SABINA the cupboard.

This lamp, however, is not

lighted.
By Severino Montano
A novena is going on as the curtain rises. .
The
CHARACTERS:
mourners, led by RUSTICA, an old woman
who
SABINA, a young farm girl
is apart from the rest, are kneeling o the
ANTERO, her older brother
platform facing the altar table, which is lighted
MAMERTO, their grandfather
with several candles The mourners are:
RUSTICA, their grandmother
ANTERO, Son of the house; CLETA, his aunt;
CLETA, Sabina's aunt
ARISTON, Cleta's husband; and their young
ARISTON, Cleta's husband
daughter, URSULA; another young pair of
URSULA, their young daughter
farmers; and MAMERTO, grandfather of the
MR. GEORGE PRICA an American
household. The prayer, are said, in an
emotional
Place
litany like monotone, and more or, less
Kawakan, a small farm village near the sea
chanted.
coast, to the-far north
The cry of a turtle is heard faintly coming from
from Luzon.
the sea. It is about ten o'clock at night; but for
the prayers and the voice of the turtle the late
TIME:
April evening is still.
The present. April evening. 10 oclock.
OLD Woman": Death is a loneliness! Death is
SCENE:
a
The living room of a rather prosperous-looking
sadness!
but old farm house in Kawakan, a small farm
village not far from the sea.
MOURNERS: God have mercy upon us!
It is a bamboo house with sloping bamboo
OLD Woman: We pray, 0 Lord, for the soul of
rafters, sturdy teakwood post and shiny,
our departed sister, Maria!
handsome floors. , A spacious platform,
upstage
MOURNERS: My God! My God! Let Thou not
center To the right of the platform and above it
forsake her! In the kingdom of Thy golden city,
is a door leading into SABINAS room. On the
in the realm of life eternal, receive Maria into
right wall is a big window with mother-of-pearl
Thy care!
shell panes facing the altar table. Below this
window is the, main door leading to the
OLD WOMAN: Dark is the mist that covers us,
entrance
weak indeed is the clay house! Look upon us,
porch. On the left wall is the door to the
O
kitchen
God, who are living!
Another window, a small one, is above the
altar
MOURNERS: God have mercy upon us!
platform, center The windows are luxuriant
with
OLD WOMAN: We also pray, O God for
ferns and air plants, gleaming under the April
Maria's
moonlight.
living and only daughter, Sabina! She is but a
frail jar against the mighty tides! Spare her, O
The room is almost bare of furniture, for the
Lord, from evil!
villagers are used h sitting on these shiny
floors.
The OLD MAN rises and turns coldly
But a bamboo couch, a heavily carve
towards the big window.
teakwood
chair, a camphor chest, a cupboard and a
MOURNERS: (Casting quick glances at the
cane
Old
easy chair are placed about the room.
Man, their prayers becoming faster): My God!
Let Thou not forsake her from the ravages of
An old-fashioned 'oil lamp hangs from the
sin
sloping ceiling. And the lamp, a very new one
and the scorching heat of hell-fire deliver
of
Sabina, O Lord, from evil!
the "Aladdin" 'variety, stands conspicuously on

OLD Women: Amen! (She makes the sign of
the
cross.)
Crossing themselves too and rising
briefly, the mourners look questioning at the
OLD MAN.
OLD WOMAN: What made you rise just now,
Mamerto? Is it the crying of that black turtle
that
worries you, she that's, grieving deeply by the
river's mouth?
OLD MAN: No, Rustica! I'm getting tired
hearing
you pray for Sabina every night. Isn't it enough
we mourn for the dead?
OLD WOMAN: It's also a blessed thing to pray
for the living, Mamerto!
CLETA: Indeed, it's our duty to look after
Sabina! I passed by the village store this
evening, and the women were laughing.
"How's
Mr. George?" they, asked me. "Is it true your
Aunt Maria died because of Mr. George?"
OLD MAN: Your Aunt Maria didn't die of any
such thing, Cleta!
CLETA: Didn't she? Aunt Maria herself felt
heavy the day Sabina was fool enough to go
out
with Mr. George!
URSULA: The doctor said it was her weak
heart
she died of, Mother, not Mr. George!
CLETA: You keep quiet!
OLD WOMAN: Maria's heart was heavy that
day, God save her soul! I fear her spirit will
come back if Sabina's not careful this evening.
Mamerto, what are we to do with Sabina?
OLD MAN: Nothing, Rustica! It would be wiser
if
we leave Sabina alone!
OLD WOMAN: Wiser? Once there was, a
strange sailor who came roaming round this
village; a clean chap he looked-like. But soon
one of the young girls bore him a child. The
sailor left, and the poor girl died of sadness!
OLD MAN: Mr. George is not a sailor, Rustica!
OLD WOMAN: He is a man, nonetheless,
Mamertol
CLETA: Do you know what the women in the
market are saying? This is the night Mr.
George
is coming back!
ARISTON: It's gossip such as yours brings the
devil, Cleta! Stop it!
CLETA: Surely, it's no gossip, Ariston!
ARISTON: Well, what if he is coming back?
CLETA: Sabina will want to light that I amp
again in this house, instead of the candles.
ARISTON: What lamp?
CLETA (Indicating the lamp on top of
cupboard):
That new lamp there, brought by Mr. George
the
day Aunt Maria died!
ARISTON: And what's so terrible about lighting
that lamp?
CLETA: The village will be noisy with gossip in
the morning.
ARISTON: Don't be foolish!
OLD Woman: Where is Sabina?
URSULA: I'll look into her room, Grandma.
CLETA: Stay in the comer there, and be quiet.
You are too young to meddle in such things!
(Peeping into SABINAS room and turning
away
quickly, shocked) Oh! Oh!
ARISTON: What is the matter?
CLETA: Why, she's taking off her mourning
this
very minute!
OLD Woman: What is it you say?
CLETA: Indeed she is! She's throwing off her
black dress and she's slipping on a shameful
one!
URSULA: Mother, I don't like my black dress.
CLETA: Close your sinful mouth!
OLD Woman: It's a 'bad enough for her not to
come to prayers these nine nights, and now
for
her to cast off mourning so soon!
CLETA: The neighbors will pass any minute
now, and they'll see her in that shameful dress!
Hide that lamp, Antero! And we'd better close
the windows.
She closes a window, while ANTERO
closes another. URSULA peeps through the
door and turns back horrified.
URSULA: Grandma! Grandma!
ARISTON: What is it now?
URSULA: She's combing her hair before the
looking glass.
OLD Women: It's a bad omen to, look into the
glass, Cleta. This will be a night of evil! Tell her
to cover the glass.
CLETA: Quiet! She's coming now! Oh, my God
the lamp! Hide the lamp; Antero!
ANTERO takes the lamp but she grabs
it from him and woos it behind the camphor
chest.
OLD Woman: Sabina is undone tonight! She's
undone, Mamerto!
The crying of the turtle is heard again.
SABINA appears from, the shadows. She
wears
a light summer dress.
SABINA (Cheerfully but simply): Good evening
to you all. (Kissing the old man's hand in
reverence) Your blessing, Grandpa! I'm glad to
see you, Grandpa! Isn't it dark enough for
prayers in this house without, closing the
windows?
CLETA (Pointedly): The prayers are over,
Sabina! (SABINA turns to the windows.)
ANTERO: Sabina, are you deaf? Don't you
touch the windows! It's Grandma's wish!
Silence SABINA leaves the Windows
alone.
SABINA: I'm sorry, Grandma! I only wanted to
let in the light of the moon. (SABINA looks
about
for the lamp).
CLETA: And what is it you are looking for now?
There is another silence as she
continues looking around.
SABINA: The new lamp that was brought from
the city. Oh, here it is!
CLETA: On such a night it's more fitting to light
the candles!
ANTERO: Drop that lamp, Sabina!
OLD MAN: You can't blame a young girl for
wanting things brighter in a dark house, son!
SABINA looks for a match.
CLETA: And is it tonight Mr. George is
returning
again to the village?
SABINA is silent
ANTERO: Why don't you answer us? (Another
silence)
CLETA: We are talking to you, Sabina!
SABINA (Coldly): And what if he's returning
tonight, Aunt Cleta?
OLD WOMAN: Leave that lamp alone, child.
It's
wisdom to be careful. The wings of the moth pt
badly burned, Sabina, if it leaps into the flame.
SABINA: What are the moth's wings-
compared
to a woman's -happiness, Grandma?
OLD WOMAN: It's a pity if you won't listen to
the
wisdom of ripened years, and you merely a
slip
of a young girl of tender mind!
SABINA: I'm tired of sadness in this dark
house,
Grandma! Let's light this lamp, and smile with
the brightness of it.
CLETA: Light it yourself. We don't ask a part!
OLD WOMAN: If you don't listen to us, you'll
be
lonely, my child. You will be alone even before
that moon has waned and both of you have
sunk deeper into the sea! What good is there
when you'll be sorry forever? Think, my child!
SABINA: It's your years won't stand the
brightness of the lamp, Grandma, for your life's
nearly broken! I'll light the lamp!'
CLETA: It's useless to waste breath over a
stubborn girl who won't listen! Good heavens,
she's lighting the lamp, Antero!
ANTERO (Jumping toward, her sister): For
God's sake, will you listen or not?
ARISTON: (Holding ANTERO back): Antero!
Take it easy!
ANTERO (Insistently): What has happened,
we
are asking you!
OLD MAN: You have no need to raise a hand
against your sister, son!
ANTERO: My only sister! God, what a shame!
SABINA (Resentfully): I've no call but to be
happy, Antero!
ANTERO: Happy? It's your doings that drove
Mother to her grave?
OLD WOMAN (Kindly): Sabina, what is it that
has happened between you and Mr. George?
CLETA: Whatever it was, the whole village is
jeering and laughing!
ANTERO (Insistently): What has happened,
we
are asking you!
SABINA (Breaking down -helplessly): Stop it,
all
of you! Stop it! You'll drive me crazy with your
wailings.
ANTERO: For God's sake, will you listen or
not?
SABINA: No! No, I won't listen! You can't
destroy my little share of happiness now. You
can't kill the love I bear for him. Maybe death's
between us this evening, but who was ever
happy in this house before he came? Nothing!
So get out and, go your own way from this
housel, Get out! Leave me alone! Leave me
alone!
ANTERO (Shocked): Do you realize what you
are saying?
CLETA: Since it's your wish, we shall go.
Come,
Ursula! But whatever happens to you from
now
on, dont you ever call upon us! Are you
coming,
Ariston?
ARISTON: Don't be so hard on the poor girl,
Cleta!
CLETA: Don't come if you don't want to! You
can stay! Youd best be coming along,
Grandma! It's easy to see we are not wanted
in
this house any more!
She goes, dragging URSULA with her.
ARISTON follows them. The OLD WOMAN
rises slowly.
ANTERO: For God's sake, Sabina, think of
what
you are doing!
OLD WOMAN: Perhaps you
better walk me home, Antero.
ANTERO: Sabina, you're a heartless fool
OLD WOMAN: Come, the cool night will calm
your anger, son! The turtle is heard again) Tell
me, isn't that the sobbing of the black turtle,
weeping" sadly by the river's mouth? (Silence.)
Well, good night, and may God bless you,
Sabina!
They go. SABINA is left alone with the OLD
MAN. She rushes to him and cries.
SABINA: Oh Grandpa! Grandpa!
OLD MAN: Don't cry.
SABINA: Am I wrong, Grandpa? Am I very
much mistaken?
OLD MAN: Outside love, nothing lives, Sabina!
That's what a wise man said long ago. Surely,
whatever the heart feels richly must be right!,
And hearts, I'm saying to you, haven't changed
very much since then.
SABINA: I'm trying to build me a nest, trying to
weave threads of laughter through it, but my
wings, are tied with sorrow. Its for that my
poor
heart will be crying forever.
OLD MAN: Well, don't cry!
SABINA, But it seems they'd name my cry
Oh, I mustn't cry grandpa!
OLD MAN: There, that's better!
SABINA: I mustn't cry, for Mr. George is
coming
back tonight. Mr. George is coming back! And
for him my heart is singing! God would be
unkind to me if He didn't bring back Mr.
George.
OLD MAN: Mr. George promised you that?
SABINA: Many times, Grandpa! But
sometimes
there's a fear in, in my heart, for before he
came
I never knew what it was to be happy.
OLD MAN: Are you happy now?
SABINA: Yes, again and again he has told me!
A month ago, he told me. I well remember, that
day! We went out to the sandhill by the sea.
He
felt happy, he said, everytime we were
together.
He said that at the foot of the hill by the sea.
OLD MAN: Yes?
SABINA (Confidingly, softly): We were there
still
when the twilight was coming ... he lying
happily
on the warm sand, and me very happy beside
him! We stayed on, for the sky in the west was
like a rainbow, and the hill to the east was dark
with the full moon rising slowly behind it! It was
beautiful, Grandpa! . . .
OLD MAN (Answering her reverie with his):
Yes,
child. What else can be more beautiful than
that?
SABINA: Then I haven't done wrong? People
like me haven't done wrong?
OLD MAN (Very kindly): When you're happy at
last? ... No, Sabina! Surely, it's wrong to know
happiness, when the glorious beginnings
come!
Or if it is, perhaps love itself is a mistake, and
maybe Man couldn't be forgiven.
SABINA: But the people they're so selfish,
Grandpa!
OLD MAN: Yes, indeed, men can be funny
sometimes.
SABINA: And miserly with their loves,
Grandpa!
OLD MAN: Yes, My child, there shouldnt be
any
selfishness in a heart that loves to the end!
The closing of the front gate is heard.
SABINA is startled.
SABINA: That must be Antero now! Listen,
Grandpa, he's locking the front gate!
OLD MAN: Antero shouldn't matter at all! (She
opens the big; window and looks out).
SABINA: Oh, he has locked the gate,
Grandpa!
What am I to do? He will keep on tormenting
me!
OLD MAN: Look to your heart, for it is your
own
best counsel! It's the safest way to be happy!
(Rising) Good night, my child!
He starts for the main door, but turns
and walks to the back door.
SABINA: They say its ill omen to go by the
back
door at night!
OLD MAN: I don't believe in
omens! .... Well, good night again!
Sadly, SABINA watches him go out slowly by
the back door. After a while she picks up a
little
cheerfulness again. ANTERO enters..,
frozenly
from the front door. There is a brief moment of
cold silence between them.
SABINA (Cheerfully): Is there great need for
us
to be locking the gate, Antero?
ANTERO (Sternly): The curfew has rung!
SABINA: Even so, let's not close the front gate
for just this evening. The night itself is bright
enough with the full moon, the streets are
looking like, day.
ANTERO: Are you so set on waiting?
SABINA: Don't begin that all over again.
Antero.
Would you have me growing old, like a sour
old
maid?
ANTERO: That's not the trouble!
SABINA: it is! You should be well pleased I am
happy at last, after doing my goodly share of
hard work these long years since Father died.
Haven't I helped to make things go on this
farm,
sharing gladly with the, planting and the
harvesting? Am I to be married to the soil
forever, with no happiness coming?
ANTERO: If you should fall into disgrace, what
are we to do, your own kin, who'll bear the
brunt
of your chosen shame forever?
SABINA: Shame? Is it a shame to be happy?
ANTERO: Can't you appreciate what it is to
have a name?
SABINA: What care I, if I myself am not happy
a
little?
ANTERO: Are you saying, you won't listen at
all?
SABINA: I love him so, Antero! I love him!
ANTERO: All right, but' you know nothing
about
him whatsoever. It's only three months you've
known him!
SABINA: I don't care about that!
ANTERO: It's your duty to care!
SABINA: Mr. George loves me! I know he
does!
My heart tells me he does!
ANTERO: I don't care what your wild heart
tells
you! What I care about is your own good self,
do
you hear me?
SABINA: He's good to me Antero! Mr. George
is
a good man. He's a fine man. And I tell you he
loves me!
ANTERO: I warn you he'll leave you like
thunder!
SABINA: No, no, he wont! He won't!
ANTERO: Oh, yes, he will! I know enough of
these sleek and tired and worldly-wise
merchant
men from the city! I've seen it happen!
SABINA (Dreamily): Mr. George and I will be
married someday... soon, Antero! He'll build
me
a fine house in the city, and surely I'll bring him
forth a good child into that house, and many
more if I am able!
ANTERO: Get married to him then, if you can!
But if you dont I'll show both of you where to
enjoy your pleasures.
SABINA: You will not! You dare not! Oh, let's
not
quarrel! Come, you had better go and open
the
gate quickly for he will be here now any
minute.
I'll light the lamp, Anterol
ANTERO: You stay away from that lamp!
SABINA (Quietly): Its my own lamp. Surely, I'll
light it!
ANTERO: Give me that lamp!
SABINA: Let go the lamp, Antero! Please let it
go! You will break the lamp!
ANTERO: I dont care! It's this devil of a lamp
itself giving you such foolish notions about
love!
SABINA: Give me the lamp! It's my lamp!
ANTERO (Wrestling, he seizes the lamp- and
smashes it against the floor): There goes your
devil of a lamp! You fool!
There is a tense speechless moment
between them. SABINA picks up several of
the
broken pieces and fingers them speechlessly.
The turtle is heard again.
SABINA: Ill open the gate.
ANTERO: You can't. I won't let you! You shan't
make a scene least of all. Think of the
neighbors! (He pulls her from the door.)

SABINA (Struggling from him): Let me go!
ANTERO: Think of the scandal, you fool!
Mr. GEORGE (At the gate): Sa-bi-na! Open
the
gate! Sabina are you there?
SABINA rushes to the windows again.
SABINA: Yes, Mr. George, I've been waiting!
(Then to ANTERO, wildly) He's coming round
the backyard through the garden.
He is coming now. Can you hear me?
Mr. George himself is coming up!
ANTERO slaps her fiercely, throwing
her to the floor. She utters a stifled cry.
SABINA: It's all right now. You can have the
front gate to yourself! It doesn't matter now! He
is here! He is coming, himself!
ANTERO: Go ahead, wallow in the mud with
him, you reckless little fool! Go to the devil with
him if you want to. Only don't you ever dare tell
me afterwards what bitter fruit you've gathered
in the end!
There is another silence broken by the
approaching steps, of Mr. GEORGE. ANTERO
goes out through the front door. SABINA rises
quickly and straightens herself up.
Mr. GEORGE enters cheerfully from the back
door. He is a kindly, cheerful, somewhat tired
but romantic-looking, businessman of about
thirty years, prosperous and plump, but not too
fleshy; good-looking in a stout American way
and bearing about him an earthly kind of
simplicity. There is gentleness in his tired
voice.
In fact, there is something romantic -and
alarmingly disarming about him. He wears a
white linen suit, white shoes, and a white
tropical helmet. He carries a weekend bag
with
him.
MR. GEORGE: Well, well, how's little Sabina
this evening?
SABINA (Running to him): Mr. George! Mr.
George! Ive been waiting!
MR. GEORGE (Embracing her warmly): I sure
feel grand to see you again, Sabina!
SABINA: I'm so glad you're back, just as you
promised me!
MR, GEORGE: Of course! Of course I was
coming back! You've been crying, Sabina!
What
is it?
SABINA: Nothing! Only I've been waiting! Now
Im so happy youre back.
Mr. GEORGE: Do you love me that much,
really?
SABINA: Each night while you were away, I've
been praying, Mr. George. Each night I kept on
thinking, wondering what you were doing and
wishing all the time you'd hurry back safe and
happy!
MR. GEORGE: I thought about you an awful
lot
myself.
SABINA: I was afraid you wouldn't return to
Kawakan.
MR.GEORGE: I cant forget Kawakan. It's the
place for me. I've kept my word, and I shall
keep
it again. The month spent without you was
terribly dull.
SABINA: You must rest now and be
comfortable, Mr. George. Let me help you with
your things. You can change your clothes in
my
room if you wish to, and I shall bring your bag
inside. Your bath has been ready ever since
this
morning.
MR. GEORGE: You're very thoughtful, Sabina.
I
like you, and I like this farm. (He takes off his
coat. (SABINA takes it from him.) Thats a
good
girl. How restful it is here in Kawakan. I've
been
longing to come back
He rolls his shirt sleeves up, unfastens, his
holster and hands it to SABINA together with,
his bag and helmet. She takes them all into
her
room He loosens his tie, then sits down and
relaxes, and begins stretching comfortably.
SABINA returns with her dressing gown and a
towel-and slippers.
SABINA: I'll place the things youll need for
your
bath here, Mr. George. Rest yourself now, and
I'll get you some supper.
MR. GEORGE (Holding her by the hand):
Don't
bother, I'm not hungry! Let's just sit here and
be
quiet for a while, shall we, Sabina?
SABINA: Oh, but, if you're tired ... Well, then...
MR. GEORGE: Tell me, Sabina, what makes
you kind to me?
SABINA: The earth itself is kind when the sun
is
good, and you've been good, Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE (Thoughtfully): The women I
know are kind, but you are so much kinder!
God
knows how much I've missed you.
SABINA: I've missed you too, Mr. George.
MR. GEORGE (Embracing her passionately):
This whole month I've missed YOU! And I
need
you, Sabina! I need you!
SABINA (Softly): Mr. George?
MR. GEORGE: Yes, my dearest?
SABINA: Will you always love me?
MR. GEORGE: Always! Forever and always!
SABINA (After a while, timidly): Will you ... let
me keep that love?
MR. GEORGE: It's all yours, sweet! I never
knew what love meant until I met you, Sabina!
SABINA: And I never was happy before you
came, Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE: I've never felt so -happy
myself
Oh, God, what I have missed.
SABINA (Simply): Its myself I offer gladly, Mr.
George... All that you want of me, my life, my
love, my heart which says: I'll love you always
no matter what or where or when! That's how
much I love you, Mr. George, for -me you're
the
bright sun, and I make a pledge to that sun
and promise to love
you forever, even when the gods themselves
have stopped turning night into day!
MR. GEORGE: My little brown Sabina! Can't it
be like this always?
SABINA: Forever, Mr. George! Our love will
last
forever!
They kiss again.
MR. GEORGE: Now I know the traders are
wrong! They say you Filipino women are no
good as sweethearts. What do they know
about
you? What do they know about love?
SABINA: Lets just love and be contented.
MR. GEORGE: Black, brown, or white, we're
all
the same and nothing matters much, save this
gift for loving. Sure, people are all the same,
Sabina!
SABINA: Grandfather always tells me, outside
love nothing lives. And I believe him, Mr.
George! Do people love much where you
came
from, Mr. George?
MR. GEORGE: Yes, they do!
SABINA: And are there some who are selfish
too?
MR. GEORGE: There are rascals there too,
and
sometimes they win out in the end.
SABINA: Here, there are selfish misers too,
Mr.
George. And it's they, too, who win out in the
end.
MR. GEORGE: These Kawakan folks aren't so
bad!
SABINA: Mr. George, I wish to tell you a
dream-
I've been dreaming! I want to come to the city
with you.
MR. GEORGE: Cities can be so tiring, Sabina!
City folks can be so tiring!
SABINA: Is that true, Mr. George?
MR. GEORGE: Very true, dear.
SABINA: Do they tire you, Mr. George?
MR. GEORGE: Indeed they do.
SABINA: Then I don't want to tire you.
MR. GEORGE: We all have dreams. I, too
have
a dream, and mine is here in Kawakan. Don't
you like it here?
SABINA (Hesitantly): As long as you are
happy,
then nothing at all will matter.
MR. GEORGE: I'm happy here, Sabina! Come
don't you think it's time to go to sleep?
SABINA: Just as you wish, Mr., George. I'll
have
your room ready in a minute.
She goes into her room, but she comes back
quickly with a silver sewing box.
SABINA: Before we say goodnight, there's
something I want to show you.
MR.GEORGE: Yes, dear, what is it?
SABINA (As she take's out several
embroidered
handkerchiefs from the box): I've worked them
all myself, Mr. George, every night while you
were away.
MR. GEORGE (Taking the handkerchiefs):
Sabina, they're lovely! "To Mr.George." Well!
Well!
SABINA: I'm glad you like them. They are for
you; Mr. George Theres a little thought I wove
into each letter, Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE: Darling, I cannot thank you!
You're the sweetest thing.
SABINA: I kept thinking about you and I will be
married some day. And I'll bring a child into
that
house, and many more if I am able.
MR. GEORGE: Sweetheart.
SABINA: There's just one more thing I want to
show you. (She shows him a baby's lace
bonnet.) For the gift itself I'll bring you into that
house.
MR. GEORGE (Trying not to show his
confusion): Sabina! Do you mean. are you
SABINA: Oh, I'm glad Ive told you!
MR. GEORGE: That's wonderful darling!
(Silence.) Sabina, have you told anyone?
SABINA: I've told no one, Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE: Are you sure, Sabina?
SABINA: I'm very sure, Mr.George!
MR. GEORGE: Then don't tell anyone ... not
yet
... not for just a while yet. will you, dear?
SABINA: If you wish it, I shall tell no one!
Aren't
you happy, Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE (Distractedly): Yes, yes, of
course, my dearest!
SABINA (Thoughtfully): I'm so glad you are
happy. And I am so happy we're to be married.
MR. GEORGE: Come close to me, darling,
there's something awful difficult I want to tell
you. We cannot get married.
SABINA (Looking at him in consternation.):
What? ... Why? You don't mean what you're
saying!
MR. GEORGE: I do. I'm already married,
Sabina!
SABINA (Stupefied): Youre telling me a lie!
MR.GEORGE: I'm telling you the honest truth,
dear.
SABINA: Then it's ...
MR. GEORGE: Yes, it's true.
SABINA (Brokenly): Oh...Oh! ... It's true then?
What Antero said is true then... There
someone
else? ...Someone is between us!
MR. GEORGE: She can't come between us! I
promise you! Somehow, I've never known her,
my wife, I mean. She can't make herself part
of
me as you have, Sabina! And I wanted so
much
to keep your love.
SABINA (Turning away defeated): You've
cheated me! You've lied to me!
MR.GEORGE: I didn't want to lose you, that's
why! Honest, I didn't ...
SABINA: You lied! You lied! Oh, you've
cheated
me!
MR. GEORGE: Dearest, I couldn't help it!
SABINA (Softly, intensely): You'll never know
what it is to love!
MR. GEORGE: I never knew love until I met
you!
SABINA (Remorsefully): Oh, I can't believe
anything you say now! (She sobs bitterly, but
softly.)
MR. GEORGE: Dearest, you, must listen to
me!
You've got to believe me!
SABINA: The first time you said you loved me,
I of
believed you then as I believe truly in a god!
And I came to you thinking there, was nothing
between us! But you've cheated me! You've
lied
to me!
MR. GEORGE: Don't say that! Nothing should
matter between us, Let us go on being happy
together, just as we have been doing, Sabina!
SABINA:-I can't be happy now. There's an
emptiness lying between us now, a wide,
black,
silent darkness! And no power on earth can
brighten this darkness forever.
MR. GEORGE: You've got to listen to me. You
must listen -to me!
SABINA: I can only hear them laughing now! I
can only hear the misers; of love laughing in
the
darkness!
MR. GEORGE: Others can't come between
our
love!
SABINA: Perhaps theyre not misers after all!
Yes, I can hear them shouting! Outside love,
all
is death!
MR. GEORGE: No, Sabina, don't speak of
death! We still have love!
SABINA: There are only the others now! I can
hear them clearly ... (She stares at the
darkness.) "You'll be lonely, Sabina! . . ., You'll
be alone, let go that lamp! . . . Marry him, then,
if
you can! ... Only don't ever call on us" . . .
(She
turns helplessly to MR. GEORGE.) Mr.
George,
I can hear them coming! I can hear them
laughing, Mr. George!
MR.GEORGE: Sabina, for God's sake, listen
to
me!
SABINA (Moving away): No! No! ... It's all so
strange! At first I, believed you, and', then one
day you lied, and I woke up and my belief in
you
died forever! I can't even believe in myself any
more!
MR. GEORGE: What are you saying to me?
Think only of our love! Think of our love!
SABINA: And what of me? What is to become
me? What shall I ever- tell them now? (She
goes to him again in a frenzy of fear and
helplessness.) Mr. George! Mr. George, help
me! Tell me it's all a lie. Tell me everything is
not
death! Tell me there's, a love better than life
itself.
MR. GEORGE: Yes, Sabina! Our love! Our
love!
Better than life itself! Oh, I love you still, you
must believe me!
SABINA: I'm scared of them, Mr. George! I'm
afraid of the darkness!
MR GEORGE: I'm here, don't be afraid!
SABINA: Yes, yes, I mustn't be afraid, Mr.
George! I mustn't be afraid! ...
MR. GEORGE: Well love each other always!
Always!
SABINA: We'll watch the darkness together!
MR. GEORGE: You must get a little rest now.
You must sleep. You must have something to
quiet your nerves now. You'll be all right
tomorrow!
SABINA: Oh yes! Tomorrow! Tomorrow! ... Im
happy for tomorrow, Mr. George! I'm not
scared
now, Mr. George!

MR. GEORGE: That's right, dear! Ill get you
something from the car to calm your nerves.
(He
rises.)
SABINA: I'm all, right, if you promise to come
back!
MR. GEORGE: I shan't be a minute, Sabina!
SABINA: I shall be waiting, Mr. George! I shall
be waiting forever!
MR. GEORGE: That's good! That's the girl.
(He
goes.)
She stares blankly into the darkness
and keeps on mumbling.
SABINA (In a monotone): Outside love,
nothing
lives! . . . Nothing lives ... Tomorrow. . .
Tomorrow . . . Outside love ... Grandpa, where
are you? Mother ... Mother ... where are you?
(Footsteps are heard from the main door. She
faces the door fearfully.) Mother, death lives
death lives It's Mother! It's Mother! ...
But it is ANTERO who appears. She
recoils fearfully from him.
SABINA: Oh, it's only you, Antero. I thought it
was Mother.
ANTERO (Coldly): A nice time for you to think
of
Mother! There's no use now! I don't care if
your
conscience bothers you now!
SABINA (Blankly): Yes! Antero, yes! (ANTERO
starts for the kitchen door.) Antero, listen to
me!
Don't be angry with me!
ANTERO: Don't you tell me anything! Get
married if you can, quickly. The sooner you
leave this house, the better. Go to the city with
him, if you can! I don't care!
SABINA (Holding on to him): No, no, Antero! I
know now that I was wrong! ... Listen to me!
(She clings to him.)
ANTERO: So it's no, is it? (He pushes her
abruptly away; she falls.) My God, don't come
to
me! Dont talk to me! Don't you dare tell any of
us anything! (He goes to the kitchen, leaving
her
on the floor.)
SABINA: Antero, listen to me! Antero,
comeback! (She cries pitifully). I was wrong,
Antero! I Only wanted to tell you were right. I
was wrong. But tomorrowtomorrow it will
be
all right tomorrow!
She rises and looks around slowly, then
cries and runs to her bedroom. There is a
short
silence. Then a gunshot is heard. A brief
silence
again
ANTERO comes in excitedly, looks around,
the
rushes to the bedroom.
ANTERO: Sabina! Sabina, where are you?
Mr. GEORGE (Outside): Sabina!
ANTERO (Coming out nervously): Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE enters excitedly.
MR. GEORGE: I heard a shot, ANTERO! What
is it?
ANTERO is too overcome to answer.
MR. GEORGE: For God's sake where's
Sabina?
(He rushes to the bedroom.), I Sabina! Why?
MR. GEORGE comes out carrying
SABINA dying body.
MR. GEORGE: Call the doctor, quick, Antero!
ANTERO: There's no doctor in this village!
He goes out. MR.GEORGE places
SABINA on the easy chair by the window.
SABINA: Im not afraid anymore, Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE: Don't talk!
SABINA: Mr. George!
MR. GEORGE: Darling forgive me.
SABINA: Will you think of me always?
MR.GEORGE: Ill always love you.
SABINA (With an effort): Tell the traders you
knew of a dark woman ... Who was faithful, Mr.
George!
MR. GEORGE: Sabina, don't leave me! Don't
leave me!
of moonlight falls on SABINAs body as the
men
carry her out, praying as they go.
A bamboo flute is heard far away. Once
more we hear the turtle crying

SABINA: I shall be waiting, Mr.George on a

sand hill by the sea I shall be waiting
forever (She dies.)

MR. GEORGE: Sabina! It's all my fault!

The others, ANTERO, CLETA,, ARISTON,
RUSTICA, MAMERTO, URSULA and the, two
neighbors come in hurriedly.

CLETA: What has happened? (She suddenly

realizes SABINA is dead and cries hysterically)
Grandma! Grandma! She's dead!
The others try to quiet her. The old woman
approaches SABINAs body and begins
mourning. The men place the bamboo couch
in
front of the altar; the women take a white
blanket from the room, and spread it on the
couch.

OLD WOMAN (Praying): It's an evil night! It's

an
evil night, Mr. George!

The men carry SABINA's body and lay

her gently on the couch. They cover half her
body with another white blanket. The others
begin praying and mourning over the body.
MR.
GEORGE comes away from the window and
joins the mourners.

CLETA (Calling out to Mr. George): Mr.

George!
Mr. George! Please leave our Sabina alone!

The mourners look strangely at MR.

GEORGE but he goes to the head of the
couch
and kneels sorrowfully by SABINA'S body.

OLD WOMAN (Lamenting): It is an evil night,

Mamerto.

OLD MAN: Her death's but her new life just

begun, Rustica! Her life's bigger than our petty
lives now! Ours will be the sadness now; ours
will be the loneliness forever! And we shan't be
happy till our selfish hearts have learned to
love
truly forever.

They start to pray again. A brilliant shaft