if she can manage. TELVA Mighty strong words had to be.) And good night to you too.) Poison ivy Bloody Mary damn desert lizard. just in case. The others got in it too.) But of course. He came in unexpectedly.) And tell her too to add a little more wine to that colored water she pours— the cheat! (Kicko exits.) ENTER GRANDFATHER GRANDFATHER What are you grumbling about? TELVA (Ill humored. Learn your lesson. because we had to bandage his wrist. She remains grumbling. And they had some strong words over it. TELVA Oh. Where is Adela? TELVA I’ll tell her to come down. (Goes on with her string of names till she disappears.) Old screech-owl hag wicked broomstick . Cheer her up a bit. Silly things. Grandfather. Repeats in low voice. GRANDFATHER You are not holding back anything from me? .) Look. I have more than I could ever dream of. Grandfather? GRANDFATHER I just want to see you. ADELA That many already? How short the days feel here. ADELA Bah. GRANDFATHER Telva was telling me some sad thoughts—I don’t know—were crossing your mind. tell me the truth.) Perfectly round. Grandfather. (Goes by her and checks the sky too. GRANDFATHER (Shudders at her words. Mother is dressing up to take me to the dance. ADELA What could have happened to me? We saw each other a moment ago. The whole sky twinkles with stars. Petty things one makes bigger because sometimes it feels good to have a good cry. goes again to the door and checks the road. obsessively.The Lady Of The Dawn 50 witch drop dead amen! (Pause. And we are having the most beautiful night of the year. GRANDFATHER (Holds her by the arms. And the moon is perfectly round.) For the seventh time since you came.) ENTER ADELA ADELA Did you send for me. Looks up at the sky.) For heaven’s sake. uneasy. looking her in the eye. Are you happy really? ADELA As happy as can be. Be sure you are all right. (From the door in the back. GRANDFATHER Do you have a complaint? ADELA Me? I’d be tempting providence. It was the night you came here seven moons ago. I think I’m not the one holding back something. Calls out loud. . Just babbling. ADELA (Looks at him.) I don’t know what you mean. GRANDFATHER It’s agony at its worst. Stay put. GRANDFATHER Relax. Run away. You know lightning is up above you like a whip about to lash down on you. I feel it.The Lady Of The Dawn 51 ADELA Why would I? GRANDFATHER There must be something. It’ll pounce on us suddenly and catch us unprepared. It’s over. and it gets you. not even knowing where it sprang from. ADELA What dreaming are you talking about? GRANDFATHER Don’t mind me. Fear crawls under your skin.) Mother! GRANDFATHER Be quiet. scared. Why are you calling her? ADELA For your sake. What’s worrying you? GRANDFATHER Maybe I’m imagining things. And you are here in the flesh. Don’t be scared. Perhaps you don’t realize it yet but it’s gathering up inside you—clouds of sorrow that will suddenly burst but would be so easy to break when we have a good friend to confide in on time. You can do nothing but hold your breath waiting for the unseen. Grandfather. Have you ever been alone in the woods when a storm strikes? ADELA Never. Say again you are having no dark thoughts. ADELA (Getting worried. All that you are saying is so strange. child. and you are signaling where to get you. cold and quivery like a horse’s muzzle. If at least I could believe that day I was dreaming. A great danger is lurking around. But no. that you are really happy— so I may relax too. Adela. GRANDFATHER Someone’s coming from the threshing field. GRANDFATHER Thank you. slowly. goes to the door on the back.) ENTER THE PILGRIM LADY LADY (From the entrance door. GRANDFATHER (Grasps her hand. Are you looking for someone in the house? LADY (Stepping in.) Grandfather must be expecting me. Stops short. Listens attentively. Adela watches him go. ADELA God be with you. (Exits to the stockyard. Do me a favor. hold onto my hand tight. ADELA Maybe fairgoers. Then. GRANDFATHER I hope so. Ma’am. Ma’am. Don’t you believe me? I’m so happy I wouldn’t exchange a minute in this house for all the years I lived before. I’m supposed to be here tonight. Don’t move from my side. Don’t you remember me? ADELA Hardly.) Good evening. Promise? ADELA Promise. We are old acquaintances. LADY . worried.The Lady Of The Dawn 52 ADELA I swear. young lady. surprised. Don’t you separate from me tonight at the dance. If you hear an unfamiliar voice calling you.) Did you hear? ADELA Nothing. They are hanging their love wreaths on windows. ADELA I didn’t mean that. Why are you closing your eyes so? ADELA I don’t want to remember that awful moment. I was desperate then. Ma’am? LADY Not at the moment. But be careful. Are you going to the dance later? ADELA When they light the bonfires. It’s only natural that your words be festive too. right? . LADY That night you weren’t talking like that.The Lady Of The Dawn 53 We saw each other just for a moment. LADY They light the bonfires by the river. Are you coming with us? LADY No.) ENTER THE CHILDREN (Rush in and surround the pilgrim lady joyfully. At midnight. Today your eyes are different. When children leap over fire I don’t want to be there. On the contrary. You are wearing a festive dress. You said in the water it was more beautiful and easier. Don’t change your words when you change your dress. (To Adela) They are my best friends. My life began the morning after. (Puts her staff aside. They’ll be my company. LADY I understand. By the fire. ADELA Anything I can do for you. When Martin brought you in from the river. Each moment has its truth.) DOREEN It’s the walker with the white hands! FALIN We thought of you so much! Are you coming to the fair? ANDREW I’m going to leap over the bonfire like the grownups. On thousands of roads—all to the same end.) FALIN What took you so long? ANDREW We thought you’d never come back. ANDREW But you can’t sleep tonight. In hundreds of countries. On snowy mountains. DOREEN How nice. DOREEN Do they light bonfires in other towns too? LADY In all of them. Only once I fell asleep. FALIN Why? LADY To honor the sun on the longest day and shortest night of the year. On sandy deserts. Here.) Then I’ll see you—by The Deep Hole. (Adela lowers her eyes intimidated. By The Deep Hole. It’s Saint John’s eve. FALIN But the water isn’t like every day? .The Lady Of The Dawn 54 ADELA Right. FALIN Do you ever take a break? LADY Never. DOREEN Did you walk a lot? LADY A lot. and exits to the back. In stormy seas. LADY (Stares at her. traveling so much. Grandpa! . (Distant bagpipe and tambourine music is heard. It wasn’t in this river here. DOREEN The girl picking the water flower at daybreak gets married within the year. (The children look at her fascinated. ANDREW In the river. FALIN But that was long ago and faraway.) ENTER GRANDFATHER GRANDFATHER (Stifles a cry at seeing her with the children. That’s what makes the water such a miracle. DOREEN Same difference. ANDREW They say that bathing sheep at midnight saves them from wolves. excited. The river has two. but it isn’t the same. ANDREW It is not. Tonight all the rivers of the world carry a drop of the Jordan River. The sea has one shore.The Lady Of The Dawn 55 LADY It seems it is. She caresses their hair.) Leave them alone. FALIN Why is the water such a miracle tonight? LADY Because it’s the feast of The Baptist. Saint John had a deerskin round his waist and The Lord was up to his knees in the sea. The children get up. Don’t let me see your hands on their heads again. DOREEN I saw it in a book.) ANDREW Listen! The bagpipes. On a day like today Christ was baptized. LADY It doesn’t matter. LADY I can’t go back empty-handed. LADY I never break a promise. Whatever I have. Who is this Angelica you all talk about? GRANDFATHER You are asking me that? You. You harmed this home enough already. If you felt it you wouldn’t have chosen the most beautiful night of the year to come.The Lady Of The Dawn 56 DOREEN AND FALIN The music! The music’s coming! (They exit running to the back. GRANDFATHER Go. GRANDFATHER I don’t believe your pain. There’s still time. My crops. Take my cattle.) Angelica. who took her from us? . you came back. I follow orders. GRANDFATHER Liar. LADY I never choose. Many things can happen yet.) GRANDFATHER So. Did I call you? Did she call you? LADY The night has just begun. no matter how painful it may be for me. But don’t empty my home again like when you took Angelica. LADY Weren’t you expecting me? GRANDFATHER I was hoping you’d forget about us. GRANDFATHER Then take me. Why did you lie to me that day? You told me if you were not coming I’d be calling you myself. I beg you. LADY (Trying to remember. I never saw her before.) Why do you ask? LADY I don’t know.) Tell me! LADY Did you look for her in the river? GRANDFATHER And the whole town with us. (Takes a locket out of his chest and shows it to her. (Looks at her with a sudden worry. GRANDFATHER Then.) GRANDFATHER (Looks at her puzzled.) Look at her. (Returns the locket to him. Why pretend now you don’t remember? Don’t you know? LADY I’m telling you I don’t know her.) Beautiful girl. who knows? . Grandfather. He locked himself up in his room. We found only the scarf she was wearing. There’s something in the dark here we both would like to find out. Was she Martin’s wife? GRANDFATHER For three days she was. where is she? (Grabs her arms.The Lady Of The Dawn 57 LADY Me? GRANDFATHER Don’t you remember? Four years ago. all tensed up. GRANDFATHER If you don’t know. A December night. What did you do with her? LADY (Looks at the picture.) You never saw her? LADY Never. LADY Did Martin look for her too? GRANDFATHER He didn’t. She still had the wedding march in her ears and the taste of first love in her lips. I’m not pretending. deeply emotional. In The Deep Hole. MARTIN I am a man of few words.The Lady Of The Dawn 58 LADY Whoever was closest to her. she slips furtively to the foreground right exit. Why would he lie to us? LADY That’s the secret.) Quiet. (Grandfather exits to the left. You always avoid me. (Whispers. . Leave me now. What I have to say tonight needs only one. GRANDFATHER Impossible. Goodbye. MARTIN I was looking for you. though. ADELA It must be very important to make you look for me. He’s coming down. GRANDFATHER What are you going to do? LADY (Commandingly.) ENTER MARTIN (From upstairs) ENTER ADELA ADELA Did you call me? MARTIN I didn’t. quick. The Pilgrim Lady goes to the back door and calls aloud. I thought I heard a call.) Find out! Leave me. GRANDFATHER Who? LADY Perhaps Martin. ADELA Strange. I have something to say to you. Grandfather.) Adela! (Before Martin enters. Is there more? MARTIN (Evasive. I just need to go away. It doesn’t depend on me. Look me in the eye. We are living under the same roof. I had to tell you first.The Lady Of The Dawn 59 ADELA Goodbye? Are you going on a trip? MARTIN Tomorrow. I don’t want your name going from mouth to mouth. Will you be gone for long? MARTIN As long as it takes. Such a trip is not taken up like this. (Gets closer to him.) No. The whole town is. ADELA That far! Do the others know? MARTIN Not yet. If there’s something sacred to me. Suddenly. ADELA I don’t understand. What do you have to do in Castile? MARTIN What does it matter. Like an escape. ADELA Both of us? Am I in your way? MARTIN Not you. Martin.) Leave me alone. I’ll shout to their faces that it’s all a lie. it’s Angelica’s memory. That’s best for both of us. I’ll face them on our behalf. I’ll buy cattle or new vines. ADELA If people’s malice is all there is. . ADELA What could they say about us? From the first day I’ve regarded you as a brother. With the herdsmen. Secretly. To Castile. You are no coward to run away like this from barking dogs. ADELA You must know why. There has to be more to it. ) Forgive. What’s got into me? I should burst out crying and all my blood is singing in my veins! I was afraid one day you’d say these words to me. if I don’t dare speak to you or look you in the eye it’s because I’m shielding myself against the impossible.) Adela! ADELA (Giving herself. Now that I heard you saying it. I am the one who should be asking forgiveness but don’t know whose or why. Forgive me. it’s me. ADELA I must. I want to hear nothing else. MARTIN Definitely not. What’s the use of biting my arms writhing between the sheets saying "no" when all my innards yell back "yes"? ADELA Martin! MARTIN (Controls himself with effort. against what they knew before I knew myself. ADELA (Reacts slowly. if someone should leave this house. Even if it’s an impossible love.) Nothing else. Now. MARTIN (Takes her in his arms. .) And what use is your shouting that. Pause. Do you think Mother would ever accept anything else? Our love to her would be the worst betrayal of Angelica’s memory. (Martin kisses her in passionate silence. You told me you love me.) I didn’t mean to say this. as if awakening.) MARTIN What will become of us now? ADELA What does it matter. It was stronger than me. hearing you say it this once makes my life worthwhile. How odd it sounds this moment. MARTIN Do you think if Angelica were a memory she could separate us? The dead don’t command. when I cannot shout it too? If I avoid you when we are alone.The Lady Of The Dawn 60 MARTIN (In a sudden outburst. ADELA No.) I can’t take this any longer.) No! MARTIN When we were engaged. Clear gaze without a shadow. ADELA (Identifying with his jealous anger. But I won’t lie to you. stop it. She came back a different person. A drag in her voice like silt in a stream. I rushed after her. When she thought I was asleep she cried quietly. Her will remains alive here. I have to share with someone the truth rotting me inside. All the shimmering water charm surrounding her today. best rider in the sierra.) You let them go just like that? You. I paid no attention to a stranger watching our wedding at some distance. ADELA No! (Drops on a seat. my spurs dripping blood. dusting his boots with his riding whip.The Lady Of The Dawn 61 ADELA But she does. until the sun hit me in the eye like a stone blow—to no use. And her death too. All that is a fake. I’ll be the first to obey. Shifty eyes. it was as they all remember: Constant caring. left crying among the rushes! MARTIN All night I galloped with the gun at my shoulder. He was waiting there for her with two horses. You ought to know that her life was a lie. ADELA What do you mean? MARTIN Don’t you understand? Angelica is alive. So much so that my manly pride was flattered. Wholesome laughs that got you from somewhere out there like the smell of cut grass. Saying her vows in church she was short of breath. A few days would have been enough but she took several weeks. Angelica wasn’t the beautiful image you all revere. Until she made the trip to choose her wedding gown. MARTIN (Resolved. biting the pillow. She had untied the barge by herself and had crossed the river to the other bank. That’s why she separates us. On the third night she went out. I wish I hadn’t loved her so. When I put the ring on her finger. How can you talk like that about the woman you loved? MARTIN Loved too much. repeatedly denying the unintelligible idea. Adela. For three days she had a fever. her hands were trembling. Listen to me. Too late. ADELA . You’d be to me all she wasn’t. The children look at her go. joyful sound of the bagpipe is heard again. rushes upstairs. It was best.) ENTER THE PILGRIM LADY (She appears on the threshold and watches Adela quietly. and turn to the Pilgrim Lady. Do you understand now why I’m leaving? I love you but I can’t tell you that in all decency.) DOREEN . surprised. Exits. Goodbye. Don’t think so poorly of me.) ENTER THE CHILDREN FALIN (Rushing to Adela with the others. But when they found her shawl in The Deep Hole and word began to spread that she drowned. with beaming eyes. holding back her tears. ADELA For your own sake.) They are going to light the first bonfire! DOREEN They are decking the barge to cross the river! ANDREW Girls are coming down singing. Are you taking us now? (Adela. Adela. The distant.The Lady Of The Dawn 62 Why did you keep quiet? MARTIN Could I have done differently? I didn’t plan to do that. controlling himself. Love doesn’t stop all of a sudden. Telling the truth was like exposing her naked before the whole town. I realized I should keep quiet. bursts into tears. Adela. I did it for her. Adela. crowned with clover! DOREEN The dance is going to start. your man’s honor? MARTIN No. ADELA For mother’s sake and the children’s? MARTIN No. (Exits. And I can’t bear this house where all bless her while I have to damn her twice—for the love she denied me then and for the love she deprives me of now. alone. ANDREW But you are happy. In the village there was a girl of such inner beauty she didn’t seem of this world.) LADY Once upon a time there was a little town with a honey-colored herd of cattle and whiteblossomed apple trees in the corn fields. FALIN Like this one? LADY Like this one. Children weren’t allowed anywhere near it. Women brought their sick children for her to touch. Do you want to hear it? CHILDREN Tell us. with a church of green foliage plastered with roots and magic bells that sometimes were heard the night of Saint John’s. Your eyes sparkle. Some day when you are old you’ll tell it to your grandchildren.The Lady Of The Dawn 63 Why is Adela crying? LADY Because she is twenty years old and it’s such a beautiful night. Tell us. (They sit on the floor in front of her. A village as quiet as a flock of sheep by a river. It was the village monster. FALIN What is clear? LADY A true story that sounds like a fairy tale. Girls copied her hairstyle and dresses. Older men took off their hats when she passed by. There was a deep whirlpool of dry leaves in the river. LADY Because I couldn’t see clearly and now it’s all clear. ANDREW Like The Deep Hole? LADY Like The Deep Hole. DOREEN Like Angelica? LADY . People said there was another town down there in the deep. Remember. Before the curtain goes up. When did it happen? LADY It has not happened. Her lips were parted in a blissful smile as if the years in the bottom had been only a moment.) No yelling indoors. with absent eyes. She had been cared for by the river and the fish. Empty stage. (The children remain quiet for a moment. They have plenty. confusedly heard. CURTAIN ACT IV Same place. highland music is heard in the background.) DOREEN Strange story. hours later. It’s the last one. People forgot about her. She was asleep in a misty slumber.The Lady Of The Dawn 64 Like Angelica. played by bagpipes and tambourines ending with the virile stridence of whoops. meandering slowly through the moss gardens with her floating hair and her gentle weightless hands. What do you want? . She went to live down in the deep. Only her mother. was awaiting her. And a miracle happened. banged against the windowpanes. Her hair was clean. like water birds. The tablecloth on the table shows that the family has had supper.) Hello! Anybody home? Everybody’s sleeping? GIRLS Adela! Adela! ENTER KICKO KICKO (Coming from the stockyard. more beautiful than ever. Her hands were still warm. One day the girl disappeared in the whirlpool. The whole town above kept calling out to her but to no avail. Wood for the Saint! A girl for the dance! ENTER THE FAIRGOERS BOY 1 (Bursts in with the whole group. It will happen soon. Days and years went by.) To the Narces home. Tonight all the rivers of the world carry a drop of the Jordan River. in the underwater town where fish. One night of bonfires and songs the sleeping beauty was found in the river. impressed. The sound of young people—shouts and laughter—approaches. VOICES (Offstage. GIRL 2 Martin? GIRL 3 I don’t think so. KICKO Unless you set the whole wood on fire— BOY 1 Something like that. He’s roaming around by himself. KICKO Am I the man of the house? If Adela wants to go down to the dance she won’t be lacking an escort. BOY 1 Why don’t you bring her down? GIRL 1 Shame on you boys. We need more for the bonfire. If you came looking for a brawl. A pretty girl. you can go back. two young men in the house. GIRL 2 The Mayor. Milady gave us two carts of dry runners. we aren’t going to steal her from you. and hers is the only single-girl’s window with no wreath. . make people in the sierra think it’s sunrise. looking at the fire from a distance— like a wolf in winter.The Lady Of The Dawn 65 BOY 2 Where’s Adela? GIRL 1 Don’t lock her in like the Moor locked up his gold. man. GIRL 1 This year’s has to be memorable—go up higher than the trees. heat up the river. BOY 2 It’s wood we’re looking for. all the pruning from the chestnut grove. BOY 1 Let her out. KICKO I didn’t ask anyone’s opinion. KICKO These fairgoers are asking for wood from every house.) GIRL 2 Gorse is the greatest for bonfires. BOY 1 What can we take? TELVA In the stockyard there’s a cart full of gorse and a good pair of oxen waiting for the yoke. dressed up and bejeweled. Kicko. Go with them.) What’s all the shouting about? GIRL 1 Is there something for the saint? TELVA Lower your voice. It gives out a real red flame and sounds like castanets when it burns. .The Lady Of The Dawn 66 BOY 2 At the mine they uprooted a tree and gave us roots and everything. cheering and shooting firecrackers. (Boys and Kicko exit to the stable. putting on her wrap. girl. GIRL 3 The Narces house was never any less.) Telva! Telvona! ENTER TELVA TELVA (Coming downstairs. What are you giving to the fair? KICKO That’s up to the mistress. My ears are very proud and if I am shouted at they stop hearing. TELVA That’s fine. but no need to shout for what will be given. GIRL 1 They are bringing it down now on their shoulders like hunters bring a bear. VOICES (Shouting. GIRL 1 You are no less. beaded headdress. let me see. skirt. It burns quieter and gives off a smell like when you’re napping on the grass. GIRL 1 . by God. GIRL 3 Pity it’s the shortest night of the year. GIRL 2 But broom gives out sparks and coils flames up like green witches. And getting lost in the balmy moonlit cornfields can be dangerous. embroidered vest. Green Saint John has just come. overskirt. And smartly dressed. I see. Moroccan leather shoes. embers remain. Long live luxury and she who brings it! Anything left in the wardrobe? Or are you wearing the wardrobe? GIRL 1 One special day is one special day. TELVA I see.The Lady Of The Dawn 67 GIRL 3 I like purple heather best. What a comely matron! TELVA Where there was fire. Has just come and it is gone. GIRL 1 But between coming and going each hour can bring you a miracle. GIRL 3 Who’s thinking of crying on a day like today? Weren’t you ever young? TELVA That’s why I say it. TELVA Watch out. GIRL 4 As the song goes. A whole year spinning to show off one night. The bagpipe tickles your loins like heady wine. Some miracles are the devil’s doing and leave you crying later. Let me see you. There’s more to life than cotton shirts and aprons. TELVA You’re all very chatty tonight. The fire dazzles your senses. The boys return without Kicko.) BOY 1 . Everyone puts their tongue on the tooth that hurts. Can’t you count the months. For each pin afloat I’ll have a happy year.) And you. He won’t watch over those who won’t sing tonight. Feed them salt with dew at dawn and they’ll have female calves for sure. I got sick from a foul wind. GIRL 1 She mustn’t have a very clear conscience if she thinks that of others. But my conscience is so clear I only go to confession once a year and with three Hail Marys I’m even. presumed-innocent. GIRL 3 I hung my shirt out on the dew to bring me a love and be delivered from evil. GIRL 1 What does that have to do with it? TELVA Saint John’s feast is in June. heat up by the mouth. This year we had four christenings in March. It was a vow. (To the other one. like ovens. TELVA Too many wonders for one night. GIRL 1 I’ll throw all my pins in the water at the crack of dawn. girl? GIRL 2 Look at what the malicious old lady comes out with.The Lady Of The Dawn 68 Joy is what the Saint wants. Don’t you see all she wants is attention? No wonder they say old people. TELVA I can say little about teeth—I just have a few. (Laughter. TELVA Good God! People call it "foul wind" now? GIRL 1 Don’t mind her. GIRL 2 I already put salt outdoors for the cows. But forty Credos wouldn’t be enough for you. what the heck did you say at the confessional that sent you climbing barefoot up to Our Lady of the Holly? GIRL 4 That wasn’t a penance. ) Do you need something from her? ADELA (Coming down. Let’s jump in. To pick up the clover the night of Saint John’s. GIRL 2 Together? TELVA Sure you are not afraid of that. but maybe you can give me a better answer. BOY 1 Everybody! You too. ENTER MARTIN (From outdoors.) Telva! Telva! MARTIN Those leeches got hold of her and dragged her into the carriage. The poor dear is used to this sort of thing. My dearest one goes. (Driving them away like chickens. Those who see the wreath will know who put it there and what all the white means. the clover.) Just a question.) ALL To pick up the clover.) Shoo! Heat up at the bonfire and go pick the four-leaf clover.) To pick up the clover. I opened my bedroom window and it’s bursting with white blossoms. the clover. MARTIN Hawthorn and cherry blossoms. From the door he looks at the group going away with Telva amid laughter and whoops.) ENTER ADELA ADELA (Comes downstairs. giving her no choice. singing and pushing her on in time with their song. calling. (Entering. The clover.The Lady Of The Dawn 69 The carriage is ready to leave. (Gradually they exit through the back. the clover. . Ma’am! (They round her up holding hands. Nor is the Saint. To pick up the clover. It’s not his fault his feast comes with the first heat wave of summer. ADELA When are you leaving? MARTIN Tomorrow at dawn. MARTIN Those words will be in my mind all the time and so loud that if you close your eyes you can hear them across the distance. I love your thinking of it. Someone’s coming down. Quiet. ADELA I know.) Let’s forget tonight is our last night. ADELA (Deeply. The cherry blossoms will be gone tomorrow with the wind. and that’s all I need. At least for this once.The Lady Of The Dawn 70 ADELA Thank you. but you didn’t have to. taking her hands. Perhaps tomorrow you won’t need to go after all. MARTIN Then let’s forget it together dancing before the whole town. MARTIN (In low voice. Martin.) Wait for you at the dance? ADELA I’ll be there. Let them all see my eyes fastened to yours as my wreath is fastened to your window. MARTIN Why? Can anyone drive away the shadow between us? Or do you want to see me die of thirst by the fountain? ADELA I’m only asking you to forget it tonight. MARTIN . MARTIN Would I allow your window to be the only one bare? ADELA You already gave me more than I could hope for with what you said to me before. Your words won’t. let them all see you in my arms. I owe the Saint this candle and have to thank God for many things.) Here. Are you wearing it to go down to the dance? MOTHER I have to stop at the chapel first. (Sits down. Caresses her hands. ADELA (Searches for it in the sewing chest. That’s why I wanted to leave. ADELA Till ever. MOTHER Then I couldn’t let you go. Martin gave it to her. But the best of all God gave me without praying the day He brought you here. Mother.) Where’s my mantilla? I can’t find it in any of the drawers. (Pause. By then I had learned the lesson: The same river that took away my daughter was giving me back another so that my love wouldn’t be an empty madness. Her head isn’t covered. was to me a kiss you were taking away from her.) Now it’s found its place. I was living only to remember. don’t you? The first time you sat at the table in front of me you didn’t know it was her seat. (Puts it on Adela’s shoulders. Looks at her lovingly. To think I wasn’t grateful then and almost closed the door on you. ADELA Forget that. Each word from you robbed me of a moment of silence in her memory. Adela pins the mantilla on her while they talk.The Lady Of The Dawn 71 Till then. Adela. Stands up. She carries a votive candle and a large kerchief on her arm. so you forgive me for the days when I resented you as an intruder.) ENTER THE MOTHER MOTHER (Comes downstairs dressed up with the sober elegance of peasant affluence. (Martin exits through the back. ADELA I didn’t realize that until later.) See this kerchief? It’s the one Angelica wore on her shoulders her last night. Martin. Each kiss the children gave you. . where no one sat after her death. MOTHER Now that it’s over I want to tell you. You understand.) ADELA Were you praying for something in particular? MOTHER Many things that perhaps can never happen. Don’t you know Martin loves you? ADELA No! MOTHER I do.) For God’s sake. For me it begins now.) Why do you ask me that? MOTHER Answer me. MOTHER Do I betray it when I call you "my child"? (Puts her hands on Adela’s shoulders. Many times I thought this moment could come. The first day I saw it in his eyes a shudder shook my whole body down to my fists. MOTHER If you don’t feel the same for him. But if you love him. Adela. don’t stifle your love thinking it would hurt me. to soothe her.) Listen. in a small voice. What is Martin to you? ADELA (Looks at her with dread. why are you trembling so? Why don’t you look me in the eye as before? ADELA I swear to you. You can’t imagine how much it hurts me to hear you say those words—precisely today. say no more. It took me time to get used to the idea. I’ve known for a long time. MOTHER Adela. tell me truly.The Lady Of The Dawn 72 ADELA (Emotional. I don’t want you to suffer needlessly on my account. please. ADELA (Anguished. Mother! Neither Martin nor I would betray Angelica’s memory.) Not for me. It was like Angelica rising up jealous in my blood.) Thank you. woman to woman. That’s all over. I accept it now. . ADELA (Holding back her tears. I swear! MOTHER Then. forget everything I said. What is Martin to you? ADELA Nothing. ) No. About love I only know the words it gets wrapped in. Today all is a wall of shadows closing in on me. How I envy you all. Don’t do it. LADY Yesterday you didn’t know you were in love. thinking obsessively. Adela. Do you think a river is the solution? ADELA If only I knew what is! Yesterday everything was so simple. But love and I go hand in hand often. anguished. (Exits. Puts the kerchief back on and straightens to stand up. able to feel pain girding your flesh like a belt of nails—that no one wants to take off. I won’t be a stumbling block.) ENTER THE PILGRIM LADY (She appears on the threshold at right and watches Adela as if hearing her thinking.) I’m not trying to point you the way.) LADY (Placing a commanding hand on Adela’s shoulder. I just wanted to tell you that if you choose that way. Love is what you felt up to now unawares. The mysterious mischief filling your veins with needles and your throat with fluttering wings. like a stifled scream with no way out. ADELA Is this what love is? LADY No. It’s like a bad burn in my very core. ADELA Why do they paint it as so blissful. ADELA Mine is worse.The Lady Of The Dawn 73 MOTHER (Takes her candle.) ADELA Choose a way! Why did they take me off the one I’d chosen if they couldn’t put me on a better one? (Pulls the kerchief off her shoulders. to stop her. That’s just the dread of losing it. ready to leave. when it hurts so much? Did you ever feel it? LADY Never. Adela falls overwhelmed into a seat.) This chokes me like the water did. (She seems to make a decision suddenly. I know love is a fondling hand and a whisper in the evening under a tree. with eyes fixed in space. Life rules. and not all of them either. But all I ever . LADY Perhaps. ) Why did you hold me? I’m still in time. we’ll be late! FALIN (Goes to the Pilgrim Lady with a crown of roses and wheat spikes. ADELA (Stands up. Words said to themselves by abandoned women on foggy bridges. Words said on the same pillow by two clenched mouths when gas fills up the room. Grandpa. That way isn’t for you. DOREEN Aren’t you coming to the dance? .) LADY No. LADY For me? FALIN Women dress up with this tonight. Tonight will be the most beautiful night you or I have seen. (The distant glare of bonfires is seen and the fairgoers’ cheers are heard indistinctly. girl. ADELA What about tomorrow? LADY Tomorrow your road shall clear. ENTER THE CHILDREN FOLLOWED BY GRANDFATHER ANDREW They lit up the main bonfire and the whole town is dancing around it! DOREEN Hurry. Martin is waiting for you at the dance. ADELA It’s the only way left to me. eyes fixed in space. Look.) Stop. Words you were saying to yourself a moment ago.The Lady Of The Dawn 74 get to hear is love’s desperate last words. resolved. I promise.) I made this for you. the night has gone wild with bonfires and songs. LADY (Stopping her. Have faith. You will be happy. I told you a woman of your household will be my companion down the river tonight. Goodbye. GRANDFATHER Didn’t you come tonight for her? LADY I thought so too. why are you still here? What are you waiting for? LADY I won’t go back alone.) GRANDFATHER What are you doing? . (Looking commandingly at her.) Right. (They exit with Adela. Admit it. Now I see I was wrong. Go with them now. You are after the children. Thank you. Goodbye. Your grandchildren will have grandchildren.) Right. CHILDREN Bye. (Picks up her staff and places it against the door jamb. Adela will go with you. GRANDFATHER Then.) I don’t believe you. Pilgrim Lady. crowned with flowers.The Lady Of The Dawn 75 LADY I have to be on my way at the break of dawn. Grandfather. Many crops will ripen before then. But don’t worry. little ones. ANDREW Are we going to see you again soon? LADY Don’t be in a hurry. Adela? ADELA (Lowering her head. GRANDFATHER (Gazing at her suspiciously.) GRANDFATHER Why did Adela say "thank you" to you? Does she know who you are? LADY It’ll take her many years to know me. You won’t be shedding a single tear over those you already shed. LADY Don’t panic. She won’t leave you for a moment. Ma’am. leave. WOMAN’S VOICE Master Saint John. Master Saint John. baffled.) Now. (Grandfather exits. CHORUS Long live the dancing And all in the ring. All the while.) LADY (Without turning. takes a mirror from Adela’s sewing basket and looks at her reflection with feminine interest. (There is silence again.The Lady Of The Dawn 76 LADY Placing my staff at the door as a farewell token. elbows on her knees. notices The Pilgrim Lady and takes a shy step toward her. Pause. This is my last word to you tonight. blossoms Are dying to be grain. (Final. Her eyes brighten up. Her face is half hidden in a small mantilla.) Angelica. CHORUS Long live the dancing And all in the ring. The Pilgrim Lady. ANGELICA (Steps back. My mission will be over when you come back from the dance.) I’ve never seen you before. Her smile fades. She is a young woman of faded beauty. takes off the crown and plucks off some rose petals coldly.) MAN’S VOICE Master Saint John. In the spike. LADY . She drops the mirror. She eyes the house. with absent eyes. glances dreamily at her crown of roses. The Pilgrim Lady sits facing the audience. alone.) How do you know my name? (The Pilgrim Lady stands up and turns. the popular Saint John’s songs are heard from around the bonfire. hands on her face. Puts it on her hair. Master Saint John. With water flowers Your song I shall sing.) ENTER ANGELICA (Steals into the room through the back door. LADY Martin too? ANGELICA (With instinctive fear. It’s going to be the hardest moment of my life but I can’t avoid it any longer. I told you she is at the fair. LADY No one took it from you. They’ll understand. But I knew you were coming. a corner to die in peace. You left it. LADY What did you come here for? ANGELICA For what I had. Not everybody. Where are my mother and my sister and brothers? LADY It’s better that they don’t see you either. Did anyone see you? ANGELICA No one.The Lady Of The Dawn 77 I’ve never seen you either. ANGELICA I don’t expect to find a love that is no longer possible. dancing around the fire like everybody else. ANGELICA I need to see her now. Or at least. But forgiveness I do. Martin may have forgotten me. I paid for my fault with four bitter years as heavy as a lifetime. I’m sure she’ll wait for me all her life without counting the days. I didn’t want you to find an empty house.) Mother! Mother! LADY No use calling. .) Is he here? LADY He is at the fair. (Calls. I’ll cry on my knees. ANGELICA Wrong. That’s why I waited till night—to hide from everybody. but not my mother. Would you dare look them in the eye? What could you possibly say to them? ANGELICA I don’t need words. Again Saint John’s song is heard. I’m home—my home. Master Saint John. They can’t close the only door left to me. No one knows anyone over there. LADY Are you so desperate? ANGELICA I can’t take it any more.) Angelica. (Desperately cries over the table. After having the courage to risk everything for passion you don’t come back craven like a freezing dog to beg crumbs from your own table. without turning. on your dark days over there. Haven’t you thought how much theirs may have changed too? ANGELICA This is my house and my family. I’m not ashamed to say it. Do you think Martin would open his arms to you again? ANGELICA (Desperate. . I’ve suffered the worst a woman can suffer. I lost it too. Abandonment.) After all I suffered. Passing from hand to hand like a soiled bill. how could Martin possibly hurt me further? Slap my face on the double? Fine. No one can pull me away from here. In an intimate voice. I embroidered that tablecloth. Throw my bread down at me? I’ll eat it on the floor.) All were dead ends. I just need to rest in some cozy corner. Loneliness. Humiliating long waits at cafe tables.The Lady Of The Dawn 78 LADY In that time your life changed much. At least it’d be a decent pain. Cities are too large.) MAN’S VOICE Master Saint John. In the sky. LADY (Approaches Angelica compassionately and caresses her hair. No. Bitter fatigue without a roof at dawn. Pause. blessing it for coming from him in the home where I was born. I’m a loser. Only my pride kept me going. LADY Life has humbled you greatly. did you ever think of another way out? ANGELICA (Her elbows on the table. twinkles Can hardly be seen. CHORUS Long live the dancing And all in the ring. reading me through? LADY A friend. like voicing Angelica’s thought. on the other side of fear. a death wish in his eye.The Lady Of The Dawn 79 LADY A gentle way of silence you open for yourself. of white and tranquil coolness. purer than ever. He loved you. LADY Would you rather have your mother and family learning the truth about you? ANGELICA Don’t they know it? LADY They don’t.) You thought that beyond.) The night he left me. scared. Or advice. His silence was the last gift of love he could give you. (Going deeper within. Leave me alone. where there is a peaceful smile on all lips and an infinite peace in all eyes. ANGELICA (Steps back instinctively. ANGELICA (Turns and looks at her. no end. ANGELICA Impossible. The only one left to you. Don’t look at me like that. though — LADY (In a suggestive tone. there is a place of ultimate forgiveness. From the grove we saw him galloping. Martin followed me to the river. ANGELICA I had no strength left for anything.) I didn’t ask for your friendship. ANGELICA Why? LADY Because of you. . They imagine you asleep in the bottom of the river. LADY He controlled himself and kept quiet.) Who are you. where it is glorious to rest forever with no pain. a gun on his shoulder. the love of your family—you lost it all. your brothers and sister. The Pilgrim Lady does not. Someone’s finishing it in your place. ANGELICA You are lying. LADY (Points to the sewing basket. he loves me.The Lady Of The Dawn 80 ANGELICA Martin did that? For me? (Building up hopes. He still loves me! LADY Too late now. Your mother has another daughter.) ANGELICA The whole town is dancing. Look out the door.) He just passed before the flames.) Then. I started it. .) See the needle work? ANGELICA It’s mine. Where is she? LADY No use trying to fight her. Can you see anything by the light of the bonfire? (Angelica goes to the back door. your place by the fire. LADY It has new silks now. holding hands. LADY And the girl dancing with him? If you could see her closer you’d recognize your dress and the kerchief around her neck. LADY Can you see Martin? ANGELICA (Pause. another sister. ANGELICA I can take it back! LADY Too late. Your seat at the table. Your place is taken. Don’t you feel another woman’s presence in the house? ANGELICA She won’t rob me of what is mine without a fight. You lost already. when you left. You destroyed your family once. (Goes to her. (Takes her by the hand.The Lady Of The Dawn 81 ANGELICA I don’t know her. LADY Soon she will be. if it is a false memory? LADY Does it matter? It’s beautiful. ANGELICA How could I salvage it? LADY I’ll show you the way. There must be something left for me. Let go. that’s too much. Angelica. Do you want to destroy it again. coming back? ANGELICA (Defeated. ANGELICA (Goes back by the Pilgrim Lady.) Where else can I go? LADY To salvage the one thing left to you—the memory of you. I see him sleeping in my arms with a teeny smile on his lips oozing like sap on ripe figs.) Shall we? ANGELICA There’s something scary in you.) No. They can’t take everything away from me. Come with me. . ANGELICA What about my brothers and sister? The first word the little one said was my name. and tomorrow the town will have a legend all its own. She has a memory of you worthier than you. ANGELICA What for. Can anyone take my mother away from me? LADY She no longer needs you. Do you think they would recognize you? Four years are a lot in the life of a child. Confidentially. LADY To them you are just a name. Beauty is another sort of truth. She isn’t from here.) Think about it. ) MAN’S VOICE Master Saint John. (Remains still with hands crossed. (Exits with her. Put on your best smile for the trip. Courage.) I’ll move your barge to the other shore. Outdoors. Shall we? ANGELICA (Closes her eyes. Adela and Martin. amid joyful shouting and sounds of people approaching. (Again the bagpipe is heard. (Takes her gently by the waist. CHORUS Long live the dancing And all in the ring.) LADY Are you still scared? ANGELICA No. Behind them.The Lady Of The Dawn 82 LADY Still that? Take a good look at me. the light from the bonfires begins to die down and the last song is heard. More and more beautiful. Angelica. die beautifully. As if going to another wedding. A moment’s daring and your memory will stay in the village as deeply rooted as an oak full of nests. LADY (With infinite tenderness. chased by the other girls and the boys.) ENTER GIRL 1 AND GRADUALLY ALL OTHERS GIRL 1 (Runs in.) Like vast slumber with no eyes to close. In your bonfire There’s nothing to burn.) There. Master Saint John.) Hands off! I saw it first. LADY That’s all the secret: live passionately. No more. . (Falters while walking.) Let’s go.) Lean on me. (Places the crown of roses on Angelica’s head.) How do I look now? ANGELICA (Looks at her mesmerized. My knee just bent under me. The Lady Of The Dawn 83 GIRL 2 Toss it to me! GIRL 3 To me! I have a sweetheart.) Luck is favoring you this year. GRANDFATHER MOTHER You all grown tired of dancing? TELVA The fire is out but the embers last till dawn. (Sits down. Adela. In the river you got the water flower and in the cornfield. BOY 3 It’s no good to you. MARTIN (To Girl 1. ADELA (Catching it in her apron. GIRL 1 To you. ADELA What did you find? GIRL 1 The four-leaf clover. GIRL 1 If I don’t have a break now I’ll collapse. It was in your orchard.) Thank you. GIRL 1 It’s mine. I found it. the red ear. TELVA AND THEN. ENTER MOTHER. It’s no luck to the finder but to whom it’s tossed. GIRL 2 Close your eyes and toss it in the air.) TELVA . what you were waiting for. TELVA It won’t be long now. happened at last. MARTIN What are you saying? KICKO No one could believe it. Don’t even know how to shake hips and aprons at the beat upstairs.) Mistress. This may be the shortest night of the year but I’ve never longed so much to see the sunrise.) KICKO’S VOICE Mistress! Mistress! (All turn. Martin. . (Starts up the stairs. The first streak of dawn’s coming. For the girls we have cherry liqueur in the cupboard. (Kicko’s voice is heard offstage. In my times—ah! ADELA Are you going to bed. ready to leave with Martin. why? GRANDFATHER I don’t know.) ENTER KICKO KICKO (Speaks emotionally from the threshold. shouting. but they all saw it. Did you see someone here when you came in? ADELA No one. Telva. men and women with lanterns and torches gradually gather.The Lady Of The Dawn 84 Marshmallow bones! They think they can gobble up the world and they lose their breath while the tambourine still jingles. remaining at the back in respectful silence. mother? I’ll walk you.) Wait. They found Angelica in The Deep Hole. MOTHER Don’t worry about me. wait on the boys if they want a drink. startled. I’m fine. Behind him.) MARTIN Whose staff is this by the door? GRANDFATHER (Stopping Adela. Go back to the dance with her. extending her arms.) A saint. A saint. Preserved in the water these four years. immobile like figures in a tableau. Distant.) God had to listen to my prayers. crowned with roses. At the head of the funeral procession is the Pilgrim Lady. with a peaceful smile as if she just died. VOICES Miracle! Miracle! (Some women fall on their knees. gentle smile and.) THE END . Enter the end of the stretcher. beaming. more beautiful than ever. men uncover their heads. but also jubilant.) MOTHER Daughter! (The sound of bells heightens to a hallelujah peal. dust to dust! (Raises her arms.) MOTHER (Kisses the ground. bursts out in a harrowing. Curtain. taking her staff. At last. The Mother. (Men and women. Ma’am.The Lady Of The Dawn 85 MOTHER (Runs to him. Saint John’s bells are heard as if from underwater.) Did you see her? Tell me! KICKO They are bringing her to you. goes on her way. cry. covered with green branches. watching the scene with a detached. my dear! My saintly Angelica! WOMEN (Covering their head with their shawls and patting their chests.) Angelica. a daring plot bordering on fable and a rich. Moiseev. Austria) “A play with profound human content.” (G.The Lady Of The Dawn 86 ******* Casona’s work received enthusiastic reviews in the international press: “An appealing play with a wealth of subtle poetry and a blooming imagination. Russia) “Casona reveals another facet of his artistry in this new play in which the picturesque and the extraordinary startlingly marry to produce in a novel way what others had tried before without his excellence. Saint Petersburg.” (Die Presse. Vienna.” (O Seculo. Portugal) . Lisbon. witty dialogue.