The Icon of the Abyss People

A play in three acts

By
Nassir Al-Nasser
2007 - 2008

Translated by
Sameer Al-Nasser
2009
The time of the play is 306-337 AD.
The places of the play are a road leading to Rome, Azonic, and
Jerusalem.
The Characters of the play:
1- Costo "Constantine" Roman Leader then the Emperor
2- Hela "Helen the emperor's mother.
3- Gallio "Major General in Constantine's army"
4- Phillipo = = = = =
5- Gino the leader of the rearguard in Constantine's army
6- Cento a slave servant owned by Constantine
7- A guard
8- The sergeant of the scouting squad
9- A knight
10- Cibo Rome priest "Cibosius"
11- Alxandro "Alxandrius" a very old priest of Alexandria
12- Ciro "Cirophimius" Antioch Priest
13- Aryo "Arius" representative of monotheism trends
14- Athanyo "Athanuis" deacon and Alexandro companion
15- Eleven monotheist companions
16- Companion pastors
17- A deacon
18- A squad of guards
19- A chief of guards
20- Kevier "a usurer"
21- Shomier "an accountant clerk"
22- Amier "water boy"
23- Shalima "an old lunatic woman"
24- A group of people

Act 1
 The curtain is drawn to show the inside of a tent occupied by Costo
the roman leader. The tent is divided by a separating curtain with a cloth
door between the reception place on the left and the ward on the right.
There are two opposite doors with curtains at each side of the stage.

Scene 1

(A meeting is held by Costo and the major generals of the army

Phillipo, Gallio and Gino)

Costo: As you see; we are approaching Rome; our capital. I've been
reported by the eyes there, that leader Massimo has come out with his
army to face us, as if the victories, which we achieved in Brittan, were
Not enough to convince the Rome Council to crown me a king after the
decease of my father; the emperor. I'm bored out of my mind with this
insincere capital. As well as the great sacrifice which we offered in
Brittan and the spoils of war that we sent from there had no results
except the increasing of disloyalty. No one can deny that I'm able to
build a new and far capital and leave Rome, but in fact I don’t want to
hear later that I segmented the empire.
Gallio: The soldiers of Rome are very sincere and loyal under your
leadership, sir.
Costo: Do you think so, Phillipo?
Phillipo: yes, sir. This is the real stand of the soldiers in Massimo's army
but fight is unavoidable.
Costo: So, there is no escape of fighting them. What are your procedures
for the threatening battle?
Phillipo: I've sent a scouting squad to the bridge which we shall cross,
and that will provide us with the last news soon.
Costo: And you Gallio, what have you done?
Gallio: I've sent a scouting squad to the intended for the battle plain; I'll
be informed about the site as soon as the squad returns.
Costo: And you Gino, what about the readiness of the rearguard for
supply and support?
Gino: In fact, the peasants in the villages have become less interested in
supporting us, especially after converting and clinging to that new belief,
in spite of all proceedings that were adopted against them by Rome
during many long decades.

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Costo: I don't know a lot about their new belief, but I think that the raised
on wood god, whom they believe in, has a great influence in their life,
Because they still believe in, in spite of all hardships they have suffered
of by the way, I don't believe in a weak god wasn't able to defend himself,
any how we are in need of support and supply, so we should find a way to
gain them.
Gino: To gain Massimo's soldiers is easier than gaining those people, and
your highness, were the leader of those forces for a long time and the
soldiers are familiar to you as you are familiar to them, sir.
Costo: You are right, Gino. Actually, I feel as if I were fighting my sons.
(The guard doorkeeper comes in from the left door)
The guard: The chief of general Phillipo's scouting squad is at the door,
sir.
Costo: Let me see him at once.
The guard: at your service, sir.
(The chief of the squad comes in, looking tired)
The chief: Long live Rome. Long live the great leader.
Costo: Tell the news immediately.
The chief: My squad had a clash with another squad, coming from the
other side of the scouted bridge, we killed four of them and the other two
run a way back, we had four casualties two soldiers were killed and the
others were wounded, we brought the all back to the camp.
Costo: Well, you can go.
(The chief bows and goes out)
Costo: I don't think that the vanguards of Massimo's forces are near from
us to such extent!
Gallio: Every thing will be clear when my squad comes back, if they
come back not that means an actual approach of Massimo's forces.
Costo: It's a strange matter! If they come back, with whom did Phillipo's
squad clash then? (The generals astounded) What happened to you! Can't
you find an answer for that?
Gino: Am I permitted to show my opinion, sir.
Costo: Yes, tell us what you have.
Gino: Though it may be a worse expectation, but what I'm going to show
doesn't mean that such error is not impossible. I think Phillipo's squad
couldn't recognize Gallio's, and the clash happened...
Costo: This is exactly what I'm afraid of.
(The guard door keeper comes in again)
The guard: There is a wounded knight at the door, sir.
Costo: Bring him in immediately.
(The guard goes out and comes back again with the wounded knight)

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The knight: While we were coming back of our mission we had a clash
with a squad after crossing the bridge, four of us were killed, and the
chief wasn't able to reach the camp because of his serious wound.
Costo: (ordering the guard) take him to the physician.
(The guard bows and helps the knight while they are going out both)
Costo: Your worse expectation came true, Gino. But the worst is the
coming battle. (The generals look at each other) what are these reciprocal
looks! What happened today is just a leaf in autumn, but the dangers of
the approaching storm loom large in the field, so every leader must go to
his camp now. I want to be alone in order to be able to think without
others consultations.
(The general sand up, salute and go out)
( Costo stands up too, he comes in to the ward, sits down on one of
the cushions, leaning his body forwards while his hands are on his knees
his head is down, he shouts at the servant, Cento, Cento, the servant
comes in from the right door)
Cento: Yes, sir.
Costo: (rising up his head) go to my empress lady and tell her majesty
that I wish to visit her.
Cento: at your service, sir. (Starts going)
Costo: wait a minute, brig me a drink before you go.
Cento: I'll do that at once (going to the corner of the ward, were there are
vessels and glasses, pouring a drink from one of the vessels in a glass,
bringing it to his master)
Costo: (taking the glass) you can set out now (the servant bows and goes,
Costo sips at his drink).

Scene 2

( The same place after an hour, Costo is napping on his cushion, Cento
comes in and see his master asleep, he turns back, raise up the door
curtains and bows)
Cento: (with a very low voice) Here you are my lady (Hella comes in) the
great leader is asleep.
(The lady orders the servant to be silent and to go out just by signs, he
goes out, she comes closer to her son, looks around her, she finds a thick
cotton sheet, takes it and covers her asleep son, then takes the glass which
was left in front of him but the glass falls down making a noise, Costo
rises up his head to see his mother and stands)
Costo: My mother lady is here! I have sent to ask for visiting you!
Hella: I who comes to you Caesar.
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Costo: Thank you my lady. It was just a very short nap which I had, but it
took me far in a vague dream!
Hella: (smiling calmly) is there a matter you think of lately?
Costo: in fact, I want to consult with you on a persisting idea that
possesses my mind nowadays.
Hella: tell me whatever you want, my so. I will never be hesitant to show
my opinions.
Costo: I know that many of your Egyptian and Syrian maids believe in
that oriental creed, but I don't know a lot about.
Hella: (Smiling) they are sincere and honest in their job, better than the
girls of our nation, and these are the most important things.
Costo: if that is so, it will gain the most of my interest
Hella: Tell me, son. What is that dream which took you far away?
Costo: There was a bad event that occurred three or four hours ago when
two of our squads faced in a serious clash because they didn't recognize
each other.
Hella: what a pity! It's really bad!
Costo: So I tried to run away from this event to sleep, but that dream
didn't take me out of my affliction, it actually puzzled me and increased
my perplexity.
Hella: All that! Narrate your vision, son.
Costo: In my dream the shape of the sun disc, which we draw on our
shields was in the sky, suddenly, that sign; which is hallowed by those
whom you sympathize with; came up and stayed in the middle of the sun
disc.
Hella: That was a good vision, son. It means that the god of the oriental
creed united with your god.
Costo: (Smiling) as I don't believe in the sun as a god; because it might be
another god behind it, I don't believe in unseen god, too, as Jews do.
Hella: Your father was interested in making Roman countries a coherent
strong state, controls and dominates the whole world, and you must
complete what your father started before.
Costo: There is no other aim in my life except that.
Hella: You should put in your mind all means that lead to achieve that
aim, the Rome soldiers are loyal to you as they were faithful to your
father in the past and what you should do is just differentiating between
them and those other traitors.
Costo: That's right, my lady.
Hella: So let the soldiers cheer for you in a loud voice before fight, and
order them to write your name on their shields to avoid any mistake like
that one of today.

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Costo: I adore you my inspiring lady. I'll order them to write your name,
too.
Hella: I'm just your mother and your success is my all aims.
Costo: When I'm with you, I feel as if I were a child, imagining my self
on your arm, coaching me how to speak (nodding shyly)
Hella: that's always the mother's duty, and that is the mother, too, who
sees her son always seems to be a child whatever old he is.
Costo: God blesses you.
Hella: Listen to me well, son. You are intended for reunifying this torn
country and hold it in your fist; Rome has issued many unjust laws
against those citizens so cancel such unfair procedures then you will find
them very loyal, believe me that the people of that new creed are very
good-hearted so attract them by giving them gifts and granting their priest
lands, they will be obedient and very helpful.
Costo: This is what I'm thinking of but I can't reveal that to any one
except you.
Hella: The way is to convince your troops' leaders of the importance and
necessity of such decision for winning the next combat, and leave me
with the other things of the new creed and its followers and priests and be
sure of gaining good results very soon.
Costo: Thank you my lady, you have infused my soul with optimistic
confidence and made me feel strong and sanguine about the future, so let
me have the honor of escorting you to your tent, please, it's not fit for
the empress to walk alone.
Hella: Thank you my son. What satisfies you pleases me indeed.
(Costo comes to the door and raises up the curtain as he bows)
Costo: Here you are please my lady?
(Hella comes out followed by her son)

Scene 3

(The same place next day, Costo is in the reception part of the tent sitting
at a table, the guard comes in)

The guard: The leaders of the troops are waiting for your order to come
in, sir.
Costo: Let them come in. (The leaders come, greeting Costo, who points
at them to sit). Gentlemen, we are facing two problems, and we must find
out solutions for them both that is in order to win victory in the next
decisive combat, the first is an absolutely combative one, I'm sure of your

5
determination and the loyalty of our soldiers as I don't want to forget that
Massimo's soldiers are the soldiers of Rome and that means they are our
soldiers any way, yesterday event made me think and rethink many times
that before we go into the next combat we should know well how to
differentiate and recognize our loyal soldiers from those who show
loyalty to Massimo and his assistants, so I propose to write the name of
the leader and the name of the empress on the shields of our soldiers and
tell them to cheer for the leader loudly showing their real sincerity, such
action will be of great influence on Massimo's soldiers. What do you
suggest?
Gallio: it's a right idea, sir, and it will highly affect our soldiers' spirits, I
suggest to write the first two letters of the names in big capitals on the
soldiers' shields, in order to be seen from far distance, as we order the
soldiers to beat on the shields with their swords, cheering up your name
in one repeated cadence, I think such action will make them very
enthusiastic as it will attract the soldiers in Massimo's army who hide
their loyalty to us.
Costo: That is it, you have got it, Gallio, so let the soldiers write the first
letter of my name, as well as the first letter of the empress name in
addition to train them how to repeat the cheer of my name. I think this is
the ideal solution for the first problem, and now we have to put a good
solution for the second one, which Gino thinks it is more difficult, but I
can propose a solution for, hoping to accept it as you think of achieving
the aim whatever the means may be. You know well that the previous
successive governments have issued many desperate measures against
those followers of that new creed along many years, and all those
measures had no results of preventing them from believing in that creed
or leaving it, or preventing other people from converting to it, as you
know too, that the most of the new creed followers are peasants and
slaves, this class of people is the main source for supporting and
supplying any army, so if we cancel those old unfair laws, we may have
them at our side, confuse the foe and confirm our predictable triumph
simultaneously.
Phillipo: Your proposal is utterly right and it is a command to us, but we
are troops' leaders, and we don't know how to communicate with those
people, I mean there must be somebody else who is able to perform such
mission in a satisfactory way, sir.
Costo: There is someone who can do that, I'm displaying the whole
matter to acquaint you with all occurrences, and make sure that each of
you knows the whole reasons for such procedures as I want to hear that
you agree to work on that.
The leaders: Certainly, sir.
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Costo: to grasp cleverly all the needed means of victory achievement
makes me feel happy.
Gino: Yesterday event has affected us deeply, and pushed us to discuss an
imagined view of the next combat, I hope to show it, sir
Costo: Yes, please, Gino.
Gino: There is a query, sir.
Costo: What is it, Gino?
Gino: Do you prefer to go through with one decisive battle or more?
Costo: To go through with one decisive combat which achieves a
consummate victory is the preferable action and no doubt about that.
Gino: Then let's not pass the bridge, but stay at a far distance away from,
waiting for the enemy to cross and come nearer to us.
Costo: But by crossing the bridge we can be nearer to Rome, gaining both
time and distance at the same time.
Gallio: Yesterday, we learned a serious good lesson from the clash, when
my squad was not able to defeat Phillipo's, they drew back to the camp,
and the same will happen with Massimo, if he fails to defeat us, he will
draw back to Rome, and then there will be another battle.
Costo: (Addressing Phillipo) do you think so too, Phillipo?
Phillipo: Certainly, sir, if we make a barrier of the river between the
enemy and Rome, there will never be a combat else.
Costo: Well, but I want to have a full detailed view for the next combat.
Gino: This is what I will do, sir. We are going to send some tens of
archers to hide far but close to the rive, and as soon as the enemy cross
the bridge, we send to the archers a sign of thick smoke from our camp,
that is to occupy their planned places on the other side of the river while
another groups of them will terminate any left guard there, and close the
bridge with very dry and easy to burn wood, thus we close the way of
retreat, so when they fail to defeat us; and this what will be no way; they
will draw back to the fired bridge, and there they will be obliged to throw
by themselves into the river, hopping to swim to the second bank where
the arrows of our archers will be waiting for them, so who escapes our
spears will never escape drowning and who escapes drowning our arrows
will never miss him.
Costo: You have done well, men. now I can bravely tell you that we will
have real support and supply from the new creed followers, because I
have left that for my mother, and you know how wise and convincing her
majesty is, so I can say that their god has unified with our as I dreamed of
their holy slogan, drawn on the sun disc. Let's toast our future triumph
with wine (standing and walking to the ward door, rising the curtain,
shouting) Cento…Cento (Cento comes in from the opposite door)
7
Cento: At your service, sir
Costo: Bring a drink for the gentlemen.
Cento: right away, sir

Scene 4
(Costo's, tent after the battle, Costo to and fro in the ward rapturously,
waiting for his mother Hella. The servant rising up the curtain and
bowing)
Cento: Here you are majesty. (Hella comes in)
Costo: (happily) my lady the empress welcome to my tent (bowing,
taking her hand, kissing it. She cuddles him, kissing his forehead)
Hella: You are to be congratulated on the successfully achieved victory,
the emperor title is just your own, so; from now on; address no one with it
even your mother.
Costo: you are the lady who commands, but how can I address my lady,
which is favorite title?
Hella: That is it, you are addressing me now with, and it's just the lady
and no more.
Costo: That will be my lady, and my gladness with this title equals my
gladness of the victory which we have achieved, I wish you saw the
battle!!!
Hella: You can tell me about, would you?
Costo: Every thing was as you had envisaged to me before. As soon as
the soldiers started to cheer and repeat my name, Massimo's ones threw
their arms and set out towards us shouting; long live…long live, Massimo
with his leaders retreated chaotically, followed by our knights up to the
river, where death was waiting for them there.
Hella: Thank God who supported and granted you victory, your vision
came true, I have brought a great present for this occasion and I want to
give now; that is the priest of the God who advocated you and made you
win, so give him a chance to be in front of you, please?
Costo: My great lady, you command and order not ask, he will come in at
once (shouting: Cento….Cento) (Cento comes in).
Cento: At your service, sir.
Costo: Let the lady's escorting delegation come in right now.
Cento: (Rising the curtain, bowing) here you are please gentlemen?
(The grand of the priests; Cibo accompanied by two pastors and a deacon,
the differences in ages and clothes are clear, they bow for the Emperor
and his mother)
Costo: Welcome you all, the lady's told me a lot about you, and I'm happy
to see you here.
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Hella: This is Cibo, the p4-
.0t, and these are his companions, he is the prelate of the creed, the grand
and the oldest of its followers.
Costo: welcome and welcome again to my humble abode.
Cibo: We are very glad to be attendant here in front of your great
majesty, as the lady invited us, it was absolutely imperative to accept her
invitation, because we are familiar with her benevolence, compassion,
generosity and prudence, undoubtedly, your great highness has inherited
all these virtuous merits
Costo: Yes, that is it. I adore this lady, she is my mother, teacher, inspirer,
and as I hear from you such extol; in my same native tongue; it will be a
powerful motivator to trust in you and in your complete readiness to
understand what I aim at and work for.
Cibo: We are all at your service, great emperor.
Hella: As son as we arrive at Milan, the emperor will announce
constitutionally, that your creed is the creed of the whole empire.
Costo: That will be when we arrive at Milan, in addition to many other
rights which will help you to improve your living conditions hoping to
consider the traditions and rites of the other creeds, and be able to
understand and contain them.
Cibo: We are the supporters of your decent aims and vaulting ambitions
for making this empire strong and coherent.
Costo: I'm glad to hear that from you as you know; the Persian foe is
prowling there in the orient, and it's obligatory for us to deter him by
force, so our interior frontier must be one coherent and corded piece.
Cibo: We hope to win your confidence, and it's our duty to work for the
safety of the empire.
Costo: When I leave for east, my vice here will be my brother, who will
rule and Rome and its regions, so be his best supporters for the settle and
flourishing of the state.
Cibo: We ask God to be with you against your enemy in the east, and we
are here your brother's enthusiastic adherents.
Costo: you will suffer no harm or fear from now on, you are welcome to
my camp and you will escort me on the way to Rome. I wish you a good
residence with us here. (Cibo and the companions bow. Costo shouts:
Cento…Cento. Cento comes in. Costo: the gentlemen guests must have
our generous hospitality.
Cento: That will be, sir. (Rising up the curtain, the priest and his
companions go out followed by Cento)
Hella: (Smiling) how am I glad and proud of you, son!
Costo: (Shyly) I really hope to gain your contentment as I wish to be with
me wherever I go, because I 'm always earnest to see you.
9
Hella: Thank you, and be sure that your image as a growing child carried
on my arm, yes; such image is always filling my mind.
Costo: Am I permitted to call for an artist to paint a picture for my lady? I
want to take that picture wherever I go and thus you will be with me ever.
Hella: (Smiling) if that is your wish I'll never refuse, but I want to see you
as a child; cuddled in his mother's arms, pictured with me too, and I will
keep a copy of it, to be with me, and see you all the time.
Costo: You will have what ever you wish my lady (shouting...Cento... the
servant comes in).
Cento: At your service, sir
Costo: Ask for the best artist to be here as soon as possible.
Cento: at once, sir.

Curtains

Action 2

An amphitheatre, at the orientation of it there is a stage with a throne for

the emperor to sit surrounded by the court, in front of them there are four
desks two at each side, desks' backs are towards the attendants, there are
piles of paper scrolls and books on the desks, up on the wall behind the
emperor's throne there is a painting for the lady with her child.

Scene 1
(The emperor comes in with his mother followed by the servant. Looking
around to be sure of every thing there)
Costo: (Speaking with his mother while they are coming in) You can see,
every thing was prepared here in Azonic and here in this amphitheatre,
the first congregation of this creed's priests will be held, I mean the creed
which I will declare of it constitutionally, and as I placed the foundation
stone of the new capital there at that strait, we will place the foundation
stone of building up a new creed for the empire here.
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Hella: (Contemplating the panting silently then) how gorgeous this
painting is!
Costo: it was inspired by my lady.
Hella: But why does the child rise his hand in such way?(rising her hand,
putting the thumb on the bowed ring finger and little one while the index
finger and the middle one are stretched)
Costo: He means two persons, by the index finger he means himself, and
by the middle one he means his mother.
Hella: you remind me of Jesus and his mother, this painting expresses and
reveals both the state of this creed and ours, I wish to be spread by you
everywhere.
Costo: your whishes will come true my lady.
Hella: I'm obsessed utterly by this sign. (Rising her hand and repeating
the same sign)
Costo: so then this sign will be the symbol of this creed, hoping to be
pleased my lady.
Hella: I appreciate such dutiful obedience from you to me, and nothing in
this world may equal my affection for you.
Costo: Would that I had been able to reimburse a tiny sum of your kind
favor, I wished to escort you in the journey to Jerusalem, but I must
attend this establishing congregation.
Hella: You can follow me as soon as the assembly finishes the formation
of this creed principles while I am looking for the holy woods which the
poor chap was hanged on, I do feel for his mother honestly, I wonder,
how could she endure all that sufferings of such affliction!
Costo: Might not grieve, mother, May you send a messenger as soon as
you find those woods.
Hella: We'll broadcast the news all over the empire by a way that can't be
imagined by any body!
Costo: That will be very soon, lady, but may you tell me how?
Hella: Instruct leaders, governors and officials all over the empire to put
piles of wood on the top of each mountain at every horizon from
Jerusalem to Rome, as soon as I find the holy woods I'll order to set fire
in the woods, on Jerusalem mountain top to be seen by the other, who
will do the same, the third by his turn do that too, and so on, thus the
news will spread successively.
Costo: My inspiring lady! That will be. (The piles of books draw Hella's
attention)
Hella: What are these piles of books and scrolls?

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Costo: The yare the books, letters and writings of this creed followers, I
ordered them to bring them here all, in order to be revised and studied,
because every trend of the followers has its own philosophical ideas and
private views, and each in a different tongue, Latin, Assyrian, Hebrew,
Syrian, Eremite and many others, I don't know what they are.
Hella: Hoping for you the best of luck, as I hold out much hope for a
good conclusive agreement, they come to.
Costo: I hope so!
Hella: I wish to follow me in a very short time.
Costo: Am I permitted to escort your procession for a short distance out
of the city?
Hella: That's kind of you, son.
(They go out followed by the servant)

Scene 2
(Cento is waiting for the assembly participants to come; Priest Cibo
comes in with to vicars)
Cento: Here you are gentlemen (pointing at a seat)these are your books
and letters on the desk in front of you.(they sit)(Priest Ciro comes in with
two vicars) (Cento turns to them)please, Mr. Cero, please gentlemen, this
is your seat here, would you sit (the men sit) (Priest Alexandro comes in,
helped by the deacon Athanyo) (Cento comes to them, addressing
Alxandro) here you are Mr. Alexandro that is your seat over
there(pointing at the seat).
Alxandro: (with a very weak and low voice) help me, Athanyo?
Athanyo: (Helping him to sit) at your service, sir. (Alexandro sits down
slowly). (Aryo comes in with eleven men) (Cento comes nearer to them
pointing to the seat)
Cento: Here you are gentlemen, this seat is yours, but it's not enough for
you all, so I'm very sorry because I don't know what to do.
Aryo: never mind, we can manage. (Aryo sits with two companions while
the others remain standing behind them) (Cento goes out and comes back
announcing)
Cento: His Majesty, the Emperor of the Roman country, Costo.(All the
attendants stand up, Costo comes in with his court, Costo taking his place
on the throne while other men stand behind him on the stage in one row.
Cento remains down but in front of the throne to the right. The Emperor
orders them all to sit by a hand sign, and then he stands and starts
talking).

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Costo: In the name of the lady (pointing to the picture with the index and
middle fingers) who has gone to perform her holy mission, and in the
name of her son who is attending with you, here and now, I start the
discussions of the principles and concepts that will form the empire's
creed, so the priest of Rome is kindly requested to start talking. (Costo
sits down while Cibo stands up).
Cibo: Your Majesty, The Emperor, attendant gentlemen, The idea of this
creed is built on the belief that the world has a lord; who has been ruling
it since the very early beginning and for ever; such rule is acted by his
soul that he sent to us; and embodied in that child; who sacrificed and
granted his life for us to forgive the permanent deeply rooted sin of the
son of man. This means clearly that God is the ruler while man is the
ruled and the chaste Holy Spirit turned the man back to God's kingdom
after he has gone astray by the sin, so who comes to this creed, comes
into God's realm.
Costo: (Objecting) was it imperative for God to plant the sin in the son of
man in order to sacrifices his own only son to forgive it!
Cibo: That's His will, and God's will is not to be opposed.
Costo: I am really astonished at a god; insisting on the sin obdurately!
Whatever of his will affair may be; I want to know if there are no sins
that will be recorded against the son of man despite the fact that they have
been committed by him?
Cibo: If he had come into God's kingdom, all his sins would have been
forgiven...
Costo: Well, let's readily assent to what you have said, but how is it for
the son of man to come into God's kingdom?
Cibo: Baptizing by the Holy Spirit.
Costo: Who will baptize him?
Cibo: The church, the church is God home.
Costo: What you have said about sins forgiveness and the ability of the
church for doing that is very suitable for building the creed, so I prescribe
it, and there is no objection to God's will, but what I can't understand is,
how it's possible for a god to remain alive while his spirit goes out of
him! (Costo recognizes that he made the attendants feel embarrassed so
he continues quickly) well, we shall discuss this matter later, do you
agree that believing in the forgiven sin is a condition for the acceptance
into the church? (Cibo, Ciro and Alexandro rising up their hands) four
votes for and one vote against, this means, the condition is a part of the
creed, but I want you to rise your hands; every time; according to the
form which is shown in the picture, and let's come back to God matter
13
I know well, you adore the device which the one you call son of God was
hanged on, and this is very obvious and undoubtedly thing, but why this
device did gain such holiness while it is a mere device for torture and kill!
Who will answer? (Ciro rising his hand as the emperor ordered) yes,
please?
Ciro: It is a device of salvation not of kill or torture, and by this device
the son was able to rescue the humanity from its evils and sins, it's true
that the savior had suffered, but his suffering were some of his gifts, he
had given even his blood and his flesh to his followers, so the wine of the
church is his blood as the bread of it is his flesh.
Costo: Do you adopt this holy device to be a symbol for the empire
creed? (Cibo, Ciro and Alexandro rise up their hand as they were
ordered)
four votes for and one vote against so this device will be a holy symbol
for the empire abolishing the old one of sun disc(turning to Aryo and his
group) why do you participate not! Are you prevented by something?
(Aryo stands and starts talking)
Aryo: Dear king, the principle that the gentleman set out from is the same
one which was revealed by Trotolio the Cartejian philosopher and by that
principle he perplexed and annoyed Rome, I do wonder how you adopt a
principle which you always refused, and even its inventor came to neglect
it at last
Costo: (Looks interested in Aryo's speech) do you mean that you have
another different principle?
Aryo: Exactly, sir.
Costo: Yes, tell me about it, you honorable old man.
Aryo: We; the humans; are living this life in an incessant existence, we
know neither the start nor the end of it.
Costo: That's very true.
Aryo: So we are indebted, for our being here, to the One who creates,
sustains and protects all that exists.
Costo: Who is that?
Aryo: The One who is called God.
Costo: Go on, I am listening.
Aryo: He is the One (rising his hand with the index finger stretched
up)who created this existence by His own possessed Omniscience that is
Himself, and nothing might be out of.
Costo: (Looks very interested) well, what else?
Aryo: His Omniscience is indefinitely absolute, so we; the creatures; will
never be able to compass, what we may witness of that Omniscience is
this existence only, which He granted us, and what we can't witness is
the unseen presence, that He just keeps for Himself, so we mustn't
philosophize pretending knowledge of, and any talk about that is just
 14
a false belief, and the creeds are an imagined illusory world can be denied
and refuted, and this is the essence of difference between the religion and
the creed, so that Father has no son, and Mary's son is one of people like
us(attendants look at each others while Costo looks at each of the priests
suspiciously) so if the king wants to elevate with a religion and go up by,
I am ready to talk, but if he wants to sit staying in the abyss of the creed, I
have no talk.(Alexandro stands up rising his hands up swearing angrily)
Alxandro: I'm asking the Father to knot your tongue and save us from
you, God this man has profaned your holiness and revealed your sacred
secret, so God you are asked to deprive him of his life now and not later,
please!(voices and objections from everywhere, Costo stands up angrily,
all the attendants, silence prevails)
Costo: (trying to be calm)in my name and in the name of the lady
(pointing to the picture with two fingers)I finish this session to be held
again after the lunch, and I repel priest Alexandro for that bad behavior
resulting from disability of self-possession.
(The Emperor goes out followed by the court and then all others)

Scene 3

(The same place after a few hours, the participants are in their places
except Alexandro and Aryo; the paramount of the monotheists; deacon
Athanyo dressed in vicar's uniform, the Emperor's Arrival is announced)
Cento: The Emperor of the Roman country(The participants stand while
the Emperor takes his place on the stage with the court the others sit too).
Costo: (rising his hand with the same sign)in my name and the name of
the lady we continue the discussions, it was Aryo's turn to speak…I don't
see him here…where is he?(Athanyo stands rising his hand showing the
same sign)
Athanyo: Am I permitted to speak, sir?
Costo: Yes, but who are you?
Athanyo: Your humble servant, sir. My name is Athanyo, I'm the
companion of priest Alexandro, and I have left him talking with Mr. Aryo
Costo: This is a good omen, I appreciate such tolerance! So I will send
someone to urge them to come quickly(turning to Cento)go Cento look
for them and bring them immediately .
Cento: at once, sir(goes fast).
Costo: Well, who will talk now?(Costo sits while Athanyo stands rising
his hand)
Athanyo: May I speak, sir?
Costo: yes,(Cibo and Ciro rising there hands and standing quickly)
 15
Cibo: It is not allowed for a deacon to talk according to the church law,
sir.
Ciro: This is against the church law, sir and I oppose that, too.
Costo: Is it true, that you are deacon, Athanyo!?
Athanyo: Excuse me, sir. I know the church law very well, and I know
my commitment duties, I don't wear this uniform pretending being a vicar
falsely, in fact priest Alexandro promoted me and ordered me to talk
instead of him since he had been deprived of attending the assembly.
Costo: (addressing Cibo and Ciro) Does the vicar have the right to talk or
not?
Ciro: He has the right to talk if he were a vicar!
Costo: The objection is vain, you can talk, vicar Athanyo.