Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Dale Andersen
2008
ACTOR#
ActISc1
Actor1
Actor2
Actor3
Actor4
Satan
David
Actor5
Sheep2
Actor6
Sheep3
Sheep1
Actor7
Actor8
ACTOR#
Gabriel
ActIISc1
ActISc2
Satan
Saul
Jew1/Saul's Aide
Jew2/
Messenger
Jew3
Masked
Amalekite
Samuel
ActIISc2
Actor1
Actor2
Actor3
Satan
David
Saul
Satan
David
Elder1
Actor4
Saul's Aide
Elder2
Actor5
Actor6
Girl2
Actor7
Girl1
Actor8
Holy Man
Messenger
Warrior2/
Girl2
Warrior1/
Girl1
Holy Man
ActISc3
ActISc4
Satan
David
Abinadab
Eliab
Satan
David
Shammah
Serving Girl
Goliath
Innkeeper
ActIISc3
Satan
David
Nasib/Saul
Abimelek/
Saul's Aide
Psychic
Warrior2/
General
Warrior1/
Daughter
Holy Man/
Samuel
ActIISc4
ActIISc5
ActIISc6
Satan
David
Uriah
Satan
David
Jester
Satan
David
Eleazar
Minstrel
Sheep1
Jashen
Guard
Sheep2
Messenger
Advisor
Sheep3
Soldier
Personal
Assistant
Bathsheba
Amalekite
Food Taster
Gabriel
ACT I
Act I Scene 1
(At rise: a lovely afternoon. A verdant
meadow. DAVID sits watching over his
fathers flock, writing in a copybook.
His slingshot lay beside him. SHEEP 1,
SHEEP 2 & SHEEP 3 recline chewing cuds.
Enter SATAN in a black robe. He walks with
a slight limp. He stands at a distance,
watching DAVID warily, frowning. Fifteen
seconds pass. Enter GABRIEL in a white
robe)
GABRIEL:
Well, what do you know? Satan! Its really you! As I
live and breathe! Thought you fell off the edge of the
earth. What have you been doing with yourself?
SATAN:
Oh, you know me. Going here, there and everywhere,
to and fro in the earth. Walking up and down in
it.
GABRIEL:
Lovely afternoon.
SATAN:
It is indeed. Been a long time, hasnt it?
GABRIEL:
It has. We should get together now and then.
SATAN:
We should. We really should. Im not just saying
that.
GABRIEL:
Oh now, look over there. Isnt that young David?
Such a dutiful boy, keeping watch over his fathers
sheep. And always with some writing material on him.
Such diligence.
SATAN:
Diligence? His merely having a pen and paper warrants
your praise? Your standards are much too relaxed.
Its just some schoolboy doodling.
Pag e 2
GABRIEL:
Greetings, young David. And how are things with the
herd this lovely Spring afternoon?
(SHEEP 1 & 2 roll their eyes. SHEEP 3
sticks out tongue. DAVID looks up)
DAVID:
Flock. Its flock. A group of sheep is a flock.
(SHEEP 1, 2 & 3 hold up signs Flock flock
flock, were a flock)
GABRIEL:
We stand corrected. We couldnt help noticing you
always seem to have writing material with you.
DAVID:
Yes, sir. I keep a copybook. To write my ideas down.
GABRIEL:
So you do. So you do. Admirable practice, that.
DAVID:
(Stands, sticks slingshot in belt)
My mother says, you never know when an idea will hit.
For example? I had an incredible idea for. Are you
ready for this? The temple! Came to me out of the
blue. Almost like a dream. Like wham!
There it was.
SATAN:
(Rolls eyes)
Oh Dear God in Heaven!
GABRIEL:
Don't mind Master Satan. Ever since the fall. And his
knee injury. Well, never mind. David, tell us about
this temple, please. Details. Details.
P age 4
Page 5
DAVID:
Im going to build this temple as I imagine it.
(Sings. As he does, SHEEP 1, 2, 3 collect
wood and stones and erect a rude temple)
IMAGINE
ON THAT MOUNTAINTOP A TEMPLE
IMAGINE ON THAT MOUNTAINTOP GODS HOME
IMAGINE FROM AFAR
LIKE A BRIGHT AND SHINING STAR
A TEMPLE TO THE GLORY
OF THE ONE WHO REIGNS
THEN CONSIDER
ALL THE WHEREWITHAL TO MAKE IT
CONSIDER ALL THE WHEREWITHAL TO START
CONSIDER ALL THE PARTS
EACH CRAFTSMAN AND HIS ART
EACH MASON EVRY CARVER
AND EACH ARTISAN
THEN YOU ASK ME
WHOS THE WORTHY ONE TO BUILD IT
YOU ASK ME WHOS THE WORTHY ONE TO TRY
YOU ASK ME TO IMPART
WHAT TRUTH WITHIN MY HEART
COMPELS ME TO ENDEAVOR
TO EXALT HIS NAME
AND GOD WILLING I WILL BUILD IT
AND GOD WILLING IT WILL STAND
AND GOD WILLING IT WILL LIGHT UP
LIKE A BEACON IN THE LAND.
AND GOD WILLING I WILL BUILD IT
AND GOD WILLING IT WILL BE
AND GOD WILLING IT WILL GUARD US
FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA.
AND
AND
AND
HOW
AND
AND
AND
AND
GOD
GOD
GOD
HIS
DAVID(Cont):
IMAGINE
ON THAT MOUNTAINTOP A TEMPLE
IMAGINE ON THAT MOUNTAINTOP GODS HOME
IMAGINE FROM AFAR
LIKE A BRIGHT AND SHINING STAR
A TEMPLE TO THE GLORY
OF THE ONE WHO REIGNS
(Beat)
Someday, I will build it.
SATAN:
Shepherd boy to temple builder. Now thats a stretch.
GABRIEL:
Now now. Lets not discourage the lad.
SATAN:
Far be it from me to discourage any young person with
reasonable goals. Now correct me if Im wrong on this,
in order to build a temple.
DAVID:
No no. The Temple!
SATAN:
Right. In order to build the temple, one would first
have to be the king.
DAVID:
You mean I have to be king first? Is that right?
GABRIEL:
Im afraid Master Satan is right.
SATAN:
Of course Im right.
GABRIEL:
You see, David, kings dont take kindly to private
citizens usurping kingly functions. Building the
temple would be a task reserved for a king.
DAVID:
King. Hmmmm. I could do that. Id make a good king.
(SHEEP 1 & 2 hold coronation for SHEEP 3)
Page 7
GABRIEL:
Ive no doubt you would.
SATAN:
Why do you encourage him? Let him be a farmer.
GABRIEL:
But a king can do so much good. Think of the benefits.
SATAN:
Think of all the waste. Kings tend to be bad.
GABRIEL:
Goodness! There is so much negativity in you.
SATAN:
Its called reality.
(Sings)
THIS IS WHAT A KING WILL DO
HELL TAKE YOUR EVRY SON,
HELL TAKE THEM FOR HIS CHARIOTS
HELL TAKE THEM EVRY ONE.
THIS IS WHAT A KING WILL DO
HELL FILL THE LAND WITH SPIES
HELL FILL YOUR PURSE WITH BRIBERY
HELL FILL YOUR HEAD WITH LIES.
THIS IS WHAT A KING WILL DO
HELL COUNT YOUR HOUSE AND LAND
HELL COUNT ON YOU TO PAY THE TAX
HELL COUNT YOU AS HIS MAN.
A KING WILL TAKE YOUR SILVER
A KING WILL TAKE YOUR GOLD
HELL GIVE IT TO HIS OFFICERS
TO KEEP THEM BOUGHT AND SOLD
THIS IS WHAT A KING WILL DO
HELL PUT YOU IN HIS SIGHTS
HELL PUT HIS FOOT DOWN ON YOUR NECK
HELL PUT TO DEATH YOUR RIGHTS.
A KING WILL TAKE YOUR DIAMONDS
A KING WILL TAKE YOUR PEARLS
HELL MAKE THEM INTO NECKLACES
FOR ALL HIS WIVES AND GIRLS
Page 8
SO THAT IS
YOULL CRY
YOULL CRY
YOULL CRY
SATAN(Cont):
WHAT A KING WILL DO
OUT FOR RELIEF.
OUT HOW IT ISNT FAIR
OUT IN YOUR GRIEF.
Page 9
SATAN:
Master Gabriel and I had a bet about you. My bet was
that you, like all young people today, engage in
nothing but idle thoughts and trash. I think thats
been amply demonstrated.
(Hands coin to DAVID)
Heres the amount we bet. I won. I always win. I give
my winnings to you. Youll need it. Just dont spend
it all in one place, boy.
(SATAN turns to leave, a smug smile)
DAVID:
How about I give you a chance to win it back?
SATAN:
Thanks but no thanks. Once is enough. You keep it.
DAVID:
Just as I suspected. You go for the easy wins, do
you? But run away from the hard ones. Is that it?
(SATAN stops, does not turn)
SATAN:
You dont know what hard is, little one.
GABRIEL:
David. Please. Master Satan meant it as a joke.
There was no intention to insult you. Let it go.
SATAN:
(Turns)
No. Let him talk. Let him dig the hole deeper.
DAVID:
Master Gabriel is a kind person. Hell always let you
win. With me, itd be different. It wouldnt be a
gimme. But go ahead and run away if you want.
SATAN:
You do have a mouth on you.
GABRIEL:
Oh David. I do wish youd learn to hold your tongue.
Page 10
SATAN:
Its all right, Gabriel. He needs to learn. Name
your game, boy.
DAVID:
Rock, Paper, Scissors.
SATAN:
I know the game.
DAVID:
(Sets coin on ground)
One time. One time for all the marbles. Rock smashes
scissors. Scissors cut paper. Paper covers rock.
SATAN:
I said, I know the game.
(GABRIEL moves back. SATAN & DAVID circle
each other, staring each other down. They
stop. They face each other)
DAVID & SATAN:
Once. Twice. Thrice. Go!
(They both show rock)
SATAN:
Oho! You got lucky that time.
(SATAN & DAVID circle each other
menacingly. They stop. They face each
other)
DAVID & SATAN:
Once. Twice. Thrice. Go!
(They both show paper)
SATAN:
Another tie. I'm getting to like you less and less.
(SATAN & DAVID circle each other. They
stop. They face each other. SATAN
nervously blinks)
DAVID & SATAN:
Once. Twice. Thrice. Go!
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
SATAN(Cont):
SAMUEL CRIES, BUCK UP, YOU SAY?
YOU TOSSIN' ME A BONE?
YOU THROW ME IN THE LIONS DEN,
I FEEL SO ALL ALONE
NOW SAMUEL, HES GROWN USED TO ALL
THE STATUS HE ENJOYS,
WHAT WITH ALL THE PRIVILEGES,
AND POWER HE DEPLOYS.
FROWNS WHEN YAHWEH SAYS TO HIM
NOW PLEASE DONT MISCONSTRUE
GET OUT IN FRONT AND LEAD OR ILL
SEND YOU TO TIMBUKTU.
NOW BUCK UP SAMUEL, BUCK UP
BUCK UP SAMUEL, BUCK UP
BUCK UP SAMUEL, BUCK UP
BUCK UP SAMUEL, BUCK UP
BUCK UP SAMUEL
THINGSLL GET BETTER FOR YOU.
JEW1:
The Philistines have kings. Even the dirty, thieving,
bushwhacking Amalekites have a king. What about us?
JEW2:
We need a king. So we can kick some butt.
SAMUEL:
Be patient, good people. No need for drastic measures.
In due time and in the very near future, maybe really,
really soon, the Philistine situation will be resolved
in our favor.
JEW3:
Favor schmavor. The future is now. We need a king
now.
JEWS 1, 2, 3:
(Waving signs)
King now! King now! King now! King now!
(JEWS 1, 2, 3 exit, chanting, King now!
King now! SAMUEL shakes his head wearily,
exits in opposite direction)
Page 15
SATAN:
(Dons robe of royal official as he speaks)
Contrary to received wisdom, I like Jews. Theyre
plucky, combative, stiff-necked and they always read
the fine print. But every once in a while, they go off
the deep end. Take this king now stuff. Theres lots
of downside to having a king. Personally, I vote
libertarian. The less government, the better. But hey,
thats me.
(Lights up, SAULs throne room. Mandate of
Heaven certificate on wall above throne.
MASKED AMALEKITE in tribal garb enters,
flings spear with a note attached at
Mandate. Spear sticks in wall in center of
Mandate with a loud THUNK! MASKED
AMALEKITE exits. SAUL rushes in followed
by SAULS AIDE & SATAN. SATAN winks at
audience)
SAUL:
Did you hear that? What was that?!
SATAN:
What was what, your grace?
SAUL:
Oh my God! Look!
SAULS AIDE:
An Amalekite spear in your Mandate of Heaven. With a
note.
SAUL:
What does it say? Read it!
SATAN:
(Reads note)
Oh King Saul! Lament, for yours is a realm of
darkness and obscurity! Your legacy will be ruin and
more ruin!
SAUL:
These Amalekites are scum!
Page 16
SAUL:
AM I TROUBLED?
SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
NO NO NO.
HES AS SHARP AS A STINGRAY
SAUL:
AM I TROUBLED?
SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
NO NO NO.
HES AS STRAIGHT AS A RUNWAY
SAUL:
AM I TROUBLED?
SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
NO NO NO.
HES AS SET AS A PAYDAY
SAUL:
AM I TROUBLED?
SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
NO NO NO.
HES AS SMOOTH AS FAIRWAY
SAUL:
AM I TROUBLED?
SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
NO NO NO.
HES AS FIRM AS A GATEWAY.
OH OH OH. OH OH OH. OH OH OH. OH OH OH.
SAUL:
THIS IS NOT A WORRIED FACE
THIS ISNT GRIM RESOLVE
WERE NOT IN A PANIC MODE
WELL NOT TO BLACK DISSOLVE
SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
IS HE TROUBLED?
SAUL:
DO YOU SEE ME RUNNING SCARED?
Page 18
IS
IS
IS
IS
SAULS AIDE:
TROUBLEDS A CONSPIRACY
SATAN:
TROUBLEDS A MALIGNANCY
SAUL:
TROUBLEDS A CALAMITY
AND I WILL HAVE IT OUT!
OUT!
OUT!
LOOK AT THIS FACE
GAZE ON THIS VISAGE
IT SHOULD BE CLEAR
WHAT I AM ABOUT.
SAUL & SAULS AIDE & SATAN:
OH OH OH. OH OH OH. OH OH OH. OH OH OH. OH OH OH.
Page 19
Page 20
DAVID:
Im in a huge rush.
SATAN:
At least you can tell me where youre going.
DAVID:
(Indicates his backpack)
Got home-cooked meals here for my brothers. Theyre
in King Sauls army in the Valley of Elah.
SATAN:
(Points up ahead)
Ah. The Valley of Elah. Thats up ahead, isnt it?
DAVID:
Yes. My brother, Eliab, is a sergeant. Abinadab and
Shammah are privates. Theyre all in the infantry.
SATAN:
Defending the country. You must be proud of them.
DAVID:
They were drafted.
Page 21
Page 22
SATAN:
Is this the Valley of Elah where the big battle is to
be fought?
ELIAB:
Who wants to know?
SATAN:
If you dont mind, I was asking him.
ELIAB:
I do mind. Im his older brother. You can ask me.
SATAN:
Theres no call to be disputatious.
ELIAB:
This is a war zone youre in.
SATAN:
(Steps into space, blackout on other
space)
War zone? So, this is the Valley of Elah.
SHAMMAH:
Well, sure. Everyone knows that.
ELIAB:
Shammah!
SHAMMAH:
Whatd I say?
ELIAB:
Careful, brother. Loose lips sink ships.
(To SATAN)
Whats your business here, stranger?
SATAN:
My. My business. Oh. Im. Im uh. A poor intinerant
merchant, travelling the highways and byways of.
ELIAB:
Travelling. So you were out on the main road just now.
SATAN:
Yes. Of course.
Page 23
Page 24
ELIAB:
Oh hey, look at that. Oh yeah, that is cool.
SHAMMAH:
Oh yeah, wow.
ELIAB:
Oh, this is hot. You should see this. See how she - SHAMMAH:
Oh yeah, thats sweet. You move it to the right and
she - ABINADAB:
Hey! Come on! Lemme see!
ELIAB:
Make that campfire like I told you. Then maybe I
will. I want my coffee.
ABINADAB:
Not fair! You gotta let me see! Come on!
SATAN:
Well, good. Now I see you lads are amusing
yourselves. Guess Ill just mosey on down the road.
ELIAB:
(Transfixed on gewgaw)
Yeah. Yeah. You do that.
SATAN:
So the Philistine fortifications are over there? Is
that right?
ELIAB:
Uh yeah yeah. Right.
SATAN:
(Points toward the Philistine lines)
Okay, lads, I'm going over there now. Ta ta.
ELIAB:
Yeah sure bye.
Page 25
GOLIATH:
You could do that? Tell you, Im so bored I could - SATAN:
Ill do more. Ill throw in a victory. Guaranteed. How
about that?
GOLIATH:
Whats the catch?
SATAN:
Oh please. Do I look like the kind of guy whod set
conditions?
GOLIATH:
I dont know. Are you?
SATAN:
You do have to do one thing for me.
GOLIATH:
Aha. A condition.
SATAN:
You have to kill him.
GOLIATH:
Kill him?
SATAN:
Kill him.
GOLIATH:
Thats it?
SATAN:
I dont want you letting him run away with his tail
between his legs. I want him dead. Think you can
handle that?
GOLIATH:
Sure. No problem.
SATAN:
Well, that settles that. Ta ta, my largish friend.
Page 27
ABINADAB:
Please start, fire!
ELIAB:
Talking to it wont help, brother. Come on. Get the
fire going. I want my coffee.
ABINADAB:
Darn! Darn! Darn! Darn!
SHAMMAH:
Cussing wont help either.
GOLIATH:
(Now in his armor. He shakes his spear)
Hello over there, all you Hebrew nancy-boys!
SHAMMAH:
Oh shoot, its Goliath again.
GOLIATH:
Listen, ladies! Its been forty days and forty nights.
Time to go home to your boyfriends, dont you think?
ELIAB:
Why doesnt someone shut him up?
GOLIATH:
Hey girls! Come on! Lets settle this and go home.
Send your best out here to fight me. Well go one on
one. Mano a mano. Winner take all.
SHAMMAH:
Why doesnt King Saul do something?
GOLIATH:
Im waiting, ladies. Im waiting.
Page 28
ABINADAB:
Darn! Darn! Darn! Darn!
ELIAB:
Why dont you go out there?
SHAMMAH:
Are you crazy? Hed eat me alive.
GOLIATH:
Cant wait much longer, girls. Gotta get a pedicure.
Five more seconds. Four. Three. Two. One. Ciao!
(GOLIATH sits down, a frustrated
expression on his face)
He lied, said hed get someone to fight.
SHAMMAH:
Hes gone.
ELIAB:
I dont mind saying, Im tired of this. If Saul would
just send someone over there to slit his fat throat.
SHAMMAH:
Admit it. Sauls scared.
ABINADAB:
Okay! Got it! I got a spark! Finally!
(Enter SATAN in an Army Lieutenant's
uniform, winks broadly at audience)
SATAN:
Just whats going on here?
(ELIAB, ABINADAB and SHAMMAH trip over
each other forming up and coming to
attention)
I said, WHATS GOING ON HERE?
ELIAB:
We. Were making a fire to make coffee, Lieutenant.
SATAN:
Coffee. Marvelous. Just marvelous. A giant is
screaming insults at us. Are my soldiers volunteering
to defend the honor of his majesty King Saul? No,
because theyre too busy making coffee. Whats wrong
with this picture? Pre-SENT! ARMS!
Page 29
I am, sir.
SATAN:
Marvelous! Coffee boys in charge. Okay, listen and
listen good, coffee boy. I want this space secure. I
want it policed from stem to stern. And when I come
back, it had best be standing tall.
ELIAB:
Yes, sir.
SATAN:
I cant hear you.
ELIAB:
YES, SIR!
SATAN:
Dis-MISSED. Now secure your pieces.
(ELIAB, ABINADAB & SHAMMAH scramble to get
their swords. SATAN rolls his eyes, shakes
his head, exits)
ABINADAB:
Coffee boy! Ha! Ha! Ha!
ELIAB:
Shut up!
Page 30
ABINADAB:
Im staying out of this. Im not saying another word.
SHAMMAH:
You talk to him, David. You always cheer him up.
DAVID:
Hey, Eliab. Hey come on, cheer up. Hey come on, its
me. Its your little bro. Its David. Come on!
(A spotlight on DAVID as he makes faces,
does pratfalls, makes fart sounds under
his armpit. No reaction from ELIAB)
Come on, Big Brother. Don't be like this. Cheer up.
Smile for me. Come on. I need my Big Brother.
(Sings)
WHEN ALL THE KIDS THEY PICK ON ME AND NO ONES ON MY
SIDE
WHEN MOMMA COMES INTO MY ROOM AND CALLS IT A PIGSTY
WHEN POPPA YELLS AND TELLS ME THAT HES GONNA TAN MY
HIDE
THATS WHEN LITTLE BRO NEEDS BIG BROTHER
WHEN ME AND THIS ONE GUY SQUARE OFF AND NO ONES GOT
MY BACK
WHEN HE AND ME ARE FIGHTING AND THEN SOMEONE ELSE
ATTACKS
WHEN YOU SEE ME YELLING HELP ME! LIKE I WAS A MANIAC
THATS WHEN LITTLE BRO NEEDS BIG BROTHER
COME ON, BIG BROTHER, GET UP AN' GET RIGHT
COME ON, BIG BROTHER, STEP INTO THE LIGHT
COME ON, BIG BROTHER
YOU GOTTA GET RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT
COME ON, BIG BROTHER, GET UP AN' GET RIGHT
WHEN SATAN COMES AND TAKES MY HAND TO LEAD ME ALL
ASTRAY
WHEN I AM WEAK AND WEARY AND TEMPTATION COMES TO STAY
WHEN A LITTLE GUY NEEDS A BIG SOMEONE TO HELP HIM FIND
HIS WAY
THATS WHEN LITTLE BRO NEEDS BIG BROTHER
COME ON, BIG BROTHER, GET UP AN' GET RIGHT
COME ON, BIG BROTHER, STEP INTO THE LIGHT
COME ON, BIG BROTHER
YOU GOTTA GET RIGHT, RIGHT, RIGHT
COME ON, BIG BROTHER, GET UP AN' GET RIGHT
Page 32
ABINADAB:
When hes like this, theres just no hope.
(GOLIATH stands up, sword in hand)
GOLIATH:
Hello again out there, all you circumcised girlies!
DAVID:
Whats that?
SHAMMAH:
Goliath. Big Philistine giant. Every hour, the big
galoot challenges King Saul to single combat.
GOLIATH:
Come on, ladies. Lets do it one on one, winner take
all. Whats the matter? Too chicken? Too scared?
DAVID:
How long has this been going on?
ABINADAB:
Forty days.
DAVID:
Forty days? Every hour?
SHAMMAH:
Were starting to call him Old Faithful.
DAVID:
Oh yeah. I see. He is a hefty one, isn't he?
(Scrunches down next to the sulking ELIAB)
Hey, Eliab. Big Brother. What if I made that big fat
dummy shut up? Would that cheer you up?
ELIAB:
It might.
DAVID:
Well, what if I brought you his sword? Would that
help bring you out of your funk?
Page 33
Page 35
Page 36
Page 37
Act I Scene 4
(Lights up, bare stage. DAVID enters
holding an opened letter)
DAVID:
Summoned to King Sauls palace. It says Im going to
be a court official. This is my big chance. Remember
what my big brother said. He said, you get one shot.
(Sings)
YOU GET ONE SHOT
AND YOU SINK OR SWIM WITH IT
YOU GET ONE SHOT
AND YOU SOAR OR TAKE A HIT
GRAB IT AND YOURE OH SO CLEVER
SEE YOU ON YOUR WAY
GRAB IT OR ITS LOST FOREVER
WATCH IT SLIP AWAY
YOU GET ONE SHOT
ITS THE SAME FOR ALL AND ONE
YOU GET ONE SHOT
FOR YOUR SEASON IN THE SUN
GRAB IT AND YOURE OH SO CLEVER
SEE YOU TOUCH THE SKY
GRAB IT OR ITS LOST FOREVER
KISS YOUR LUCK GOOD BYE
YOU GET ONE SHOT
DID YOUR BEST GO IN THE TANK?
YOU GET ONE SHOT
THERES THE QUICKSAND AND YOU SANK
ONE
ONE
ONE
ONE
Page 38
ITS ONE
ONE SHOT
ONE SHOT
ONE SHOT
DAVID(Cont):
SHOT TO CLEAR ALL THE BASES
TO DRAW OUT ALL THE ACES
TO WIN ALL THE RACES
IS ALL YOU GET!
(DAVID goes back to reading his
letter. Lights up on a new space,
the back room at an inn with
a SERVING GIRL AND INKKEEPER.
SERVING GIRL is dressed like a
hussy. SATAN, dressed as a court
official, stands just outside this
space. There's a badge of office
around his neck. He regards DAVID
warily)
SATAN:
David. The name means beloved of God. Thats not to
say hes actually beloved of God. A name can run
counter to reality. Think of all those Latino boys
named Jesus (pr: hey-SOOS) who are anything but.
SERVING GIRL:
(Lights candle on table)
I dont care. Hes a dirty old man!
INNKEEPER:
Hes a good customer!
SERVING GIRL:
He smells of brimstone and charcoal! He needs to take
a bath!
(INKKEEPER takes out a coin, shoves it
under SERVING GIRLs nose, as she wipes
table)
INNKEEPER:
Does this smell? Does it? You be nice to him. Hes a
Palace official and a good tipper. God save King Saul!
(SATAN enters space, pinches SERVING GIRL)
SATAN:
God save King Saul. Youre certain the room is secure?
INNKEEPER:
Oh yes, sir. No one comes near without my say so.
Page 39
SATAN:
Therell be a young man coming by. He and I will
require absolute privacy.
INNKEEPER:
(Giving a lecherous wink)
Oh say no more, sir. I understand comple - SATAN:
Wipe that lewd grin from your face, you fat oaf!
(Flashes badge of office)
You see this badge of office? When I wear this, Im
not on personal business. Im on the Kings business.
INNKEEPER:
My apologies, sir. You neednt worry about a thing.
I see nothing, I hear nothing, I say nothing.
SATAN:
(Places coin in INNKEEPERs hand)
Just get out.
INNKEEPER:
Oh thank you. Thank you. Again, I meant no disrespect.
SATAN:
Out!
(INNKEEPER, SERVING GIRL bow, start to
exit)
SERVING GIRL:
Did he call you an oaf?
INNKEEPER:
Shut up, wench!
(INNKEEPER, SERVING GIRL exit, shut door.
Silence. SATAN sits, runs hand thru flame,
smiles. DAVID knocks on door)
SATAN:
Come in!
(Door opens, DAVID pokes his head in)
David! Welcome! Welcome! Come in! Come in!
(DAVID enters)
Sit. Sit. Please sit.
Page 40
DAVID:
Thank you, sir.
SATAN:
(SATAN pours wine, raises glass)
Welcome, Giant Killer. L'chayim.
DAVID:
L'chayim. Im no hero. It was one of those things.
(They drink it down. SATAN pours again)
SATAN:
Oh, David. Youre much, much too modest. Do you know
the King requested you?
(DAVID says nothing, shows no emotion)
The King asked for you by name. Arent you excited?
DAVID:
I. I guess so.
SATAN:
You guess so. Its depressing to see one so clearly
underwhelmed by his own good fortune. And to think it
was I who recommended you. I who spoke your name to
the King. I who reminded him of your great service to
the crown after everyone else seemed to have
forgotten. Arent you going to thank me?
DAVID:
Thank. Thank you.
SATAN:
This is how it was. King Saul in the Great Hall with
his courtiers. He was looking about him, eyes shooting
fire, glaring, in that typical black mood of his.
Everyone cringing. He wanted an answer. And he wanted
it now. I stood forth and, before any could speak, I
said, in a ringing voice, Who here does not recall
David the son of Jesse of Bethlehem, mighty and
valiant, a man of war, prudent, a comely person, whom
God favored on that day in the Valley of Elah when
Goliath of Gath troubled us with his scorn and his
mockery? Hello! You look stunned.
Page 41
Page 42
Page 44
DAVID:
SATAN:
So he can. So he can. Perhaps hes not listening.
DAVID:
That is impious talk.
Page 45
SATAN:
David, just as God gave us hands for grasping at
objects, so He gave us a brain for grasping at truth.
Truth, by its very nature, pushes the envelope. So
what may appear at first to be impiety, may be Gods
creation, man, searching in the tangle of his wits for
truth. Youre a lover of truth, arent you? Youre a
scholar, they tell me. You know the old tales, dont
you? Tales of the march out of Egypt. Sure you do. And
you know who Moses put up front to lead the way, dont
you? Our boys. Judah boys. Under the red lion battle
flag. The toughest of the tough. Fought off the
Egyptians. Took us across that desert. Fought off
those bloody, back-stabbing Amalekites. Led us into
this land. Carved out the living spaces. They did one
hell of a job. All the while, who was bringing up the
rear, stepping in our donkey muck?
(DAVID winces at the foul imagery)
Benjaminites. Sauls tribe. Thats fact. Thats
scripture. Thats Gods truth.
DAVID:
You. Youre twisting words. Youre disrespecting our
King. I shouldnt listen.
SATAN:
(Grasps DAVIDs hands)
Tell you this. This Benjaminite Saul will come to no
good end. This kingship will come to no good end.
Kings and tribal ways are natural enemies. God gave us
tribes. You go against the tribe, you go against God.
(Draws near. His breath on DAVID)
Now remember, whenever you see a Judah man in danger,
its your duty, first and foremost, to help him.
(Suddenly holds DAVIDs hand to the flame)
And if the King asks, did you betray me?
(DAVID yelps in pain, tries pulling it
away)
Answer, boy! Did you betray me?
DAVID:
No! No!
Page 46
Page 47
DAVID:
How did you know that?
INNKEEPER:
Know what, sir?
DAVID:
That I dont have to be anywhere till tomorrow.
INNKEEPER:
Oh that. I assumed, since you didnt rush out like the
other gentleman. Have you eaten, sir?
DAVID:
(Studies INNKEEPERs face, considers)
Have you any lamb?
INNKEEPER:
Bless you, sir. Ive an unblemished yearling. Freshly
killed and bled. Coming right up, sir. Give me your
cup, sir. Ive a nice wine youll like. Ill fill
your cup personally.
(Snaps fingers)
Sara, attend the gentleman. See to his comforts.
(INNKEEPER exits with DAVIDs cup. SERVING
GIRL bows)
SERVING GIRL:
Wash your feet, sir?
(Fade to black)
End of Act I
Page 48
Act II
Act II Scene 1
(At rise: throne room, SAULs Palace. A
large wall mirror. Mandate of Heaven
certificate above throne. SAUL sits on
throne, brooding. SAULS AIDE stands
nearby)
SAUL:
(Stands, goes to mirror, examines himself
critically)
They told me things would improve if I summoned him to
court. They told me, we need some vim, vigor and
pizzazz around here. They said, we have just the guy,
this young war hero. I said, what if he starts
grandstanding? They said, dont worry, it wont
happen, youre the king. I said, I dont know about
this. But they kept saying, dont worry, its a lead
pipe cinch. And I said, I dont know about this. Isnt
that what I said? Isnt it?
SAULS AIDE:
Yes, your highness.
SAUL:
Then someone got the notion to send him to the front.
They said, hes a war hero, isnt he? They said, hes
wasted playing the guitar. Send him out to the army
bases. It'll be a terrific morale booster.
(SATAN quietly enters, straightening his
robe and wiping food from his lips. He
takes his place next to SAULS AIDE)
Itll be in all the papers. Giant Killer Shoots Breeze
With Troops. I said, I dont know about this. They
said, hell knock em dead, its a no brainer. I said,
I dont know about this. Isnt that what I said?
SAULS AIDE:
Yes, your highness.
SATAN:
Uh yes, your highness.
Page 49
SAUL:
Suddenly, who knows why, hes out there commanding
troops, winning battles, driving the Amalekites and
Philistines into the sea, recovering lost territory.
In short, becoming a hero all over again. Who
appointed him without consulting me? And now, in the
streets outside, the girls sing a new song, comparing
him to me.
(Enter two GIRLS)
Its starting to get on my nerves.
GIRLS:
(Sings, doing a sword dance)
WE ALL PACKED UP OUR DIDDY BAGS
AND WITH OUR CAPS IN HAND
WE MOUNTED UP OUR DADDYS NAG
AND CROSSED THE BURNING SAND.
WE WENT TO JOIN WITH DAVIDS CREW
ALL GLORY TO THE LORD
RAN THE BAD GUYS THROUGH AN' THROUGH
PUT 'EM TO THE SWORD.
SAUL HAS KILLED HIS THOUSANDS
DAVID LAUGHED AND SPAT
I HAVE KILLED MY TENS OF THOUSANDS
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT?
WE FOUGHT EM IN ARABIA
WE FOUGHT EM BY THE SEA
FOUGHT OUR WAY TO AFRICA
AND CAUGHT A CHIMPANZEE.
SAUL HAS KILLED HIS THOUSANDS
DAVID LAUGHED AND SPAT
I HAVE KILLED MY TENS OF THOUSANDS
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT?
NOW DAVID TOLD US TO RUN FAST
TO TRAP THE ENEMY
WE SET OUR AMBUSH AT THE PASS
AND WON THE VICTORY
Page 50
GIRLS(Cont):
SAUL HAS KILLED HIS THOUSANDS
DAVID LAUGHED AND SPAT
I HAVE KILLED MY TENS OF THOUSANDS
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT?
(Exit GIRLS, laughing)
SAUL:
I was right. I was right all along. Well, wasnt I?
SATAN:
(Clears throat)
Its a fad. A passing phase, your grace. Davids
todays flavor, is all. In two weeks, three weeks
tops, everythingll be as before.
(A flourish of trumpets. Door opens with
loud noise. GIRLS enter, strewing flowers.
Enter DAVID in military uniform, shiny
boots & medals on his chest. He is
accompanied by a HOLY MAN in beard and
long flowing robe. DAVID salutes SAUL)
DAVID:
Hail, O King!
(SATAN & SAULS AIDE bow low)
SAUL:
Welcome, David. I must say you surprise us with this
sudden and delightfully unannounced visit. Had we
received advanced notice, we would have had a banquet
prepared in honor of your great and unexpected
victories.
DAVID:
They are not my victories, your royal highness. But
Gods. Any banquet should be in Gods honor.
HOLY MAN:
Amen to that!
Page 51
(Grins in triumph)
Psalm Three, Sir King.
SAUL:
Old man, I think I know a lucky shot when I see one!
HOLY MAN:
Have a care with your words. God may hear.
SAUL:
God doesnt listen. Even if He wanted to, He
couldnt. Its a. Its a what?
SATAN:
A logistical improbability, Highness.
SAUL:
Exactly! A logistical uh. Whatever.
Page 53
HOLY MAN:
Oh really? Tell us more.
SAUL:
God is strictly big picture, broad-brush all the way.
SATAN:
Strictly behind-the-scenes. A classic delegator.
SAUL:
Exactly. Look how he works poor old Samuel like a
rented mule!
HOLY MAN:
This is wicked talk! Wicked!
DAVID:
Yes. Wicked, wicked talk.
(Sings)
IF YOU LISTEN TO THE WICKED
IF YOU LISTEN TO THE PROUD
THEY WILL SAY THAT GOD IS DISTANT
THEY WILL SAY HES ON A CLOUD
THEY WILL SAY HES IN HIS HEAVEN
AND HES REALLY QUITE BENIGN
ALL THAT FIRES AN ILLUSION
ALL THAT FIRES IN YOUR MIND
THEY WILL SAY THAT YOURE BEWITCHD
THAT YOURE GOING THROUGH A PHASE
THEY WILL WRITE YOU A PRESCRIPTION
TO DAMPEN DOWN THE BLAZE
BUT I KNOW OF MY GOD
HE IS EVERYWHERE
IF I FLY TO THE MOON
HE WILL FOLLOW ME THERE
IF I RIDE ON THE WIND
HE INHABITS THE AIR
ALL AROUND ME
IF I SINK IN THE SEA
I NEED NEVER DESPAIR
TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
HE WILL ANSWER MY PRAYER
HES MY SWORD, HES MY SPEAR
THOUGH A MILLION MAY DARE
TO SURROUND ME
Page 54
DAVID(Cont):
HERES A STORY TO CONSIDER
ITS ABOUT A LITTLE BOY
TOOK A PEBBLE FROM THE RIVER
AND GOLIATH WAS DESTROYED
DID THAT PEBBLE FROM THE RIVER
HAVE SOME SACRED QUALITY?
DID THE HAND OF GOD DELIVER,
MAKE IT FLY FROM A TO B?
IF
IF
HE
HE
Page 55
Page 56
Page 57
CHANCE
IT OR HE TAKES
CHANCE
INSIDE A SNAKE
ELDER2:
ONE CHANCE AND OUR WALLS ARE FLAT
ONE CHANCE, WERE ENSLAVED
ELDER1:
ONE CHANCE SPARES OUR ZIGGURAT
ONE CHANCE AND WE'RE OKAY.
Page 60
ELDER1:
YOU GET ONE CHANCE
TO SEE OUR CITY THRIVE
ELDER2:
YOU GET ONE CHANCE
TO GET OUT OF THIS ALIVE!
ELDER1 & ELDER2:
IT'S ONE CHANCE TO KEEP ON GROWING
ONE CHANCE FOR THE SEEDS WE'RE SOWING
ONE CHANCE, IT'S SO TOUCH AND GOING
ONE CHANCE, IT'S ALL WE GET!
SATAN:
This has disaster written all over it. I feel it in my
bones. I should never have consented to be a town
elder. I should have stayed a simple jeweler. Davids
going to sack us. And my poor daughter. What of her?
Davids men will ravish her and sell her into slavery.
ELDER2:
Will you shut up?
ELDER1:
We must show him courtesy.
ELDER2:
We must show him all due respect.
SATAN:
He is going to strip us naked. We should fight him.
ELDER1:
When ants come, dont step on them. It angers them.
SATAN:
Davids no ant. We should show him were men. What
will our children think? I say, we close the gates and
prepare a defence.
ELDER1:
Out of the question! No!
ELDER2:
Unthinkable!
Page 61
SATAN:
This is not good at all.
(A trumpet flourish)
ELDER1:
David arrives. Quick! Have the girls receive him.
(ELDER 2 snaps his fingers. A new space
lights up with a table and five chairs.
GIRLS 1 & 2 stand, each goes to a chair &
stands behind it holding up an umbrella
shading it. Enter DAVID & HOLY MAN.
ELDER1, ELDER2 & SATAN kneel)
DAVID:
Thank you, gentlemen.
(ELDERS scoop ashes onto their heads)
ELDER1:
Welcome to our worthless community.
Page 62
Page 63
SATAN:
O David, I have a wife and children.
DAVID:
They'll get along fine without you.
SATAN:
My father just passed away. Let me go bury him first.
(HOLY MAN suddenly awakens)
HOLY MAN:
Let the dead bury the dead!
SATAN:
And my poor daughter.
DAVID:
Its fixed with a nail, jeweler. Youre Davids man.
Get used to it. Is this your daughter behind me?
SATAN:
Yes, O David.
DAVID:
Have her come around front where I can view her.
(SATAN nods to GIRL2, who comes to the
front)
Whats your name, girl?
SATAN:
Sefira, O David.
DAVID:
Let her speak. What is your name?
GIRL2:
Sefira, my lord.
DAVID:
(Hes visibly attracted. SATAN sees this)
Don't call me Lord. Sefira. That's a Moabite name.
GIRL2:
Yes, my lor - - I mean, yes sir.
Page 65
Page 66
Page 67
Page 68
Page 69
DAVID:
And what have I gathered?
SATAN:
Riches beyond counting. Gold, silver, jewels. The loot
of a hundred sacked cities. I can imagine a sum
sufficient to ransom a princess. Perhaps a king.
DAVID:
And youve seen this with your own eyes?
SATAN:
One can only assume.
DAVID:
(Puts sword away)
Well. You know what they say about assuming. Sefira,
would you like to see this dowry?
GIRL2:
Oh yes, sir!
(DAVID snaps his fingers. The HOLY MAN,
suddenly awake again, takes a large
bag from the floor and holds it up)
DAVID:
Not gold. Not silver. Not diamonds. If it were these,
the bag would be too heavy for him. These are
foreskins cut from dead Philistines.
(SATAN blanches. GIRL2s eyes express
shock)
The price the King set for the Princess hand in
marriage was one hundred. Im bringing two hundred
just to be on the safe side. Tell me, Sefira. How
would you feel if your beau brought you these as a
token of his affection?
(GIRL2 puts hands over mouth as if about
to vomit, runs from table. GIRL1 follows.
Both GIRLS exit. SATAN hangs his head in
defeat. Fade to black)
End of Scene
Page 70
Page 71
Page 73
NASIB:
If its so, it means David has designs on the crown.
It explains all this talk of building a temple. Hes
whipping the people up for holy war.
ABIMELECH:
And hes using us to topple Saul. A game within a
game. I dont like being used.
NASIB:
Ah! No more politics. Come on, my friend. Forget about
David. Lets focus on King Saul!
ABIMELECH:
Yes! Poor Saul! A dead man. He just doesnt know it.
(They exit. Fade to black. Lights up.
PSYCHICs home at Endor near battlefield.
Her homes represented by door and table,
three chairs, large occult artwork hanging
on wall. PSYCHIC sits in chair, knitting.
DAUGHTER does housework. Enter SATAN,
dressed again as a court official)
SATAN:
(Map appears. Sound of a distant rumbling
which continues to end of scene)
So here we are at Mount Gilboa. The Philistine
Confederacy in a united front to defeat Saul once and
for all. The Philistines are at Shunem, here. Sauls
camp is here at Jezreel. Philistine reinforcements are
pouring in. Hebrew morale is dropping. Sauls priests
have packed up and fled. Soldiers are starting to
desert. Saul is desperate. He needs to know Gods
Will. As fate would have it, one of his chief aides
has been secretly protecting a witch. Shed been his
lover and the mother of his child. She lives seven
miles from Jezreel at Endor, right here.
(Map disappears. Exit SATAN. Enter SAULS
AIDE, dusty from a long walk)
DAUGHTER:
Papa! Its Papa! Mama, come quick! Look, its Papa!
SAULS AIDE:
Oh precious. So good to see you. Such a big girl.
Page 74
PSYCHIC:
Already slaughtered. Your little girl stuffed
herself. Are you staying the night?
SAULS AIDE:
I have to tie up some loose ends. Ill be back later.
PSYCHIC:
I want you to stay the night. That distant rumbling
frightens her. And me.
SAULS AIDE:
Youre to have a visitor.
PSYCHIC:
When?
SAULS AIDE:
Soon. Very soon.
PSYCHIC:
Who?
SAULS AIDE:
An important man. Hell ask you to use your conjuring
skills.
PSYCHIC:
Oh God! You didnt! You didnt tell about me! Did you?
SAULS AIDE:
Its for the country. For our countrys sake.
PSYCHIC:
But the Kings law!
SAULS AIDE:
You wont be arrested.
PSYCHIC:
What does he want?
SAULS AIDE 2:
Just do as he asks.
Page 76
MUST
NEED
MUST
NEED
YOU
YOU
YOU
YOU
MUST
NEED
MUST
NEED
THEN
THEN
THEN
ITS
YOU FEEL
YOU FEEL
YOU FEEL
A REALLY
THAT
THAT
THAT
HARD
Page 77
DAUGHTERS VOICE:
Mommy? Whos there? Can I come down?
PSYCHIC:
No, dear. Stay in your room. Come and sit, sirs.
(They sit. PSYCHIC begins pouring tea)
I was told to expect you. How may I serve?
SATAN:
My master will ask you to conjure a spirit. We are
unfamiliar with the conjuring methodology. Is it done
sitting or standing?
PSYCHIC:
It can be done either way, sir. I would prefer to sit.
SATAN:
Let her have your chair, General.
(GENERAL scowls, stands, gives his chair to
PSYCHIC, stands behind her. PSYCHIC sits)
Are you comfortable now?
PSYCHIC:
Yes, sir.
SATAN:
Very well. Ready, sir.
SAUL:
Do you know who I am?
PSYCHIC:
No, sir.
SAUL:
What you are about to do will directly impact our
countrys future. You love your country, dont you?
PSYCHIC:
Yes, sir.
SAUL:
Very well. Then do this. Conjure up the spirit of
the recently-deceased prophet and high priest.
PSYCHIC:
You mean Samuel?!?
Page 78
PSYCHIC:
Oh. I had a horrible dream.
SATAN:
Weve all had horrible dreams. Have you any food?
PSYCHIC:
(Sees dagger, a look of dread)
I. I have some leftover lamb. And some beans.
SATAN:
Go prepare it. Im hungry. Be quick about it. And
bring your daughter down here.
(Fade to black)
End of Scene
Page 82
Act II Scene 4
(At Rise: SATAN in black robe on bare
stage, whistling, cleaning knife. Enter
AMALEKITE in with unfolded map and
carrying a hatbox. He is lost)
AMALEKITE:
Sir! Excuse me, sir!
SATAN:
Yes?
AMALEKITE:
Im a poor wandering Amalekite. I seem to have lost my
way. Im trying to find Ziklag.
SATAN:
Ziklag? Why do you want to go to Ziklag of all places?
AMALEKITE:
It. Its personal, sir.
SATAN:
Well. If youre not going to tell me why, then I see
no reason to tell you where.
AMALEKITE:
All right, sir. Ill tell you. But you must promise to
repeat it to no one. Swear it.
SATAN:
I swear on my black robe.
AMALEKITE:
Thats good enough for me. In fact, Im on my way to
Ziklag to see Lord David.
(Indicates hatbox)
I have a gift and an important message for him.
SATAN:
Lord David, you say. Well, that changes everything.
Look, Im sorry I was rude. Of course, Ill show you
where Ziklag is. Bring the map over here.
(AMALEKITE hands it to SATAN but keeps his
distance. SATAN spreads map out, scans it)
Page 83
URIAH:
The battle may yet be raging and not yet decided.
ELEAZAR:
Doubtful, Colonel Uriah. Two day battles are rare.
(To MESSENGER)
If our scouts encounter anyone coming from the the
Mount Gilboa area up north, bring him to me.
MESSENGER:
Yes, sir.
(MESSENGER salutes and exits)
ELEAZAR:
Nevertheless, I do think its over. Over for Saul.
And over for the tribe of Benjamin, My Lord David.
DAVID:
Dont call me Lord. There is only one Lord God.
(Sings)
IM NOT YOUR LORD, IM JUST A MAN
LIKE I ALWAYS BEEN
IM NOT SOME GOD COME DOWN TO EARTH
TO BE YOUR FRIEND
I CANT CHANGE WATER INTO WHISKEY,
SCOTCH OR GIN
AN I AIN'T GONNA TALK ABOUT PEACE ON EARTH
GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN
CAUSE IM NO ONE SPECIAL
Page 85
DAVID(Cont):
AN IM NO ONE SPECIAL
IM JUST LIKE YOU
IM NO ONE SPECIAL
JUST A HEBREW, THROUGH AND THROUGH
JUST LIKE MY KINFOLK
I'M THE REAL MCCOY
IM NO ONE SPECIAL
JUST A BETHLEHEM BOY
(DAVID exits)
VOICE OVER INTERCOM:
Attention all hands! Captains departed the bridge!
(SATAN begins to draw close)
SOLDIER:
You there! Who do you think you are?
SATAN:
An Amalekite. Resting my camel after a long trip from
up north. I've a gift for Lord David. Ive come from
Mount Gilboa to give it to him.
SOLDIER:
From up north, you say? Mount Gilboa? Colonel Eleazar
wants to have a chat with you. Assume the position!
SATAN:
Aye, sir.
(SATAN turns his back, raises hands.
SOLDIER searches him, finds knife, throws
it off to the side. Then they enter
Command Center, the SOLDIER pushing SATAN
ahead of him)
ELEAZAR:
Who is this?
SOLDIER:
Sir, he was coming from the north.
ELEAZAR:
From the north. And what says he?
SOLDIER:
He bears gifts and tidings for Lord David.
Page 86
Page 88
SATAN:
From Mount Gilboa.
DAVID:
But you dont live up there. You dont speak the
lingo. You were up north at the battle. Strange. The
Philistines dont usually recruit and bushwhackers.
SATAN:
Please dont insult me, sir.
DAVID:
How did the crown of Saul end up with you?
SATAN:
I was not with the Philistines. I was there by chance.
DAVID:
I see. Were you coming from the north or south?
SATAN:
From the south. Heading north. I saw many dead
Israelites. Those not dead or dying were fleeing,
pursued by Philistines.
DAVID:
A sad, sad day for our king.
SATAN:
And I saw the King himself. There were horsemen and
chariots at a distance making ready to oppose him. His
own guardsmen had run off. The King shouted to me,
You there! Yes, you! Come here! Come and kill me,
lest they drag me in chains to Gath and Askalon. I
will give you my crown as a reward. Id rather an
Amalekite had it than the Philistines.
DAVID:
And did you?
SATAN:
I did as he commanded.
DAVID:
It didnt disturb you killing the Lords Annointed?
Page 89
SATAN:
I did as I was commanded. Not for revenge, or for
loot. But nevertheless, there's a fateful connection,
relating to your situation. Central to my thinking was
this. He was my Lord David's foe, aiming to effect his
death. And now with King Saul gone, there is a void
needing to be filled. You know the saying, nature
hates a vacuum.
(Sings)
THE POPULATION TREMBLES, THEY DO GROVEL IN THEIR DREAD
THEY WANT A CALL FOR ACTION FROM THE LEADER TO THE LED
ITS TIME TO FLY YOUR BANNER AND WHEN ALL IS DONE AND
SAID
ITS TIME TO GO AND DO IT, PUT THE CROWN UPON YOUR
HEAD.
SET IT ON YOUR CURLY LOCKS
FEEL IT RESTING THERE
LOOK AROUND YOU, SEE THEM GAWK
SEE THEM STAND AND STARE
THE TIMID MAN THREW DOWN HIS SWORD AND FROM THE FIELD
FLED
THE TOWNSMAN BURIES ALL HIS GOLD AND HIDES BENEATH THE
BED
BUT YOU, MY LORD, DO GO THE WAY THAT ANGELS FEAR TO
TREAD
SO GO AHEAD AND DO IT, PUT THE CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD.
DAVID:
I say again, do not call me Lord. Youre expecting a
reward. Even now, youre imagining the gold jingling
in your purse. Already youve decided how to spend it.
SATAN:
(Prostrates himself. Head on floor)
O David, Master. Lord. You read my mind so clearly.
You see all. Nothing is hidden. Youre like God.
DAVID:
Stop!
Page 90
JASHEN:
Typical snake.
(DAVID takes crown, hefts it in his hand,
studies it, deep in thought)
DAVID:
What should be done with this?
URIAH:
(Sings, reggae style)
DESE MANY YEARS I FIGHT FOR YOU, NO PILLOW AN' NO BED.
YOU RUN TO HERE, I RUN TO DERE, SLEEP ON DA GROUND
INSTEAD
IF YOU BE KING, I GET A HOME, A PLACE TO CALL MY
SPREAD
SO GO AHEAD AN DO IT, PUT DA CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD
ELEAZAR:
I BE NOT RICH OR FAMOUS, AN NO NOBLE WAS I BRED
GO PUT DIS DOWN ON PAPER DAT NO BLUE BLOOD HAVE I BLED
IF YOU BE KING, DARISTOCRATS, DEY RAGE, DEY ALL SEE
RED
SO GO AHEAD AN DO IT, PUT DA CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD
JASHEN:
A GIRL I FANCY IN THE TOWN, YOURE NOT FOR ME, SHE
SAID
HER DADDY SORE, HE SAY TO ME, I SOONER SEE HER DEAD
IF YOU BE KING, I KNOW DAT I WOULD STAND IN HIS GOOD
STEAD
SO GO AHEAD AN DO IT, PUT DA CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD
ELEAZAR, JASHEN, URIAH & SOLDIER:
SEE IT GRACE YOUR CURLY LOCKS
AS YOU WALK ON AIR
THINK IT LIKE A BLUE-CHIP STOCK
AN' YOU A BILLIONAIRE
FAIR BE FAIR, WE BEGGIN YOU TO GIVE OUR DAILY BREAD
TO YOU WE PLEDGE OUR HONOR AN' FOR YOU OUR BLOOD WE
SHED
IT'S DIS FOR DAT & QUID PRO QUO & FOOD TO KEEP US FED
SO GO AHEAD AN DO IT, PUT DA CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD
GO AHEAD AN DO IT, PUT DA CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD
GO AHEAD AN DO IT, PUT DA CROWN UPON YOUR HEAD.
Page 92
Page 93
DAVID(Cont):
IN THE HILLS SOMEWHERE IN BENJAMIN
THE WIDOWS WEEP AND CRY
FOR THE MEN OF SAUL AND JONATHAN
WITH HEAVY LOSS DID DIE
AND THE DAUGHTERS CHASTE OF ISRAEL
IN CHAINS ARE LED AWAY
AS THE MEN OF SAUL AND JONATHAN
LIE ROTTING IN THE CLAY
HOW FAR THE STRONG HAVE FALLEN
HOW FAR ARE THEY THRUST DOWN
HOW FAR JUST LIKE A COLUMN
THAT SINKS INTO THE GROUND
RECALL THIS SAUL AS FEARLESS
RECALL HIM IN HIS PRIME
RECALL HIS SPIRIT PEERLESS
HIS VALOR FOR ALL TIME
ON THE HEIGHTS ABOVE CAMP JEZREEL
MAY NOTHING LIVING THRIVE
MAY THE FARMS AND FIELDS AND CROPS AND WELLS
REVERT TO DUST AND DIE
FOR A MIGHTY MAN OF BENJAMIN
HAS FALLEN FROM THE SKY
THE MAIDS HAVE LOST THEIR CHAMPION
THEY BEAT THEIR BREASTS AND CRY
HOW FAR THE STRONG HAVE FALLEN
HOW FAR ARE THEY THRUST DOWN
HOW FAR JUST LIKE A COLUMN
THAT SINKS INTO THE GROUND
RECALL THIS SAUL AS FEARLESS
RECALL HIM IN HIS PRIME
RECALL HIS SPIRIT PEERLESS
HIS VALOR FOR ALL TIME.
(Raises sword)
On to Jerusalem! On to Jerusalem! On to Jerusalem!
(Exits, to sound of warriors, KING DAVID!
KING DAVID! KING DAVID! Fade to black)
End of Scene
Page 95
DON'T
DON'T
DON'T
LEARN
DAVID:
(Sings)
YOU STAND SO CLOSE TO ME
YOU STARE AT MY FACE
YOU STAND SO CLOSE TO ME
TO KEEP IN YOUR PLACE
Page 96
DAVID(Cont):
IS IT NOT AN IRONY?
OF MY FORTUNE AND FAME
NOW I LIVE IN HISTORY
NOW THEY SWEAR BY MY NAME
MARK THE WAY IT CAME TO BE
LIKE A BOLT FROM THE BLUE
(Takes an arrow, points it at himself)
BUT THE BOLT THAT CAME FOR ME
WON'T BE COMING FOR YOU.
(GUARD turns, tries to touch DAVID)
GUARD:
(Sings)
WANNA TOUCH YOU!
(DAVID pushes him away)
DAVID:
(Sings)
KEEP AWAY FROM!
ADVISOR:
(Sings)
WANNA TOUCH YOU!
DAVID:
(Sings)
KEEP AWAY FROM!
PERSONAL ASSISTANT:
(Sings)
WANNA TOUCH YOU!
DAVID:
(Sings)
KEEP AWAY FROM! ME!
(SATAN, MINSTREL & JESTER surround DAVID)
SATAN & MINSTREL & JESTER:
(Sings)
WANNA BE YOU!
Page 97
DAVID:
(Sings)
KEEP AWAY FROM!
SATAN & MINSTREL & JESTER:
(Sings)
WANNA BE YOU!
DAVID:
(Sings)
KEEP AWAY FROM!
SATAN & MINSTREL & JESTER:
(Sings)
WANNA BE YOU!
DAVID:
(Sings)
KEEP AWAY FROM! ME!
(DAVID snaps the arrow in two and throws it
over their heads. They turn and rush to
retrieve it. DAVID runs past them and
exits)
End of Scene
Page 98
Act II Scene 6
(At rise: a lovely late afternoon. A
verdant pasture. DAVID stands, keeping
watch over sheep. His crown rests on the
grass at his feet. SHEEP 1, SHEEP 2 & SHEEP
3 recline, chewing cuds)
DAVID:
(To SHEEP)
I dont know. Its hard to explain. But if anyone
understands me, you guys do. Its like everybodys
trying to grab a piece of me. Theres no part of me
that I can call my own anymore. Do you understand
what Im trying to say?
(SHEEP nod. DAVID sings)
THIS IS MY STORY
THIS IS MY SONG
IF SOMEONE ELSE SINGS IT
IT WOULD BE WRONG
THIS IS MY
SIMPLE AND
IF SOMEONE
IT'D BE IN
STORY
PLAIN
ELSE SINGS IT
VAIN
Page 101
Page 102