This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at |http : //books . google . com/
■■«..
,V r
c^>^reJ^^ty^e^ y^y^
vc
fyryy
\w» \ ^;"wr'"^J"^
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
THE PASSION PLAY
AT
OBER^AMMERGA 6(
With the whole Drama translated into English, and the
Songs of the Chorus, in German and English
BY
THE AUTHOR OF -CHARLES LOWDER" ^ Tr w U
" Tibi reddetur votumJ^—V?^. Ixv. i r : : >\
FIFTH THOUSAND
LONDON :
W. H. ALLEN & CO., 13, WATERLOO PLACE, S.W.
AND CALCUTTA
1890
9.
Digitized by
Google
THE ..EWYORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
140861
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILOEN i-0UNDATION8.
1899.
lUXJ. NO,
^1
"h
• • • • #••
• • • • «
• * •• •
• • • •
LONDON :
PRINTED BY WOODFALL AND KINDER
70 TO 76, LONG ACRE, W.C
Digitized by
Google
TO THE
iHemori)
OP
THE VENERABLE GEISTLICHER RATH
DAISENBERGER
AND OF
MY FRIEND AND COMPANION AT OBER-AMMERGAU
IN 1880
MARGARET LEIGhXON.
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
.>: NhV/ YORK
-i^IC LIBRARY,
}
j ^-.OR, LENOX AND
[ ■^--©ii.N FOUNDATIONS.
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
The whole dialogue of the Passion Play at Ober-Ammergau trans-
lated into English, with the Choruses, and an account of the perform-
ance, is, we believe, given for the first time in the following pages.
The general account of the Play, and of a visit to Ober-Ammergau, were
written in 1880, soon after witnessing two representations, in the month
of August. At that time the words of the drama had never been published,
nor, I imagine, even printed ; at least the separate parts, which some of
the actors showed us in their cottages, were in manuscript
The impossibility of obtaining any libretto of the Play has hitherto
been so great a loss, especially to those who cannot readily follow the
German dialogue, that it is hoped this little book will supply a real need.
In 1880 nothing was given of the actual words in the various Handbooks
sold in the village or at Munich, except the Choruses, and an English
translation of them. This latter was in rhyme, to which accuracy of
translation was, certainly, in great measure sacrificed. It is so important
to give as closely as possible the exact words in English of the German,
that, while observing measure, rhyme has not been attempted in the
following translations, which are entirely new and original But it will be
seen that almost every English line represents the corresponding German
line, and this has been done for the benefit especially of those who do
not know German, in order to convey to them, as nearly as possible, the
somewhat rugged strength and spirit of the original.
It is hardly necessary to say that this celebrated religious play is
acted in fulfilment, according to tradition, of a solemn vow made by the
villagers in 1633, that if Almighty God would remove a pestilence raging
amongst them, they would perform the Passion Tragedy in thanksgiving
Digitized by
Google
\
viii INTRODUCTION.
every tenth year. It had already, probably, been well known amongst
them as one of the *' Mysteries " frequently acted in the Middle Ages.
The vow has been faithfully observed, but the performances were cut
short in 1870 by the Franco-German War; many of the actors, amongst
them Mayr, being called to serve in the Bavarian Army. It was repeated
in 1 87 1 as an act of thanksgiving for the peace, and the last performance
was in 1880.
The shortest route at that time from Munich was by rail to Murnau,
and from thence by road, a drive of about four hours, to Ober-Ammergau.
The railway is now open from Murnau to Partenkirchen, and the
station of " Oberau-Ober-Ammergau " is within an hour and a half on
foot from the village of the Passion Play. The old steep road (described
at pp. I, 2) exists no longer, except as a foot-path. A magnificent
new road, one long zig-zag, has been made, and was opened in 1889.
It turns off to the right from the old road, half-way between Oberau
Station and the foot of the Ettal Hill, and winds up the mountain, crossing
the old road not far from the top, and, entering it again half-way between
the top of the hill and Ettal, follows the old Augsburg mule-track.
This new road is of course the best for carriages. For pedestrians who
wish to avoid the old steep hill, there is a short cut, just after crossing a
little stream about 200 yards from the beginning of the new road, which
leads into it again in about a quarter of an hour, avoiding the long zig-zag,
and about a mile and a half of road.
A very pretty route to Ammergau, for those who have time, is by
the Black Forest and Lake of Constance to Lindau, thence to Sonthofen,
by road to Reutte, and by the Plansee and Ammerwald to Linderhof
and Ammergau. The Palaces of Hohenschwangau and Neu-Schwanstein
can be visited from Reutte, and Linderhof Palace en route from Reutte
to Ammergau. A longer journey by rail brings the traveller from Lindau
to Fiissen, two miles from Hohenschwangau. The scenery is lovely, and
is out of the way for those going on to Innspruck or Salzburg from
Ammergau.
The Ettal Monastery, on the route first mentioned, is worthy of note,
and is, Mr. Jackson says, in his Album of the Passion Play, "one of
the many wonderful sites of incomparable beauty which the sons of
St. Benedict were wont to select for their abode." The abbots were feudal
lords over Ammergau, and the monks must have exercised a large
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION. ix
influence over the villagers, as well as those of the monastery of Rothen-
buch, under whose pastoral care they lived, and who served the Church of
Ammergau. Mr. Jackson tells us that both the monks of Ettal and
Rothenbuch certainly had religious plays of their own ; " for in 1803, when
the property of the suppressed Bavarian monasteries was put up for
auction, costumes used in these plays were sold, and the community of
Ober- Ammergau purchased from Ettal a number of dresses, some of which
they still turn to use."*
Ettal monastery was founded in 1330 by the German Emperor,
Ludwig the Bavarian, as a shrine for an image of the Madonna, given to
him by a monk when in great peril from enemies at Milan, with a promise
of deliverance if he would bind himself to build a Benedictine monastery
in the valley of the Ammer, and place in it the image. The whole
buildings were destroyed by lightning in 1744, the prior saving the image
at the risk of his life, and, although rebuilt, this image is almost the only
relic of its former treasures, since the ruin of monastic bodies in Bavaria
in 1803,
Entering Ammergau from Ettal, the curious peak of the Kofel, sur-
mounted by a large cross, appears to guard the village, and the immense
marble crucifix, erected by the late King of Bavaria in remembrance of
the Play of 1 871, is a prominent object. The sort of gorge through which
the road passes, just before reaching Ammergau, was called Arces Covelicce,
hence the name Kofel. It is said that on being invited to take their Play
to England or America the Ammergauers replied : — '* We will willingly
do so, but we must take with us the whole village, and its guardian genius,
the Kofel."
The trade of the village, wood-carving, must have largely contributed
to their artistic power. There is a school of design both at Partenkirchen,
assisted by a State grant, and at Ammergau ; and the three men who
represented the "Christus" since 1850 have all been wood-carvers,
chiefly of crucifixes and other religious subjects. Lechner, admirable both
for his moral and religious character and real genius as an actor, is also
a skilful wood-carver. Besides this, they are educated by their Church
ceremonies. The scene of Christ's entry into Jerusalem is, Mr. Jackson
says, " for the most part a repetition of the Church Procession on Palm
♦ The dresses of the chief actors are made by the tailor of the " Hof-Theater" at
Munich. Pilate's dress cost 200 marks, and that of Caiaphas 175.
Digitized by
Google
X INTRODUCTION.
Sunday, even to the singing of the beautiful chorale ' Hail to Thee, Hail,
O David's Son ! ' so that the people dramatically display on the Passion
stage very much of what they have imbibed in Church." The stage is also
left standing when the rest of the theatre is taken down at the close of
the decennial performance, and there the villagers are trained by acting
various plays, secular as well as religious ; many of them written by their
late venerable pastor, Daisenberger. He gave his whole life to the direc-
tion of his people in elevating and ennobling their performance. " I
undertook the labour," he said, " with the best will, for the love of my
Divine Redeemer, and with only one object in view, namely, the edifica-
tion of the Christian world." As the Play is to the villagers a religious
act, it is not unsuitable that Sundays should be chosen for its per-
formance.
The following is a list of the principal performers in the Play of
1890. Those marked + took the same parts in 1871 and 1880 : —
Christus
Petrus
Judas
Johannes
Maria
Magdalena .
Martha
Joseph of Arimathea
NiCODEMUS .
Caiaphas
Annas
PiLATUS
H ERODES
Barabbas
Nathaniel .
EZEKIEL
Rabbi Archolaus
Simon Cyrenian .
Choragus .
PASSION PLAY, 1890.
Joseph Mayrf.
Jacob Hettt.
Johann Zwink (in 1871 and 1880 John).
Peter Rendl.
Rosa Lang.
Amalia Deschler.
Helena Lang.
Martin Oppenriederf.
Franz Steinbacherf.
Burgmeister Johann Langf.
Franz Rutz, senr.
Thomas Rendlf.
Johann Diemer (in 1871 and 1880, Choragus).
Johann Oswald.
Sebastian Langf.
Rochus Langf.
Sebastian Bauer.
Gregor Lechner (in 1871 and 1880, Judas).
Jacob Rutz.
Leader of the Orchestra, Josef Gruber.
Lechner's rendering of the part of Judas was the acting in the Play,*
^ O .. mm, .^ .^ ^. ^^
* 5^^ pp. II, 12, 13, 15, 21, 22.
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
INTRODUCTION. xi
and it is a matter of great regret that he should not be given the same
part this year. He is himself terribly disappointed, and as he feels
perfectly able to act the part, he might have had the chance, we imagine,
with Zwink in reserve in case he failed. Diemer, the former Choragus, is
afraid to take that part on account of chest weakness, and is, we are
told, " worthily succeeded by Jacob Rutz."
For much of the information given here, the writer is indebted to
Colonel Ward, who has made his home at Partenkirchen, and is long
and intimately acquainted with the principal Ammergauers. He will
permit this acknowledgment of his great kindness in taking trouble to
collect and impart trustworthy information.
A letter from Mayr, the " Christus," gives the following dates for
the performances in 1890, " provided,*' he says, " no alterations occur " : —
Whitsun Monday, May 26.
June I, 8, 15, 16, 22, 25, 29.
July 6, 13, 20, 23,27.
August 3, 6, 10, 17, 20, 24, 31.
September 3, 7, 14, 21, 28.
" If, on the appointed days for the representation," Mayr adds, ** the
throng of kind visitors be such that the theatre cannot hold the whole
number of them, the Passion Play will be repeated on the day following
in the same complete manner."
A meeting was held two months ago at Ammergau to draw up an
official statement as to prices for board and lodging, tickets, &c., which
the older villagers are desirous to have published in the English news-
papers, in order to prevent any imposition or traffic in tickets. It is to be
hoped that this will be done, for as people from all parts of the world
throng more and more to the Passion Play, it becomes difficult to hinder
much which is most to be regrietted. Already, we are told, the village is
full of people, photographers, confectioners, &c., offering fabulous prices
for shops. Meanwhile, it may be said that rooms are fixed at 3^. per day
generally, but that they will be from 2s, to 5^. — a poor room 2^., a very
good large one 5^. Board, which was in 1880 4^. per day, will be some-
what higher, owing to increased prices, meat alone being more than
double the price that it cost in 1882.
The best way to secure rooms, and tickets (which are given with the
rooms in order to avoid traffic in them), is to apply to the Committee, or
Digitized by
Google
xii INTRODUCTION.
to the Burgermeister. Two months* notice would probably be sufficient
There is to be an English Chaplain (S.P.G.) at Ammergau this year,
from Whitsunday until the last of the performances, who will have early
celebrations ; and there is also a Chaplain for the charming English
Church at Partenkirchen, a most lovely spot, about six miles from
Oberau Station, on the road to Innspruck. This latter village would be a
delightful spot in which to pass the summer : we much regretted, when
passing through it in 1880, that we could not spend some time there.
It has been thought best, in this volume, not to interrupt the ** Text
of the Passion Drama" by descriptions or criticisms, but for these to
refer the reader to the corresponding pages in the first part.
Of the chief actors two have passed away since 1880 — ^Tobias
Plunger* (Christus in 1850, Pilate in i860 and 1871) and Johann AUinger
(Barabbas). The latter died in 1888, Plunger in January 1887.
But the greatest, the irreparable loss to Ammergau and to the
Passion Play, is that of the venerable Daisenberger,t who died April 20,
1883. He published in 1879 an excellent little book, containing a topo-
graphical and historical description of his parish, t The concluding words
of his preface may fitly find place here : —
" May strangers, who come here to the Holy Play, become more
closely acquainted and in closer friendship with Ammergau through the
perusal of these pages, and also oftentimes after their return to their
homes, renew within themselves the memory of this still mountain valley.
"And you, beloved community and fellow-parishioners, may you,
through this perusal, be strengthened anew in the attachment to your
* He was sixty-four in 1880. "My grandfather," he said, " was a day-labourer, and
played the Apostle Thomas. My father was a carver, and in 1820 was one of the
Executioners ; later on he was always a Pharisee. I myself was, in 1820, amongst the
people ; in 1830 I sang in the Chorus as *Schutzgeist'; 1840 I was second violin in the
orchestra ; 1850 I was Christus ; i860, 1870-71 Pilate ; and now I am an Apostle, and ,
Moses in the Tableaux. My daughter Franciska was * Mutter-Gottes * in 1870-71, and
my second daughter was *Schutzgeist' the same year." Flunger was one of the best men
at Ammergau.
t See pp. 3, 32.
X " Historisch-topographische Beschreibung der Pfarrei Ober-Ammergau." He gave
the copyright to his two nephews, George Gastl and Sebastian Lang (from whom it may
be bought at Ammergau, price i\ mark), with the stipulation that to the villagers it
should be sold at cost price.
Digitized by
\
Google l|
INTRO D UCTION. xiii
birthplace, and in the resolve to resist carefully all which would tend to
the hurt or dishonour of the same, and ever faithfully to work together
for all whereby the well-being and the good name of Ammergau shall be
furthered, concord and unity stedfastly preserved in your dwellings, and
whereby true Christian piety and morality shall blossom into ever fairer
flower and fruit !
"And may you look upon this present description as a spiritual
legacy, if I may say so, of your old friend, teacher, pastor,* and still keep
for him a friendly memory even after his death ! "
* Seelsorger.
Note. — Tickets for the Passion Play can only be secured beforehand
by those who take rooms from the villagers, when they are supplied with
the rooms. Visitors staying at hotels (which have been mostly bought up
by speculators), cannot buy tickets until the morning of each performance,
at the entrance to the theatre.
Letters to the Committee, etc., should be written in English, except
by good German scholars. One of the villagers has been in England for
three or four years, and knows English perfectly; and Mayr's two
daughters know enough of it to understand what is wanted. Mayr has
been entirely unable to understand some of the letters already written to
him, in imperfectly expressed German.
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
DESCRIPTION
THE PASSION PLAY
A Visit to Ober-Ammergau in 1880
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
THE PASSION PLAY
The traveller from Munich to Innsbruck leaves on the right, about two
hours before reaching Partenkirchen, the steep mountain of EttaL The
road by which it is ascended was formerly the only route between
Italy and Augsburg, by which the merchants of the latter town carried
on their commerce. It was also the Roman Road. Its steepness
makes the ascent a real obstacle to intercourse between the world and
the valley to which it leads ; while the remarkable Benedictine monas-
tery, now secularised, which crowns its summit, and is, as it were, the
gate to the Ammer-Thal, has been a centre of moral and religious influences
and culture to its inhabitants. Here in 1760 Franz Zwink, the peasant
painter, acted as colour mixer to the renov^d Martin Knoller during his
work in the convent church, and, returning to his home, covered the cottage
walls of Ammergau with frescoes full of talent and vigour, and of such
excellence in colouring that where they have been preserved, as on the
Burgermeister's house, they are still fresh and brilliant, in spite of exposure
to weather. Most have perished in the frequent fires which take place in
the village, or in consequence of houses being pulled down and altered.
Martin Knoller was a direct descendant of the great colourists of the six-
teenth and seventeenth centuries, and it has been well said, with regard to
Zwink's work, that it is as though a wandering wave from the mighty sea
of the Renaissance had broken into this lonely mountain valley. At
Ettal, too, the convent-bred Dedler, the organist of Ober-Ammergau, and
author of the music of the Passion Play, must have found a congenial
home ; and here Daisenberger, for thirty years parish priest of Ammer-
gau, in 1880 venerable and revered in his retirement, studied and tarried
for a time.
Up this steep ascent we slowly toiled, on Thursday, August 12,
in the year of Grace 1880. We had engaged an ** Einspanner " at Miirnau,
which just held two, with our very small luggage strapped behind. But
all travellers were expected to walk up this Hill of Difficulty, and indeed
the road was more like a ladder laid straight against the side of the moun-
tain than anything else. It made the approach to Ober-Ammergau a real
pilgrimage to those not robust, and we were glad to find ourselves on level
B
Digitized by
Google
2 THE PASSION PLAY.
ground and to be allowed to take our seats in the " Einspanner." After
Ettal there is no more ascent ; a level road, bordered on either side by
mountain ash, soon brought us to our long wished-for goal. We had tele-
graphed to Frau Mayr the day before, asking her either to receive us or
find rooms for us ; so we drove straight to the house of "the Christus," and
were met at the door by his genial wife. She accepted us at once as
friends, for the sake of friends of ours who had made a long stay at her
house, but explained that she could not receive us, as their rooms were
engaged for the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. While we were speak-
ing to her, the well-known face of the Christus appeared in the doorway,
his splendid long black ringlets hanging on his shoulders. He doffed his
cap, greeted us courteously, and told us that they had taken a "fair
chamber" for us at Johann Rutz's, **King Herod's" house, and their
eldest girl, a sweet little maid of about ten, got up beside our driver to
guide him through the puzzling labyrinth of the village. Our resting-
place was close to the church, standing like all the houses in its own garden.
We were met at the gate by a beautiful boy of sixteen, a quantity of close
curling fair hair making a kind of halo round a face full of earnest pathetic
expression. This was Wilhelm, " Herod's " eldest boy ; he does not look
more than thirteen, but all the attendance on his father's guests seemed to
fall on his shoulders. I asked him what part he took in the Play. " Joseph
sold by his brethren," was the reply.
He began busily to unfasten our packages, while we were handed over
to the kind and motherly Frau Rutz. She led us up a ladder-like stair-
case to our room, which was exquisitely clean. The whole furniture
consisted of two beds, two tables, two chairs, and a few pegs on a stand
with a curtain in front.
The house was very quiet, as was the village, for hardly any visitors
arrive until Friday, and most not till Saturday. We went down to the
sitting-room of the family, opening from the shop (Herod is the baker of
the village), and found a roast hen provided for our supper. Presently our
host came in, and after saluting us, sat down quite simply at another table,
where he was joined by his wife, his daughter, and "Joseph," and they took
their simple supper of cups of soup with bread in it.
Next morning the church bells began about four, and rang at intervals
till eight, when High Mass began. I was too tired to go, but the music
sounded beautiful as it came wafted in from the open church door. M ,
who went to the Hoch-Amt, told me that all was most reverently done, and
the congregation most devout ; the music she thought wonderful for a
village choir, especially the execution of a chorale of Bach.
Our little valet, "Joseph," as we could not help calling him, brought
our breakfast upstairs ; when we went down to the sitting-room we found
Herod and Barabbas sitting at one table over some papers, a maid iron-
ing at another, and Joseph washing his face and neck in a corner. There
is a handsome old bureau in the room, which Rutz told me he had bought
Digitized by
Google
THE PASTOR AND TEACHER. 3
from a priest, and Joseph's guitar hangs on the wall ; the rest of the furni-
ture consists of the usual huge green earthenware stove, two long tables
with benches, a large wooden wardrobe, which seemed to contain the
family linen, and a kind of settle sofa, which I suspect was Joseph's rest-
ing-place at night.
The rain was almost incessant, but we paddled out through seas of
mud. Frau Mayr had charged us to return and pay her a visit, and on
our arrival she received us affectionately, and begged us to come and look
at the rooms she was preparing for our Prince and Princess, his " Hof-
Marschall," as she called him, and his wife. She has a lovely little girl of
about four, who flew at my watch and chdtelaine, chattering and pulling
them about in spite of her mother's reproofs.
We then went to the house of Peter (Jacob Hett), having heard that
he was one of the best carvers in the village ; he told us he carved nothing
but crucifixes. He was very pleasant, talking simply about his part in
the Play. I asked him how he had studied it ; whether he had followed
his predecessor's line. He answered very emphatically, " Nein, er hat nicht
gut gespielt."*
We were anxious to call upon the Geistlicher Rath Daisenberger ;
Hett assured us he would welcome us, and took us to his house. It was
with true reverence and respect that we entered that humble dwelling.
For thirty years Daisenberger was not only parish priest of Ober-Ammer-
gau, but the director of the Passion Play, remodelling, rewriting, training
his peasant flock ; in a word, the soul of the whole thing.
The result, the whole atmosphere of the village and morale of the
people, as well as the artistic excellence of their performance, tell us what
the man must be who for more than a generation has been their intellectual
leader, as well as all that is expressed in " Seelsorger," that tender word
which it is impossible to translate. He is now eighty-two, and has retired
from his charge, with the honorary title, bestowed on him by the King, of
Geistlicher Rath.
He wrote several plays for the instruction and exercise in acting of
his people, amongst others a translation of the " Antigone " ; and we
wished to find out whether we could procure any of them. His two maid-
servants were busy on the ground-floor, and bade us go upstairs. On the
little landing was a bookcase filled with Greek and Latin classics, and in a
room as simple as a peasant's we found the venerable old man. He
received us most kindly, insisting on rising from his chair, although infirm.
He was sitting at a table with a few books before him, and a little pile in a
window-seat at hand ; amongst others, New Testaments in different
languages. He made very little of his dramas, said they were all in
manuscript, but lent me a German New Testament, which I had been
told would be useful at the Play.
We then went to the house of Gregor Lechner (Judas), and found
•* " No, he did not act well."
B 2
Digitized by
Google
4 THE PASSION PLAY.
him sitting on his little bench carving. He impressed and attracted me
more than any of the peasants whom we have seen ; there is something of
genius and poetry in his face, and he is exquisitely refined and gentle in
manner. All the villagers with whom we have made acquaintance are
refined, through the good breeding of simplicity and kindly feeling ; but
there is something more in the conversation of Lechner ; a beautiful and
gifted soul looks through his eyes, and speaks in every tone of his voice.
We bought a few photographs, among them one of our host, and
returned to find him hard at work in his baker's shop. He laughed when
we showed him our purchase ; certainly he looked rather different, in his
worn jacket and carpet slippers, from the splendidly attired monarch.
But it is a good face. Few of the men of Ober-Ammergau have good
figures, their legs being generally too short in proportion to the body ; but
this is much concealed by their robes on the stage. There is little beauty
amongst the women, but the children are almost all pretty ; they mostly
go bare-foot. If asked what part they take in the Play, the answer is
generally, " ein Engel," or " Adam's Kind," or ** beim Volk,'* i.e. amongst
the multitude in the first scene. ^
We were early in church next morning. There was no High Mass ;
but the number of celebrations seemed endless, and we were told the
sacristy was full of priests waiting to say their Mass. There were five
altars, and these were continually occupied for several hours. One of the
last to celebrate was the venerable Daisenberger, who, in spite of his
infirmities, comes every morning to church, winter and summer, to say
Mass.
The rain was incessant all Saturday. In the evening we went out to
see the crowds come in, but the slush underneath, and misty rain over-
head, sadly marred all that would otherwise have worn a festal aspect. In
spite of the weather the throng was great, and the stream of vehicles of
all kinds seemed endless^ from smart carriages to long covered carts,
drawn by bullocks and filled with peasants. Amongst the former, one
carriage passed us with two such tidy little portmanteaus strapped out-
side, that we at once decided it must belong to our English Prince and
Princess ; and so it proved, for very soon the tall and striking figure of
the Christus appeared, escorting his royal guests, who walked in Irish
fashion, he in front, and she picking her steps with little gaitered feet
through the mud. Indeed, it was impossible for two people to keep side
by side in those seas of trodden slush ; every one was obliged to shift for
himself.
There was no sleep possible on Sunday morning after four o'clock.
Frau Rutz told me she had been up at three, and Joseph also ; they had
been to the four a'clock service, where Joseph and his little brother of ten
had communicated, in common with almost all the actors. When w^
went into the church at a quarter before six it was so crowded at the door
that I thought we could not-get a seat ; however, on going higher up we
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
OF THE Theatre » Ober-
IN 1880.
E
Entrance
MFfatz.
3 M.
E/ttrance
Drfrance
ITF/atz
/Mark
Entrance
Entrance Entrance
M.Loie, SM.
JE.Lo^e, 6M.
I.Loge, 8M.
t^gyat
BOX.
I.P/atz4M
M.F/atz
2M.
Orchestra.
Entrance.
H.Pfatz.
3M.
Entrance
]VP/9tl
/Mark.
ditrance
o o
o o
PrOSC£N/UM
oooooOooooo
M/DDLE Stage
o <
5 O
Street
or
Jerusatem
House
of
Annas
House
of
Pilate
Street
of
Jerusalem
Tntrance.
The 79 spots markeci otv tht Prosceniuirv show the plocces of lh& CJi^rus, -^ivitA
the leader zn, th& midctlo The t^po lines aC an/ anffle/ show their position^
when/ the^ moved/ to either side duruiff th& TcMeaicay. Th& three crosses on
the^mMkUf stoLffe Tnarlo tff^ spot -wltere the/ Crioci/vocian/ ^^as represented^
Th& sea/js of the I, IT and/ lEL "Loye' as -tveU/as those of the^ I and/M
'FlcU^y >pi^ere coyered/
Or
aimxaxj:.. n,iniMnx ar xMKDomyt.
\} \ ^ \ \ \7 .m by
7b face p. S.
THE THEATRE AND CHORUS. ^
found a clear space in the aisle. There was a High Celebration ; and we
returned to breakfast, in the arbour in our garden, before seven. For the
rain and mist had cleared away, the heavy bank of clouds was lifted from
the mountains, and for the first time we saw the peaks and slopes of the
hills bright with sunshine.
Alas ! we had no tickets for the theatre. It had been impossible to
fix our time of arriving until the very day before we came, and Mayr
told us at once that every ticket for the reserved covered seats for Sunday
was gone ; but that we should have the best places on Monday.
However, we joined the stream of people who flocked to the theatre
in a meadow at the other end of the village from the church, and on
arriving peeped through the open doors at the great area and tiers of
seats, already apparently filling to overflowing. I ran up a flight of stairs
leading to the lower covered seats, and through the door could just see, as
the gun was fired, a rainbow-clad band of crowned noble-looking beings
appear upon the stage. Then the door was inexorably closed, and we
were mournfully turning away, when two tickets for unreserved places
were off*ered to us. Mine was for the cheapest place of all, amongst the
peasants, nearest the stage. I thankfully accepted it, and in a few moments
found myself inside the theatre, where on a side bench room was just
made for one.
In attempting to write my impressions of the most wonderful thing I
ever saw, I 6us"ht to isay that they are the result of two days spent in the
theatre ; for on Monday we received tickets for the " logen," and again
witnessed the whole of the Passions-Spiel. The second time I took notes
during almost the whole time ; I had taken none the first day.
Far from the impression received being weakened by repetition, it
was much greater and more intense the second time than the first. I
think this may partly be because the first time it is seen we feel more of
curiosity and surprise than the second time, when the mind is in a more
passive state for receiving impressions, and responding harmoniously to
the wonderful influence of scenes, words, and music.
The first sight of the Chorus is something which can never be for-
gotten — the band of peasants, fresh from their daily work, every expres-
sion, every movement and action of the limbs full of dignity, grace and
beauty, of noble simplicity, and entire absence of self-consciousness. I
was, as I have said, the nearest to them of any in the theatre, so that I
could see every movement and play of feature perfectly clearly. But no
distance was needed to lend enchantment to those noble figures and fa^es ;
they never failed to charm and to win respect. There are eighteen in the
Chorus, eight men and ten women ; the Choragus, who speaks the pro-
logues, standing in the centre of the proscenium, with four men on the
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
6 THE PASSION PLAY.
right and three on the left, while five female figures stand on either side
of the men. Their robes and the blending of colour are alone striking
and beautiful ; all alike wear a long white under-tunic edged with gold
round the neck and skirt, with a coloured outer mantle edged with the
Greek key pattern in gold, and held together by a band across the breast ;
a girdle round the white under robe, of the colour of the mantle mixed
with gold ; sandals on the feet, with two straps across the instep over hose
of the colour of the mantle ; on the head a golden diadem with a cross in
the floriated centre.
These robes form a brilliant but harmonious chord of colour. The
Choragus is conspicuous by his scarlet mantle ; next to him on the right
is green, then a brownish-red, green again, and purple ; the five women
wear a bright sort of magenta, purple, dark blue, brown-red, and light
blue. The three men to the left of the Choragus wear green, dark
red, and purple ; the women magenta, purple, a bright grey, reddish-
brown, and light blue.
I do not think that sufficient prominence has been given to the part
sustained by this admirable Chorus in most of the descriptions of the
" Passions-Spiel," and I have even heard spectators say that they were
slightly wearied by it ; but to me they were throughout true ** Schutz-
Geister," as they are called, keeping the soul in tune and assisting it
most truly in the long effort of mind and heart which the tremendous
drama requires. ^
The Choragus greets all who have come together in sympathetic
words, accepting them at once as friends who are like-minded with the
performers, and exhorting them to assist devoutly at the Mystery to be
set forth, which is nothing less than the redemption of the world. " All
hail! welcome to the band of brothers, whom love divine hath here
assembled, who wish to share the sorrows of their Saviour, and to follow
Him, step by step, on the way of His sufferings to the Cross and the
Sepulchre." The key-note to the whole is given in this first solemnly
intoned prologue : —
" Ich will " — so spricht der Herr —
" Den Tod des Sunders nicht,"*
and is sustained in the lines sung as the Chorus divide and retire to either
side of the stage ; while the curtain rises, and we see the first typical
tableau from the Old Testament, Adam and Eve driven from Paradise.
" Doch von Feme, von Calvaria's Hohen,
Leuchtet durch die Nacht ein Morgengliih'n,"t
is sweetly intoned by the Choragus. From this moment the " Schutz-
Geister" become, as it were, our spiritual guides, and we have but to
♦ " I desire not the death of a sinner, saith the Lord."
t " Yet from afar, from Calvary's height, shines through the night the morning-dawn.**
Digitized by
Google
THE FIRST TABLEAUX. 7
surrender ourselves to their teaching and to the impressions of the scenes
set forth.
The first tableau, the Expulsion from Paradise, seemed to me,
artistically, amongst the least successful, partly because the eye was
worried by the contrast between the upper limbs and shoulder of the
chief figure, Adam, which were bare, and the lower, which, with the feet,
were clothed in ** tricot " ; the effect, at least from very near, was not good,
and, as there is abundant drapery of skins, it seems quite needless.
Besides this, the angels are throughout unsuccessful, although less so in
a tableau than in action.
But nothing can be more lovely than the second tableau, which
follov/s in a few minutes. The curtain has fallen on the scene of the
Expulsion, the Chorus has formed again in a straight line, continuing the
song of thanksgiving for redemption ; and now, as they retire, the curtain
rises, and we behold the Tree of Life, the Cross, on a rocky mount. At
its foot kneels a girl of about thirteen, clasping it in her arms ; while
twelve children, clad as angels, are grouped around in attitudes of adoring
thanksgiving. The grace and beauty of this picture are wonderful, and
also the motionless acting of the infants, many of them with outstretched
arms. Amongst them was a flaxen-haired babe of about two, kneehng
with clasped hands, while an elder girl laid one hand on its shoulder, and
with the other pointed to the Cross. During this tableau alone the
" Schutz-Geister," having, as usual, retired to the sides of the stage, kneel
while they sing : —
" Ew'ger, bore deiner Kinder Stammeln," &c. ;♦
and then again exhort the spectators
" Folget dem Versohner nun zu Seite."t
Now the first scene in the " Passions-Spiel " begins. Often as we had
read and heard of the Entry into Jerusalem acted in that theatre, the
reality far exceeded our expectations, at least before the central figure
actually appeared. It was to me one of the most moving, and quite over-
coming, scenes in the whole drama, as the seemingly endless crowd flowed
on, men, women, and children all swayed by one sentiment, every voice
joining in the —
=^-
=f=
~cr-
m
=?2=
Hail Dir, Heil Dir, O Da - vid's Sohn ! Heil, etc.
There is much dignity in the conception of this march chorale ; it is one
♦ ** Eternal, hear thy children's prayer."
t " Follow the Redeemer now beside.''
Digitized by
Google
^
THE PASSION PLAY.
of the most successful pieces in the " Passions-Musik." But of course the
opportunity is a grand one for a musician : the distance in which it is
first softly heard, the waving accompaniment of arms and green branches,
the onward procession. The change in the spirit of the words for a
while from praise to prayer is plaintively illustrated by the music while
the surging crowd advances, their voices growing louder and the air
more defined. It is an affecting appeal written from the heart, and
powerful to make the listener one in sympathy with the unanimous
throng. I give the music of the second verse.
^
i
Ee^
^ ~t~ £
?=
Di
Ho - san - na ! der im Him - mel woh - net,
Ho - san - na ! der dort o - ben thro - net,
^
^' ll ^' tf^
ini
Der sen - de
Er - hal - te
all . e
ims dich
Huld
e -
auf
wig
dich.
lich.
'^
^
?2I
IZ2I
I22I
The "Volk," as they say, come slowly on, waving branches of
bracken, the action of the arms and of the limbs full of indescribable
grace, although those in front are half-backing, as in royal presence.
We feel that every eye is fixed upon One whom as yet we do not
see, and that the multitude have but one soul, filled with adoring
homage to Him, "Der in des Hochsten Namen kommt." Old words,
old visions of childhood return to the heart : the great multitude which
no man may number, with palms in their hands ; the everlasting song
of blessing, and honour, and glory, and power to the Prince of the
kings of the earth ; and we seem to see a faint shadow of that which
shall be when every discordant note has ceased, and the soul is set
free for the endless harmony of thanksgiving.
Shall I acknowledge that the first appearance of the Christus was a
disappointment? perhaps because expectation had been wound too
high by the song and triumph of the multitude. At all events, the
first strong feeling was, "be has attempted the impossible^ The atti-
Digitized by
Google
''THE CHRISTUSr 9
tude, sitting sideways on the ass, also, I think, takes off from the effect ;
and the first words he utters, not being in Holy Scripture, increase the
feeling of strangeness and disappointment, "Was sehe ich hier? 1st
das Gottes Haus, oder ist es ein Marktplatz ? "* he exclaims in accents of
strong indignation. But throughout the scene, the only one in which he
uses energetic action, he is perfectly dignified, and his last words,.
** Kommt, mein J linger, ich habe gethan, was der Vater mich geheissen
hat,"t give us the we?///* which is so admirably worked out by Mayr.
His conception in that respect of one " driven by the Spirit " seems to me
beyond praise. " Lo ! I come to do Thy Will " is expressed in every
word and action, bringing the thought' before the spectators with mar-
vellous vividness. He is possessed by his mission, and throughout the
tumult and variety of the " Spiel " this calm unity of unwavering purpose
is expressed with unfailing force.
Mayr's voice is by far the clearest and easiest to follow amongst the
actors. The German New Testament with which the ** Geistlicher Rath "
had provided me was'needless, the familiar words were so clearly spoken ;
and those sentences in his part which were not from Holy Scripture were
also quite distinct. In common with the other actors he had some pecu-
liarities of pronunciation ; for- instance, " dich " and " doch " were y^xO'
nounced "rf/jr/4" and ^* dosch!' Many of the actors spoke mosf indis-
tinctly, and, having only the text of the choruses and prologues in our
handbooks, we Were dependent on the speakers for knowledge of the
dialogue of the drama.
To judge by pictures and by his present appearance, the face of
Tobias Flunger, the Christus of 1850, must have suited his part better
than that of Mayr, which is too short in proportion to its breadth. The
face is best when seen in profile, and when the head is somewhat raised,
as in speaking ; when he ceases to speak, his head sinks on his breast with
a slight circular sweep towards the right, which has a certain mannerism
in it, and is, I think, less dignified and simple than a perfectly straight
inclination would be.
The anger of the traders whom Christ has driven from the Temple,
and the zeal of the priests to use it for their own ends, are finely
brought out, and the first appearance of the Sanhedrim (prefaced by the
tableau of the conspiracy of Joseph's brethren) is most striking and
splendid ; in the colouring a wonderful use is made of blue and purple
robes.
Caiaphas now appears in his white robesj (the Biirgermeister, Johann
Lang), and henceforth becomes the principal actor in the drama. The
* " What do I behold ? Is this God's House ? or is it a market-place ? "
t " Come, my disciples, I have done what the Father commanded me to do."
j The robes of Annas are of cloth of gold, with a gold horned mitre on his head ;
while Caiaphas is in white, even to his shoes, embroidered with gold. Nathanael, his
chief helper, and bitter enemy of Christ, wears red, with a blue mitre.
Digitized by
Google
lo THE PASSION PLAY.
chief burden of the action and entrain rests upon him ; nothing would be
accomplished but for his deep-seated and untiring efforts to compass the
destruction of the Prophet Who has won the Hosannas of the multitude.
In speaking of the different actors, the venerable Daisenberger seemed
anxious that the merit of Lang's acting should be recognized. Me told
me that he thought it one of the most difficult parts ; I think he said the
most difficult.
In this first council every consideration is urged which could inflame
the audience — zeal for the law of Moses, fear of the Romans, fear for
their own safety, lest Christ should stir up the people against them, and so
" we should take the place which we have prepared for Him."
To the traders who are brought in, and who bitterly complain of their
losses, compensation is promised from the Temple treasury, and their right
of trading in the courts of the Temple, granted by the High Priest, is
reaffirmed. Still, "fear of the people" prevails; the Prophet must be
taken secretly and at night, and full power is given to the chief trader
(Dathan), who thinks he can do something with Judas, to offer any bribe
in the name of the Council.
We are, of course, accustomed to dwell chiefly on the supernatural
causes for His Passion Who was delivered by the determinate counsel
and foreknowledge of God ; but the leading thought in the construc-
tion of the Ammergau play is the human passions by which the
Divine Counsel was worked out ; the natural causes, if we may so say,
for the condemnation and death, on Friday, of Him Who on Sunday
entered Jerusalem in triumph.
The effect on the priests of the raising of Lazarus cannot be brought
in, because it lies too far behind the moment when the action of the play
begins. But we are shown that three causes worked together for the
destruction of the Messiah — the intense resentment of the traders at His
interference with their gainful traffic, and their desire for revenge \ the
7 anger of the High Priest at the authority assumed by our Lord in the
Temple ; and the avarice and selfish fears of Judas. These are woven
with true art into a threefold thread, which runs through the whole story,
gradually unfolding the natural causes for the rapid and tremendous
change between the " Einzug " and the "Kreuzweg." It is remarkable
how Caiaphas endeavours to inflame the passions which, both in the
traders and in Judas, are working for his purposes, while the traders, on
their part, appeal to the jealousy of the priests for their own authority :
" Hath not the Hohe Rath given us leave to set out for sale openly in the
courts of the Temple all that is necessary for sacrifice ? "
The parting of Tobias from his parents is a beautiful tableau, and
lasted for three minutes, while in solo and chorus was sung —
" Ach sie kommt die Scheidestunde, &c."
The Chorus enlarge on the sorrows of a mother's heart : —
Digitized by .VnOOQlC
THE SUPPER AT BETHANY. u
" Bis ein sePger Augenblick
In den Mutterschooss zuriick
Den geliebten Sohn wird fiihren.*'*
The second tableau, the Lamenting Bride of the Canticles, was
amongst the least interesting, although it is evidently got up with much
care, and seems a favourite with the peasants. The music of the Bride's
Lament, sung by one female soprano voice, is the most ambitious in
the Passion Play, and certainly overtaxed the powers of the vocalist.
Christ and the twelve Apostles now appear on the scene, and the
question asked of our Lord after His Resurrection, ** Lord, wilt thou at
this time restore again the kingdom to Israel .** " is here put into Philip's
mouth. Christ answers him nearly in the words of St. Luke xviii. 32, 33,
** The Son of man must be delivered to the Gentiles," &c., and answers
further questions in words from St. John xii. 23, 24, 32, and 35.
Simon, with the family from Bethany, meets Him, and Christ accepts
the invitation to Simon*s house. " Conqueror of Death ! " Lazarus
exclaims ; Mary Magdalene asks Him if He will accept a token of love
from her ; and Martha entreats to be allowed to serve Him. ** Do, pious
souls, that which you have purposed to do," He answers, and blesses them.
The peaceful scene of the supper at Simon's house contrasts finely with
the tumultuous action of the greater part of the play. It was one of those
which brought more vividly than anything ever previously had done before
the mind, how He, Perfect Man, had lived and gone in and out amongst
men as their familiar friend and companion. "Jerusalem ! " He says, " O
that my coming were as welcome to thee as it is to these my friends ! "
When Mary pours the ointment on His feet, the Christus, raising His
hand, says the one word, ** Maria ! " in the tone of one touched to the
heart.
The wonderful acting of Judas now becomes prominent — the
dialogue between him and the Christus being lengthened from the
Scripture account. "What a waste!" Judas says with vexation.
•* Friend Judas, look me in the face. Waste on Me — thy Master } "
The concluding words, ** Wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached in
the whole world," &c., are inexpressibly touching, as we actually behold
their fulfilment after nearly twenty centuries in a remote Bavarian village.
In "The Parting at Bethany," which followed, Mayr's acting was
most admirable. ** Once more, farewell, beloved, peaceful Bethany ! never
more shall I tarry amid thy still valleys." And in the scene with His
Mother he sustains his part with true feeling and dignity. Most instruc-
tive is the human tenderness, undiminished by overpowering sense of a
mission to be fulfilled which must bring agony to her He would fain
spare. Every movement in this scene is tender and graceful, especially
* " Till a blessed time of meeting
To his mother's arms once more
Shall restore her darling son."
Digitized by
Google
12 THE PASSION PLAY.
the clinging clasp of the hand even after He has parted from His Mother's
embrace and turned to leave her. The words he speaks are, like all,
distinctly uttered: "Thou wilt suffer with me, dearest Mother, wilt battle
with me in my mortal struggle, and also take part in my triumph." The
whole dialogue, none of it of course from Holy Writ, is in the highest
tone of resignation and mutual love. His thanks to Mary were especially
touching ; contrasting, alas ! with the thanklessness with which a mother s
devotion is too often received, as though it were a thing of course.
" Mother, Mother, for the tender love and Motherly care which thou hast
shown to me during the three-and-thirty years of my life, receive the
tender gratitude of thy Son." And nothing can be more perfect than
His last words, as He gives her into Simon's care, in answer to her
question, " Where shall I see thee again } " " There, beloved Mother,
where the Scripture shall be fulfilled : as a lamb brought to the slaughter,
so He openeth not His mouth."
The fourth act begins with the tableau, containing thirty-seven
figures, of the rejection of Vashti, and espousal of Esther. The
Choragus presses home the lesson, and before the curtain rises the Chorus
sing :—
" Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! erwache !
Erkenne was zum Frieden dir noch werden kann."*
This is one of the most striking pieces in the music : it is introduced
by a bass voice, and taken up by the Chorus.
In the scene which follows, of the weeping over Jerusalem, the
Christus, in answer to the appeal of the disciples to establish the Kingdom
of God upon earth, again refers all to the Father's Will : " Children, what
ye desire will come to pass in its own time. But my ways are prepared
for me of my Father ; and thus saith the Lord : My thoughts are not
your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways." He sends Peter and
John to prepare the Passover, and they kneel and ask His blessing. A
fine piece of acting on Judas' part follows, as he shows his empty bag to
the Master, disregards His assurance that they need not be careful, and
says, " If only the worth of that ointment were therein ! Three hundred
pieces of silver ! How long we might then have lived without anxiety ! "
He remains behind when the rest of the disciples follow their Master to
the Temple, and his soliloquy betrays the disposition of mind which made
him an easy prey. He complains of his Master's prophecies of coming
trouble : " I am weary of believing and hoping. There is nothing before
us but poverty and low estate. ... I will turn back. Happily I
have been provident, and from time to time have laid aside a little out of
the bag in case of need. If only that fool had put the worth of her oint-
ment into the bag, it would have fallen into my hands, now that it seems
* " Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! awake
And know the peace which still may be thine own.**
Digitized by
Google
yUDAS. 13
likely that our brotherhood will be dissolved. As it is, I must look out
for some means of support."
From this time Judas becomes evidently the person who arouses the
greatest interest among the peasant audience. Being amongst them, I
could hear their remarks and watch their ways. It must be acknowledged
that they were considerably on the look-out for anything, however grimly,
amusing. One could imagine the delight they must have taken in the
grotesque parts of the old play, and their keen interest in the actual
hanging of Judas, surrounded by imps gobbling up the sausages which
represented the entrails of the traitor.
As it is, in spite of the grave and severe treatment of the terrible
tragedy in the present version, the peasants seemed to me quick to seize
on the grotesque element wherever it was possible throughout the per-
formance. I do not speak of the Ammergauers ; those around me were
chiefly peasants from a distance who had come to see the play, and who,
though perfectly orderly and reverent, certainly possessed that desire to
be amused in the midst of most solemn tragedy, for the satisfaction of
which largest provision was made in mediaeval Scripture plays.
All the following scene, when Judas is persuaded by the scourged
traders to betray his Master, was followed with deep interest, and they
seemed to listen breathlessly to his monologue when left alone, in which
he weighs the probabilities of success, considering in all things the effect
of circumstances on his own interests. If the priests succeed he will
become a famous man, as having helped to save the law of Moses ;
should the Master conquer " I will cast myself repentant at His feet. He
is really good ; never have I seen Him repulse a penitent."
Lechner's acting and intonation in this scene can never be forgotten,
especially when the thought of meeting his Master's glance nearly over-
whelms him. " I shall not be able to bear His piercing gaze," he cries
out, already seeming to feel the gnawing of endless remorse for the
crime not yet consummated. " My companions will see in my face that
I am a No ! I will not be that — I am no traitor ! I do nothing but
show the Jews where the Master may be : treachery means more than
that."
The grouping of the first tableau which precedes the fifth act, the
Manna in the Wilderness, is quite marvellous : I counted seventy-eight
figures. One of the most surprising things was the extreme rapidity
with which, after the curtain fell, a second tableau, of the Grapes from
Canaan, was formed.
In the next scene, the Last Supper, the words are almost entirely
from Holy Scripture ; the account in St. Luke of strife for precedence
among the disciples being woven into the narrative of St. John. The
whole of our Lord's reproof in St. Luke xxii. is given, though not exactly
in the same order, but thus : verses 28, 29, 30, 25, 26, and 27. At the
last words, "I am among you as he that serveth," the Christus rises.
Digitized by
Google
14 THE PASSION PLAY.
and, laying aside His upper garment, girded with a towel, He says to
Peter, " Petrus, gib mir deinen Fuss." The rest of the dialogue exactly
follows St. John's account, as also the words spoken when He has sat
down. He rises for the Institution of the Eucharist, and says, " The old
Covenant, which my Father made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, has
reached its close. And I say unto you, A new Covenant is beginning,
which I solemnly consecrate to-day in my blood, as the Father hath
delivered to me, and it will last till all shall be fulfilled." The actual
words of consecration followed. Mayr's acting and movements through-
out this scene, which demanded so much, were perfect and solemn : there
was a marvellous effect in the raising of the hands and laying them upon
the bread, as though Divinity were poured out in action. All that follows
is admirable : the administration — the action and expression of Judas in
receiving — the bearing of all the Apostles. After the reception, the
Christus says : " My children, abide in me, and I in you. As the Father
hath loved me, so have I loved you : continue ye in my love." And
then, after the prophecy of the betrayal by Judas, and the denial of
Peter, part of the discourse in St. John xiv. follows ; the feeling and
intonation with which Mayr gives it being most harmonious and
beautiful.
He comes forward to the front of the stage, and raising his eyes to
heaven recites a hymn of thanksgiving (Psalm cxvii.) ; then, looking
lovingly on his sorrowful companions, says in accents of solemn tender-
ness : " My children, why are ye so sad, and why do ye gaze on me so
mournfully } Let not your heart be troubled ; ye believe in God, believe
also in Me. In my Father's house are many mansions." And the solemn
words are continued in tones of such affecting devoutness that we grieve
when they are ended.
There is a certain relief to the strain of mind and feeling which the
scenes involve, in the tableaux and songs of the Chorus, while yet the
latter never fail to bring home to the conscience the lesson of what we
behold. The sixth act begins with the tableau of Joseph sold by his
Brethren, while the Chorus sings : —
^
^m
9
^8 —^=^
Was bie - tet fiir den Kna - ben ihr?
" So sprechen, Briider, wenn euch wir
* So sprechen, Briider, wenn euch y
Ihn kauflich ubergeben?"*
* " What will ye offer for the lad ?—
Answer us, brothers, — if we now
For gold deliver him to you ? ''
Digitized by
Google
LECHNERS ACTING. 15
And then they remind us : —
" Wie oft habt ihr durch cure Thaten
Auch euren Gott verkauft — verrathen ! "*
The contrast is tremendous between the scene which follows, Judas
before the Sanhedrim, and the closing scene of the preceding act. For
acting and force it was one of the most striking in the play, and perhaps
Lechner's acting was at its best here. The mixture of irresolution and
determination, of lingering regrets and eagerness to grasp the reward just
within his reach, was perfectly expressed. He cannot bear to be
questioned as to the cause of his rupture with his Master, answers
Caiaphas surlily, and after the fearful words, which are the sad story of
many a soul, " The friendship between him and me has for some time
become cooler," >breaks out abruptly with the question, " What will y^ give
me if I deliver Him unto you ? "
I do not believe any mere reading of the narrative could bring the
awful tragedy of such a choice before some minds as Lechner's acting
does — the choice which each soul must make between the dust of earth
and the treasures of eternity. It is brought out also with great skill
and terrible irony in the text. " Only think, Judas,'' Dathan says ; " thirty
pieces of silver! What a prize ! " Then he is flattered, told that much
more will be done for him, that he will become a man of mark and distinc-
tion, till the last wavering of the will is overcome, and he cries out, " I am
content ! " and then aside, " My fortune is made ! " This single moment
of fearful contentment and elation is his ; in the very next he cowers
before the indignant outburst of reproach addressed to him by
Nicodemus.
The eagerness with which he claws each piece of silver as it is
reckoned to him, and drops it into his bag, has often been described. He
was last seen at the table of his Lord — now he is taking counsel with
His enemies, has come into their secret, and united himself to the
assembly gathered together against the soul of the righteous. And with
overpowering horror the words of the Chorus ring in our ears : —
" Was diese Scene uns vorhalt,
1st ein getreues Bild der Welt."t
When Judas has left the council, Caiaphas becomes the chief actor :
his iron will treads out any spark of opposition kindled by Nicodemus
and Joseph of Arimathea, who leave the council after a vehement protest.
Hitherto only bonds and imprisonment have been spoken of for the
* " How oft have ye through evil deeds
Your God even thus betrayed and sold ! "
t " A faithful picture of the world
In this sad scene before us lies."
Digitized by
Google
1 6 THE PASSION PLAY.
Prophet ; now Caiaphas with splendid action pronounced his decision :
" Hearken to your High Priest ! It is better that one man die for the
people, and that the whole nation perish not. He MUST DIE ! No peace
in Israel- without His death ! " " God has spoken through His High Priest,"
a Rabbi exclaims ; "only through His death can the people of Israel be
saved." The council breaks up without any solemn blessing from the
High Priest, but with a tumultuous outcry of, " Let Him die, the enemy
of our holy law ! " So ends this wonderful scene, the counterpart to the
intense calm of the one which preceded it, the closing words of which
still echo in the heart : ** But that the world may know that I love the
Father, and as the Father hath given me commandment, even so I do."
A beautiful tableau introduces the seventh act : Adam tilling the
ground, with his children around him, while Eve sits a little apart — a babe
in her lap and a little one by her knee — eleven children in all. Here
again the effect is rather marred by the contrast between the glaring
** tricot " worn by Eve and the lovely bare limbs of the children. There
is a second tableau, in which twenty-four take part, of Joab treacherously
slaying Amasa, which lasted for quite three minutes.
The Agony in the Garden must be one of the most difficult pieces
of acting in Mayr's part ; but he brings to it intense feeling, devotion,
and dignity. Never can the tone be forgotten in which he exclaims, as
from the depth of a broken h^art, " Vater ! — Mein Vater ! " or the touch-
ing tenderness of his complaint when he returns for the second time to
the sleeping Apostles : " O my most trusted ones ! Even amongst you I
find none to comfort me." The anguish becomes keener and more fearful
in its expression : " The sorrows of death encompass me. . . . O sin ! O
sins of mankind, ye weigh me down ! O fearful burden! My Father ! . . .
Thy most holy will ! Father ! Thy Son ! hear Him ! " Then, as the
Christus " reels in the victorious fight," an angel appears. It were better,
I think, if no words were spoken, and if the angel were only to support
the head which leans on the arms of the messenger in mortal exhaustion.
When He speaks once more. He has been strengthened. ** Yea, holy
Father ! . . . I will accomplish it ! . . . Reconciliation, salvation, blessed-
ness ! "
There were moments like these, during the play, when the thought
forced itself on one's mind : " These are the people to whom some amongst
us would fain ' preach the Gospel.^ " No one could have acted, I suppose,
as Mayr did — certainly not a peasant wood-carver — who was not pene-
trated by the awful truths which he set forth. And he is but the repre-
sentative of that which has for hundreds of years flourished in his
village, and which finds expression in the text of the Passion Play.
The taking of the Christus by the soldiers of the High Priest ends
the first part of the " Passions-Drama'^
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
1
Plan of the Theatre at Ober-Ammergau
IN 1890.
Entrance
Entrance
77ie ^S spots Tnarkedy on/ th& Proscenium/ sTunv f^ places ofthe^ Chorus wUh/ Ch^
leader in/ the^ TnidcUe/ They three^ crosses on/th&Tniddle stagre^ ma/^ the^spot/ ^tvhere^
the/ €h4/x/hoio7i, u represented.
They SecUs in/ the^ ii^. Z^^and/J^FlcUz, hoth/n^ht^ tznd/ Ic/b ctrcy oovereci Those' m^
the/ /f^ 5*^ and/ 6*^ are zn the/ operv air
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
ANNAS. 17
We had but time for . a hurried meal at Frau Rutz', and then drove
back to the theatre about half an hour before the second part began ; for,
not having reserved places, we were anxious to have a good choice among
the unreser\'ed ones. Just as we reached the theatre, rain began to fall
rather heavily, and the orchestra was moved from the centre, close to the
stage, to the side near the lowest door, where there was an awning. Their
former station was therefore left free, and benches were moved into it for
spectators. Close to this area I found a seat on the front bench of all,
which fortunately had a back, so that I was as close to the stage as it was
possible to be. Until one o'clock, when the second part of the play began,
the theatre was filled by a forest of umbrellas ; a peasant woman next to
me gave me a share of hers, and told me how she had come with her
husband from a distant village to see the /* Passions-Spiel " for the
first time.
The rain had not ceased when the gun was fired, and the Chorus
appeared on the stage ; but every umbrella was put down, and we covered
ourselves with cloaks as best we could. Happily, it ^as not cold, and soon
the sun shone out, the rain ceased, and the rest of the afternoon was
most lovely ; indeed, I believe those to the right in the theatre suffered
from the heat of the western sun. On the left we were in shade.
The first tableau, containing thirty figures, of Zedekiah smiting
Micaiah on the cheek, precedes the scene of our Lord before Annas. The
conception of the character of Annas is of one even more filled than
Caiaphas with thirst for the blood of the Christ ; though, from his age,
with less power to carry his designs into action, and suffering from the
restless desire to see them accomplished.
He appears with his friends on the balcony of his house, saying that
he cannot rest that night until lie knows that the disturber of peace is in
bonds, &c. The priests try to pacify him, telling him that the prisoner
will soon be here. When the Christus is led in, the Scripture narrative is
followed, and the mournful leading about from one tribunal to another
begins. Mocked by the soldiers, He is led to Caiaphas, who holds his
court in the middle of the stage. Two tableaux, the stoning of Naboth,
and Job, preceded this scene, the latter not successfully conceived or
carried out ; but the chorus sung during its exhibition was particularly
striking and touching, with its continual refrain of " Ach ! welch ein
Mensch!"
Here, again, I am sure that to some minds old truths were brought
home more deeply than they had ever been before. The chorus, the
tableau, and the following scenes were the setting forth visibly of the old
words: "As for me, I am a worm and no man."
C
Digitized by
Google
1 8 THE PASSION PLAY.
" Ach ! welch ein Mensch !
O alle ihr geriihrten Herzen !
Ach ! Jesus, Jesus ! Gottes Sohn,
Wird loser Knechte Spott und Hohn
Bei endelosem Kampf der Schmerzen.
Ach ! welch ein Mensch ! '**
" How," we could not but ask ourselves, " have these peasant artists
learned, both in action and in the long choruses which are interwoven
with the scenes, to instruct those who have had every opportunity for
instruction and reflection on the subject-matter of their drama, and to
impress, as they never before were impressed, the very people who have
meditated most deeply on the narrative of the Passion ?"
The intense aggravation which must have been caused to the suffer-
ings of One already exhausted in body and mind, by the repeated
dragging about from tribunal to tribunal, would probably be brought home
for the first time to the hearts of many by the action of the " Passions-
Spiel." The mockery of the guards, as they lead the Christus from one
to another, does but fill in the scenes which we feel sure, from the narrative
of the Gospels, must have taken place.
The trial before Caiaphas is chiefly an expansion of the scene
described by St. Matthew in four words : " many false witnesses came."
One after another steps forward, confronting the silent Prisoner, who
stands motionless ; the cord which binds His hands behind His back held
by one of the mocking guard. In i860 Mayr personated Balbus, the
servant of Annas, who strikes Christ on the cheek, and who continues to
mock Him on the way to Caiaphas, and during the trial.
The false witnesses declare that the Christ has forbidden to pay
tribute to Caesar ; that, in spite of the law, He has sat down at table
without washing His hands ; that He has had friendly intercourse with
publicans and sinners, and even gone to their houses and eaten with them ;
that they have heard from trustworthy folk that He spoke to Samaritans,
and spent a whole day with them ; that on the Sabbath He healed the
sick, and ordered a man to carry his bed on the Sabbath day ; and one
declares, "Thou didst presume — I was present — to forgive sins, which
belongs only to God." "Thou hast also blasphemed God," another
breaks in, " and dared to say that Thou wast One with the Father."
Finally, two witness against Him, as recorded in the Gospels ; and
Caiaphas, having many times during the accusations in vain questioned
his Prisoner, rises, and with grand action says, "Thou thinkest to save
Thyself by silence ; Thou darest not to acknowledge, before the Fathers
♦ "Alas ! Behold the man !
O all ye tender-hearted souls.
Ah, Jesu, Jesu, Son of God,
Becomes the scorn and jest of knaves,
Amidst His awful strife with pain.
Alas ! Behold the Man ! "
Digitized by
Google
THE CHRISTUS BEFORE CAIAPHAS. 19
of the people, what Thou hast taught to the people. Or darest Thou ?
Then hearken : I, the High Priest, adjure Thee by the living Grod !
Speak, art Thou the Messiah, the Son of the most high God ? "
Then the long silence of the Christus is broken : " Thou sayest that
I am. Nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see the Son of man
sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."
Caiaphas tears asunder his upper garment, with horror on his countenance,
exclaiming, " He has blasphemed God. . . . But not I, not the Council—
the law of God itself dooms Him to death." He then appeals to the
scribes, to read publicly the sentence, in the law of Moses, on him who
rebels against rulers ordained of God ; and a scribe reads from a roll :
" The man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the
priest that standeth to minister there before the Lord thy God, or unto
the judge, even that man shall die : and thou shalt put away the evil
from Israel."*
Another, at the command of Caiaphas, reads the sentence on the
Sabbath-breaker : " Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore ; for it is holy
unto you : every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death : for
whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among
his people." t
Caiaphas then demands : " How doth the law punish a blasphemer > "
And a third priest reads : ** Speak unto the children of Israel, saying,
Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth
the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death ; all the congrega-
tion shall certainly stone him, as well the stranger, as he that is born in
the land."t Caiaphas declares that the law has spoken, and that he will
see that its sentence be speedily carried out.
A shout of approval from the Council closes this long and remark-
able scene, in which the law is appealed to against Him who gave it, and
the High Priest, sitting in Moses' seat, condemns the Author and Source
' of his authority.
It is followed by the scene in the hall of the High Priest, which is
full of maid-servants and men. St. John comes to the door and asks
leave to bring in Peter. The acting of Hett (St. Peter) in this scene is
most striking and instructive, and he looks his part better than any actor.
He stands facing the audience, over the fire which has been made in the
middle of the hall, warming his hands, with an expression in which
anxiety, grief, and fear are mingled. The latter predominates as he hears
the servants discussing the attack on Malchus by one of the followers of
Jesus, and agreeing that it will be a case of " ear for ear ; " so that his
answer to the first maid-servant seems almost the natural result of his
condition. " I have been watching thee for a long time," she says. ** If
I do not mistake, thou art one of the disciples of the Galilaean ? " " I ?
* Deut. xvii. 12. f Ex. xxxi. 14. J Lev. xxiv. 15, 16.
C 2
Digitized by
Google
20 THE PASSION PLAY.
No — I am not! Woman, I know Him not, nor do I know even what
thou sayest." He instantly tries to slip out of the hall, but comes
against the maid who keeps the door. The difference between the
frightened, hesitating manner of his first denial and his strong protesta-
tion later is strikingly brought out, especially when, the third time, he
lifts his eyes and hands to heaven, and with vehement action swears by
the living God, " I know not the Man of whom ye speak." At this
moment the Christus is led into the hall, and for a moment the Master
and disciple are face to face ; then Peter leaves the hall, and the curtain
falls.
The scene which followed, of Peter bewailing his sin, was to me one
of the most instructive and touching in the play ; loving repentance could
Jiardly be more deeply expressed both in word and action, nor the
instant return of the soul to Him whom it had left ; horror of self only
increasing trust in His forgiveness and mercy. I give the whole of the
words, as I wrote them down afterwards in Hett's cottage ; they may
recall to others the action and passion of mourning love with which they
were spoken.
•* O dearest Master ! how deeply have I fallen ! O weak, O wretched
man ! Thee, my most loving Friend and Teacher, I have denied — three
times have I denied Thee for whom I promised to die ! Oh, I know not
how I could so terribly have forgotten myself! Accursed be my shameful
betrayal ! May my heart be ever filled with sorrow for this despicable
cowardice ! Lord, my dearest Lord ! if Thou hast still grace left for me,
grace for a faithless one, oh grant it, grant it even to me! Even now
hearken to the voice of my repentant heart. Alas ! the sin has been
committed ; I can never more undo it, but ever, ever will I weep and
repent over it ; never, never more will I leave Thee ! O Thou most full
of goodness. Thou wilt not cast me out .? Thou wilt not despise my
bitter repentance ? No ; the gentle, compassionate glance with which
Thou didst look on me, thy deeply fallen disciple, assures me that Thou
wilt forgive me. This hope I have in Thee, O best of Teachers. And
the whole love of my heart shall from this moment belong to Thee, and
keep me most closely united to Thee. Nothing, nothing shall be able
ever again to separate me from Thee ! "
O felix culpa ! we are almost inclined to exclaim, which could lead
to such love and repentance ; but yet we rather feel : O blessed glance,
which in a moment could burn up self and fears for self, and trust in self,
and kindle a life-long flame of devotion, fed by the remembrance of that
hour, until love should triumph over torture and death, uniting him at
last and forever on the cross to Him whom for a moment he had for-
saken.
In the next scene the Christus is mocked by twenty-four soldiers of
the High Priest during the night so spent by Him in preparation for the
sufferings gf the next day. He is blindfolded, smitten, pushed from his
Digitized by
Google
JUDAS AND THE SANHEDRIM. 21
seat, so that he falls on the ground ; but throughout he preserves dignity,
meek endurance, and perfect silence.
The tenth act opens with the tableau of Cain, in an attitude of despair,
his hand pressed to his brow, standing over the slain body of Abel. Cain
is clad in a leopard's skin, Abel in a sheepskin. Immediately after this
tableau Judas appears, despair gnawing at his heart **No hope! no
escape ! " he cries out in horror. " If the Master had willed to save Him-
self, He would have made them feel His power a second time in the
garden." He rails at the accursed Synagogue, at the traders, at himself,
and rushes away declaring that he will have no part in the blood of the
innocent. His remorse, face to face with his sin, is a fearful contrast to
the repentance of Peter.
The Sanhedrim, is assembled, and as Caiaphas is telling the Council
that he could not wait for morning to complete the condemnation of the
enemy of the law, Judas bursts in, and the last terrible scene between
him and his tempters takes place. It is but the drawing out of the
Scripture account : "What is that to us } see thou to that." His despair
is only treated with indifference, and his rage sternly rebuked. "Have
ye condemned Him ? " he asks in agony. ** He must die," is thundered
in his ears by the whole assembly. " Woe ! woe ! " he shrieks forth ;
" I have sinned, I have betrayed the righteous. O ye bloodthirsty judges,
ye condemn and destroy the innocent ! " " Peace, Judas, or " " No
peace for me for evermore," he breaks out; "no peace for you! The
blood of the innocent cries for vengeance." In vain he is admonished as
to the respect due to the High Priest and the Council ; despair raises him
above them ; and when reminded that he made his own bargain, has duly
received his reward, and that if he behaves himself he may have some-
thing further, he cries out with intense horror : " I will have nothing
more ! I tear asunder the shameful compact : let the innocent go free.
I demand His freedom — my hands shall be pure from His blood." Then,
when sternly told, " Thy Master must die, and thou hast delivered Him
to death," he shrieks out, " Die I — I am a traitor ! May ten thousand
devils from hell tear me in pieces. Here, ye blood-hounds, take your
accursed blood-money," and with terrible action and increasing rage and
despair he flings the bag of silver at the feet of Caiaphas ; " body and
soul are lost, and ye — ye shall be dragged with me into the lowest abyss
of hell."
There is a pause after he has rushed from the Council ; even Caiaphas
seems for a moment appalled, and exclaims, " A fearful man ! *' but
quickly collecting himself, says, ** He has betrayed his Friend ; we pursue
our Enemy.'*
Again the Christus is led in ; and the Gospel story in St. Luke xxiii.
66-71, is exactly represented. Annas asks him, "Art thou the Christ.?
tell us : " and the answer is given, " If I tell you, ye will not believe ; and
if I also ask you, ye will not answer me, nor let me go." And when the
Digitized by
Google
22 THE PASSION PLAY,
last answer of truth is given, " Ye say that I am," the horrible cry again
breaks forth : " He must die ! " and three members of the Council are sent
to Pilate to ask him to pass judgment before the feast.
The act closes with the final despair of Judas — a wonderful and
fearful scene, the acting of which would alone, it has been said by con-
siderable critics, give Lechner a high place among the actors of Europe.
His monologue, written by Daisenber^er, is in sharpest contrast to that
of Peter. Both see the full horror of their sin : but one sees it in the
light of his Master's countenance, healing while it wounded ; the other in
the hopeless blackness which he had voluntarily chosen. " I am cast
away," he cries, " hated and abhorred by all, even by those who led me
astray ; I wander alone with this inward devouring fire. Oh, if I dared
but once more to see His face ; I might yet cling to Him, the only anchor
of salvation ! But He is in prison — is perhaps already put to death ; no
hope, no hope for me ! He is dead, and I am His murderer ! Cursed be
the hour when my mother brought me forth ! Here, accursed life, will I
end thee ! let the most miserable of all fruit hang on this tree." The cur-
tain falls as he tears off his girdle.
The eleventh act, of Christ before Pilate (prefaced by the tableau of
Daniel accused before Darius), calls forth all Johann Lang's powers. It
is a grand scene : on the left of the balcony of Pilate's house the assembly
of the scribes and priests ; on the right the Christus amid his guards,
and on the balcony the noble figure of Pilate in his magnificent dress
surrounded by his court. Before he appears, Caiaphas again stirs up and
exhorts the Council, reminds them that the whole peace of their country
depends on this moment, charges them to be firm in their resolve, and not
to rest till their enemy is put to death. It is wonderful how he overcomes
the difficulty of addressing and haranguing Pilate from below, and how the
stronger will seems to reverse their positions and make Caiaphas the
dominating figure. He pays a brief and haughty homage to the viceroy
of Caesar when he appears, and instantly proceeds to demand judgment
on the Prisoner.
The Scripture narrative is followed, but with additions. On Pilate's
first declaration that he cannot condemn a man without knowing whether
he is guilty, a Rabbi informs him that the whole Council have given judg-
ment against him, and that it is therefore hardly worth his while to
inquire into the case. " What ! " he replies, " ye dare to propose to me,
the representative of Caesar, to become a blind tool for carrying out your
resolutions. That be far from me 1 I must know what law he has broken,
and in what manner."
The long struggle between Caiaphas and Pilate then begins, the latter
clearly seeing through the malice of the accusers. When Caiaphas asks
if the title of " King of Israel " is not rebellion against Caesar, Pilate
replies with derision : " I marvel at your suddenly aroused zeal for the
honqur of Caesar." When he commands that the Prisoner be brought into
Digitized by
Google
^^WHAT IS TRUTH?'' 23
his house, that he may question Him alone, a Rabbi says, *' This is a
dangerous delay." But Caiaphas answers, " Do not lose courage ! Victory
belongs to the steadfast! "
The first and second conversation with Pilate given in St. John's
Gospel (before and after the Scourging) are in the ** Passions-Spiel " given
in one, beginning with the second. " Whence art Thou .? " Pilate asks ;
and receiving no answer, continues, " Speakest thou not unto me }
Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify Thee, and have power to
release Thee } " Then at length the Christus speaks : " Thou couldest
have no power at all against Me, except it were given thee from above ;
therefore he that delivered Me unto thee hath the greater sin."* " A
bold speech," Pilate says aside ; then, to the Christus, " Art thou the
King of the Jews ? " The rest of the conversation exactly follows St.
John xviii. 34-38.
The words, " Thou sayest that I am a king," were spoken by Mayr
with perhaps a too royal bearing, with a rather haughty raising of the
head, and the very slightest approach to theatrical effect. It is easy to
see throughout, that what is grand and royal would naturally best suit
Mayr's acting ; admirable as is his rendering of meekness and endurance,
we feel that the man himself speaks out more truly in the parts where
authority are expressed.
We marvel how Rendl (Pilate) has learnt to bear himself so nobly,
or to say the famous words, " What is truth } " with that sudden, dreamy,
inward expression and tone as though outward circumstances had for an
instant vanished from his mind, and he were alone with his own soul and
with the flood of thought raised by the words of Christ. To the message
of his wife, which is now brought to him, he replies that she may be with-
out anxiety, as he does not intend to give way to the Jews, and takes
counsel with his courtiers, who declare their belief that envy alone is the
cause of the accusations against Christ. When the crowd of priests
return beneath his balcony, he says decidedly, " He is guiltless;" but yet
continues to parley with them, condescends to excuse himself for not
yielding, and at length catches eagerly at the mention of Galilee to send
the prisoner to Herod.
An admirable tableau of Samson, destroying his enemies by his
death, preceded the twelfth act. The unconcern of a group to the left
was especially striking, continuing a game while the pillars were even then
giving way. The scene of Christ before Herod was possibly a little too
lengthened, yet if so, this is only through the faithfulness of the Ammer-
gauers to the Gospel history. Herod questions with Him **in many
words," while Caiaphas and the chief priests, following their victim, who
is now guarded by Roman soldiers to this new tribunal, ** vehemently accuse
Him." They are terribly in earnest, but fail in persuading the pleasure-
* St. John xix. 9-1 1.
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
24 THE PASSION PLAY.
loving Herod to take the matter seriously ; he positively refuses to give
any judgment except that the Christ is a simple man, not clever enough
for the crimes laid against Him.
There are two tableaux before the thirteenth act — the bloody coat of
Joseph shown to his father, while the Chorus sing : —
So wird auch Jesu Leib zerrissen ;*
and Isaac upon the Altar of Sacrifice. In the first scene the struggle
between Pilate and Caiaphas begins again, as the latter stands beneath
the balcony at the head of the Council ; the Christus on the other side.
Pilate proposes to scourge Him, "in order," he says, "to meet your
wishes," and release Him. But Caiaphas declares that the law requires
that He should be put to death. Pilate then stakes all upon one venture,
evidently with no doubt of its success. He has heard of the triumphant
entry into Jerusalem, and it is clear that he regards the Christus as a
popular idol, knowing that the priests " for envy had delivered Him."
To the people therefore he determines to appeal, pledging himself to
abide by their decision. The part of Pilate could not have been written
without fine appreciation of his character and motives, and it forms a
most suggestive commentary on the text of the Gospels.
" Ye force me to tell you openly what I think," he says. " Moved by
ignoble passion, ye persecute this Man, because the people are better
disposed towards Him than towards you. I have listened long enough to
your envious complaints, I will now hear the voice of the people." He
then says that he shortly expects the people to assemble in order to
demand, according to custom, the release of a prisoner, and promises to
allow their choice between Jesus and Barabbas to be final " It will then
be shown," he says confidently, ** whether your complaints are the expres-
sion of the mind of the people, or only of your own rage." Caiaphas, no
less confident in his power over the fickle mob, bows, and replies
haughtily, " It will then be seen, O Governor, that thou hast wrongly
thought evil of us ; " while the whole Council cry out, " Release unto us
Barabbas, and crucify this Man." But Pilate answers firmly, " Ye are not
the people. The people will decide. Meanwhile I will cause Him to be
scourged."
The action and words of Caiaphas, after Pilate has retired, are
appalling in their bitter determination to pursue his Victim to the death.
" Pilate has appealed to the people," he says ; ** well, we will also appeal
to them." He bids the priests to disperse themselves through the whole
of Jerusalem, and to " move the people, that he should rather release
Barabbas unto them." Every obstacle only feeds the flame of his fiery
zeal ; what is indicated by a few words in St. Mark is represented in most
impressive action. " Let us not lose a moment," he exclaims ; " let us go
* " Even thus is Jesu's body torn."
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
JOSEPH IN EGYPT. 25
and meet the crowd, to excite and inflame them. Try to kindle in them
the most glowing hatred against the enemy of Moses. Seek to win the
wavering through the power of your words and promises. Terrify the
followers of the Galilaean by scorn and reproach, by threats, and if necessary
by ill-usage, so that not one may dare to come here, much less to open his
mouth."
The traders take an active part in carrying out these commands ; we
are never allowed to lose sight of the working of their revenge amongst
the causes of the condemnation of Christ.
The scene of the scourging and crowning with thorns concludes this act.
A gorgeous tableau, of Joseph made ruler over Egypt, introduces the
fourteenth act ; and a second tableau, of the two goats as sin-offerings,
was also amongst the most striking.
The words of the Chorus become more and more touching, and full
of instruction. We have just beheld the King of Israel, with the crown
wherewith His mother (the Jewish nation) crowned Him ; while in
mournful accents the Chorus sang : —
How shall His Godhead now appear ?
Alas ! behold the Man !
A worm, the scorn of soldiers now.
But as the curtain rises and discloses the triumph of Joseph, the strain is
changed to one of joy : —
Behold the Man !
See Joseph called to high estate ;
Behold the Man !
The type, in pain and joy, of Christ
During the tableau of the goat slain as a sin-offering, they sing of the
new Offering required for the pardon of sin :—
A Lamb, from every blemish pure ;
and then suddenly break off their song, and for the first time actually
take part in the drama ; the Choragus exclaiming, while fierce cries are
heard in the distance : —
The murderer's fearful cry I hear.
i
Barabbas be our choice to-day,
is thundered forth by the unseen multitude.
No, Jesus be from fetters free
the Chorus sings in unison.
Ah ! fiercer sounds the murderous cry,
is intoned by the Choragus
Digitized by
Google
26 THE PASSION PLAY.
" Crucify Him ! crucify Him ! " is heard louder and nearer, as the
crowd press on, though still unseen.
In vain the Chorus plead : —
Jerusalem ! Jerusalem !
God will avenge the blood of His Son !
is the response.
His blood be on us, and on our children,
Be it then upon you and upon your children.
is solemnly intoned by the Choragus ; and the curtain rises. Again, as
in the first scene, the crowd pour forth from the streets of Jerusalem,
animated by one passionate sentiment. They are in four bands, led
respectively by Annas, Caiaphas, and two of the chief priests, Nathanael
and Ezechiel, and gather into one dense crowd beneath Pilate's balcony,
acting and speaking as one man. " He has blasphemed God ! " ** To
death. with the false Prophet!" "Crucify Him!" "Release unto us
Barabbas ! " " The Nazarene must die ! " — such is the burden of " their
rude lawless cry ; " until Pilate appears on the balcony with the Christus,
" wearing the purple robe and the crown of thorns ; " and there is a
moment's pause as he pronounces the words, " Behold the Man ! "
Pilate is still confident in the success of his appeal to the people ;
and when the cry of " Crucify Him ! " is still raised, orders Barabbas to
be brought forth, and the Christus to be placed beside him. Then, as
the two stand side by side beneath his balcony, and the crowd ex-
claim, "Let the Nazarene die!" he cannot contain his disappointment
and astonishment. " I do not comprehend this people : a few days ago
they followed this Man, rejoicing and applauding Him, through the streets
of Jerusalem. Is it possible that the same people should now demand
His death and destruction } "
Caiaphas replies, that the eyes of the people have been opened, and
a shout is raised, " Let Him die ! The false Messiah, the deceiver ! "
One last effort is made by Pilate. Pointing to the two prisoners
respectively, he bids the people consider and choose— -choose between the
noble, gentle Figure of Him whom they have long honoured as a wise
Teacher, and who now, though without fault, bears the marks of cruel
chastisement, and the frightful figure of the robber and murderer. " I
appeal to your good sense, to your feeling as men. Choose ! Whom
will ye that I release unto you, Barabbas or Jesus which is called
Christ.?"
Then the last fearful cry is raised : "Away with this Man, and deliver
unto us Barabbas ! " and Caiaphas eagerly reminds Pilate of his promise.
" I am accustomed to keep my word without needing a reminder," he
answers ; yet still struggles against the will which is overpowering his
sense of justice. But his plea, "Shall I crucify your King?" only leads
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
VIA CRUCIS. 27
to the arguments and threats to which he at last succumbs. He cannot
face the fear of Caesar's displeasure.
All this scene is really magnificently acted by both Caiaphas and
Pilate. The most august trial in the world's history is represented before
us ; and yet we are not disappointed, but held spell-bound by awe and
overpowering interest. We know what the bitter end will be, and yet can
scarce believe that it will come. Can this noble and clear-sighted Roman
judge yield indeed to the clamour of the mob .? Will he endure the threat,
" We will not leave the place until judgment is given ? " Can even the
mob choose Barabbas }
Yes, Barabbas is set free, and led away; formal judgment is pro-
nounced and written down by Pilate's secretary ; and then having washed
his hands, declaring to the last the innocence of his Prisoner, he com-
mands the two thieves to be brought forth. They stand beside the noble
figure of the Christus, and the sentence is read. Then Pilate says, " Now
take ye Him, and " he pauses, as though unable to speak the words,
but at length they seem forced from him, and breaking his staff of office
in two, he exclaims, in a tone of anger and despair, ** Crucify Him ! "
He too has made the great choice, and turning hastily, almost rushes
from the judgment-seat.
" To Golgotha ! " is shouted, and a tumultuous procession is formed —
One alone moving calmly and peacefully, though in bonds, and amid
every mark of deepest indignity.
The Passions-Spiel began with the " Einzug," and now we have come
to the " Kreuzweg." It is introduced by three tableaux : Isaac bearing
the wood to Mount Moriah ; the children of Israel bitten by fiery
serpents ; and the Brazen Serpent Both of these latter are admirable
in conception, in grouping and in colouring. There are a multitude of
figures, numbers of them being children, and yet less than a minute
elapses from the moment that the curtain falls on the first until it rises on
the second. Moses is, of course, the central figure in the last tableau ; he
is represented by Flunger, who was the Christus of 1850.
The first lines sufig^ by the Chorus before these tableaux are amongst
the most solemn and impressive both in words and music, although the
latter is very simple : —
Pray and render heartfelt thanks !
He who drank the bitter cup
Follows now the paths of death,
Reconciling man to God.
Even more moving and overcoming than the Crucifixion is the Way of
the Cross. The procession advances slowly from the right, met by the
group from Bethany from the left, and by Simon of Cyrene and the
Women of Jerusalem, in the middle stage. Far more impressive and noble
than in the hour of triumph is the Figure bending beneath the Cross, each
Digitized by
Google
28 THE PASSION PLAY.
step evidently a struggle with mortal weakness, and yet moving " calm as
the march of some majestic cloud " amidst the brutality and jeers of the
crowd. He falls beneath the Cross, but it is with unruffled anguish ; He
tries even in falling to support the burden laid upon Him : we feel that
the worn body is doing its utmost to obey the cruel behests of His
tormentors.
It is, I think, the scene which of all in the play speaks most touch-
ingly to a Christian's heart, making us feel as we never did before :
"What should all pain be to us but a joyful treading in those Foot-
prints ? "
The Christus has spoken no word since He said to Pilate, " Every
one that is of the truth heareth My words ; " but now, as Simon of Cyrene
is willingly laden with the Cross, He opens His mouth in benediction.
" The blessing of God be on thee and thine," He says in a voice faint with
exhaustion and anguish, and moves slowly on to meet the Women of
Jerusalem, Veronica and the Maries, with St. John. The latter follow on
the way of the Cross, as the august procession passes out of sight.
There is a pause after the curtain has fallen, and the painful strain
is almost more than we can bear, as the Chorus, clad now in black, file
slowly in, and while the sound of blows with a hammer are heard behind
the scenes, mournfully chant : —
Come, pious souls, draw near the Lamb,
Who ifreely gives Himself for you.
Behold Him on the Tree of doom,
Between two murderers He hangs ;
He, Son of God, His life-blood gives, —
And ye no tears give back to Him ?
When the curtain rises the two thieves are already tied to their crosses,
which are upright ; but in the centre a prostrate Form lies nailed to a
cross, which has not yet been raised. There is a delay, while a
messenger from Pilate brings in the handwriting which is to proclaim
the Sufferer a King even upon this cruel throne ; then the cross is slowly
raised.
I was almost too near the first time that we saw this awful representa-
tion. It may be also that the very excellence of representations of the
Crucifix, to which we are accustomed both in sculpture and painting,-
makes this living picture less striking than are other parts of the Passion
Play. I think that this is in great measure owing to the flesh-coloured
garment which entirely covers the body, and beneath which it is evidently
tightly laced in some sort of stays. For there is no expansion of the
chest or of the muscles such as would naturally be caused by the position,
and which we see represented in even the rudest crucifix. The chest is
quite flat, and gives the impression, when seen very near, of being tightly
bound to the cross, as it doubtless is. by the stays which confine the body.
The feet are covered by the " tricot," the edges of which are clearly seen
Digitized by
Google
'^ CONSUMMATUM ESTr 29
at the neck and wrists, which are uncovered ; and there is a great contrast
between its colour and that of the skin, especially as the hands soon
become almost purple from the binding of the wrists. All this, especially
the clothed feet, certainly rather diminished the effect on the mind as we
gazed on the motionless Form so awfully familiar to us in sculpture.
But all was changed when the head, which hung slightly to the right,
was slowly lifted, the eyes raised to heaven, and the first words uttered.
This single movement and expression of countenance seemed to me the
greatest and noblest in Mayr's acting. The picture at that moment is
still before my eyes ; it can never pass away. All was forgotten except
the Head and Countenance, and the words spoken ; and all this was
perfect The whole of the scene recorded in Scripture was acted around
the Cross : the mockery ; the soldiers parting the raiment ; the attempt
of Caiaphas to induce Pilate to remove the superscription ; the conversion
of the Centurion. But now we could see nothing but the thorn-crowned
Head, and watch for the words which fell at intervals from the Sufferer's
lips. Nothing could be more perfect than the weary, agonized, but tender
movement of the head, as he turned it from Mary to St. John. Each
utterance marked a stage of suffering and desolation, and the time seemed
rather hours than minutes, until the eyes, full of anguish and of love, were
for the last time raised to Heaven, and the last words spoken.
Love masters agony : the soul that seemed
Forsaken, feels her present God again :
And in her Father's arms
Contented dies away.
" And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the
things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned." This instan-
taneous change of feeling in the crowd, which had been worked up by the
chief priests, was acted so as to make us realize it as we had never done
before. Only Caiaphas remains firm and unchanged. Even the tidings
brought hastily to him of the rent veil of the Temple fail to move him,
though the other priests are evidently disturbed by some misgivings.
His resentment against Him whom he has destroyed only becomes
keener, and he exclaims, pointing fiercely to the Cross, " He has brought
this to pass by his wicked enchantments."
Beneath the close-fitting garment worn by the Christus there was
visible, from a very short distance, the mark of what looked like a small,
shield-like plate over the heart. I had imagined that some kind of
bladder was worn in this spot, which could be pierced by the spear, and
was puzzled by this plate, which attracted the eye, as the sharp hard edges
were clearly marked. But I learned afterwards that the spearhead
contains the blood-coloured fluid which seems to flow from the pierced
side, and is so contrived that when it is pressed against a hard surface it
gives way, and an aperture is made, through which the fluid gushes out,
apparently from the heart, against which the spear is pressed.
Digitized by
Google
30 THE PASSION PLAY.
At some distance the effect of the pierced hands was perfectly given,
but from very near the stage it was easy to perceive that the nails passed
between the fingers, and were then bent so that the very large nail-heads
covered the centre of the palm, while the third and little fingers were
closed so as to conceal the crooked part of the nail. I believe also that a
broad band passes over each wrist, under the " tricot," and is then fastened
to the cross ; there were many marks of nails clearly visible (after the
taking down from the cross) at the spot where the wrists would come,
besides the larger marks, nearer the end, of the nails of the hands.
Caiaphas and the chief priests, who had left the scene on the news of
the rending of the veil, return with persistent hatred to avenge, as Caia-
phas says, " the destruction wrought in the Temple," on the lifeless body
of the Christ. But the limit of his power has been reached, and the
victory of death begins. In vain he curses Nicodemus and Joseph of
Arimathea, forbidding them ever again to appear in the Council. They
are strong in the authority of the Roman Governor, and, renouncing their
allegiance to the Sanhedrim, boldly guard the sacred body.
For scenic effect the taking down from the Cross is perhaps the most
beautiful in the Passions-Spiel both in grouping and action, and is quite
marvellous in the tenderness of every movement and every incident The
chief actors are both on ladders, and in positions which might easily become
grotesque. They have also to accomplish not only what is seen, the
extracting of the nails and lifting down of the body, but the unfastening
of the unseen bandages. Yet all is so done by these true artists as to
make the whole scene one of exquisite beauty. Nothing can be more
tenderly reverent than the laying down of the body on Mary's knees, or
the slow, mournful procession to the grave.
Here, it has been felt by some, the Passions-Spiel might end ; but
though it is true that the few scenes which follow are poor in comparison
of what has gone before, yet I think that they are necessary both to com-
plete the argument of the play and to lighten the feeling of profound
sadness which has so long oppressed the audience. Without the Resur-
rection the drama would be incomplete. When the chorus of Schutz-
geister once more appears in many-coloured robes, we feel that joy and
hope are at hand. They sing : —
And continue : —
Liebe, Liebe, in dem Blute
Kampftest du mit Gottes Muthe.*
Softly rest, O Sacred Frame,
In the stillness of the grave ;
All thy bitter passion o'er !
In earth's lap, O softly rest
Till Thy glory be revealed.
♦ " Love, O Love, in Thy dear blood.
Thou didst strive with God's own might."
Digitized by
Google
THE SCHUTZGEISTERS FAREWELL. 31
Never shall corruption's worm
Touch or mar Thy holy flesh.
The scenes of the guarded grave, the Resurrection, the women at the
sepulchre, and even of the meeting of the Magdalene with her risen
Master, are all of the second order, and not to be compared with those
before the Resurrection ; but when, after the Christus has left Mary, she
exclaims, " Hallelujah ! He is risen," and the cry is echoed on all sides,
as the Schutzgeister enter for the last time, the hearts of the audience
respond to the song of joy and triumph chanted during the closing tableau
which has taken the place of the scene of the Ascension. This last is not
now attempted, but the Christus is seen for the last time standing on a
mount in white and glistening raiment, holding in his hand the Resurrec-
tion banner. His enemies are made his footstool, and cower beneath his
feet, while around him are grouped his friends, and many of the typical
figures from the Old Testament tableaux. Even as v/e looked a ray of
brilliant sunshine suddenly broke out and illumined the countenance and
figure of the Christus. So we saw him for the last time, while the Halle-
lujahs of the Chorus pealed forth : —
The Hero hath conquered.
The might of the foe !
Few hours in the grave,
In the gloom hath He slept.
Sing before Him holy Psalms !
Strew before Him Conquerors' palms.
The Lord He hath risen !
Break forth, O ye heavens,
Earth, sing to the Victor,
To Him who hath risen !
Hallelujah !
Even more beautiful and touching than the greeting of the Chorus
was their farewell : " Let us behold, ere we part, the triumphant festival
of victory. Now, in majesty and great glory, He enters the New Jerusalem,
where He will gather to Himself all whom He hath purchased with His
blood. Strengthened and full of joy at this sight, return to your homes,
O friends, filled with tenderest love for Him Who loved you even unto
death, and still loves you eternally in heaven ; there, where the song of
victory ever resounds, Praise be to the Lamb Who was slain ! There,
reunited around our Saviour, we shall all meet again. Hallelujah ! "
" On His head are many crowns." Yet may we not reverently
believe that He Who on earth chose the homage of the poor, accepts the
crown laid at His feet by these simple and pious souls > Not of them
can it be said that they have done the work of the Lord negligently. For
many generations they have not only steadily and patiently performed
their vow, but have brought to the performance that earnest purpose of
doing their best, through which all true art has been matured. The
Digitized by
Google
32 THE PASSION PLAY.
Passion Play and its traditions have been the very life of the village ; each
child born there hears of it and prepares for his part in it from infancy ;
while to personate the Christus or the Mutter-Gottes is the highest dis-
tinction to which any youth or maiden dreams of attaining.
Most gladly would we have lingered in this delightful valley, and
have increased our acquaintance with its inhabitants. Alas ! the time for
farewells had come, and we had but an hour on Tuesday morning to visit
those who had become as friends, and to bid them adieu.
Last and chiefest among these was the Geistlicher Rath. When we
called he had just returned from church, and was sitting with Arvisenet's
" Memoriale Vitae Sacerdotis" open before him. He received us with
even more kindly warmth than before, and seemed pleased with our
delight with his village and people. He said, " You must return in ten
years, but you will not find me here : " then he talked of the actors, say-
ing that just now he knew of no one who could take Mayr's part, but
that of course there were always some growing up in the village who
might be fit to undertake it ten years hence, and that in any case he did
not see why Mayr should not take it again, as he is now only thirty-
three. He told us that Plunger's representation of the Christus had been
a wholly different one from Mayr's, but, " very good, very good." To
our expressions of regret at leaving Ober-Ammergau he answered quickly
and brightly, " Then stay. Bleiben Sie doch ! "
Certainly not the least part of our regret was the feeling that we
were bidding a last farewell to the venerable old man who had inspired
us v/ith deep respect and admiration — who, with no object but the glory
of God and the improvement of his people, had given his best years to
patient and profound study of the Passion of his Master, and of the best
means of drawing out its lessons for the benefit of his flock, and enabling
them to do that which they had vowed in the best and highest way.
It is not too much to say that the result of his work has become the
wonder and delight of Christendom. Let us hope that to many and
many a soul it has been much more — that the scenes they have witnessed
have not been to them only a marvellous art-performance, or the choruses
heard only as the very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice ; but
that thousands of hearts have responded to the earnest efforts of the
performers to make their Play a religious exercise, and to provide matter
for deep meditation and instruction.
If the lessons so taught be even a little recalled or deepened by this
slight record of impressions received in the theatre of Ober-Ammergau,
it will not have been written in vain.
-^-^
Digitized by
Google
THE WORDS
OF
THE PASSION PLAY
TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH.
The Drama is divided into Three Parts, containing in all Seventeen Acts.
Each Act is preceded by one or more Tableaux from the Old Testament, and by
a Prologue, spoken by the Choragus.
The first Two Parts each consist of Seven Acts ; the Third Part of Three
Acts and a final Tableau.
Digitized by
Google
/
Digitized by
Google
THE PASSION PLAY.
PART L
From Christ's Entry into Jerusalem to His being taken Captive in the
Garden of Gethsemane.
ACT I.
PROLOGUE.
Enter the Chorus or Schutzgeister {see pp. 5, 6). The Choragus (or
leader of the Chorus) exhorts the spectators to a devout contemplation
of the holy Drama, explaining its great lesson — God reconciled to man
through Christ. " All hail ! " he says, welcome to the band of brothers,
whom love divine hath here assembled, who wish to share the sorrows of
their Saviour, and to follow Him, step by step, on the way of His sufferings
to the Cross and the Sepulchre. He intones and sings : —
Wirf zum heiligen Staunen dich nieder,
Von Gottes Fluch gebeugtes Geschlecht !
Friede dir ! aus Sion Gnade wieder !
Nicht ewig ziirnt Er,
Der Beleidigte — ist sein
gerecht.
Ziimen gleich
•* Ich will" — so spricht der Herr —
" Den Tod des Sunders nicht— vergeben
" V^iU Ich ihm— er soil leben !
** Versohnen wird ihn selbst Meines Sohnes
Blut, versohnen ! "
Preis, Anbetung, Freudenthranen, Ewiger
Dir!
Doch, Heiligster, darf der Staub sich
unterstehn,
Hin in der Zukunft Heiligthum zu sehn ?
In holy wonder cast thee down,
O race oppressed by God's own curse !
Peace be to thee ! From Sion peace once
more !
He is not wroth for aye,
The offended One — His wrath is ever just.
" I desire not," thus saith
The Lord, " the sinner's death — I will
Forgive him — he shall live again !
My Son's own blood shall reconcile him."
Praise, worship, tears of joy to Thee,
Eternal !
Yet, Holiest, shall the dust now dare
Into the Future's Sanctuary to gaze.'*
Digitized by
Google
34
THE PASSION PLAY.
The Curtain rises and discloses the
FIRST TABLEAU.— THE EXPULSION FROM PARADISE. {See p. 7.)
The Chorus sings.
From Eden's groves mankind is driven,
Die Menschheit ist verbaunt aus Eden*s
Au'n
Von Siind' umnachtet und von Todes-
Grau'n.
Ihr ist zum Lebensbaum — der Eingang
ach ! versperrt.
Es drohet in des Cherub's Hand das
Flammen sch wert .
Doch von feme, von Calvaria's Hohen
Leuchtet durch die Nacht ein Mor-
gengliih'n ;
Aus des Kreuzbaumes Zweigen wehen
Friedensliifte durch die Wei ten hin.
Gott ! Erbarmer ! Sunder zu begnaden,
Die verachtet schandlich Dein Gebot,
Gibst Du, von dem Fluche zu entladen,
Deinen Eingebomen in den Tod.
Sin's night, and death's dread terror bound
him,
To the Tree of Life his way is barr'd,
With flaming sword threatens the Cherub's
hand.
Yet from afar, from Calvary's height,
A morning gleam shines through the night,
From the branches of the Tree of shame
Through all worlds flow airs of balmy peace-
God of Mercy ! sinners to forgive
Who Thy law have shamefully despised.
Thou dost give, to free them from the curse.
Unto bitter death Thine only Son.
SECOND TABLEAU.— THE ADORATION OF THE CROSS. {See p. 7.)
Chorus {kneeling).
Ew'ger ! hore Deiner Kinder Stammeln !
Weil ein Kind ja nichts als stammeln kann !
Die beim grossen Opfer sich versammeln,
Beten Dich voU heil'ger Erfurcht an.
Folget dem Versohner nun zur Seite,
Bis Er Seinen rauhen Dornenpfad
Durchgelaufen, und im heissen Streite
Blutend fur uns ausgekampfet hat.
Eternal ! hear Thy children's falt'ring prayer !
Only with stamm'ring lips a child can pray.
They who gather round the mighty offering
In holy veneration worship Thee.
Follow the Atoner now beside,
Until He His rough and thorny path
Hath fully run, — and in fiercest strife
Bleeding fought for us, and won the fight.
CHRIST'S ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM.
Scene I. {See pp. 7-9.)
A Multitude of People enter singing, Jesus enters Jerusalem amid the
rejoicing of the People, followed by the Disciples, who each carry
a Pilgrim's Staff. The Children and People sing : —
Heil Dir ! Heil Dir ! o Davids Sohn !
Heil Dir ! Heil Dir ! der Vater Thron
Gebiihret Dir.
Der in des Hochsten Namen kommt,
Dem Israel entgegenstromt,
Dich preisen wir.
Hail to Thee ! Hail ! O David's Son !
Hail to Thee ! Hail ! The Father's throne
Belongs to Thee.
Who Cometh in the Highest's Name,
Whom Israel onward throngs to meet,
Thee we adore !
Digitized by
Google
THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE.
35
Hosanna ! der im Himmel wohnet,
Der sende alle Huld auf Dich.
Hosanna ! der dort oben thronet,
Erhalte uns Dich ewiglich.
Heil Dir, &c.
Gesegnet sei, Das neu auflebet,
Des Vaters David Volk und Reich I
Ihr Volker segnet, preiset, hebet
Den Sohn empor, dem Vater gleich.
Heil Dir, &c.
Hosanna unserm Konigssohne I
Ertone durch die Liifte weit !
Hosanna ! auf des Vaters Throne
Regiere Er voll Herrlichkeit !
Heil Dir, &c.
Hosanna ! He Who dwells in Heav'n
All gracious favour pour on Thee.
Hosanna ! He Who reigns above
Preserve Thee ours for evermore.
Hail to Thee, &c.
Blessed be He, Who now restores
Our father David's seed and reign !
Ye people, bless, praise, and exalt
The Son, His Father's image true.
Hail to Thee, &c.
Hosanna to our royal Son !
Resound on every breeze afar !
Hosanna ! On the Father's throne
Let Him in majesty aye rule.
Hail to Thee, &c.
Scene II.
Christ, the Apostles and the People, Priests, Pharisees,
Merchantmen, in the Court of the Temple.
and
Christ. What do I behold } Shall My Father's House be thus dis-
honoured } Is this the House of God t Or is it a market-place } Shall
strangers, who come from heathen lands to worship God, perform their
devotions here amidst this tumult of usury } And ye, O Priests, guardians
of the sanctuary ! ye behold the iniquity, and suffer it t Woe unto you !
He, who searcheth the heart, knows wherefore ye permit this wrong.
Traders. Who then is this }
People. It is the great Prophet of Nazareth in Galilee.
Christ {to the Traders). Go hence, ye servants of Mammon ! I com-
mand it. Take that which is yours and depart from the Holy Place.
Priests. Why troublest Thou this people } All this is for sacrifice.
How canst Thou forbid what the High Priest's Council permits }
Traders. Are men no longer to offer sacrifices }
Christ. Without the Temple are places sufficient for your business.
My House, thus saith the Lord, shall be called a House of Prayer for all
people ! But ye have made it a den of thieves. {He overthrows t/ie
tables.) Take all this hence !
Traders. My money, alas, my money! My doves! {The doves fly
away.) Who will make good the loss to me }
Christ {with a scourge of cords). Go hence ! I will that this con-
secrated place be given back to the worship of the Father !
Priests. What signs showest Thou that Thou hast power to do these
things 2
D 2
Digitized by
Google
36 THE PASSION PLAY.
Christ. Ye seek after signs ! Yea, a sign shall be given unto you :
destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.
Priests, What boastful words ! Forty and six years was this temple
in building and wilt Thou raise it up in three days ?
People, Blessed be He that cometh in the name of the Lord !
Priests, Hearest Thou what these say ? Rebuke Thy disciples.
Christ. I say unto you. If these should hold their peace, the stones
would cry out.
Children. Hosanna to the Son of David !
Pharisees, Will ye be silent, ye simple ones }
Christ, Have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings
Thou hast perfected praise ? The things which are hidden from the proud
are revealed unto babes. And the Scripture must be fulfilled : the stone
which the builders refused is become the headstone of the corner: the
Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given unto a
people that shall bring forth the fruits thereof But that stone — whoso-
ever shall fall upon it shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall
it shall grind him to powder. Come, my disciples ! I have done as the
Father gave me commandment, I have vindicated the honour of His House.
The darkness remains darkness ; but in many hearts the day star will
soon arise. Let us go into the sanctuary, that we may there pray unto
the Father. {Exit.
People. Praise to the Anointed !
Priests. Be silent, ye worthless ones !
Pharisees, Ye shall all fall with Him.
People. Blessed be the Kingdom of David, which again appears !
Scene \\\.
Priests and People.
Nathanael, Let him who still holds with our Fathers Abraham, Isaac,
and Jacob, be on our side ! Let the curse of Moses be on all others !
Rabbi, He is a Deceiver !
People, Why have ye not taken Him } Is He not a Prophet t {Some
of the people go out after Jesus.)
Priests, He is a teacher of evil !
Nathanael, O thou blind people ! wilt thou go after one who is new,
and wilt thou forsake Moses, the Prophets, and thy Priests } Fearest thou
not the curse which falls upon deserters } Will ye cease to be the chosen
people }
People, We will not I
Nathanael. Who has to watch over purity of teaching } Is it not the
Digitized by
Google
THE MONEY CHANGERS. 37
holy Sanhedrim of the people of Israel ? Whom will ye hear, us, or Him,
who gives Himself out as the proclaimer of a new teaching ?
People, We will hear you — we will follow you !
Priests, The God of your Fathers will bless you for it
Scene IV.
Enter the TRADERS, the " Chief Trader/' Dathan, at their head,
making a tumult.
Traders, This fellow must be punished. Vengeance ! He shall pay
for His audacity. Money, oil, salt, doves, — He must make good every-
thing ! Wherever He is He shall feel our revenge !
Priests, He has departed.
Traders, We will go after Him.
Nathanael, Stay, friends ! The following of this Man is still too
great ; a dangerous fight might take place, to which the sword of the
Romans would make an end. Trust us : He shall not escape His punish-
ment.
Priests, With us, and for us, that is your welfare.
All, Our victory is near !
Nathanael, We are now going hence to inform the Council of the
High Priests of to-day's events.
Traders, We will go with you. We must have satisfaction.
Nathanael, In an hour come to the Court of the High Priests, I
will bring your complaint before the Council and plead for you.
\Exeunt the Priests,
Traders and People (as they are departing), Moses is our Prophet !
Praised be our fathers !
> c
Digitized by
Google
38
THE PASSION PLAY.
ACT II.
COUNCIL OF THE HIGH PRIESTS. {See pp. 9, 10.)
Prologue.
The Chorus enter from either side of the proscenium. The Choragus,
after dwelling on the envy which moves the Pharisees to conspire against
our Lord, and exhorting the spectators to give their hearts in thank-
fulness and attention to the drama, recites, in allusion to the last
scene : —
Ha ! sind sie fort die losen Bosewichte —
Entlarvt die scheussliche Gestalt im vollen
Lichte —
Die Tugendlappe von dem Siinderrock
gerissen —
Gegeisselt von dem nagenden Gewissen.
" Auf ! lasset uns " — so schrei*n sie wild —
" auf Rache sinnen,
Den langst entworfenen Plan beginnen ! "
The wicked wretches now are gone —
In the full light the hideous shape un-
masked —
The rags of virtue from sin's garment
torn —
By gnawing conscience torn and scourged.
" Up, let us think on vengeance ! " wild
they cry ;
" Let us the long determined plot begin."
FIRST TABLEAU.-JOSEPH CAST INTO THE PIT BY HIS BRETHREN.
Chorus,
Eroffne, Gottheit, uns das Heiligthum !
Der Heuchler Plan malt uns das graue
Alterthum,
Wie Jakobs Sohne gegen Joseph sich
verschworen.
So werdet ihr von dieser Natterbrut
Bald iiber Jesus " Tod und Blut "
Vol! Tigerrache rufen horen.
Sehet dort, der Traumer kommt
Er will, schrei'n sie unverschamt,
Als ein Konig uns regieren.
Fort mit diesem Schwarmer, fort !
Ha ! in der Cisteme dort
Mag er seinen Plan ausfiihren.
So nach des Gerechten Blut
Durstet jene Natterbrut.
Open, O Lord, to us Thy sanctuary !
Old times present to us deceiver's plans ;
As Jacob's sons 'gainst Joseph do conspire.
So shall ye of this viper brood
Full soon for Jesu's aeath and blood
The tigerish, vengeful outcry hear.
" See there, the dreamer comes ;
He wills," unshamed they cry,
" To rule us as a King.
Away with this fanatic !
" Ha ! there in that deep pit
May he his plan unfold."
Thus for the Just One's blood
Thirsteth that viper brood.
Digitized by
Google
THE SANHEDRIM.
39
Er ist, schrei'n sie, uns entgegen :
Uns're Ehre liegt daran —
Alles ist ihm zugethan —
Wandelt nicht nach unsera Wegen.
Gott vertilge diese Frevler-Rotte,
Die sich wider Dich emport ;
Und den Morderbund zum Spotte
Deines Eingebomen schwort.
Lasse Deiner Allmacht Donner briillen,
Deine Rechte Blitze gliih'n,
Dass sie Deiner Rache Starke fiihlen,
Schmetfre in den Staub sie bin.
A single Schutzgeister sings : —
Aber, nein, er kam nicht zum Verderben
Von des Vaters Herrlichkeit ;
Alle Siinder sollen durch Ihn erben
Gnade, Huld und Seligkeit.
" He is,** they cry, " against us,
Our honour is at stake ;
All are gone after Him,
They follow us no more.**
O God, destroy this evil band,
Who against Thee now rise up ;
And to murd'rous league, in scorn
Of Thine only Son, swear faith.
Let Almighty thunders peal,
Let Thy righteous lightning bum,
That they feel Thine anger^s strength :
Strike them downward into dust 1
No ! never came He to destroy,
From the Father's Majesty,
Sinners shall through Him inherit
Pardon, grace, and endless bUss.
Voll der Demuth beten dann
Deiner Liebe grossen Plan,
Gott ! wir Deine Kinder, an.
Chorus,
Humbly then we here adore
The great plan of Thy dear love.
We Thy children, O our God !
Scene I.
Tlie Members of the SanJiedrim,
Caiaphas, Venerable Brothers, Fathers, and Teachers of the People !
An extra-ordinary occurrence is the extra-ordinary occasion of to-day*s
consultation. Hear it out of the mouth of our worthy brother.
NathanaeL Marvel not, O P'athers, that at so late an hour ye are
called together for action. It is only too well known to you, what we
have, to our shame, been forced to-day to behold with our own eyes. Ye
have seen the triumphal procession of the Galilaean through the Holy City.
Ye have heard the Hosanna of the befooled people ; ye have heard how
this proud One has arrogated to Himself High Priestly dignity. What yet
is wanting for the destruction of all civil and ecclesiastical order } Yet a
few steps further, and the holy law of Moses is destroyed through the
novelties of this teacher of error. The institutions of our Fathers are
despised, fasts and purifyings done away with, the Sabbath desecrated,
the Priests of God despoiled of their office, the holy sacrifices at an end.
AIL Yea, verily, it is true.
Caiaphas, And yet more. Encouraged by His followers, He will
give Himself out as King of Israel ; then will there be division in the
Digitized by
Google
40 THE PASSION PLA K
land and rebellion against the Romans, and these will not delay to destroy
both land and people. Woe to the children of Irsael, to the Holy City,
to the Temple of the Lord ! It is full time that the evil be exterminated.
The responsibility lies upon us ; even to-day a resolution must be taken,
and what is resolved upon must be carried out without hesitation or looking
back. Will ye put your hands to this work }
AIL We will.
First Priest A stop must be put to the doings of the Seducer.
Secofid Priest. We ourselves are partakers in the guilt in that it has
gone so far. Against this overwhelming destruction too mild measures
were used. What have our disputings with Him availed } What fruit
has there been from our putting Him in a dilemma by questions } What
has even been done by the excommunication pronounced upon any one
who should acknowledge Him as Messias } If there is to be peace we
must make sure of His person and put Him in prison.
ALL Yea, that must be done.
Third Priest, If He is once in prison the credulous people will be no
longer fascinated by the attraction of His presence and the magic of His
words ; and if they have no longer any wonder to gape at, all will soon
be forgotten.
Fourth Priest, In the darkness of the dungeon He can let His light
shine, and announce Himself as Messias to the prison walls.
First Pharisee, Long enough has He led the people astray, and
branded as hypocrisy the strict virtue of the holy order of the Pharisees.
Let Him expiate His misdeeds in bonds !
Second Pharisee, It will cool the fanaticism of His followers, if He,
Who promised them freedom. Himself lie bound.
Annas, Now, venerable priests, a ray of comfort and joy once more
warms my heart, since I see your unanimous resolution. Alas ! an un-
speakable sorrow weighed upon my soul at the sight of the onward course
of the wrong teaching of this Galilaean. Have I, a miserable old man,
only lived so long, in order to behold the overthrow of the sacred law ?
But now I will not lose courage. The God of our fathers still lives and is
with us. If ye, fathers of the people, quit you like men, salvation is nigh.
Have courage to be the saviours of Israel.
All, We are of one mind.
Priests, Israel must be saved.
Caiaphas, Honour to your unanimous resolution, worthy brethren.
But now assist me with your wise counsels as to the surest way of getting
this Deceiver into our power.
First Pharisee, To take Him now, on the feast day, would be too
dangerous. In the streets and in the Temple, everywhere He is sur-
rounded by a troop of insensate followers.
Priests, And yet it must be done at once ; the matter allows of no
delay. Perchance during the time of the feast He might raise an insur-
Digitized by
Google
THE RULERS TAKE COUNSEL. 41
rection, and then it might happen that we should take the place which we
have arranged for Him.
Other Priests, No delay !
Second Pharisee, We cannot now set to work altogether with open
force, we must overcome Him quietly with guile. We must find out
where He commonly spends the night, and so He could be surprised and
brought into safe keeping without witnesses.
NathanaeL People will soon be found to track the fox to his hole, if
it pleased the Council to offer a suitable reward.
Caiaphas, If ye, assembled fathers, think it good, I will, in the name
of the Council, give the order that any one who knows His nightly resort
should inform us of the same, and also a reward should be secured to the
informant.
AIL We agree entirely.
NathanaeL Doubtless those men could serve us as informers whom
the Galilaean to-day, in the sight of all the people, has deeply injured.
Before this they were jealous adherents of the law, and now they are
thirsting for revenge against Him who has made such an unheard-of
attack upon their privileges.
Caiaphas, Where are the traders to be found }
NathanaeL They are ready in the outer court. I have persuaded
them to be the defenders of their rights before the holy Sanhedrim, and
they await your orders.
Caiaphas. Worthy priest, announce to them that the Council is
inclined to take up their grievance, and bring them in. \Exit NATHANAEL.
Scene II.
Caiaphas, The God of our fathers has not yet withdrawn His hand
from us. Moses yet watches over us. If we succeed in gathering around
a knot of men out of the people I shall no longer fear. Friends and
brothers ! let us be of good courage, our fathers look down upon us from
Abraham's bosom.
Priests. God bless our High Priest !
Scene III.
NathanaeL, High Priests and chosen Teachers ! These men, worthy
of our blessing, appear before this assembly, in order to bring a complaint
against the well-known Jesus of Nazareth, who to-day in the Temple in
an unheard-of manner has troubled them and caused them loss.
Digitized by
Google
42 THE PASSION PLAY.
Traders, We beseech the Council to procure us satisfaction. The
Council must protect our righteous demand.
Priests and Pharisees, Ye shall have satisfaction ; we will be your
sureties for that.
Traders, Has not the Council given us leave to set out openly in the
court all that is necessary for sacrifice }
Priests. Yes, that we have permitted ; woe to him who disturbs you
in this your right !
Traders, And the Galilaean has driven us out with a scourge ! And
the tables of the money-changers has He overthrown, and emptied the
dove-cages ! We demand satisfaction !
Caiaphas, That ye should have satisfaction the law decrees. Your
loss shall meanwhile be made good to you out of the treasury of the
Temple. But that the culprit himself should be punished, for this we
need your co-operation. What can we do to Him so long as He is not
in our power }
Traders, He goes daily into the Temple ; there He can easily be
taken prisoner and led away.
Caiaphas, That will not do. Ye know that He has a crowd of
excited followers, and therefore a dangerous uproar might take place. It
must be done quietly.
Traders. It would be best done in the night.
Caiaphas, If ye find out whither He withdraws Himself at night He
will soon be in our hands without any tumult. Then ye will not only
have the joy of seeing Him chastised but also a considerable recompense
will be awarded to you.
NathanaeL Ye will also gain merit concerning the law of Moses.
Traders, On our part there shall be no failure. We will shun no trouble.
Chief Trader, I know one of His followers through whom I can easily
accomplish something if I can offer him a corresponding reward.
Caiaphas, If thou findest out such a one make all promises to him in
our name. Only delay not, in order that we may accomplish our end
before the feast.
Annas, And observe strictest silence.
Traders. We swear it.
Caiaphas, If, however, good fellows, ye wish that the longing for
vengeance should be fully satisfied, take also every possible trouble to
kindle in many others the holy zeal which burns in you.
Traders. Since that occurrence, we have made use of every moment
for this purpose, and many are already on our side. We will not rest till
all the people rise up against Him !
Annas. By these means ye will lay the Council under an obligation
of greatest gratitude.
Caiaphas, Ye will then be openly honoured by the whole people,
as ye have been openly put to shame before them.
Digitized by
Google
CAIAPHAS. 43
Traders, Our lives for the law of Moses and the holy Sanhedrim !
Caiapkas, The God of Abraham guide you !
Traders. Long live Moses ! Long Uve the priests and the holy Sanhe-
drim ! Even to-day may the Galilaean have played out His part. [Exeunt,
Scene IV.
Caiapkas, As though strengthened by a sweet sleep I live once more !
With such men all can be carried through. Now we shall see who will
conquer: He, with His followers, to whom He unceasingly preaches
love — a love which is to include even publicans and sinners ; yea, and
the heathen also — or we, with this troop, animated by hatred and
revenge, which we send against Him.
Annas, May the God of our fathers grant us victory ! How then will
joy in my old age renew my youth !
Caiapkas, Let us break up. Praised be our fathers !
AIL Praised be the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob !
ACT III.
THE PARTING AT BETHANY.
Prologue.
The Choragus explains the relation of the two tableaux to the leave-
taking of Christ : — Who with clear gaze pierces the veil of the future,
and already sees the gathering storm at hand, which threatens to dis-
charge itself upon His head. While still amongst His own He speaks
words to His beloved friends concerning separation — words, alas ! which
most bitterly wound His devoted Mother's soul. See with what deep
trouble the mother of Tobias gazes after the departing son of her heart,
and pours out her grief in streaming tears of tender love ! Thus also the
Mother of the Son of God laments her Beloved, Who departs, determined
to efface the sins of mankind through love's expiatory death ! Behold
the bride in the great Song of Solomon, how she complains: "The
Bridegroom has disappeared ! " How she calls and seeks and gives
herself no rest till she find Him ! Calmer is the anguish in Mary's soul ;
as a sword piercing her whole heart, yet softened through the pious
resignation of trust in God. {See pp. lo, ii.)
Digitized by
Google
44
THE PASSION PLAY.
Ach, sie kommt, die Scheidestunde,
Und sie schlagt die tiefste Wunde
O, Maria, in dein Herz.
Ach, dein Sohn muss dich verlassen
Um am Kreuze zu erblassen,
Wer ermisst den Mutterschmerz ?
Chorus,
Ah, they come, the parting hours
Deepest wounds they now inflict,
Mary, on thy heart !
Ah, thy Son must leave thee now
On the cross to faint, to die ; —
Who can weigh that Mother's woe ?
FIRST TABLEAU.— THE DEPARTURE OF TOBIAS FROM HIS HOME.
Chorus,
Freunde, welch'ein herber Schmerz
Folterte das Mutterherz,
Als Tobias an der Hand
Raphaels in fremdes Land
Auf Befehl des Vater's eilte !
Unter tausend Weh'und Ach
Ruft sie dem Geliebten nach :
Komme, ach, verweile nicht,
Meines Herzens Trost und Licht !
Komme, komme bald zuriicke !
Ach, Tobias ! Theuerster !
EiP in meine Arme her,
Liebster Sohn ! an dir allein
Wird mein Herz sich wieder freu'n.
Freuen sich der schonsten Freude.
Trostlos jammert sie nun so,
Nimmer ihres Lebens froh,
Bis ein sePger Augenblick
In den Mutterschooss zuriick
Den geliebten Sohn wird fiihren.
What a bitter grief, O friends,
Agonized the mother's heart.
As Tobias, — Raphael
His guide, — at his father's word
Hastened to a foreign land !
With a thousand woes and sighs
Oft on her beloved she calls :
** Come, ah, come, and tarry not,
Light and comfort of my heart.
Come, return full soon again !
Ah, Tobias, dearest one I
Haste thee to mine arms again,
Dearest son ! in thee alone
Can my heart again rejoice —
Joy in fairest happiness.
Comfortless it now laments,
Never of existence glad.
Till a bright and blissful hour
To his mother's breast once more
Her beloved son shall bring."
SECOND TABLEAU.— THE LAMENTING BRIDE OF THE CANTICLES
WITH EIGHT DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM.
Chorus,
Wo ist er hin ? Wo ist er hin
Der Schone aller Schonen ?
Mein Auge weiriet, ach ! um ihn
Der Liebe heisse Thranen.
Ach, komme doch ! ach, komme doch !
Sieh diese Thranen fliessen :
Geliebter ! wie ? Du zogerst noch
Dich an mein Herz zu schliessen ?
Mein Auge forschet iiberall
Nach Dir auf alien Wegen :
Und mit der Sonne erstem Strahl
Eilt Dir mein Herz entgegen.
Geliebter ! ach ! was fiihle ich ?
Wie ist mein Herz beklommen !
Whither is he gone, O whither ?
Fairest of the sons of men !
Ah, mine eyes run down with tears —
Tears of tender love for him.
Come, O come, return again I
See my ever-flowing tears :
What, belov^'d ! thou dost delay
Me to thy dear heart to clasp ?
Everywhere I look for thee.
Seek for thee in every place,
With the sun's first ray of light
Hastes my heart to meet thy steps.
Ah ! what feel I ! my beloved !
With what anguish breaks my heart
Digitized by
Google
THE PASSION FORETOLD.
45
Chorus of Daughters of Jerusalem.
Geliebte Freundin ! troste Dich ;
Dein Freund wird wieder kommen.
O harre Freundin ! bald kommt er,
Schlingt sich an Deine Seite ;
Dann triibet keine Wolke mehr
Des Wiedersehens Freude.
O konun' in meine Arme her,
Schling Dich an meine Seite ;
Und keine Wolke triibe mehr
Des Wiedersehens Freude.
Beloved companion, comfort take !
Thy friend again will come to thee.
O wait, dear maid, he quickly comes.
And clasps thee to his heart again : —
No cloud can ever darken more
The Wiss of that re-union.
Both Choruses,
O come into mine arms, O come !
And clasp me to thy heart again ;
And no cloud ever darken more
The bliss of that re-union !
Scene I.
Christ and the Twelve Disciples.
Christ, Ye know, beloved disciples, that after two days is the feast of
the Passover. Let us then now take our last rest with our friends at
Bethany, and then go up to Jerusalem, where in these days all will be
fulfilled which is written in the Prophets concerning the Son of man.
Philip, Has the day then come at last when Thou wilt restore again
the kingdom to Israel ?
Christ, The Son of man shall be delivered up to the Gentiles, and
shall be mocked and spitted upon, and they shall crucify Him, but on the
third day He shall rise again.
John, Master, what dark, fearful words speakest Thou ! How shall
these things come to pass ? Tell us plainly.
Christ, The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground
and die, it abideth alone : but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. Now
is the judgment of this world : now shall the prince of this world be cast
out And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Thaddceus, What meaneth He by these words }
Simon, Wherefore doth He liken Himself to a com of wheat }
Andrew, Lord, Thou speakest at once of shame and of victory. I
know not how to reconcile these in my thoughts.
Christ, That which is dark as night to you will become clear as day.
I have told you before that ye may not lose courage whatever may
happen. Believe and hope. When the tribulation is over then shall ye
see and understand.
Thomas, I cannot consent to that which Thou speakest of suffering
and of death. What can Thine enemies do to Thee } One single word
from Thee will grind them to powder.
Digitized by
Google
46 THE PASSION PLAY.
Christ. Thomas, adore the secret counsel of God which thou canst
not fathom. Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye
have the light, lest darkness come upon you.
Scene II.
Enter SiMON, LAZARUS, MARTHA, and Mary Magdalene.
Simon, Dearest Master, I greet Thee.
Christ Simon, for the last time I, with my disciples, claim thy
hospitality.
Simon, Not so. Lord. Often again shall Bethany secure to Thee a
short repose.
Christ, Lo, Lazarus, our friend !
Lazarus {embracing Him), My Lord, conqueror of death !
Magdalene, Rabbi!
Martha, Hail, Rabbi !
Christ, The blessing of God be upon you !
Martha, Shall I dare, O Lord, to serve Thee f
Magdalene, Wilt Thou also not despise a token of love from me "i
Christ, Do that which is in your heart to do, dear souls.
Simon, Dearest Master, enter under my roof and refresh Thyself
and Thy disciples.
Scene III.
The Guest-chamber in Simon's House, {See p. 1 1.)
Christ, Peace be to this house !
Disciples, And to all who dwell therein !
Simon, Lord, all is prepared.
Christ, Let us then, beloved disciples, with thankfulness enjoy the
gifts which the Father from heaven vouchsafes to us through His servant
Simon. O Jerusalem ! O that my coming were as dear to thee as it is
to these my friends ! But thou art stricken with blindness.
Lazarus, Yea, Lord, the Pharisees and teachers of the law watch for
Thy destruction.
Simon, Tarry here ; here Thou art in safety.
Peter, Lord, it is good to be here. Tarry here till the storm which
will gather has broken.
Christ, Get thee behind me, tempter I Thou savourest not the things
that be of God, but those that be of men. Shall the reaper tarry in the
shade when the fields are ripe unto harvest ? The Son of man came not
Digitized by
Google
MAJ^y MAGDALENE. 47
to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for
many.
Judas, But, Lord, what will become of us when Thou givest up
Thy life?
An Apostle, Alas ! all our hopes have, then, come to nothing.
Christ Calm yourselves. I have power to lay down my life, and I
have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of
my Father.
Magdalene (advances and pours ointment upon the head of Christ)
Rabbi !
Christ, Mary !
Thomas, What a costly odour !
Bartholomew, It is a costly precious ointment of spikenard.
Judas, To what purpose is this waste } The cost of it might have
been better laid out.
Thomas. To me also it seemeth thus.
[Magdalene kneels and anoints the feet of Christ.
Judas, To pour away such a costly ointment ! What waste !
Christ, Friend Judas, look me in the face ! Waste on Me, on thy
Master }
Judas, I know that Thou lovest not useless expense. The ointment
might have been sold and the poor thereby supported.
Christ, Judas, lay thy hand upon thy heart Is it only sympathy for
the poor which so greatly moves thee }
Judas, Three hundred pence at least could have been got for it.
What a loss for the poor and for us !
Christ, The poor ye have always with you, but me ye have not
always. Let her alone, she hath wrought a good work on me, for in that
she poured this ointment on me she did it for my burial. Verily I say
unto you : wheresoever this Gospel shall be preached through the whole
world there shall also that which she hath done be told for a memorial
of her. {To SiMON) I thank thee, thou beneficent one, for thy hospi-
tality. The Father will reward thee for it
Simon. Master, speak not of thanks. I know what I owe to Thee.
Christ, It is time to go hence. Farewell to all, O dwellers in this
hospitable house ! Follow me, my disciples.
Peter, Lord, whithersoever Thou wiliest, only not to Jerusalem.
Christ, I go whither my Father calls me. Peter, if it please thee to
remain here, do so.
Peter, Lord, where Thou abidest, there also will I abide, where Thou
goest, there also will I go.
Christ, Come, then !
Digitized by
Google
48 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene IV.
Christ {to Magdalene and Martha). Tarry here, beloved ! Once
more, farewell ! Beloved, peaceful Bethany ! Never more shall I tarry
amid thy still valleys.
Simon. Master, wilt Thou then indeed depart hence } Ah, fearful
forebodings oppress me !
Christ. Stand up, Mary! The night cometh, and the storms of
winter howl around ! Yet — be comforted ! In the early morning in the
spring-garden thou shalt see me again.
Martha. Alas ! dost Thou depart and never more return ?
Christ. The Father wills it, my loved ones ! Where I am I bear you
in my heart, and where ye are there will my blessing follow you. Fare-
well ! [As He is going, Mary enters with her companions.
Scene V.
Mary. Jesus, most dear Son, with desire have I hastened to Thee
with my friends to see Thee again before, alas ! Thou goest hence.
Christ. Mother ! I am on the way to Jerusalem.
Mary. To Jerusalem ! There is the Temple of Jehovah, whither once
I bore Thee in my arms, to offer Thee to the Lord.
Christ. Mother, now has the hour come when I, according to the
Father's will, shall offer Myself. I am ready to accomplish the sacrifice
which the Father requires from me.
Mary. Ah, forebodings tell me what an offering this will be !
Magdalene. O, how greatly have we longed to keep back the Master
with us !
Simon. His resolve is steadfast.
Christ. Mine hour is come. Now is my soul troubled, and what
shall I say : Father, save me from this hour } But for this hour came I
into the world.
Mary. O Simeon, venerable old man ! now will that which thou
didst prophesy to me be fulfilled : " A sword shall pierce through thine
own soul."
Christ. Mother ! the Father's will was ever sacred to thee also.
Mary. It is so to me. I am the handmaid of the Lord. Only for
one thing, my Son, I pray Thee.
Christ. What desirest thou, my Mother }
Mary. That I may die with Thee.
John. What love !
Christ. Thou wilt suffer with me, beloved Mother, thou wilt combat
Digitized by
Google
THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 49
with me, and then also rejoice with me in my victory. Therefore be
comforted !
Mary. O God, give me strength !
Holy Women. Dearest Mother, we weep with thee.
Mary. I go then with Thee, my Son, to Jerusalem.
Women. Dearest Mother, we go with thee.
Christ. Later ye may go thither ; but now abide with our friends at
Bethany. I commend to you, O faithful souls, my beloved Mother, with
those who have followed her thither.
Magdalene. There is none dearer to us after Thee than Thy Mother.
Lazarus. If Thou, O Master, couldst but tarry !
Christ. Comfort ye one another ! But after two days ye may together
take your way to Jerusalem in order to be there upon the great day of the
feast.
Mary. As Thou wiliest, my Son.
Women. Alas, how sadly will the hours pass by far from Thee !
Christ. Mother! Mother! For the tender love and Motherly care
which thou hast shown to me during the thirty-three years of my life
receive the warmest gratitude of thy Son. The Father calls me. Fare-
well, dearest, dearest Mother !
Mary. My Son, where shall I see Thee again }
Christ. There, dearest Mother, where the Scripture shall be fulfilled :
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and He opened not His mouth.
All. What affliction is before us all !
Christ. Be not overcome in the first struggle ! Hold ye still in me.
{Exit.
5 »■
ACT IV.
CHRISrS LAST JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM. (5^^ p. 12.)
Prologue.
People of God ! behold, thy Redeemer is at hand. The long promised
One has come. O hear Him ! Follow His leading. Life and blessing
will He bring thee, yet Jerusalem shows herself deaf and blind, and puts
back the offered hand. Therefore the Highest turns away from her, and
lets her sink into perdition. The pride of Vashti disdains the King's
banquet, therefore the King, grievously provoked, banishes her from His
Presence, and chooses a nobler soul as His consort. Thus will the
synagogue be cast out, and the kingdom of God, taken from it, will be
given to other nations, which shall bring forth the fruits of righteousness.
£
Digitized by
Google
50
THE PASSION PLAY.
Chorus,
Jerusalem ! Jerusalem ! erwache !
Erkenne, was zum Frieden dir noch
werden kann
Doch zogerst du— so fangt die Zeit der
Rache,
UnscliKC I mit furchterlichen Schlagen an.
Jerusalem ! Jerusalem I
Bekehre dich zu deinem Gott !
Vcrachte nicht mit Frevelspott
Den Mahnungsruf der Gnade,
Dass nicht, Unselige, iiber dich
Dereinst in vollen Schalen sich
Des Hochsten Grimi^ entlade !
Doch, ach ! — ach ! die Propheten-Mor-
derin —
Sie taumelt fort in ihrem bosen Sinn.
Darum, so spricht der Herr,
Diess Volk will ich nicht mehr.
Awake, Jerusalem, awake !
And know what yet belongeth to thy
peace :
But waverest thou — ^the hour of vengeance
comes,
Unhappy one ! with awful sound it strikes.
Jerusalem ! Jerusalem !
Return thee to thy God !
Scorn not, with evil mockery,
The warning call of grace ;
That not, unhappy one, on thee
In measure full one day be poured
The anger of our God most High !
But ah, — alas ! the prophet-murd'ress,
With evil mind she rushes on.
Therefore, thus saith the Lord,
This people I reject
TABLEAU.— VASHTI REJECTED BY AHASUERUS, AND ESTHER
CHOSEN QUEEN.
Chorus,
See Vashti — see the proud one is cast out !
Figuring God's purpose for the Synagogue.
Seht Vasthi— seht ! die Stolze wird ver-
stossen !
Ein Bild, was mit der Synagog der Herr
beschlossen.
Entfeme dich von meinem Throne,
Du stolzes Weib ! unwerth der Krone ;
So spricht Assuerus ganz ergrinunt.
Dir, schone Esther 1 dir sei heute
Zu herrschen an des Konige Seite
Hier dieser Konigsthron bestimmt
Die Zeit der Gnade ist verflossen ;
Diess stolze Volk will ich verstossen.
So wahr ich lebe, spricht der Herr.
Ein besser Volk wird er sich wahlen, .
Mit ihm auf ewig sich vermahlen,
Wie mit der Esther Assuer.
Jerusalem ! Jerusalem !
Ihr Siinder ! horet Gottes Wort !
Wollt ihr noch Gnade finden.
So schafft aus euVen Herzen fort
Den Sauerteig der Sunden.
" Remove thee now from off my throne.
Proud Queen ! deserving not the crown,"
Ahasuerus speaks in wrath.
" Thine, fairest Esther, thine it is
This day beside the King to reign.
Here chosen for the royal Arone."
" The time of grace hath passed away ;
I will cast out this nation proud.
Even as I live," thus saith the Lord.
" A better people I will choose —
Espouse to me for ever more.
As Esther Ahasuerus chose."
Jerusalem ! Jerusalem !
Ye sinners 1 hear the word of God.
Even still would ye find grace.
Destroy from out your inmost hearts
The leaven of your sins.
Digitized by
Google
THE WAY TO JERUSALEM. 51
Scene I.
Christ and the Twelve on the Way te Jerusalem.
John. Master, behold what a splendid outlook towards Jerusalem !
Mattliew, And the majestic Temple. What a stately building !
Christ. Jerusalem, Jerusalem ! O that thou hadst known even in this
thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace ! But now they are hid
from thine eyes. (Jle weeps.)
Peter, Master, wherefore grievest thou so sorely }
Christ. My Peter ! the fate of this unhappy city goes to my heart.
John. Master, tell us, what will be this fate ?
Christ. The days will come when her enemies shall make a trench
about her, and close her in on every side, and they shall lay her even with
the ground, and her children in her ; and they shall not leave one stone
upon another.
Andrew. Wherefore shall the city have so sad a fate ?
Christ. Because she hath not known the day of her visitation. Alas !
the murderers of the Prophets will kill the Messiah Himself
All. What a fearful deed !
James the Great. God forbid that the city of God should lay such a
curse upon itself !
John. Master, for the holy city's sake, for the Temple's sake, !• pray
Thee go not thither, so that the opportunity may be wanting to evil men
to accomplish the worst.
Peter. Or go thither, and manifest Thyself to them in Thy full majesty
that the good may rejoice, and the evil tremble.
Philip. Strike down Thine enemies !
All. And set up the kingdom of God amongst men !
Christ. Children, what ye desire will come to pass in its time, but my
ways are appointed unto me before of my Father, and thus saith the
Lord : My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your
ways. To-day is the first day of unleavened bread, on which the law
commands that the paschal meal shall be held. Do ye both, Peter and
John, go before, and prepare us the paschal lamb, that we may eat it in
the evening.
Peter and John. Where wilt Thou, Lord, that we should prepare it ?
Christ. When ye shall come unto the city, there shall a man meet
you bearing a pitcher of water ; follow him into the house whither he
goeth, and say to the master of the house : The Master saith unto thee,
where is the guest-chamber where I shall eat the passover with my
disciples ? And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and
prepared ; there make it ready.
Peter. Thy blessing, dearest Master. (PETER and John kneel!)
Christ. God's blessmg be upon you ! {Exeunt the two Apostles.
E 2
Digitized by
Google
52 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene II.
Christ. And ye — follow me for the last time to my Father's house !
To-day ye still go thither with me. To-morrow
Judas. But, Master, let me say, if in truth Thou wilt leave us, make
at least some arrangement for our future sustenance. See here (he shows
the bag), this is not sufficient for one day more.
Christ. Judas, be not more careful than is needful.
Judas. How well might the worth of that ointment be therein !
Three hundred pence ! How long we might have lived without anxiety !
Christ. Nothing hath ever been wanting to thee, and, believe me,
nothing will at any time be wanting to thee.
Judas. Yet, Master, when Thou art no longer with us our good
friends will soon draw back, and then
Christ. Friend Judas, see to it, that the tempter overtake thee not !
All. Judas, trouble not then the Master so sorely.
Judas. Who will take thought if I do not.^ Have I not been
appointed by the Master to carry the bag }
Christ. That thou art, but I fear
Judas. I also fear that it will soon be empty, and will remain so.
Christ. Judas, forget not my warning ! Now let us go on. I long to
be in my Father's house.
\Exit with the Disciples. JUDAS remains behind.
Scene III.
Judas alone.
Wherefore should I follow Him } I have no pleasure therein. The
Master's behaviour is to me inexplicable. His great works give hope that
He will again raise up the kingdom of Israel. But He seizes not the
opportunities which offer themselves, and now He speaks of separation
and death, and comforts us by mysterious words about a dim future. I
am weary of believing and of hoping. There is nothing in prospect
with Him, except approaching poverty and humiliation, and, instead of
the expected participation in His kingdom, persecution, perchance, and
prison. I will withdraw myself. Happily, I was always provident, and
have laid aside a little here and there out of the bag, on the chance of
distress. If that fool had put the worth of the ointment into the bag,
now, when our company must, as it seems, break up, the three hundred
pence would remain in my hands, then I should be secure for a long time.
Now, however, I must think of means by which I may be able to make
some profit
Digitized by
Google
yUDAS AND THE TRADERS. 53
Scene IV.
Judas and the Trader Dathan.
Datkan {aside), Judas — the occasion is favourable, he is alone, he
seems much perplexed. I must use all means to win him. Friend Judas !
Judas, Who calls ?
Dathan. A friend. Has something sad happened to thee? Thou
art so deep in thought.
Judas. Who art thou ?
Dathan. Thy friend, thy brother.
Judas. Thou ?
Dathan. At least I wish to become so. How is it with the Master t
I also might enter His Society.
Judas. His Society ?
Dathan. Hast thou perchance left Him ? Is it ill with Him } Tell
me, that I may rule myself accordingly.
Judas. If thou canst be silent
Dathan. Be assured of it.
Judas. Things no longer go well with Him. He says it Himself,
that His last hour is come. I will leave Him. I have charge of the bag —
look and see how things are here.
Dathan, Friend, then I remain as I am.
Scene V.
Dathan's Companions steal in.
Judas. Who are these ? I will say no more.
Traders. Stay, friend, you will not rue it.
Judas. Wherefore have ye come hither }
Traders. We desire to return to Jerusalem and bear nee company, if
it please thee.
Judas. Will ye perchance go after the Master ?
Traders. Has He gone to Jerusalem ?
Judas. For the last time, as He says.
Traders. Will He then leave Judaea }
Judas. Why ask ye so eagerly ? Will ye become His followers }
Traders. Wherefore not, if favourable prospects are in that quarter ?
Judas. I see nothing of that sort. He ever says to us, take no thought
for the morrow — but if to-day any mischances befall Him there we are all
beggars. Doth a master care thus for his own }
Traders. Truly the outlook is bad enough.
Judas {relates the story of the ointment).
Traders. And thou canst yet be friends with Him } Thou oughtest
to take thought for thine own future, were it only now.
Digitized by
Google
54 THE PASSION PLAY.
Judas. I am thinking of it even now. But how to find a good liveli-
hood at once ?
Dathan. Thou needest not long seek that ; the fairest opportunity
offers itself.
Judas, Where — how ?
Traders, Hast thou heard nothing of the proclamation of the High
Priest's Council } A fairer opportunity thou wilt not in thy whole life
again find.
Judas. What proclamation }
Traders, Whosoever informs concerning the nightly resort of Jesus of
Nazareth will receive a large reward.
Judas, A large reward !
Traders. Who can deserve it easier than thou }
Dathan (aside). We are near our aim.
Traders, Brother, trifle not with thy fortune.
Judas (aside). A fair opportunity — shall I let it slip from my hands ?
Dathan. And consider : the reward is not all. The Council will take
further thought for thee. Who knows what thou mayest become ?
Traders, Make up your mind, friend !
Judas, Well, so be it !
Dathan. Come, Judas, we will bring thee at once to the Council.
Judas, Just now I must go after the Master. I will first get informa-
tion in order to act more securely. Report me beforehand to the Council.
In three hours you will find me in the street of the Temple.
Dathan, Brother, one word
Judas. A Man ! [Exeunt the Traders.
Scene VI.
Judas alone. {See p. 13.)
My word is given. I shall not rue it. Shall I, forsooth, go out of
the way of this approaching good fortune } Yes, my future is made. I
will do what I have promised ; let me, however, reckon things up before-
hand. If the Priests succeed in taking Him Prisoner, then shall I have
brought my net to land, and shall besides become famous, as one who has
helped to save the law of Moses. But if the Master conquers . . . then
will I cast myself repentant at His feet. He is indeed good ; never have
I seen Him cast a penitent away from Him. He will receive me again,
and then I shall have the merit of having brought things to a decision.
Judas, thou art a prudent man . . . yet I am afraid to come before the
Master. I shall not be able to bear His piercing glance, and my companions
will see in my face that I am a No ! that I will not be, I am no traitor !
What am I doing except showing the Jews where the Master is to be
found } That is no betrayal ; ittore is needed for that. Away with these
fancies ! Courage, Judas, thy Kvelihood is at stake !
Digitized by
Google
55
ACT V.
THE LAST SUPPER. {See p. 13.)
Prologue.
Before the Divine Friend, constrained by love, departs to His
Passion, He gives Himself to His own as Food of the soul during their
earthly pilgrimage. Ready to offer Himself, He consecrates a sacrificial
Banquet, which, through a thousand years and on to the close of time,
shall proclaim His love to rescued humanity. Once with manna in the
wilderness the Lord mercifully satisfied the children of Israel, and made
glad their hearts with clusters of grapes from Canaan. But a better
Feast, from Heaven itself, doth Jesus offer us. From the mystery of His
Body and Blood flow grace and blessedness to us.
Nun nahert sich die Stunde,
Und die Erfiillung fangt sich an,
Was langst in der Propheten Munde
Der Herr der Menschheit kund gethan.
An diesem Volke, spricht der Herr,
Hab' ich kein Wohlgefallen mehr ;
Ich will nun keine Opfergaben
Von seinen Handen femer haben.
Ich stifte mir ein neues Mahl :
Diess spricht der Herr : — und iiberall
Soil auf dam ganzen Erdenrunde
Ein Opfer sein in diesem Bunde.
Chorus,
The hour now drtiweth near,
Fulfilment now begins
Of all which by His seers
God to mankind made known.
" In this folk," saith the Lord,
" Have I no pleasure more,
And sacrifice will I
No more from them receive.
A new feast I establish,**
Thus saith the Lord ; " and it shall be
Throughout the world's great circle
An offering of this covenant."
FIRST TABLEAU.— THE MANNA IN THE WILDERNESS.
Chorus,
Das Wunder in der Wiiste Sin
Zeigt auf das Mahl des neuen Bundes hin.
Gut ist der Herr, gut ist der Herr :
Das Volk das hungert, sattigt er
Mit einer neuen Speise
Auf wimderbare Weise.
Der Tod doch raffte alle hin,
Die assen in der Wiiste Sin
Diess Brod im Ueberflusse ;
Des neuen Bundes heilig Brod
Bewahrt die Seele vor dem Tod
Beim wiirdigen Genusse.
The miracle in the desert Sin
Points to the second covenant's Feast.
Good is the Lord, the Lord is good 1
He satisfies the hungry souls
With a new Food
In wondrous wise.
But death all those hath swept away,
Who in the wilderness of Sin
Did eat in fulness of that bread ;
The second covenant's holy Bread
Spirit and soul preserves from death
When worthily enjoyed.
Digitized by
Google
THE PASSION PLAY.
SECOND TABLEAU.
-THE GRAPES BROUGHT BY THE SPIES FROM
CANAAN.
Chorus.
Gut ist der Herr, gut ist der Herr !
Dem Volke einstens hatte er
Den besten Saft der Reben
Aus Kanaan gegeben.
Doch diess Gewachse der Natur
War zum Bedarf des Leibes nur
Bestimmt nach Gottes Willen.
Des neuen Bundes heiPger Wein
Wird selbst das Blut des Sohnes sein,
Der Seele Durst zu stillen.
Gut ist der Herr, gut ist der Herr,
Im neuen Bunde reichet er
Sein Fleisch und Blut im Saale
Zu Salem bei dem Mahle.
Good is the Lord, the Lord is good
Once hath He to His people
The best juice of the vine
Given from Canaan's land.
Yet this, the growth of Nature
For needs of body only,
By God's Will was designed.
The second covenant's holy wine
Will be itself the Son's own blood —
Thirst of the soul to quench.
The Lord is good, the Lord is good
In the new covenant He gives
His Flesh and Blood at that high Feast
In Salem's upper room.
Scene I. (5^^ pp. 13, 14.)
Tke Upper Chamber. CHRIST and the Twelve at the Table.
Christ With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you
before I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof
until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. Father, I thank Thee for
this fruit of the vine. {He drinks and gives tlie cup to the DISCIPLES.) Take
this and divide it among yourselves ; for I say unto you, I will not drink
henceforth of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come.
Apostles, Alas ! Lord, is this, then, the last Passover }
Christ. There is a cup which I will drink with you in the kingdom
of God, as it is written : Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy
pleasures.
Peter. Master, when this kingdom shall appear, how then shall the
places be portioned out }
James the Great. Which of us shall have the first place }
Christ. So long a time have I been with you, and ye are yet entangled
in that which is of the earth ! Verily, I appoint unto you which have
continued with me in my temptations a kingdom, as my Father hath
appointed unto me, that ye may eat and drink with me at my table in my
kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. But
consider well : the kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and
they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But it
shall not be so among you ; but he that is greatest among you let him bq
as the younger, and he that is chief as he that doth serve. For whc;ther
Digitized by
Google
THE LAST SUPPER. 57
is greater he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth ? Is not he that
sitteth at meat ? But I am among you as he that serveth. {He lays
aside His garment ^ girds himself with a white, towel ^ and pours water into a
basin) Now sit down, beloved disciples !
. Apostles. What will He do ?
Christ Peter, give me thy foot !
Peter, Lord, dost Thou wash my feet ?
Christ, What I do thou knowest not now ; but thou shalt know here-
after.
Peter. Lord, Thou shalt never wash my feet !
Christ If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me.
Peter. Lord, if it be so, not my feet only, but also my hands and my
head.
Christ. He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is
clean every whit. {He washes all tlie DiSClPLES' feet After He has
taken His garment again He stands looking round upon the circle^ Ye
are now clean — but not all ! {He sits down) Know ye what I have done
to you ? Ye call me Master and Lord : and ye say well, for so I am. If
I, then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to
wash one another's feet ! For I have given you an example that ye should
do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is
not greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye
if ye do them. {He stands up) Children ! but for a little while longer
shall I be with you. That my remembrance may never perish from
amongst you I will leave you an everlasting memorial, and so ever dwell
with you and amongst you. The old covenant which my Father made
with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob hath reached its end. And I say unto
you : a new covenant begins, which I solemnly consecrate to-day in my
blood, as the Father hath given the commandment — and this covenant
will last till all be fulfilled. {He takes bread, blesses, and breaks it) Take,
eat ; this is my Body, which is given for you. {He gives a small
portion to each of the DISCTPLES.) This do in remembrance of me. {He
takes the cup with wine and blesses it) Take this, and drink ye all of it ;
for this is the cup of the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for
you and for many for the remission of sins. {He gives the cup to all) As
often as ye do this, do it in remembrance of me. {He sits down)
fohn. Dearest Master, never will I forget Thy love ! Thou knowest
that I love Thee ! {He leans on jESUS' breast)
Apostles. O ! most loving One, ever will we remain united to
Thee!
Peter. This holy supper of the new covenant shall ever be set forth
amongst us according to Thine ordinance.
All. Most beloved Teacher !
Christ My children, abide in me, and I in you. As the Father hath
loved me, so have I loved you. Continue ye in my love. But, alas !—
Digitized by
Google
58 THE PASSION PLAY.
must I say it ? — ^the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the
table !
Several Apostles. What ! — ^a betrayer amongst us ?
Peter, Is it possible ?
Christ. Verily, verily, I say unto you, one of you shall betray me !
Andrew, Lord, one of us twelve?
Christ. Yea, one of the twelve ! One who dippeth his hand with me
in the dish shall betray me. The Scripture will be fulfilled : he that
eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Thomas and Simon. Who shall this faithless one be }
The two Jameses. Name him openly, the infamous one !
Judas. Lord, is it I }
Thaddoeus. Rather my life for Thee than such an act !
Christ {to Judas). Thou hast said. {To all) The Son of man
indeed goeth as it is written of Him ; but woe unto that man by whom
the Son of man is betrayed ! Good were it for that man if he had never
been born !
Peter {whispers to JOHN). Who is it of whom He speaks ?
John {whispers to jESUS). Lord, who is it }
Christ {whispers to John). He it is to whom I shall give a sop when
I have dipped it.
Several Apostles. Who can it then be }
Christ {after He has given the sop to JUDAS). That thou doest do
quickly. QUDAS hastens out of the room.
Thomas {to SiMON). Wherefore goeth Judas away ?
Simon. Probably the Master sends him to buy somewhat.
Thaddceiis. Or to give alms to the poor.
Scene H.
Christ. Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in Him.
If God be glorified in Him God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and
shall straightway glorify Him. Little children, yet a little while I am
with you. Ye shall seek me ; and as I said unto the Jews> Whither I go,
ye cannot come ; so now I say to you.
Peter. Lord, whither goest thou }
Christ. Whither I go thou canst not follow me now.
Peter. Why cannot I follow Thee now } I will lay down my life for
Thy sake.
Christ. Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake ? Simon, Simon !
Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I
have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not ; and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren. AH ye shall be offended because of me this
Digitized by
Google
THE NEW COMMANDMENT. 59
night, for it is written : I will smite the Shepherd, and the sheep of the
flock shall be scattered abroad.
Peter, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. Lord, I am
ready to go with Thee both into prison and to death.
Christ. Verily, Verily, I tell thee, Peter, that this day, even in this
night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Peter. If I should die with Thee I will not deny Thee in anywise.
All. Master, we also will remain ever true to Thee ! None of us will
at any time deny Thee.
Christ. When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked
ye anything ?
AIL No ! Nothing.
Christ. But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise
his scrip ; and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy
one. For the time of trial is beginning, and I say unto you that this that
is written must yet be accomplished in me : And He was reckoned among
the transgressors.
Peter and Philip. Lord, behold here are two swords.
Christ. It is enough. Let us stand up and say the prayer of thanks-
giving. ( With the Disciples.) Praise the Lord, all ye people ! Praise
Him, all ye nations ! For His merciful kindness is ever more and more
towards us, and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever ! {He advances to
the foreground and stands there awhile with His eyes raised to heaven.
The Apostles stand on either side sorrowful and gazing at Him)
Children, why are ye so sad, and why look ye on me so sorrowfully ?
Let not your heart be troubled ; ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions ; I go to prepare a place for
you, and I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am
there ye may be also. I leave you not as orphans. Peace I leave with
you ; my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth give I unto you.
Keep my commandment ! This is my commandment : That ye love one
another as I have loved you. By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples, if ye have love one to another. Hereafter, I will not talk much
with you, for the Prince of this world cometh, although he hath nothing
in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the
Father gave the commandment, even so I do. \ExeunU
Digitized by
Google
6o
THE PASSION PLAY.
ACT VI.
THE BETRAYAL. {See p. 14.)
Prologue.
Alas, the false friend joins himself to the open enemies, and a few
pieces of silver destroy all love and truth in the heart of the fool !
Remorseless, this most thankless one departs, to conclude a shameful
bargaining in life ; the best of Teachers is put up to sale by him for a con-
temptible traitor's reward. The like disposition hardened Jacob's sons
so that they pitilessly sold their own brother for an accursed price to
strange usurers. Where the heart worships the idol of gold there all
nobler dispositions are killed ; honour, and man's word, and love and
friendship become saleable.
Chorus,
Wie schaudert's mir durch alle Glieder !
Wohin ? wohin, o Judas ! voller Wuth?
Bist du der Schurke, der das Blut
Verkaufen wird ? Gerechte Rache, saume
nicht —
Ihr Donner — Blitze sturzet nieder —
Zermalmet diesen Bosewicht !
Von Euch wird Einer mich verrathen !
Und dreimal sprach der Herr diess Wort.
Vom Geiz verfuhrt zu schwarzen Thaten,
Lief einer von dem Mahle fort ;
Und dieser Eine — heiPger Gott ! —
1st Judas, der Iskariot.
Ach Judas ! Judas — welche Siinde ! —
VoUende nicht die schwarze That !
Doch nein — vom Geize taub und blinde,
Eilt Judas fort zum hohen Rath.
Und wiederholt voll bosem Sinn
Was einst geschah zu Dothain.
What shudders run through all my limbs !
Where go'st thou, Judas, full of rage ?
Art thou the villain, who the Blood
Wilt sell ? Just Vengeance, tarry not —
Ye thunders — Lightnings cast him down —
Crush, rend this wretch in pieces.
" One amongst you shall Me betray ! "
Three times this word the Master spake.
By greed seduced to blackest deed
One from the Supper quickly went ;
And this one — O thou holy God ! —
Is Judas, the Iscariot
O Judas, Judas ! what a crime !
Complete not, O, that darkest deed !
But no — by greed made deaf and blind.
To the Sanhedrim Judas hastes ;
With wicked heart he now repeats
What once was done in Dothan's field.
TABLEAU.— JOSEPH SOLD BY HIS BRETHREN TO THE ISHMAELITES.
Chorus,
" Was bietet fiir den Knabeh ihr ? —
So sprechen, Briider, wenn euch wir
Ihn kauflich iibergeben ? "
Sie geben bald um den Gewinn
Von zwanzig Silberlingen hin
Des Bruders Blut und Leben.
" What will ye offer for the lad ?—
Answer us, brothers, — if we now
Deliver him for gold ? "
They quickly give for the poor gain
Of twenty silver pieces told,
Their brother's blood and life.
Digitized by
Google
yUDAS BARGAIN.
6i
" Was gebet ihr ? — ^wie lohnt ihr mich ? "
Spricht der Iskariot, " wenn ich
Den Meister euch verrathe ?**
Um dreissig Silberlinge schliesst
Den Blutbund er, una Jesus ist
Verkauft dem hohen Rathe.
Was diese Scene uns vorhalt,
Ist ein getreues Bild der Welt.
Wie oft habt ihr durch eure Thaten
Auch euren Gott verkauft — verrathen !
Den Briidem eines Joseph hier,
Und einem Judas fluchet ihr,
Und wandelt doch auf ihren Wegen ;
Denn Neid und Geiz und Bruderhass
Zerstoren ohne Unterlass
Der Menschheit Frieden, Gliickund Segen.
" What give ye ? how reward ye me ? **
TTie Iscariot says, " if I
My Lord bletray to you ? ^
For thirty silver coins he makes
The bloody bargain : — Jesus is
To the Sandedrim sold.
What this sad scene to us sets forth
Of this world is an image true.
How often have ye by your deeds
Your God e'en thus betray'd and sold ?
On Joseph's brethren ye pour
Curses, and on th' Iscariot,
And yet in the same paths ye tread ;
For envy, greed, and brother's hate
Unceasingly exterminate
Man's peace, and joy, and blessedness.
Scene I.
The Sanhedrim.
Caiaphas. Assembled Fathers, I have joyful news to impart to you.
The supposed Prophet of Galilee will soon, we hope, be in our hands.
Dathan, the zealous Israelite, has won over one of the most trusted
followers of the Galilaean, who consents to be employed as guide for the
night attack. Both are ready here, and only await our summons (he
sends a Priest to bring in Dathan and JUDAS). Now, however, I must
take your advice as to the price which should be given for the deed.
NathanaeL The law of Moses instructs us concerning it. A slave is
reckoned at thirty pieces of silver.
A Priest, Yea, yea, such a price for a slave is the worth of the false
Messiah.
Scene II.
Dathan tf;zrf Judas before the Sanhedrim. (See p. 15.)
Dathan. Most learned Council, here is the man who is determined for
a suitable reward to deliver your and our Enemy.
Caiaphas {to JUDAS). Knowest thou the man whom the Council
seeks ?
Judas. I have been in His company now for a long time and know
Him ; and I know where He is wont to abide.
Caiaphas. What is thy name }
Judas. I am called JUDAS, and am one of the Twelve.
Digitized by
Google
^2 THE PASSION PLAY.
Priests. Yea, yea, we often saw thee with Him,
Caiaphas, Art thou now steadfastly resolved to do after our will ?
Jtidas. Thereto I give thee my word.
Caiaphas. Wilt thou not repent of it ?
Jtidas. The friendship between Him and me has for some time cooled,
and now I have quite broken with Him.
Caiaphas. What has prompted thee to this ?
Judas. It is no longer with Him . . . and ... I am resolved to sub-
mit myself to lawful authority ; that is always the best. What will ye
give me if I deliver Him unto you ?
Caiaphas. Thirty pieces of silver, and they shall at once be counted
out to thee.
Dathan. Hearken, Judas, thirty pieces of silver ! What a gain !
Nathanael. And observe also, Judas, that is not all. If thou earnest
out thy work well thou wilt be further cared for.
Priest. Thou mayest yet become a rich and illustrious man.
Judas, I am content {Aside) Now is my fortune made !
Caiaphas. Rabbi, bring the thirty pieces of silver out of the treasury,
and reckon them in the presence of the Council. Is this as ye will ?
Priests. Yea, it is so.
Nicodentus. How can ye conclude such a godless bargain } {To
Judas) And thou, vile creature, thou blushest not to sell thy Lord and
Master, O forgetful of God— traitor, whom the earth shall swallow up !
Is thy most loving Friend and Benefactor to be sold by thee for thirty
pieces of silver }
Priests. Trouble not thyself, Judas, about the speech of this zealot
Let him be a disciple of the false Prophet ; thou dost thy duty as a
disciple of Moses whilst thou servest the rightful authorities.
Rabbi {enters with the money). Come, Judas, take the thirty pieces
of silver, and be a man ! {He reckons them to him on a small stone tabUy so
that they Jail with a sharp sound ; JUDAS sweeps them eagerly into his bag.)
Judas. Ye may depend upon my word.
Priests. But, besides, thou must carry out the work before the Feast.
Judas. Even now the fairest opportunity presents itself Even in
this night H9 will be in your hands. Give me armed men, that He may
be duly surrounded.
Annas. Let us go forthwith, with the watch of the Temple.
Priests. Yea, yea, let us order them off.
Caiaphas. It would also be advisable to send some members of the
holy Sanhedrim.
Priests. We are ready. [CAIAPHAS chooses out Jour deputies.
Caiaphas. But, Judas, how will the band know the Master in the
darkness of the night ?
Judas. They must come with torches and lanterns, and I will give
them a sign.
Digitized by
Google
THE SANHEDRIM. 63
Priests. Excellent, Judas f
Jtulas. Now I will hasten away to spy out everything. Then I will
return to fetch the armed men.
Dathan. I will go with thee, Judas, and not leave thy side till thy
work is accomplished.
Jttdas. At the gate of Bethphage I await your men.
\Exit Judas, Dathan, and the four deputies.
Scene III.
The Sanhedrim.
Caiaphas. All goes on admirably, venerable Fathers. But now our
business is to look the great question in the face. What is to happen to
this Man when God shall have given Him into our hands 1
Priests, Let Him be buried alive in the deepest dungeon.
Caiaphas. Which of you will warrant that, in the tumult of an in-
surrection raised by them. His friends do not set Him free, or bribe the
guards } Or might He not, through His wicked magic, break His bonds ?
{The Priests are silent^ I see well that ye know of no resource. Listen,
then, to the High Priest It is better that one man die, and that the whole
nation perish not. He must die ! Until He be dead there is no peace for
Israel ! No security for the law of Moses, no quiet hours for us.
Rabbi. God has spoken through his High Priest ! through His death
alone the people of Israel can and must be saved !
Nathanael. The word has long been upon my lips. Now is it spoken.
Let Him die, the Foe of our fathers !
Priests {one to another). Yea, let Him die ! In His death is our
salvation.
Annas. By my grey hairs I swear I will not rest until our shame be
effaced in the blood of this Seducer !
Nicodemus. So judgment is pronounced upon this Man before He
Himself be heard, before any trial, or any hearing of witnesses has taken
place ? Is this a transaction worthy of the fathers of the people of Israel ?
Priests. What need is there here of inquiry or of witnesses ? Have
we not ourselves been witnesses of His words and deeds against the law ?
Nicodemus. Ye are in yourselves accusers, witnesses, and judges. I
have listened to His lofty teaching, I have seen His mighty works. They
call for faith and for admiration, not for contempt and punishment.
CaiapJtas. What, the wicked wretch deserves admiration ! Thou wilt
cleave to Moses, and yet defend that which condemns Moses ?
Priests. Away with thee out of our assembly !
Joseph of Arimathea. I must agree with Nicodemus. No action has
Digitized by
Google
64 THE PASSION PLAY.
been imputed to Jesus of Nazareth which makes Him guilty of death.
He has done nothing, save good.
Caiaphas, Speakest thou also thus } Is it not everywhere known
how He has violated the sabbath, and how He has seduced the people
with seditious words ? Hath He not, as a Deceiver, wrought His pretended
miracles through Beelzebub ? Hath He not given Himself out as God ?
Priests. Dost thou hear ?
Joseph of Arimathea, Envy and malice have distorted His words and
imputed evil motives to His noblest actions. And tliat He is God His
divine works make manifest.
NathanaeL Ha, thou art known ! For a long time already thou hast
been a secret adherent of this Galilze/an. Now hast thou fully revealed
thyself.
Annas, So we have even in our midst a traitor to the holy laws, and
even hitherto hath a seducer cast his nets ?
Caiaphas. What doest thou here, thou rebel ? Go after thy Prophet to
see Him once more before His hour strike, for He must die ! That is
unalterably resolved.
Priests, Yea, He must die, that is our resolve !
Nicodemus, I execrate this resolution. I will have no part in this
shameful and bloody judgment.
Joseph of Arimathea, I also will shun the spot where innocence is
murdered. {Exeunt NicODEMUS and Joseph.
]
Scene IV.
The Sanhedrim,
Priest, At length we are quit of those traitors ; we can now speak out
freely.
Caiaphas. It will above all be necessary that we should sit formally
in judgment upon this Man, hear Him, and bring witnesses against Him ;
otherwise the people will believe that we have only prosecuted Him out
of envy and hatred.
Priest, Witnesses will not be wanting, I will provide them.
Pharisee, Our sentence stands. But in order that the weak do not
take offence we will observe the forms of justice.
Second Pharisee, If these forms be not sufficient then will the strength
of our will supply the want.
Rabbi, A little more or less guilty is of small importance. The
public welfare requires His immediate death.
Caiaphas, As to what further belongs to the execution of the judg-
ment, it would be best if we could obtain our end through the Governor,
Digitized by
Google
GETHSEMANE. 65
so that he should condemn Him to death. Then we should be without
responsibility.
Nathanael, We can attempt it. If it does not succeed it still re-
mains open to us to cause our judgment to be carried out by our trusty
agents in the tumult of an insurrection of the people, without openly
taking part in it ourselves.
Rabbi, And in the last resort a hand will easily be found which in
the stillness of the dungeon will deliver the holy Sanhedrim from its
enemy.
Caiaphas, Circumstances will teach us what must be done. For the
present let us break up. But hold yourselves ready at every hour of the
night. I may have you called. There is no time to lose. Our resolve
is. He must die !
All {tumultuously). Let Him die, the enemy of our holy law !
ACT VII.
JESUS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE.
Prologue.
As Adam strives with bitter heart-weariness, exhausted in strength^
in the sweat of his face, in order, alas ! to expiate his own guilt, so
does the guilt of mankind press upon the Redeemer. Overwhelmed by
an ocean of sadness, His head bowed to earth with a heavy burden,
running down with the bloody sweat of angui.sh, He wages the hottest
fight in the olive-garden. Already the faithless Disciple, Iscariot, draws
near, as leader of the Band of Men, using shamefully the seal of love
as the token of betrayal. Thus basely, also, Joab dealt with Amasa ; he
presses at the same time, with hypocritical mien, the kiss of friendship
upon his lips, and in his heart, alas ! the dagger's point.
Chorus.
Judas, ach ! verschlang den Bissen
Bei dem Abendmahle
Mit unheiligem Gewissen —
Und der Satan fuhr sogleich in ihn. —
Was du thun willst, sprach der Herr,
Judas I—dieses thu* geschwind. —
Judas, lo, ate hallowed Bread
At the Sacrament,
With unhallowed conscience —
Satan quickly to him entered. —
" That thou doest," spake the Master,
** Judas ! — see thou do it quickly."
F
Digitized by
Google
66
THE PASSION PLAY.
Under
Elite aus dem Speisesaale
In die Synago^e hin
Und verkaufte seinen Meister.
Bald ist vollbracht — bald ist vollbracht
Die schrecklichste der Thaten,
Ach ! heute noch, in dieser Nacht
Wird Judas Ihn verrathen,
O kommet AUe, — kommet dann,
Und sehet mit die Leiden an.
Im Schatten erst — und bald im Lichte
Erscheinet sie —
Die traurigste Geschichte
Von Gethsemani.
From the guest-room went he out,
Hastened to the Synagogue,
And his Master there he sold.
Soon completed — soon is ended
The most horrible of deeds.
Alas ! to-day, e*en in this night,
Judas his Master will betray.
O come ye all — come then, O come—
Behold with us the Sufferings.
In shadow first — and soon in light
Appeareth now
The mournfullest of histories,
Gethsemane !
FIRST TABLEAU— ADAM AND EVE LABOURING.
O wie sauer, o wie heiss,
Wird es Vater Adam nicht !
Ach ! es fallt ein Strom von Schweiss
Ueber Stirn und Angesicht.
Dieses ist die Frucht der Siinde,
Gottes Fluch driickt die Natur ;
Darum gibt bei saurem Schweisse
Und bei miihevollem Fleisse
Sie die Friichte sparsam nur.
So wird's unserm Jesus heiss,
Wenn Er auf dem Oelberg ringt,
Dass ein Strom von blut'gem Schweiss
Ihm durch alle Glieder dringt.
Dieses ist der Kampf der Siinde,
Fiir uns Kampfet ihn der Herr,
Kampfet ihn in seinem Blute,
Zittert, bebet ; doch mil Muthe
Trinkt den Kelch der Leiden er.
O what labour, O what heat
Must not Father Adam bear !
Ah ! a stream of sweat runs down
Over brow and countenance.
This is the fruit of sin.
God's curse oppresseth Nature,
Therefore yields she for hard sweat
And for toilsome industry
Only sparingly her fruits.
Thus so sharp it is to Jesu
(When 'mid olive shades He strives)
That a stream of bloody sweat
From each holy limb is forced.
This is the strife of sin ;
In His own Blood combats He-
Trembles — reels — yet with high heart
Drinks the cup of suffering.
SECOND TABLEAU.— THE MURDER OF AMASA BY JOAB.
Chorus,
Den Auftritt bei den Felsen Gabaon —
Den wiederholet Judas — Simon's Sohn.
Ihr Felsen Gabaon !
Warum steht ihr ohne Zierde —
Sonst des Landes stolze Wiirde —
Wie mit einem Trauerflor umhiillet da ?
Saget, ich beschwor' euch, saget : Was
geschah ?
Was geschah }
The scene near Gibeon's rocks —
Judas repeateth — Simon's son.
Ye rocks of Gibeon !
Why stand ye thus unhonoured —
Ye, late the land's proud boast —
As though with mourning veil wrapt
round ?
Say, I adjure thee, say — what deed was
done?
What deed was done ?
Digitized by
Google
yUDAS AND THE BAND OF MEN
67
Flieht, Wanderer ! flieht schnell von hier ;
Verflucht sei dieser blutgediingte Ort !
Da fiel von einer Meuchlershand durch-
bohrt
Ein Amasa,
Vertrauend auf der heiFgen Freundschaft
Gruss
Getauscht durch Joabs falschen Bruder-
kuss.
O ruft in uns're Stimme : — Der Fluch sei
dir !
Die Felsen klagen iiber dich ;
Die blutgediingte Erde rachet sich. —
Verstummet, Felsen Gabaon mit eurer
Stimme,
Und hort und spaltet euch vor Grimme.
Ihr Felsen Gabaon !
So verrath den Menschensohn.
Ach ! mit heuchlerischem Grusse
Und mit einem falschen Kusse
Als der Fiihrer einer Rotf
Judas, der Iskariot.
Ihr Felsen Gabaon :
Vemehmet unsern Schwur,
Und fluchet diesem Scheusal der
Natur !
Ihm flucht das ganze Erdenrund,
Erofthe, Erde, deinen Schlund ! —
Verschlinge ihn !— der Holle Feu'r
Verzehre dieses Ungeheu'r !
Fly, wanderer, with speed fly hence !
Accursed be this blood-stained spot !
Pierced by assassin's hand here fell
One Amasa,
In holy friendship's greeting trusting,
By Joab's false brother-kiss deceived.
With one voice cry with us : — Curse on
thee !
The rocks complain of thee.
The blood-soaked earth takes vengeance*
Be silent, rocks of Gibeon ! — Silent your
voice.
And hear, and split yourselves with rage.
Ye rocks of Gibeon !
So betrays the Son of man,
Ah, with hypocrite's vile greeting,
And with false deceiving kiss,
As the leader of a band,
Judas, the Iscariot.
Ye rocks of Gibeon !
Receive our oath.
And this monster of all Nature curte !
All Earth's circle curseth him,
Open thine abyss, O Earth !
Swallow him ! — and let hell-fire
Consume this monster dire !
Scene I.
A Road near the Mount of Olives, — JUDAS and the Four Deputies of the
Sanhedrim, — The TRADERS. — Selpha, the Leader of the Band. —
Malchus. — A Band of Men.
fudas. Now, be watchful. We are nearing the place whither the
Master has withdrawn Himself in order to pass the still night in this
lonely region. Resistance need not be thought of, the surprise is too
unexpected.
Soldier, Should they venture it, they will feel the strength of our arms.
fudas. Do not fear it. He will fall into your hands without a sword's
stroke.
Traders. But how shall we know the Master in the darkness ?
fudas. I will give you this as a sign. When we are in the garden^
give heed— I will hasten to Him. Whomsoever I shall kiss that same is
He. Hold Him fast.
F 2
Digitized by
Google
68 THE PASSION PLAY.
Priest, Good. This sign makes us go on more securely. Do ye
hear ? By the kiss ye shall know the Master.
Soldiers, We will give heed enough.
Judas. Now let us hasten. It is time. We are now not far from the garden.
Pharisee. Judas, if to-night brings us this happy chance thy action
will bring thee forth most excellent fruit.
Traders. From us also thou shalt receive a handsome recompense.
Soldiers, Come, now, Thou stirrer up of the people! Now shalt
Thou receive Thy reward. [Exeunt omnes.
Scene II. {See p. i6.)
The Garden of Olives,— Christ and the DlSClPl.ES advance together out
of the Background,
Christ, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall weep and lament, but
the world shall rejoice ; ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be
turned into joy. For I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice,
and your joy no man taketh from you. I came forth from the Father, and
am come into the world : again I leave the world and go to the Father.
Peter, Lo, now speakest Thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
James the Gnat, Now are we sure that Thou knowest all things.
Thomas, By this we believe that Thou camest forth from God.
Christ, Do ye now believe t Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now
come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me
alone : and yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. Yea, Father,
the hour is come ! Glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify
Thee. I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do ; I have
manifested Thy name unto the men which Thou gavest me out of the world.
Holy Father, keep them through Thine own name. Sanctify them in the
truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall
believe on me through their word ; that they all may be one, as Thou,
Father, art in me, and I in Thee. Father, I will that they also whom
Thou hast given me be with me where I am ; that they may behold my
glory which Thou hast given me ; for Thou lovedst me before the founda-
tion of the world. {To the DiSClPLES, mttring the garden in visible sad-
ness) Children, sit ye here while I go and pray yonder. Pray that ye
enter not into temptation. But ye, Peter, James, and John, follow me.
[He goes forward with the three APOSTLES.
Disciples {in the background). What has happened to our Master ?
We never yet saw Him so sorrowful. Not in vain has the Master pre-
pared us for it beforehand.
Christ {in the foreground). O beloved children ! my soul is exceed-
ing sorrowful, even unto death : tarry ye here and watch with me.
Digitized by
Google
THE AGONY. 69
' {After a pause) I will go a little further, in order to strengthen myself
"by communion with my Father.
[He goes to a rocky place with slow and tottering steps.
Peter {gazes after Him), O most good and dear Master !
fohn. My soul suffers with the soul of our Teacher. ( They sit down.)
Peter, I am full of fear ! We were witnesses of His transfiguration
on the mount. But now — what must we see }
Christ {near the rocky ground). This hour must come upon me — the
hour of darkness. But for this hour came I into the world. {He falls
upon His knees) Father! my Father! if it be possible — and all things
are possible unto Thee — let this cup pass from me ! {He falls upon His
yace and remains so for awhile, then again kneels,) Yet, Father, not as I
will, but as Thou wilt ! {He stands up^ looks up to heaven, then goes to the
three DISCIPLES.) Simon !
Peter {as in a dream), Alas, my Master !
Christ. Simon, sleepest thou }
Peter. Master, here am I !
Christ. Could ye not watch with me one hour }
Apostles, Rabbi, sleep has overmastered us.
Christ, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.
Apostles. Yea, Master, we will pray and watch.
Christ. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. {He
returns to the rocky ground.) My Father, Thy demand is righteous. Thy
counsels are holy. Thou claimest this sacrifice ! {He falls upon His knees)
Father! the struggle is fierce. {He falls upon His face, then raises
Himself.) Yet if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it,
my Father, Thy will be done. {He stands up) Most Holy ! in holiness
shall it be accomplished by me ! {He returns to the sleeping DisCIPLES.)
Are then your eyes so heavy that ye could not watch t O my most
trusted ones ! even amongst you I find none to comfort me ! {He goes
towards the rocky ground, then pauses) Ah ! how dark all around me
becomes! The sorrows of death take hold upon me! The burden of
divine justice lies upon me ! O sinners ! O sins of mankind ! ye weigh
me down ! O fearful burden ! O the bitterness of this cup ! {He comes to
the rocky ground) My Father! {He kneels) If it be not possible that
these sins pass away from me, Thy will be done! Thy most holy will [
Father !— Thy Son !— Hear Him !
Scene III.
An Angel appears.
Angel. Son of man, sanctify the Father's will ! Consider the blessed^
ness which shall proceed from Thy struggle ! The Father has laid upon
Thee, and Thou hast of Thy free will taken upon Thee, to become the
Digitized by
Google
70 THE PASSION PLAY.
offering for sinful humanity : carry it through ! The Father will glorify
Thee.
Christ. Yea, most holy Father, I adore Thy providence, I will accom-
plish it — accomplish it ! To reconcile, to save, to bring blessedness ! {He
rises) Strengthened through Thy word, O Father, I go joyfully to meet
that to which Thou hast called me, the substitute for sinful man ! {To the
three DiSCiPLEs) Sleep on now and take your rest.
Peter. What is it, Master }
The three Apostles. Behold, we are ready !
Christ. The hour is come. The Son of man is betrayed into the
hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going.
Disciples. What tumult is that }
Philip. Come, let us gather around the Master.
\T}ie Disciples hasten forwards.
Christ. Lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand.
(Judas appears with the Band,
Andrew. What does this multitude want }
All. Ah, all is over with us !
John. And see, Judas is at their head !
Scene IV.
Judas. Hail, Master ! {He kisses jESUS.)
Christ. Friend, wherefore art thou come 1 Betrayest thou the Son of
man with a kiss } {He goes towards the Band of Men.) Whom seek ye ?
Soldiers. Jesus of Nazareth.
Christ. I am He.
Soldiers. Woe unto us ! What is this 1 {They fall to the ground.)
Disciples. A single word from Him casts them to the ground !
Christ {to the men). Fear not, arise !
Disciples. Lord, cast them down that they rise not up again.
Christ. Whom seek ye ?
Band of Men. Jesus of Nazareth.
Christ. I have told you that I am He. If, therefore, ye seek me, let
these go their way.
Selpha. Seize Him ! {The servants approach jESUS.)
Peter and Philip. Lord, shall we smite with the sword }
[Peter strikes Malchus.
Malchus. Alas ! I am wounded, mine ear is cut off !
Christ {to the DiSClPLEs). Suffer ye thus far. {To Malchus) Be
not troubled, thou shalt be healed. {He touches Malchus' ear. Then to
Peter) Put up thy sword into the sheath, for all they that take the
sword shall perish with the sword. The cup which my Father hath g^ven
me, shall I not drink it } Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my
Digitized by
Google
CHRISX TAKEN CAPTIVE. 71
Father and He shall presently give me more than twelve legions of
angels ? But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must
be ? {To the Pharisees) Are ye come out as against a thief with
swords and staves for to take me ? I sat daily with you teaching in the
Temple and ye stretched forth no hands against me, and took me not.
But this is your hour and the power of darkness. Behold, I am here !
Selpha, Take Him, and bind Him fast, that He escape not
NathanaeL You are responsible for it to the Sanhedrim.
\The Disciples /ttj^^^ Him.
Band of Men, Out of our hands He escapes not.
Traders, Now will we cool our revenge.
NathanaeL First go we to Annas, the High Priest. Lead Him
thither.
Trader {to JUDAS). Judas, thou art a man! Thou knowest how to
keep thy word.
Judas, Said I not to you that to-night He should be in your power }
Pharisee, Thou hast laid the whole Sanhedrim under obligation to
thee.
Band of Men {driving jESUS before them). On with Thee ! At
Jerusalem they will decide about Thee.
Selpha, Let us hasten ; lead Him away safely.
Band of Men, Ha ! run now, as Thou hast run about the land of
J udaea.
Selpha, Spare Him not ! Urge Him on.
Band oj Men, Forward, otherwise Thou shalt be driven with sticks !
Traders. Doth Beelzebub then aid Thee no longer ? [Exeunt omnes.
Scene V.
Peter and John coming out of their Hiding-place,
Peter, Alas, they have taken Him away, our good Master, John !
( Weeps upon his bosom,) That which is incredible comes to pass.
John, O Friend, O best of Teachers ! Is this then Thine end } Is
this then the thanks for the goodness of which Thou hast been the
author.^ The Benefactor of the people, the Friend of humanity, in
chains !
Peter, John, I will go after our Master. I must see Him yet again.
Whither have they dragged Him off?
John. Didst thou not hear ? — to Annas. Come, we will go together.
[^Exeunt.
END OF THE FIRST PART.
Digitized by
Google
}
PART 11.
From the Arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to the Condemnation
under Pilate.
ACT VIII.
Jesus ie/ore Annas. (See p. 17.)
Prologue.
O fearful night ! Behold the Redeemer ! He is dragged from
tribunal to tribunal, and everywhere encounters injury and ill-treatment.
A wretch repays Him for a sincere word, spoken to Annas, — strikes Him
with rough hand on His blessed face in order to gain praise for himself.
Such shameful reward was also the reward of Micaiah, when he revealed
the truth to King Ahab ; one of the lying prophets struck him on the
cheek. Truth earns only hate and persecution ; yet, though its light may
be avoided and banished, at last it will conquer, and break through the
darkness I
Chorus.
Begonnen ist der Kampf der Schmerzen —
Begonnen ist Gethsemani.
O Siinder ! nehmet es zu Herzen
Verge sset diese Scene nie !
Fiir euer Hell ist das geschehen,
Was auf dem Oelberg wir gesehen.
Fiir euch betriibt bis in den Tod
Sank er zur Erde nieder,
Fur euch drang ihm, wie Blut so roth,
Der Schweiss durch alle Glieder.
Begonnen ist der Kampf, &c.
Pain's battle dread has now begun —
Begun Gethsemane.
O sinners ! lay it to your hearts,
And ne'er forget this scene !
For your salvation, that befell
Which now we saw 'mid olive shades.
Sorrowful even unto death,
For you He sank upon the ground ;
For you the sweat as blood was forced
From every agonized limb.
Pain's battle dread, &c.
TABLEAU.— THE PROPHET MICAIAH BEFORE KING AHAB SMITTEN
ON THE CHEEK.
Chorus.
Wer frei die Wahrheit spricht.
Den schlagt man in's Gesicht
Michaas, er wagte es die Wahrheit laut zu
sagen
Uiid ward in's Angesicht geschlagen.
Who boldly speaks the truth
Is smitten in the face.
Micaiah dared to speak the truth.
And on the cheek was struck.
Digitized by
Google
THE HOUSE OF ANNAS.
73
" Konig, du wirst unterliegen,
Solltest Ramoth du bekriegen : "
Diess ist, was Michaas spricht.
'* Dich von Ungliick dann zu retten,
Glaube, Konig, Baals Propheten—
Dieser Schmeichler Lugen nicht ! ^
Doch die Wahrheit des Michaas
Schmeichelt einem Achab nicht ;
Und der Liigner Sedekias
Schlagt dafiir ihn in's Gesicht.
Liigner, Heuchler, Schmeichler pflUcken
Rosen, Lorbeer ohne Miih' !
Nur die Wahrheit muss sich biicken,
Denn die Wahrheit schmeichelt nie.
Jesum iiber seine Lehren,
Seine Thaten zu verhoren,
Raumt das Recht sich Annas ein.
** Um zu wissen, was ich lehrte,
Frage Jeden, der mich horte,**
Wird die Rede Jesu sein.
Doch die Wahrheit auf die Fragen
Schmeichelt einem Annas nicht ;
Und die Unschuld wird geschlagen —
Jesus in das Angesicht
" O King, thou wilt be conquered
Should Ramoth fight with thee : "
These words Micaiah spoke.
** Then to save thyself from mishap,
Of Baal's prophets trust not, King,
Falsehoods — flattering though they be "
But Micaiah's truthful message
Flatters not King Ahab's soul ;
And the liar, Zedekisdi,
Strikes him for it in the face.
Liars, flatterers, hypocrites,
Roses, laurels pluck with ease !
Truth alone must needs stoop low,
For truth never flatters men.
Jesus (touching His high teaching
And His works) to hear, the right
Annas to himself assumes.
" Wouldst thou know what I have taught,
Ask of those who heard my words."
This will Jesu's answer be.
But the truthful words he hears
Flatter not the soul of Annas ;
Innocence receives a blow —
Jesus in the face is smitten.
Scene I.
The High Priest ANNAS with three PRIESTS on the Balcony of his House.
Annas, I can find no rest this night until I know that this agitator is
in our hands. Full of longing I await my trusty servants with the news
that the enemy of the Sanhedrim is already in fetters.
Priests, They cannot long delay ; it is a long time since they
broke up.
Annas, In vain has my troubled gaze been fixed over and over upon
the street of Kedron. (The PRIESTS try to tranquillize K'^^K^ and two of
them go out in different directions to see if the Band of Men be near ; one
hastetts towards the Kedron-gate^ and one towards the Siloa-gate, At last
one Priest returns and announces that all has gone well?)
Annas, Auspicious message, happy hour ! A stone is taken from off
my heart, and I feel as though new-born. Now, for the first time, I call
myself with joy High Priest of the chosen people !
Digitized by
Google
74 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene II.
The Four Deputies of the Sanhedrim appear with JUDAS upon the Balcony.
The four Pharisees. Long live our High Priest !
NathanaeL The wish of the Sanhedrim is fulfilled !
Annas, O, I must embrace you for joy ! Judas, thy name will take an
honourable place in our records of the year. Even before the feast shall
the Galilaean die !
fudas {terrified). Die?
Annas, His death is resolved upon.
fudas, I will not be responsible for His life and for His blood.
Annas, That is not necessary, He is in our power.
fudas, I did not deliver Him to you for that end.
Pharisee, Thou hast delivered Him, the rest is our business.
fudas. Woe is me! What have I done? Shall He die? No! I
did not desire that I will not have it ! \fle hastens away.
Pharisees {jeering at him). Thou mayest wish it or not, but He
must die.
Scene III.
The same without JUDAS. Directly after, enter upon the Balcony CHRIST,
Selpha, tlie Leader of the Band and the Temple, Servants, Malchus,
and Balbus. The Band remains underneath.
Priest, High Priest, the Prisoner is on the threshold.
Annas. Let Him be brought before me.
[Selpha appears with Christ.
Annas, Have ye brought Him alone Prisoner ?
Balbus. His followers dispersed themselves like frightened sheep.
Selpha, We found it not worth the trouble of apprehending them.
Nevertheless Malchus nearly lost his life.
Annas, What happened ?
Selpha, One of His followers, with a drawn sword, smote him, and
cut off his ear.
Annas, How ? But there is no mark of it.
Balbus {mocking). The magician has conjured it back upon him
again.
Annas, What sayest thou about it, Malchus ?
Malchus {gravely). I cannot explain it. A wonderful thing has
happened to me.
A nnas. Hath the Deceiver perchance also bewitched thee ? ( To jESUS)
Tell me, by what power hast Thou done this ? [Christ is silent.
Selpha, Speak, when Thy High Priest questions Thee!
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST BEFORE ANNAS. 75
Annas. Speak ! Give an account of Thy disciples, and of Thy
teaching, which Thou hast spread abroad in the whole of Judaea, and with
which Thou hast seduced the people.
Christ I spake openly to the world ; I ever taught in the Synagogue
and in the Temple, and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou
me } Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them : behold,
they know what I said.
Balbus {strikes jESUS). Answerest Thou the High Priest so }
Christ, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil ; but if well,
why smitest thou me }
Annas, Wilt Thou still defy us, when Thy life and death are in our
power } I am weary of this wicked wretch !
Balbus {to Christ, who is led away). Wait awhile, Thy obstinacy will
give way.
Annas, I will betake myself for a while to repose, or rather to quiet
reflection as to how that which is happily begun may be brought to an
end. In any case I shall receive the summons to the Sanhedrim early in
the morning. \Exeunt omnes.
Scene IV.
Christ in the midst of the Band of Men.
Men {to SEL,FHAf who leads Jesus), Ha! is His business already over ?
Setpha, His defence went badly.
Balbus, It was, however, worth a good blow on the face to Him.
Selpha. Take Him now, and away with Him to the palace of
Caiaphas.
Band of Men, Away with Him! March !
Balbus. ^^ joyful! from Caiaphas Thou wilt have a still better
reception.
Band of Men, There will the ravens already sing about Thy ears !
Scene V.
Peter and John before the House of ANNAS. — A PRIEST.
. Peter, How will it go here with the dearest Master } O John, how
sorrowful I am concerning Him !
fohn. Surely He will have had to suffer scorn and ill-treatment here.
I am very anxious to get near the house.
Peter, All around, however, is so quiet.
fohn. No noise is heard in the palace. Will they have led Him away
again ?
Digitized by
Google
76
THE PASSION PLAY.
Priest {coming out). What do ye want here at the palace in the
night-time ?
John. Pardon, we saw from afar a crowd of people going here through
the Kedron-gate, and we went after them to see what had happened.
Priest. They brought a Prisoner, but He hath already been sent to
Caiaphas.
John, To Caiaphas ? Then we will go away at once.
Priest, It will be as well for you, otherwise I would have you taken
up as night brawlers.
Peter, We will raise no commotion and go away quietly. [Exeunt,
Priest {looking after them). Are they perchance followers of the
Galilaean ? If I only knew ! However, they will not escape our people if
they go to Caiaphas' palace. The whole following must be destroyed,
otherwise the people will never be brought into subjection. \^Exit.
ACT IX.
JESUS BEFORE CAIAPHAS. {See pp. 17-19.)
Prologue.
Before enraged enemies, now His judges, stands the Lord, veiled in
silence. Patiently He hears all the accusations and lies, even the sentence
of death. As once Naboth, though innocent, was persecuted, and con-
demned through false witness as a blasphemer of God, so also He whose
only fault is — Truth, Love, Beneficence. Soon shall ye see Him sur-
rounded by inhuman servants, given up as a mark to the brutality of
scorn, spitefully entreated amidst wild laughter. In patient Job, laden
with reproach even by his friends in his deepest trouble, ye see fore-
shadowed the heavenly meekness of the beloved Saviour.
Chorus.
Wie blutet mir das Herz !
Der Heiligste steht vor Gericht.
Muss er der Sunder Bosheit tragen ;
Verrathen und beschimpft — gebunden und
geschlagen :
Wem zittert nicht im Auge eine Thrane ? —
Von Annas weg zu Kaiphas fortgerissen —
Was wird er da, ach ! leiden miissen !
Seht hier im Bilde diese neue Leidensscene.
How sore my heart doth bleed !
'Fore judgment stands the Holiest
The crimes of sinners He must bear ;
Betra/d and scorn'd, smitten and bound.
Whose eyes will not be full of tears ?-
From Annas, dragg'd to Caiaphas —
What must He suffer there, alas !
See here in type this suffering fresh.
Digitized by
Google
TABLEAUX OF NABOTH AND JOB.
17
FIRST TABLEAU.— THE DEATH OF NABOTH.
" Es sterbe Naboth ! fort mit ihm zum Tod !
Gelastert, Konig ! dich, gelastert hat er
Gott:
Er sei vertilgt aus Israel ! **
So geifem wild die Lasterzungen —
Von einer losen Jezabel
Zu einem falschen Eid gedungen.
Ach 1 mit dam Tode rachet man,
Was Naboth nie verbrochen ; —
Der Weinberg wird dem Konig dann
Von Schurken zugesprochen.
Diess ist ein treues Bild der Welt,
So geht's noch ofters heute.
Das arme fromme Larnmchen fallt
Dem starken Wolf zur Beute.
Ihr macht'gen Gotter dieser Welt —
Zum Wohl der Menschheit aufgestellt —
Vergesst bei Uebung eurer Pflicht
Des unsichtbaren Richters nicht !
Bei ihm sind alle Menschen gleich,
Sie mogen diirftig oder reich,
Geadelt oder Bettler Sein ; —
Gerechtigkeit gilt ihm allein.
" Let Naboth die ! To death with him !
He hath blasphemed thee, O King !
And God I — from Israel cast him out !"
Thus foaming cry the slanderous tongues.
By Jezebel, the wicked Queen,
Paid for their false and evil oath.
Alas ! with death they vengeance take
On that which Naboth ne'er had done ;
The vineyard then upon the King
By wicked villains is bestow'd.
Of this world 'tis an image true,
So goes it often e*en to-day.
The poor and gentle lamb doth fall
To the strong wolf an easy prey.
Ye mighty gods of this poor earth —
For weal of men above them placed —
Forget not, 'mid your duties' round.
The invisible Judge of all.
Before Him all the sons of men
Are equal, be they poor or rich.
Noble or born of beggar race ;
He cares for righteousness alone.
SECOND TABLEAU.— THE AFFLICTION OF JOB.
Seht ! welch ein Mensch ! Ach ! ein
Gerippe
Ein Graus — ein Ekel der Natur.
Wie windet sich um Wang und Lippe
Ein ausgedorrtes Hautchen nur.
Seht ! welch ein Mensch ! Ach ! wie
geschunden
Sieht man bis auf das Mark hinein.
Das Eiter trauft aus seinen Wunden.
Und Faulung frisst schon sein Gebein.
Ach ! welch ein Mensch ! Ein Job in
Schmerzen
Ach ! wem entlockt er Thranen nicht !
Sein Weib doch — seine Freunde scherzen
Und spotten seiner in's Gesicht
Ach ! welch ein Mensch !
Wer mag ihn einen Menschen nennen ?
Vom Fusse hin bis an sein Haupt
Wird aller Zierde er beraubt
Behold the man ! a skeleton,
A fright — of nature loathsomeness ! —
To cheek and lips how fearfully
Only the withered skin adheres !
Behold the man ! the putrid wounds
No whole part in his body leave.
. Corruption flows from every sore.
And rottenness devours his bones.
Behold the man ! A Job in pain.
Ah, whom doth he not move to tears ?
His friends and e'en his wife make sport,
Before him mocking at his woe.
Behold the man !
Yet who may call him still a man ?
From head to foot his body now
Despoiled of every grace is seen.
Digitized by
Google
78
THE PASSION PLAY.
Ach ! welch ein Mensch !
Ihr Augen ! weinet heisse Thranen.
Ach ! Jesus— ach ! ein Mensch nicht
mehr I
Der Menschen Spott und Hohn wird er.
Ach ! welch ein Mensch !
O alle ihr geriihrten Herzen !
Ach ! Jesus, Jesus ! Gottes Sohn
Wird loser Knechte Spott und Hohn
Bei endelosem Kampf der Schmerzen.
Ach ! welch ein Mensch !
Behold the man !
O eyes ! weep warmest tears of grief.
Ah Jesu — Thou a Man no more !
The scorn and jest of men is He.
Behold the Man !
O all ye moved and grieved hearts !
Ah Jesu, Jesu, Son of God,
Becomes the scorn and jest of knaves
Amid His endless strife of pain.
Behold the Man !
Scene I.
Band of Men, — Christ led through the Streets.
Band of Men {making a noise). Thou wilt become a spectacle — a
spectacle to the whole nation !
Balbus. Hurry Thyself! Thy followers are quite ready. They wish
to proclaim Thee King of Israel.
Band of Men. Thou hast often dreamed of it, hast Thou not }
Selpha. Caiaphas the High Priest will now interpret this dream for
Him.
Balbtis. Hearest Thou ? Caiaphas will announce to Thee Thy
exaltation.
Band of Men {with laughter). Yes, Thine exaltation between heaven
and earth !
Selpha. Look out, ye fellows ! There, through Pilate's tower, lies our
nearest way to the castle of Caiaphas. Station yourselves there in the
outer court until further action.
Band of Men. Thy orders shall be carried out [Exeunt.
Scene H.
Caiaphas in his Sleeping-chamber. — The PRIESTS ^«rf PHARISEES.
Caiaphas. The happy beginning promises us speedy accomplishment
of our wishes. I thank you, noble members of the Sanhedrim, for your
zealous and prudent co-operation !
Priest. The highest thanks are due to our High Priest
Caiaplms. Let us now pursue our path without delay ! All is prepared
beforehand. The Council will be immediately assembled, the necessary
witnesses have been brought I will now at once begin the trial of the
Prisoner. Then judgment will be given and care taken for its execution.
Trust me, my friends ! I have conceived a plan for myself and hope to
carry it out.
AIL The God of our fathers bless every action of our High Priest !
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST BEFORE CAIAPHAS. 79
Scene III.
The same. — The Band of Men bring in Christ. — The False^ Witnesses.
Selpha {the leader of the Band). Venerable High Priests, here is the
Prisoner !
Caiaphas, Bring Him nearer, that I may look Him in the face.
Selpha. Stand forth, and show respect here to the House of the
Sanhedrim.
Caiaphas, Thou art then He Who hadst the fancy to wish to bring
about the downfall of our synagogue and of the law of Moses ? Thou art
accused of stirring up the people to disobedience, of despising the holy
traditions of the fathers, of many times transgressing the Divine com-
mand of keeping the Sabbath holy, and of many blasphemous words and
deeds against God. There are here worthy men, who are ready to uphold
the truth of these complaints with their witness. Listen to them, and
then Thou mayest defend Thyself if Thou canst.
First Witness. I can testify before God that this Man has stirred up
the people, while He has openly denounced the members of the Council
and the Scribes as hypocrites, raging wolves in sheeps' clothing, blind
leaders of the blind, and has said that no one is to follow them.
Second Witness. I also witness to this, and can add besides that He
has forbidden the people to pay tribute to Caesar.
First Witness. Yea, at least He has let fall ambiguous words con-
cerning it.
Caiaphas, What sayest Thou to that } Thou art silent }
Third Witness. I have often seen how He with His disciples has, in
defiance of the law, gone to table with unwashen hands, how He was
wont to have friendly intercourse with publicans and sinners, and went
into their houses to eat with them. {Other Witnesses. This we also have
often seen.) I have heard from trustworthy people that He even spake
with Samaritans, and indeed dwelt with them a whole day.
First Witness. I was also an eye-witness of how He did on the
Sabbath what by God's law is forbidden, and fearlessly healed the sick.
He has enticed others to break the Sabbath. And He has also com-
manded a man to carry his bed to his house.
Caiaphas. What hast Thou to reply to this evidence ? Hast Thou
nothing to answer to it }
Third Witness. Thou hast (I was present) taken upon Thyself to
forgive sins, which belongs only to God. Thou hast also blasphemed God!
First Witness. Thou hast called God Thy Father, and hast dared to
declare that Thou art One with the Father. Thou hast also made Thyself
equal to God.
Second Witness. Thou hast exalted Thyself above our forefather
Abraham ; Thou didst say that before Abraham was Thou already art.
Digitized by
Google
8o THE PASSION PLAY.
Fourth Witness, Thou hast said, •* I am able to destroy the Temple
of God and to build it in three days."
Fifth Witness, I have heard Thee say, " I will destroy this Temple
that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another, made
without hands."
Caiaphas, Thou hast then extolled Thyself as a superhuman Divine
authority ! These are heavy accusations, and they are witnessed according
to the law. Answer, if Thou canst ! Thou thinkest to be able to save
Thyself through silence. Thou darest not to acknowledge before the
fathers of the people that which Thou hast taught before the people. Or
darest Thou } Hear then : I, the High Priest, adjure Thee by the living
God ! say, art Thou the Messiah, the Son of the most High God }
Christ, Thou hast said it, I am. Nevertheless I say unto you, here-
after ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and
coming in the clouds of heaven.
Caiaphas, He hath blasphemed God ! What need we any further
witnesses } Ye have heard the blasphemy ! What think ye ?
AIL He is guilty of death !
Caiaphas, He has been unanimously declared guilty of death. Yet
not I, and not the Sanhedrim, but the law of God itself declares the
judgment of death upon Him. Ye teachers of the law, I require you to
reply, what saith the holy law of him who is disobedient to the authority
ordained of God }
First Priest {reads), "The man that will do presumptuously, and
will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the
Lord thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die : and thou shalt
put away the evil from Israel."*
Caiaphas, What doth the law ordain concerning him who profaneth
the Sabbath ?
Second Priest {reads), "Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore, for it
is holy unto you : every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death :
for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from his
people."t
Caiaphas, How doth the law punish a blasphemer }
Third Priest {reads), "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying,
Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin. And he that blasphemeth
the name of the Lord he shall surely be put to death ; all the congre-
gation shall certainly stone him, as well the stranger as he that is born in
the land."t
Caiaphas, Thus is judgment declared upon this Jesus of Nazareth,
declared according to the law, and it shall be carried out as soon as
possible. Meanwhile I will have the Condemned safely kept. Lead Him
away ! Guard Him, and with the morning dawn bring Him to the great
Sanhedrim.
* Deut. xvii. 12. t Ex. xxxi. 14. \ Lev. xxiv. 15, 16.
Digitized by
Google
THE HALL IN CAIAPHAS HOUSE. 8i
Selpha. Come on then, Messiah ! We will show Thee Thy palace.
Balbus. There Thou wilt receive due homage. [They lead Him away.
Scene IV.
Caiaphas, We are near our end ! Now, however, determined steps
are necessary !
AIL We will not rest till He be brought to death.
Caiaphas. With the break of day let us re-assemble. Then shall the
judgment be confirmed by the whole assembled Council, and the Prisoner
shall be hereupon immediately brought before Pilate in order that he may
enforce it, and so cause it to be carried out
Priests. May God soon set us free from our Enemy ! \Exeunt omnes.
Scene V.
Judas alone.
Judas, Fearful forebodings drive me hither and thither. That word
in the house of Annas — He must die ! O ! that word pursues me every-
where ! No ! they will not carry it so far ! It were horrible — and I — the
guilt of it ! Here in the house of Caiaphas I will inquire how matters
stand. Shall I go in } I can no longer bear them, these uncertainties,
and I am terrified of attaining certainty, but it must come some time !
[He goes in.
Scene VI.
Night — Hall in the House of Caiaphas. — The maids Sarah and Hagar,
with a Band of Men, — The Servants lie around a large brazier of
coals. — John and Peter, later Selpha, with Christ.
Hagar {to JOHN, who stands at the entrance). John, comest thou also
hither in the middle of the night } Come in then. Here canst thou
warm thyself. Will not ye, men, willingly make a little room for this
young man }
Band of Men. Yea, truly, come in then !
John. Good Hagar, there is yet a companion with me ; might he not
also come in }
Hagar. Where is he } Let him come in. Wherefore should he
stand without in the cold t (JOHN goes to PETER, who is standing at one
sidey but returns alone.\ ^Now, wher^ is he ?
' ' "" *' "'^ "" *'''^ *• G
Digitized by
Google
82 THE PASSION PLAY.
John, He is standing on the threshold, but dares not come in.
Hagar. Come in, good friend, be not afraid.
Band of Men, Friend, come thou also here to us. Warm thyself.
[Peter timidly approaches thefire.^
Servant We still see and hear nothing of the Prisoner.
Band of Men, How much longer must we wait here }
Second Servant, Probably He will come from the audience as one
condemned to death.
First Servant, I marvel if His disciples will not also be sought for.
Band of Men {laughing). That were a fine piece of work, if they
were all to be taken prisoners.
Second Servant, It would not be worth while. If the Master be once
out of the way the Galilaeans would take flight and no longer allow
themselves to be seen in Jerusalem.
First Servant, But at least the one who in the garden took to his
weapon and cut off Malchus' ear ought to receive sharp chastisement.
Band of Men, Yea, for it is said : " An ear for an ear ! "
First Servant, Ha, ha, ha ! but the rule does not apply here, for
Malchus has got his ear back.
Hagar (to Peter). I have been observing thee for some time. If I
mistake not, thou art one of the disciples of the Galilaean } Yea, yea,
thou art.
Peter, I } No — I am not. Woman, I know Him not, neither know
I what thou sayest. \He tries to slip away and passes fiear SARAH.
Sarah, Behold, this fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth !
Several, Art thou also one of His disciples ?
Peter, I am not, on my soul ! I know not the Man. \The cock crows.
Third Servant, Behold this man ! of a truth he also was with Him !
Peter, I know not what ye have to do with me. What is this Man
to me }
Several, Surely thou art one of them ! for thou art a Galilaean, and
thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Peter, May God be my witness that I know not this Man of Whom
ye speak ! \T he cock crows the second time.
Fourth Servant, What, did I not see thee in the garden with Him
when my cousin Malchus had his ear struck off.?
Band of Men (at the fire). Make yourselves ready, they are bringing
in the Prisoner ! [Selpha appears with Christ.
Second Servant, Now, how have things gone .?
Selpha, He is condemned to death.
Band of Men {mocking). Poor King !
[Christ looks sorrowfully upon Peter.
Selpha, Onwards, comrades ! until the morning dawn we must watch
Him.
Second Servant. Come, He will beguile the time for us. [Exeunt.
Digitized by
Google
PETERS REPENTANCE. 83
Scene VII.
Peter alom^ afterwards John. {See p. 20.)
Peter, Ah, dearest Master, how deeply have I fallen ! O weak, O
wretched man ! Thee, my most loving Friend and Teacher, I have
denied — three times have I denied Thee for whom I promised to die. O,
I know not how I could so terribly have forgotten myself ! Accursed be
my shameful betrayal ! May my heart be ever filled with sorrow for this
despicable cowardice ! Lord, my dearest Lord, if Thou hast still grace left
for me, grace for a faithless one, O grant it, grant it even to me ! even
now hearken to the voice of my repentant heart. Alas, the sin has been
committed ; I can never more undo it, but ever, ever will I weep and
repent over it ; never, never more will I leave Thee ! O Thou most full
of goodness, Thou wilt not cast me out ? Thou wilt not despise my
bitter repentance ? No ; the gentle compassionate glance with which
Thou didst look on me. Thy deeply fallen disciple, assures me that Thou
wilt forgive me. This hope I have in Thee, O best of Teachers. And the
whole love of my heart shall from this moment belong to Thee, and keep
me most closely united to Thee. Nothing, nothing shall be able ever
again to separate me from Thee ! \Exit.
John, Where can Peter be gone ? Hath any mischance befallen him ?
Perchance I shall light upon him on the road. I will now go to Bethany.
But, what will thy heart feel, most beloved Mother, when I shall relate all
to thee ! O Judas, what a fearful deed hast thou accomplished !
Scene VIII.
Christ in the midst of the Band of Men, sitting upon a chair.
Servants (one after another). Is not this throne too mean for Thee,
great King?— Hail to Thee, new-born Ruler! But sit more firmly, else
mightest Thou perchance fall down. {He pushes Jesus down.)— Thon art
verily also a Prophet. Then say, great Elias {he strikes Him), who is he
that smote Thee ?— Was it I ? {He also strikes /Tm.)— Hearest Thou
nothing? {He shakes Him,) Sleepest Thou ?— He is deaf and dumb.
A fine Prophet \— {He pushes Him down from the chair so that He falls at
full length) Alas, alas, our King has tumbled from His throne ! — What
is to be done now ? we have no king left ! — Thou art really to be pitied,
Thou great Miracle-worker !— Come, let us help Him up again upon His
throne! — {They raise Him) Get up, mighty King! Receive anew our
homage !
Messenger from Caiaphas {entering). Now, how goes it with the new
King ?
jG 2
Digitized by
Google
y
.84
THE PASSION PLAY.
Band of Men. He speaks and prophesies not; we can do nothing
with Him.
Messenger, The High Priest and Pilate will soon make Him speak.
Caiaphas sends me to bring Him before him.
Selpka, Up, comrades !
Servant {takes jESUS by the cords). Get up, Thou hast been King
long enough.
AIL Away with Thee, Thy kingdom has come to an end !
ACT X.
THE DESPAIR OF JUDAS.
Prologue.
Wherefore wanders Judas thus madly abroad ? Alas ! he is tortured
by the pain of an evil conscience. Blood-guiltiness lies upon his soul, he
roams about in fiery torment — the wages of sin. Weep, O Judas, for
what thou hast committed ! O blot out thy guilt with tears of penitence !
In lowly hope entreat for grace ! Yet doth the door of salvation stand
open to thee. Woe, alas ! Bitterest remorse tortures him indeed, but
through the darkness no ray of hope shines on him. ** Too great ! too
great is my sin ! " he exclaims with Cain, the fratricide. Like him, com-
fortless and unrepentant, wild despair and horror seize upon him. That
is the last wages of sin. This fate doth it urge on.
" O weh dem Menschen !" sprach der Herr
" Der mich wird ubergeben ;
Es ware besser ihm, wenn er
Erhalten nie das Leben."
Chorus.
" Woe to that man," so spake the Lord,
'* By whom I am betray'd.
It had been better for that man
If he had ne'er been bom."
Und dieses Weh, das Jesus sprach,
Folgt Judas auf dem Fusse nach.
In vollen Schaalen wird es sich ergiessen.
Laut schreit um Rache das verkaufte
Blut,
Gegeisselt von deiji nagenden Gewissen,
Gepeitscht von alien Furien der Wuth,
Rennt Judas rasend schon umher
Und findet keine Ruhe mehr.
Bis er, ach I von Verzweiflung fortgerissen
Hinwirft von sich in wilder Hast
Des Lebens unertraglich schwere Last
And now this woe, which Jesus spake.
Follows on th' Iscariot's steps ;
'Twill be poured out in measure full.
The blood he sold for vengeance cries
Aloud : — by gnawing conscience scourged,
Whipt by each Fury's frantic rage,
He now runs raving to and fro,
And finds no rest for evermore.
Till he, alas ! torn by despair,
Casts from him in bewilder'd haste
The load intoFrable of life.
Digitized by
Google
THE SANHEDRIM.
85
TABLEAU.-THE DEATH OF ABEL.
So flieht auch Kaia Ach, wohin !
Du kannst dir selbst doch nicht entflieh'n.
In dir tragst du die Hollenqual ;
Und eilest du von Ort zu Ort,
Sie schwingt die Geissel fort und fort.
Wo du bist, ist sie iiberall ;
Und nie entrinnst du deiner Pein.
Diess soil der Siinder Spiegel sein ;
Denn kommt die Rache heute nicht —
Wird noch dir Himmel borgen ;
So fallt das doppelte Gericht
Auf ihre Haupter morgen.
Thus Cain too flies. Whither, alas !
Thou canst not from thyself escape.
Thou bear'st within thee pains of hell ;
And hast'nest thou from place to place,
Unceasingly the scourge is plied.
Where'er thou art, the scourge is there ;
Thou never canst outrun thy pain.
This shall the sinners' mirror be ;
For if revenge come not to-day —
Yet Heaven on credit still can go ;
So falls the double judgment sore
Upon their heads the morrow mom.
Scene I. (Seep. 21.)
Judas a/o^te.
My fearful foreboding has then become a horrible certainty, Caiaphas
has condemned the Master to death and the Council has concurred in his
judgment. It is over! no hope, no deliverance left. If the Master had
willed to save Himself He would have made them feel His might a second
time in the garden. Now He will do it no more. And what can I do for
Him, I, miserable I, who have delivered Him into their hands ? They
shall have the money again — the blood money : they must give me my
Master back again ! Yet — will He be saved thereby ? O vain hope !
They will scorn me, I know it ! Accursed synagogue ! thou hast seduced
me through thy messengers, hast hidden thy bloody design from me
until thou hadst Him in thy clutches. I will have no part in the blood of
the Innocent ! [Exit.
Scene II.
TAe Sanhedrim.
Caiaphas. I thought, O fathers, that I could not wait till morning
to send the Enemy of the synagogue to His death.
Annas. I also could get not a moment's rest, for eagerness to hear
the judgment pronounced.
All. It is pronounced. He shall and must die !
Caiaphas. I will now have the Criminal brought in again in order
that ye may all be convinced of His being guilty of death.
Digitized by
Google
86 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene III.
Judas hastening in,
Juda$. Is it true ? Have ye condemned my Master to death ?
Rabbi. Why dost thou force thyself in here unsummoned ? Be off !
Thou wilt be called if thou art wanted.
Judas. I must know it Have ye condemned Him ?
All. He must die !
Judas. Woe, woe, I have sinned ! I have betrayed the Righteous !
O ye, ye bloodthirsty judges, ye condemn and murder the guiltless !
All, Peace, Judas, or
Judas, No peace for me for evermore ! No peace for you ! The
blood of the Innocent cries for vengeance !
Caiaphas, What makes thee crazy ? Speak, but speak with reverence.
Thou standest before the Sanhedrim.
Judas, Ye are resolved to give Him up to death Who is pure from
all guilt. Ye dare not ! I protest against it ! Ye have made me a
traitor. Your accursed pieces of silver
Annas. Thou didst thyself make the offer and conclude the bar-
gain
Priest, Recollect thyself, Judas ! Thou hast received what thou didst
desire. And if thou behavest thyself quietly, then mayest thou still
Judas. I will have nothing more ! I tear your shameful treaty in
pieces ! Give up the Innocent One !
Rabbi. Be off, madman !
Judas. I demand the Innocent One back again ! My hand shall be
pure from the blood
Rabbi. What, thou infamous traitor, thou wilt prescribe laws to the
Sanhedrim t Know this I Thy Master must die, and thou hast delivered
Him to death.
AIL He must die !
Judas {with staring eyes). Die } I am a traitor ! {Breaking out
wildly,) Then may ten thousand devils from hell tear me in pieces!
May they grind me to powder ! Here, ye bloodhounds, take your curse,
your blood money ! [He throws down the bag.
Caiaphas. Why didst thou let tiiyself be used for a transaction which
thou hadst not weighed beforehand ?
All. See thou to it.
Ji4das. Then my soul shall be damned, my body burst asunder, and
ye
All, Silence, and take thyself hence !
Judas. Ye shall be dragged with me into the abyss of hell !
[He rushes out.
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST CONDEMNED BY THE COUNCIL. 87
Scene IV.
Caiaphas {after a pause). A fearful man!
Annas. I had some foreboding of it
Priest. It is his own fault.
Caiaphas. He has betrayed his Friend, we prosecute our Enemy. I
stand fast in my resolve, and if there be one here who is of another mind,
let him stand up.
AIL No ! What is determined, let it be carried out !
Caiaphas. What shall we do with this money ? As blood money it may
not be put into the treasury of God.
Priest. A burying-place for strangers is wanted. With this money
a field for it could be bought.
Caiaphas. Is there such a one on sale ?
Priest. A potter in the city has offered a piece of ground for sale, for
just this price.
Caiaphas. Go then and buy it. But now we will no longer delay to
pronounce the last sentence upon the Prisoner.
Rabbi. I will have Him immediately brought in.
Annas. I shall see whether the scorn which He showed towards me
has yet left Him. It will be a true satisfaction to me to have a voice in
the sentence — Let Him die.
Scene V.
Christ before t/ie Sanhedrim.
Selpha {bringing in jESUS). Reverence the Council better than
before.
Caiaphas. Lead Him into the midst
Balbus. Stand forth ! {He pushes the Prisoner forwards)
Caiaphas. Jesus of Nazareth, dost Thou persist in the words which
Thou this night hast spoken before Thy judges ?
Annas. If Thou art the Christ, tell us.
Christ. If I tell you, ye will not believe : and if I also ask you, ye
will not answer me, nor let me go. Hereafter shall the Son of man sit
on the right hand of the power of God.
All. Art Thou then the Son of God >
Christ. Ye say that I am.
Annas. It is enough. What need we any further witness >.
Priests and Pharisees {wfio were not present at the night Council), We
have now heard of His own mouth.
Caiaphas. Fathers of the people of Israel ! it behoves you now to
determine the final sentence as tothe guilt and the punishment of this Man.
Digitized by
Google
88 THE PASSION PLAY.
AIL He IS guilty of blasphemy ! He hath deserved death !
Caiaphas. We will accordingly lead Him before the judgment-seat
of Pilate.
AIL Yea, away with Him ! Let Him die !
Caiaphas, Pilate must, however, be first informed about the matter
in order that he may publish the sentence before the feast. {He sends
a Rabbi and two other members of the Council to PiLATE.) This day will
indeed save the religion of our fathers and exalt the honour of the
synagogue, so that the echo of our renown may resound to our latest
descendants. Lead Him away, we follow !
AIL Death to the Galilaean !
Scene VI,
The Three Messengers of the Sanhedrim before PiLATE's House.
Rabbi, At length we breathe more freely, we have been insulted
long enough.
First Priest. It was full time. His following is already very large.
Rabbi, Now there is nothing more to fear from Him. The traders
have to-day shown the most praiseworthy activity, in order to gain for
us a crowd of determined folk. Ye will see : if it comes to anything,
these will give the tone decidedly. The weak-minded will consent with
them, and the followers of the Nazarene will find it well to be silent, and
to withdraw themselves.
First Priest, How shall we bring our request before Pilate ? We
must not enter the house of the heathen to-day else we shall be unclean
to eat the Passover.
Rabbi, We will have the petition delivered through his people {knocks
at the door. To PlLATE's Servant, who comes out) The High Priest sends
us to petition the sublime representative of Caesar that he would permit
the Council to appear before him, and to bring a Criminal before him for
ratification of His sentence.
Servant, I will at once give the message. [Exit.
First Priest. It is sad that we must knock at a heathen's door in
order to fulfil the claims of the holy law.
Rabbi, Courage ! When once our domestic Enemy is out of the way,
who knows if we shall not soon get rid of this stranger ?
Second Priest, O that I could see the day which will bring freedom
to the children of Israel !
Servant {returning). The Governor greets ye. Ye are to announce
to the High Priests that Pilate is ready to receive the petition of the San-,
hedrim.
Rabbi, Accept our thanks.
Digitized by
Google
DESPAIR OF JUDAS. 89
Second Priest (as they are going), Pilate will surely assent to the
demand of the Sanhedrim ?
Rabbi, He must ! How can he stand out when the Sanhedrim and
the whole people require the death of this Man ?
First Priest. What doth the life of a Galilaean matter to the Governor ?
Even to please the High Priest, which is worth much to him, he will not
hesitate to allow the execution. \Exeunt.
Scene VH. {^See p. 22.)
The End of JUDAS. A Woody Scene,
Judas, Whither shall I go to hide my infamy ? No forest darkness
is secret enough, no rocky cavern deep enough ! Swallow me up, O earth !
Alas, my Master, best of all men, have I sold — delivered Him up to ill-
treatment, to the most agonizing death ! How gracious was He even
towards me ! How He comforted me when gloomy misery often oppressed
my soul I How lovingly did He remind me and warn me, even when
already I brooded over my treachery ! Execrable covetousness, thou
alone hast seduced me ! Alas, now no longer a disciple, never dare I
again come into the presence of one of the brethren ! An outcast — every-
where hated and abhorred even by those who led me astray — I wander
about alone with this glowing fire in my heart ! Alas, if I could only
dare again to behold His countenance, I might cling to Him, the only
Anchor of hope ! but He lies in prison, is perchance already put to death
through the fury of His enemies — ah no! through my guilt! Woe is
me — me, the offscouring of mankind ! For me there is no hope, my crime
can no longer be repaired by any penitence ! He is dead, and I am His
murderer ! Unhappy hour, when my mother bore me ! Shall I any
longer bear these tortures ? No, I will not go a step further ! Here will
I breathe thee out, accursed life ! Let the most miserable of all fruit
hang on this tree ! {He tears off his girdle?) Ha ! come, thou serpent,
twist round me ! strangle the traitor !
\He prepares for suicide. The curtain falls.
Digitized by
Google
90
THE PASSION PLAY.
ACT XI.
CHRIST BEFORE PILATE.
Prologue.
Hardly were the words heard, "Death to Him, the Enemy of
Moses ! " than they are taken up by many voices. Thirsting with tiger-
thirst for the Gentile sentence, ye gather tumultuously together, take
counsel unwearyingly, bring accusation upon accusation, impatiently
expecting the sentence of condemnation. So once against Daniel the
thousand-voiced cry arose, " He has destroyed Baal ! Away with him to
the lions' den ! He shall be their prey ! " Alas ! when deceiving miscon-
ceptions have found entrance into the human heart, man is no longer him-
self. Injustice becomes to him virtue^ whilst he hates and fights against
virtue.
Chorus,
" Gelastert hat er Gott !
Wir brauchen keine Zeugen mehr.
Verdammt zum Tod
1st vom Gesetze er ; '*
So larmet das Synedrium.
" Auf ! zu Pilatus wollen wir,
Ihm unsere Klagen vorzubringen —
Das Todesurtheil zu erzwingen."
*' He hath blasphemed God !
We need no witness more.
Condemned to death
By law is He";—
So rages the SanhedrinL
" Up ! we will hence to Pilate,
Bring our complaints before him.
Sentence of death force from him."
TABLEAU.— DANIEL ACCUSED BEFORE DARIUS.
In diesem stummen Bilde sehet ihr :
Wie Daniel zu Babylon,
Verklagt man falschlich Gottes Sohn.
" Der Gotter Feind ist Daniel !
O Konig ! hore deiner Volker Klagen :
Zerstort hat er den grossen Bel —
Die Priester und den Drachen er erschlagen.
Ergrimmt vor deinem Thron
Erscheint ganz Babylon.
Willst du von Volkes Wuth dich retten ;
So lass den Feind der Gotter todten.
Er sterbe ! — Konig ! nur sein Tod
Versohnet unsem grossen Gott."
So eilt das bose Sanhedrin
Ganz rasend zu Pilatus hin,
Wie jene Schurken dort gethan ;
Look well on this dumb picture : —
As Daniel erst at Babylon,
God's Son they falsely now accuse.
" Foe of the gods is Daniel !
O King, hear thou thy people's plaint :
Great Bel hath he destroyed —
The priests and dragon hath he slain.
Furious before thy Uirone
Appears all Babylon.
The people's wrath wilt thou escape ?
Then give to death the gods' great foe.
Death to him ! Death alone, O King,
Will reconcile our gods to us."
So hastes the wicked Sanhedrim
In furious rage to Pilate,
E'en as diose wretches once had done
Digitized by
Google
BEFORE PILATE'S HOUSE.
91
Und klagt mit wildem Ungestiim,
Vol! Tigerwuth und Lowengrimm,
Die Unschuld auf den Tod nun an.
O Neid 1 satanisches Geziicht,
Was untemimmst, was wagst du nicht^
Um deinen GroU zu stillen ?
Nichts ist dir heilig, nichts zu gut ;
Du opferst AUes deiner Wuth
Und deinem bosen Willen.
Weh dem, den diese Leidenschaft
In Schlangenketten mit sich rafft !—
Vor neidischen Geliisten,
O Briider ! bleibet auf der Hut I
Nie lasset diese Natterbrut
In euren Busen nisten !
And with wild tumult they make suit,
With tiger's rage and lion's wrath,
That Innocence to death be brought
O Envy ! Satan's offspring vile,
What wilt thou not begin — or dare.
To satisfy thy rancorous spite ?
To thee nought holy is, or good ;
All thou dost sacrifice to rage,
And to thy wicked will
Woe to him whom this passion fierce
Draws to itself with serpent-chains !
'Gainst envious desires,
O brothers, be upon your guard !
Nor ever let this viper-brood
Nestle within your hearts.
Scene I. {See pp. 22, 23.)
Before PlLATE*S House. On the left the Sanhedrim^ the Traders and Wit-
nesses ; on the right the Band of Men with jESUS.
Band of Men {bringing jESUS forward). Away with Thee to death,
false Prophet ! — Ha ! Doth it terrify Thee, that Thou wilt not come
forward ?
Selpha, Drive Him on !
Band of Men. Must we carry Thee in our arms ? — Get on ! Thy
journey will not last much longer ! — Only out to Calvary ! There, on the
Cross, canst thou comfortably rest !
Caiaphas. Be quiet ! We wish to have ourselves announced. {They
are quiet) Ye members of the Sanhedrim ! If the holy teaching inherited
by us, if our honour, if the peace of the whole land be still dear to you,
then consider well this moment ! It decides between us and that Deceiver !
If y^ be men in whose veins still flows the blood of your fathers, then
hear us ! An imperishable monument will ye set up for yourselves. Be
firm in your resolve !
The Sanhedrim. Long live our fathers ! Death to the Enemy of our
nation !
Caiaphas. Do not rest till He be blotted out of the number of the
living !
All. We will not rest !
Band of Men. Hearest Thou, O King, O Prophet ?
Digitized by
Google
92 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene II.
Pilate appears with Attendants upon his Balcony.
Caiaphas {bowing. Viceroy of the great Emperor of Rome !
AIL Health and blessings attend thee !
Caiaphas, We have brought a Man, by name Jesus, here before thy
judgment-seat, that thou mayest have executed the sentence of death
pronounced upon Him by the Sanhedrim.
Pilate. Bring Him forth. What accusations bring ye against this
Man ?
Caiaphas. If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered
Him up unto thee, but would have punished Him ourselves according to
the order of our law.
Pilate, Now — what evil deeds hath He committed ?
Caiaphas. He hath in manifold ways gravely offended against the holy
law of Israel.
Pilate. Then take ye Him and judge Him according to your law.
Annas. He hath already been judged by the Sanhedrim and declared
guilty of death.
All the Priests. For according to our law He hath deserved death.
Caiaphas. But it is not lawful for us to put any man to death. There-
fore bring we the demand for the fulfilment of the sentence before the
Viceroy of the Emperor.
Pilate. How can I deliver a man to death without I know his crime,
and before I have convinced myself that the crime is worthy of death ?
What hath He done }
Rabbi. The judgment of the Council against this man was given with
one voice, and grounded upon an exact examination of His crime. There-
fore it does not seem necessary that the noble Governor should give him-
self the trouble of a second inquiry.
Pilate. What? Ye dare to suggest to me, who stand in the
Emperor's place, that I should be a blind tool for the execution of your
resolve } That be far from me ! I must know what law He hath trans-
gressed, and in what manner.
Caiaphas. We have a law, and by our law He ought to die, because
He made Himself the Son of God.
Annas. Therefore must we insist that He suffer the lawful punish-
ment of death.
Pilate. On account of such a speech, which at worst is only the dream
of a fanciful imagination, a Roman can find no one guilty of death. Who
knows, too, if this Man be not the Son of some god ? If you have no
other crime to lay to His charge do not expect that I shall fulfil your
desire.
Caiaphas. Not merely against our holy law, but also against the
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST BEFORE PILATE. 93
Emperor himself has this Man been guilty of grave crimes. We have
found Him an insurgent and a deceiver of the people.
All, He stirreth up the people ; He is a rebel !
Pilate, I have indeed heard of One Jesus Who goeth about the
land and teacheth and doeth marvellous works ; but never have I heard
of any insurrection stirred up by Him. If anything of the sort had
happened, I should have known it before you, since I am placed in this
country for the administration of peace, and am perfectly informed con-
cerning the doings and practices of the Jews. But say : when and where
did He stir up an insurrection >
Nathanael, He bringeth troops of people in thousands around Him,
and just a short time ago, surrounded by such a crowd. He made a
solemn entry into Jerusalem itself.
Pilate, I know it, but nothing seditious was caused by it.
Caiaphas, Is it not sedition when He forbids the people to give tribute
to Caesar }
Pilate, Where is your proof }
Caiaphas, Proof sufficient, since He gives Himself out for the Mes-
siah, the King of Israel! Is not that a challenge for the downfall of the
Emperor }
Pilate. I marvel at your suddenly-aroused zeal for the authority of
Caesar. (Ti? Christ) Hearest Thou what heavy complaints these bring
against Thee ? What answerest Thou ? [Christ is silent,
Caiaphas, See ! He cannot deny it.
Priest, His silence is a confession of His crime.
All (making a tumult). Sentence Him, then !
Pilate. Patience ! there is time enough for that. I will take Him
apart for a private hearing. {To his Attendants) Perchance, when He is no
longer affrighted by the crowd and the fury of His accusers. He will speak
and answer me. Let Him be brought into the porch. [To the Servant.)
Go ; my soldiers will take charge of Him. {To the Members of the
Coundf) And ye — consider once again the ground, or want of ground,
for your complaints, and examine well whether they do not perchance
spring from an impure source. Let me then know your sentiments.
\Tums away from them.
Rabbi {going away). This is a troublesome delay.
Caiaphas. Do not lose courage. Victory belongs to the steadfast !
Scene III.
Pilate and Attendants, Christ is brought forth upon the Balcony,
Pilate {to Christ). Thou hast heard the accusation of the Council
against Thee. Give me an answer thereto ! Thou hast, they say, called
Thyself the Son of God. Whence art Thou.? (Christ is silent^
Digitized by
Google
94 THE PASSION PLAY.
Speakest Thou not unto me ? Knowest Thou not that I have power to
crucify Thee, and have power to release Thee ?
Christ Thou couldst have no power at all against me except it were
given thee from above. Therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath
the greater sin.
Pilate {aside). Frankly spoken ! {To Christ) Art Thou the King
of the Jews ?
Christ. Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee
of me ?
Pilate. Am I a Jew ? Thine own nation and the chief Priests have
delivered Thee unto me. They accuse Thee, that Thou hast desired to
be the King of Israel. What hast Thou done ?
Christ, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of
this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered
to the Jews ; but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Pilate. Art Thou a King, then }
Christ, Thou sayest it I am a King. To this end was I born, and
for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the
truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Pilate. What is truth ?
Scene IV.
Enter Servant of PiLATE.
Servant. My lord, thy consort greeteth thee, and earnestly prays thee
for the sake of thine own and her welfare that thou wouldst have nothing
to do with that just Man, Who has been accused before thy judgment-
seat. She has suffered anguish and terror this night in a fearful dream
because of Him.
Pilate. Go hence and tell her that she may be without anxiety. I
will take no part in the attempts of the Jews, but rather do everything
to save Him. ^^
Scene V.
Pilate {to his Attendants). I would that I knew nothing of this
matter. What think ye, my friends, of the complaints of the Jewish priests ?
First Courtier. They are only impelled by envy and jealousy. The
most passionate hatred expresses itself in their words and their mien.
Second Courtier. The hypocrites pose as though they had the
authority of the Emperor much at heart, while there is no question except
of their own authority, which they believe endangered through this famous
Teacher of the people.
Pilate. I think as you do. I cannot believe that this Man hath any
criminal plans in His mind. There is something so noble in His features
Digitized by
Google
CAIAPHAS AND PILATE. 95
and His demeanour, — His words also exhibit such noble frankness and
high endowments, that He appears to me to be far more a very wise Man,
perchance too wise, for these gloomy men to bear the light of His
wisdom. — And the sorrowful dream of my consort concerning Him ? — If
perchance He were truly of a higher origin ? — No ! I will by no means
permit myself to meet the wishes of the priesthood. ( To the Servant)
Let the High Priest again appear here, — ^and let the Accused be again led
from the judgment-halL \Exit the Servant.
Scene VI.
The same. The Sanhedrim under the Bakony.
Pilate, Here ye have your Prisoner again. He is without fault.
Annas, We have the Emperor's word that our law shall be uprightly
maintained. How can He be found without guilt who trod under foot
this same law }
All, He is guilty of death !
Caiaplias, Is He not also punishable by the Emperor when He has
maliciously injured that which the Emperor's will has secured to us ?
Pilate, I have told you already: if He hath committed anything
against your law, then punish Him according to your law, so far as ye
are authorized thereto. I cannot pronounce the sentence of death upon
Him because I find nothing in Him which, after the law by which I have
to judge Him, deserveth death.
Caiaphas. If any one giveth himself out as a king, is he not a rebel }
Doth he not deserve the punishment of high treason — the punishment of
death }
Pilate, If this Man hath called Himself a King, this ambiguous word
merely doth not justify me in condemning Him. With us it is openly
taught that every wise man is a king. But ye have brought forward no
facts as to His usurping kingly power.
Nathanael, Is it not fact enough when He stirreth up the people,
teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee, where He first
gathered followers together, to this place.
Pilate. Hath He come out of Galilee }
All, Yea, He is a Galilaean.
Rabbi. His home is Nazareth, in King Herod's jurisdiction.
Pilate, If that be so, I am spared the office of judge. Herod, the
King of Galilee, has come hither to the Feast ; he may now judge his
subject. Take Him away, and bring Him to His king. He shall be con-
ducted by my body-guard. {Exit with his Attendants,
Caiaphas, Away, then, to Herod ! With him who professes himself
of the faith of our fathers shall we find better protection for our holy law.
All {to Christ). An hour sooner or later ! But Thou must come
to it To-day also ! [Exeunt omnes.
Digitized by
Google
96
THE PASSION PLAY.
ACT XII. {See^. 23.)
Christ before Herod.
Prologue.
He, the most loving, meets with fresh outrages before Herod, because
He does not flatteringly exercise the gifts of a seer before that vain prince,
or work miracles. Therefore is Wisdom Itself by fools despised as a fool,
and, arrayed in a white garment, set forth as a spectacle for a short time
to the mocking servants of the king. Samson, the dread hero-youth, now
bereft of eyesight and fettered, is laughed at and despised for his weak-
ness by the Philistines. Yet, He who now seems weak will show forth
strength. He who seems cast down will shine forth in greatness. Above
worthless scorn Virtue reigns sublime.
Chorus,
Vergebens spriihet vor des Richters
Schranken
Erboster Hass der Lastrung Flammenglut
Der Richtertritt entgegen ohne Wanken ;
An seiner Feste bricht der Feinde
Wuth.
Doch niht sie nicht I — Bekiimmert gehen
Wir Jesu zu H erodes nach.
Dort — ach ! — betriibten Herzens sehen
Wir Ihm bereitet neue Schmach.
In vain within the judgment-hall shoots
forth
Wild hate, the glowing flames of calumny.
To meet them comes the judge unwavering ;
The foe's wrath breaks upon his stead-
fastness.
Yet rest they not 1 — Sadly we must follow
Jesus to Herod.
There, ah, with mournful hearts we see
Fresh shame prepared for Him.
TABLEAU.— SAMSON MAKING SPORT FOR THE PHILISTINES.
Chorus^
Seht Samson : Seht die starke Hand —
Sie muss der Knechtschaft Fessel
tragen !
Der Held, der Tausende geschlagen —
Er tragt des Sklaven Spottgewand 1
Den Feinden einst so furchterlich
Dient er zu ihres Hohnes Ziele ;
Philister brauchen ihn zum Spiele,
Erfreu'n an seiner Schwache sich.
So steht auch Jesus, Gottes Sohn,
Zu stolzer Thoren Augenweide,
Geschmaht, verlacht im weissen Kleide,
Und iiberhauft mit Spott und Hohn.
See Samson : See how the strong hand
The chains of slavery must bear I
The hero, who a thousand slew.
Slave's garb of scorn he now must wear.
So dreadful once to enemies.
He serves as aim for all their scorn \
Philistines use him for their sport,
Rejoice themselves in his decay.
Thus also Jesu, God's Son, stands,
The gazing-stock of haughty fools,
Revird, derided, in white robes,
And overwhelmed with spite and score.
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST BEFORE HEROD. 97
Scene I.
A Hall, — Herod and his Court,
Herod. So they have the renowned Magician Jesus of Nazareth as
Prisoner with them. Of a long season have I been desirous to see Him
of whose works so much is spoken. I will prove His miraculous power.
Courtier. He will surely be willingly ready, O King, to show forth
His works to thee in order to gain thy favour against His accusers.
Herod. They may bring their accusations before Pilate; I have
nothing to examine here, and nothing to pronounce.
Courtier. Perchance the Governor has sent them away, and now they
seek to attain their end in another way.
Herod. I will not meddle with their pious squabbles, I will only see
Him and prove His miraculous powers.
Scene H.
The j/3:;«^.— Caiaphas, ANNAS, PRIESTS. — CHRIST led by Soldiers.
Caiaphas. Most mighty king !
All the Priests. Hail and blessing !
Caiaphas. The Sanhedrim has seized a Seducer and brings Him
before the king for confirmation of the lawful punishment.
Herod. How can I give judgment in a foreign territory? . . . {To
Christ) Give us a proof of Thy. learning, we will then together with the
people honour Thee and believe on Thee.
Priests. O King, let not thyself be led astray ! He is in covenant
with Beelzebub.
Herod. It is the same to me. Tell me, what did I dream last night }
(Christ is silent.) Perchance Thou canst interpret to me my dream. (He
relates it. CHRIST answers not?) Thou art not well skilled in this line of
business } Then cause that this hall may suddenly become dark, change
that roll there, which contains Thy sentence, into a serpent ! {To his
Courtiers) He knows nothing and can do nothing. He is a fool, whom
the applause of the people has made crazy. {To the PRIESTS) Let Him go !
Caiaphas. O King, trust Him not ! He only pretends to be a fool
in order to get a mild sentence from thee by artifice.
Annas. Even the person of the king is in danger, for He has given
Himself out as a King.
Herod. He ! As a King } As a King of fools ! As such He de-
serves homage, therefore will I give Him a king's robe and formally in-
stall Him as King of fools. [He makes a sign to a servant.
Priests. Not so, He hath deserved death !
Caiaphas. O King, think upon thy duty to punish the transgressor of
the law !
H
Digitized by
Google
98 THE PASSION PLAY.
Herod, What have ye exactly against Him ?
Rabbi, He hath profaned the Sabbath !
Nathanael, He hath blasphemed God !
Priest He hath declared that He will destroy the Temple, and in
three days will build it up.
Herod, Well, He hath rightly proved Himself a King of fools.
Priest, He hath so far presumed, O King, as to call thee a fox.
Herod, Then hath He laid to my door a quality which entirely suits
Himself. {A Servant comes with a robe,) Array Him ! Thus shall He play
His part amongst the people.
Priests, He shall die !
Herod. No, I will not shed the blood of so exalted a King. Bring
Him before the people, that they may marvel at Him to their hearts'
desire. [The Soldiers lead jESUS away amidst mocking words.
Scene HI.
Caiaphas, Thou seest now, O King, that His mighty works are
nothing but lies and deceit, by which He hath seduced the people ; give
then thy sentence.
Herod, My sentence is : He is a simple fellow, and not capable of the
crime of which ye accuse Him.
Caiaphas, O King, give heed that thou deceive not thyself.
Herod, One must deal with fools as fools. My court of justice is
over.
Rabbi, So this has come to pass concerning the law, Moses, and the
prophets !
Herod, I hold by my sentence. I am weary, and will no longer
meddle with the story. Pilate may decide according to the duty of his
office. Offer him greeting and friendly salutation from King Herod.
[Exeunt the PRIESTS.
Scene IV.
Herod. I was mistaken. Instead of a worker of miracles, I found a
quite ordinary man.
Courtier, How doth lying report know how to embellish things !
Herod, Friend, That is no John. John spake with a wisdom and
power which one was forced to esteem, but this Man is as dumb as a fish.
Courtier, I am only surprised at the bitter hatred of the Priests
against Him.
Herod, If Pilate had found Him a State Criminal he would not have
sent Him to me ; but enough of this wearisome matter, we will make
amends for lost time by better entertainment.
Digitized by
Google
99
ACT XIII.
The Scourging and Crown of Thorns,
Prologue.
Alas ! what a sight here presents itself to our eyes, ever to be con-
templated by the disciples of Christ ! The body of the Lord wounded
all over with innumerable blows of the scourge, His head crowned with a
sharp, thorny wreath ! His countenance scarcely recognizable, running
down with blood ! who would not here shed a tear of inmost pity ? When our
father Jacob beheld the bloody coat of his beloved how did he tremble and
weep, full of sorrow, giving way to heartrending cries of grief! Let us
also weep when we see the Divine Friend of our soul endure such things,
for ah ! on account of our sins is He wounded and torn.
Chorus.
Sie haben noch nicht ausgewiithet —
Nicht ist der Rache Durst gestiUt
Nur uber Mordgedanken briitet
Die Schaar, von Satans GroU erfiillt
Kann diese Herzen denn nichts mehr
erweichen ?
Auch nicht ein Leib, zerfleischt von Geis-
selstreichen,
Mit Wunden ohne Zahl bedeckt ?
Ist nichts, was noch ein Mideid weckt ?
Not yet have they from raging ceased —
Their thirst for vengeance is not still'd ;
Only on thoughts of murder broods
The band, with Satan's hatred fill'd.
Can nought e'er soften then these hearts ?
Not e'en a body, torn by scourge-strokes,
Covered with wounds innumerable ?
Can sympathy by nought be waked ?
FIRST TABLEAU.— JOSEPH'S BRETHREN BRINGING HIS BLOODY
COAT TO JACOB.
Chorus,
O ! welche schaudervolle Scene,
Des Josephs Rock mit Blut besprengt
Und an den Wangen Jacobs hangt
Der tiefsten Trauer heisse Thrane.
" Wo ist mein Joseph ? meine Wonne !
An dessen Aug* mein Auge ruht.
An diesem Rocke hangt das Blut,
Das Blut von Joseph — ^meinem Sohne.
Ein wildes Thier hat ihn zerrissen,
Zerrissen meinen Liebling. Ach !
Dirwill ich nach — dir, Joseph ! nach;
KeinTrost kann diess mein Leid versiissen."
O, what a scene of horror dire !
The coat of Joseph stained with blood,
And Jacob's aged cheeks are wet
With bitter tears of deepest grief.
" Where is my Joseph ? where my joy,
In whose sweet eyes mine eyes find rest ?
The blood is dripping from this coat.
The blood of Joseph — of my son.
A wild beast must have mangled him,
Tom him, my darling. Ah, alas !
Thee, Joseph, will I follow soon ;
My pain no comfort can assuage."
H 2
140861
Digitized by
Google
lOO
THE PASSION PLAY.
So jarnmert er— so wimmert er
Um Joseph — und er ist nicht mehr.
So wird auch Jesu Leib zerrissen
Mit wilder Wuth,
Sein kostbar Blut
In Stromen aus den Wunden fliessen.
Thus mourns he — thus doth he lament
For Joseph — that he is no more.
Thus Jesu's body will be torn
With wildest rage,
His Precious Blood
In streams from every wound will flow.
SECOND TABLEAU.— THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC.
" Abraham ! Abraham ! todt' ihn nicht.
Dein Glaube hat "—so spricht
Jehova — " ihn, den Einzigen gegeben ;
Er soil nun wieder dein — zum Volker-
Gliicke leben."
Und Abra'm sah im Domgestrauch
Verwickelt einen Wider steh'n ;
Er nahm, und opferte sogleich
Ihn, von Jehova ausersehn.
Ein gross Geheimniss zeigt diess Bild
Im heiPgen Dunkel noch verhiillt.
Wie dieses Opfer einst auf Moria,
Steht Jesus bald gekront mit D6rnem da.
Der Dombekronte wird fiir uns sein Leben,
Wie es der Vater will, zum Opfer geben.
Wo trifft man eine Liebe an.
Die dieser Liebe gleichen kann?
" Abraham ! Abraham ! slay him not
Thy faith hath "—thus saith
Jehovah — "giv'n up thine only son :
Thine now again — for nations' weal shall
live."
Within the thicket Abr'am saw
A ram caught in the thorny shoots,
He took and quickly offered it,
Jehovah's chosen sacrifice.
This type shows a great mystery
Still veiled in holy twilight gloom.
As once Moriah's sacrifice,
With thorns crown'd Christ will soon
appear.
The Thom-Crown'd will for us His life
An ofTring give — the Father's Will
Where can we ever find a love
Which to this Love can equal be ?
Scene I. {See p. 24.)
Caiaphas, Annas, the Council, the Traders and the Witnesses appear
again^ with CHRIST led by Soldiers, before PiLATE'S House.
Caiaphas, Now must we the more importunately challenge Pilate, and
if he doth not judge after our will then shall the authority of the Emperor
force the sentence from him.
Annas, Shall I now in my old age see the synagogue destroyed.?
But no ! with stammering tongue will I call for blood and death upon this
Criminal, and then descend to my father's sepulchre if I can see this
Malefactor die upon the cross.
Rabbi, We will sooner allow ourselves to be buried beneath the ruins
of the Temple than go back from our resolve.
Pharisees, We must not give it up until He be given up to death.
Caiaphas, He who doth not stand by this resolution, let him be put
out of the synagogue.
Annas, Let the curse of our fathers light upon Him !
Caiaphas. Time presses, the day wears on, now must all means be
employed that even to-day before the feast our will be accomplished.
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST BROUGHT AGAIN TO PILATE. loi
Scene II.
Pilate appears with Attendants upon the Balcony.
Caiapkas. We bring the Prisoner once more before thy judgment-seat,
and earnestly require His death.
Priests and Pharisees, We insist upon it ! He must die !
Pilate, Ye have brought this Man unto me as one that perverteth the
people ; and, behold, I, having examined Him before you, have found no
fault in this Man touching those things whereof ye accuse Him.
Caiapkas. We stand by our accusation. He is a Criminal worthy of
death !
Priests, A Criminal against our law and against the Emperor.
Pilate. Because He is a Galilaean, I have sent him to Herod. Have
ye then brought forward your accusations ?
Caiapkas. Yea, Herod would decide nothing, because here thou art
in authority.
Pilate. He also found nothing worthy of death in Him, therefore, in
order to meet your demands, I will cause this Man to be chastised with
scourging ; but then release Him.
Annas. That sufficeth not !
Caiapkas. The law doth not award to such a Criminal the punishment
of scourging, but that of death.
Priests, To death with Him !
Pilate. Is your hatred against this Man so deep and bitter that it
cannot be satisfied by blood from His wounds i Ye force me to say openly
to you that which I think. Moved by ignoble passion, ye persecute Him,
because the people are better inclined to Him than to you. I have long
enough heard your hateful accusations, I will now. hear the voice of the
people. A countless multitude will soon assemble here, in order, after
ancient custom, to request the release of a prisoner at the feast of the
Passover. Then will it be shown whether your accusations are the ex-
pression of the people's mind or only of your personal hatred.
Caiapkas {bowing). It will be shown, O Governor, that thou unjustly
thinkest evil of us.
Priest. Truly, not hatred but holy zeal for the law of God is it which
moves us to desire His death.
Pilate. Ye know of the murderer Barabbas, who lies in fetters, and of
his evil deeds. I will give the people the choice between him and Jesus of
Nazareth. Him whom they desire, him will I release.
All. Release Barabbas unto us and crucify Jesus.
Pilate, Ye are not the people, the people will speak for themselves,
meanwhile I will chastise Him. {To a Servant) Let the soldiers lead Him
away and scourge Him after the Roman law. {To tkose around kim)
Whatsoever He hath done amiss will thereby be sufficiently expiated,
and perchance the sight of the Scourged One may mitigate the wrath of
His enemies. [Exit with Attendants.
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
I02 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene III. {See p. 25.)
The Priests, etc.^ beneath tlie empty Balcony.
Caiaphas, Pilate appeals to the voice of the people. Good, we will
appeal to the same. {To the Traders ^«^/ Witnesses) Now, gallant
Israelites, your time has come. Go hence into the streets of Jerusalem
and summon your friends to come hither. Bring them together in a close
band ! Inflame them with the most fiery hatred against the Enemy of
Moses. Seek to win the weak-minded by the power of your words, and
by promises. Terrify the follov/ers of the Galilaean by a united outcry
against them, by insult and storm, and, if it must be, through ill-treat-
ment, so that none of them may dare to let themselves be seen here, much
less to open their mouths.
Traders and Witnesses. We will hasten hence and quickly return,
each one at the head of an inflamed troop.
Caiaphas. We will all assemble in the street of the Sanhedrim.
{Exeunt the Traders. The Priests call after them : Hail, true
disciples of Moses !
Caiaphas. Let us now not delay a moment ! Let us go to meet the
different bands to encourage them, and to inflame them !
Annas. From all the streets of Jerusalem we will then bring the
assembled people before the judgment-hall.
Rabbi. Since Pilate wishes to hear the voice of the people, let him
hear it !
Caiaphas. Let him hear the cry of the nation with one voice. Re-
lease unto us Barabbas, and crucify the Galilaean!
All. Release unto us Barabbas, and crucify the Galilaean ! [Exeunt.
Scene IV.
Christ stripped of His Garments, and His Hands bound to a low Pillar,
around Him the Soldiers.
Soldiers {one after another). Now hath He enough. He is all
running down with blood ! — Thou poor King of the Jews ! — But what a
King is that? He bears no sceptre in His hand, no crown upon His
head ? — That can be mended. I will at once fetch the ensigns of the
Jewish kingdom. {He brings a purple robe, the crown of thorns, and the
reed.) Here ! that is truly a most fair adornment for the King of the Jews !
Thou didst not expect such honour, didst Thou } — Come, let the purple
robe fall around Thee ; but sit down, a King must not stand. And here
is a fine pointed crown ! {They put it on Him.) Show Thyself! {Laughter)
In order, however, that it fall not from His head, it must be firmly set
Digitized by
Google
THE CROWN OF THORNS.
103
on. Here, brothers, help me ! {Four Soldiers take hold of the etids of two
staves and press down the crown, CHRIST shrinks in pain.) Here is the
sceptre ! — Now nothing more is wanting to Thee. — What a King ! {They
kneel before Him.) Hail, Mighty King of the Jews !
Servant of Pilate {coming in). The Prisoner must immediately be
brought to the judgment-hall.
Soldiers. Thou comest at a wrong time, thou hast disturbed us in the
midst of our marks of reverence. Get upl They want to carry Thee
about for a show. There will be rejoicing amongst the people of the
Jews when their King appears before them in fullest pomp.
[Exeunt with jESUS.
ACT XIV. {See^.2S.)
Jesus condemned to Death.
Prologue.
The Redeemer stands forth an Image of sorrow. Himself moved
with compassion, Pilate brings Him forth. Hast thou then no pity, O
befooled, deceived people } No ! Seized with madness, they cry, Crucify
Him ! They demand torture and death for the Holiest and pardon for
the murderer Barabbas. O how differently did Joseph once stand before
the people of Egypt ! Songs of gladness and jubilation sounded in his
ears ; he was solemnly installed as the saviour of Egypt. But around
Him, the Saviour of the world, rages a deceived people, who rest not and
cease not until" the judge unwillingly pronounces: Take ye Him and
crucify Him.
Chorus.
Ach seht den Konig ! seht zum Hohne
Gekront ihn ! ach, mit welcher Krone !
Und welch ein Scepter in der Hand !
Mit Purpur seht ihr ihn behangen ;
Ach ja ! im rothen Lappen prangen.
1st das des Konigs Festgewand ?
Wo ist an ihm der Gottheit Spur ?
Ach ! welch ein Mensch !
Ein Wurm — ein Spott der Henker nur.
O see the King ! See Him in scorn
As monarch-crowned— with what a crown !
And with what sceptre in his hand !
See Him in purple robe arrayed.
Yea, and with crimson rays bedeck^.
Is that the festal garb of Kings ?
Where is in Him the Godhead's mark ?
Behold the Man !
A worm — the scorn of hangmen now*
FIRST TABLEAU.—JOSEPH MADE GOVERNOR OVER EGYPT.
Seht ! welch ein Mensch ! —
Zur Hoheit Joseph auserwahlt
Seht ! welch ein Mensch ! —
Zum Mitleid Jesu vorgestellt.
Behold the man !
Joseph is called to dignity —
Behold the Man !
Jesu brought forth for sympathy.
Digitized by
Google
104
THE PASSION PLAY.
Laut soil es durch Aegypten schallen :
Es lebe Joseph hoch und hehr !
Und tausendfach soil's wiederhallen :
Aegyptens Vater — Freund ist er !
Und Alles stimme — gross und klein —
In unsern frohen Jubel ein !
Du bist Aegyptens Trost und Freude,
Ein Gliick wie ihm noch keines war.
Dir, Joseph, bringt Aegypten heute
Die Huldigung voll Jubel dar.
Laut soil es durch Aegypten schallen {wie
oben).
Als zweiter Landesvater thronet
Er nun in uns'rer Mitt und Brust !
Der Herbes uur mit Segen lohnet —
Ihm Heil ! des Landes Stolz und Lust.
Laut soil es durch Aegypten schallen {wie
oben).
Loud shall it ring through Egjrpt's coasts
" Live Joseph long ! both high and great !
A thousand times shall it resound :
" Father of Egypt !— friend to all ! "
And all unite, both great and small,
In our triumphant jubilee.
Of Egypt thou the stay and joy,
And blessing, such as ne'er has been.
Joseph, to-day doth Egypt bring
Her homage full of joy to Thee.
Loud shall it ring through Egypt's coasts
&c.
The country's second father, he
Now reigns within our realm and hearts !
E'en the perverse with blessing pays —
Hail to him ! Egypt's pride and joy !
Loud shall it ring through Egypt's coasts,
&c.
SECOND TABLEAU.-
-THE GOAT SACRIFICED AS A SIN-OFFERING.
Chorus.
Des alten Bundes Opfer diess,
Wie es Jehova bringen liess :
Zwei Bocke wurden vorgestellt,
Dariiber dann das Loos gefallt,
Wen sich Jehova auserwahlt
Jehova, durch das Opferblut
Sei deinem Volke wieder gut.
Das Blut der Bocke will der Herr
Im neuen Bunde nimmermehr ;
Ein neues Opfer fordert er.
Ein Lamm von aller Makel rein
Muss deises Bundes Opfer sein.
Den Eingebornen will der Herr ;
Bald kommt — bald fallt — bald blutet er.
The ancient covenant's oflf ring this,
As God ordain'd it should be brought.
Two goats before His altar placed,
And then on one the lot doth fall —
The one by God chos'n for Himself.
Jehovah ! through blood-offering
Again be to Thy people good !
The blood of goats the Lord doth will
No more in the new covenant ;
New sacrifice He doth require.
A Lamb from every blemish pure
Must of this cov'nant ofF'ring be.
His only Son the Lord demands ;
He Cometh quickly — falls — and bleeds.
A double Chorus now begins^ the " Schutzgeister " singing alternately with the People
in the Streets of Jerusalem^ behind the Scenes,
Chorus. Ich hore schon ein Mordgeschrei !
Volk, Barabbas sei
Von Banden frei !
Chorus. Nein ! Jesus sei
Von Banden frei !
Wild tonet, ach ! der Morder Stimm' :
Volk. An's Kreuz mit ihm ! an's Kreuz
mit ihm !
Chorus. Ach ! seht ihn an ! ach ! seht ihn
an !
Was hat er boses wohl gethan !
Volk. Entlasst du diesen Bosewicht,
Dann bist des Kaisers Freund du nicht.
Chorus, A murderous cry e'en now I hear !
People, Barabbas be
From fetters free !
Chorus. No ! Jesus be
From fetters free !
Wild rings, alas ! the murderer's cry.
People, To the Cross with Him !
To the Cross with Him !
Chorus. Behold Him ! ah ! behold ye
Him!
What evil ever hath He done .^
People. If thou release this wretched One,
Then art thou not great Caesar's friend.
Digitized by
Google
THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM.
105
Chorus, Jerusalem ! Jerusalem !
Das Blut des Sohnes rachet noch an
euch der Hern
Volk, Es falle iiber uns und unsere
Kinder her !
Chorus. Es komme iiber euch und eure
Kinder !
Chorus. Jerusalem ! Jerusalem !
The blood of His Son will the Lord yet
avenge on you !
People, His blood be on us, and on our
children !
Chorus, Be it then upon you, and on your
children !
Scene I.
Three hands of the people, each headed by PRIESTS and PHARISEES enter
from the three streets of ferusalem. Traders and Witnesses in each
band. The band advancing from the right is led by the priest
Nathanael, that on the left entering by PlLATE*S house is led by
EZEKIEL. The middle band is preceded by Caiaphas and ANNAS.
Each of the four leaders excites and inflames his band ; even from afar
their cry is heard. The four bands advance to the foreground, and
unite in one mass, which acts, rages, and cries out as one man.
For convenience the four bands of people are denoted by numbers,
Nathanael, Moses, your prophet, calls upon you ! His holy law calls
you to vengeance!
First Band, We belong to Moses ! We are and will remain followers
of Moses and of his teaching.
Third Band, We hold fast by our priests and scribes. Away with
Him who rises up against them !
Fourth Band, Ye are our fathers. We will answer for your honour.
Annas, Come, children, cast yourselves into the arms of the holy
Sanhedrim, it will save you.
Ezekiel, Shake it off, shake it off, the yoke of the Deceiver !
Second Band, We will not know Him any longer, we follow you !
Third Band, The whole people applaud you !
Fourth Band, We will be free from the false Teacher, the Nazarene !
Four Leaders, Your fathers' God will again receive you, ye are once
more a holy people unto Him !
The whole Multitude, Ye are our true friends. Long live the great
Sanhedrim ! Long live our teachers and priests !
Annas, And death to the Galilaean I
Caiaphas. Up, let us hasten hence to Pilate ! The Nazarene shall
die !
The Leaders, He hath falsified the law ! He hath despised Moses and
the prophets !
The whole Multitude, Death to the false Prophet !
Second Band, Crucify Him !
Second and Third Bands, Pilate must have Him crucified !
The Leaders, On the cross shall He expiate His crime !
Digitized by
Google
io6 THE PASSION PLAY.
Third and Fourth Bands, We will not rest till the sentence be pro-
nounced. [The whole crowd of people is now in the foreground,
Caiaphas {dominating the people with glance and gesture). Hail,
children of Israel ! Yea, ye are still worthy descendants of your father
Abraham! O rejoice that ye have escaped the unspeakable perdition
which this Deceiver was fain to bring upon you and your children !
Annas {Caiaphas at his side). Only the untiring efforts of your
fathers have preserved the nation from the abyss !
The whole Multitude, Long live the Council ! Death to the Na-
zarene !
Priests and Pharisees, Cursed be he who doth not cr>' out for His
death!
The People, We require His death!
Caiaphas, Let Him be cast out of the heritage of our fathers !
The People, Let him be cast out !
Caiaphas. The Governor will give you the choice between this
Blasphemer of God and Barabbas. Let us insist upon the release of
Barabbas !
The People, Let Barabbas go free and the Nazarene perish !
Annas. We thank you, O fathers, ye have listened to our desire !
All, Pilate must consent, the whole nation demands it from him !
Caiaphas, Fairest day to the children of Israel ! Children, be stead-
fast I
Priests and Pharisees, This day restores honour to the synagogue and
peace to the people.
Caiaphas {cipproaching PlLATE*s house). Demand the sentence with
tumult. Threaten a universal insurrection !
All {tumultuously). We require the blood of our Enemy !
A Servant of Pilate {rushing out of the house). Uproar ! Insurrec-
tion !
People, The Nazarene must die !
Caiaphas, Show courage ! Stand out unterrified ; the righteous
cause defends us.
All, Pilate, pronounce the sentence of death !
Servant (from the balcony). Quiet ! Peace !
All, No, we will not rest till Pilate consent!
Servant, Pilate will immediately appear. [Exit,
AIL We demand the death of the Nazarene !
Caiaphas {to the PRIESTS). Now may Pilate, as he desired, be able
to learn the mind of the people.
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
ECCE HOMO. 107
Scene II. (5^^ pp. 26, 27.)
The same. Pilate with Attendants and with the thorn-crowned CHRIST,
led by two Soldiers^ upon the Balcofty.
All, Give judgment ! Sentence Him !
Pilate {pointing to Jesus). Behold the Man !
Priests and Pharisees, Crucify Him !
Pilate, Cannot even this pitiable sight win compassion from your
hearts ?
All, Let Him die ! Crucify Him !
Caiaphas. Hear, O Governor, the voice of the people ! it consents to
our accusation and demands His death.
People, Yea, we desire His death !
Pilate {to the Soldiers). Lead Him below, and let Barabbas be
brought hither from the prison ! Let the jailor deliver him up immediately
to the chief lictor.
Annas. Let Barabbas live! Pronounce the sentence of death on the
Nazarene !
The People, Death to the Nazarene !
Pilate, I cannot comprehend this people. But a few days ago ye
followed this Man rejoicing and answering one another with shouts of
triumph, through the streets of Jerusalem. Is it possible that to-day the
same people should call out for His death and destruction ? That is
despicable fickleness.
Caiaphas. The good people have at last learnt to see that they were
deceived by an Adventurer who pretended to call Himself the Messiah,
the King of Israel.
Nathafiael. Now the eyes of this people are fully opened, so that they
see how that He cannot help Himself, — He, who promised to bring
freedom and prosperity to the nation.
Ezekiel. Israel will have no Messiah who lets Himself be taken and
bound and treated with every kind of scorn !
The People. Let Him die, the false Messiah, the Deceiver !
Pilate, Men of the Jewish people ! ye have a custom that I should
release a prisoner unto you at the feast. Look now upon these two ! The
One — of gentle countenance, of noble demeanour, the Image of a wise
Teacher, Whom ye have long honoured as such, convicted of no one evil
deed, and already humiliated by the most severe chastisement ! the other
a vicious, savage man, a convicted robber and murderer, the horrible image
of a finished scoundrel ! I appeal to your reason, to your human feeling !
Choose ! Whom will ye that I release unto you, Barabbas, or Jesus,
whom ye call Christ }
Priests and People. Let Barabbas go free !
Pilate. Will ye not that I release unto you the King of the Jews ?
Digitized by
Google
io8 THE PASSION PLAY.
Priests and People, Away with this Man, and release unto us
Barabbas !
Caiaphas, Thou hast promised to release him whom the people should
require.
Pilate {to Caiaphas). I am accustomed to keep my promise with-
out needing a reminder. {To the people^ What shall I do, then, with the
King of the Jews }
Priests and People. Crucify Him !
Pilate. What, shall I crucify your King }
The People, We have no king but Caesar.
Pilate, I cannot condemn this Man, for I find no fault in Him. He
IS sufficiently chastised. I will release Him.
Priest, If thou let this Man go thou art not Caesar's friend.
Caiaphas, He hath given Himself out as a King.
Priest, And he who pretends to be a king is a rebel against Caesar.
NathanaeL And this Rebel is to remain unpunished and to scatter
abroad still further the seeds of insurrection }
People, It is the duty of the Governor to put Him out of the way.
Caiaphas, We have done our duty as subjects of Caesar and deliver
this Insurgent to thee. If thou dost not attend to our accusation and the
demand of the people, then are we free from guilt. Thou alone, O
Governor, art responsible to Caesar for the consequences !
Annas, If on this Man's account universal tumult and rebellion arise,
we shall know who must bear the blame of it, and Caesar also will know.
People. The matter must be brought before Caesar.
Ezekiel With astonishment will it be heard in Rome that Caesar's
Governor protected one guilty of high treason, whose death the entire
people demanded.
The People, Thou must cause Him to be condemned, else will there be
no peace in the land.
Pilate, What evil hath He done "i I cannot and dare not condemn
the innocent to death !
Caiaphas, Permit me to ask a question. Wherefore judgest thou this
Man so anxiously, when lately thou didst through thy soldiers cause a
hundred to be slaughtered without judgment or sentence on account of a
rebellious outcry } (PiLATE starts,)
The People, Thou canst not then show favour to this Man if thou wilt
be a true servant of Caesar.
Pilate, Let water be brought !
Caiaphas, The people will not leave this place until the sentence of
death be pronounced upon the Enemy of Caesar.
The People. Yea, we will not again leave this spot until the sentence
is pronounced.
Pilate. Then your violence forces me to comply with your desire.
Take Him hence and crucify Him ! Yet behold ! (^He washes his hands)
■ Digitized by
Google
THE SENTENCE OF DEATH. 109
I wash my hands ; I am innocent of the blood of the Righteous. Ye may
answer for it !
Priests and People, We take it upon ourselves. His blood be upon
us and upon our children !
Pilate. Let Barabbas, at the demand of the people, be released.
Take him away — outside the city gate, so that he never again tread these
streets. \The Soldiers lead away Barabbas.
Priests and People, Now hast thou justly judged !
Pilate, I have yielded to your violent pressure in order to keep off
greater evil, but in this blood-guiltiness will I have no part. Let it happen
as ye, with tumultuous voices, have called out ; let it be upon you and
upon your children !
Priests and People, It is good ; let it be upon us and upon our
children !
Annas, We and our children will bless this day, and with thankful joy
pronounce the name of Pontius Pilate !
The People, Long live our Governor ! Long live Pontius Pilate !
Pilate, Let the two murderers who are kept in prison be brought here.
Let the chief lictor give them over without delay to the soldiers ! They
have deserved death — much more than the Accused.
Priests and People. He hath deserved death more than any.
Pilate, The sentence of death must be committed to writing and
openly announced before all the people. (The Scribe begins to write. In
the street behind the scenes the soldiers who are bringing in the thiei^es are
heard driving them on i *' Will ye get on^ ye perverse ones I Have ye not long
ago deserved it f Thrust them on^ the offscouring of mankind ! ")
Rabbi {pointing to the thieves). There is a worthy companionship for
the false Messiah upon His last journey !
Pilate {to the thieves). Of you and of your evil deeds shall the earth
this day be quit. Ye shall be crucified. — Let the sentence of death be now
read.
Scribe {rises and reads), I, Pontius Pilate, Governor in Judaea of the
mighty Emperor Claudius Tiberius, pronounce, at the importunate desire
of the high priests of the Sanhedrim, and of the assembled people of the
Jews, the sentence of death upon a certain Jesus of Nazareth, Who is
accused of having stirred up the people to rebellion, of having forbidden
to give tribute to Caesar, and of having given Himself out as King of the
Jews. The same shall outside the city, between two malefactors who for
many robberies and murders are likewise condemned to death, be nailed
to the cross, and their death thus accomplished. Given at Jerusalem, on
the eve of the Passover.
Pilate {breaks his staff). Now take Him hence, and — crucify Him !
[^He turns hastily and almost rushes into the house.
Caiaphas, Triumph ! Victory is ours ! The Enemy of the Synagogue
is destroyed !
Digitized by
Google
no THE PASSION PLAY.
Priests and People, Away with Him to Golgotha !
The People, Long live the Synagogue !
Priests and Pharisees, Long live the nation !
Annas, Make haste, that we may return home at the right time to eat
the Passover lamb !
Priests and Pharisees, With joy shall we keep this feast of the Pass-
over, even as our fathers in Egypt !
Caiaphas, Let our triumphal procession go through the midst of
Jerusalem.
Rabbi, Where are His followers? They are invited to cry
Hosanna !
The People {going away). Up and away ! To Golgotha ! Come see
Him, how He will die upon the cross ! O day of joy, the Enemy of
Moses is cast down ! So let it be to him who despises the law ! He
deserves the death of the cross ! Auspicious Passover ! Now doth joy
return to Israel ! There is an end of the Galilaean !
\Exeunt in a tumultuous procession.
END OF THE SECOND PART.
Digitized by
Google
PART III.
ACT XV.
THE WAY OF THE CROSS. {See pp. 27, 28.)
Prologue.
The extorted condemnation has been pronounced. Now we see
Jesus fainting on the way to the Mount of Golgotha, laden with the beam
of the Cross. Isaac also once bore willingly upon his own shoulders the
wood for the offering to the mountain where he was to bleed as a sacrifice
according to the word of Jehovah. Jesus also bears willingly the wood of
the Cross, which through the offering of holy love will now soon become
a Tree of Life rich in blessing. For as a glance at the brazen serpent set
up in the wilderness brought healing, so comfort and blessing come to us
from the Tree of the Cross.
Betet an und habet Dank !
Der den Kelch der Leiden trank,
Geht nun in den Kreuzestod
Und versohnt die Welt mit Gott
Chorus,
Pray, and render heartfelt thanks !
He who drank the cup of pain
To the cross of death now goes,
Reconciles the world with God.
FIRST TABLEAU. -ISAAC BEARING THE WOOD UP MOUNT MORIAH.
Chorus,
Wie das Opferholz getragen
Isaak selbst auf Moria,
Wanket, mit dem Kreuz beladen,
Jesus hin nach Golgatha.
Betet an und habet Dank, &c.
E'en as the wood for sacrifice
Isaac himself to Moriah bore,
With His Cross laden, Jesus faints,
Yet bears it on to Golgotha.
Pray, and render heartfelt thanks, &c.
SECOND TABLEAU.— THE BRAZEN SERPENT.
Chonts,
Angenagelt wird erhohet
An dem Kreuz der Menschensohn.
Hier an Moses Schlange sehet,
Ihr des Kreuzes Vorbild schon.
Betet an und habet Dank, &c.
Nailed, and raised upon the Cross
Soon will be the Son of man.
Here in Moses' serpent see
Type already of the Cross.
Pray, and render heartfelt thanks, &c
Digitized by
Google
/r
112 THE PASSION PLAY.
THIRD TABLEAU.— THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL AROUND THE BRAZEN
SERPENT.
Chorus,
Von den gift'gen Schlangenbissen
Ward dadurch das Volk befreit I
So wird von dem Kreuze fliessen
Auf uns Heil und Seligkeit.
Betet an und habet Dank, &c.
From the poisonous serpents* bite
Were the people healed through this !
So will from the Cross to us
Healing flow and blessedness.
Pray, and render heartfelt thanks, &c
Scene I.
The Holy Women with JOHN and Joseph of Arimathea coming from
Bethafiy,
Mary {to JOHN). O beloved disciple, how has it gone with my
Jesus ?
John, If the priests could do as they willed, so were He surely already
amongst the dead, but they dare not carry out the sentence without per-
mission of the Governor, and Pilate, I hope, will not condemn Him, since
He hath ever only done good.
Magdalene, The Lord guide the heart of the Governor !
Mary, O friends, whither shall we go, that I may again see my Son >
Joseph. There is no one to be seen from whom we could obtain
tidings.
John. It will be best to go to Nicodemus, who surely knows how it
is with the Master.
Mary, Yea, let us go thither. Every moment increases my anguish.
John, Be strong in faith, beloved Mother. {Cries are heardy " On, on
with Him ! " // is the people^ urging on jESUS, who has fallen under His
burden^
Joseph. What fearful tumult is that ? \They stand stilly listening.
Scene II.
The Procession of the Cross-bearingy PRIESTS, PHARISEES, People, Sol-
diers, half in the ^^ Street of Annas*' turning slowly into the fore-
ground. In front the Centurion with the staff of command, a
horseman in the group with the Roman banner. CHRIST painfully
dragging the Cross, nearest to Him the four Executioners,
People, Let Him die, and all who hold with Him !
First Executioner. Is the burden already too heavy for Thee }
People, Urge Him on with force that we may get to Calvary !
Second Executioner. Hold hard. He will come down again !
[The group in the " Street of Pilate " know not yet what is going on.
Digitized by
Google
VIA CRUCIS. 113
Joseph, What shall we do ? With this crowd we cannot venture our-
selves in the city.
Mary. What may this tumult signify ? Can it possibly concern my
Son?
Joseph. It seems as if an insurrection had broken out.
John. We will keep quiet here until the storm has blown over.
Simon of Cyrene^ (comes hastily and anxiously from the middle street
to the foreground carrying a basket). I must hasten in order to get into
the city. The eve of the feast is on the decline, and I must yet make
purchases.
Priests and People {still unseen by SiMON). Let Him not rest ! Urge
Him on with blows !
Simon. What an outcry ! I will keep myself quiet.
Third Executioner. Thy fainting avails Thee nothing, Thou must get
out to Golgotha.
Ahasuerus {coming quickly out of his house). Away from my house !
This is no place for repose.
Simon. The tumult becomes greater. — ^Who comes there ? I will
await the event.
Scene HI.
The Procession with Christ has at last come to the front. Meanwhile from
the Middle Street VERONICA and the Women of Jerusalem draw near.
John. It seems that some one is led out to execution at Calvary.
Mary {sees jESUS). It is He ! O God, it is my Son ! {Those around
J KSVS push Him on.)
Executioner. He delays us on the road.
Centurion {to jESUS, who in uttermost weariness Itas again fallen
fainting). Here, refresh Thyself! {He hands Him a flask, Jesus takes it
but does not drink.)
Mary. Ah, see Him thus led to death, like to a malefactor, between
two malefactors !
John. Mother, it is the hour of which He spoke before ; thus it is the
Father's will.
Centurion. Wilt Thou not drink } Then force Him on.
Fourth Executioner {shakes jESUS). Bestir Thyself, lazy King of the
Jews!
Second Executioner. Up, pull Thyself together !
Third Executioner. Do not act so weakly, we must get on.
Mary. O, where is any sorrow like unto my sorrow !
Third Executioner. He is too much exhausted ; some one must help,
otherwise
Rabbi {pointing out SiMON). Here, this stranger
1
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
114 THE PASSION PLAY.
Pharisee, Lay hold on him !
Centurion, Come hither, thou hast broad shoulders.
Simon, I must
Fourth Executioner. Indeed thou must, or there will be blows.
Pharisee, Beat him if he will not go.
Simon, I am indeed innocent, I have committed no crime.
Executioner. Silence !
Simon {observing Christ). What do I see ? that is the Holy Man
of Nazareth !
Second Executioner. Thy shoulders here !
Simon, For love of Thee will I bear it O that I could thereby make
myself worthy in Thy sight !
Christ {standing exhausted at one side), God's blessing upon thee
and thine.
Executioner, Forward now, do Thou follow after with the beam of
the Cross !
First Priest {to CHRIST). Now canst Thou step on quickly.
Third Executioner {seizing jESUS by the neck and shaking Him), See
how we are kept back by Thee, even though the instrument of punish-
ment be taken off Thee !
Second Executioner, Dost Thou need anything more ?
Executioner, Let Him alone, we will wait a little longer yet that He
may revive before we go up the hill.
[Veronica and the Women of Jerusalem approach the procession,
Caiaphas, Another stoppage already } When shall we get to
Calvary }
Veronica {kneeling before ]^^\5% and offering Him a napkin). O Lord,
how is Thy countenance covered with blood and sweat ! Wilt Thou not
wipe it ?
Christ {wipes His face and gives her back the cloth). Compassionate
soul, the Father will recompense thee for it.
l^omen of Jerusalem {kneeling with their little ones before the LORD).
Thou good Master, never-to-be-forgotten Benefactor, noblest Friend of
men, thus art Thou recompensed ! {They weep?)
Christ, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for your-
selves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming in the which
they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and
the paps that never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the
mountains. Fall on us ; and to the hills, Cover us. For if they do these
things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry }
Centurion, Now remove the women folk.
Third Executioner, What good are your women's tears ? Back !
Second and Fourth Executioners, Away with Him to the hill of
death !
People, Up briskly to Calvary !
Digitized by
Google
THE '^ MUTTER-GOTTESr 115
Rabbi, Is the thing ever to go on ?
NathanaeL The Centurion is quite too merciful.
Priest He does not spare his soldiers so much.
[The procession begins to move forward ; the Servant of VlLKT'E appears.
Scene IV.
Pilatis Servant. Hold ! By the Governor's command, the Centurion
is immediately to appear before him and to receive further directions.
[The procession stops.
Caiaphas, What is this ? Wherefore any new directions ? The sen-
tence of death is pronounced and must be carried out without delay.
Centurion {sternly). No, this cannot be, until I shall have received the
orders of my lord. (To the Soldiers) Keep ye watch meanwhile, and go on
with the condemned towards Golgotha. Then dismiss this man (pointing
to Simon) and await my arrival.
\Exit with the Servant, The procession moves forward again
towards tfie middle of the background.
People {wildly^ one to another). Up to Golgotha! Crucify Him I
Hail to Israel, the Enemy is overcome ! We are set free, long live the
Sanhedrim !
fohn. Mother, shall we not return to Bethany ? Thou wilt not be
able to bear the sight.
Mary, How could a mother leave her child in the last bitterest need !
I will suffer with Him, with Him bear scorn and shame— die with Him !
fohn. If only strength of body do not fail.
Mary. Fear not. I have prayed to God for strength, the Lord hath
heard me. Let us follow after.
All, Dearest Mother, we follow thee. {They slowly follow the procession^
ACT XVI.
JESUS ON CALVARY.
' PROLOGUE.
Chorus {clothed in black).
Au^ fromme Seelen, auf und gehet
Von Reue, Schmerz und Dank durchgluht,
Mit mir zu Golgatha, und sehet,
Was hier zu eurem Heil geschieht.
Dort stirbt der Mittler zwischen Gott
Und Sunder den Vermittlungstod.
Up, pious souls, arise and go
Full of remorse, of pain, and thanks.
With me to Golgotha, and see
What for your saving here befelL
There dies the Daysman between God
And sinners, the atoning death.
I 2
Digitized by
Google
ii6
THE PASSION PLAY.
Ach ! nackt, von Wunden nur beldeidet,
Liegt er hier bald am Kreuz fur dich ;
Die Rache der Gottlosen weidet
An seiner Blosse frevelnd sich,
Und er, der dich, o Siinder, liebt, —
Schweigt, leidet, duldet und vergibt
Ich hor* schon seine Glieder krachen,
Die man aus den Gelenken zerrt,
Wem solPs das Herz nicht beben machen,
Wenn er den Streich des Hammers hort,
Der schmettemd, ach ! durch Hand
und Fuss,
Grausame Nagel treiben muss.
Ah ! naked, only cloth'd with wounds,
Here lies He on the Cross for thee ;
The vengeance of the wicked gloats,
Malicious, o'er His nakedness,
And He, who thee, O sinner, loves,
Is silent, suffers, and forgives.
I hear His limbs already crack,
As they from out their joints are dragg'd ;
Whose heart doth it not cause to qus^e
When he the hammer's stroke doth hear.
Whose ringing blows, through hands and
feet,
Alas 1 the cruel nails must drive ?
The blows of the hammer are heard behind the scenes. The curtain rises; Christ
lies upon the Cross,
Choragus {intoneSy accompanied by soft music).
Auf, fromme Seelen ! naht dem Lamme
Das sich fiir euch freiwillig schenkt
Betrachtet es am Kreuzes stamme :
Seht, zwischen M order aufgehangt
Gibt Gottes Sohn sein Blut, und ihr
Gebt keine Thrane ihm dafiir ?
Selbst sein en Mordem zu vergeben,
Hort man ihn gleich zum Vater fleh'n,
Und bald, bald endigt er sein Leben,
Damit wir ew'gem Tod entgeh'n.
Durch seine Seite dringt ein Speer
Und offnet uns sein Herz noch mehr.
Up, pious souls, draw near the Lamb
Who freely gives Himself for you.
Behold Him on the Tree of doom,
See how He hangs 'twixt murderers.
He, Son of God, His life-blood gives,
And ye no tears give back to Him ?
Himself His murderers to forgive,
We hear Him to the Father pray ;
And soon, O soon, He ends His life.
That we eternal death may 'scape.
His side a spear doth pierce full sore,
And opes to us His heart still more.
Wer kann die hohe Liebe fassen,
Die bis zum Tode liebt,
Und statt der Morder Schaar zu hassen,
Noch segnend ihr vergibt.
Choragus {sings),
O who can this high love conceive
Which loveth even unto death.
And blessing e'en the murd'rous band.
Instead of hating, pardons them ?
O bringet dieser Liebe
Nur fromme Herzenstriebe
Am Kreuzaltar
Zum Opfer dar.
The whole Chorus.
O bring to this great Love
But pious heart's emotion,
Upon the Altar of the Cross
To the great Offering there.
Scene L {See pp. 28, 29.)
The scene is in the middle of the stage. As the curtain rises, the
two crosses with the malefactors are raised. Christ lies, nailed to His
Cross, on the ground. Lictors, executioners, high priests, Pharisees, people ;
in the background the Holy Women, with John. Joseoh, and Nicodemus.
Digitized by
Google
THE CRUCIFIXION. 117
The Executioners {i>ointing to the thieves). We have already finished
with these. Now must the King of the Jews be also raised on high upon
His throne.
Priest. Not King ! — Deceiver ! Chief traitor !
Centurion, First, however, this writing must, according to the Gover-
nor's order, be fastened to the Cross. Faustus ! fasten this escutcheon
over the Cross.
Faustus, A shield exposed to public view ! Ha, that is truly regal !
{He fastens on the writing)
Centurion, Now lay hold, and raise the Cross ! only not carelessly !
Third Executioner, Come, redouble your efforts ! (They raise it)
Fourth Executioner, All right, the Cross stands firm !
Centurion. The painful act is accomplished.
Caiaphas. And truly admirably accomplished. Thanks and applause
from us all.
Pharisee, Thanks and applause from us all.
Caiaphas. This day shall be for ever a feast day.
Pharisee. Yea, it will be solemnly kept for all time to come.
Annas, And I will now willingly go down to my fathers since I have
lived to have the joy of seeing this wretch upon the Cross. But the
writing upon the Cross seems to me to be very briefly composed.
Rabbi {going closer). That is an affront to the Sanhedrim and to the
people !
Caiaphas, What is written }
Rabbi. It reads thus : Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews ! {The
four Executioners lie down under the Cross.)
Caiaphas {reads). Truly the honour of the nation is therein touched.
Priest. Let the writing be torn down.
Caiaphas. We dare not ourselves lay hands on it. {To two Priests) Go
to the Governor and demand, in the name of the Sanhedrim and of the
assembled people, the alteration of this writing. He should write that
He said — I am the King of the Jews. Then also present a petition that
before the great eve of the feast the bones of the crucified be broken and
their bodies taken down. [Exit the two Priests.
Third Executioner. Now, comrades, let us divide what has fallen to us.
{He takes up the coat and the mantle of CHRIST.) See, the mantle makes
just four parts. {The four Executioners seize the mantle and tear ity with one
pully into four pieces) But the coat is not sewn together. Shall we cut
it also in pieces }
Second Executioner, No, it is better that we cast lots for it.
First Executioner. Here are dice. I will at once try my luck. {He
throws) That is too little. I have lost.
Third Executioner {looking up to Christ). What } If thou canst work
a miracle upon the Cross then give luck to my throw. {He throws, \
The other Executioners. What does He know about us }
Digitized by
Google
ii8 THE PASSION PLAY.
Fourth Executioner. I ought to be luckier. Fifteen ! Very good.
Now do thou try it !
Second Executioner, I must get it. {He throws.)
Third Executioner {looking at the dice). Eighteen ! That is the
highest.
First Executioner. It is thine, take it away.
Fourth Executioner. Thou art not at all to be envied about it.
Rabbi {returning from PiLATE). Our embassy was fruitless. He
would not listen to us.
Caiaphas. Did he give you no answer >
Rabbi. This only : " What I have written I have written."
Annas {aside). Intolerable!
Caiaphas. What answer did he give you concerning breaking the bones?
Rabbi. Concerning that, he said he would give his orders to the
Centurion.
Priest (/t? Christ). Therefore the writing remains : King of the Jews.
Ah, if Thou art a King in Israel come down now from the Cross that we
may see it and believe on Thee.
Second Priest. Thou that destroyest the Temple and buildest it in
three days, save Thyself!
Caiaphas. Ah, Thou hast saved others. Thyself thou canst not save.
The False Witnesses. Come down, for Thou art the Son of God !
Annas. He trusted in God : let Him deliver Him now if He will have
Him.
Fourth Executioner. What ! dost Thou not hear ?
First and Third Executioners. Show Thy power, mighty King of the
Jews !
Christ { Whose head during the whole time has hung motionless^ now
turns it painfully). Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do !
The Thief on the left {to CHRIST). Hearest Thou t If Thou art the
Christ, save Thyself and us.
The Thief on the right {to him on the left). Dost thou not fear God,
seeing thou art in the same condemnation ? And we indeed justly ; for
we receive the due reward of our deeds ; but this Man hath done nothing
amiss. Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.
Christ. Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in para-
dise. [Mary and John draw near to the Cross.
Caiaphas. Listen, He still goes on as though it were His to command
at the doors of paradise !
Rabbi. His presumption has not yet left Him, now that He hangs
helpless upon the Cross !
Christ. Woman, behold thy son ! Son, behold thy Mother !
* Mary. Thus dying Thou carest still for Thy Mother !
fohn. Sacred to me be thy last will ! Thou my Mother ! And I
thy son !
Digitized by
Google
^'CONSUMMATUM EST^ 119
Christ {with signs of the approaching end), I thirst
Centurion, He suffers thirst and asks for drink.
Second Executioner, I will quickly reach it to Him {he takes the reed
with the sponge^ upon which the Centurion pours from his flask ; Christ
sips from the sponge). Here, drink !
Christ (with the expression of deepest anguish). Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani ?
Pharisee and People, See, He calleth Elias !
Caiaphas, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save Him.
Christ {breathing heavily several times). It is finished ! Father, into
Thy hands I commend my spirit. {He slowly droops His head and dies.
Thunder is heard ; it becomes dark,)
Priests and People, What a fearful earthquake ! Hear ye the crash
of the falling rocks } Woe to us !
Centurion, Certainly this was a righteous Man !
Soldiers, The Godhead Himself bears Him witness through these
terrors of nature !
Centurion, This patience in fiercest pains, this noble calm, this loud
devout cry to Heaven in the moment before His departure — all makes
one augurate something higher. Truly He is the Son of God !
People, Come, neighbours, I will remain no longer in this place of
horrors. Let us return home. God be gracious to us !
Others {smiting on their breasts). Almighty One! we have sinned!
{The people disperse with signs of sorrow and remorse^
Servant of the Temple {enters hastily). High Priests and assembled
Council I In the holy place a fearful event has happened ! I tremble in
every limb.
Caiaphas, What is it } not the Temple
Annas, Thrown down }
Servant, Not that, but the veil of the Temple is rent in twain from
the top to the bottom. It seemed as though the whole earth were split
asunder.
Priests and Pharisees. Terrible !
Caiaplias {pointing to the dead jESUS). This has that wretch done
for us through His enchantments ! It is well that He is out of the world,
else would He bring all the elements into disorder.
Priests and Pharisees, Curse upon Him, who is in league with Beel-
zebub !
Caiaphas, Let us go home with haste and see what has happened ;
then will we immediately return hither again. For I have no rest until I
have seen that the legs of this Man be broken, and His Body thrown
into the malefactor's grave ! \Exeunt the Priests.
Digitized by
Google
120 THE PASSION PLAY.
Scene II.
Nicodemus {to Joseph of Arimathea). Shall then the holy Body of
the God-sent be so fearfully dishonoured as to be thrown into the male-
factor's grave ?
Joseph, Friend, hear my resolve. I will go straightway to Pilate and
will earnestly beg of him that he will give me the Body of Jesus. This
favour he will not deny me.
Nicodemus. Do so, friend ! I will bring spices to embalm Him.
{Exeunt.
Centurion {to the Holy Women). Fear ye not, good women. No evil
shall befall you.
Magdalene {clasping the Cross). O most beloved Teacher, my heart
hangs with Thee upon the Cross !
Servant of Yylkt'E. {entering, to the CENTURION). By order of my lord,
the crucified are to have their legs broken. And then their bodies are to
be taken down. Before the beginning of the great eve all must be over.
Centurion. It will be done at once. Fellows, break first the bones of
these two.
Third Executioner. Let us bring this heart-breaking business quickly
to an end.
Second Executioner {who has gone up a ladder to the Thief on the right
hand, a?id with four blows of a club broken his legs). He wakes no more !
Fourth Executioner {goes up to the Thief on the left hand). The other
will I hasten out of the world.
Mary {shuddering). Ah, Jesus, they will not surely deal so horribly
with Thy holy Body ?
Fourth Executioner {to the Thief on the left hand). Movest thou not
any more } No ; he has his wages !
Magdalene {as the Executiotier with a club goes towards CHRIST).
Ah, spare Him ! spare Him !
Third Executioner {looking up to CHRIST). He is already deceased.
Breaking His legs is no longer necessary.
Second Executioner. In order that we may be quite sure of His death
I will open His heart with a spear. {He pierces jESUS in the side ; the
blood flows out.
The Holy Women. Ah !
Magdalene. O Mother ! This wound hath also pierced thy heart !
Centurion, Now take the Body from the Cross !
First Executioner. Whither then with it ?
Centurion. As it is ordered — into the criminaFs grave.
Mary. What a fearful word !
Fourth Executioner. Ladders here ! They will soon be taken down !
Magdalene {to the CENTURION). May we not then once show the last
honours to our Friend ?
Digitized by
Google
JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA. 121
Centurion, Unhappily it lies not in my power to fulfil your wish.
Second Executioner {to the First, who stands upon the ladder). Go
thou up, I will hold.
Third Executioner. And I will look after the others. {He mounts
the ladder.)
Scene III. (5^^ p. 30.)
The Priests return to Golgotha.
Caiaphas {entering at the head of the PRIESTS). It will be the more
grateful to us to see the Body of the wretch thrown into the grave of
shame, that we have beheld the destruction which He has brought to pass
in the Temple.
Annas. It would rejoice mine eyes to see His limbs torn asunder by
wild beasts !
Caiaphas. See, they have been already taken down. So we shall see
our wish fulfilled at once.
Pilat^s Servant {entering with JOSEPH of Arimathea, to the CEN-
TURION). The Governor hath sent me to inquire of thee whether Jesus of
Nazareth be indeed dead already, as this man here hath told him.
Centurion. It is so ; see for thyself.
Servant. Then I am commissioned to announce to thee that His Body
is to be delivered over to this man as a gift from the Governor. \Exit.
The Holy Women. O comfortable tidings !
Rabbi {looking towards JOSEPH of Arimathea). The betrayer of the
Synagogue ! So he has again worked secretly !
Annas. And destroyed our joy !
Caiaphas {to the CENTURION). Nevertheless, we will not consent that
He be laid in any other place than with the malefactors.
Centurion. Since the Body is given to this man it goes without saying
that he can bury it how and where he wishes. This allows of no objection.
{To the Soldiers and Executioners) Men! our business is ended, we will
return home. \Exit.
Annas {to JOSEPH of Arimathea). Thou persistest, then, in thy
stubbornness.^ Art thou not ashamed to honour, even in His corpse,
a condemned Criminal }
Joseph. I honour the most virtuous of Men, the God-sent Teacher,
the innocent, murdered One !
Nicodemus. Envy and pride were the motives of His condemnation.
The judge himself was forced to testify to His innocence ; he swore
that he would have no part in His blood.
Caiaphas. The curse of the law will bring you to destruction, ye
enemies of our fathers !
Digitized by
Google
122 THE PASSION PLAY.
Rabbi. Do not excite thyself, High Priest, they are smitten with
blindness !
Caiaphas, Cursed be ye by the whole Council ! Bereft of your dig-
nities, never more shall ye dare to appear in our midst !
Nkodemus. We also desire never more to do so.
Annas {coming forward with the PRIESTS). As the Body is in the
hands of His friends we must be on our guard, since this Deceiver said in
His lifetime that after three days He would rise again.
Rabbu How easily could a new trick be played upon the people, and
fresh embarrassment be prepared for us ! His disciples could take Hina
away secretly and then spread abroad the saying that He had risen.
Caiaphas. Then were the last error worse than the first. Let us then
go immediately to Pilate and ask from him a guard of soldiers so that the
grave may be watched until the third day.
Annas. A prudent thought !
Rabbi. Thus will their plans be brought to nothing.
[Exeunt the PRIESTS.
Scene IV.
The taking down from the Cross and the Burial.
Magdalene. At length they have gone, the madmen ! Be comforted,
beloved Mother ! The mocking and the blasphemy are over, and a holy
evening calm surrounds us.
Mary. He has finished it; He has departed into the rest of the
Father.
Magdalene. He has not been torn from us for ever, that is His own
promise.
Mary {to the men busied about the taking down from the Cross).
Generous men ! Bring quickly to me the Body of my beloved Child !
Salome. Come, my companions, prepare this winding-sheet to receive
it. {They place MARY upon a stone and spread out tJte winding-sheet at
her feet?)
foseph {taking the Body of jESUS upon his shoulders). O sweet, O
holy burden, rest upon my shoulders ! {He lifts the Body down.)
Nicodemus {stretching out his arms to receive the Body). Come, holy
Body of my only Friend ! Let me embrace Thee ! How hath the fury
of Thy enemies lacerated Thee ! {The Body is placed leaning on Mary's
breast^
fohn. Here shall the Best of sons rest once more in the bosom of the
Best of mothers.
Mary. • O my Son, how is Thy Body covered with wounds !
fohn. Mother, from these wounds flow healing and blessing for
mankind.
Digitized by
Google
THE BURIAL. 123
Magdalene. Behold, Mother, heaven's peace rests upon the dead
countenance !
Nicodemus, Let us anoint Him and wrap Him in this new wlnding-
i sheet.
Joseph, He shall be laid in my new grave which I have prepared for
myself in the rocky cave in my garden.
Salome. Best of Masters ! One more loving tear upon Thy lifeless
Body !
Magdalene. O let me kiss once more the hand which so often
blessed me !
John. We shall see Him again !
Joseph {to Nicodemus). Do thou help me to bear Him into the
garden.
Nicodemus. I am blessed, since I may lay to rest the remains of Him
Who was sent from God. {They bear the Body to the grave.)
John. Let us follow.
Mary. It is the last service which I can do to my Jesus. {They all
follow. The grave is seen in the background.)
AIL Friend, rest softly in the still grave hewn out in the rock !
John. Now will we return home. Come, dearest Mother !
[Exit with the Women.
Joseph. Let us close up the grave with this stone ; help me.
Nicodemus. After the feast day we will finish the work of love.
Joseph. Come now, O friend, to lament His death.
Nicodemus. O how can this Man, full of grace and truth, have deserved
such a fate ! \Exeunt.
ACT XVI L
THE RESURRECTION.
Prologue. {See p. 31.)
All is now accomplished. Peace and joy ! His strife hath brought
us freedom, His death hath brought us life. O, let the heart of the
redeemed glow with thankfulness 2ind love ! The holy One rests in the
tomb. Yet for shortest rest. For the Anointed One cannot see corrup-
tion ; alive again He will arise. Jonas, God's prophet, after three days
came out of the fish's belly. Israel went victoriously through the waves
of the sea, which swallowed up the enemy that followed. So will the
Lord mightily burst the gates of death, shining out of darkness in glorious
light, and arise, to the confusion of His enemies, in exceeding majesty.
Digitized by
Google
124
THE PASSION PLAY.
Chorus,
Liebe ! Liebe ! In dem Blute
Kampftest Du mit Gottes Muthe
Deinen grossen Kampf hinaus.
Liebe ! Du gabst selbst das Leben
Fur uns Sunder willig bin :
Stets soil uns vor Augen schweben
Deiner Liebe hoher Sinn.
Rube sanft nun, heiFge Hiille,
In des Felsengrabes Stille
Von den heissen Leiden aus !
Rube sanft im Schooss der Erde,
Bis Du wirst verklaret sein.
Der Verwesung Moder werde
Nie Dein heiliges Gebein.
Love ! O Love ! in Thy dear blood
Thou didst strive with God's own pow'r
All Thy mighty combat through.
Love ! Thou gav'st Thyself Thy life
For us sinners willingly :
Ever Yore our eyes shall float
Higher sense of all Thy love.
Softly now, O Sacred Frame,
Rest in stillness of the grave,
All Thy bitter passion o'er !
In earth's lap, O softly rest
Till Thy glory be reveal'd.
Never shall corruption's worm
Touch or mar Thy holy Flesh.
FIRST TABLEAU.— JONAH CAST BY THE WHALE UPON DRY LAND.
Wie Jonas in des Fisches Bauche —
So ruhet in der Erde Schooss
Des Menschen Sohn — Mit einem Hauche
Reisst Bande er und Siegel los.
Triumph ! Triumph ! Er wird ersteh'n.
Wie Jonas aus des Fisches Bauch,
So wird der Sohn des Menschen auch
Neu lebend aus dem Grabe geh'n.
As Jonah once within the fish
So in earth's bosom now doth rest
The Son of man. — But with one breath
He breaks His bonds and the seal'd tomb.
Victory ! vict'ry ! He will rise.
As Jonah from the fish's maw,
So also will the Son of man
Go forth to life from out the grave.
SECOND TABLEAU.-THE EGYPTIANS DROWNED IN THE RED SEA.
Chorus,
Gross ist der Herr ! Gross seine Giite !
Er nahm sich seines Volkes an.
Er fuhrte durch der Wogen Mitte
Einst Israel auf trockner Bahn.
Triumph, der todt war, wird ersteh'n ;
Ihn decket nicht des Todes Nacht.
Neu lebend wird aus eigner Macht
Der Sieger aus dem Grabe geh'n.
Great is the Lord ! His goodness great
Accepted hath He now His own.
He led once through the waters' midst
His Israel on the firm dry ground.
Triumph, for He Who died will rise ;
Death darkness covers Him no more.
New living. He through His own might
Will Victor from the grave go forth.
Scene I.
The Watch sitting or lying about the Grave,
Watch {one after another). Brother, how goes it with thee } I shall
soon find it too wearisome to guard a dead body. — This tedious office of
watching the dead, which the priests have put upon us ! — Have patience,
it is the last night. — But it is truly laughable how this people still fear
even the dead. — The Man out of Nazareth must have said that He would
rise again on the third day. Hence their anxiety ! — If He 'is really a
Digitized by
Google
THE RESURRECTION. 125
higher Being, who will then hinder His resurrection? Certainly we
cannot ! — ^Who could withstand the will of God, if He willed to permit
any one to return from the under world ? They fear that His disciples
will take away the Body, and that then they can say that He is risen ; to
prevent this are we set to watch. — Then they may be without anxiety.
They are not thinking of it. That would give us a fine hare-hunt ! We
have been told how bravely they behaved in the olive garden. — The glow
of morning is beginning already. {Earthquake) What a fearful earth-
quake! Ye gods! Away from the rock, it totters, it falls in! (An
Angel rolls away the stone, CHRIST arises) Immortal gods, what do I
see ! I am blinded ! {They fall to the ground) The appearance is gone ! —
I saw at the grave a Figure like that of a man, but His face was dazzling
as the lightning. Higher powers are at work here. — ^The grave is open !
I see no corpse. He must be risen ! He has fulfilled His word. We
will hasten to the high priests and relate the whole occurrence to them.
Scene H.
The Holy Women at the Grave.
Magdalene {hastening on before the others). How does my heart re-
joice to show even this honour to the Beloved !
The other Women. Who shall roll us away the stone }
Magdalene {comes from the grave). O sisters, what have I seen !
They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre !
Women. O God !
Magdalene. I will go at once to Peter and John and bring them these
sorrowful tidings. {Exit.
Women. Alas, the last consolation is thus taken from us ! — Perchance
Joseph hath laid Him in another grave. — If only the enemies have not
stolen Him away. — Let us see ourselves. {They go to tfie grave.) I see not
the Sacred Body. O, I am affrighted !
Angel {appearing at the door of the sepulchre). Fear not ! Ye seek
Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen, and is no longer here.
Go and tell His disciples and Peter that the Lord goeth before you into
Galilee. There shall ye see Him as He said unto you. \Exit.
Women {departing hastily in terror, then recollecting themselves).
What a heavenly message ! He is risen ! Let us hasten and bring the
tidings to all the disciples which the Angel hath brought to us. \Exeunt.
Scene HI.
The Priests and the Watch.
Caiaphas. It cannot possibly have happened as the watch declared.
{He goes quickly to the grave) It is true ! The stone is rolled away, the
Digitized by
Google
126 THE PASSION PLAY.
sepulchre is empty I {To the Waick) How did this happen ? Confess, or
the most fearful punishment awaits you !
Watch. We can say nothing different from what we have already
reported.
Pharisees. Ye lie !
Watch. But how could any one have entered, when the door was
closed and we sat around the sepulchre ?
Caiaphas. Ye are yourselves in the plot.
Annas. Why did ye not at once raise an alarm ?
Watch. When a thunderbolt had stricken us to earth !
Rabbi. Whither was the Body taken away ?
Watch. That we know not. He is risen, as ye feared. We are going
to Pilate, who shall decide, and in the whole city will we make known
what we have seen.
Caiaphas {whispers to the PRIESTS). We must keep them back. {To
the Watch) Believe what ye will. Meanwhile, it is our duty to see that
the event remain in obscurity. Your silence shall bring you a rich
reward.
Watch. But the thing will become known, and for such a deception
Pilate would punish us severely.
Annas. For that leave us to take thought.
Caiaphas {gives money to the Watch). We will answer for you to
Pilate.
Watch {taking the money). But if we are questioned ?
Caiaphas. Then say ye only : His disciples came while we slept and
stole Him away.
Watch. Then take back your money ! For such words Pilate would
the most severely punish us.
Caiaphas. I will answer for it to you, in the name of the whole
Council, that ye shall come off unpunished.
Pharisee. Be without anxiety and be silent.
Watch. We will be silent ! [Exeunt.
Caiaphas {to his followers). Now seize every opportunity to spread
abroad among the people that the Body was taken away by His followers.
The victory is ours, the Enemy is dead. His Body may lie where it will !
In a few years will the name of the Nazarene be forgotten, or only named
with scorn. His work is at an end. [Exeunt.
Scene IV.
John, Peter, Magdalene, then Christ and an Angel.
John. I will convince myself whether Mary saw rightly. {He looks
into the sepulchre) It is empty ! But to enter it I dare not.
Peter. We must, however, search more closely {coming out of the
Digitized by
Google
CHRIST AND MAGDALENE. 127
grave). Behold thyself, John, how orderly the napkins are folded together
by themselves. AH is arranged in the g^ave as when one who arises from
sleep lays his night-garments in the appointed place.
John, O Simon, what thoughts do thy words awaken in me ! Is the
Lord perchance arisen from death as from a gentle sleep ?
Peter. If that were true ! But I never took that prophecy to the
letter.
John, I doubt no longer !
Peter, God grant it ! We will now hasten to our brethren and bring
them this consolation. Mary, comest thou not with us ?
Magdalene, Let me weep here alone !
John, Do not linger too long, Mary ! [Exit with Peter.
Magdalene, Now flow down, O tears !
Angel {appearing at the sepulchre). Woman, why weepest thou }
Magdalene, Alas, they have taken away my Lord, and I know not
where they have laid Him.
Christ {appearing amongst the trees). Woman, why weepest thou }
Magdalene, Sir, if Thou have borne Him hence, tell me where Thou
hast laid Him.
Christ, Mary!
Magdalene, O, that is His voice ! Rabboni !
Christ, Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father. But
go to my brethren, and say unto them : I ascend unto my Father and
your Father, and to my God and your God ! {He disappears^
Magdalene, O my Master! He hath vanished. But I have seen
Him — have heard the beloved voice! Now depart hence, sorrow and
sadness ! I will hasten as upon wings to the brethren, and will announce
to them the greeting of the risen One ! O that I could proclaim it
throughout all worlds, that mountains and floods, heaven and earth, might
re-echo : Hallelujah, He is risen !
THE LAST SCENE. (5^^ p. 31.)
Prologue.
He is risen ! Rejoice, ye heavens ! He is risen ! Rejoice, ye mor-
tals ! The Lion of the tribe of Judah ! He hath bruised the serpent's
head. Faith stands firm ! The fore-image and pledge of our future
resurrection awakes \oyi\j\ hope in our heart Cry with the voice of re-
joicing, Hallelujah ! We saw Him enter Jerusalem in humility, and, ah !
for the deepest humiliation. Now let us behold, before we separate, the
victorious solemnity of the Conqueror ! Now He ascends to the highest
glory, full of majesty, to the New Jerusalem, where He will gather to
Digitized by VrrOOQlC
128
THE PASSION PLAY.
Himself all whom He hath purchased with His blood. Strengthened
and full of joy at this sight, return to your homes, O friends, filled with
inmost love for Him Who loved you even unto death, and still in heaven
everlastingly loves you — there, where the eternal song of triumph re-
sounds : Praise be to the Lamb which was slain! There, reunited
around our Saviour, we shall all meet again ! Hallelujah !
Chorus.
Halleluja !
Ueberwunden, iiberwunden
Hat der Held der Feinde Macht
Er— er schlummerte nur Stunden
In der diistem Grabesnacht.
Singet Ihm in heiVgen Psalmen !
Streuet Ihm des Sieges Palmen !
Auferstanden ist der Herr !
Jauchzet Ihm, ihr Himmel zu !
Sing* dem Sieger, Erde du !
Halleluja Dir Erstandner !
Hallelujah !
The Hero hath conquered
The might of the foe !
Few hours in the grave —
In the gloom hath He slept !
Sing to Him in holy Psalms !
Strew before Him ConquVor's palms !
The Lord He hath risen !
Rejoice, O ye Heavens !
Sing, Earth, to the Victor !
To Thee Who hast risen
Hallelujah !
LAST TABLEAU.— CHRIST IN GLORY ; HIS ENEMIES UNDER HIS FEET.
Chorus,
Preis Ihm, dem Todes iiberwinder
Der einst verdammt auf Gabbatha !
Preis Ihm dem Heiliger der Sunder,
Der fiir uns starb auf Golgatha !
Bringt Lob und Preis dem Hochsten dar,
Dem Lamme, dasgetodtet war !
Halleluja :
Das siegreich aus dem Grab hervor
Sich hebet im Triumph empor
Halleluja ! Halleluja !
Ja lasst des Bundes Harfe klingen,
Dass Freude durch die Seele bebt !
Lasst uns dem Sieger Kronen bringen,
Der auferstand und ewig lebt
Bringt Lob und Preis, &c.
Lobsinget alle Himmdsheere !
Dem Herm sei Ruhm und Herrlichkeit !
Anbetung, Macht und Kraft und Ehre
Von Ewigkeit zu Ewigkeit !
Bringt Lob und Preis, &c.
Praise Him, Conqueror of Death,
Once condemned on Gabbatha !
Praise Him, amidst sinners Holy,
Who for us on Calvary died !
Bring your praises to the Highest,
To the Lamb Who once was slain 1
Hallelujah !
Who victorious from the grave
Goes in triumph up on high.
HaUelujah ! Hallelujah !
Let our harps in concert ring,
Joy through every spirit thrill I
To the Victor crowns now bring
Who arose and lives for aye.
Bring your praises to the Highest, &c
Praises sing, all Heavenly hosts !
Praise and glory to the Lord !
Worship, might, and poVr and praise
Be to Him for evermore !
Bring your praises to the Highest, &c.
Wood&ll ft Kinder, Printers, 70 to 76, Long Acre, London, W.C.
9^
Digitized by GolWle
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by VjOOQIC
MAR 2 6 1929
^ft-:-
Digitized by
Google
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11