American drama

Glastonbury Archive UK and Studio Editions USA present

A Twentieth Century Trilogy
The Triad
by

Martha Keltz

THE TRIAD



Characters:
First Officer (Wellesley Tudor Pole)
Second Officer
A Sergeant
Two Soldiers
A Guide
Three Young Women and a Cup
Three Men and Three Women
Three Heralds
The Initiate
Churchill’s Chauffeur
Winston Churchill

Time:
The Twentieth Century, 1917 to 1940.

Place:
Hills near Jerusalem; the Spiritual World; an outdoor setting near London.

Scene:
The setting is the same for all three plays. The stage is bare, the set abstracted. There are three three-tiered platforms, designed as flowing forms, no higher than two to three feet. They are at right and left, and the longest and highest is upstage. Behind the platforms is a large, slightly concave backdrop in two parts: a screen on which is a large semi-circular form, representing the globe and the atom, and a skim or semi-transparent curtain in front of the screen. At moments the globe will be lit and visible, or flashes of colour and light will flare up on it; at other moments it will be obscured by lighting effects on the curtain. There are three subtly visible entrances onto the upstage platform. There are also entrances and exits up and down the tiered platforms at right and left, as well as directly from the right and left.

At Rise:
colours of sunset change into a moonlit night, and two British officers, second lieutenants, enter from the left. They wear khaki uniforms. The first is dark, with eyes and features of deep wisdom and great strength; the second is light-haired, with gentle eyes full of sadness, and light.







FIRST OFFICER
We had best not wander too far from the billet. Let’s sit down here on this boulder.

They sit down on the left platform.

SECOND OFFICER
The night is so clear up in these hills, so peaceful.

FIRST
We can see for miles in the moonlight – look there – the eye can journey away past the orange groves, down to the plains, and to the sea beyond.

SECOND
And if we wandered but a short distance in that direction, Jerusalem would be visible.

FIRST
I can see Jerusalem in my mind’s eye, glowing golden even in the moonlight.

SECOND
A holy place of quiet grandeur. Ah, how deep is the silence; how precious this time we have!... I daresay tomorrow night will be different.

FIRST
Sounds of battle will shatter the peace.

SECOND
The first battle for both of us.

FIRST
Yes...

He focuses his attention on something in the distance.

SECOND
So you were saying, you didn’t have to be in this war?

FIRST
No... I had a grain company in Bristol and we were engaged in government work – biscuits for the army.

SECOND
Which means you were exempt from military service.

FIRST
Yes, but like other men, I wanted to serve my country.

SECOND
I wasn’t exempt, but willingly serve.

He notices his friend looking up at the moon.

What is it?

FIRST
I was just observing a few salient facts – what awaits us tomorrow night. For one, the hill we’re to climb: Beit el Fokka, five hundred feet to the summit... for the well on the top. Secondly, the moonlight will be directly in our eyes. And thirdly, do you see that bare plateau just below the summit? We’ll be fully exposed there, and Turks will be everywhere. Snipers will be in every tree; machine-guns at cave entrances and in the ravines. Overall, it appears the enterprise will be nothing short of desperate.

SECOND
All for the well... We must have water.

FIRST
Indeed we must.

He rises and crosses to centre.

Let’s continue the conversation we were having in the billet before the other officers came in. We were discussing the futility and irony of war. Consider the horrible irony of our present situation. We’ll have to crawl up to that summit in the thick of battle – all around us men will be screaming and falling to their deaths. This quest is the hellish opposite of man’s true destiny in our time: the spiritual quest to reach the eternal fount of life at the summit.

SECOND
How few shall find this fount!

FIRST
How few even try to uplift their souls to that very wellspring of Love and Wisdom, the summit within, where God lovingly and patiently awaits. Because of widespread failure to seek a selfless path of service for the spiritual land, humanity is led into wars by dark, unseen powers; led to grope blindly and bodily in violence and terror for a measure of property or water. Such will be the fate of ourselves and our soldiers on Beit el Fokka.

SECOND
It did not have to be your fate.

FIRST
Why should it be different for me?

Laughter is heard, off at left.

Listen to the cheery men... they know little of what lies ahead.

SECOND
There’s something I want to tell you, while we still have time.

He rises and crosses to his friend, eyes alight.

You will survive the battle tomorrow, but myself and most of the others... I had a premonition, and this awareness, this nearness of my passing has given me visions of eternal realities. I have seen many prophetic pictures. The Armageddon that has now descended upon us will extend past this dreadful war, twenty-two years into the future and beyond. Beginning in 1939 or 1940 there will be a second war, far surpassing in magnitude and destruction anything we can possibly imagine now. The great scientific discoveries of this century will be used for the development of weapons – weapons with the power to annihilate humanity and the earth. When these terrifying days come, remember us who lost our lives in this war. We shall no longer fight with material weapons, but as an unseen mighty army, we can help you. Yes, how precious is time, and silence... Lend us, then, during the second great war, one silent minute of your time each day, and in this silence we shall have our opportunity to help.

FIRST
My good friend, I hope neither your premonition nor your prophecies are true; I hope your days on earth are fulfilled. But the fire of your soul speaks to me through and beyond your words. If what you say is true, I solemnly promise that if God so wills, you and the others shall have your silent minute.

SECOND
My days on earth have been fulfilled!

The first officer places his arm around the shoulder of his comrade, and they exit left.

All colour and light fade out. Gradually the stage is dimly re-lit in red, grey and brown. In the distance the cries of jackals are heard. The first officer crawls slowly up the right platform. Behind him a sergeant and two soldiers emerge from the darkness. As all have been running, their breathing is laboured. They wear helmets and have rifles with bayonets attached. They lie on the right platform.

SERGEANT
We waited for the rising of the moon, and now we can’t take aim for the moonlight in our eyes!

FIRST OFFICER
What we can see is that the first wave of men made it to the ridge of the hill, but not without great loss. Bodies are everywhere.

SERGEANT
Turks are everywhere!

OFFICER
We’ll have to go on – a few yards at a time – they must have reinforcements. Let’s go— signal the men.

The first officer rises, leaps down from the right platform and crosses to crouch at the left platform. The sergeant rises, signals the men, then quickly joins the officer. Just as the two soldiers are about to follow, the sudden sounds of machine-gun fire and bursting shrapnel cause them to cringe back. In a few moments, there is again silence.

SERGEANT
We can’t dig in anywhere on this rock. (He turns and shouts to the soldiers) Stay where you are!

A rifle shot rings out.

There’s a sniper in that fig tree!

OFFICER
We can’t advance....

A blue light fades up on the centre entrance of the upstage platform and the Guide, a tall, majestic figure, enters. He wears a blue robe and carries a strong, hooked stick. The officer sees him, but the sergeant does not.

GUIDE
I witnessed your soul lifting itself above the body as you leapt across the rocks. I heard your thoughts: who can bear such blood and hell as this all around!... Now hear me: it is true you cannot advance, nor can you hold the ground you have gained. And yes, it is your duty to remain here until you are killed; therefore, a decision has been made on your behalf.

Rifle shots and machine-gun fire are again heard.

SERGEANT
Let’s get out of here!

The sergeant rises and leaps across the stage, joining the soldiers at right. The officer then makes his decision and follows, but at centre, he is shot and collapses to the ground.

SERGEANT
He’s been hit! Let’s get him!

The sergeant jumps up, but is shot and falls to his knees. The two soldiers lift him up and the three exit right. The officer lies still at centre and gradually the gunfire ceases and the lights fade out.

In a few moments, dim lights fade up on the fallen officer and the Guide (who is still on the upstage platform). The officer moans and lifts his head.

OFFICER
I am bitter cold and in pain.

Rifle shots are heard.

Why doesn’t another bullet just end this agony?

GUIDE
Listen!... You must obey me implicitly, faithfully. Lay your head back down and be still. The enemy is moving throughout the area, bayoneting the wounded and stripping their bodies. No one will be spared except yourself, for you shall be needed for other work later in your life. You will not die, however much you desire to do so. Be still!....

All lights fade, though a red light lingers on the face of the officer.

In a few moments, the cool light of early morning fades up. The Guide descends from the platform, kneels down by the officer and helps him to sit up.

OFFICER
My friend – the one who was with me the other night – where is he?

GUIDE
We had to arrange for you to be wounded, else you too would have been killed. The bullet has passed directly through your body, yet it has done no serious damage.

OFFICER
My friend –

GUIDE
Do not expend your strength with talk. Rise now, lean on this stick, take a few steps.

This the officer does with the Guide’s help.

Very good... Yes, this experience will prove valuable to you, especially as a test of faith. As well, there was simply no other way to get you out of here. Come along now, you are still not safe.

They begin walking towards the left.

I shall first lead you to a cave where fresh water is available; there you will be found and taken to a hospital.

OFFICER
He is gone – he did not survive –

GUIDE
No one did.

OFFICER
Just as he said – and the second war – the second... How precious was the time we had!... Yes, you are right, I must be spared for other work. The silent minute...

GUIDE
The silent minute, yes, that came from us. Now you be silent, do you hear me? You must obey me, else you will not have the strength to walk as far as the cave. Come along....

They exit left. Lights fade out.

Full warm lights fade up for the next two scenes. From the three upstage entrances, three young women enter and remain standing on the platform. The one at centre carries a gleaming blue, gold and silver cup. The women wear gowns of shimmering spring colours.

FIRST YOUNG WOMAN (at centre)
Let wellsprings of the heart rebound,
To quench the soul’s longing thirst...
Of virtues in this Cup we’ve found,
Love’s harmony shall be first.



SECOND
May strength for deeds our Cup yield then –
Healing powers to release.



THIRD
Dark dwellings of imprisoned men
Shall know the light of God’s peace.



FIRST
My sisters dear, the Cup awakes.
"Quest of me now," the Cup asks.



SECOND


Of spheres above the Cup partakes
And gently gives us our tasks.

THIRD
Shimmering lights of thoughts descend –
Feathers floating in the air.

They grasp and observe the thoughts.

FIRST
Ah! – Deeds below we must amend
And our good Earth sorrow spare.

SECOND
These are from the Herald’s sphere.
There has been a meeting nigh.

THIRD
Men are misled, and thus we hear
Decisions from their lips sigh...

FIRST


Find these thoughts of resolution –
Unless they’ve retained them there –

SECOND
No, these tell of some solution –
Let’s consult our Chalice fair.

THIRD
First – place our thoughts in narrative;
Bid logic order them well.

FIRST
Answers are then imperative –
And pray our unease they quell.

There is a momentary silent pause of preparation.

SECOND
Whence come swords of duality,
One striking ‘gainst another?

THIRD
In the name of morality,
Should man destroy his brother?

FIRST
Could two divided be God’s plan –
Good versus evil alone?

SECOND
Positive to negative span
With never a balance shown?

They wait for the Cup to respond.

FIRST (CUP)
"Triads of energy compose
The infinite universe;
One line of force the other knows
As its rhythmical reverse.

A neutral centre leaves a space
Between these dual forces,
And when they cross this point apace
They interchange their courses."

Pause.

SECOND
The Cup is silent once again,
Yet leaves us with an image.

THIRD
A spiral fountain with a hand
Points downward to its lineage.

FIRST
The colour: blood of battle shed,
And white water – tears of pain.

SECOND
Through prayer it spirals, upward led –
Yet how meagre is its gain!

THIRD
"There’s worse to come," I hear it cry –
Oh, what has happened to men!

FIRST
"Millions upon millions shall die,
Ere we see the horrid end!"

Pause.

My sisters dear, we must retire
To contemplate trinity,
And we must pray that men aspire
To seek its affinity.

They withdraw back through the entrances, the first young woman holding the cup aloft.

After an interval, Wellesley Tudor Pole (the first officer) enters directly from the right. His garment, which includes an outer, sleeveless tunic, suggests a knight in repose. He crosses to right of centre.

TUDOR POLE
Some hours ago, I was quietly contemplating
The mind of man –
That wonderful instrument –
With the ability to think or reason,
The power to feel or live,
And the capacity to remember.
Here, in the higher realms,
I can realise the fruits
Of my meditation
By perceiving that through memory,
Life can expand unceasingly.
Memory, living gift of the spirit,
Contains the seeds of our salvation,
Guiding and inspiring
Both thought and feeling
As free will directs.
Thought, feeling and memory
Form a triad,
With the triad itself
The principle handmaid
Of the mind....

Here, memory can be perceived
Objectively... Countless forms
Of transparent threads of light,
Both intertwined and single,
Housed and nurtured in a realm
Of their own creating;
Stretching backward into deep antiquity,
And also progressing forward
In manifold ways...

What threads of memory
Do I now perceive?
Beyond time and space,
They yet direct my attention
To a moment in the past...

He looks to the left.

I see myself and my friend
In the hills near Jerusalem
On a peaceful moonlit night.
We share our thoughts and feelings
On the eve of battle,
Yet only the stillness
Truly illumines us....

Tudor Pole’s friend, the second officer, enters from the centre upstage entrance. He wears a blue robe, on the breast of which is a "group soul" star emblem.

FRIEND
Major Tudor Pole –

TUDOR POLE
It is you! – Wearing new and living robes.

FRIEND
I am permitted this night to see you again.

He descends from the platform and the two warmly clasp hands.

TUDOR POLE
Who has given this blessed permission?

FRIEND
Your three friends from the College of Heralds.

TUDOR POLE
The very ones I am soon to meet.

FRIEND
They have sent me in advance that you might be better prepared.

TUDOR POLE
I see... But first – how many times I have thought of you! – tell me about yourself; how it went with you on the hill and your progress since leaving the world below.

FRIEND
It was not as bad for me as it was for many others; I did not linger but quickly passed. For a brief period I was confused and caught in the mists that separate our worlds, but soon I emerged into the light and began to help others around me, those who had passed over in battle. Then I met your Guide, the one who rescued you from Beit el Fokka. With his help I began to advance through active service on the battlefields between the worlds. Recently I was given these new robes to wear, with sign of my future path.

TUDOR POLE
And the Triad of Heralds has sent you to me...

FRIEND
Perhaps you already know that one of them inspired in me the idea of the silent minute.

TUDOR POLE
I sensed so... This would be my great friend and companion through many centuries.

FRIEND
Yes, and he has told me that the need for this gift of a daily minute of prayer and silence will soon become urgent. Look there!...

He gestures toward the right.

Those transparent threads of light – those memories you perceived stretching backwards into the past – they are also leading into the future, leading from the first to the second great war. Look!... The whole of our small Island will stand alone between the forces of a tyrannised continent and the free world; she alone will hold the balance between a subjugated Europe and the West. She and her allies must have our help, we who passed over during the first war.

TUDOR POLE
Out of the silence, I have heard the voices of the slain.

Three men and three women, wearing robes and gowns of varying colours, emerge from the entrances and stand on the upstage platform.

FIRST MAN
We speak in many languages, but the ideals we express are the same; our voices must be heard.

FIRST WOMAN
We are of every race and our message is for every race; there are no barriers of nation, colour, creed or sex.

SECOND MAN
We were slain on battlefields or killed in villages all across the globe; we were slain needlessly, our bodies taken from us when we were young and strong.

SECOND WOMAN
Our bodies lie broken and buried but our souls live on in ways we cannot yet fathom.

THIRD MAN
Life itself cannot be taken from us, for God alone gives life and takes it away.

THIRD WOMAN
We have been deprived not of life, but of the form in which we expressed life. Our opportunities for experience and service have all been destroyed.

FIRST MAN
Who would deny us now the right to speak from across the river that divides our worlds?

FIRST WOMAN
Who would dare to erect barriers of disbelief, saying we are dead and can no longer be heard?

SECOND MAN
Although a harsh fate has robbed us of our earthly lives, that does not stop us from taking our message to those regions where chaos and carnage still reign.

SECOND WOMAN
The leaders of the world talk of the wars that are to follow, as if human conflict would never cease.

THIRD MAN
On this subject we have the right to make our voices heard, voices that cannot be stilled until our message is given.

THIRD WOMAN
We dare not rest while war continues. There can be no blissful heaven for any of us while the anguish of the battlefield remains. We will fight for peace.

FIRST MAN
We will work that wars shall end forever. There are millions of us now, in groups, in councils, in communities. We are behind the peoples’ cry for peace in every land.

FIRST WOMAN
We inspire those who do not know of our presence. We stand behind kings; we sit in council halls; we walk at noon in the market places of the world.

SECOND MAN
We move in and out of the minds of the leaders of the earth, and all unknowingly fear us.

SECOND WOMAN
We sit beside priests and ministers in their private hours. When they descend from pulpits, having preached a righteous war, we give them war within themselves.

THIRD MAN
We pursue those who take the name of God in vain, who cry to Him for victory for some material cause. They cry in vain, for God is not near such men and will not help them.

THIRD WOMAN
There must be renunciation and sacrifice; days of reparation and repentance. There will come days of judgement.

FIRST MAN
Although we can see blessed signs of peace on the distant horizon, peace can only come to those who are at peace within.

FIRST WOMAN
Such inner peace is worth a thousand victories on the outer battlefields of life.

SECOND MAN
Purify the sanctuary within the soul.

SECOND WOMAN
Above the deafening noise of battlefields, hear His voice; hear the still, small voice within.

THIRD MAN
His message is greater than any we can give.

THIRD WOMAN
Mark our words well... Our message is to all. Our voices must be heard. Listen, before it is too late....

They withdraw back through the entrances.

TUDOR POLE
It is painful to see how many souls passed to this side without preparation and now desire the power of will to compensate, while below we have the survivors, many of whom realise they were trained to kill in the name of some false leader or cause and whose lives are blemished by murderous deeds. Myself... I would not have survived the hill, but was spared for further work. Yet, how much can I do? Day after day passes and it seems I do nothing – it is certainly not enough!

FRIEND
Your friends plan to continue their help.

He appears to be listening.

My guide calls me away – the Heralds are coming. I cannot remain here, for they will speak of matters beyond what I can absorb, concerned as I am with the great crisis of our Island.

The two again clasp hands.

TUDOR POLE
I pray we shall meet again.

FRIEND
I believe we shall. Until then, my voice will be heard in the silence, united with the others.

He exits by way of the centre upstage entrance, but before exiting, he turns and crosses his arms over the star emblem on the breast of his robe.

TUDOR POLE
Oh, Light of the World, may their voices be heard!

He bows his head in silent prayer.

Soon, he lifts his head and gazes at the upstage area, and in a few moments the Three Heralds enter from the three upstage entrances. They wear shimmering gold and white garments, each differing in features. Tudor Pole’s friend and companion, the First Herald, is in the centre of the three. They descend from the platform.

SECOND HERALD
Together we offer greetings to our Brother in the service of God’s Will.

FIRST HERALD
(Embracing his friend) And also joyfully welcome the warm and faithful presence of our great friend.

THIRD HERALD
Many are the times he experiences physical life as painful, tiresome and obstructive, yet he always chooses to endure for the sake of his fellow man.

TUDOR POLE
Ah, but each night whilst my body is in deep sleep, I can bathe in the liquid waves of the light, colour and music of my spiritual home.

FIRST
Before he takes his descending journey into the Borderland.

SECOND
Problems of the past and present there and in the lower astral regions will soon recede to pale shadows in the glare of impending crises.

TUDOR POLE
I know...

THIRD
The great question is whether humanity can evolve beyond the end of this century or whether, through the continued misuse of free will, he will fall back into everlasting dark ages.

FIRST
Our immediate concern is the protection of Great Britain and hence the free West.

SECOND
Your purchase of the sacred site of the Isle of Avalon shall be realised; it is already realised here.

TUDOR POLE
I receive these tidings with great joy!... The sacred site of Glastonbury – once home to our King Arthur – an earthly source of the true well, the eternal fount of spiritual life for which man so thirsts. If he would but pilgrim to the spiritual fount!

THIRD
A true source may be found at Glastonbury, yes; the site is also a peaceful centre of balance between the East and the West.

FIRST
From this central point, as from the hub of a wheel, rays will extend to the periphery of the Island in all directions.

SECOND
Two special radiances already extend far beyond England to points east and west....

THIRD
The Silent Minute shall strengthen and uphold the balance of the centre. There is naught but the greatest stillness in the centre... If the British and other peoples willingly participate in the Silent Minute, an invisible sheath of protection can be drawn around England.

FIRST
For England will be invaded.

SECOND
By air...

THIRD
Insofar as the Channel is concerned, your wonderful rapport with the elemental Kingdom of Water has led to significant meetings, and agreement with their Guardian will ensure protective forces against wrongful uses of the Channel and other seas.

TUDOR POLE
I had hoped so! Bless him!

The First Herald crosses thoughtfully to the down-left area.

FIRST
We can perceive thoughts, questions and troubling memories within your being, and you must forgive us if we respond before you give voice to them.

SECOND
Time is of the essence.

FIRST
The question that concerns you uppermost is: what might be the cause for the many horrors rising from the temporal world into the mists of Borderland.

THIRD
You already know the answer, partly.

TUDOR POLE
The leavening.

FIRST
The lightening and enlivening of consciousness, yes. This quickening – this karmic cleansing process for individuals, nations, and spheres above – will continue to be very unpleasant, but is essential if man is to be prepared for the new quality of Deity that is coming... a quality we shall call the Blended Ray.

THIRD
The child of the union of Love and Wisdom.

SECOND
For man’s wisdom – or the use of his intelligence – is coldly divorced from his feeling life, and the result will be great tribulations, even horrific catastrophes, in the near future.

THIRD
We deem it necessary to direct your attention to some of these tribulations.

FIRST
On the battlefield, your fellow officer spoke of the scientific discoveries of this century and the development of weapons that would have the power to annihilate humanity and the earth.

TUDOR POLE
I have meditated deeply and at length on this... What can the dark aspects of materialistic discovery bring but a repetition of what has occurred in the past?

SECOND
History does indeed repeat itself.

FIRST
Please, continue.

TUDOR POLE
I refer to the destruction of Atlantis. It was during a great war of that epoch that researchers discovered a means for the harnessing of energy through the division of the atom. Atomic weapons were created and used, and the end result of this disruption of nature’s balance was catastrophic: earthquakes, violent storms, tidal waves all followed one upon another in increasing number and intensity until the entire Atlantean civilisation disappeared beneath the ocean. (Pause, then a sudden realisation) The causative factors will recur...

FIRST
Yes... in America.

Major Tudor Pole lifts his eyes to regions above and presses his hands together in prayer.

TUDOR POLE
No... No, God, please!....

He seems to sink into himself, then crosses slowly to the right platform and sits down. The First Herald also crosses and sits next to him. After a pause, Tudor Pole raises his head and looks at his friend with great intensity.

During the Atlantean epoch, man did not have free will in the same sense as today. Today, in effect, he is splitting the atom of his own free will. We must get to the root of this; we must find the cause of this... Who are the scientists responsible?

FIRST
They are completely unknown, but we shall learn of them soon enough. Some are presently in Germany, some in England. Most are in America and at a certain point in time they will all merge together in America.

TUDOR POLE
The powers of darkness will manipulate the scientists for their own ends. As for us... Will the Guardians of the Kingdoms of Nature abandon the earth? A second world war might be tolerated, but atomic weaponry?

FIRST
We do not believe the Guardians will withdraw, but the leavening process is critical.

TUDOR POLE
So there is hope.

FIRST
Always.

TUDOR POLE
What remains to be done?

The First Herald rises and crosses thoughtfully to right of centre.

(Note: Michael is pronounced Mi-cha-el.)

FIRST
We must continue in all possible ways to bring about increased consciousness of the universal law of the triad.

SECOND
Although the teaching of the Trinity is found within most religions, existence is regarded as a condition of duality in ceaseless conflict: good and evil, God and the Devil, Heaven and Hell.

THIRD
The third factor – the neutralising medium between seeming opposites – this is forgotten.

SECOND
Yet only the three working together can bring about the fourth factor.

FIRST
Only the three together can create.

TUDOR POLE
(Rising from the platform) And the pinnacle of the fourth factor is certainly the Grail... The Grail must fully emerge in our time. The Cross of duality and suffering must be transmuted into the Cup of unity and peace.

SECOND
Yes... But we need not tell you that duality, clashes of civilisations, wars and all divisive human conflicts play directly into the hands of the powers of darkness.

TUDOR POLE
What I call the Brotherhood of the Left.

THIRD
So long as human beings sleep to the spirit whilst remaining fully engrossed in matter, they shall be manipulated by these forces.

FIRST
During this time of Armageddon man is being easily led away from his rightful path; he is being easily led, through two world wars, to the abyss of complete destruction.

SECOND
The Left first wants Western domination, and then a world of people who are little more than perfect machines, hardened against any further progress.

TUDOR POLE
The Nazis nearly have this already.

FIRST
Yes, however, one – shall we say special group of the Left is far worse than the Nazis. They want the annihilation of all races; the end of humanity.

SECOND
Their leader is inspired by an abominable monster.

THIRD
These will be the inspirers of atomic weaponry.

SECOND
Ah, it was written... the pit has opened.

FIRST
Thus we realise root causes.

TUDOR POLE
Can we take any action directly against this group?

FIRST
That will require far greater celestial authority than we have, but again, there is hope...

SECOND
Several measures we can take that do not interfere with free will involve the special radiances already extending from the peaceful hub of Glastonbury to the east and west. These are healing forces to counter the use of nuclear energy and alleviate the natural cataclysms that will follow.

THIRD
These radiances will arch high into the heavens to act as pathways.

SECOND
And they will also penetrate deeply into the subterranean regions of the Southwest United States.

FIRST
One Being in particular may descend on these pathways.

TUDOR POLE
Who?

FIRST
He was a great Initiate in Atlantean times, but even during that epoch he knew of the future destiny of Southwest America.

SECOND
We must warn you, he can only work now with the cooperation of humanity. We can provide archways, but only human beings can call him forth.

THIRD
However, we believe enough are awakened.

FIRST
Which permits us to weave our scenes in the tapestry of the coming events.

SECOND
We would like to involve you in changes of rhythms in certain land areas. Ways and means will become clear in time.

FIRST
You need know but one more fact now: the Initiate works directly with the great Archangel Michael.

SECOND
Michael has descended down to the very borders of human existence.

FIRST
We can say no more...

He appears to be listening.

There is a sudden hush above... a solemn stillness out of which spirals an immensely powerful light... We must watch and listen.

The three young women re-enter from the three upstage entrances, again remaining on the platform. The one at centre is still carrying the cup. Major Tudor Pole and the First Herald are at right; the other two Heralds are at left.

FIRST WOMAN
Our Cup sings of a time when he
Led the people from the West.
They came to Avalon by sea,
Fleeing lands that were infest
With evil or had sunken down
Beneath the ocean’s dark bile.
The Tor of Michael he found –
A beacon on the safe isle.


SECOND
A giant Zodiac was here
And on the surrounding land;
These Constellations marked a sphere
Heavenly archways could span.
Later he watched Druidic priests
Relight the sacred centre;
Yet later still, all life had ceased
When rose an evil mentor.


THIRD
Today, Arthur’s court signals light
And safe passage once again.
Hearts of old remember the site;
They know the time is at hand.
And yet our Cup reveals his eye
Gazes on the setting sun.
‘Tis in the West his homelands lie;
With Saturn’s life he is One.


FIRST
An arch of light is leading there,
He’ll cross on one condition:
To desert heat he’ll bring cool air,
If mankind grants admission.


SECOND
Joyously he hears a new song
Coming from human voices,
For after aeons, how they long
To make – at last – their choices.


THIRD
A new Cup is raised to the sky,
Held aloft by human hands.
His love he would never deny,
For renewal of the lands...


FIRST
Oh, Cup of Unity and Peace,
May you replace the crosses;
To spellbound spirit bring release,
Bring new life for her losses.


The three young women descend to the centre of the stage. Behind them, the three men and women re-enter. The three men stand to the right of the centre entrance, and the three women to the left.

FIRST WOMAN
We dare not rest while war and conflict continue.

SECOND
While the human race builds arms and produces weapons of great destruction.

THIRD
Drive those from the governments of all nations who prepare for further wars –

FIRST
Who train future generations in the act of murder.

SECOND
Drive them from the councils of the people.

THIRD
Drive them forever from power.

FIRST MAN
We listen, during times of prayer and silence, for the voice of Michael.

SECOND
We listen for the music of Michael’s trumpet.

THIRD
Michael, the great Archangel, is now the Spirit of the Times.

FIRST
Listen, for Michael summons us to spiritual arms.

SECOND
On Earth and above we awaken –

THIRD
And call to our aid the forces of good that have helped us through the ages. Now we will help them!

ALL (as rounds)
The time is at hand! Now is the time!

The Initiate enters and stands at upstage centre. He wears a long white robe containing and reflecting many colours, and a full head-dress of rainbow-coloured feathers that descend past his waist. He stands powerfully and silently with his arms folded, a gesture communicating both serenity and immense power.

All lights fade on the stage; lastly and slowly on the first woman, who holds the cup aloft, and on the Initiate.

The lights fade up for an outdoor scene, a hill overlooking London, with woods in the background. Lighting can suggest the shadows of leaves, through which the afternoon sun beams. The time is the summer of 1940, not long after the evacuation from Dunkirk.

At rise, the chauffeur enters directly from the left, followed by Winston Churchill. Churchill is dressed conservatively, though lightly for the summer, with a hat; he is smoking a cigar. The chauffeur carries two folded chairs, with a basket over one arm, and Churchill carries a small folded tray-table. Together they set up the table between the chairs; then Churchill, removing his hat, sits down with a sigh of relief. From the basket on the table, the chauffeur removes some cups, brandy and wine. He fills a cup with brandy and gives it to Churchill.


CHURCHILL
Well, well, we got away. Good work. So Major Tudor Pole suggested this spot, did he?

CHAUFFEUR
Yes, sir.

CHURCHILL
He won’t drink brandy, but pour him a bit of the wine.

The chauffeur pours wine into a cup.

Look at the view of London... extraordinary. And this clearing, open to everyone, yet private; partially enclosed. How did he know about this place?

CHAUFFEUR
I have not had much occasion to speak to him, sir, yet he impresses me as being knowledgeable about very many things.

CHURCHILL
Very many things, indeed, in fact, so many, I don’t know what to make of him. He’s one of a kind – socially charming, modest, a great listener. These attributes are not so peculiar, I suppose, it’s the way he moves among the powerful with such natural authority. One never questions him, but agrees with everything he says, as though in all creation there could not be a better or more logical point of view. Well, Major Tudor Pole has never dealt anyone a bad hand; just the opposite. Like yourself, my good fellow, I trust him. Curious....

CHAUFFEUR
I see him coming up the hill now, sir. Shall I withdraw?

CHURCHILL
Stay within earshot.

CHAUFFEUR
Yes, sir.

The chauffeur looks around, then crosses to the right platform and sits down in an alert posture. Major Tudor Pole, now in his mid-fifties, enters from the left. He is mildly conservative in dress, with casual details. Churchill rises to greet him.

TUDOR POLE
Good afternoon, Mr. Prime Minister.

CHURCHILL
Good afternoon, sir. Please, sit down.

They both sit down.

I know you don’t partake of spirits, but have some wine.

TUDOR POLE
A little, thank you. (He sips the wine) Rhine wine.

CHURCHILL
There are still a few things the Germans haven’t spoiled. My drink is brandy. A bit of brandy and tobacco, combined with the country air – very good for the circulation and the lungs. My chauffeur and I were wondering how you knew of this place. There were so many twists and turns in the road, we would never have found it without your map.

TUDOR POLE
I often walk in the country, and my friends the trees led me here.

CHURCHILL
Your friends the trees, eh? They say it’s good to have friends in high places, though I’ve very little experience of it myself. (A deep laugh) Seriously...

TUDOR POLE
I am serious.

Churchill gives Tudor Pole a long look.

CHURCHILL
A British Prime Minister has never received from his Cabinet colleagues the loyalty I presently enjoy. Did it take the fall of France to acquire it?... I was a personal witness to her collapse and shall never forget those days. For instance, I was at the Quai d’Orsay in Paris, when something outside the window caught my attention. In the garden, clouds of smoke were rising from large bonfires. The venerable officials – the old gentlemen – were bringing up wheelbarrows full of state documents; they were casting these into the flames. Then there was Mandel, the Minister of the French Interior. He was energy and defiance personified; a ray of sunshine. His luncheon, an attractive chicken, lay uneaten on the tray before him. He had a telephone in each hand, through which he was constantly giving orders and decisions. His ideas were simple: fight to the end in France. I shall never see this valiant Frenchman again. He was murdered. But England shall learn from him. There can be no more passive-resistance: we shall fight.

A pause.

As for Dunkirk... we’re calling it a miracle. Did you have something to do with this?

TUDOR POLE
Yes, sir, there were preparations in advance – the water, for one. As well, I’ve recently been storming the gates of heaven, requesting continued protection against invasion.

CHURCHILL
That’s uncanny, you know... Yet, I would never deny the necessity of God’s help... Now let us get to the business of our meeting.

TUDOR POLE
First, the Silent Minute. Men and women here and in the Commonwealth and elsewhere are devoting one minute of their time at nine each evening to pray for peace, and to create a channel between the visible and invisible worlds through which divine help and inspiration can be received.

CHURCHILL
Yes, and I need not tell you this Dedicated Minute has received the warm approval of His Majesty King George.

TUDOR POLE
For which we are deeply grateful. Yet we have further requests: the striking of Big Ben at nine each evening could signal the start of the Silent Minute, and also, might this be aired on the BBC, enabling millions more to observe the Minute?

CHURCHILL
(After some thought) I could not refuse such a request, nor can I imagine my Cabinet refusing, nor the Church officials. I shall take care of it.

TUDOR POLE
This is what I had hoped to hear from you, thank you. You cannot imagine how much genuine power there will be in this simple cooperative gesture. Other matters I would like to discuss –

He glances at the chauffeur.

CHURCHILL
He’s all right.

TUDOR POLE
I have told you that what we call the Energies of the Left Path use Hitler as their external instrument. By himself he is no more than an ordinary man with limited intelligence and deep-seated prejudices. How indeed could this little man with the little moustache have risen to such power? These energies were behind the first world war, and are no less active in this one.

Churchill rises from his chair and paces, clenching the cigar in his teeth.

CHURCHILL
Have you more to say? Go on, please.

TUDOR POLE
They are able to tap into the House of Commons during secret sessions and follow the proceedings.

CHURCHILL
You’ll have to prove that.

TUDOR POLE
Certainly. Has there been talk of scientific advancements, or a "wizard’s war," a war between British and German scientists, especially in regard to radar?

CHURCHILL
Sir, you alarm me. How do you know?

TUDOR POLE
Several of us have observed their meetings and heard conversations.

CHURCHILL
I’ll not ask how. These supernatural matters give me the heebie-jeebies. What do you expect me to do about this, tell my colleagues we are being watched by Hitler’s black magicians and will need to recite incantations before sessions? Is this the twentieth century? Do the British represent the civilised world?

TUDOR POLE
We are merely the veneer of civilisation; a civilised society must be fully aware of higher truths.

CHURCHILL
Fine. Tell us what we are able to do then, with our closed celestial eyes.

TUDOR POLE
Keep the most important radar advances doubly secret and you’ll save thousands of lives. That is what our meeting is all about, sir, thousands of lives.

CHURCHILL
What else do you know? What else can you do?

TUDOR POLE
You wouldn’t believe me.

CHURCHILL
I might.

He slowly turns front and gazes out toward London.

The times are very bad... how near we are to death and ruin. Not only the universal experience of individual death stands near, but incomparably more commanding, the life of Britain, her message and her glory... My celestial eyes are not perhaps entirely closed. I can see a white glow, overpowering, sublime, running through our Island from end to end....

After a pause he turns back and gives Tudor Pole another long look.

This supernatural business is not all bunk, and to an extent I believe it – I certainly believe you. But I’ll admit I fear these dark paths... We must make many decisions that personally touch so many lives... Why do you suppose I love my tobacco smoke and brandy so much? They keep the ghosts at bay. Uncanny... Do what you can.

He turns toward the chauffeur.

I believe I’ll take a walk with this good fellow here. Do you mind?

CHAUFFEUR
Not at all, sir.

CHURCHILL
I should like to hear your opinions on these matters.

CHAUFFEUR
My opinions?

CHURCHILL
I assure you, they are important.

Tudor Pole rises.

(To Tudor Pole) If you would care to wait but ten or fifteen minutes, sir, we shall be back by then. I am expected at a late luncheon and would be pleased if you would follow and join us.

TUDOR POLE
I would be honoured.

CHURCHILL
Who honours whom?

Churchill and the chauffeur exit right. Major Tudor Pole crosses down-centre and looks toward London.

TUDOR POLE
Ere much time passes, those peaceful homes and industrious businesses shall be shattered by exploding bombs; thousands of innocents shall perish and cross over to the Borderland, completely unprepared for their lives after death.

He falls to his knees and folds his hands in silent prayer.

Almighty God – to Thee we call,
Send forth Thy Love and Wisdom
To lead us out of tribulation
Into the ways of peace.

Help and inspire us in the building of a better world,
Enable me to do my part in humility and selflessness.
Guide and bless those we love wherever they may be.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

The lights slowly fade out.