One-Act Play Collections - Book 8, Part 1 - Free Audiobooks

Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
At a garden party by F and T. One act play collection 8.
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox recordings are in the
public domain for more information or to volunteer.
Please visit librivox.org narration read by James Curran,
mrs. Maynard Jerry read by Michelle

(00:24):
eaten, Phil read by Todd, mr. Tablet.
Read by algy Jpg. First lady on chair.
Read by Christine G. Second lady read by Beth Thomas.
Mrs. Pat Allen read by a by E mr.
Chuck, read by Larry Wilson, total read by new, get novelist,

(00:46):
mrs. Pratt Alton read by April.
Walters mrs. St.
Patrick, ER, read by Diana Schmidt mrs.
Hussey Fred by Lydia, mr. Demure read by an awesome scene.
London Lon a band in a costume halfway between the uniform of a
stage hasar. And he struck his groom is

(01:07):
performing under a tree. Guest discovered slowly pacing
the turf or standing and sittingabout in groups.
Mrs. Maynard, Jerry to her brother-in-law was thoroughly
aware of her little weaknesses. Oh Phil, you know, everybody do
tell me who's that common-looking.
Little man, with a scrubby beard, the very yellow Love's,

(01:30):
how does he come to be here where?
Oh, I see him. Well, have you read?
Sabrina's uncle's other nice know who talked to have.
I never even heard of it, really?
I wonder at that. Tremendous hit.
You must order it though. I doubt if you'll be able to get

(01:52):
it, I shall insist on having it and he wrote it really fell.
Now I come to look Tim, there's something rather striking about
his face. Did you see Sabrina's nieces
other aren't or what Sabrina's uncle's.
Other knees was what I said. Not that it signifies a but I

(02:15):
always attach the greatest importance to names myself and
do you know him what tablet? Oh yes, decent.
Little chap not much to say for himself, you know, I don't mind
that. When a man is clever, do you
think you could bring him up andintroduce him?
Oh, I could. But I won't answer for your not

(02:39):
being disappointed in him. I have never been disappointed
in any genius yet Perhaps because I don't expect too much
so go. Dear boy, he may be surrounded
unless you get hold of him soon.Bill obeys, Bill accosting.
The scrubby man. Well, tablet old fellow.

(03:00):
How are things going with you Sabrina, flourishing?
It's a tremendous. Hit me.
Boy orders coming in too fast. They don't know how to execute
them. There's a fortune in it.
As I always told you Capital, but you've such luck by the way.
My sister-in-law is most anxiousto know.

(03:22):
You pretty kind of her. I shall be delighted.
Oh, just thinking I felt quite astranger here.
Come along then and I'll introduce you if she asks you to
her Parties by any chance. Mind, you go sure to meet a lot
of interesting people. Just what I enjoy meeting.
Interesting people, the only Society worth cultivating to my

(03:45):
mind. Sir.
You've me intellect, it's a bothvalue than wealth.
They go in search of mrs. Maynard, Jerry look at their
vicar. Getting that poor lady.
Proper some ice. What a very Of expression, he
has to be sure, really quite Apostolic.
We are not in his Parish, but I have always heard him spoken of,

(04:07):
as a most excellent man. Excellent, my idea that man is a
perfect Saint. I don't believe, he knows what
it is. To have a single worldly thought
and such trials, as he has to Bear to with that Dreadful wife
of his, that's the wife, isn't it?
The doubted little woman all alone of their dear me.
What could he have married her for over her money?

(04:29):
Of course. My Dear mrs.
Pat Allen, you mrs. Saint Martin Somerville why?
It really is, you I absolutely didn't know you had first, I was
just thinking now, who is that young and lovely person coming
along the path. You see, I came out without my

(04:50):
glasses today, which accounts for it.
Mr. Chuck meeting a youthful matron and child.
Mrs. Sharp, huh. How do you do?
I'm all right. Hello.
Toto. How are you young lady?
Toto grimly. I'm very well indeed.
Thank you. How's the idiot?

(05:12):
Have you seen him lately mr. Chuck mystified the idiot.
Why fact is I don't know any idiot, give you my word Toto.
Impatiently yes you do you know the one mummy says your neck.
Door to you must see him. Sometimes you did say, mr.

(05:34):
Chuck was next door to an idiot.Didn't you mummy?
Let me see, did we have a fine summer in 87?
Yes, of course. I always remember the weather by
the clothes, we wore and that June and July.
We scarcely were anything. Some filmy stuff that belonged
to one's ancestress. Don't, you know, such fun.

(05:54):
By the way, what has become of Lucy?
Oh, I've quite lost sight of. Of her lately.
You see she's so perfectly happynow that she's ceased to be in
the least interesting. Mrs. Asif to mr.
Demure. Perhaps you can tell me of a
good coal Merchant. The people who Supply me now, I

(06:15):
perfect fiends and I really mustgo somewhere else.
Then I'm afraid you must be rather difficult to please.
Mr. Tablet has been introduced to mrs.
Maynard. Jerry with the following result.
I'm so delighted to make your acquaintance when my
brother-in-law told me who you were.
I positively very nearly shrieked.

(06:38):
I'm such an admirer of your in, she won't commit herself to the
whole title and so compounds. Your delightful Sabrina most
gratified to hear it. I'm sure.
I'm told there's a growing demand for it.
Such a hopeful sign when one wasbeginning quite to despair of
the public taste. Just well logo.

(07:01):
They said so long as you give the public a really first-rate
article, and I prepared to spendany amount of money on pushing
it. You know, you're sure to see a
handsome return few out there inthe long run, and of course, you
must get it carefully, analyzed by competent judges, but you can
feel independent of criticism. Now, can't you?

(07:23):
Oh, I defy. Anyone defied anything
unwholesome in. It, it is suitable for the most
delicate child. Odd as it is, for adults,
nothing to irritate the most sensitive, ah, you mean certain
critics are. So thin-skinned, they are indeed
mr. Tablet warming to his subject,

(07:43):
but the beauty of this particular composition is that
it causes absolutely no unpleasantness or inconvenience
afterwards in some cases, indeed, it acts like a charm.
I've known of two cases of a long-standing e.
Recipients it has completely cure.
Good. This is mean your injury rather
at see how gratifying that must be.

(08:06):
But that is the magic of all truly great work.
It is such an Anodyne, it takes people, so completely out of
themselves, doesn't it? We do get anything of that, sort
out of them, it's the finest discovery of the age.
No household will be without it in a few months.
So perhaps, I see it. Who shouldn't this is, meaner

(08:27):
Jerry Still more astounded. Oh, but I like to hear you and
so tired of hearing people pretending to disparage.
What they have done is such a pose and I hate posing.
Real Genius is never modest. If you had been more retiring,
she would have, of course, reverse.

(08:48):
This Axiom. I wish you could come and see me
on one of my choose days. Mr. Tablet.
I should feel so honored and I think he would meet some
congenial Spirits do look in some evening.
I will send you a card if I may,let me see.
Could you come and lunch? Next Sunday?

(09:08):
I've got a little man coming who's very nearly not by
cannibals. I think he would interest.
You should be proud to meet him.Did they eat much of him, mrs.
Maynard Jerry, who privately thinks this is rather vulgar?
How would see you are. That's quite worthy of Sabrina,

(09:30):
really. Then you will come.
So glad and now, I must keep youfrom your other admirers any
longer. She dismisses him later Mrs.
Mader Jerry to her brother-in-law, how could you
say that day? Mr. Tablet was dull Phil.
I found him perfectly Charming. So original and unconventional

(09:53):
his promise to come to me, by the way, what did you say the
name of his book was? I never said he had written a
book. You did Sabrina's other
something why I've been praisingit to him entirely on your And
ation. No, no, your mistake.

(10:15):
I only asked you if you'd read Sabrina's uncle's other knees.
And as I made up the title on the spur of the moment, I should
have been rather surprised. If you had, he never wrote a
line in his life how abominable of you.
But surely he's famous for something who talks like it with

(10:37):
Reviving Hope. Oh yes he is the inventor and
patentee of the new Sabrina soap.
He says, he'll make a fortune over it because he hasn't even
done that yet. Fail, I'll never forgive you for
letting me. Make such an idiot of myself.
So am I to do now, I can't have him coming to me.

(11:00):
He's really to Impossible. Do, I'll order some other soap
and wash your hands of him. I suppose not that he isn't a
good deal more presentable than some of your Lions.
After all said, and done mrs. Maynard Jerry before she takes
her leave contrives to inform mr.
Tablet with her prettiest pain. Sentence that she has only just

(11:22):
recollected that her luncheon party is put off and that her
Tuesdays are over for the seasondirectly.
She returns to town. She promises to let him hear
from her. In the meantime is not to think
of troubling himself to call. So there is no harm done after
all. End of at a garden party.

(11:48):
Cinderella by Lady Florence eveline Eleanor alif Bell,
one-act Play Collection 8. This is a LibriVox recording all
LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more
information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org.

(12:08):
Cast list. Narrator read by K hand.
The mother read by Beth Thomas, Mabel red bear, Rachel, Lucy red
fibers. No Peggy called Cinderella, read
by Christine G. The Fairy Godmother read by
Marianne, the Prince read by James Curran, Harold read by the

(12:35):
DIA. Scene.
One the mother sitting with daughters.
What are you reading my darling?Child.
How sweet? You look like they're buried in
your book? Yes.
Mama, I thought I did the story of a beautiful prince designed
for my dear. The story of a prince.

(12:55):
Yes. Just the story for you to read
and you my puppet. What is it?
You are doing. I'm thinking Mama thinking.
Yes, that is just like you are, you are always so clever.
My chick ability as for you. What are you doing here?
Plain stupid girl. Wasting the time when you ought

(13:16):
to be doing your work, I am verysorry.
I thought there was nothing to do at this present moment.
Nothing to do indeed. A pretty story is all the
housework done everything. The bottom side of my long,
white gloves for the ball tonight.
Yes, they are. And is my beautiful ball, just
laid out on the bed. Everything is ready very well.

(13:37):
My children you had better, go and dress.
Lucy jumping up with joy. How delightful?
Come on Mabel? Oh, what fun, it will be no
piggy, what are you doing? Go and help them to dress, you
know, their frocks less behind Peggy going very well stopping

(13:58):
at door Mama. Well, what is it?
What a long time you wasting chattering always, I suppose, I
might not go to the ball for a little while you Peggy you at
The ball, I never heard anything.
So absurd, what would you wear play at this court?
Should have dusters no. No, my dear girl.

(14:20):
You are very well in your place.That is the Chimney Corner.
I would stay there, if I were you now, come along stupid, and
don't forget to safety pins. Oh, I wish I were going to
curtain. Scene 2, the same Peggy alone,

(14:41):
I'd better go to bed. I suppose there is nothing else
for me to do. Well, I do think it is a shame
to leave me here alone while they are enjoying themselves,
have a ball. I should so like to have a
smarter gown that laced behind it would make one feel so Grand
to have a gown. One couldn't fast and wants to
self. But alas, that is a pleasure I

(15:03):
shall never know hide her face in her hands.
Enter godmother. Why Peggy you little Cinderella?
What's the matter now? Oh, do you know who I am?
I'm sort of just saying that I don't.
Well, I'll tell you presently who I am in the meantime, you

(15:25):
tell me why you are sitting all by yourself in this way.
Looking into the fire in that dismal manner.
I am unhappy because I am not ofthe ball.
I should like to have a fine dress and drive off in a coach
with the others. Thing is easier.
I'll manage that for you in fiveminutes.
You oh, how delightful is it possible?

(15:46):
Certainly I am your Fairy Godmother so I can give you
anything you wish for oh and chomping than the first thing.
I wish for is a beautiful dress.You shall have it go inside that
dark cupboard. Close your eyes, then, turn
round three times while I repeata spell and come out And see

(16:08):
what has happened. Well, this is exciting goes into
covered godmother, waves, her wand and repeats.
Verse wavy, wavy Wonder Woman, fairy Powers hither.
Come, come to turn the world about topsy-turvy inside out.
Turn the darkness into light, turn the rags to Silver bright,

(16:32):
wavy, wavy Wonder Woman, fairy Powers quickly, come Cinderella
He's out in a beautiful dress. Oh, am I not like princess?
You are indeed. Now?
What? Next next, I must have a coach
to go to the ball in, of course,look out of the window and tell

(16:52):
me what you see and if there's anything, we can make a coach of
I'm afraid. Not I can only see a pumpkin
lying on the ground and two large brown rats behind it.
And six little my starting in and out the very thing that will
do perfectly. Now, I'm going to repeat another
spell. And while I wave my wand, you

(17:14):
look out the window. And tell me what happens.
Wavy, wavy Wanda one fairy Powers quickly come.
Oh god, mother quick. The pumpkin is turned into
beautiful glass coach. I thought it would waves wand
again. Anything else?
Yes. Yes, the to brown rats are

(17:34):
changed into a Coachman and footman waves, wind Thing else?
Yes, yes. The little mice has turned into
six beautiful horses with long tails and harness shining would
silver well will that do to drive you to the ball?
Do you think? Oh god mother?
How delightful? Let me get into it and drive off

(17:55):
one moment Cinderella. I must make a condition before
you start. You must promise not to remain
at the bar after midnight. If you are there after the last
stroke of twelve your beautiful silver clothes will disappear
and you will have on your bags again.
Oh I promised their godmother. Of course I will leave before

(18:16):
12:00. Then come princess Cinderella
your glass coach stops the way curtain.
Scene 3, a ballroom people walking about Lucy and Mabel in
ball dresses, sitting one on each side of their mother.
It is that nobody comes and asksus to dance.

(18:39):
I can't understand it at all. It isn't as if we're not
beautiful, it seems so strange. We are not singled out, but do
girls. The fact is, you are so
beautiful and so well-dressed that people don't dare to ask
you. So that is what it is.
I saw the prince looking longingly at me a little while

(18:59):
ago, but just who was going to invite me to dance.
He was called away to me a phone.
Princess, of course, if she werea princess, he couldn't help
going to meet her. I wonder who she was.
She had on the most beautiful silver shoes.
Here is the court Harold passingthrough the whole ask him her
name. Oh sir, I beg your pardon Harold

(19:20):
stops. Can you tell me who the lady in
silver was who is done? Dancing with the prince just
now, she was announced as the princess of the Silver Mountain,
the princess of the Silver Mountain.
Indeed she look like it. I'm sure the reason why I ask is
the prince had been going to dance with my daughter and he
was obliged to leave her for this lady.

(19:43):
Oh indeed. So you say I have no partner in
consequence. What a Pity my girls are both
passionately fond of dancing. Indeed.
That is a Charming taste. It is not surprising.
We should like it. We dance, very beautifully.
I congratulate you, I hope I shall have an opportunity of
seeing your performance bow. Some passes on, what a very

(20:06):
rude, man. I can't understand it at all.
I quite thought we should have been the bells of the ball then,
suppose my children. We go to the refreshment room
and have some Isis. Perhaps, we may find some
Partners there gets up. Come then.
Oh, here comes the princess leaning on the princes arm.
We enter The Prince and Cinderella Lucy Mabel and the

(20:28):
mother make sweeping curtsies what strange looking ladies
mother, and daughters start the our deed, but let us talk of
yourself. Princess they go on speaking in
low voices, did you hear her? Mother, did you hear those
insulting words? Never mind.
It's no good. Quarreling with Prince's.
Come and have some strawberry ice.

(20:49):
They go out. No, tell me about this wonderful
place. Where you live, right?
Not heard of it before the Silver Mountain, what an
enchanting spot, it sounds, it must be very real and it is
indeed in Fairyland. I was sure of it iFit Abode.
For so ethereal of being as yourself, you are nourished.

(21:11):
I feel sure I know mortal food. Your dainty beautiful clothes
were woven by no mortal hands. They were spun by elves and
fairies in Some Enchanted far away spot.
Indeed, I believe they were Adorable creature.
Come tell me where this Silver Mountain is that I may find my
way to it over every obstacle. But there is the music

(21:33):
beginning. Again, we should be dancing your
highness. What?
Delicious Simplicity are, you then so fond of dancing?
I love it, but I so seldom get achance.
Of course, yes, you are headed in.
I daresay my etiquette of your court, precisely dancers Waltz
in come then. Let us join the dance too.

(21:54):
They dance, the mother, Lucy, and Mabel look enviously at the
dancers. They curtsy as the prince passes
them. The clock begins to strike 12
Cinderella starts. What tired already?
No. No, but I must go at once,
instantly, she rushes out leaving a slipper behind her,

(22:16):
what she has gone. And in such haste, that she has
left one of her dainty slippers behind her.
I must fly to restore it to her.Princess adored one comeback.
Rushes out curtain. Scene 4 room in the cottage.
Same as in seemed, one and two. Oh dear, I'm so tired.

(22:42):
I do. Wish you would leave up saying
that it is a nice time. You have your own during the
last five minutes, my dears going to a bowl, doesn't seem to
have improved your temper. I don't see quite white.
Should I suppose it was dancing so much that tired.
You because it was we had a dance, the whole time from the
moment we entered the room. There were many people, we were

(23:04):
obliged to refuse that they wereheartbroken.
Of course, when the prince asked, this were obliged to
throw of the ovens and the prince danced with your great
deal. Then indeed, he did nearly all
the time plus strange princess came, then he was obliged to
leave us a strange princess. What was she like?
Now I think of it, she was something like you will she not

(23:25):
girls? Ha ha ha.
So she was and she was beautifuland you very ugly.
And she had beautiful silver clothes.
I should like to wear silver clothes.
Peggy, do not, let me hear you say, such foolish things.
Again, it's all very well for your stepsisters, wear such
clothes, but for you, a sound ofa trumpet heard why, what can

(23:48):
that be mother and daughters rush to back to look out of
window. Cinderella a side where the
prince. It is a magnificent Herald.
The Herald, we saw last night. He is reading a proclamation to
the people and the prince is behind him for Prince waves to
print, unseen by the others, TheHerald stops outside the window,

(24:13):
be it known to all loyal. Subjects of Prince Charming, our
Lord and Master that yesterday evening at the ball and
embroidered, Silver Slipper was picked up.
The prince has come Banded that the said slipper shall be
carried through the length and breadth of his dominions until
he finds the owner of it. When the owner of it is
discovered that said owner shallbecome the princess charming and

(24:34):
shall share our Lord and Master thrown my dear girls, what a
chance for you. If you can put on the shoe, you
will become the princess. The Herald is stopping before
this door quick, quick. Let us sit in pretty attitudes,
Lucy and Mabel group themselves,picturesquely pay, you must not
be here. Mother.
Goodbye Peggy quick. Rush child Rush.

(24:56):
Don't let anyone see you, man. Not stay to see the silver shoe.
You, of course not. Why?
The very look of you would spoil.
All our chances pushing her quick, quick.
They're just coming in, bundles Peggy out of Door L just as the
herald comes in our, he blows trumpet, he's Royal Highness.

(25:17):
Prince, Charming, Enter Prince, mother Lucy and Mabel curtsy.
Oh, your highness. This is too kind.
Pray, sit down. She advances a chair.
The other to curtsy one on each side of him.
We wish to know if any lady in this house.
Lost to shoot the ball last night, for if so, her shoe has

(25:37):
been found what a singular thing.
Now, you mention it. One of my daughter's lost a shoe
indeed. They both did indeed.
Is it anything like this produces shoe why it looks to
me? Like the very one?
Try it on Please Madam Lucy holding out her foot making
faces, while the herald puts it on.

(25:59):
Of course, that is mine. It fits me.
Exactly. It.
Fits the darling, girl, as if ithad been made for her, walk
around the room in it, to My Love Lucy Hubble's around the
room. Limping violently.
Oh, there is no doubt your highness that that is hers.
Didn't I notice a slight limp asshe walked?
Oh, didn't know your highness, Idon't think so.

(26:21):
All the same, I think she'd better take it off.
Off. And you Mabel, didn't you say
you had lost one of your shoes? Yes, I remember when I ingest
noticing that I had lost it, then, of course it must be
yours. The Herald kneels beside her
tries to force on the shoe whileMabel makes faces of Agony.
Oh, not a doubt that is mine. Stands up your heel is quite out

(26:45):
of it. Still, that is how I always wear
my shoes. That is what gives her such a
springy graceful walk. Mabel tries to walk around the
room, clattering the shoe behindher.
No, I'm afraid that won't do at all Mabel shaking it off.
It's very hard. Not being allowed to have my own
shoe back again. Are there no more young girls in

(27:06):
this house, whom the shoe would likely to fit alas.
These two Fair ones are my only Joy's yet.
I thought, as I passed the window, I saw another.
Oh, your highness, I beg. Your pardon.
That was only a scullion lookingat to see you.
Naughty thing. I wish to see her really ahead
as she is a most unprepossessinggirl, send for her instantly or

(27:31):
I will have you all beheaded anything, anything to oblige,
your highness calls Peggy Cinderella appears in the
doorway with her eyes cast down,Prince jumps up and boughs very
low, Lucy Mabel and mother turn away their eyes.
In disgust sit down here, Fair Maiden, then, try on this silver

(27:51):
shoe name, Ah, no one shall kneel here, but me, Neal's in
front of Cinderella, who puts onthe shoe without difficulty
there. I think is the foot it fits.
There is no doubt about it. I fear your highness is being
imposed upon that shoe could never have belonged to that
ragged Cinderella. Indeed it.
Did I have the fellow to it? Pause the other out of her

(28:13):
pocket, gets up and answers around in it.
There is no doubt to whom the slipper belongs.
Come princess Charming. Let me lead you to your Palace.
One moment. If you, please your Royal
Highness, the girl is a scullion.
Her only look at her clothes. Mine would be far fit her to
Adorn. A throne enter Fairy Godmother.

(28:34):
The clothes are my business, I will see that Princess Charming
is not dressed like a scullion, my fairy Godmother, the same.
So Cinderella, if you will step into that dark cupboard while I
recite a magic spell. You shall be changed into a
beautiful princess Cinderella enters the cupboard.

(28:57):
The Fairy Godmother, recites spell waves wand Cinderella
comes out dressed as she was at the ball mother and daughters
start. Now my child no one can say, you
look like a scullion, incessant the Silver Mountain, the same
whom you left sitting in the ashes, but who went to the ball
after all. I'm the most beautiful princess,

(29:20):
their vows and kisses her hand. I wish my darlings, I had chosen
a fairy for your godmother instead of those silly Arts of
yours. I must say it is very harder
than it should. Like that should have the best
of everything. Come if you say one word.
More. I will repeat my spell backwards
over you. And then all your clothes will

(29:41):
change to rags. Come then my pretty puppets.
Come Away With Me. You are not appreciated here as
you deserve. No, we are not admirers.
We ought to be free. Madam.
Do not. Let us turn you out as we are
going ourselves. Come my princess offers his hand
ring for with the princesses. Golden coach Fairy Godmother

(30:03):
waving wand. Be happy.
My Cinderella. Curtain.
And of Cinderella. Daniel and the Devil by Eugene
Fields, what act Play Collection8.

(30:26):
This is a LibriVox recording, all LibriVox recordings are in
the public domain for more information or to volunteer.
Please visit librivox.org Danielread by Larry Wilson, Beelzebub,
read by Newgate, novelist. The table read by a by E

(30:49):
narrator read by James Curran. Daniel was a very Wretched Man
as he sat with his head bowed upon his death that evening he
made up his mind that his life had been a failure.
I have labored long and it diligently said he to himself

(31:11):
and although I am known throughout the city as an
industrious and shrewd businessmen.
I'm still a poor man and shall probably continue.
So to the end of my days and less less here, gang of stopped

(31:32):
and shivered for a week or more,he didn't brooding over his
unhappy lat, there seemed to be,but one way out of his trouble,
yet his soul revolted from taking that step, that was why
he stopped and shivered, but he argued my nine children.
In our growing up into big boys and girls.

(31:52):
They must have those advantages which my limited means will not
admit of Hold my life so far hasbeen pure circumspect and rigid,
poverty, has at last been broken.
My spirit had I give up the fight.

(32:13):
I am ready to sell my soul to the devil.
The determination is a wise, oneset of voice.
At Daniel's elbow, Daniel lookedup and behold a grim Visage.
Stranger in the chair beside him.
The Stranger was a raid all in black and he exhaled a distinct
odor of sulfur. Am I to understand after The

(32:36):
Stranger that you were prepared to enter into a league with the
devil? Yes.
So, Daniel firmly and he set histeeth together after the fashion
of a man who is not to be moved from his purpose, then I am
ready to treat with. You said, the stranger are you
the devil ask, Daniel, I am. The Stranger critically.

(32:59):
No. But I am authorized to enter
into contracts for him. Explain the stranger.
My name is Beelzebub and I am myMaster's most trusted agent,
sir. So Daniel, you must pardon me
for. I am love to wound your
feelings. But one of the rules governing,

(33:20):
my career, as a businessman has been to deal directly with
principals and never to trust tothe offices of middlemen the
affair. Now in hand has one concerning
the devil and myself and betweenus two.
And by us to only can the preliminaries be adjusted as it

(33:42):
so Hawkins explained, Beelzebub.This is Friday, commonly called
hang. Wednesday and that is as busier
time. In our particular locality as a
Monday is in a laundry or is thefirst of every month.
Is at a bookkeepers desk. You can understand perhaps that
this is the devil's busy day therefore be content to make

(34:02):
this deal with me and you will find that my master will
cheerfully accept any contract. I may enter into as his agent
and in his behalf but no Daniel would not agree to this with the
Devil Himself. And only the Devil Himself.
Would he treat? So he bade Beelzebub of to go to
the devil and make known his wishes.

(34:23):
Beelzebub departed, much chagrined, presently back, came
the devil and surely it was the devil, this time.
There can be no mistake about it.
We wore a Scarlet, cloak and hadcloven feet and carried about
with him. As many suffocating smells as
there are in kinds of Brimstone,sulfur and SFO tada.

(34:45):
The two talked over Daniels miseries The Devil sympathized
with Daniel and ever and Anon are malodorous.
A meteor would trickle down the devil's Sinister nose and drop
off on the carpet. What you want is money said the
devil that will give you the comfort and the contentment you
crave. Yes, Sir, Daniel it will give me

(35:09):
every opportunity to do, good todo good, repeated the devil.
To do good indeed. Yes.
It's many a good time. We shall have to get their
friend Daniel and the devil laughed uproariously.
Nothing seemed more humorous than the prospect of doing good

(35:31):
with a devil's money but Daniel fail to see what the devil was
so jolly about Daniel was not a humorist.
He was as we have indicated a plane businessman It was finally
agreed that Daniel should sell his soul to the devil upon
condition that for the space of 24 years, the devil should serve

(35:52):
at Daniel Faithfully. Should provide him with riches
and to do whatsoever. He was commanded to do then at
the end of the 24th Year, DanielSoul was to pass into possession
of the devil and was to remain there forever, without recourse
or benefit of clergy. Surely a more horrible contract

(36:12):
with never entered into You willhave to sign your name to this
contract. So the devil producing a sheet
of asbestos paper upon, which all the terms of the Diabolical,
treaty were set forth. Exactly.
Certainly replied. Daniel, I have been a
businessman long enough to know the propriety and necessity of

(36:33):
written contracts. And as for you, you must of
course, give a bond for the faithful execution of your part
of this business. That is something Then I have
never done before suggested the devil, I shall insist upon it.
So Daniel firmly, this is no Affair of sentiment, it is
strictly and coldly business. You are to do certain service

(36:59):
and are to receive certain rewards.
Therefore, yes, your soul. Cried the devil gleefully.
Rubbing his calloused. Hands together your soul in 24
years. Yes.
So Daniel, no, no contract is good, unless there is a quid pro
quo, that's so said the devil. So let's get a lawyer to draw up

(37:25):
the papers, for me to sign. Why a lawyer query, Daniel?
A contract is a simple instrument.
I, as a businessman can frame one, sufficiently binding, but I
prefer to have a lawyer. Do it urged the devil, and I
prefer to do it myself. Elf the Daniel.

(37:45):
When a businessman once gets hismind set, not even an
Archimedean lever. Can stir it.
So, Daniel Drew upon the bond for the devil to sign and this
Bond specified that in case the devil failed at any time.
During the next 24 years to do what.
So, Daniel commanded him, then should the bond which the devil

(38:07):
held against Daniel become null and void.
And upon that same day, should 1001 Souls.
Be released forever from the devil's Dominion.
The devil, winced, he hated to sign this agreement, but he had
to and awful clap of Thunder. Ratified the Abominable treaty
and every black hat within a radius of 100 leagues

(38:30):
straightaway fell to frothing and whoo yelling grotesquely.
Presently, Daniel began to prosper.
The devil was a faithful slave and he served Daniel so artfully
that no person on Earth, suspected that Daniel had
leagued with the evil one, Daniel had the finest house in
the city, his wife dress magnificently and his children,

(38:54):
enjoy every luxury. Wealth could provide still Dino
was content to be known as a businessman.
He supported himself modestly and kindly he pursued.
With all his old time intelligence, the trade, which
in early years, he had found so unproductive of riches is
indifferent to the pleasures, which money put within his

(39:15):
reach. We're passing strange, and it
caused the devil. Vast uneasiness.
Daniel said, the devil one day, you're not getting out of this
thing. All the fun there is in it.
You go poking along in the same old rut with never a suspicion
that you have it in your power to enjoy every Leisure of human

(39:36):
life. Why don't you break away from
the old restraints? Why don't you Avail yourself of
the advantages at your command? I know what you're driving ass.
So, Daniel shrewdly politics. No, not at all.
Remonstrated, the devil, what I mean, is fun, gaiety, why not

(40:01):
have a good time? Daniel.
But I am having a good time. So, Daniel, my business is going
along. All right, I am rich.
I've got a lovely home. Why wife is happy?
My children are healthy and contented I am respected.
What more could I ask? What better time could I demand?

(40:24):
You don't understand me. Explained the devil?
What I mean by good time, is that which makes the heart Mary
and keeps the soul youthful. And buoyant wine.
Daniel. Well, wine and the theater and
pretty girls and fast horses andall that sort of happy, joyful

(40:46):
life, tatata cried, Daniel, no more of that sir, I sowed my
Wild Oats in college. What right.
Have I to think of such silly Follies, I had 40 years of age
and a businessman too. So not even the Devil Himself
could persuade Daniel into a life of dispensation.

(41:09):
All you who have made a study ofthe businessman will agree that
of all human beings? He is the hardest to Swerve from
conservative methods. The devil groaned and began to
wonder why he'd ever tied up to a man.
Like, Daniel, a businessman pretty soon.
Daniel developed an ambition, hewanted reputation and he told

(41:30):
the devil. So the devil's eyes sparkle Old
murmured. The Devil with a sigh of relief.
Yes, the Daniel I want to be known far and wide.
You must build a church for me what?
Treated the devil and the Devil's Tail stiffened up like a

(41:53):
sore thumb. Yes, said Daniel calmly.
You must build a church for me and it must be the largest
Handsomest Church in the city, the cities shall be free and you
shall provide the funds for its support for ever the devil Frost

(42:14):
at his mouth and blew fire issued from his ears and
nostrils. He was the maddest devil ever
seen on Earth, I won't do it, roared the devil.
Do you suppose? I'm going to spend my time
building churches and stultifying, myself just for the
sake of gratifying your Idol. Wings.

(42:34):
I won't do it. Never then the bond I gave is
null and void. So Daniel take your old Bond,
said the devil patch lately but the bond you gave is operative
continued Daniel. So release.
The Thousand and One Souls. You owe me when you refuse to
obey me? Daniel whimpered the devil.

(42:59):
Oh good, you treat me. So Haven't, I always been good
to you haven't, I given you riches and prosperity.
There's no sentiment of friendship for Daniel
interrupting him. I have already told you a
thousand times that our relations were simply those of

(43:22):
one businessman with another it now, behooves you to fulfill
your part of our compact eventually.
I shall fulfill mine. Come now to business, will you?
Or will you not keep your word and save your bond?
The devil was surely put to his Trump's, but when it came to

(43:43):
releasing 1001 Souls from hell, ah, that staggered him, he had
to build the church and Anova one.
It was two, then he endowed the church.
And finally, he built a parsonage altogether.
It was a stupendous work, and Daniel got all the credit for
it. The preacher whom Daniel in.
Stalled in This, Magnificent Temple was severely Orthodox.

(44:06):
And one of the first things he did was to preach a series of
sermons upon the personality of the devil.
Wherein he invade. The most bitterly against that
person and his work by. And by Daniel made the devil
endow and build a number of hospitals charity schools, three
baths, libraries and other institutions of similar

(44:28):
character, And then he made him secure the election of honest
men to office and of up right judges to the bench.
It almost broke the devil's heart to do it, but the devil
was prepared to do almost anything else than forfeit, his
bond and give up those 1001 Souls.
By this time, Daniel came to be known far and wide for his

(44:52):
philanthropic and his piety, this gratified him of course,
but most of all he gloried in the circumstance that he Was a
businessman. Have you anything for me to do
today? After devil one morning?
He had grown to be a very Meek and courteous devil steadily
employed in, the righteous causes that adjacent him to a

(45:12):
degree and purged away somewhat of the violence of his nature on
this particular morning. He looked Haggard and he'll and
yes. He looked to as blue as a
whetstone, I'm not feeling robust, explain the devil.
So tell the truth. I am somewhat Till I am sorry to
hear it. So Daniel, but as I am not

(45:34):
conducting as sanitarium, I can do nothing further than express,
my regret that you are a leading.
Of course, our business relations do not contemplate any
interchange of sympathies. Still, I'll go easy with you
today. You may go up to the house and
look after the children. See that they don't smoke

(45:55):
cigarettes or quarrel Ortiz. The cat are do Thing out of the
way. Now that was fine business for
the devil to begin, but how could the devil help himself?
He was wholly at Daniel's Mercy.He went groaning about the
humiliating tasks. The crash came at last it was
when the devil informed, Daniel one day that he wasn't going to

(46:18):
work for him anymore. You have ruined my business.
So the devil wearily, a committee of imps waited upon me
last night and told me that unless I severed my connection
with you, a permanent suspensionof my interests Down.
Yonder would be necessitated while I have been running around
doing your insane. Aaron's, my personal business

(46:41):
has gone to the A dog's I wouldn't be at all surprised if
I were to have to get a new plant all together.
Meanwhile my reputation has suffered.
I am no longer respected and thenumber of my recruits is day.
They becoming smaller. I give up.
I can make no further sacrifice.There are you prepared to

(47:01):
forfeiture Bond asked, Daniel not by any means, replied.
The devil, I proposed to throw the matter into the courts, that
will hardly be to your Just said, Daniel since, as you,
well, know, we have recently elected honest, men to the
bench, and as I recollect, most of our judges are members in

(47:22):
good standing of the church. We built some years ago, the
devil howled with rage, then presently.
He began to whimper for the lasttime.
Expostulated, Daniel, let me remind you that sentiment does
not enter into this affair at all.
We are simply to business parties.
Operating in a business scheme, our respective Duties are

(47:45):
exactly defined in the bonds. We hold you, keep your contract
and I'll keep mine. Let me see.
I still have a margin of 13 years, the devil groaned and
writhe they called me a duuude. We print the devil who do ask
Daniel Beelzebub and the rest said the devil I have been

(48:09):
trotting around doing Pious errands.
So Longer, I've lost all my sulfur and brimstone flavor.
And now, I smell like spike in Alton mer.
So, Daniel, well, I do insisted the devil.
So what have humiliated me? So that I ain't got any more
ambition. Yes.

(48:29):
Daniel, you have worked me shamefully hard.
Well said, Daniel, I have a verydistinct suspicion that when 13
years, hence, I fall into your hands.
I shall Not enjoy, what might becalled a sedentary life.
The devil plucked up at his suggestion.
Indeed, you shall not. He muttered, I'll make it hot

(48:52):
for you. But come, we waste time.
So, Daniel, I am a man of business and I cannot Fritter
away the precious moments parleying with you.
I have important work for you. Tomorrow is Sunday.
You are to see that all the saloons are kept closed eyes.
Chance? I won't yelled the devil but you

(49:16):
must. So Daniel firmly.
Do you really expect me to do that?
Roared the devil? Do you fancy?
That? I am so Aaron to fool as to shut
off the very feeders were by my hungry.
Hell is supplied? That would be suicidal.
I don't know anything about that.
So, Daniel, I am a businessman and buy this business

(49:40):
arrangement of ours. It is It is explicitly
stipulated. I don't care what the
stipulations are fruit. The devil I'm through with you
and may, I be consumed by my ownfires.
If ever again, I have anything to do with a businessman, the
upshot of it all. Was that the devil of forfeited
his bond? And by this act, Daniel was

(50:02):
released from every obligation unto the devil and 1001 Souls
were ransomed from their tortureof the infernal Flyers.
End of Daniel and the devil. The exchange by Althea Thurston

(50:24):
one-act, Play Collection. 8, this is a LibriVox recording all
LibriVox. Recordings are in the public
domain for more information or to volunteer, please visit
librivox.org. The Exchange characters, the
judge, read by algy pug, imp office, Voyage the judge, read

(50:49):
by Crystal Gaddis, poor man readby.
Larry Wilson vain woman read by Michelle eaten, Burridge
citizen, read by Beth Thomas, narrator read by James Curran.
The Exchange seen one, the curtain Rises upon an office

(51:10):
seen seemingly. There is nothing unusual about
this office. It has tables chairs, a filing
cabinet, and a hat rack. A portion of the office is
railed off at the, right. Within this enclosed space is a
commodious desk and swivel, chair, and the filing cabinet
stands against a wall. This railed off portion of the

(51:32):
office belongs exclusively to the judge here.
He is want to spend many hours sometimes to we do, right?
And again, perhaps he will just sit and Ponder upon the vagaries
of mankind. The judge is a tall spare, man
with rather long gray hair whichshows beneath the skull cap.

(51:53):
That he always wears. When we first see him, he is
reading a letter and evidently he is not pleased for his
tapping with inpatient fingers upon his desk.
At the left of the stage, is a heavily curtained door, which
leads to an inner room at the center rear is another door,
which evidently leads to the street as it is through this

(52:14):
door. That the poor man, the vain
woman and the rich citizen will presently enter each upon his
special Quest. The Hat wreck stains near the
Right door and we glimpse, a soft black hat and a long black
overcoat hanging upon it. Downstage to the left is a
flat-topped desk littered with papers and letters.

(52:36):
This desk has two large drawers.We're in a number of
miscellaneous articles. Might be kept.
It is at this desk that we catchour first glimpse of imp.
He is busily writing in a huge Ledger and he seems to be
enjoying his work for he chuckled the while It's a little
rogue, he looks it and exit and we feel that he has a Mustafa

(53:01):
lien Spirit. He wears a dark green, tight
fitting, uniform trimmed with red braid is Saucy, little round
cap is often cocked over one, eye is ever chuckling impishly
and we feel that he is slightly gleeful over the weaknesses of
mankind and the difficulties that beset them, imp throws down

(53:22):
his pen Chuckles and half Standing on the rungs of his
chair and balancing himself against the desk.
Surveys, The Ledger, your honor.I've all the miseries listed to
date a fine lot. There is to choose from
everything from old, bunions, two wives, for exchange, judge

(53:43):
skulls, and impatiently Taps theletter.
He is reading is another one woman.
Suspect her husband of a mr. Raj, wants to catch him, but
it's so crippled. Rheumatism.
She can't get about 16 weeks, changeover, rheumatism for
something that won't interfere with either her walking or her
eyesight imp referring to The Ledger and running his finger

(54:07):
along the lines. We have a defective heart or a
lazy liver that we could give her judge irritably tossing.
The letter over to the Imp she would not be satisfied, people
never are they always want to change their miseries but never
their vote. Isis each things, he'd earned
cross heavier than others have to bear.

(54:29):
But he's very willing to make lie to be turned weaknesses and
shortcomings. He thinks they're not half so
bad as his neighbors, have triedfor years to a distressed
Humanity, but I can't satisfy them.
I'm growing tired of it. All imp people need a lesson in,
he going to get it, too. I'm going to knock his heard on

(54:51):
the street door judge sighs turns to his death.
And begins to right imp sweeps. The litter of papers on his desk
into a drawer closes Ledger and goes to answer knock.
Here comes another misery and opens the door to admit the poor
man who is very shabbily dressed.
He hesitates looks around the room as if he were in the wrong

(55:14):
place and then addresses hemp ina loud whisper poor man.
Indicating the judge with a motion of his head.
Yes. That in imp with Whispering
loudly his reply. Poor men still whispering and
showing signs of nervousness. Do I dare speak to him imp

(55:37):
enjoying the situation and whispering. poor man takes off
his hat approaches slowly to therailing and speaks humbly, your
honor, I your honor I have a little favor to ask of you judge

(56:00):
looking coldly at the poor man. Well, you see your honor.
I've been poor. All my life.
I've never had much fun. I don't ask for a lot of money,
but I would like enough so that I could have some swell clothes
and so that I could eat drink and be merry with the boys.

(56:25):
You know, I just want to have a good time.
Do you think you could fix it for me?
Judge judge gazes at him, sternly for a moment.
So you just want to have a good time.
Want me to take away your poverty.
I suppose you have no model weakness, you want to change.

(56:45):
No defects in your character that you want to better.
Poor man stammering and twirlinghis hat judge I am not a bad
man. Of, of course, I have my faults
but then I've never committed any crime.

(57:06):
I guess, I stick a pretty fair as men go, I'm just awful tired
of being poured, never having any fun.
Couldn't you help me out on thatpoint judge judge sighs wearily
and turns to MP Bring Me The Ledger impa gives him the Ledger
in which he has been writing, judge opens it and then speaks

(57:30):
sharply to the poor man you understand?
Do you my good man The Divide take away your poverty and give
you enough money. If you're good time, you will
have to accept. Another measured a poor men.
Eagerly? Yes you are.
That's all right. I'm willing judge scanning
Ledger, very well. Let us see.

(57:53):
Here it is. Paralysis poor men hesitantly.
Well I couldn't have a very goodtime if I if I was paralyzed.
No, I suppose not how about a glass eye.
Please your honor if I'm going to have a good time, I need two

(58:15):
good eyes. I don't want to miss anything
judge. We were really turning over the
leaves of The Ledger, a man left.
He drive here for exchange. Perhaps you would like her poor
man. Shifting from one foot to the
other and nervously, twirling his hat.
Oh Joe, no, no, please. No.
I don't want anybody's old cast off wife judge becoming

(58:39):
exasperated. Well, choose something and be
quick about it. It is lumbago gout fatness old
age and imp interrupting and walking quickly, over to the
railing. Excuse me.
Judge but maybe the gentleman would like the indigestion that
mr. Potter left when he took old
mrs. Pratt's fallen.

(58:59):
Arches indigestion or sure that will be fine.
I wouldn't mind a little thing like indigestion if I can get
rid of my poverty very well. Raise your right hand and
repeat. After me, I swear to accept
indigestion For Better or For Worse.

(59:21):
As my portion of the world's misery, Juries, so, help.
Me God, I swear to accept indigestion For Better or For
Worse as my portion of the world's misery.
So, help me God judge to imp. Sure this gentleman to the
changing room for men, follows him who conducts him to the
heavily curtained or the poor man.

(59:42):
Throws out his chest and Swagger's a bit as a man might
who had suddenly come into a fortune.
Mm Swagger's along with him. Won't you have a grand time
though? Get you a menu card so that you
can be picking out your dinner, poor man, joyfully slapping in
pain back good idea. Oh pick out a regular banquet

(01:00:03):
pausing, a moment before he passes through the curtain, he
smiles and smacks his lips in anticipation.
Exit judge, speaks disgusting lie to him.
There you are. He perfectly satisfied with you?
And models has no defects in hischaracter, just wants to have a
good time. I'm sighs heavily and turns back

(01:00:25):
to his writing imp, not his headin agreement and Chuckles slyly
the street door opened slowly, and the vain woman stands upon
the threshold. She did not enter at once but
stands posing presumably, she desires to attract attention and
she is worthy of it. She has a superb figure and her

(01:00:46):
rich Downing, enhances it. Her Fair face reveals a shallow
prettiness, but the wrinkles of age are beginning to leave
Telltale lines upon its smoothness as the a he's forward
to usher in. She sweeps grandly, past him to
the center of the stage. Mm stops near the door, with his
hands on his hips, staring afterher, then takes a few steps in

(01:01:09):
Imitation of her, she turns around slowly and sauntered over
to the railing coughs effectively, and as the judge
Rises and boughs curtly. She speaks in a coaxing matter,
judge. I have heard that you are very
kind and I have been told that you help people out of their
troubles. So I have a little favor to ask

(01:01:31):
of you. Yeah, I supposed to go on.
Well, you know, the time, a famous beauty in facts, both my
face and my form are considered very lovely.
She turns around slowly that he may see for himself.
Great and celebrated men have worshiped at my feet.

(01:01:53):
I simply cannot live without admiration.
It is my very life but judge horrid wrinkles are beginning to
show in my face, intensely. Oh, I would give anything do
anything to have a smooth youthful face.
Once more please. Oh, please.

(01:02:16):
Won't you take away these wrinkles.
Touching her face with her fingers.
Give me something in their steadjudge looking directly at her
and speaking coldly, are you satisfied with yourself in other
ways it's your character as beautiful as your face have, you
know, phone so weaknesses that you want exchanged then woman

(01:02:39):
uncertainly, why? I don't know what you mean.
I am just as good as any other woman, lots better than some I
know. I go to church and I subscribe
to Charities and I belong to thebest clubs.
Oh please judge. It's these wrinkles.
That make me so. Unhappy won't you exchange them?

(01:03:02):
You don't want me to be unhappy,do you please take them away
judge, we're really looking overThe Ledger very well.
I'll see what I can do for you to him.
Fetch a chair for this lady in the consider a chair.
And she sits facing front imp returns to his desk, purchase

(01:03:23):
himself upon it and watches the vain woman interestedly judge
turns over to the Muse of his Ledger.
I have a good idea that I could exchange for your drinking being
woman. Protestingly clasping, her hands
to her throat. Oh heavens, no that would ruin
my beautiful throat, see throwing back, her fur and

(01:03:45):
exposing her neck in a low-cut gown.
I have a lovely Neck, it makes an exaggerated attempt to see
judge cleansing coldly at her and then scans Ledger again.
Well, how about hay fever then woman reproachfully?
Oh judge. How can you suggest such a thing

(01:04:07):
or two eyes and a red nose? The worst enemy of beauty there
is I simply couldn't think of it.
I want something that won't showjudge.
Disgusted, Lee, turns to Milan cabinet and look through a
series of cards with draws one and turn to back to the in woman

(01:04:28):
herb, this will show Geo. We first took hard woman has
grown very tired of her husband and wants to exchange him for
some other burden. What I accept a man that some of
the woman doesn't want, certainly not.
I prefer one that some of the woman does want Judge irritated

(01:04:50):
puts the card back in his place and turns upon the vain woman
crossly. I fear that I cannot please you,
and I do not have time to implement Rupp and rent over to
the railing speaking. Soothingly to the judge, excuse
me, judge, but maybe the lady would like deafness in exchange

(01:05:11):
for her wrinkles. Deafness wouldn't show.
So it couldn't spoil her face orher elegant figure.
Gyor. No, it won't show deafness or to
be a good thing for you mean women considering lie, why?
Yes that might do but well, it wouldn't show her.

(01:05:34):
I've a notion to take it. Pause, she seems to consider
immediate the judge stares at her coldly in Bryn's.
Impotently she Rises leisurely size All right, I'll accept it.
Judge sharply, hold up your right hand, she raised his hand.

(01:05:54):
Do you swear to accept deafness For Better or For Worse as your
portion of the world's miseries so help you God.
Oh yes. I do judge judge to him.
Sure. The lady to the changing room in
escorts, her to the curtain tourwith rather democ deference.
Now, deafness won't show it all and you'll have them all.

(01:06:17):
Crazy about you draws the side curtains for her to pass.
Take a second Booth to your right being woman.
Stands posed for a moment. She smiles, radiantly and Pat,
your cheeks softly, with her hands, then with a long-drawn
sigh of Happiness. She exits in bhau's low and
mockingly, after her, Vanishing form is hand on his heart.

(01:06:40):
Judge. Sarcastically do her photo
shortcomings. Troubled her.
Not at all. Perfectly satisfied with herself
except for a few wrinkles in herface.
Vain women Bear. Yes, sir, women have queer,
Notions and imperative rap at the street door immediately.

(01:07:02):
Followed by the rapper's abrupt appearance.
We see an important appearing personage is Eric, and bearing
in commending pose lead us to believe that he is accustomed to
prompt attention. It is the rich citizen
exceedingly. Well groomed, And his manner his
lordly. But he addresses the judge and
aboard tone. When the Imp Skipper's to meet

(01:07:23):
him, the rich, citizen hands himhis hat and cane and turns it.
Once to the judge examines the hat and Cane critically.
Hangs them on the hat rack and returns to his desk where he
again purchase to watch the richcitizen.
Rich citizen letting a cigarette.
I'm addressing the judge. I might not you are rich citizen

(01:07:46):
languidly between Have a cigarette.
Well judge life has become rather bossam, so I thought I
would drop in and ask you to do me a small favor?
Yes. We what do you agree?
Vince? Which citizen nonchalantly.
Oh, I wouldn't say grievance, exactly.

(01:08:07):
You see my dear judge it is thisway.
I am a very rich and influentialcitizen a prominent member of
society. And I am very much thought after
judge rigidly, Oh indeed, Richardson in a very bored
manner. Yes, women run off to me day and

(01:08:28):
night ambitious mother's throw their marriageable daughters at
my head. Men, seek my advice on all
matters. I am compelled to head this and
that committee smokes languidly.Well you're on really judge.
My Prestige has become a burden.I want to get away.
Meet. All I would like to become a

(01:08:50):
plain ordinary man with a humblevocation, the humbler, the
better, so that people will cease bothering me, is your
precious dear. All the Troubles.
You don't worry about your models.
I should Purge satisfied with your habits and character.
What of my habits on, morals? Got to do with my request.

(01:09:10):
Certainly, I'm not one of your saintly men, I live as a man of
my station to live and I think Imeasure up very well with the
best. Of them.
I'm simply bored and I would like a change.
I would like to be a plain man with an humble calling judge.
Ironically as here we have in Humble Colleen's he looks at The

(01:09:30):
Ledger turn to leaves over slowly.
We have several bartenders vacations.
Richard listen we were early smoking know too many people
about all the time and too much noise.
Well here's a janitor's job evento you Rickson.
In impatiently. Throwing away his cigarette?

(01:09:51):
No, I don't like that either, too, confining, too many people,
bickering at you all the time. I want to get out in the open
away from crowds judge sighing, in turning over the leaves of
his Ledger. Then hopefully here's the Betty
thing for you then Postman in a rural District.
No, no, no, too many old women that want to gossip.

(01:10:15):
I tell you I want to get away from women.
Haven't You something, peaceful and quiet.
Something that would take me outin the quiet of the early
morning. When the birds are singing judge
closing Ledger with a bang and Rising.
Well, your to a particular and Ihave not time to bother with
you. I bid you a good after him.
Slides Miss desk runs to the rail in speaks suavely, excuse

(01:10:40):
me, judge, but maybe the gentleman would like the
vocation of a Milkman that is early morning work.
And you remember, I Milkman lefthis job here when he took that
old worn-out Senators position, judge, shortly to Rich citizen.
Well, how about it doesn't milk means vacations here to here at

(01:11:02):
the early morning hours fresh air and newer people about well,
the very Simplicity in quietnessof it is its charm.
It rather appeals to me. He Ponders a moment.
Yes, by jove, I'll take it, holdup your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear to accept For Better or For Worse?

(01:11:22):
The vocation of Milkman as your lot in life?
So, help you. God, I do judge to him.
Sure this gentleman to the changing room in while
escorting. Him to the curtain door.
Yes, sir, you will lead the simple life, fresh air, fresh
milk know, people just cows and they can't talk holding aside

(01:11:45):
the curtains, third Booth sir, This simple life peace and
quietness exit judge in disgust.It's no use gimp the old cling
to their vices but they are verykeen to change some little
crossover condition that affectsis there or think.
Vex is there. It's strange that people always

(01:12:07):
want something different from what they have em, open the
drawer in his desk and takes outa bottle, evidently filled with
tablets, which he holds up shaking.
It and chuckling, he hunts in the drawer again.
And this time brings forth a huge ear trumpet, which he
chuckling only places on a tablebeside the bottle of tablets.

(01:12:29):
Don't let any more in him. I can't stand another one.
Today, I'm going to write a letter and then go home.
All right, sir. Hey, being very tired.
What I really need is a vacation, the sea trip.
Would put me a ride by the way. Where is that transatlantic

(01:12:49):
folder that I told you to get in?
Picks up the folder from his desk and takes it to the judge
who studies. It attentively in returns to his
own desk, where he again, looks in the drawer and brings forth a
menu card, which he planted overgrinning mischievously.
The former Man, re-enters from the changing room, he is well

(01:13:12):
dressed and taking a well-filledwallet from his pocket.
He looks at it, gloating lie. However, from time to time a
shade of annoyance passes over his face and he puts his hand to
the pit of his stomach, a runs to meet him and hands him the
menu that he had been reading. Here's our menu from the
gargoyle say you sure do look swell looking over him

(01:13:35):
admiringly, former poor man green.
And happily some class to mina looking at menu.
And you watch me pick out a realdinner.
Sits down at front left. First, I'll have a cocktail
been. Let's see, I'll have another

(01:13:56):
cocktail next. I stirs and he frowns and
presses. His hand to the pit of his
stomach. Keeping up a massaging motion,
green turtle soup. Sand dabs, chicken breasts, they
become absorbed over the menu. The vain woman re-enters from
the changing room. She now has a smooth face and

(01:14:18):
she is looking at herself in a hand, glass smiling and touching
her face delightedly. She walks over to the railing
and leans over to the judge. He looks up questioningly.
Oh, I'm so happy again and I notbeautiful.
You are vain foolish woman. Since she is deaf, she's not

(01:14:40):
here as words, but thinks he is complimenting her, he smiles at
him quietly judge you two are susceptible to my charms.
The judge in great exasperation puts away his papers thrust, the
transatlantic folder in his pocket.
Hey, Stanley closes his desk andhurries to the hat rack put on

(01:15:02):
his Overcoat slips, his skull cap into his pocket and put on
his soft black hat. Then with a shrug of the
shoulders and a wave of his hand, indicative of disgust, he
slips quietly out. The vein woman Saunders past.
The former poor man stops near him posing and begins to put on

(01:15:24):
her gloves. He looks at her and my only then
getting to his feet makes an elaborate but awkward bow.
Excuse me, lady, but I've had a big piece of luck today and I I
want to celebrate. So I'm having a big dinner.
Won't you join me and help me have a good time then woman

(01:15:47):
looking at him blankly and trying to Fathom what he said.
Oh why what did you say former poor man?
Hesitating and a bit surprised why I said that I had a big
piece of luck today and I'm going to celebrate, I am having
a fine dinner and I just asked if You wouldn't have dinner with

(01:16:10):
me, the woman still looking blank and a little confused.
Then smiling archly and acting as though she'd been hearing
compliments. She speaks affectedly.
Really do you think so looking down and smoothing her dress?
But then everyone tells me that I am a poor man, puzzled turns

(01:16:31):
to him for help. Yes, what is her trouble nut?
Him, secretly gleeful, she is Stone.
And a few had better ride. It never know.
Death one's for me turns away and consult the menu.
Again Lane woman poses and frequently looks in hand glass
to reassure herself. Former RIT citizenry enters from

(01:16:53):
the changing room is dressed in shabby overalls.
Jumper and an old hat. He has a pipe in his mouth.
He walks arrogantly over to the former or man, and addresses
him. Give me a light, former poor man
trying to live up to his Fine clothes and wallet full of
money. Looks, the former RIT students
in over stubbornly. Say what do you think you are?

(01:17:17):
You like out? See, former Rick citizen.
Very much surprised stands nonplussed a moment.
Well, upon my word, I I stopped short in his speech walks
haughtily over to the railing where he stands glowering at the
former poor man. The former party and starts for
the street door, but imp runs after him.

(01:17:40):
Waiting the bottle of tablets, I'll sell you these for two
bits. What is that indigestion
tablets? Former poor man puts his hand to
his stomach and laughs a little lamely keep em I don't need em
vain woman Fashions her fur and starts for the street door.
It giving the farmer which citizen a snubbing look as she

(01:18:03):
passes him. The imps.
Stops her and offers ear trumpet.
You might need this, I'll sell it for a dollar.
She does not hear what he says. But she looks for scorn at the
ear trumpet and walks probably out former route citizen
bumbling at his pocket as if to find a watch boy, what time is
it? I haven't my watch in grinning

(01:18:25):
mischievously. Time to milk the cows, the
former which citizens starts angrily towards the end then
evidently thinking better of it shrugs, his shoulders and talks
majestically to the street-door key, poses added partly opened
turns as if to speak to the m, draws himself up.
Haughtily a ludicrous figure in a Shabby outfit and then he goes

(01:18:46):
abruptly out. Slamming the door in doubles
himself in a paroxysm of Glee asthe curtain Falls.
Scene. Two a fortnight passes, the
curtain Rises upon the same stage setting.

(01:19:06):
The judge is not about but we see the asleep in a chair.
All seems quiet and Serene but suddenly the street door opens
noisily and the former poor man burst into the room is panting
as though he has been running his Haggard and seems in great
pain or occasionally. He moans he looks wildly about
the room and seeing them asleep in the chair.

(01:19:30):
He rushes to him. And shakes him roughly imp wake
slowly, you wanting and rubbing his eyes, former poor man
frantically the judge. Where is he?
I must see him at once. Imp yawning?
Hmm, you're too early. He isn't down yet settled
himself to go to sleep again. Former poor man, walking the

(01:19:53):
floor and holding his hands to his stomach.
Don't go to sleep again. I'm nearly crazy.
What time does the judge? Get here, where does he live?
Can't we send for him imp indifferently?
Oh he's liable to come in any minute and then he may not come
for an hour or two former poor man pacing the floor moaning and

(01:20:15):
rubbing his stomach. Oh, I can't stand it much
longer. It's driving me.
Wild I tell you, I do wish the judge would come imp getting His
chair and keeping step with the former poor, man, what's the
matter? I thought all you wanted was to
eat drink and be merry. Former poor man frantically,

(01:20:35):
waving his arms. Hey, drink and be merry, be
everything. I eat gives me indigestion
something. Awful everything.
I drink gives it to me, worse. How can I be married when I am
in this torment all the time? I tell you.
This pain is driving me mad. I want to get rid of it quick.

(01:20:57):
Oh why doesn't the judge come? What's the judge?
Got to Do With It. Former poor, man.
Pathetically I am going to beg him to take back this
indigestion and give me back my poverty.
It was not so bad after all not nearly so bad.
Is this pain in my stomach? The street door opens slowly.

(01:21:21):
And it's our fault woman enters.She is weeping softly.
It is the vain woman gone, is her posing and her proud manner.
She walks humbly to the railing and not seeing the judge.
She turns to the Imp, the formerpoor man.
Looks at the vain woman frowningly.
Muttering, what is she here for then?
He sits down at the left and rocks.
Back and forth in misery vain woman tearfully.

(01:21:45):
Oh, I must see the judge right away.
Please imp languidly. He is it down yet?
You're too early, vain woman interrupting.
Tell him that it's very important.
As I'm in great distress in the team of see me at once him
loudly. I said he was not down yet

(01:22:06):
seeing that she does not understand.
He takes a writing pad from his desk scribbles, a few words and
standing in front of her. Hold it up for her to read being
woman after reading. Oh, when will he be here?
Can't you get him to come right away?
Oh I'm so unhappy, she walks thefloor in agitation the former

(01:22:26):
poor man, Brent in irritation and turns his back on her.
I cannot hear a word that is said to me.
No one seems to want me around and I'm not invited out anymore.
I had the feeling that people are making fun of me.
Instead of praising my beauty, so it is Dreadful to be deaf
getting hysterical. Hey, what the judge to take away

(01:22:46):
this deafness, I would rather have my Rickles him, shakes, his
head in prayer, Did sympathy saying too bad, too bad?
She misunderstands and cries out.
Who's the judge? Give it away my wrinkles.
I want them back. I want my very own wrinkles to
wrinkles are distinguished-looking.

(01:23:09):
I don't want to be deaf. Any longer imp running over to
the farmer? Poor man say this lady feels
very bad. Can't you cheer her up a little
former poor man. We're still rocking back and
forth with his own misery looks up at the Imp in disgust, cheer
her up me. What's the joke?

(01:23:33):
The vain woman walks to the curtain.
Door looks in as if seeking something, then returns to a
chair where she sits weeping softly and particular, thumping
is heard at the street door, theformer poor man jumps to his
feet and expectancy whooping. It is the judge imp also stands,
waiting the door. Opened as though the person that
opened it did so with difficultythe former, which citizen

(01:23:56):
hobbles in is ragged and dirty and one foot is bandage, which
causes him to use a crutch, he carries a large milk.
Can he hobbles painfully to the center of the stage?
The former poor man grunts with this appointment and sits down
again, rubbing away at his stomach, the vain woman sits
with bowed head silently weeping, the former, which

(01:24:17):
citizen looks about, then addresses him in a rather You
voice. I wish to see the judge at once.
It is most urgent imp within ill-concealed smile.
You can't see the judge at once,why not?
I told you it was most urgent because he isn't here, he hasn't

(01:24:38):
come in yet. What's your trouble trouble?
Everything's the trouble. I have been abused insulted
overworked. Even the powers of kicked me
looking down at his bandaged foot.
I can't stand. And it I won't stand it.
I want back my proper place in the world where I am respected
and where I can rest and sleep and mingle with my kind.

(01:25:01):
He hobbles to a chair and sits down wearily.
Former poor man getting up from his chair walks over to the
former Rich citizen Waggles, hisfinger in his face and speaks
fretfully what caused have you to squeal.
So, If you had indigestion like I have all the time, you might

(01:25:22):
be entitled to raise a hauler. Why I can't eat a thing without
having the most awful thing right here, which is hand to
this pit of his stomach. When I take a drink oh heavens
it. Huh?
Former Rich citizen interruptingcontemptuously.

(01:25:43):
You big baby howling about the stomach ache.
If you had a man sighs trouble. They might be some excuse for
you. Now, I who have been used to
wealth and respect have been subjected to the most grueling
ordeals. Why in that Dairy?
There were a million cows and they kicked me and horned me.
And I vain woman, walks over to them, interrupting their talk

(01:26:04):
and speak in a voice punctuated with, sniffing sobs death.
Have a few gentlemen, If it being deaf, it's a terrible
thing for a beautiful woman. Like I am to have such an

(01:26:27):
Affliction former with sedation shrugs his shoulders in
differently and limps to the other side of the stage where he
sits, one more poor man stocks over to the railing where he
leans limply. Whoa.
Deliver me from uh sniffling woman imp who is perched on his
death. Chuckles.

(01:26:48):
Wickedly at their sufferings, vain woman, sinks to ejected lie
in the chair, vacated by the former Rich Citizen.
And Doc is heard at the street door, the former poor man and
the former Rich citizen start forward, eagerly expecting the
judge. Even the vain woman, seeing the
others rise gets to her feet. Hopefully in paste delete slides

(01:27:09):
from his desk and pulling down his tight little jacket and
cocking is round little cap, a little more over one.
I go to Who knocks a messenger, hands him a letter and silently.
Departs, imp importantly letter for me from the judge.
Sure, why doesn't he come himself?

(01:27:30):
Send for him, boy, imp grinned at the former RIT Citizen and
insolent manner. Well, well, I wonder what the
judge is writing me for its queer.
He would send me a letter. He looks the letter over
carefully. Both sides.
Hold it up to the light. It smells it shake.
Sit the two men and the woman grow more and more nervous.

(01:27:51):
Former poor man, extremely irritated or gonna say, open it
and read it. Yes, yes.
And don't be so long about it then woman simply stands
pathetically and wait in box over to his desk hunt for a
knife. Finally finds one looks lighter
over again, then slowly slits the envelope and draws out the

(01:28:11):
letter which he reads silently to himself.
They are breathlessly awaiting imp whistles Softly.
Softly to himself. Wow.
What do you think of that? What is it?
Why don't you tell us, former RIT citizen pounding with his
crutch? On the floor?
Come. Come.
Don't keep me waiting like this him reads letter again, silently

(01:28:35):
chuckling All right, here it is.Reads, my dear imp, I have tried
Faithfully for years to Aid, distressed Humanity, but they
are an ungrateful, lot of fools,and I wash my hands of them.
When this letter reaches you, I will be on the high seas and I

(01:28:58):
am never coming back. So write finis on the big old
Ledger of miseries and shut up shop for the exchange is closed.
Used forever, yours and discussed the judge.
They're all days to moment the vain woman.
Sensing that something terrible has happened.
Russia's from one to the other saying what is it?

(01:29:20):
What has happened? The it gives her the letter to
read. Former poor man in a perfect
frenzy, oh my God. But Justin all the rest of my
days. Vain woman.
After reading the letter, it collapses in a chair,
hysterically sobbing out. Death.
Holly's death. What shall I do?

(01:29:41):
Former with citizen leaning heavily on his crutch and
shaking his free hand clenched in Anger.
This is an outrage. I am rich and have influence and
I shall take steps to to the manlooks down at his milk sputtered

(01:30:03):
close. His bandage foot and letting his
crutch fall to the floor sinks, dejectedly into a chair burying
his face. Face In His Hands, imp dangles,
his keys, and opens the street door, as an invitation, for them
to go. The former poor man is the first
to start moving dazedly and breathing hard in offers him.
The bottle of indigestion tablets the man grasp them

(01:30:26):
eagerly tipping him. Whoo.
Chuckles as he Pockets the money, the former poor man takes
a tablet as he exits. The vain woman bowed with sorrow
move, slowly towards the door intouches her arm and offers the
ear trumpet. She Did with wild SOB tipping
imp who again Chuckles. As he Pockets the money, the
last we see of the vain woman, she is trying to hold the ear

(01:30:49):
trumpet tour ear and exits. Sobbing the former RIT citizen
still sits in his chair. His head in his hands, I'm picks
up the milk. Can and tapping the man not to
gently on the shoulder thrust, the milk hand at him, and makes
a significant gesture indicativeof this way.
Out the man rises to ejected lie.

(01:31:10):
Picks up his crutch, takes the milk can and hobbles painfully
towards the door. Imp doubles himself up in a wild
missed, awfully in Glee as the curtain Falls.

(01:31:31):
End up the exchange. The Hourglass a morality by w.
B Yeats, one-act Play Collection8.

(01:31:54):
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox recordings are in the
public domain for more information or to volunteer,
please visit librivox.org. Narration by Zim's current a
wise man read by Mike Justice, afool read by algy pug.

(01:32:16):
Some pupils read by Larry Wilson, read by Todd Red.
Barn, get novelist an angel readby Jesse.
Hyun, the wise man's wife, read by Christine G2 children, read
by. Jesse you read by April Walter.
Hers. Seeing a large room with a door

(01:32:40):
at the back and another at the side opening to an inner room, a
desk and a chair in the middle, an hourglass on a bracket near
the door, a creepy stool near it.
Some benches, the wise man sitting at his desk, Wiseman,
turning over the pages of a book.
Where's that passage? I am to explain to my pupils

(01:33:02):
today. Here it is.
And the book says that it was written by a beggar on the
walls. Of Babylon.
There are two living countries, the one visible and the one
indivisible and when it is winter with us it is summer in
that country. And when the November winds are
up Among Us, it is lambing time there, I wish that my pupils at.
Ask me to explain any other passage for this is a hard

(01:33:25):
Passage. The fool comes in and stand at
the door, holding out his hat. He has a pair of shears in the
other hand, It sounds to me likefoolishness.
And yet that cannot be for the writer of this book where I have
found so much knowledge, would not have said it by itself on
this page and surrounded it withso many images and so many deep

(01:33:46):
colors and so much fun. Gilding if it had been
foolishness, full, give me a penny Wiseman, turns to another
page. Here he is written the learned
and the old times, forgot the visible country that.
I understand what I have taught my learner's better.
Who would she give me a Payday? What do you want?

(01:34:08):
The words of the wise saracen will not teach you much.
Did she agree to ice teachers? You wouldn't refuse to pity to a
film. What do you know about wisdom?
You do we know what I'm seeing? What is it?
You have seen when he would to kill you and where the
building's history ringing at the break of every day?

(01:34:29):
He could hear nothing but the people are snowed in their
houses. When I went by to of a now
whether young men used to be claiming the hill to the Blessed
will they were sitting to the crossroads playing cards when I
went to. Cody, get us with the phrase
used to be first in and serving the poor.
He shouldn't we could Wayne and a be in the waves when he asked

(01:34:50):
with Misfortune had brought all these changes.
He said it was no Misfortune, but who is the wisdom they had
learned from your teaching run around to the kitchen and my
wife will give you something to eat.
Ted, his foolish advice for the waistband to give why fool.
What is he doing this gun? He went pennies for me bag him.

(01:35:12):
Must be because in the shops andnuts in the market and strong
drink for the team and the sunnis week, underwent sneers to
catch the rabbits, the squirrels, and the Bears and the
pot to cook them in. Go away.
I have other things to think of now than giving you pennies,
give me a penny and he would be,you look brutally.

(01:35:33):
Efficient would let me sleep among the Nets in his Loft in
the winter team? Because he says I bring him.
Look at in the summertime, the world creature to the beach.
Deeply their nests, in the holes.
It is looki even to look at me or the touch me, but it is much
more lucky to give me a penny holds out his hand.
He very we should look e, h nerve.

(01:35:56):
What have you got the shears for?
He wouldn't tell you if I told you you would drive them away.
Who would I drive away? He won't tell you not, if I give
you a penny, no, not if I give you two pennies, you will be
very lucky if you give me two pennies, but I won't tell you

(01:36:18):
three pennies for, but I will tell you very well for but I
will not call you Teague, the foo, any longer Let me come
close to you, when nobody will hear me, but first, you must
promise me, you will not drive them away, Wiseman.
Odds, he read a menu were dressed in black, it's pretty

(01:36:41):
great, black Nets over the hill and great black knit.
Why do they do that? Did they make hitch?
Defeated the Angels, but every morning just before they're
doing, here you go out and cut the Nets with me shears and the
Angels fly away. Now I know that you are Teague,
the food you have told me that Iam wise, and I have never seen

(01:37:04):
an angel who you've seen, plentyof angels.
Did you bring luck to the angelsto who?
No, no, no one could do that. But they're always there if when
looks about one here like the blades of grass.
When do you see them? When you get squid, then simply

(01:37:25):
wakes up inside when something happy and Wade, take the stairs,
just like the seventies move. But like the fixed Stars key
points upward and what happens then in, you're only limited,
one smooth summer flowers and told people to go buy happy and
love and and includes of the color of burning swords.

(01:37:49):
Is it long since you have seen them take the fool?
That long glory be to God, I sure won't come in behind me,
just know it was no laughing butit had closed the color of
burning swords and or something.Shining about its head.
Well they're your for pennies. You are fool.
Say glory be to God but before Icame to Wiseman said it run away

(01:38:12):
now, I must ring the bell for myScholars.
For pennies, which means a greatdeal of look great teacher.
Hey bro, to plenty of look, he goes out shaking the bag.
Do they call him Teague? The fool.
He is not more foolish than everybody used to be with their
dreams and their preachings in there, three worlds.

(01:38:34):
But I have overthrown, their three worlds with the seven
Sciences, he touches the books with his hands.
We philosophy that was made for the lonely star.
I have taught them to forget theology with architecture.
I have hidden the ramparts of their cloudy heaven.
With music, The Fears planets daughter whose hair is always on
fire and with grammar, that is the Moon's daughter.

(01:38:57):
I have shut their ears to the imaginary Harkins and speech of
the angels. And I have made formations of
battle with arithmetic that haveput the host of Heaven to the
route. But rhetoric can dialectic that.
Have been born out of the light star and out of the Amorous
star. You have been my spearmint in my
catapult. Oh my Swift.
Horseman. Oh, my Keen.

(01:39:19):
Darting arguments. It is because of you that I have
overthrown the host of foolishness.
An angel in a dress, the color of Embers and carrying a
blossoming. Apple bow in his hand and with a
gilded Halo about his head standupon the threshold, Before I
came men's Minds, were stuck with Folly about a heaven where

(01:39:41):
birds sing the hours and about angels that came and stood upon
men's thresholds, but I have locked divisions into heaven and
turn the key upon them. Well, I must consider this
passage about the two countries.My mother used to say something
of the kind. She would say that when our body
sleep, our souls awake and that,whatever Withers here, ripens

(01:40:01):
Yonder, and that harvests are snatched from us that they may
feed invisible people. What the meaning of the book
must be different for Only Foolsand women have thoughts like
that. Their thoughts were never
written upon the walls of Babylon.
He sees the angel. What are you, who are you?
I think I saw some that were like you in my dreams.

(01:40:22):
When I was a child. That bright thing that dress,
that is the color of Embers but I have done with dreams.
I have done with dreams. I am the angel of the most high
God. Why have you come to me?
I have brought you a message. What message have you got for
me? You will die within the hour.

(01:40:44):
You will die. When the last grains have
fallen. In this class, he turns The
Hourglass. My time today is not comb.
I have my pupils have a young wife and children that I cannot
leave. Why must I die?
You must die because no souls are passed over.
The threshold of Heaven. Since you came into this

(01:41:06):
country, the threshold is Grassyand the gates are Rusty.
And the angels that keep watch, there are lonely.
Where would that bring me to thedoors of heaven will not open to
you for you have denied the existence.
Winds of Heaven. And the doors are Purgatory will
not open to you for you have denied assistance of purgatory,

(01:41:29):
but I have also denied the existence of hell.
Hell is the place of those who deny wise?
Men kneeling, I have indeed denied everything and had taught
others to deny. I have believed in nothing, but
my senses told me. But, oh, beautiful, angel,
forgive me. Forgive me.
You should have asked forgiveness long ago.

(01:41:50):
That are seen your face as I seeit now.
Oh, beautiful angel. I would have believed.
I would have asked forgiveness. Maybe you do not know how easy
it is to doubt. Storm death.
The grass riding many sicknesses.
Those are the messengers that came to me.
Oh, why are you silent? You carry?
The pardon of the most high? Give it to me.

(01:42:12):
I would kiss your hands if I were not afraid.
No, no, the Hem of your dress. You let go and dying hands too
long ago. Oh to take hold of them.
Now you can understand you live in that country.
People only seeing their dreams you live in a country that we
can only dream about maybe it ishard for you to understand why
we disbelieve as it is for us tobelieve.

(01:42:34):
Oh, what have I said? You know, everything.
Give me time to undo. What I've done, give me a year a
month, a day, an hour. Give me this hours in that I may
undo. What I have done.
You cannot undo. What I've done yet.
I have this power with my message.

(01:42:54):
If you can find one that bleeps before an hour's end, you shall
come to heaven after the years of purgatory. 441 Fury seed
watched over by those that sent me.
The Harvest can come again to keep the golden threshing floor
when now farewell for I worry ofthe weights of time.

(01:43:16):
Blessed. Be the father blessed.
Be the song, blessed. Be the spirit blessed, be the
messenger. They have sent angel at the door
and pointing at The Hourglass ina little while, the uppermost
glass will be empty, goes out. Everything will be well, with
me. I will call my pupils.

(01:43:38):
They only say, they doubt pulls the Bell.
They will be here in a moment. I hear their feet outside on the
path. They want to.
Please me they pretend that theydisbelieve.
Belief is too old to be overcomeall in a minute sighs.
I could prove what I wants disproved another pull at the
Bell They are coming now, I willgo to my desk.

(01:44:02):
I will speak quietly as if nothing had happened.
He stands at the desk with a fixed look in his eyes.
Enter pupils and the Fall. Leave me alone.
Leave me alone. Who's that pollute?
My bag? King's son.
Do not pull it. My bag.
Our young man did your friends. The Angels give you that bag,

(01:44:26):
why don't they feel your bag foryou?
Give me a parish. Give me some pennies.
Let's go, his cloak. It is coming to Pieces.
What do you want pennies for with that great bag at your
waist? Who you want to be bigger than
the Sherpas and nuts in the market and strong drink, for the
time, when the sun is weak and stairs to catch, rabbits, and

(01:44:46):
squirrels to steal the notes, and here's what a great port to
cook them in. Why don't your friends tell you
where buried Treasures are? Why don't they make you dream
about Treasures? If one dream three times, there
is always treasure fool. Holding out his hat.
Give me pennies. Give me Benny's the throw.

(01:45:09):
Pennies into his hat. He is standing close to the door
that he may hold out his hat to each newcomer Master.
Will you have tagged the fool for a scholar Teague?
Will you give us pennies if we teach you lessons?
No, he goes to school for nothing on the mountains.
Tell us what you learned on the mountains, Teague, be silent.

(01:45:31):
All he has been standing silent looking away.
Way standstill in your places for there are something I would
have you tell me, A moment's pause, they all stand around in
their places tag. Still stands at the door?
Is there anyone amongst you who believes in God in heaven or in

(01:45:52):
purgatory or in? Hell no one asked, no one.
I knew you would all say that but do not be afraid.
I will not be angry. Tell me the truth.
Do you not believe? We once did but you have taught
us to know better. Oh, teaching.
Teaching does not go very deep. The heart remains unchanged,

(01:46:13):
under it. All you believe just as you
always did and you are afraid totell me no, no master.
If you tell me that you believe I shall be glad.
And not Angry Young Man to his neighbor.
He wants somebody to dispute with.
I knew that from the beginning that is not the subject for

(01:46:34):
today. You were going to talk about the
words. The bigger wrote upon the walls
of Babylon. If there is one amongst you that
believes he will be my best friend.
Surely there is one amongst you.They are all silent.
Shirley, what you learned at your mother's knees is not been
so soon, forgotten Master till you came.

(01:46:55):
No teacher in this land was ableto get rid of foolishness and
ignorance but everyone has listened to you.
Everyone has learned the truth. You have had your last
disputation. What a fool.
You made it that monk in the It place he had not a word to say
wise man comes from his desk andstands among them in the middle

(01:47:17):
of the room, pupils dear friends, I have deceived you all
this time. It was, I myself, who was
ignorant? There is a God, there is a
Heaven, There is fire the passesand there is fire that lasts
forever. Take through all of this is
sitting on a stool, by the door,Reckoning on his fingers, what

(01:47:39):
he will buy with his money. A young man to another.
He will not be satisfied till wedispute with him to the wise
man. Prove it Master.
Have you seen them? Just now before you came in,
someone came to the door. And when I looked up, I saw an

(01:48:00):
angel standing there. You were in a dream.
Anybody can see an angel in his dreams.
Oh my God, it was not a dream. I was awake waking.
Is I am? Now, I tell you, I was awake as
I am now some dream when they are awake, but they are the
Easy. And who would believe what?

(01:48:21):
They say, forgive me master. But that is what you taught me
to say. That is what you said to the
monk, when he spoke of the visions of the Saints and the
martyrs. You see how well we remember
your teaching out out from my sight.
I want someone with belief, I must find that grain, the angel
spoke of before I die, I tell you, I must find it.

(01:48:45):
And you answer me with, arguments out with you or I will
beat you with my stick. The young men laugh.
How well he plays it Faith. He is like the monk when he had
nothing more to say out or I will later stick about your
shoulders out with you. There you are a King's son, they
begin to hurry out. Come come he wants us to find

(01:49:08):
someone who will dispute with him.
All go out. Wise man, alone, he goes to the
door. At the side, I will call my
wife. She will believe women.
Always believed he opens the door and calls.
Bridget Bridget, Bridget comes in wearing her apron, her

(01:49:31):
sleeves turned up from her flowery arms.
Bridget tell me the truth. Do not say what you think will,
please me? Do you sometimes say your
prayers preyas know. You taught me to leave them off
long ago. At first, I was sorry.
Well, I'm glad now for I'm sleepy in the evenings, but do
you not believe in God and a good wife?

(01:49:52):
Only believes what her husband tells her.
But sometimes when you are alone, when I am in the school
and the children asleep, do you not think about the Saints about
the things you used to believe in?
What do you think of when you are alone?
Bridget considering I think about nothing.
Sometimes I wonder if the pig isfattening well or I go out to

(01:50:14):
sea. The crabs are picking up the
chickens food. Oh, what can I do is there?
Nobody, who believes? I must go and find somebody.
He goes towards the door, but with his eyes, fixed on The
Hourglass. I cannot go out.
I cannot leave that. You want somebody to get up
argument with, oh look out of the door and tell me.

(01:50:35):
If there is anybody there in thestreet?
I cannot leave this glass. Somebody might shake it.
Then the same would fall quickly.
I don't understand what you're saying.
Looks out. There is a crowd of people
talking to your pupils, oh, run out Bridget.
And see if they have found somebody that believes Bridget
wiping her arms in her apron andpulling down her sleeves.

(01:51:00):
It's a hard thing to be married to a man of learning that must
be always, having arguments goesout and shouts through the
kitchen door. Don't be meddling with the bread
children while I'm out. Wise men kneels down.
Salva me, fac Deus solve them. So I have forgotten it all.

(01:51:20):
It is 30 years since I said a prayer, I must pray in the
common tongue. Like a clown begging in the
market, like Teague, the fool, he prays help me.
Father, son and spirit, Bridget enters followed by the Fall who
is holding out his hat to her. Give me something.
Give me a penny to buy bacon in the shops and notes in American

(01:51:43):
and strong, drink for the time. When the sun grows weak, I have
no pennies to the wise man, yourpupils cannot find anybody to
argue with you. There is nobody in the whole
country who had enough belief tofill a pipe.
Would since you put down the monk, can't you be quiet now?
And not always be wanting arguments.
It must be terrible to have a mind like that.

(01:52:05):
I am lost. I am lost.
Leave me alone. Now, I have to make the bread
for you and the children out of this woman out of this, I say,
Richard goes through the kitchendoor.
Well, nobody find a way to help me, but she spoke at my
children, I had forgotten them. They will believe it is only
those who have reasoned that doubt.

(01:52:27):
The young are full of Faith. Bridget Bridget.
Send my children to me, Bridget inside your father.
Once you run to him now. The two children come in, they
stand together, a little ways from the threshold of the
kitchen door, looking timidly attheir father children.
What do you believe is there a heaven?

(01:52:48):
Is there a hell? Is there a Purgatory?
We haven't forgotten father. Oh no father, we both speak
together as if in school, it is easy.
There's nothing. We cannot see foolish.
People used to think that There were but you are very learned

(01:53:09):
and you have taught us better. You're just as bad as the others
just as bad as the others out ofthe room with you out of the
room, the children begin to cry and run away.
Go away, go away. I'll teach you better know, I
will never teach you again. Go to your mother.
No she would not be able to teach them.

(01:53:31):
Help them. Oh God Alone.
The greys are going very quickly.
There is very little sand in theuppermost glass.
Somebody will come for me in a moment.
Perhaps he is at the door now. Oh, creatures that have reasoned
out though, that grass in the plane is could speak.
Somebody has said that they would wither if they doubted.

(01:53:54):
Oh, speak to me. Oh, grass blades.
Oh, fingers of God. Certainty speak to me.
You are millions, and you will not speak.
I dare not know the moment. The Messenger will come for me.
I'll cover the glass, he covers it, and brings it to his desk.
And the fool is sitting by the door.
Fiddling with the flowers, whichhas stuck in his hat.

(01:54:15):
He has begun to blow a dandelionhead.
What are you doing? Wait a moment.
He blows for fave 6. What are you doing that?
For hey blue knit dandelion to find out what time it is.
You have heard everything that is why you want to find out what

(01:54:37):
our it is. You're waiting to see them come
through the door to carry me away.
Fool goes on blowing out throughthe door with you.
I'll have no one here when they come.
He seizes the Fool by the shoulders and begins to force
him out through the door then suddenly changes his mind.
No I have something to ask you. He drags him back into the room.

(01:55:00):
Is there a heaven? Is there a hell?
Is there a Purgatory to USB know?
He thought you were asking you pupils?
He said to me serve you would have take the food.
Take could tell him all about itfor today guys learned rule
about it when he's been couldníttell Me, tell me, he should take

(01:55:21):
knows everything, but even DeRozan to his that milked, the
cows have dings wisdom fatigue. When its peak he says, nothing.
Tell me, tell me for under the cover of the grains are falling.
And when they are all falling, Ishall die.
And my soul be lost. If I have not found somebody
that believes speak speak fool looking wise.

(01:55:44):
No, no. I won't tell you what is in my
mind and I won't tell you what he did.
Too much do. We might search Amita Buddha on
the road yesterday and he said, take, tell me how many pennies
are in your bag. It one wagered, three pennies,
there are not 20 pennies in yourbag to be put in my hand and
count them boat. I pulled the strings tighter

(01:56:06):
like this when I go to sleep every night, I hide the bag when
no one knows. Wise man goes toward The
Hourglass as if to uncover it. No, no, I have not the courage.
He kneels have pity upon me fooland tell me.
Oh no, that is different. I'm not afraid of, you know, but

(01:56:27):
I miss come near you. Someone in there, might hear
what the angel said. Oh, what did the angel tell you
once? I was alone in the hills and an
angel came by and he said, take the food do not forget.
The three fares, the fear that punishes the fear that purifies
and the fire were in the soul rejoices forever, he believes I

(01:56:51):
am saved. Help me, the sand has run out.
I am dying for helps him to the chair.
I am going from the country of the seven wandering stars, and
I'm going to the country of the fixed Stars.
Ring the bell full rings. The bell, are they coming?
Oh no. I hear their feet.

(01:57:12):
I will speak to them. I understand it all.
Now one sinks in on God we do not see the truth.
God sees the truth in us, I cannot speak, I am too weak,
tell them fool that when the life in the mine are broken.
The truth comes through them like peas through a broken
piece. God.
But no, I will pray yet. I cannot pray, pray fool that

(01:57:36):
they may be given a sign and save their souls alive.
Your prayers are better than mine fool knows his head.
Why is man's head sings on his arm on the books pupils enter?
Look at the fool turned bellringer.
What have you called us in for Teague?
What are you going to tell us? No wonder he has had dreams.

(01:58:00):
See, he is fast asleep now goes over and touches the wise man.
Oh he's dead. Do not stir.
He is for saying that you might be sieved.
All are silent for a moment. Look, would it come from his
mouth, a little wing. Ding a little shiny thing, it is

(01:58:22):
gone to the door. The angel appears in the doorway
stretches out her hands and closes them again.
The angel is taking it in her hands.
You'll open her hands in the garden of paradise.
They all kneel. End of The Hour Glass.

All Episodes

One-Act Play Collections - Book 8, Part 1

Episode Transcript

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Dateline NBC

24/7 News: The Latest

.css-15opob5{left:0;position:absolute;top:0.8rem;} All Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}One-Act Play Collections - Book 8, Part 1