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 . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars . 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 . Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 141 chars . Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars . Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars . Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 164 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars . 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 . 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 . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . 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 . 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 . Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars . Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 155 chars . Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars . Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 186 chars . Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 110 chars . Contains 60 words in 4 sentences using 277 chars . 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 . 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 . Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 158 chars . Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 50 chars . Contains 47 words in 3 sentences using 222 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars . Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 123 chars . Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 93 chars . Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars . 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 . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars . ( sullenly ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 180 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . Contains 43 words in 3 sentences using 228 chars . ( shortly ). Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars . ( insisting ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars . Contains 72 words in 1 sentence using 397 chars . Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars . Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 90 chars . Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars . Contains 65 words in 5 sentences using 332 chars . Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars . Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars . Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 87 chars . 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 . 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 . Contains 0 words in 0 sentences using 0 chars . Contains 0 words in 0 sentences using 0 chars . 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 . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars . 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 . Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 105 chars . He rattles his weapon in the darkness and continues; Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars . Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars . 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 . 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 . 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