OUR LADYS JUGGLER

Characters
o Barnabas (Juggler)
o The Prior
o Brother Maurice
o Brother Alexandre
o Brother Marbode

Plot
This is a story about a juggler named Barnabas. He is a native
of Compiegne who wandered from cities performing tricks of skill
and prowess. One time, while walking, he met a monk and as they
were both walking at the same pace, they fell into a conversation.
The monk was touched by the humbleness and simplicity of
Barnabas, so the monk convinced him to enter the monastery and
become a monk also. Thus, Barnabas became a monk in the
monastery. While staying in the monastery, he felt sad when he
realized that he cannot contribute even a little to the Virgin Mary.
He sought for a way to solve his problem but failed to do so and
each day brought him in great unhappiness. One day he sprang
joyously from his bed and ran into the chapel, where he remained
alone for more than an hour, and returned again after dinner. The
other monks were curious why Brother Barnabas retired alone so
often, and they also noticed that he was no longer sad. Out of
curiosity, the monks tried to follow Brother Barnabas and observe
him. There was a time when Barnabas was alone in the chapel and
the Prior entered the chapel accompanied by two other monks, in
order to watch. They saw Barnabas before the image of the Holy
Virgin, his head on the floor and feet in the air, juggling with six
copper balls and twelve knives. In honor of the Holy Virgin he was
performing the tricks which had in former days brought him the
greatest fame. Not understanding that he was thus performing his
best talents at the service of the Holy Virgin, the two other monks
cried out against such violation. They decided to remove Barnabas
out of the chapel when they saw the Virgin slowly descend from
the altar and, with a fold of her blue mantle, wiped the sweat that
streamed over the Barnabas forehead. Then the Prior and the two
monks bowed their heads down to the marble floor, saying:
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Setting
o Streets of Compiegne
o Monastery
o Chapel of the Holy Virgin

Point of View
In the days of King Louis there lived a poor juggler named
Barnabas. He is a native of Compiegne who wandered from city
performing tricks of skill and prowess.

The story was narrated in a third-person narration, in which the

storyteller reports events, taking no direct part in the action.
Theme
They saw Barnabas before the image of the Holy Virgin, his head
on the floor and feet in the air, juggling with six copper balls and
twelve knives. In honor of the Holy Virgin he was performing the
tricks which had in former days brought him the greatest fame.
Not understanding that he was thus performing his best talents
at the service of the Holy Virgin, the two other monks cried out
against such sacrilege. They decided to remove Barnabas out of
the chapel when they saw the Virgin slowly descend from the altar
and, with a fold of her blue mantle, wipe the sweat that streamed
over the jugglers forehead. Then the prior and the two monks
bowed their head down to the marble floor and repeating these
words: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Amen.

Even how big or small your talent is, as long as you

did it in your very best. Time will come that your
efforts and achievements will be appreciated by
others.