1912
First performed: March 19, 1912
PERSONS OF THE PLAY
A PEASANT WOMAN
AN ARMY CAPTAIN
A SOLDIER
THE TIME
A TIME OF DARKNESS
THE PLACE
A WIND-SWEPT HILL
Before the curtain rises, a bell from some distant place of worship tolls the hour. Nine brazen notes, far off, out of tune. Then a heavy peal of thunder, and the sharp, cracking strike of a bolt; yet, above all, one other sound, more piercing — a strange, unearthly Cry. There follows a mighty howling of wind, blended with a confused clamour of voices and the hurrying of many feet. The noises have almost all died away, when the Curtain rises upon inky darkness .
A sudden hush. The silence deepens. There is a sense of moorlands and desolate places .
Far off, a cow lows in her stall. Some lost sheep down in the valley bleats dismally. Silence again .
It is broken by the Voice of a Woman, weeping bitterly . A PEASANT WOMAN.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Another Voice: the gentlemanly, well-bred voice of an army man, now under some stress of emotion . A CAPTAIN.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
40 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
104 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
95 chars
.
Contains
27 words
in
2 sentences
using
123 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
26 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
23 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
63 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
The clank and rattle of his sword and uniform mark his moving away. He sits .
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
A bitter wind comes soughing up from the valley. The sheep bleats once, piteously. Then all is quiet again .
Some one else is coming. He is heard stumbling blindly up over the hill, the steel butt of his weapon ringing among the stones . A SOLDIER.
Groping in darkness, he collides suddenly with the CAPTAIN. His Voice is that of a common man, city-bred;
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
29 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
2 sentences
using
53 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
25 chars
.
Contains
42 words
in
3 sentences
using
200 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
1 sentence
using
69 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
10 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
1 sentence
using
77 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
4 sentences
using
61 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
70 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
86 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
45 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
47 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
63 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
21 chars
.
They consider it for a moment. Presently the SOLDIER laughs at some amusing recollection;
Contains
20 words
in
2 sentences
using
88 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
12 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
23 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
26 chars
.
Contains
69 words
in
4 sentences
using
313 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
.
Contains
48 words
in
4 sentences
using
219 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
.
Contains
27 words
in
3 sentences
using
135 chars
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Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
53 chars
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Contains
11 words
in
3 sentences
using
67 chars
.
Some memory holds him for a moment;
Contains
32 words
in
3 sentences
using
173 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
37 chars
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Contains
27 words
in
3 sentences
using
141 chars
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Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
75 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
44 chars
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Contains
37 words
in
3 sentences
using
164 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
30 chars
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The SOLDIER is rather stupid, or he would have laughed. He goes on;
Contains
54 words
in
5 sentences
using
281 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
76 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
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Contains
8 words
in
3 sentences
using
42 chars
.
The WOMAN'S Voice rises, sighing like wind;
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
2 sentences
using
50 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
76 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
26 chars
.
The SOLDIER is affected by this. He speaks with real compassion;
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
11 chars
.
Their minds go wandering through many troubled by-paths of thought. Presently the SOLDIER speaks again;
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
28 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
.
Contains
24 words
in
2 sentences
using
142 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
1 sentence
using
79 chars
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Contains
39 words
in
4 sentences
using
175 chars
.
Contains
26 words
in
3 sentences
using
123 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
62 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
66 chars
.
Contains
101 words
in
7 sentences
using
532 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
54 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
17 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
71 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
60 chars
.
Contains
39 words
in
4 sentences
using
218 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
69 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
14 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
.
They remain silent for a little .
Contains
16 words
in
2 sentences
using
80 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
68 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
63 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
60 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
1 sentence
using
94 chars
.
Contains
35 words
in
4 sentences
using
154 chars
.
Contains
27 words
in
2 sentences
using
136 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
51 chars
.
Contains
29 words
in
4 sentences
using
148 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
50 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
3 sentences
using
118 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
69 chars
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Contains
21 words
in
2 sentences
using
92 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
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Contains
30 words
in
4 sentences
using
155 chars
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Contains
16 words
in
3 sentences
using
76 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
30 chars
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Contains
40 words
in
4 sentences
using
186 chars
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Contains
23 words
in
2 sentences
using
110 chars
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Contains
60 words
in
4 sentences
using
277 chars
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Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
2 sentences
using
82 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
3 sentences
using
121 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
65 chars
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Contains
21 words
in
2 sentences
using
116 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
60 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
( taken aback on the sacred word ).
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
62 chars
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Contains
31 words
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3 sentences
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158 chars
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Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
50 chars
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Contains
47 words
in
3 sentences
using
222 chars
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Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
44 chars
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Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
123 chars
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Contains
16 words
in
3 sentences
using
93 chars
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Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
53 chars
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He is a little nettled at the turn the conversation is taking .
Contains
21 words
in
1 sentence
using
100 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
3 sentences
using
103 chars
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Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
52 chars
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( sullenly ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
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Contains
30 words
in
3 sentences
using
180 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
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Contains
43 words
in
3 sentences
using
228 chars
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( shortly ).
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1 word
in
1 sentence
using
7 chars
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( insisting ).
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
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Contains
72 words
in
1 sentence
using
397 chars
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Contains
22 words
in
2 sentences
using
92 chars
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Contains
24 words
in
4 sentences
using
90 chars
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Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
61 chars
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Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
42 chars
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Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
21 chars
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Contains
65 words
in
5 sentences
using
332 chars
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Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
52 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
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Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
41 chars
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Contains
18 words
in
1 sentence
using
87 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
36 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
104 chars
.
(hotly).
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
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Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
64 chars
.
Contains
58 words
in
8 sentences
using
265 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
2 sentences
using
77 chars
.
They are silent for a little while. Then the SOLDIER, feeling that he has gone too far, begins assuaging the situation;
Contains
29 words
in
3 sentences
using
137 chars
.
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0 words
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0 sentences
using
0 chars
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0 words
in
0 sentences
using
0 chars
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Contains
24 words
in
2 sentences
using
93 chars
.
He speaks in an aggrieved tone. It is the way in which shame comes to a soldier .
A pause .
( deeply ).
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
.
Contains
38 words
in
3 sentences
using
172 chars
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Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
39 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
26 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
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Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
105 chars
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He rattles his weapon in the darkness and continues;
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
58 chars
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Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
60 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
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Contains
39 words
in
4 sentences
using
181 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
45 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
3 sentences
using
111 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
88 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
28 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
7 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
26 chars
.
( slowly ).
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
47 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
2 sentences
using
97 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
3 sentences
using
19 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
4 sentences
using
122 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
56 chars
.
Contains
54 words
in
5 sentences
using
277 chars
.
The cloudy darkness slightly lifts from the ground. Their forms can be dimly discerned — vague shadows upon a deeper gloom. Up above there still dwells impenetrable night .
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
48 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
3 sentences
using
59 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
81 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
8 chars
.
Contains
24 words
in
3 sentences
using
113 chars
.
The SOLDIER is embarrassed. He does not know what to say. Something about "duty" comes into his head; but somehow it seems inappropriate .
A brighter thought occurs to him;
Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
75 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
29 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
.
There is heard the rattle of his salute, and the dying away of his footsteps, as he stumbles blindly up and over the hill .
The CAPTAIN does not speak until all is still again .
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
27 chars
.
He buries his face in the dirt and stones .
The faintest moaning of wind. The sheep bleats. A dog, disturbed by the sound, barks, far off. Then there is a deep silence, lasting one minute .
The Voice of the PEASANT WOMAN is heard, speaking at first in dull, dead tones, very slowly;
Contains
36 words
in
6 sentences
using
176 chars
.
Contains
34 words
in
5 sentences
using
159 chars
.
Contains
0 words
in
0 sentences
using
0 chars
.
Contains
0 words
in
0 sentences
using
0 chars
.
Contains
34 words
in
6 sentences
using
184 chars
.
Contains
47 words
in
4 sentences
using
228 chars
.
Contains
34 words
in
6 sentences
using
179 chars
.
Contains
43 words
in
6 sentences
using
201 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
36 chars
.
Contains
70 words
in
7 sentences
using
356 chars
.
Contains
53 words
in
8 sentences
using
243 chars
.
A gust of anguish takes her, overwhelming her;
Contains
47 words
in
5 sentences
using
217 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
5 sentences
using
115 chars
.
The wind rises and falls away like a whisper .
Contains
22 words
in
5 sentences
using
106 chars
.
Contains
61 words
in
4 sentences
using
304 chars
.
There is heard a low fluttering as of wings;
Contains
39 words
in
1 sentence
using
196 chars
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Her speech breaks away into sobs for a little while. As she recovers, she goes into a dazed dream of memories;
Contains
55 words
in
3 sentences
using
275 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
4 sentences
using
80 chars
.
Contains
14 words
in
4 sentences
using
66 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
5 sentences
using
109 chars
.
Contains
34 words
in
6 sentences
using
170 chars
.
The agony begins to prick through again, stab by stab, as she continues;
Contains
79 words
in
8 sentences
using
341 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
6 sentences
using
26 chars
.
Contains
69 words
in
6 sentences
using
358 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
3 sentences
using
127 chars
.
Contains
216 words
in
27 sentences
using
1069 chars
.
Contains
86 words
in
10 sentences
using
455 chars
.
She has come to the bottom of her grief. Her voice dies away through strangled sobs into silence .
A pause .
The CAPTAIN rises. He halts irresolute for a moment. Then he can be heard moving over to where she lies prone on the ground .
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
36 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
12 chars
.
Contains
27 words
in
3 sentences
using
118 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
39 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
54 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
4 sentences
using
30 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
21 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
42 chars
.
She does not answer .
Contains
36 words
in
6 sentences
using
170 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
.
She does not answer .
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
96 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
28 chars
.
( in a stupor ).
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
56 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
3 sentences
using
83 chars
.
She does not answer .
Contains
68 words
in
8 sentences
using
358 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
10 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
67 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
22 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
4 sentences
using
84 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
32 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
42 chars
.
She is bewildered .
Contains
10 words
in
4 sentences
using
45 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
Contains
41 words
in
6 sentences
using
199 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
11 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
3 sentences
using
94 chars
.
Contains
27 words
in
4 sentences
using
130 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
3 sentences
using
24 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
36 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
3 sentences
using
28 chars
.
Contains
40 words
in
6 sentences
using
217 chars
.
Contains
129 words
in
10 sentences
using
709 chars
.
Contains
132 words
in
9 sentences
using
721 chars
.
Contains
128 words
in
7 sentences
using
664 chars
.
There is a deep, solemn silence for a moment or two, broken only by the tinkle of sheep-bells, which are gradually approaching .
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
77 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
4 sentences
using
88 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
2 sentences
using
79 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
3 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
22 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
2 sentences
using
85 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
57 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
60 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
37 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
40 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
24 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
30 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
9 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
4 sentences
using
32 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
It grows a little lighter .
Some one is heard stumbling blindly over the hill. It is the SOLDIER. His form emerges gray out of the gloom .
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
30 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
14 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
2 sentences
using
95 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
39 chars
.
Contains
31 words
in
4 sentences
using
165 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
26 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
28 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
78 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
2 sentences
using
85 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
58 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
43 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
42 chars
.
( after a moment );
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
.
The SOLDIER has no word to say .
The darkness is rapidly melting away. All three figures are now beginning to be seen quite clearly .
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
54 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
10 chars
.
An unearthly splendour fills the place. It is seen to be the top of a bleak stony hill with little grass to it .
The WOMAN is dressed in Eastern garments; the CAPTAIN is a Roman centurion; the SOLDIER, a Roman legionary. Above them rise three gaunt crosses bearing three dead men gibbeted like thieves .
At the foot of the crosses a flock of sheep nibble peacefully at the grass. The air is filled with the sound of their little bells .
CURTAIN